Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Danganronpa.
Chapter 47:
Plans and Plots
Sōshun looked neither surprised nor worried as the door to the student council office was, quite violently in his opinion, kicked open. His laid back response was not shared by his fellow student council members that were currently in attendance with him, however. Their eyes were wide, their expressions akin to a child being spooked on Halloween. If he wasn't such a nice guy, Sōshun might have laughed at them for it.
"What now?" Tomohiko voiced the frustration of the others as they all turned to the door.
There, they found Yasuke with his hands in his pockets, wearing his usual bored expression. It didn't help that his uniform was not properly tucked in and was stained in several places, a total contrast to the prim and proper appearance of the prestigious student council. That didn't stop Yasuke from ignoring the glares that were being sent his way, probably due to his unannounced entrance. But that changed when he felt something behind him, something that made him stop mid breath. He didn't know what it was, but it was dangerous. And for a second, Yasuke truly believed that he was about to die.
Talk about an unexpected development.
Yasuke was only able to breath again when Sōshun spoke up with a small smile.
"That's quite enough, Madarai-kun. Matsuda-kun is a friend. You don't have to scare him."
For a moment, Yasuke didn't know how to react. However, as the overbearing feeling of death that had been hanging over him started to vanish, he was also able to detect the presence of someone retreating along with it. It was hard to explain, as it almost felt like this someone was more like a collection of emotions rather than a single person.
What the hell?
Karen shook her head and sighed. "Honestly, one second longer and he'd be dead. We need to talk to Madarai about having more self control."
The only other glasses wearer of the student council, Hino Asukasei, shook his head as well. "Before that, I think we need to tell students to not just barge in here like they own the place. That sends a bad message. We are the student council. We deserve some respect at least. Don't you guys agree?"
Karen acknowledged that point. "That is true. Perhaps we should make that a rule from now on."
It never had to be addressed before since no one bothered to pay them a visit, but that wasn't the case anymore.
Tsubasa clapped in excitement. "That sounds like fun. I don't mind drafting up the rule. Of course, you can all look it over before we publish it."
Trying to hide herself in her hoodie, Umesawa Aiko mumbled with a blush, "And you should also add no hugs without consent."
"Oh my!" Tsubasa gushed. "That sounds exciting. Did something happen while I was not here?"
Aiko could only blush further.
Tomohiko on the other hand looked annoyed by that remainder. "That Uzumaki bastard, huh. I swear, next time, I'll-!"
"Now, now. Let's not get carried away." Sōshun tried to calm his fellow student council member. "True, he might have gotten carried away, but Uzumaki-kun is a friend, remember? We can't threaten our friends."
Tomohiko didn't look like he agreed but didn't try to correct Sōshun. He just grumbled under his breath as he looked away.
Yasuke held himself back from snapping at his fellow Ultimates. Talking about him like he wasn't here and ignoring him? How annoying. But at least Yasuke was able to learn something interesting here. There was another student council member that he wasn't aware of, and he was dangerous.
But that was for a different day. He was here for a different and more important reason.
"Oh, forgive me!" Sōshun finally acknowledged Yasuke as he lowered his head, but it was hard to tell if the student council president was aware of Yasuke's annoyance or not. "You are a guest here, and what do I do? Please, come on in and sit down. We can't offer you snacks I'm afraid. We already ate them."
It was the end of the day, after all, and they had not been expecting any guests today.
"More like Tsubasa ate them," Ikuta Kotomi said under her breath. She was seated next to Aiko in the lounge area of the the student council office, which just consisted of two large sofas and a bigger table than they really needed. Hope's Peak Academy never half-assed anything, though, and the budget they were working with was pretty massive.
Aiko heard her and softly giggled.
"A guest, huh." Tarō rubbed his chin in contemplation as he studied Yasuke who approached Sōshun's desk, hands still in pockets. "We don't usually get anyone coming to talk to us in person."
How interesting.
Meanwhile, Karen was admonishing her student council president.
"President, you can't just bow your head to everyone you meet. Have some self-respect for the position you hold!"
Asukasei couldn't help but agree. "Please understand how that makes us feel when we hold lower positions."
"Ah, I'm sorry! That wasn't my intention!" Sōshun could only apologize further.
"And stop apologizing so much!" Karen added, hands on hips.
"I'm sorry!"
"Oh man." Tomohiko felt second-hand embarrassment just watching the back-and-forth.
Tsubasa on the other hand giggled. "I think it's cute. Despite holding the most important position for a student, he's not full of himself. We can all follow in his example."
When he heard this, Tarō stopped looking at Yasuke and instead turned to his girlfriend with wide eyes. "You think he's cute!? Tsubasa-chan, how could you!?"
"Oh, don't be so melodramatic, Tarō-kun. The president may be cute, but you're still the cutest."
"Oh." That seemed to calm the boy down. "I feel a lot better now."
"Flirting like that." It was hard to tell whether Aiko was jealous or annoyed. "Can you do it somewhere else please?"
Kotomi was nodding in agreement.
"That wasn't flirting!" Tarō cried out in embarrassment while Tsubasa flushed.
Of course, to Yasuke, all of this was irrelevant. These side characters did not matter to him. He had already shut their voices from his mind as he stopped in front of Sōshun, his eyes going over the many papers scattered on the desk. He wasn't able to see much, but right away he knew that the many papers were student profiles.
Sōshun smiled at him. "So what can we help you with?"
They had seen each other earlier in the morning, so Sōshun was admittedly very curious to know why Yasuke was now seeking him out like this.
Yasuke took a moment to take another step toward the desk so that he could reach over and grab some of the papers.
Tomohiko didn't appreciate this and made to stop him. "Hey, what are you-!"
Raising his hand, Sōshun silenced the bigger student with a single gesture. At the same time, he used his other hand to block Yasuke from reaching the papers.
"I have to ask you again, Matsuda-kun. What can we help you with?"
Sōshun's voice had lost its welcoming tone, now sounding more frosty and guarded.
Yasuke was mildly impressed, but the annoyance he felt at Sōshun stopping him outweighed that by a large margin.
Oh well, might as well come out and say it.
"Your plan for the school festival. Count me in."
Of all the things Yasuke could have said, this was certainly not the one Sōshun had expected to hear.
"You're in?" Sōshun sounded incredulous, but after how he was so brutally rejected earlier, he could be forgiven for sounding like that.
"Oh, that's wonderful!" Tsubasa cheered, and Tarō joined her. "The president was looking all gloomy when he thought he couldn't get his entire class to participate. The more people who are on board with the festival the more fun it will be."
"Better than my class anyway," Tomohiko said under his breath, not wanting to think about that mess. And what did Sōshun tell him? That he had to figure it out on his own. How unfair was that!
Well, at least he had Aiko at his side. That was something.
Again, Yasuke ignored them as he looked down at Sōshun.
"I'm guessing those profiles you have there are from our class? As the Ultimate Neurologist, I could be of use in creating character profiles to get them to better cooperate."
That wasn't his intention at all of course. He just wanted to know who he was going to be working with for the next couple of months. He wanted to be as prepared as he could be. After all, they were going to be the tools he was going to be using to catch his true prey.
Kotomi huffed and crossed her arms. "Those profiles are for official eyes only. The president is able to use them because of his position. It is a privilege given to him and the rest of us by the school. Don't you get that?"
Yasuke glanced at her for a second. "If I need permission, I can just get the board to back me up. I have worked with them in the past, you know. I don't want to do something so troublesome, so instead I came here in person. We are going to be working together from now on, right? Isn't that what you said? Cooperation or whatever. Or was that just another lie?"
Only that it was Yasuke who was doing the lying this time. Honestly, sometimes Yasuke felt like he could be a politician. If only the position wasn't so annoying. Having to pretend to care about others was not something he could do for hours on end. But maybe he should start practicing.
Kotomi was left fuming as Sōshun folded his arms on his desk. He tried to study Yasuke for a few moments, trying to see if he could gleam anything from the boy's face. Unfortunately, when it came to mind games, there was no way Sōshun was going to win here.
"I would ask what made you change your mind so quickly, but I suspect you wouldn't tell me."
He was prudent enough to know that at least.
Sighing, Sōshun finally relented as he leaned back in his chair. He still wore a small smile.
"Well, you're free to look."
"President!" Kotomi couldn't believe it.
Karen, Tomohiko, and Asukasei were all going to protest as well, but Sōshun didn't let them.
"He's in the same class as them, so he's going to learn about them sooner or later. Besides, it's just as Matsuda-kun says. The board would be more than willing to allow him to look over any student profile he chooses. That's part of his talent."
Yasuke didn't bother basking in his victory as he picked up the profiles and started skimming through them one by one.
The Ultimate Fencer, the Ultimate Hunter, the Ultimate Seamstress, the Ultimate Botanist, the Ultimate Heroine, and a bunch of other titles kept coming one after the other. Even the damn creep, the Ultimate Spy, was on here. Sōshun was nothing if not thorough.
'Hm, I suppose I can work with this.'
They were nothing special, but it was better than nothing. Especially if Sōshun had already gathered them. Half the work was already done for him right there.
"Our first meeting is tomorrow morning." Sōshun was smiling widely again. He was positively shining right now. "Of course, I'll only be there to listen since I can't officially participate. I look forward to our first day in class together, Matsuda-kun."
Oh yeah, after their entrance ceremony, they had never been together as a class, had they? Well, at the very least Yasuke had never bothered to show up to any of the classes.
All of that was going to be changing now. It was a pretense of course. Ultimately, this did not matter to him. This was just what he needed to do to get to his target. One way or another, the future was going to be changed forever.
But even with all his talent and foresight, Yasuke could not fully predict where this new future was going to be heading.
Hajime felt like he was death on wheels…..or wait, no. He felt like he was death on feet.
Or something.
He was so tired he couldn't even think properly.
It was already a new day, but damn he still felt sore from his "practice" session with Naruto and the others. He was just glad that he didn't have to attend another one this morning.
He wasn't saying that because he disliked Naruto or anything. It was the opposite in fact. Nekomaru had been fun to talk to as well, if not a bit too loud for Hajime's tastes. And Akane, even with the way she had initially insulted him, hadn't treated him like he was beneath her.
'Well…..she kinda did.'
Hajime mentally sweatdropped as he reconsidered that last point. What he should have said was that she hadn't put him down just because she was an Ultimate and he was a Reserve Course Student. She had only put him down because he was physically inferior to her, and honestly that was fair. Especially if he was being compared to Naruto and Nekomaru.
Those two were like demons. It still made Hajime shake his head that Nekomaru was only the Ultimate Team Manager. A guy like that could compete in any sport he wanted and most likely be a huge success. Then again, he was already finding success.
It was just the wonders of having a talent.
That last thought might have affected him more were this last week, but Hajime felt a little more confident after seeing firsthand just how approachable the Ultimates could be. They really weren't these crazy elites that everyone made them out to be. Sure, they had incredible abilities and deep down Hajime was still envious of that fact. However, that did not mean that you couldn't talk to them or even possibly befriend them just because you had no talent.
Surely that counted for something, right?
It happened subconsciously, but Hajime started to smile as he began to approach his classroom. The morning bell was going to sound off soon, and he wanted to make sure that he was in his seat before then.
If only a familiar but snide voice didn't interrupt his pleasant thoughts.
"What's with that smile you got there? Gross. You make me wanna puke."
Hajime stopped. Blocking the entrance to the classroom was none other than the school's most friendly student, Natsumi.
As usual, the blonde was looking down on him as she crossed her arms under her chest.
Hajime's smile faded as he sighed a little.
"Kuzuryu, good morning to you."
Honestly, he wasn't sure why he was even greeting her. She was only going to cause him a headache, he was sure of it.
"Don't get snippy with me, you lazy bastard."
She really was the daughter of a yakuza boss, huh.
"I need you in your best form today."
Hajime blinked. "What are you talking about?"
He had no idea, honest.
Natsumi clicked her teeth in annoyance. "What do you think? We're discussing our plans for the school festival today. We need to make sure we have the best idea. We can't let anyone else beat us."
She said that, but Hajime still thought it was impossible.
"I don't think we can win against the Ultimates, and many people are saying that a lot of them are going to be participating."
Hajime didn't know how, but by now most of the school, be it the Main Course or the Reserve Course, was getting involved in this. The student council had done a great job, although some flyers promoting the event had started to circulate as well.
Natsumi almost snorted at Hajime's words.
"Hah, you give them too much credit, you know."
He did?
"Just so you know, not all Ultimates are amazing. For example, you got this stupid girls with freckles on there who just happened to get in. I think I told you about her already."
There it was again. Hajime didn't know how many times Natsumi had made snide comments about this "girl with freckles," but each time she did she acted like it was the first time she was bringing it up.
"You really should stop saying that. If Sato hears you-"
"Natsumi!"
Fuck, he was too late.
Almost like clockwork, Sato emerged from their classroom with a heavy scowl.
"How many times have I told you to stop talking about Mahiru like that!?"
Natsumi just smirked.
"My, my. Miss Sato, once you again you grace us with your presence. Are you always listening in to our conversations? That's just creepy, you know."
Even if Hajime agreed with her, which he sort of did, he also knew that Natsumi was baiting Sato in. And it worked every time.
Sato's scowl deepened. "You've been doing this every day, and I'm getting sick of it. You better not be trying to use this school festival to plan something terrible."
Natsumi would never…..actually, she might.
"If you ever hurt Mahiru, I'll never forgive you. You hear me?"
"What? Is that supposed to mean something to me?" Natsumi laughed, but it was obviously fake which was probably the point. "And besides, what do you mean 'hurt'? Do you really think I would ever do something like that? I really don't understand."
If glares could kill, Natsumi would no longer exist right now.
Hajime was left feeling like a third wheel, but he was sort of used to that by this point. He still had no idea what kind of history these two had with one another, but it obviously wasn't good.
"Anyway, do you mind fucking off now? I don't appreciate you coming up and accusing me of weird things all the time. It gets tiring, you know."
"If you would only listen, then-!"
"I said fuck off!" Natsumi lost her playful tone as she finally glared back at Sato. "You've been acting all familiar with me, and it's starting to piss me off. Don't act like we're equals, you nobody!"
By this point, the others in the classroom were taking notice of the argument but again that was no different. What was different this time was that students from the other classes were taking note of the bickering too. Probably because they were out in the hallway this time.
Of course, this meant nothing to Sato. All of her attention was focused solely on Natsumi.
"Get off your high horse already! It's not like you were accepted into the Main Course! Why can't you understand that? Compared to Mahiru, you're nothing!"
"What did you-!?"
For the first time, it looked like the two were going to go beyond just arguing as Natsumi actually took a step toward Sato, her first raised.
"H-Hey!" Hajime finally decided to step in here. "That's enough, you two! You're going too far!"
Natsumi looked like she was going to ignore him, but she didn't make any other moves.
"You're lucky there are witnesses, or I'd kill you right here."
Hajime wanted to believe that Natsumi didn't mean that, but the way her face darkened when she uttered those words made him think twice.
Fear flashed on Sato's face for a second before she steeled herself as she clenched her fists.
"Y-You've always been like this. Do you really think you can drag Mahiru down with you? Stop being so pretentious!"
"T'ch, say whatever you want. I'm tired of you already." Natsumi turned away from her and headed back into the classroom. "Anyway, stop pestering me so early in the morning, or I really will kill you. Got that?"
Making such a declaration out in public…..such was the attitude of a yakuza's daughter, huh.
"Why doesn't she get it? Dammit….."
Hajime was left looking at the angry Sato as the crowd around them started to disperse. He really had no idea what to say here, but one thing was certain.
He already had a headache.
What a great morning this was shaping out to be.
"Nurse, what is your diagnosis? We can handle it."
"N-Naruto-san, saying something like that…."
"You don't have to hold back. You can give it to us straight. If he's dead, then we'll have no choice but to bury the body."
"Fucker, why are you looking at me when you say that?"
"Ehehe, no reason in particular. Right, Peko-chan?"
"I-I don't know what he's talking about, young master. I swear."
"Aw, she's blushing. Mahiru-chan, snap a picture!"
"Mioda, cut it out. And Koizumi, don't you dare take a picture of me right now."
"Don't worry, I wasn't going to…..maybe."
"Eh, but that's so boring~ Ibuki demands more Peko-chan pictures! No, the public does!"
"Ew, she's really blushing alright. The four eye troll really does have emotions. I guess you learn something new every day."
"S-Saionji-san, I believe that's going too far. And I'm sure that Pekoyama-san has blushed plenty of times before!"
"You don't have to defend me like that…..!"
"Yeah, back off, you pampered princess. This isn't about you."
"Welp, even after Hiyoko went and said something like that he didn't react. I think Peko-chan killed him. I think we can call it, right Mikan?"
"T-That's too mean, Naruto-san!"
"H'mph, the first murder, is it? How fitting."
"Mister Ham Hands has a point! I always knew the loser mechanic would go out first!"
"Yeah, I really can't tell who's more sadistic here. Byakuya or Hiyoko."
"I think some things are best left unanswered, Uzumaki-kun."
"I guess you're right, Chiaki."
"I don't think you guys have to go that far."
"What do you mean, Nagito? Chiaki and I are just being honest."
"Uzumaki-kun and Komaeda-kun embracing one another like that…..! My loins are on fire!"
"Loins!? You mean meat!? Where!?"
"Is all you think about food? What an insatiable woman you are, Owari."
"Such is the fate of this world. Some must be consumed to allow others to rise. I suppose Soda was to be consumed, after all."
"Ew, that sounds like cannibalism. Don't make me think about something gross like that, you stupid breeder."
"You guys." In front of the classroom standing next to the chalkboard was none other than an amused and somewhat defeated Chisa. With chalk in hand, the easy going teacher tapped the chalkboard to get the her students' attention.
"I'm sure that Soda-kun's comatose state is an interesting topic, but we do have important stuff to talk about."
Poor Kazuichi. If he was only awake to defend himself. Unfortunately, the Ultimate Mechanic was slumped over on his desk, completely wrapped in bandages thanks to Mikan's hard work. It was hard to tell if he could breath or not, but he still had a pulse. Peko hadn't gone that far with her revenge, so.
Yeah.
Moving on.
"Hey, none of the stuff that happened yesterday was my fault, alright?" Naruto had to put his foot down on that one. "I got falsely blamed for a crime I didn't commit, and then the rest of you took advantage of me!"
"If only!"
Now, why did Teruteru moan that out?
"Look at Big Bro, trying to act all innocent." Hiyoko snickered from her seat which was right next to his. "We already found you guilty. Even those stupid kids agreed with us."
"I already apologized about my misunderstanding. I really did not mean to cause a scene." At least Peko was nice about it. Naruto could hug her for it, but he didn't want to get killed.
Killed by whom, you ask? Take your pick.
"Well, Soda looks like he's learned his lesson." And of course Mahiru had to smile at this. "He'll think twice about doing anything stupid next time."
Byakuya scoffed. "If only it were so easy."
"Too true," Gundham agreed.
They no longer had any faith in their resident mechanic. No matter how much he learned or grew, he was still a perverted teenager on the inside.
Naruto pouted as Kurama stuck his head out from his bag for a few seconds in order to have Sonia pet him. How nice, to be pampered by the Ultimate Princess.
"Whatever, let's just move on then."
His name wasn't fully cleared, but when going against Hiyoko and her machinations, there was no way he was going to win here. At least he didn't have to serve her yesterday. That was a plus in his book.
'At least Kotoko and Monaca looked like they had fun.'
That incident with Kotoko's mother notwithstanding, he had enjoyed spending time with the two girls. Unfortunately, the kids couldn't sneak out two times in a row so they weren't here today. But Naruto would fill them in later. He was going to have them participate since they had asked to be included. Screw the school rules.
Long live anarchy!
"What's even on the agenda today?" Fuyuhiko wondered.
And Chisa was more than happy to answer. "What we were going to discuss yesterday of course. Our plan for the school festival!"
As she said this, she wrote on the chalkboard in big letters "Class 77-B's plan of action!"
How exciting.
"I still say my idea is number one!" Immediately Teruteru jumped up to his feet with a fiery passion. "If we want a guaranteed victory, we just have to appeal to the student council president! And what better way to do that than to have our beautiful angels here show off those sexy bodies of theirs-!"
One hit to the back of his head and he was knocked out cold. Peko was efficient like that.
"Well, I guess we have no ideas then," Fuyuhiko said, acting as if Teruteru hadn't just been knocked out.
"B-But we still have to worry about the beauty pageant, d-don't we?" Mikan blushed at the idea. "W-What is that g-going to be like?"
Mahiru blushed as well. "I-I don't think we all have to do it-"
"Nah, I think the student council said that all of you participating would be best." Naruto scratched his cheek as he tried to remember what Karen and Tsubasa had told him. "Something about the other classes being jealous of us. I can't really remember."
He might just have to pay the student council another visit.
"Eh, that sounds like a pain." Chiaki didn't want to join any beauty pageant. Wearing a dress wouldn't be any fun.
"I think it's only natural that they are jealous of us." Ibuki looked smug as she said, "We are the most rocking in the whole school. And when Ibuki declares something, you know it's true!"
The "Ibuki guarantee," was it? Nice.
Akane didn't get it. "Sounds confusing. What have we ever done to get their attention?"
Naruto nodded in agreement. "That's what I said!"
Glad someone understood him.
"Fools." Byakuya shook his head, exasperated. "We have done nothing but draw attention to ourselves since the school year began. Frankly, I'm surprised the other classes haven't declared war on us yet."
"W-War!?" Mikan squeaked, looking nervous. War just sounded so violent. She would have to treat so many people!
"Fear not, friends!" Jumping to her feet, Sonia flexed her arm as she graced her fellow Ultimates with one of her award winning smiles. "My nation is stocked with nuclear weapons. If need be, we can crush any opposition before it begins!"
Woah. Talk about violent. And yes, Naruto knew what nuclear weapons were.
Basically what the Tailed Beasts had been in his world, only not alive. It was the best comparison that he could come up with.
"T'ch, dumb broad." Fuyuhiko deadpanned. "You don't have to go that far."
"It is better to make the first move than be on the receiving end of a fatal strike," Gundham commented. "Holding back strength means risking it all!"
Nekomaru looked impressed. "I have to agree. If we're going for it, then there's no need to hold back!"
Nagito chuckled. "You guys are all so bright. It's not surprising to see that even other Ultimates would be jealous of you. When a star shines brighter than the rest, it is bound to attract attention."
The Ultimate Hope was leading them, after all. To Nagito, this was only the natural way of things.
Hiyoko snickered. "I guess I'm amazing even in this place, huh. Can't say I'm surprised."
Naruto just rolled his eyes at her.
"If I may have your attention again!" Chisa had to tap on the chalkboard once more. Getting everyone to stay on topic was proving to be more difficult than she would have liked. "While the beauty pageant is something else that needs to be addressed we can come to an agreement about that later. Right now we need to focus on what we need to do."
"We don't know what the criteria for earning points is, correct?" Byakuya said, a hand on his glasses. "That will make things difficult."
"Are the other classes even doing anything?" Fuyuhiko asked. If they could half-ass this, then he was all for it. Of course, having people like Naruto and Sonia in their class probably meant that that was not an option.
Naruto shrugged. "Don't know. The student council said many of them are fired up."
Which was great in his mind. However, there was no way to know what was going to happen until the actual day of the festival.
"Ibuki still wants to do a concert!" The girl in question raised her arm like an excited child on Christmas Day. "Our band will crush any opposition and lead us to victory!"
"That works fine for you, but this is supposed to be a class event," Byakuya reminded her. His stance on this hadn't changed.
Fuyuhiko grumbled. "So even the fatass wants to join in, huh."
Looks like there was no choice for him to get out of this. Well, not that he wasn't looking forward to it or anything. It wasn't like this was going to be his first school festival. Definitely not.
Ibuki fell back to her chair in disappointment.
"The world is so cruel."
"Tell me about it." If she could, Hiyoko would be fanning herself right now. "The school will miss out on my great performance. Sucks for them."
She had received high praise from her last show, the one she had invited everyone to. And honestly, Naruto had been captivated so he knew for sure Hiyoko wasn't just being arrogant. When she tried, she tried.
"I can talk to the student council for you, Ibuki," the Uzumaki suggested. "See if they'll allow you to put on a performance for the school during the festival."
That was an option, wasn't it?
"SERIOUSLY!?" Looking alive again, Ibuki jumped out of her seat and descended upon the surprised blond. Naruto could only heave as Ibuki landed on his back, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck.
"I knew there was a reason I loved you, Naruto-chan!"
Girl, please. You were going to make him blush.
"T-That's not fair!" Mikan complained, looking like she wanted to jump in as well.
Sonia, Mahiru, and Hiyoko looked put off as well.
"Abusing your connections like that." Byakuya was impressed. It was a natural business move to make.
"More like showing her special treatment," Fuyuhiko added with a shake of his head.
Naruto looked back at them, which was hard to do since Ibuki was still clinging to his back.
"I'm not abusing anything! I'm just going to ask. Is that bad?"
Fuyuhiko just shrugged.
"Well, that does get us into another topic I wanted to discuss." Chisa's voice snapped them back to attention. "I was going to announce this at the end of the day, but I guess today is as good a time as any."
Sounded serious.
"Initially I was going to take a poll, but even with the short time we've been together I think there can only be one candidate."
What was she talking about? And why was she building up the suspense?
"What is this about?" Nekomaru voiced their question.
Chisa smiled.
"It's simple really. For our class representative, I hereby ask Uzumaki Naruto-kun to accept the position!"
Say what now?
One by one, all the Ultimates turned their heads toward Naruto who was blinking in obvious surprise. Wait, hadn't Karen and Tsubasa said something similar too?
Still, this was so random!
"What do you guys think?" Chisa asked the rest of the class.
Sonia was the first to speak with a smile. "I think Naruto would be perfect for the position!"
Mikan quickly nodded. "I-I think so too. I have no objections."
Grinning, Akane shrugged. "Sounds fine to me."
"There can be no other," Nekomaru agreed.
"Heh, no problems here." So supportive, Fuyuhiko.
Peko smiled softly. "I do not mind."
Byakuya smirked. "While it pains me to accept the leadership of another, I will allow it on this occasion."
"H-H'mph, I guess that's alright," Hiyoko said while looking away, her cheeks red.
"Ibuki has no objections!"
Mahiru nodded. "Same here. I think it's perfect."
"Only Uzumaki-kun can lead!" Somehow, Teruteru was able to wake himself up just for this moment.
Even Kazuichi, from his slumped state, raised his hand with a thumbs up to show his approval.
"Heh, if that's how it's going to be." Gundham cackled, albeit more softly than usual. "I suppose I have no choice but to follow the whims of this world."
"Ah, it's perfect." Nagito clapped to show his consent. "Seeing everyone come together like this. It might be difficult to imagine it now, but under Uzumaki-kun's guidance I'm sure this class will only grow further. With your ultimate talents, there is no doubt that you will change the world. As long as Uzumaki-kun continues to lead you, that will continue to remain true. I'm sure of it."
Only Chisa was taken aback by Nagito's words while the others just accepted them for what they were: Nagito being Nagito again.
"Hmm, sounds like everyone is in agreement," Chiaki said after a moment's silence. She, too, smiled.
"W-When you put it like that." Even Naruto was feeling bashful at this moment and the others could tell.
"Aww, Naruto-chan is blushing!" Dammit, Ibuki, why did you have to point it out!? "So adorable~"
It wasn't!
"I guess even the idiot can get embarrassed sometimes, huh." Fuyuhiko smirked. "You learn something new every day I guess."
"Fuck you too," Naruto grumbled.
"So? What do you say, Uzumaki-kun?" Chisa steered the conversation back to focus as she looked her blond student with another warm smile. "Everyone wants you to do it. Do you accept?"
There was no reason not to accept, really. He just didn't expect everyone to agree so easily. It made him a bit self-conscious.
"If it's alright with everyone, then I guess I don't mind."
It wasn't his usual confident response, but that only made the others laugh. It wasn't every day they managed to get Naruto this embarrassed, after all. And they were going to savor it.
Naruto was only left pouting, but he still had to smile.
Being trusted like this…..it felt nice, no doubt about it. It wasn't like he was being nominated as Hokage, but this was still a close second.
That's how it felt in his heart.
A routine was nice sometimes. Interacting with the same people, saying similar things, going to the same place, eating similar foods. All of these were signs of stability. Some would argue that it wasn't stability, but just monotony.
Kotoko saw both points of view, especially since she wanted both stability and excitement in her life. But that was normal for any kid, right? Kids didn't want to think about any hardships, but they sure wanted excitement.
Right now, however, Kotoko wanted nothing more than monotony.
"Hey, do you think something is wrong with Kotoko? She's been looking sad all morning."
At least Masaru had the decency to "whisper" to Nagisa. Honestly, did the idiot only have one volume level to his voice?
Kotoko could have mocked him for it, of course, but she wasn't in the mood.
She saw Nagisa shake his head, indicating that he didn't know anything either.
"It's nothing to worry about, you guys." It was Monaca who decided to speak up. Their teacher wasn't in the classroom, as usual, so they were free to do as they pleased. "Kotoko had a nice time with Naruto yesterday, so she's tired. That's all there is to it."
"Ah, so that's what it was." Masaru grinned as he locked both hands behind his head. "I was worried it was something serious. She's just like a baby, I swear."
The idiot knew that she could listen to him, right?
"A baby?" Jataro tilted his head. "That's kinda harsh, Masaru. I mean, weren't you the one who wet the bed until-"
A kick to the boy's chin and the rest of that sentence was never finished.
"Shut up, Jataro!" a red faced Masaru almost went and kicked the masked boy again, but thankfully Nagisa held him back. "You always talk too much!"
But really, what else was new?
"Idiots," Kotoko muttered.
Maybe it was because she was in a bad mood, but she didn't have the patience to deal with their antics right now. Thankfully, the three idiots were too busy arguing with each other to notice her sour expression.
Too bad Monaca did not.
"You need to act better to hide your pain. Aren't you an actress?"
Kotoko's eyebrow twitched ever so slightly at Monaca's haughty tone.
"Back off. I'm not in the mood right now."
She couldn't bother to hide her disdain for Monaca at this moment.
But the green haired girl didn't seem to care as she inched closer to Kotoko with her wheelchair.
"Don't be so mean, Kotoko. I'm rooting for you, I really am."
What the heck was she talking about?
"I'm sure you don't want to hear this, but I'll be using your pain to my advantage for a while. I hope you can forgive me."
Kotoko almost snapped at her. "What are you even saying?"
Was Monaca finally dropping her good girl act? Honestly, Kotoko would have called her out on it if she was in her right state of mind.
"I just want to see something for myself is all," Monaca replied, her voice soft and nurturing. It annoyed Kotoko to no end. "If Naruto is able to save you, then I guess I'll have to be proven wrong."
What?
"What does he have to do with anything?"
"Don't act so coy. You want him to save you, right? After yesterday, I finally understand why you're in this class. I knew we all had our problems and I was going to wait for you all to talk about it, but in your case I don't have to wait anymore."
Kotoko was forced to look away from her. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw Masaru break free from Nagisa's grasp and try to put Jataro in a chokehold.
"You don't know a thing."
That's all she could say.
Monaca took it in stride. "Maybe, maybe not. But I can speculate. That's why I think it'll be an interesting test, don't you agree? But you're pretty selfish. Is that why you got close to him in the first place? Do you want him to be your knight in shining armor? That's ridiculous. People like that don't exist, don't you know?"
"Don't."
Kotoko didn't have it in her to say anything else.
Monaca sighed. "That's not fun. I was expecting you to scream at me or something. Don't you think it's about time you and I were a little more honest with ourselves?"
Oh yeah? And yet, she was speaking to her while the others were distracted. Yeah, that's a lot of "honesty" alright.
"Well, let's just see how things turn out for you, okay? Whether the princess can be rescued from the castle or not. I'll be rooting for you~"
Go to hell.
That's what Kotoko wanted to say, but instead she remained silent as Monaca turned to the boys and called out to them in her usual fake but sweet voice. It was disgusting to admit, but Kotoko knew that Monaca had them at her beck and call. What was even more disgusting was that Kotoko knew she was just like them.
After all, even after Monaca's words, she and Kotoko were still friends.
'T'ch, so damn noisy.'
Yasuke wasn't even in the classroom, but even from just out in the hallway he could tell that the idiots from class 77-B were too damn loud for his tastes.
"Ahaha, they seem to be having so much fun." Next to Yasuke, Sōshun had a different reaction to all the noise coming from the class 77-B's classroom. "I sure hope we can be like them one day."
Yeah, no. That's the last thing Yasuke wanted to happen.
"But good morning, Matsuda-kun. We sure have been running into each other a lot lately."
No, they haven't.
"This must be fate, right?" Sōshun's eyes sparkled in excitement as he puffed out his chest. "Clearly, this means that you and I are going to be the best of friends. Don't you agree?"
Yasuke did not agree, not even a bit.
"Is everyone here already?" He changed the subject rather than answer Sōshun's pointless question.
The Ultimate Student Council President hummed as he turned to the face the door of their own classroom.
"I'm not sure. I wanted to arrive early, but I got held up in the student council office. The others are under a lot of stress right now. We have so much work to do. It is exciting!"
Right.
"But we can't stand out here all day. Why don't we head inside and greet our classmates."
There was nothing else to do but that, huh.
And so, with his plan set in motion, Yasuke slid the door open and took his first step forward with the ever smiling Sōshun at his side.
Today, just like with class 77-B, class 77-A was going to be in attendance.
OC characters incoming. I think some already knew this was going to happen. I'm still not sure how much I'm going to focus on them honestly. I have several outlines for this section of the story, but I haven't decided which one to stick to just yet. The ending in the same, it's just the road to get there that will be different. I hate being indecisive sometimes. At least I have all the pieces in place.
Yeah, I'm a little late with this one but I had finals and then graduation (seriously, writing a 20 page essay is not fun). I have more free time now, it's just a matter of finding motivation and getting back into the groove.
Anyway, hope it was worth the wait.
Till next time.