/N: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. Classroom of the Elite belongs to Shougo Kinugasa. Bungou Stray Dogs belongs to Asagiri Kafka. I don't own three of the series since both of them belongs to their respective owners. Other Anime characters also belong to their respective owners.
Volume II
The Falling Star
As Kushida, Atsushi, and Kei arrive on the construction site, they can't help but awe by what they just seen. Lucy not following them as she returns back to her dorm room, not wanting to take any part at all.
'They truly defeat her!? W-What kind of monsters t-that I see?' Kei thought in amazement and fear as she looks at some scratch on the site cause by the battle.
"So I see the four of you manage to beat her?" Atsushi asked Mio who's still awake. She decide to stay to fix up the place as Itachi and Ryuuen help Masumi carries Sumireko, Honami, and Suzune to infirmary.
"Yeah. I must say her Special Ability quite annoying though." Mio said with a smile before turn her attention toward Kushida. "As for your parents, I don't know how but it seems their assassination was failed so you can rest assured."
"I see." Kushida felt a great relief and walk pass Mio before stop. "I… T-Thank you. Said that to Horikita-san, Ichinose-san, and Kamuro-san as well." She said before quickly walk away from the building.
"Hmph. So she can cry as well?" Mio wondered as she not witness Kushida's breakdown yesterday.
"It's okay Mio-chan. She… Been through a lot yesterday." Atsushi informed her as Akutagawa finally arrived on the scene. Wearing his poker face, he then looks at the surroundings of the construction site before look at Mio.
"I apologize for being late. However, as the head of the Discipline Committee I thank you for taking care of Sumireko Hanabusa." Akutagawa said, thanking Mio.
"No need to worry Akutagawa-senpai. However, it seems you need to take care of the rest." Mio said to him.
"Of course. However, when you already healed enough, take three of your friends who defeated Sumireko Hanabusa to our room. I want to hear every detail of the event." Akutagawa ordered her.
"Uuh…" Sumireko grunt in pain as she open her eyes. 'Where… Am I?' She thought in dizziness as she tries to process everything around her. However, she remembers what happens to her. 'So… I'm lost against those four…' She thought in disgrace instead of anger. 'Damn it…'
"I suggest you don't move, Sumireko." Sumireko look to her right and see Itachi is watching over her with stern look on his face. "It's been a day had passed since you're unconscious. Currently is Monday. As for the subjects no need to worry, Dazai-sensei already take care of it." He said as he close the book that he's reading. "For precautions, Kakeru and I decided to remove all of your mechanical limbs… In case you try to do something."
"From your tone… Seems you already suspicious of me since a long time." Sumireko said with no signs of strained tone, signaling that she's already healthy despite being unconscious for a day. "As for my limbs-"
"Indeed. I already cautious of you when you lower your score during the mid-term. Plus the fact that you seem hiding your true strength for a reason I won't pry for now." Itachi revealed, which make Sumireko just open her mouth. "After you're healthy enough, prepare for a trial by the student council. We'll go against Kushida and the others that you threatened so pick your choice of words carefully. As for your limbs, I'll return it when you already healthy enough." Itachi then stand up from his seat and head to the exit but not before said something which shook Sumireko. "You shall look deeper at your true self. Trust me, the longer you proclaimed that you're the best survivor without once look at yourself who replace your own limbs with mechanical one… The deeper you'll lose true worth of your own." He said as he leaving the infirmary, leaving Sumireko inside her own thought.
On the discipline committee room, Akutagawa is sitting on his desk while Ayato is sitting on the sofa. Facing the discipline committee leader are Masumi, Honami, Mio, and Suzune. Of the four of them, Honami suffer some bruises and slight burn mark on her arms thanks to Sumireko Special Ability. Various bandages and plaster are seen on her hands, legs, and face. Suzune only have her left hand supported by a sling because it feels numb thanks to Sumireko's sedative needle. Masumi suffers shallow cut on her hands and legs and only being covered by plaster. Mio on the other hands only suffer minor wound on her right arm.
"Masumi Kamuro, Honami Ichinose, Mio Ibuki, Suzune Horikita. The reason I call the four of you here is to say thank you. Thank you for stopping Sumireko Hanabusa from causing more trouble inside the school. I'm apologizing that I realized it too late to go there." Akutagawa said in apology to the four of them. "I'll grant the four of you the time to rest so you can recuperate from the injuries. However, we need you to attend the trial which schedule will be informed soon."
"Thank you Akutagawa-senpai." Honami said her gratitude for the four of them.
"You're welcome. As for the reason I called the four of you here, I want to offer a proposal." Akutagawa said before look toward the four of them seriously. "Join the discipline committee. With the four of you joined, I can see that the Discipline Committee future will not bleak." He offered. Normally Akutagawa won't easily accept anyone to join the Discipline Committee in caution that it was Nagumo's hidden spy. That's why the members are only five in total due to his high standards, although he has in mind to increase it.
Honami is immediately horrified after hearing the offer. She hears from Suzune how Akutagawa beat up his own year back on April 2nd in cold-blood violence and she really not want to make any ruckus with the Discipline Committee.
Suzune a bit shocked hearing the sudden proposal. Manabu probably warn her not to cause any ruckus with them, but offered to join is something she didn't expect at all.
'Offered to join the Discipline Committee?' Mio intrigued by the offer. With the existence of someone like Sumireko, she half-certain that violence tactics like what Akutagawa did is necessary to bring rule to ANHS. "But how we join if we already join a club in the first place?" She asked.
"No need to worry. Unlike Horikita-senpai regulations to join the Student Council, we from Discipline Committee will allow you to still join the other club as long you keep loyal to the Discipline Committee cause till' you graduate." Akutagawa tried to ease Mio's worries.
"Akutagawa-senpai. I personally thank you for the offer but I decline it. However, I think one of my friends will be interested." Masumi revealed, referring to Monica who till' now still not have any reply from the Student Council. "Can I bring her to here if the time comes?" She asked.
Akutagawa is silent for a moment before replying. "You can. However, she must be through some test if that's okay with you?"
Masumi nod in understanding of the rules.
"Good." He then glances at the remaining three. "Mio Ibuki. Honami Ichinose. Suzune Horikita. What's your answer?" He asked.
"Sorry but I also politely decline your offer, Akutagawa-senpai." Suzune said with a smile while remembering the members of the Literature Club. "I finally found the club that really fit for me and I don't intend to split my attention."
"I also already joined the Track and Field Club and I must say… The schedule is quite tight." Mio said while rub her head. "However… In my personal opinion, seeing someone like Sumireko able to attend in the first place, make me realize there must be tons of mentally ill students in here that won't hesitate to do violence. What my class leader said back then is the truth… This school is nothing more but a scam…" Mio then look seriously at Akutagawa. "I will think again about your offer Akutagawa-senpai. Thank you for ask me to join."
"Very well. I'll give you time limit till' the summer vacation ended." Akutagawa agreed with Mio's decision. "Honami Ichinose. How about you?" He asked.
"M-Me?" Honami awaken from her shock thanks to Akutagawa question. It still shocks for her to being offered a position on the Discipline Committee where violence seems the number one act to maintain order. "L-Like Horikita-san said, I also already join the Literature Club. I also the leader of my class so sorry Akutagawa-senpai. I-I can't accept your offer…" She said still in stuttered tone, the incident from yesterday still fresh inside her mind.
"I see." Akutagawa not shown it to the others, but he's frown for a moment after Honami's reply and quickly back to his normal, plain look on his face. "If that so… The four of you shall rest up. The trial will happen six days from now and prepare to give your evidence of Sumireko Hanabusa actions. That's all, dismissed."
Without any words, Masumi, Honami, Mio, and Suzune exiting the discipline committee room. As the four of them leaving, Akutagawa frown immediately return back to his face. "Honami Ichinose… Huh?" He mumbling to himself but Ayato heard it. 'So… She let her past holding her back.'
"It seems you resent her. For the other three, I can respect them since they seems do their best when go against Hanabusa." Ayato quickly said, making Akutagawa look toward him. "Do you perhaps… Plan to do that against her?" He wondered. Ayato is the closest to Akutagawa among the other members of the Discipline Committee thus he knows some parts of his personal life.
"I did plan to do so." Akutagawa said with a frown. "Someone that keep wallowing on her own past… Is not worthy." He stated.
Inside her dorm room, Honami is seen brushing her hair after a shower and already wearing her sleeping uniform to rest up from her injuries. It's been few hours since she was called to the Discipline Committee room and for the first time, look face to face with Akutagawa since during the Club Fair, all she can see is his menacing presence.
Now she knows why he's so feared. That cold eyes, the menacing aura; all tell why he's able to exert so much presence in front of those that violate the school laws. It's like that Akutagawa was a destined leader of the once weak Discipline Committee to make ANHS stable.
However, one thing that Honami dislike is violence since compare to the other three, she train for martial arts as a hobby. However, thanks to the deadly battle yesterday, she start to see how far she being left behind by Suzune, Mio, and Masumi.
'I really don't deserve Akutagawa-senpai offer.' Honami thought in sadness as she sit on her bed. 'Suzune-chan, Mio-chan, and Masumi-chan. The three of them never once trembling when the four of us fighting against Hanabusa-san. I… I Don't realize that I left far behind from the three of them, it's like I was just walking lazily while they run ahead of me.' She pondered to herself. "Why… I remember that day… Of all things…" She uttered to herself as her phone was ringing on her desk. She then quickly picks it up, revealing a message from unfamiliar number.
[Good evening, Honami Ichinose. I request your presence at 05.00 p.m. on the location of the incident.] – Unknown; Sunday 09.00 a.m.
'Who is this? Did this phone number belong to the Discipline Committee? Also, am I the only one that's called…' Honami wondered as she tries to type the others but stop it immediately. 'No need too. I don't want to disturb their nap. Mio-chan will probably kick me if I do that.' She thought as she imagine a chibi version of Mio kick her own chibi version in the ass, making her giggling. 'In any case, I better get a rest now and head there immediately at 05.00 p.m.' She thought as she try to sleep.
"I'm sorry for making you accompany me here. Shiho, Hiyori." Mio said as she is lie on her own bed while Shiho is cooking food for her on the kitchen and Hiyori is sit on her desk chair.
"It's okay Mio-san. When I heard the full detail from Itachi-kun and Ryuuen-kun, I really not expect it. To think that Hanabusa-san dares to do something like that…" Hiyori lamented while partially lying, since she know how deranged Sumireko is thanks to her secretly eavesdropping the conversation per Dazai's order.
"I also apologized." Shiho walk out from the kitchen while making three portion of omu-rice for the three of them. She places it on Mio's desk before sitting next to her on the bed. "I know Ryuuen-kun ordered me to call Akutagawa-senpai but I was a bit late. Because of that, you-"
"It's okay Shiho. You have no need to be sorry. Thanks to this you know what? I was offered to join the Discipline Committee by Akutagawa-senpai himself." Mio revealed with a smile.
"I see. If it going to helps you, I have an acquaintance on the Discipline Committee. I think it will help you before you try to get along with the other members." Shiho said, mentioning Suzuka. "However, why'd you decide to join it in the first place?"
Hearing Shiho's question, Mio silent for a moment, before speak up. "I… When I failed to make Sumireko give up on whatever sinister plot she have against Suzune's class… I can't help but think… If this school truly guard the safety of its students? Remember what we theorize back then… That this school picks their students in secrets?" Mio asked which earn nods from Shiho and Hiyori. "Now I understand why the school like this needs a strong Discipline Committee. There's a lot of a probable mentally ill students or those that disregard the rules because they can. It probably just a matter of time… Before other students like Sumireko decide to bare their fangs and endangers those that just wish to enjoy their high school life in here… Like Kokoro, you, and Hiyori."
"Mio-san… But do you really consider it? Join them… Means you must ready to physically do the same thing as Akutagawa-senpai and the others…" Hiyori asked in concern. Despite she already know that the members of the Discipline Committee are trustable since Dazai also watch over them, she still dislike Akutagawa's way of violence.
"I'm certain. If it's to prevent other deranged like Sumireko from appears on this school ever again, I'll do it." Mio said with full conviction on her face. "After all, I can still join the Track & Field Club and with I joined the Discipline Committee, who knows that our class will have great allies from the upperclassmen or Akutagawa-senpai will soften at our class or something."
"That's… Quite optimistic of you." Shiho commented. 'However, after knowing Akutagawa-senpai, Atsushi-kun, Montgomery-san and Dazai-sensei true allegiance, that probably won't happen easily. Especially what they're after is far bigger picture than what's happening inside the school.' She grimly thought. "Mio-chan, Hiyori-chan. I… I actually not tell you any of this but… Dazai-sensei teases to me about our probable Summer Vacation."
"Oh? If I not wrong, Chabashira-sensei also said that we're going to ride the Speranza on a small, tropical island on the Pacific for our Summer Vacation. However, knowing about how ANHS operate… I can say there's something fishy about this." Mio opined.
"Indeed. I do some research while spending my time on the library. By listening to the Upperclassman conversation, they're talking about something called 'Special Exam'. At first, I just dismiss it but when I think it again it makes sense considers this school goal." Hiyori revealed.
"For creating better future generations for this country, huh…" Shiho said before clench her fist and said something that unheard to Hiyori and Mio. "To the point they built such a horrid place…"
"It makes sense enough for me. Have you told this theory of yours to Itachi or Ryuuen?" Mio asked before remember it. "Oh. I forgot since they both are busy about Sumireko and all. But for me, I think it's better if this information is known to the three of us since we can't make immediate decision without Itachi or Ryuuen concern." She suggested.
"I agree. But we can be certain… That this Summer Vacation is another scam." Shiho said with hard tone. "Also, this event is rather special because compare to the other year before us… According to Dazai-sensei, we'll have an A-Class military officer that'll join us as a bodyguard for us during this Summer Vacation. The strongest military squadron in Japan… The Hunting Dogs."
Time quickly passed by and its currently evening. Honami is wearing her casual clothes as she goes to the location where she alongside Suzune, Masumi, and Mio were fighting against Sumireko yesterday. She also notices some yellow line is being put on the vicinity of the location.
'The security guards truly act quickly. It such a horrible incident to be honest. I don't want to imagine what'll happen if Hanabusa-san manage to defeat four of us.' She noted as she walk to the unused construction building.
Unknown to her though, a second year student is watching from the piles of construction pillars. He is a male that has blonde hair and is seen wearing his school uniform. His most significant feature is his eyes, where one is blue and the other is brown. He wears a silver earring in his left ear. "Huh. I hope that Akutagawa-kun is not too harsh against pure, innocent girl like her…" He said to himself as he watches.
"Honami Ichinose. Forgive me for messaging you without your concern." Akutagawa said without glance toward Honami as she arrives on the inside. He currently is seen inspecting some small dent in the wall that caused by Sumireko's metallic cables.
"It's all right Akutagawa-senpai. Do you perhaps need my help about this?" Honami quickly asked in formal manner.
"Yes. I need your help." Akutagawa said as he suddenly speak something absurd. "Honami Ichinose. What do you think about someone that feels heavily guilty for just committing a single sin on their life?" He asked with plain tone.
Honami immediately paled as she can sense the pressure around Akutagawa changed. "W-What's with that question Akutagawa-senpai?" She asked in confusion.
"Humor me with you answers." He said without once glance at Honami.
Honami is a bit afraid of answering this question since it will make her sound like a hypocrite because she herself unable to move on from her own past. "I… I don't think that I can answer that question very well but according to me… It's impossible for a human to never commit a sin. However… I think if someone realized that what they did is a sin… The best way is for them to move forward past it-"
"Or decide to bury it deep inside so they are unable to move forward past it and mask it with normal façade." Silent for a moment, Akutagawa said it with a sigh. "The same of what you did right now." He then glances at Honami before he suddenly vanish and appears in front of Honami with the intention to deliver a sharp punch to her gut as he already reel his right arm backward for a punch.
'W-When did he-' Honami thought in panic as she unable to register it quickly how Akutagawa able to move that fast.
"Honami Ichinose." Reel his right hand to a fist, Akutagawa do a straight punch toward Honami, who manage to dodge it in a nick of time by jumping backward. He then stands upright again while keeping his guard up. "So you can avoid it? As I expected from one of the participants three years ago." He commended her.
"A-Akutagawa-senpai… What're you-" Honami then heard the sound of the door being closed as it was closed from the outside by someone. She can feel dread and fear around her body as Akutagawa emitting heavy pressure around him.
"Masumi Kamuro. Her Special Ability ensures damaging vital organs during battle and she also quite cool-headed to give the team a good tension to think. Suzune Horikita is like what I expected from Horikita-san younger sister although she can't formulate quite right strategy because she also worried for others. Mio Ibuki determination during the fight and the right moment to try give Sumireko Hanabusa one final chance is something that I can respect." Akutagawa stated.
"H-How'd you-" Honami widen her eyes in realization before narrowing her eyes. "You… Watch it didn't you? While us… Almost badly injured because of that monster…"
"I have a 'hound' that tell me in complete about the entire event although not in complete scenario." Akutagawa simply answered. "Those three prove their worth during that fight. However, what's your worth, Honami Ichinose? During the battle… All you did was trembling in fear and always persuade her to give up… Like what he did previously."
"If you watch it why you don't help us!?" Honami now feel anger inside her. "Three of my friends now being injured!? Isn't the Discipline Committee task is maintaining order within the school, like what you did-" Honami accused but quickly cut off by Akutagawa.
"That matter is not something the first year should be dealt with. It's a personal problem between me and a certain Fake Angel." Akutagawa stated before continuing his assault. He tried to kick Honami on the chin only for her to block it with both of her arm at the cross position below her chin.
'Ugh… He's strong!' Honami thought in surprise as she never expect that Akutagawa to be this strong without any metallic limbs like Sumireko.
"You're open!" Akutagawa then suddenly swing his right arm to the side. All of a sudden, a black material emerging from his right sleeve, which later lengthened and quickly constricting Honami, giving her no chance to avoid it. She then struggle to free herself, but to no avail.
'W-What's this?' Honami thought as she struggles to free herself. 'Don't tell me… Akutagawa-senpai was a Special Ability user as well!?' She thought in fear as Akutagawa kept his poker face at her.
"From the battle against Sumireko Hanabusa I can tell that you are the one with the most care with your friends. Even to the point that leads you receiving your current injuries." Akutagawa said to her before his expression surprisingly softened. "My partner at the beginning is just like you. To the point he always never cares for his own life as long he can save innocents… In order to prove his existence has meaning. For me though, that way of life is sickening." As he said that, Akutagawa lessen the hold of his Special Ability on Honami's body, making her able to relaxing herself while still being constricted by it. "Honami Ichinose. I wonder if you considers something as petty as that as a sin? Need I recite it?"
Honami truly paled as Akutagawa said that. How could he know it? That's impossible. He never remember ever met him before in the past. "H-How-"
"Honami Ichinose. A practitioner of the Taekwondo who lose by Masumi Kamuro during the second round of the Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament three years ago. Half a year ago, you seem committed… An unimportant case to the point your own mother slaps you for it." Akutagawa said which make Honami gasp and have cold sweat on her face.
"W-What do you know about it?" Honami suddenly asked as she can feels tears come out from her eyes. "H-How do you know about it? Why'd you-"
"Do you think what you did was wrong?" Akutagawa demanded, which cause something to snap inside Honami's mind.
"Of course it is!" Honami then screamed at him with tears on her eyes. "I was stealing something! Something that I shouldn't do in the first place!" She said in tears as she start to remembers what may be the greatest sin she ever committed. "Thanks to it… I-I was a horrible and guilty person… Because I steal something that's not-" Before she can finish it, Akutagawa approach her and giving her a hard slap to the face. From the face, he's clearly look pissed off. Honami look clearly as she can feel the pain from the slap to her right cheek. It also leaving red mark that clearly visible.
"Pathetic! You considers that a grave sin even though you do that with good intention?! This is why someone like you sickens me! A fool that already have everything but not realize it! But only look at the past!" Akutagawa suddenly heighten his tone which frighten the Class 1-B leader. "Do you really think that people will give a shit of what you did is basically just to make your sister happy!?"
Honami unable to reply. She still terrified by Akutagawa's tone. 'H-How'd he-'
"Even with that shitty theft which is irrelevant, you have your sister and your friends to support you! Don't give a fucking shit about the other people think of you! The last people I know murder when he was 15 years old but he manage move on from it… With a proud confident stand on his own two feet and trust others!" Akutagawa continue. "The three of them able to connect easily and despite each of them have their own fear; they manage to overcome it by mutual trust. The fact that you still kept yours a secret… Means that you can't trust the others and that's why you're for me… A disappointment to the group that man built." He then releasing his Special Ability from Honami, making her slump to her knees while walking to the exit as the strange black tendrils return back to his right sleeve while passing Honami who only look down in sadness and self-blame. "Think it clearly. For me, what you did for your younger sister is not wrong thing to do. However… You shall find the answer yourself. In the end… Only ourselves that know whether what you did is right or wrong." He gives her parting advice as he exiting the area, leaving Honami who's crying and covered her face with both of her hands.
As Akutagawa already have some considerable distance from the construction site, the same heterochromia male greet him with a wave of his right hand. "Is it really necessary to make a beautiful young girl like that crying Akutagawa-kun? I know that place really teach you violence first ask question later but-" The man said but Akutagawa cut him off.
"If it's not like that, it will be a time before someone managed to discover it in the future and use it against her. I just avoid the inevitable… And speed up the process. For me… What she did is nonsense and mild and makes me question why'd he feel guilt for something to make her sister happy." Akutagawa explained in brief before asking a question. "Come to think of it, why'd you follow me here, Toki?"
"Ah~ I've being found out then~" The young man known as Toki, which is the last member of the Discipline Committee make a carefree smile while rub the back of his head using his left hand. "I just curious you know. But I understand it… You're worried that her past someday will be used if he weak mentally right? That's why you do that to lift up her spirit… In your own way."
Surprisingly, Akutagawa closed his eyes and smiled. "Hmph. Nothing can escape from your sight isn't it?"
"Well, I proud myself as the Hound of the Discipline Committee because of that." Toki replied with a toothy grin.
"In any case, gathers the other members of the Discipline Committee tonight." Akutagawa said as he walks to the direction of the Discipline Committee room while Toki follow him from behind. "We need to make immediate meeting to discuss Sumireko Hanabusa fate and about the first special exam of the first years." He ordered him.
"Okay~"
Without anyone noticing it, a week already passed. It is the time for Sumireko Hanabusa's Trial inside the student council room. However, the trial was begin on the evening so it still not begin as the current defendant is seen inside her room after Ryuuen give her permission to put back her metallic limbs once again. However, she currently not alone as someone is accompanying her inside her room.
"So… Have you learned your lesson yet, Hanabusa-chan?" Dazai asked with serious tone as he stands while lean his body to the entrance door of Sumireko's dorm room. "If you talked about whatever plans you have in mind, I already predict it ever since the first day you arrive in my class."
"I already expect it that you know." Sumireko said with a smile despite she truly on a corner of an expulsion due to her acts. "After all, you're the one that turn-off the entire security camera on Class 1-C in order to learn about me and the others using your own mind. What a monster you are." She said with a small compliment to Dazai.
"That's true. After all, I've been following your track record for a while. Truly, the way you able to do this much of operation to augment your own body and reach the peak durability of a normal human really intrigues me. Because in the whole world, there's only five ways to obtain it. The way you able to obtain it… You use the wealth of the Guild right?" Dazai tried to guess, which Sumireko response by narrowing her eyes in disbelief. "No matter how prestigious and rich the Hanabusa Family is, to make such modifications like you did required tons of money and there's no way to do that on your own. The option is two, either from the government or the underworld. It seems you choose the latter."
"I see. Then, the rumors that I heard were true." Sumireko now sure knew who Dazai really is. After all, she has a good relationship with the leader of the Guild, Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald. "I heard two years ago… The Guild was dissolved in Yokohama with unknown means. It is said that the one that crush them was the work of the two strongest organizations in there. Now I'm convinced that Nakajima-san and you must be belonging to the same organizations that crush them." She stated. "Meaning that the reason for all my plan being foiled must be have-"
"That's correct. I was the one that spoiled your plan to ever laid hand on him with the help of a certain partner of me on the outside. It was easy enough to guess what your simplistic plan really is: You plan for Kushida-chan to lure him on the exact spot where the security camera or the security guard ever reach and then bam~" Dazai said while imitating a straightforward punch. "You then will provoke him to a fight and poof~ you can called yourself the strongest queen isn't that right?" Dazai basically explain Sumireko's entire plan to her, making her widen her eyes slightly before she chuckling.
"Khu khu khu… It seems… I can't hide it from you, Dazai-sensei." Sumireko said as she later takes a deep breath to relax herself. "Indeed. As for now, my reasoning is not matters anymore. I… Completely lost against the four of them. They… Who don't even experience something like me… Have beaten me… Who supposed to be the strongest queen…" She said as her tone become lower because of shame.
"And that's why you lost your reasoning, Sumireko-chan. You never think of what you will do, just to fulfill your ego for the justification of what you've been through throughout your life." Dazai stated before sighing. "But… The reason you lost is not because you're weak. In fact, the serious you will pulverize the three of them except Kamuro-chan with no trouble. And like you claim, you probably have the mid-chance to beat him on your own thanks to your body augmentation." Dazai explained. "Back to the main topic, the reason you lost… It's because Mio-chan words hit you… Isn't that right?"
"She just used that to-"
"But that proves that you're still human, not a cyborg without emotion." Dazai interjected before his face turn serious. "Sumireko-chan, I won't sugarcoat it. What you experience on your life is terrible. However, what you experience is just a surface… Of the darkness that even bleaker than what you've been through." He explained before smiled. "However… During the time of your own delusion, you found someone that you consider as friend. In other words, that someone is like your anchor from falling further into madness. In turn, unconsciously you find inside yourself that you still can act like human being or to be more accurate… A regular teenage girl." He then exiting her room before saying something which surprise her. "I promise that I'll protect my students from the school nature. You know Sumireko-chan, before Horikita-kun revolution, expulsion is like a common thing. It's like something that's tolerable in this school. However, thanks to the revolution he did… This so-called elite school… At least become a bit beautiful." He then glance at Sumireko with a smile. "I promise… Despite what you did, you won't be expelled from here. Your experience and martial arts ability… Can teach them to prepare for the great danger in the future." He then exiting her room after closing the door gently.
Sumireko is silent for a moment before touching her chest with her right hand while look down. "Seriously… This school… Itachi-san proclamation on the reveal of Dazai-sensei game… Really intoxicated me…" She said with accepting pained smile of her own honest feelings.
Despite tried her best; in the end Sumireko Hanabusa can't abandon her humanity.
On the afternoon, the time for the trial has finally arrived. For Class 1-D representative, Sae as their homeroom teacher alongside Suzune, Kei, Kushida, and Atsushi. For Class 1-C representative are Dazai as their homeroom teacher, Itachi, Ryuuen, Mio, and Minori. Honami and Masumi also come as both of them are also responsible for taking down Sumireko. The mastermind herself is sitting on a chair on the middle of the student council room which surrounds by U-shaped table. Manabu is sitting on the middle of the u-seat with Akane is standing on his right side. On his right side, Akutagawa is sit while look at Sumireko seriously.
"Now then, we'll begin the trial and the meeting that will conclude Sumireko Hanabusa fate due to her act a week ago. This is also with the fact that she violates the no outside contact rule except during vacation and blackmailing Kikyo Kushida from Class 1-D." Akane said, opening the trial as the moderator. "I, Akane Tachibana will be your moderator during this meeting."
Suzune has her own thought about why Manabu decide to attend the meeting. 'I see. If this is just a normal case, I think only Tachibana-senpai or Akutagawa-senpai that will come. However, Hanabusa-san acts will endangers the revolution that he built to the point the ANHS will probably go back to its old-fashioned rules. It is very important for him to come to hear her reasoning. Especially… Since that incident happens…' She thought, remembering a certain incident two years ago.
"Tachibana-san." Akutagawa suddenly cut her off, like he expect what she will said. "I think we have no need to prolong this trial like hearing the the recount of the incident. Suzuka." He said the name of one of his members as Suzuka knock the door before entering the room. "Suzuka and the others already managed to gathers the explanation of the incident from the background, how it happens, and the aftermath. She'll give it to all of you in order to speed up the trial and wasting time listen to the recount of the incident." He explained.
'Akutagawa and the senpai of the Discipline Committee surely work fast. I'm glad that although he probably never thought everyone inside this school worth his concern… He did his job and promise to me faithfully.' Atsushi smiled at how his partner takes a hand in the situation.
'This is the one that I'll enter? If that so, when I join I won't disappoint what Akutagawa-senpai trust inside me.' Mio determination only rise with how Akutagawa and the Discipline Committee work their job.
After five minutes of each participants of the trial reading the file that Suzuka gives them, Manabu decide to continue the meeting once again. "After reading what the Discipline Committee has gathers with the evidence and the testimony from the victims… I think the best way is to ask the perpetrator first." Manabu then look toward Sumireko with a sharp gaze. "Class 1-C Sumireko Hanabusa. What do you think about the report that the Discipline Committee have gathered?" He asked.
Sumireko inhale a breath; expel it before look toward Manabu with plain look on her face. "I have no objections or any defense for the evidence that already gathered. All of it is telling the truth. You can give me any punishment even expulsion if you like, Horikita-kaichou." She said firmly, accepting her fate. 'After all, with I beaten… My reason to exist in this school… Is no more…'
"I see. However, the one that will bring judgment to you will not be me. Kikyo Kushida, I believe it was your right." Manabu stated as he look to Kushida. "You can give any punishment to her as long it not violating the school rules."
After given the permission to speak, Kushida then stand up from her seat while look toward Sumireko with hatred still evident on her eyes. This person after all will kill her parent in cold-blooded if not for Suzune and the others efforts to help her.
"Kushida-san…" Kei uttered in concern as she know Kushida probably still traumatized by the event.
Kushida then look toward Manabu. "Thank you very much Horikita-senpai." She thanked him before look toward Sumireko with hatred clearly evident on her gaze. "For me, I-"
(Flashback - Class 1-D; Half an hour before the trial begins)
After the learning hour was ended, everyone on Class 1-D is leaving the class including Kiyotaka as he not care at all about the matter despite he's unknowingly being targeted by Sumireko. The one that still on the class are Atsushi, Suzune, Kushida, and Kei as the four of them are prepared for the meeting.
"Are you all right already Horikita-san? Because for the last week, it seems you not as fit as before." Kei wondered because for the last week, Suzune not as active as before as she immediately back to her dorm room after the learning hour is over and leaves the important information and everything to Hirata to take care of. Kouenji also start to ignore the explanation again as Atsushi is busy on gathering evidence for the trial alongside Kushida and Kei which make him unable to watch over the narcissist behavior like usual.
"I'm fine for now." Suzune said although her mind said otherwise. 'Even a week already passed… The effect of that needle still remains.' She thought. "Kushida-san. You are prepared to face her again didn't you? If you still traumatized by her torture…"
"It's all right Horikita-san." Kushida said to her with her fake persona, although inside she's glad that Suzune is worried about her mental health. Thanks to her experience that night, she start to see Suzune in a different light although she seems can't get away her angel persona when talking to others. "I'll said that she should be expelled from this school altogether."
"I agree with Kushida-san on this one. Expulsion I think is the best punishment for her." Kei supported Kushida's decision.
"What about you Atsushi-kun?" Suzune asked his opinion.
"I'll follow whatever decision of Kushida-chan has in mind. After all… She's the true victim of Hanabusa-san actions." Atsushi opined with a smile before nod at Kushida, signaling that he leaves the judgment to her. "Anyway, let's go. We can't let Horikita-kaichou, Itachi-kun and Akutagawa are waiting for us." Just as Atsushi said that, Sae come to the classroom, which he immediately notice. "Chabashira-san…"
"Did all of you ready? Class 1-C already inside the Student Council Room but Sumireko Hanabusa still not arrived. We shall waste no time." Sae instructed to them as without any words, the four of them are walking passing her, but Sae speak up when a certain student is walking passing her. "Nakajima." She called which makes Atsushi stopped.
"Yes? Chabashira-san." Atsushi asked without once turn his head toward her. He still clearly lost respect of her as their homeroom teacher thanks to the whole Sudo's fiasco.
Silent for a moment, she then speaks up. "I want to thank you. For what you did to prevent this from escalating further." She thanked him in honesty. Atsushi don't reply her as he walks to catch up with Suzune, Kei, and Kushida, making Sae sighed. "Honestly… Compare to a high school student… Nakajima is more like someone that face harshness in life. I wonder now… What is the true description of teacher… In your point of view?"
As the four of them are walking on the school corridor to the direction of the Student Council Room, they are meeting with unexpected person.
The one who started all of this in the first place.
As Sumireko Hanabusa approach the four of them with her elegance and smiling face, like she never regret what she did at all. She also brings something on her right hand, some kind of paper bag.
Suzune immediately narrowed her eyes. "You have nerve to show up in front of us after all that you've done Hanabusa-san." She said while holding her anger at the one who mentally traumatize her classmate. Kushida is flinch a bit while Kei try her best to hide her fear toward Sumireko presence.
"It's okay Horikita-san. She seems not having any bad intentions… Right?" Atsushi walk forward as he stands beside Suzune.
"Thank you very much, Nakajima-san." Sumireko thanked him before looking toward Kushida. "Kushida-san. Can I talk with you for a while?"
After keeping some distance, Kushida then is the first to open the conversation. "I expect that the reason you call me here is not to apologize, right?" She demanded with narrowed look and clear hatred toward the heir of Hanabusa Clan.
"That's what I intend to do Kushida-san. I truly apologize for all that I-" Sumireko unable to finish her words as Kushida slap her hard in the left cheek.
"Don't joke with me! You really think you can just say 'Sorry for torturing you and blackmail your parents' and get away with that like it never happened in the first place! You truly sick in the head!? I'll glad if you expelled from this school after this trial! I promise I'll be the first on the line to see it!" Kushida exclaimed with crazed smile on her face.
Silent for a moment after hearing it, Sumireko smiled disappear as she rub the location the slap and sigh. "I more than agree with that. I torture you although not in the way of more sinister way… In order to fill my delusion." She said before smiled again. "Kushida-san, what I said back then really is true. We truly are the same… Since we're lost."
Kushida gasp as she hears it before remembering what Atsushi warned to her that day. 'No! I-I can't show any sympathy to her!'
"Both of us really thought that the reason for our existence in life was to fulfill each of our egos. While I was tried to prove that I was the strongest for all the hardships I've been through, you make this fake persona to feel the ecstasy of feeling that everyone paid their attention to you. However, I failed when it almost complete… To a bunch of girls nonetheless." Sumireko said in depressed tone while holding her right arm. "However in the end… My loss makes me review myself of everything I did. I won't sugarcoat it. Everything that I did was truly terrible. For that." She then brings the paper bag from her right hand to Kushida. "This is at least what I can do as a way to apologize."
"You really not stupid enough to think that I'll accept this trash?" Kushida demanded in anger.
"Whether it was trash or not, you'll know what is inside. Think of it… As my way to thank you for your assistance to make me almost to reach my goal." Sumireko said with a smile. "As someone who lost in egos, this is my way to connect with you a bit."
Kushida slightly widen her eyes as she look of the content of the paper bag: A letter. 'What's this?' She wondered as she looks at the seal. 'This seal! Isn't it-' Kushida then read the content of the letter which make her slowly widen her eyes. "T-This is… No, it can't be…"
It was revealed that the content of the letter is a scholarship recommendation to Europe which where Kushida can choose any courses that she desire in there. Clenching the letter while she still looks at it in disbelief, Kushida shed a tear. "H-How…"
"No need to worry since it was not a lie at all. I have my own way how to get the official stample of it. Also, your family also knows about this. Knowing them, they must be happy with what you achieve." Sumireko laughed a bit before walking passing her. "Kushida-san, I hope you will not lost your way to extreme like I did. Unlike me… You still have a plenty of time to change." She said as she walks throughout the corridor.
Kushida unable to talk as she bit her lip, still in disbelief of a falling star that fall upon her in accident. "It's not fair… You bastard… Why… You give me something worthless like this… I…" She said as she tried to hold tears that almost fall from her eyes. "Damn it…" She said as clenched the letter on her grasp.
(Flashback End)
"For me, I think of expulsion for Hanabusa-san at first. However, when I think again about it, the one that truly affected by her actions are me alone. The others just help me to put a stop to her plan. But what I can respect of her, is that she admit all of the evidence that Akutagawa-senpai gathered are the truth without any complaint." Kushida explained before closed her eyes and look toward Manabu. "Horikita-senpai. Is there a possibility for a home suspension?" She asked, which surprises the audience of the room.
'I see.' Itachi glanced at Sumireko. 'I can see that Sumireko do something but not in bad intention. From what I see in Kikyo eyes, she clearly shown gratitude toward her.'
Ryueen look disinterested by Kushida decision but he's glad as he afraid Sumireko's expulsion will deduct their Class Point.
Kei clearly shocked by Kushida decision while Suzune just look at her intently. Atsushi and Sae smiled, as if like they expect this to happen. The same for Dazai, Mio, and Masumi. Honami shared the same expression as Kei.
Instead of answering, Manabu glance at Akutagawa to answer it.
"Akutagawa-kun, you allowed to speak." Akane said to the leader of the Discipline Committee where he stands up from his seat.
"It's possible; with the longest house suspension will be two semester. During that time, the one that punished unable to step in inside ANHS till' the time is done and must give weekly report about what they're doing during the suspension." Akutagawa explained. "So you want to put Sumireko Hanabusa to a house suspension? And also, since Class 1-C student is responsible, don't all of you want to defend your own classmate?"
"No. Hanabusa after all do the shit by herself so she must pay for it like a true knight she is." Ryueen said in joking manner.
"As much as I want to defend her, this is all her act to begin with so I can't find anyway to defend her from accusation." Itachi support Ryuuen decision.
"No comment~" Dazai said while relaxing on his seat. During the trial, it was revealed that he wearing a headset and seemingly listens to a song from his phone.
"I see. Then we reach a conclusion of this trial sooner than we expected." Akane said before speak once again. "Kushida-san, let we hear your proposal for Sumireko Hanabusa punishment. You can speak now."
"Thank you Tachibana-senpai." Kushida thanked her before speak up. "I propose that Hanabusa-san will be put under house arrest for two semesters and since Class 1-C partially responsible for allowing her to act freely like this, I propose that Class 1-C give us some of their Class Point for ours."
Ryuuen widen his eyes slightly but he already expects this. 'Tch. I know it would lead to this. I sure to discipline her after her suspension is over.' He thought in annoyed tone.
Itachi also hardened his gaze. This is what his class get for not keep watch over Sumireko to prevent this from ever happen in the first place. "Very well then. Sumireko action is a prove that both I and Kakeru failed to watch over our subordinates. How many Class Point you want to take from us?" He asked while accepting the fate that if Kushida will take as much Class Point as possible to make Class 1-C drop to Class 1-D.
"I… Propose that we Class 1-D… Take 0 Class Point from Class 1-C. The punishment for Hanabusa-san is more than enough." Kushida said with a smile. Silence happens inside the trial room before some of them decide to ask the same thing.
"WHAAAAAAAAAT!?"
At last, the trial of Sumireko Hanabusa is over with the result that she will be under house suspension for two semester, which meaning she will allow to return to ANHS after the Christmas Eve and with 0 Class Point taken, securing Class 1-C position.
On the outside of the Student Council Room, Itachi is seen talking with Kushida while the others are return to their each dorm room since it was evening already.
"Thank you very much for not taking our Class Point, Kikyou. I don't know how to repay you for this." Itachi thanked her.
"Its okay, Itachi-san." Kushida said with a smile that appears genuine. "Think of it as a fallen star that I give to you." She then walk away from him, which leave Itachi a bit perplexed by what she meant by that. 'I actually never use to this. After all, I'm not a true kind person at heart. However, Hanabusa-san… For the fallen star that you give to me, I repay it only once with what I can back then.' She thought as she walking alone on the corridor, her emotions still mixed because of the sudden present.
On the corridor, Honami is seen running like she was try to catch up with someone. She finally find the one that she chase. "Wait! Akutagawa-senpai!"
The one that called is seen walking with Suzuka before look at her with plain look. "What is the matter, Honami Ichinose?" He asked. "Suzuka, you can go ahead."
"Okay then. See you Akutagawa-san." Suzuka said as she walks ahead of him back to her dorm room.
After Suzuka already far enough, Akutagawa decide to ask. "Is this about the event that happened there?" He asked
"Y-Yes. Because of that." Honami then slightly bow. "T-Thank you very much! Akutagawa-senpai! The reason you did that… Is to encourage me right?" She asked before look down. "I realized it after thinking back what you said. Yes, my reason to do that was not bad but no matter what… What I did back then in my view is still a wrong thing to do. However… I finally understand, it's a wrong thing to keep dwell in past regret anymore. I'll face it even if there's someone used it against me… I can promise that." She said with determination clearly on his eyes.
"Huh." Akutagawa just huffed as he walks toward her while releasing immense pressure from his body. This makes Honami shivering in fear as he approach her. When he in front of her, he look at her seriously. "To face the past, one must truly have conviction to do that. Are you really ready for it or you just all talk no bite?" He demanded.
Hearing the question, Honami brace herself to look toward the leader of the Discipline Committee seriously. "I'm ready for it. I'll show you if I must do it." She said.
"I see. You truly similar as him. Truly annoys me." Akutagawa stated as he turn around. "However, it seems his decision to choose you… Was not a mistake at all." He said as he walk away from her, leaving her in thought about who's Akutagawa mean by that.
Just who is this person that chooses her for whatever reason he have in mind?
On the next day, Sumireko already packing her belongings as she waiting for her driver to arrives and take her back home for her home suspension. The heiress of the Hanabusa Family already wearing her casual dress and brings her bag. She then glance at the direction of the class building.
"Well, I must say that the two month that I spent here was funny after all." Sumireko said to herself. Currently its Friday morning, still an hour before the class begins. She expect that Itachi or Ryuuen will escort her but that's a wishful thinking. Because of her, Class 1-C have some negative views from the normal students although with Itachi and Ryuuen effort using the hard way, the gossip about it slowly diminished.
Not even Arisu bothers enough to accompany her. Did she perhaps lose her respect to her?
"I wonder what takes our driver so long." Sumireko wondered.
"Look who's going to be suspended here?"
Sumireko, knowing the owner of the voice just sighed and turn around to see Kushida with a satisfied smile on her face. "Coming for mocking me Kushida-san?" She asked with her trademark smirk.
"Of course it is. What's better than to see you finally will be kicked out momentarily from the school. It must be quite sad for you, isn't it?" Kushida asked with mockery.
"Said the one that instead of expelling me decided to put me on home suspension only. It seems you're softer than I thought Kushida-san. Perhaps something or someone really have impression on you? After all, I could care less because this school not has any benefit for me anymore." Sumireko shot back.
"You way of talking was truly annoying, you know?" Kushida said in her true persona voice tone. "Even though I really enjoy seeing you expelled in the most satisfying way possible, I… Decided to give you… Some chance." Kushida stated, remembering the horrid consequences of her actions back then. 'Just like… Horikita-san gives to me.' She thought to her own.
"Is that so? Then it seems I must say my reluctant gratitude." Sumireko said with mocking tone as her driver finally arrives. "Kushida-san. Make sure you not lost again." She said as she enters the car and drive away from ANHS entrance.
Kushida just look at her car with plain look as it drives further from ANHS entrance. "Yeah. Thank you very much… You surprisingly kind bastard." She said with a smile as she returns back to the classroom building.
On the outside of ANHS, more precisely on the Japanese military base that situated on Yokohama.
On the training room of kendo, a military officer is seen hearing a voice message from his phone. He is a young man who has white hair with tips that fade into red. Along with the Japanese military uniform, he wears a long earring with a bell attached to it on his right ear. His eyes is also closed all the time.
"I see. So I was the one that chosen huh? For the so-called scamming school they surely have guts." The man said as he exiting the training room as he walk toward the headquarters. "Well, it seems that I can meet you there, Suzune and Manabu. Also… A mission from my dear comrades."
Jouno Saigiku – 5th Rank of the Hunting Dog
Special Ability: Priceless Tears
Author Notes
With this the Second Volume of this story is concluded. Next we immediately moved to Volume 3, where the Island Exam, which most considers as the turning point of Classroom of the Elite story will begins. It will be very different than the Canon and I don't plan to disappoint so stay tune.
I decided to give Sumireko and Kushida closure here. After doing some analysis, I really thought they both are the same as they are lost on their quest to search their true self. And from what I analyze after reading Akuma no Riddle Manga, Sumireko maybe twisted but she always give gratitude to someone that support her (Mahiru/Shiinya). Her rich upbringing after all also help it and considers her connection, I think her present to Kushida makes sense.
And you can see on this chapter, more Special Ability user revealed and the Hunting Dog, the superhuman unit or I must say the equivalent of Green Goblin in Bungou Stray Dogs make their appearance faster than expected. Two of their members will play a part in Volume 3 so stay tuned.
I also makes Ichinose development happens a bit faster in here, considers what happen in Volume 3 will shook her even more than just what Akutagawa did to her.
See you in the next update.