/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 III
At the Middle of Pacific, Part III
"You know what? Suck it." Jouno dismissed Sae's words as he sit beside her this time. "However, now let's hear the scream of your heart, you poor excuse for a teacher."
Sae just narrowed her eyes toward Jouno. She truly never expected that he will come here out of pure interests because after all, it's not his problems at all. "What are you doing here, Saigiku-san? You shall know that you have no right to be involved in matters that regard to the school itself." Sae at least manage to keep her plain tone toward the Hunting Dog member.
"What you're doing just now… Was blackmail right?" Jouno decided to not playing around and quickly go to the matter. Sae though still manage to keep the plain look on her face. "Moreover, you're poor liar as I manage to hear the slight increase of your heartbeat. From that I can deduce one thing. The man that you just spill to Ayanokouji-san is nothing more but a speculation from your own head. In fact, you don't even know if it was man or a woman in the first place. You said that lie in order to see how Ayanokouji-san will act and I must said… His heartbeat increase rapidly when you said it."
"However, for what reason you blackmail him I wonder? I never heard a teacher that blackmailing their students like you did." Jouno said, keep press on the matter.
"The teachers inside this school are different from the teacher on normal high school. The ANHS represent the true society of the outside world so… Even the student must be preparing for something like this. It's something common." Sae replied to him.
"Represent the true society? What nonsense. If that is true, there's no need for regulations or the security camera right?" Jouno wondered. "The outside world is harsher than this school expected. For me, I actually more favor the normal high school student. In the end, their personality was able to tamed well by their parents if of course not a bad one. For me, this school was not a success at all, it was more a like a desperate movement by the government because of their inability to do at least… Better things rather than force 15 to 17 years old student in the style not much different than when Rome against the Barbarians." He explained.
"Why'd you think so?" Sae wondered but deep inside, she feels not well by Jouno's explanation. "If you want to equalize Japan style of education with the other nation, we can't be comparing to a country like Finland who have one of the best education system in the world."
"Of course not. I just stated my own opinion from what I see." Jouno just shrugged without care before he decides to spill up the beans. "By the way despite my lack of interest of this school, as a military officer I manage to read various news and reports about this school that was able to leak to the outside world. From one of the reports, I manage to find an interesting event… About one class that almost reaches A-Class that according to this school simplistic goal was able to get a 100 percent job appointment and college entrance, but it was prevented from that goal… Because of one person." He said with a smile, which make Sae widen her eyes in surprise this time.
"You… How did-" Sae unable to finish her words as Jouno continue his rambling.
"It was said that the class later ostracize that certain person till' the time of graduation. However, by luck or a curse, two people from that certain class manages to get a promising career despite not graduating from A-Class, and become teacher inside the school that rob them of their sanity and even now, use all of the students inside their class for their own foolish dream." Jouno finished as he look toward Sae, who's now sweating on her face in disbelief and her slowly become shaky due to a stranger manage to guess her past easily.
'D-Did he… How's he able to guess it? Is he from ANHS as well? No. I never see him at all during my time as a student. Hunting Dog is different from the other parts of Japanese military. As the teacher of Japanese History I know that the most. There's only regular info about them. The depth of their info is never being revealed.' Sae thought in worry as her plain look starting to crumble.
"So it was you then. Thank you so much for the sound of your despair. You truly have a big goal of wanting to reach A-Class this time by manipulating your own students. However Chabashira-san, when you find out about Ayanokouji-san from the school data, you actually feel relieved right? Because you stupid wish although you not need it anymore can be come true probably through him." Jouno keep pressing on her most sensitive subjects before smirk. "Your goal truly beautiful but rather trash. I hope that someday the air balloon that carries your senseless goal will forcefully land on the ground. You always fear it for ten years straight… Fear about your lover perhaps?"
That's the last straw as Sae suddenly grab Jouno by the collar and anger clearly shown on her eyes. Despite her age, seems Jouno manage to touch her most sore spot.
"Oya. Where's the formal Chabashira-san from before?" Jouno taunted her, still smiling.
"You know nothing! After all, you never experienced how this school works in the first place! What we've been through in here!" Sae shouted at him with anger now evident on her eyes and tone.
"That's true that I do not know how this school works. However as a military, I know best there is other that more trash than this lab-in-disguise as high school." Jouno stated as he speak suddenly. "You hear all of it right, Tetchou-san?" He asked to his partner, making Sae widen her eyes in surprise before Tetchou voice come out from small earpiece on Jouno's right ear.
[Although I not really like your methods Jouno, after hearing such person become a teacher, I change my mind and will disregard my view of justice for once. I'll call Sakayanagi-san in due time. Is there anything else you want to say?] Tetchou voice asked from the earpiece.
"For now it's done." Jouno said with a smile as the communication stopped. "As you can see Chabashira-san, I wonder how loud your sound of despair will be if the chairman find out about this. I bet after you were fired-"
"S-Stop it…" Sae then start to break as she lessen the grip on Jouno's collar and look down. Tears are starting to form on her eyes. "Don't call the chairman…"
"Khu khu khu. So you afraid… Because the day will surely come sooner or later." Jouno said as he gently releasing Sae's grip on her collar. "In any case, you shall thank me Chabashira-san. With what I just do, you will not hold any desire for the A-Class nonsense right? Maybe on the outside world, there's better job for wannabe manipulator like you." He then walks away before leaving one final statement. "It's been ten years had passed. Isn't it enough already?"
"D-Don't… Kgh…" Sae continue to break down as she grip the chair beside her as she tried to hold her tears away.
The scene then moves to Kiyotaka who already move toward the direction of the bar that Jouno directed him before. It's not difficult for him to guess because it was norm that the military officer like Jouno will probably enjoy bar for a talk. In there, he sees Tetchou is doing something that shouldn't do on public facility.
He's doing pushup with his upper clothes and cloak was hanged on the hanger pole. He seems paid no mind to his surrounding as he continuing his pushup.
'He surely a dedicated fellow.' Kiyotaka thought as he can sense Jouno already finish his business with Sae. He then sits on one of the empty table as Jouno approaches him with his usual smile on his face.
"Sorry for keep you wait Ayanokouji-san." Jouno said while put his hat off as a sign of greeting. "I see that you don't disturb Tetchou-san from practicing." He commented as he annoyed after seeing what his partner currently doing.
"Is he always like that I wonder?" Kiyotaka asked Jouno with his usual apathetic tone but shown a little of confusion on it.
"He is what you called muscle without brain." Jouno said to him with rather sarcastic tone as he then sit down on the table.
"That's quite rude toward your own comrade isn't it?" Kiyotaka wondered.
"He deserves that after all." Jouno huff before his tone turn serious. "But in any case, I think I'll explain myself to you. You must be confused right now because why'd a member of the Hunting Dog who should be work only as a bodyguard of ANHS students join in an affair of ANHS like stopping the sorry excuse of a teacher back then?"
Kiyotaka just look silently, trying to observe Jouno. 'I see. He doesn't lie at all. If what I guess was right, Hunting Dog is not like official police at all.' He analyzed inside his mind.
"The reason was simple. Hunting Dog is tied to the government and Japanese military. However, in the face of something injustice, we have our own code or rather our own privilege to stop that injustice. That's the reason I disturb your own homeroom teacher." Jouno explained while he silently also try to hear Kiyotaka's change of thought. 'Interesting. It's like what she said… His heartbeat never changed. Even when I already establish myself not his enemies, he always keeps his guard.' He thought with interest.
'He seems realize I keep my guard around him.' Kiyotaka silently thought as he speaks again. "Isn't that sounds barbaric? You as the military which represent order were given free choice to do your own punishment against injustice?"
"Our vice-commander always said to all of us that without order, those that gifted in violence would stand at the top. That's why our special unit given the special privilege in order to become slave of the society that controls the law with the strongest violence." Jouno recited the words of advice.
"That still sounds barbaric and out of date way of thinking. We're not in the time of war anymore." Kiyotaka commented in plain tone.
"But that's what makes Hunting Dog the strongest military unit Japan ever has. Of course, we're limited on how much free choice we can make." Jouno said before he sips his coffee. "Now I think I shall go on to the business. Ayanokouji-san, what makes that poor excuse of a teacher blackmailing you?" He asked in curiosity.
"I honestly not know." Kiyotaka replied firmly. 'Did the Hunting Dog know about the White Room? If so, it will be annoying.' He thought on his head.
"I see. However, I think I get the gist of it." Jouno stated with a smile. "White Room." After he said those two words, Kiyotaka appears to tense a bit.
"So the government knows about it?" Kiyotaka asked in plain tone, although there's hint of annoyance on it, not want to talk at all about that horrid place and his experience as he is a poor talker in explaining anything about it.
"Of course they know… Which makes this country rotten to the core for allowing such place to exist." Jouno said in his ghostly smile, but this make Kiyotaka a bit relaxed. "Although I can see that Chabashira-san knows nothing about it and just see your background. For that, I'll talk with the chairman about to make student profile a secret from teacher unless the said student permit them to explore it."
"Do you have power to disturb this school though? Because this school strictly prohibiting disturbance from the outsider." Kiyotaka wondered.
Jouno however, just reply with a smile. "You shall see. In any case, both I and Tetchou also have secret mission in here than just to keep watch of the ANHS student thanks to a certain incident on Yokohama two years ago, but to tell you about something." He then picks up something from the pocket on his suit. "You shall read this. I promise that not a soul except both of us and the writer of this that knows about it."
"What is it I wonder…" Kiyotaka then open the paper and start to read it, before his eyes slightly turn serious as he like recognize it. "Saigiku-san. How could you have this?"
"Heh. Isn't it obvious?" Jouno replied with nonchalant smile. "A former White Room student has joined our ranks… Someone that you know dearly, in fact."
Morning finally arrive on the Speranza that still sailing at the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Two days had passed since Sae's attempt to blackmail Kiyo. After being blackmail by Jouno, the homeroom teacher of Class 1-D more often stay inside her dorm room afraid that with the information he has, Jouno will tarnish her further in front of the other homeroom teacher or worse, the students.
Speaking of the students, two members of the literature club is seen talking and laughing with each other on a table close to the swimming pool.
As Hiyori and Saki revealed to have many papers and writing tools on the table, discussing about something.
"Whoa! Thank you for your help Hiyori-chan! With this, my title as the great librarian shall be proven to the world!" Saki exclaimed with her usual happy tone.
"Uh… Shouldn't it be better if the title is the great mangaka instead Yamashita-san?" Hiyori asked with a comical sweat-drop on her head. Even if the bookworm can tolerate Saki's way of talking, she find herself sometimes hard to follow her. "And also… It's not entirely mine. A student from Horikita-san class gladly helps me for searching the relevant manga that probably will interest you to make the story that you want. That's why I was able to make this small draft." She explained. Hiding the fact that it was Ike that helps her months ago.
"Still~ this is amazing as I expect from Hiyori-chan who loved to read books~" Saki said, compliment her before wonder about something. "But I wonder something. If Hiyori-chan really like to read and even able to write a perfect draft like this, why not write your own masterpiece?"
Hearing Saki's question make Hiyori just smiled. "I… I don't know what to say for your question Yamashita-san. I… Don't have enough confidence to write my own book… Probably. Even though I love to read… I-"
"You can't be like that Hiyori-chan. It just…" Saki then gently touch Hiyori's right hand on the table. "I only think that your talent for be able to write a draft like this will be wasted. But in the end, the choice is yours." She said with surprisingly concerned tone.
"Yamashita-san…" Hiyori felt a bit touched by the chunnibyou girl words. She then giggling a bit. "He he he… Sorry for laughing. I see that you able to speak normally as well." She apologized while cleaning the speck of tears on her face.
Saki puffs her cheek in comical annoyance. "Hiyori-chan is so mean."
"However, what you said suddenly reminds me of my father. Even though I like to read thanks to my grandmother… My father was probably the first torch to it." She said in happy nostalgia, remembering a certain event in her past. "My father was a novice novel writer and the lecturer of psychology. That's the reason that I probably like mystery genre of all book that I read."
"I see! But…"
"My father novel sadly… Not have much hit on sales. I don't know why… When I read his writing, it was good. I think there's nothing wrong with it. But… When I read Dazai-sensei novel… It feels different…" Hiyori said.
"Hiyori-chan… I think that reasoning is enough!" Saki said while clasp both of Hiyori's hands on her grip. "Think about it! Your tou-san novel was low on sales because probably the story not that too interesting to the public! Shouldn't this be your golden opportunity?" She asked her with a smile. "Why don't you try to write your own novel and prove it to your father? I bet he must be proud! Also as my gratitude for help me, I shall help you out in this!" Saki offered.
"Yamashita-san, are you sure? I-I don't have enough confidence in writing a story…" Hiyori uttered. "L-Let I think about it first."
Saki silent for a few seconds, before nod in understanding. "I see. But then again, it's your choice. I just feel sorry for your talent Hiyori-chan…" Saki said in low tone before an idea cross to her mind. "Hey! What about we asked the other members of the literature club? They probably can give you some inspiration!"
"I don't know if they can. Itachi-kun, Horikita-san, and Ichinose-san are busy with class leader matters. Even back then during the meeting, all he did was greeting me before going with Ryuuen-kun." Hiyori said while shook her head.
"Then how about Atsushi-kun, Sakura-chan, or maybe-"
"You calling me?" Siesta suddenly appears on the side of their table while standing, making Hiyori and Saki shocked. Her face is on her usual smile.
"H-Hello…" Airi shyly greets them as she stand beside Siesta.
"S-Siesta-chan please doesn't surprise us like that!?" Saki exclaimed comically. "At least Airi-chan not doing that!"
"I-I'm sorry." Airi meekly apologized.
"C'mon Sakura-san. You said you want to join Literature Club because you want to socialize with others right? That's why you must join the other members on a light talking like this." Siesta advised her.
"R-Right." Airi meekly agree before look toward Hiyori and Saki. "U-Um… If we m-may-"
"You can join us Sakura-san, Siesta-san. There's no need to be worry." Hiyori was the first one to let them join instead of Saki. "Yamashita-san just wants to talk with us you know."
"Correctly! Siesta-chan surely knows what inside this mastermind head!" Saki chimed in happily.
"Well, call you a mastermind seems to farfetched Yamashita-san. After all, a mastermind won't need someone's help with something simple like making a story." Siesta said, speaking from her own experience as she and Sakura also sitting on the table.
"Actually… I want to persuade our cute bookworm over here to write her own stories. But she seems too shy to do it~" Saki said while point toward Hiyori which flustered a bit.
"Yamashita-san. I tell it's not like-"
"But when I see you for the first time, I think you can become a great writer, Shiina-san." Siesta suddenly said as she read through Hiyori's self-made synopsis to help Saki make her own manga. "This kind of writing is good. If you tell Dazai-sensei about it, considers he write a novel as well, he will support you without a doubt." She then give it to Airi so she can read it as well.
"Siesta-san…" Hiyori didn't believe that Siesta that from she observed seems smart as Itachi praise her handwriting of synopsis. "Thank you… All of you for your care to me but, I actually not know whether I can make a good story… Because my father-"
"Like I said, I think you no need to worry about that Hiyori-chan." Saki once again said. "I know the choice is yours…"
"I know." Hiyori nod. "After hearing all of you support me like this… I'll think of it. Thank you…"
"Um… I also think i-it was good, Shiina-san…" Airi said to her with a shy smile after she read the synopsis. "B-But I also think the same as Siesta-san…"
"Wow! Sakura-chan actually talks! This is a great invention! I wonder what kind of spell I shall put to make you able to talk in long sentences!" Saki said in excited tone as the idol in disguise rarely talks even inside the clubroom.
"E-EH!? N-No, I don't bewitched by anyone!" Airi stammered to reply as her face slightly reddened.
Hiyori giggling seeing Airi's embarrassed expression. "Sakura-san truly an interesting person. Maybe you shall help me to convince Dazai-sensei to stop his habit."
And such, their everyday activities on Speranza continues.
But for now, how about the situation on the ANHS itself with all of the 1st years and their homeroom teacher gone?
Back on ANHS, the school now becomes a bit empty with the 1st Year 'vacation'. Despite of it however, that doesn't mean both of the Student Council and the Discipline Committee is doing nothing. Even though both Manabu and Akane are quite busy since they're 3rd Year and few months away from graduation, they still need to cover various paperwork, preparing the last Sport Festival under Manabu's reign, and the preparation for the new student council president election, which is an unexpected move.
At first, Nagumo was the only candidate thanks to his position as the student council vice president but Akutagawa actions and his influence over the 2nd Year make him also become the second candidate for the student council president. This reaches even to the current chairman of ANHS, Narumori Sakayanagi, who then suggest both of them must go through general election in order to play fair.
Currently inside of the student council room, Akutagawa is standing in front of Manabu's desk while Akane as usual is standing beside the desk carrying her notes. The leader of the discipline committee currently giving Manabu a vision about what he'll do to ANHS after he resign from his position.
"I already write what I plan to do if I manage to beat Fake Angel on that essay; Horikita-san, Tachibana-san." Akutagawa explained to them with formal tone. However, instead of showing amusement, Manabu harden his gaze on the paper.
"Are you sure about this, Akutagawa?" Manabu asked him with neutral tone. "If you do this, it's like ANHS will be even more flipping than before, not that the revolution that I make already does that. Even though the student council is the most powerful faction inside this school, with this means you'll face displeasure from the board directors as well."
"I'm ready to face that consequence Horikita-san. They can try to dispose me if they want. After all, this is what I think what's best rather than Fake Angel proposed application that will threaten the student privacy. If that happens, the students inside this school that are not exceptional enough can cause a riot in an unpredictable time." Akutagawa reasoned. True though, even if Nagumo's reasoning for his OAA App is to monitor the entire students parameter, it's nothing more than to satisfy his own ego as he can always stay on the top while carefully monitors the others students using it.
"I agree with you on that one, Akutagawa. I also disagree with Nagumo's proposed app and I'm glad the possibility of it being rebuilt has been reduced to none. With that, the 1st Year privacy can be saved from him." Manabu nod in agreement before immediately get to the point. "However… Why'd you plan to cut three-quarter of the security camera? If you do that, it makes this school vulnerable to violence or any violation."
Silent for a moment, Akutagawa then speak up. "In my opinion, the best way for the students to learn about the outside world is not through constant surveillance like we are a livestock inside this semi-closed area. After all, I experience it myself first hand… How such gadgets are nothing more than tools that can be manipulate in the end." Akutagawa give his most logical reasoning. "Of course the security camera will still be existing on the private place if that can make both of you calm enough."
"But if that happens… This school can be reek with violence…" Akane reasoned while clench her notes. "I don't want our kouhai to experience something like what you did to Nagumo goons…"
"Why'd you still take pity on them Tachibana-san? Don't you forget that they're the reason you almost be expelled on the first place because Nagumo uncontrollable thirst for Horikita-san to face him?" Akutagawa asked calmly but not in anger. Instead, he said it with calm tone.
"I pity them for what you did to them Akutagawa-kun. Even after both of us and the discipline committee knows about your true reasons to come to this school… I think your way is too cruel…" Akane said as she tried her best to hold her tears.
Akutagawa sighed. He almost forgot about that fact. He then walks toward Akane and surprisingly, patting her head. "Remember what I promise to you after I saved you from the expulsion by the Fake Angel back then Tachibana-san? I'm a man that will keep my word so you can rest assured is not like what you think."
"I… Know…" Akane nod, still remembering what Akutagawa meant clearly. Manabu just smiled while closing his eyes watching the scene.
"If that so, I can't help but give you my support. Of course if you lose the election, there's no doubt what Nagumo will aim." Manabu said to him which makes Akutagawa look at him.
"I understand. He can come numerous times toward me as many times as he likes but I will prevail in the end." Akutagawa stated with conviction. "After all… A great darkness will soon befall this school and I hope with you and Tachibana-san graduate, you can escape from that. For Suzune Horikita matters, no need to worry that I'll make sure to take care of her after you graduated."
"I think you shall not worry too much about that Akutagawa. I can assure you… Suzune's on great hands because… She has many reliable friends now." Manabu said fondly as an image of Suzune happily converse with Itachi and the others appears inside his mind.
"Is that so… But I understand as an older brother as well." Akutagawa said in plain tone. He then hears his hand watch alarm and look at it. 'It's already time huh?' He thought after seeing his watch.
"It seems we talk too long in here and I forgot you'll hold a meeting with your discipline committee members." Akane sighed.
"It's all right. They're an understanding bunch. If that so, I bid my farewell. Good afternoon Horikita-san, Tachibana-san." Akutagawa bids them farewell as he exiting the student council room.
After Akutagawa was leaving the room, Akane then look at Manabu with concern. "President…" She uttered.
"I know Tachibana. In my deepest heart, I also disagree with what Akutagawa plan to do since it basically get rid of another essence of this school like I did but in an even extreme scale. However, this is the logical solution that in hand rather than let the OAA App being established if what he inform to us were true." Manabu said, knowing what's inside Akane's mind.
"But to think... That someone from the outside have in mind to disrupt the school for their own agenda… It's unthinkable… I wonder why the government would allow it in the first place…" Akane uttered.
"Either the government just keeps a blind eye… Or this group holds such significant power that the government can't do anything about it." Manabu said while sighing. "I surely remember Saigiku-shishou words at a time like this…"
Still not convinced yet by Manabu words, Akane then look to the window that show ANHS vast districts on the outside. 'Whoever become the next student council president… Please don't let bad omen befall our kouhai.' She thought.
Back on Akutagawa, he opens the door of the discipline committee room, only to be greeted by its members who do various activities.
"You surely took too long Akutagawa. It's not like you at all." Ayato crudely said with narrowed gaze as he looks like reading a novel.
"Maybe he was dating with Tachibana-senpai without a doubt~" Toki joked while he's playing his portable game.
"Hee~ A date with Tachibana-senpai… Satori want to support Akutagawa-san then~" Satori said as she currently reading a Doujinshi manga.
"Seriously all of you. Even though we're going to held important meeting…" Suzuka just sighed in comical irritation at the ruckus.
"It's all right Suzuka." Akutagawa assured him as he go and sit on his desk. "May I have your attention?" He asked and releasing a heavy pressure that makes Toki and Satori stop on whatever they currently doing. "Seriously… If all of you show something like this to the students… Our view will be flip instantly."
"Oi don't be that serious Akutagawa, what's important is that we do our job right?" Toki playfully said to him.
Ayato just sighed.
"Satori agree with Toki-kun over here~" Satori said in her playful tone.
"I agree with that. However, even though we have eighty percent chance of winning the student council president election, Nagumo was an unpredictable. True that he can't make his OAA app anymore thanks to our effort but knowing him, he must be preparing some dirty tactics." Suzuka warned them.
"Like he did against Tachibana-senpai a year ago huh? He can welcome to try." Ayato just snickers. "After all, they said one that not knows his own limit tends to bark the most like he did." He said, completely mocking Nagumo.
"Kirishima-san, this is no time to underestimate him. Even though we already eradicate most of his top goons, remember that this is the man that almost make the entire 2nd Year into nothing more than a bunch of servants for him if not because of us." Suzuka once again warned. "The time of campaign without a doubt will become his strongest aspect that he'll used to beat us."
"I can't help but agree with you, Suzuka." Akutagawa said in agreement. "Even though what we did manage to prevent the hell that will cause by Fake Angel that not means his fighting spirit was gone. I suggest all of you treat this as a war like I did against that bigot two and half years ago. The winner will stand on the top of this school while the loser without a doubt will become more ostracized. Not to mention the darkness that will soon come to this school sooner or later. Because of that, we really need a good way to win the election."
"I agree on that part. Remember that we always using violence in order to keep ANHS students abide the rules. Even though we can do it on limited degree thanks to Horikita-senpai reluctance agreement, I'm afraid that bastard Nagumo will use it in order to tarnish his name." Ayato supported.
"Shall Satori come to Nagumo-kun room and beat him blue?" Satori asked with nonchalant tone.
"Of course no Tamaba! We don't need your airhead brain on this! Considers you beat the bastard ass 125 times! The fact that you able to contain yourself during the fight of Itachi Ibuki and Kakeru Ryuuen from Class 1-C on April even with Tachibana-senpai in there were surprising!" Ayato screamed at her.
"And that's why you want to tell us something right, Suzuka-chan?" Toki wondered.
Suzuka nod before look at Akutagawa. "Akutagawa-san, if you want to beat Nagumo-san… Although this way sounds dirty but I think you shall make her to our side. From what I manage to discovered, she have a powerful Special Ability to help." She revealed.
"I see. No wonder I feel something off about her in the first place." Akutagawa said in agreement with Suzuka as he looks at Satori. "Tamaba. Guard in front of my dorm room. Make sure that none of the Fake Angel goons manage to spy on it and get rid of any suspicious things." He ordered the lime-haired.
"Okay~" Satori said happily as she immediately stand up from her seat.
"I'll pay her a visit myself. After all, the best way when someone want to make a deal is when both the participant is on the same place." Akutagawa stated as he stands up from his seat.
On ANHS, probably the place that not expected to exist at all was a small Shinto shrine.
Before Manabu's small revolution, since ANHS was completely isolated from the outside world the board directors also preparing some prayer place for various religions for the students. Now however due to ANHS already semi-opened to the outside, the worship place not as full as before as the students not too crowded and more like to do their prayer on other places that have close proximity to the school.
On the shrine for the Shinto religion or more precisely on the place where Omikuji are tied, a certain brown-haired girl is seen praying alone in front of it and put her own Omikuji on it.
'I hope that whoever winning the student council president election, it will not bring bad omen to our kouhai.' Nazuna thought as she pray to the gods she believes in.
"Asahina." The familiar voice make Nazuna open her eyes as she lucky enough to finishing her prayer already. She then turn around to look Akutagawa standing in front of her with his usual, plain and uninterested emotion on his face.
"It was rude to disturb someone that is praying, Akutagawa-san." Nazuna shot at him with plain tone, already tired with all the fiasco that happens between Akutagawa and Nagumo.
The harsh truth is, after the downfall of Nagumo a year ago because of Akutagawa iron fist, Nazuna have realize something in particular beside the fact that she really dislike Nagumo for the horror that happen to Class 2-A.
She doesn't care anymore of A-Class position.
The reason? Simple. Thanks to the condition and her own realization, she realized that A-Class is only for those that not trust their own abilities. Basically, what Nagumo propose, the OAA app is not because his desire to make ANHS move forward. The horrid app that now can't hope to be made anymore is just the physical manifestation of his ego.
An ego of someone that feel on his highest plane of existence because he feels like he was god and will do any awful stuff for his own self-satisfaction and pleasure… Till' Akutagawa decide to show his fangs that is.
Now she start to realize what Fuuka said to her back then make sense after all.
Back to the scene, Akutagawa paid no comment on Nazuna remarks. "I want to talk to you and you can trust me it's not about our usual feud between the Fake Angel class and the other 2nd Years." He said, quickly goes to the point. "Follow me and if you're afraid that the conversation will happen inside the discipline committee room, it won't."
Nazuna just narrowed her eyes at Akutagawa before decide to follow him.
The scene then skips to the male dorm corridor where Akutagawa was walking alongside Nazuna, who trail him from behind.
"What're you wanted to talk about exactly?" Nazuna demanded with plain tone. "Is this about the student council president election? I don't to take any part in it if that can make you relax, Akutagawa-san."
"We talk about it when we reach my dorm room. Speaking of it, we're finally arriving." Akutagawa stated as both of them immediately greet by Satori who stand on guard in front of Akutagawa's dorm room which is 612. "I trust there's no one suspicious Tamaba?"
"If there's someone like that, Satori'll whack them using these~" Satori proclaimed in playful tone as she shown wield a wooden pole that seemingly hiding something. "Hello there Asahina-chan~"
Nazuna flinch a bit when Satori greet her. Among the members of the discipline committee except for Suzuka who she revealed to be close with due to they belong to the same class, she didn't like the other members that much and Satori was on the top of her list. Not only her intention was mysterious but her fish-like eye and her constant smiling face creeps her out. "Hello to you as well T-Tamaba-san…"
"Heh~ No need to be such formal." Satori tiptoes for a while before walk approaching her. "We are friends remember… Since we share the same year~"
"Tamaba. Please not disturb her. We're going to have an important talk inside. You can go now." Akutagawa just sighed at her antics as he politely shoo her off.
"Okay then~ See you Asahina-chan~" Satori bid her goodbye as she walking toward the elevator.
"You surely always keep your guards up even though our class not a threat anymore thanks to you." Nazuna plainly commented.
"One thing that I learned from my nemesis back then is if you not dispose of him, he'll become a troublesome opponent in the future. I won't take chance for Fake Angel to spy on my tiniest detail considering his personality." Akutagawa merely reasoned as his open his dorm room. Like Itachi, Akutagawa seems someone that not waste too much private points as the inside of his dorm room rather minimalist and there's hardly any decoration except for black cloak that he usually wears on a hanger and some of his clothes that rather classic in nature.
"What drink that you want?" Akutagawa asked her.
The formal question however, causes something within Nazuna to snap. How could he casually offer something like that for the pain he caused into her class for a year? "Do you really right in the mind? Offering generosity to someone from the class that you and your discipline committee personally trampled and make all of us traumatized?" Asahina narrow her eyes at Akutagawa's formal offering. "Why don't we talk and get this over with? I really don't want to talk with you, Akutagawa-san."
"Even though what we're talking about is this pathetic school future? Also, don't play victim here. After all, you're the one that tell us about Fake Angel wish to create that ridiculous OAA app. If not for you, we surely too late to stop it and Horikita-san revolution will be amount to nothing." Akutagawa shot back, making Nazuna flinch. "In many ways, you also play part in Fake Angel downfall Nazuna Asahina. Don't try to run away from fact."
"I agree because back then I don't realize that your way of doing it basically using pure violence!?" Nazuna shot back with a yell, tears appears on her eyes. "The one that both of you and Nagumo-kun expelled…. They're my friends as well! And thanks to both of your ego… They're-Ugh!" Asahina words being cut off as Akutagawa lift her using the same black matter from his cloak that he used against Honami months ago. It then constricts Nazuna in the neck making her gasp for air. "G-Gaagh!"
Akutagawa Special Ability is called Rashomon. It enables him to freely manipulate the shape and properties of his clothing, usually his black cloak for various purposes. It was said to be able to consume anything, even space itself.
"Someone who basically done nothing to save her own classmates has no right to lecture me. Watch where your place are, trash." Akutagawa said with hint of anger on his tone as he later throws Nazuna to her bed though not hard, making her not injured when her body hit the bed. "After all, for your entire claim that you dislike Fake Angel, all that you do is just become bystander. At least even though she paid no mind, Kiryuuin show her distaste for him in the open while what'd you do? Gossiping like that worth anything to stop him."
"Uhuk! Uhuk!" Nazuna still can feel the chokehold as she still gasp for oxygen. 'W-What's that!? D-Don't tell me…' She thought while now truly look at Akutagawa with a fearful look. "W-What're you? T-That's a Special Ability isn't it…"
"So what Suzuka said was right. You have a Special Ability as well. She said that your Special Ability have the ability that's considers a strong one. I'd like to test that theory." Akutagawa said as Rashomon engulfing his arm, forming a dragon jaw that ready to crush Nazuna. 'Rashomon: Agito!' He then brings his hand forward, threatening to crush Nazuna with it.
Widen her eyes, Nazuna closed her eyes, muttering something while look scared as all of the sudden, Akutagawa's attack which should be destroying her face was suddenly passing through her face, like it was striking nothing in the first place.
Akutagawa clearly widen his eyes in disbelief. 'My attack passes through her! How's it-It's not even transparent Ability!' He then quickly disperse his Rashomon as he afraid it will create huge damage to his dorm room. He then looks toward Nazuna. 'To think that there's such powerful Ability inside this pathetic school!' He then realized something.
During that entire ordeal, Nazuna have an empty look on her eyes and look down on the floor.
"So she doesn't realize her own Special Ability. Just like what Suzuka said, it seems it triggers is when she's going to be injured. But there's something else as well…" Akutagawa concluded as he later crouch down, hold Nazuna chin to make her look at him. "She's unconscious huh?" He then giving her the same treatment as Honami, a hard slap to her face. "Wake up." He ordered.
Not long after, the moaning sound was heard as Nazuna consciousness returns to her once again. "U-Uuuh… W-What happened? Ugh!" She asked to no one as she flinches in pain due to the slap that Akutagawa give to her to wake her up.
"Hmph. So you seems have a powerful Special Ability after all. You shall be proud of yourself. If that Special Ability of yours not activated in time, what remain of your face is only a hole." Akutagawa said in plain respect.
"W-What…?" Nazuna asked in confusion before widen her eyes in realization. "I-It happens again… Wasn't it? Just like that time…" She asked while look down.
Akutagawa narrowed his eyes at her before sitting on his desk chair. "Now that you realize it, you understand that why'd I need your help. Nazuna Asahina, if you truly hate Fake Angel that much, why doesn't you joins hand with me?" He offered.
Hearing the topic of the conversation make Nazuna gasp as she return to her angry gaze at Akutagawa. "I-I won't join you… I won't support someone who'll implement total violence at ANHS… At our kouhai…"
Akutagawa sigh in annoyance hearing it. "This again. Like I said, you who're just a gossip trash have no right to reject the proposal. Those that become neutral on this election are nothing more than a fool. I know that you already dislike Fake Angel so much so your only choice… Was to join my side. After all, maybe I can lend a hand in order for you to control your Special Ability better." Akutagawa explained, which shock Nazuna.
"It… It can be controlled?" Nazuna asked in distrust.
Akutagawa nod. "Not long afterward, darkness will befall this school. For that, it was necessary for me to be chosen rather than Fake Angel who without a doubt will persuade that group of asshole that's above even Sakayanagi-san to make his stupid application and make this school isolated from the outside world once again." He explained. "So what's your choice? Do you want to keep Horikita-san revolution continues by supporting me… Or you rather want to support Fake Angel and make this school vulnerable to the darkness? And also, Konohana was quite worried about you and suggests that you join a club."
"A club?"
Back on the Speranza, Two days more had passed. A certain student is seen walking alone along the ship hall of the first floor.
After finishing their chatting back then, Hiyori are beginning to realize how poorly she looks on herself. Not when someone finally praise her handwriting of story synopsis.
'If what Yamashita-san, Sakura-san and Siesta-san encourage me is true…. Shall I begin writing my own novel I wonder?' Hiyori wonder to herself before shook her head. 'No. I don't think so. A good novel is not only from imagination but also from the experience. However, I lack that to make a good one. I wonder if I ask Dazai-sensei about this… Will he tell me his inspiration…' Due to having many thought on her mind, she not paid attention to her surroundings, which make her unintentionally bump into someone when she reaches the exit of the first floor hall. Although not hard, the bump make both of them fall to the floor, making Hiyori's paper that carried by her scatter on the floor.
"Hey! Watch where you walk you-" The voice later gasp in surprise as she look at Hiyori.
"I-I'm sorry!" Hiyori quickly apologize as she looks to the one that she accidentally bumps into. It was revealed that the one she bumps into was a girl from Suzune's class. The girl wearing the ANHS female student uniform and has waist-length blue hair that has bangs going on either side, orange eyes with a mole visible beneath her left eye, a well-endowed body and an average height.
"You're… A member of the Literature Club right?" The girl asked.
"U-Um… Yes. S-Sorry for bumping into you. I-I not watch my surrounding completely because there's so much in my mind for a moment." Hiyori apologize to the blue-haired girl which then suddenly grip Hiyori's shoulders with a serious look on her face.
"T-Tell me… Did that club now turn into a suicidal club?" The girl asked with a serious tone which makes Hiyori's sweat drop in nervous.
"U-Um… What does that mean?" Hiyori asked in confusion.
"Sakura-san… She was okay in there right!? She not asked to do double suicide by Dazai-sensei right!? Please tell me!?" She then comically shakes Hiyori back and forth.
'Dazai-sensei…' Hiyori thought, tired of knowing his suicidal antics practically cause fear to the female students as the girl keep shaking her back and forth.
"Haruka-san. Why'd you bother Shiina-san in here?" Suzune asked as she walks alone after buying some drink on the bar.
"H-Horikita-san, no need to scold Haruka-san. I was the one that accidentally bump into her." Hiyori said, defending the blue-haired girl known as Hasebe Haruka. "I shall be the one to apologize."
"S-She's right Horikita-san." Haruka said.
"Is that so?" Suzune suspiciously wondered before looking at the scattered papers. "What is this?" She wondered as she picks one and looks at it for a moment. 'This writing… It's good even though I not like its genre. This must be Yamashita-san deeds.' She sighs while remembering that Saki used to ask for her help to make her own manga but she declined because it's not her liking. "Did you the one that write this Shiina-san?" She asked.
"Ah! U-Um… Yes…" Hiyori stammered by Suzune question as the latter had a serious look on her face. She later stands up before helping Hasebe to stand up as well.
"Although in my opinion it still need some fixing, I must say this synopsis writing is quite good Shiina-san." Suzune commented after get the look of it. "And Haruka-san. I need to remind you again that Sakura-san is fine in there. All of the female of the Literature Club manage to keep Dazai-sensei at bay so you have no need to worry." She said to ease Hasebe's worries although the real situation is far from that.
"But I can't help but-"
"If that not enough to ease your worries, I can help you to personally smack Dazai-sensei on your own whenever he ask Sakura-san to-"
"No! No! Okay I get it! I'm more afraid he will ask me that as well!?" Haruka comically rejected. "If that's what Horikita-san said I believe it! Sorry Shiina-san for bump into you!" Hasebe said as she quickly walks away from there, leaving both Hiyori and Suzune have white circle on their eyes.
"Seems I need to smack Dazai-sensei head for real instead of stomping on his foot back then." Suzune stated plainly.
"E he he… Please don't do that Horikita-san…" Hiyori nervously laugh at Suzune's statement. "However, I must gather the papers here."
"Let me help you then." Suzune offered before remember something. "Shiina-san. With the writing like this, do you perhaps… Plan on making your own novel?" She decided to ask with curiosity.
"You manage to figure it out as well then, Horikita-san?" Hiyori wondered before smiling at her. "Actually… This is not my own desire but thanks to the others encourage me to do so." She said while later telling Suzune about the event with Saki, Siesta, and Airi two days ago. "I actually want to ask your opinion, Ichinose-san, Atsushi-kun, and Itachi-kun about this. But it seems all of you currently busy with many class matters." She said.
"I see." Suzune nod before a thought cross her mind. "Shiina-san. If you want, you… You can ask my advice on doing this. As you know, I also read many novels on spare time. So maybe if you want, I can…"
"Horikita-san wants to help me? If that so, I'm relieved!" Hiyori said happily. "I actually forgot about that but I suddenly remember that Horikita-san reading is equal to mine!"
"I-I actually not quite a reading nerd…" Suzune quickly denies it, feel embarrassed that someone actually praise her hobby which at first she only do to pass time. "B-But if it only helps you in making a novel… I won't mi-"
"Then in that case, why don't both of you write the novel together? It can be quite a blast you know?" Both Hiyori and Suzune widen her eyes and look behind the silver-haired girl to see Dazai approaching both of them. "Ya! My dear subordinates of the Literature Club~"
"Dazai-sensei!"
"The one and only." He simply said as he continues to talk. "So from what I heard, Hiyori-chan want to write novel am I right? And it seems Suzune-chan interested on helping her or in fact, wants to be her co-writer." He tried to guess.
"No Dazai-sensei. Horikita-san just wants to give me some advice of my writing." Hiyori quickly said.
"I don't want to be Shiina-san co-writer Dazai-sensei. I just want to give her advice that's all. After all, I'm the class rep of Class 1-D so I think there's not much time for me to-" Suzune said before Dazai cut her off.
"Hee~ but I think that'll be a good idea. At least with it, the Literature Club will finally find the purpose of why it's formed." Dazai instead reasoned. "But from what I see, it seems Hiyori-chan want to consult with me about it. If so, how about we do it now? No need to worry. We still have much of a time after all before we arrive on the island."
"Are you sure it's okay Dazai-sensei? Even though I want to consult about it to you-"
"Ah for that no need to worry Hiyori-chan. After all, in writing a novel, it also based on the taste of the author. If I not wrong, Hiyori-chan favorite genre is mystery and Suzune-chan favorite genre is… Crime right?" Dazai try to guess which earn nods from both of them. "Lucky that I quite master those two genres so I think I can help a little." He said with a smile.
"Is that so? Considers your suicidal habits, I never thought you read other books than that book you always carry around." Suzune comment harshly.
"Horikita-san…" Hiyori said in comical worry of Suzune harsh comment.
"No need to worry Hiyori-chan~ After all, after our discussion about what kind of novel that you'll make with Suzune-chan as your co-writer is finished! I'll ask her to do dou-"
"Not a chance!" Suzune said as she quickly stomp on Dazai's left foot like she did on April.
"Aah!"
Meanwhile on the other area of the cruise, more precisely on the one of the dorm room, Itachi alongside Ryuuen was inside the room alongside Minori who's using her personal notebook to shows both of them about her skills.
"And there it goes." Minori said as she just finished a speaking code of a japanese serrow into a distinctive words: Go forward. "I think with this our first batch is done. However, I'm sorry that I think I won't be able to finish it in time."
"Ku ku ku. It's fine really. However, to think we truly have such a hidden gem inside our class." Ryuuen stated while he suddenly ruffling Minori's hair. "My opinion of you changed slightly, Kinoshita."
"R-Ryueen-san…" Minori said in fear while she's actually annoyed someone just touch her head without permission.
"I agree with Ryuuen. I never thought someone that still on your age possess such ability to turn animal calls into code for speaking. If I may ask, when did you manage to do something like this?" Itachi asked in curiosity. Since he already known Minori is from the Track and Field Club, she's friendly with nature is one thing but this is should be only something that adult manage to do.
"I-It truly not such an amazing story you know. I-It just my way to pass boredom." Minori replied before smiled in nostalgia. "Back then when I was a kid, I was quite fond of nature. After all, my mother was one of the park rangers on Minami Alps in Nagano. Due to that, I always have my fair share with nature and animals in particular. One day, I curiously watch a documentary about my favorite animal person who manages to form a close bond with crocodiles. Sadly, he died before I can even meet him…"
'Steve Irwin huh?' Ryuuen immediately know who's Minori was talking about.
"When I see it, a thought cross through my mind. What if we can communicate with animals by remembering their call. So… Whenever I go to Minami Alps alongside my parents, I secretly always record a call of a tame Japanese serrow on the pen. And the rest… Is rather hard to explain…" She uttered.
'However, this leaves a gap hole. If Minori truly able to do something like this, it should be impossible for her age. Unless…' Itachi thought in conclusion before look at Ryuuen, who immediately understand what Itachi's going to ask her.
"Minori... Forgive me to ask something like this. But do you-"
"I think you can guess it Itachi-san. After all, knowing that Hanabusa-san was a Special Ability user, it was not surprising that you and Ryuuen-san not manage to piece the puzzle about my weird talent. After all, both of you are the leader of our class." Minori said as she turn off her notebook. "You see… Since I was seven years old, I-"
(Flashback – Minami Alps; Seven Years before Canon storyline)
Back on Minami Alps, it was night.
Not far from the post of the national park rangers, eight-year old Minori Kinoshita was excitingly watching a lone wild Japanese serrow browsing on a bush at night. Ever since she heard about Steve Irwin's death due to a stingray, she is saddened. However, there's always one thing that make her curious.
How'd he manage to handle those crocodiles without the massive reptile rarely angry at him? If she asking her mother, she always said that it because Steve Irwin was a professional. However, she doesn't know why but have some doubts about that.
Do perhaps… Animal have language that unknown to humans? She knows that great ape can learn to communicate with humans although in their own way thanks to watch The Ultimate Guide: Great Apes, she can't help but wonder if there are any other methods.
For that, she secretly recording the call of the Japanese serrow which quite numerous in number on the conversation areas. From it, she learns that each call that produced from it have different meaning, just like human speak.
'Maybe I'll try it with this one. Lucky that kaa-san fall asleep so… Let's begin!' She thought as she pressing the sound of Japanese serrow that she recorded so far. However, a few seconds after she plays it, the Japanese serrow like become wary of something, and immediately running away from that area.
"Huh?" Minori voiced her confusion of why'd the Japanese serrow decide to run away. Did it feel disturbed? "Why it didn't work?"
Unknown to her though, a dark beast suddenly stand up from a forest that located close to her position, until it suddenly rush toward her, revealing a large Japanese black bear, the only known predator of the Japanese serrow.
Minori immediately looks at the large bear due to the rustling bush. She truly has no time to even scream or react as the bear already come close to her. "KY-Ugh!"
The bear then tackles her to the ground with it strength, making her lose grip on her phone that falls to the ground.
'N-N-No…' Minori only thought in her mind is fear as the bear start to sniff her body. "P-Please… NOOOO!" She manages a small scream which suddenly makes the bear suddenly stop sniffing her. Instead, it let out a small grumble.
At that moment, Minori truly experience something that she never did on her life.
She can hear something inside her head.
"H-Huh?" Minori only manage to utter her confusion as the bear suddenly lick her cheek with its tongue, making her scared once again. However, instead of continue attacking her, the bear suddenly turns around and back to the bush where it came from. "W-Why…"
(Flashback End)
"Not long after that, it happen the same to a kitten and even a group of flies. From that, I figured… That it seems, I can talk with animals and in return… The animals sound… I can understand the differences of their tone like humans." Minori said, finishing her story.
Minori Kinoshita Special Ability is called The Call of the Wild. It allows her to speak with animal using human language and in return, she can hear what animal was saying by their voice inside her head.
Ryuuen and Itachi immediately perplexed by Minori explanation. Does that mean she almost died?
"I-I'm sorry if my question make you feel unease, Minori." Itachi apologize but instead, Minori just smile while shook her head.
"So… You also almost face death…" Ryuuen only manage to say. 'Ku ku ku. I must say you earn my respect now, Minori Kinoshita.'
"For that reason… I decide to hide it and passing my free time after school looking and recording every animal I cross upon and then coded it into human speak. As for that, no need to worry Itachi-san. Ryuuen-san. I'm glad… Because with this anomaly that I have, I can help our class for whatever the island prepare for us." Minori said with a smile.
Meanwhile, we fast-forward to the location of the vacation of the first-year of ANHS, the uninhabited island. It was filled with many edible plants, huge trees, few animals like squirrel, birds, fish, and many others. There's no human inside the island as the last staff already return from managing the plants a week ago. So there shouldn't be any human.
Or so it seems.
On a cave that's located on the center of the island. There's no sign of life. However, beneath it, it's a different story.
"How long do you think that cruise will arrive on this island?" A man asks someone. His face was obscured but he seems have silver hair and wearing something akin to a priest garb.
"If my deduction is right. With it speed, it should be arrive in two days." Another man said.
"A ha ha ha! C'mon no need to be serious! How about we playing quiz right now!?" A crazed male voice said, try to lessen the tension.
"Stop right there, Nikolai-san." A cryptic, but sinister voice said as he was writing on something. The speaker is revealed to be a tall and slim young man with long, dark, and messy hair that reaches his shoulders. His eyes are sharp and of a dark purple color, giving him a tired look. He wears what appears to be a buttoned white shirt and white pants; accompanied by a long black coat with white fur, and an ushanka hat. He also wears long red boots. "Let not be hasty, Priest-dono. After all, god still gives us time to prepare. Although I don't understand why boss would want us to get the blueprint of such weapon, I think it will be our pleasure to test how resourceful the students of ANHS truly are. After all, there's my chess mate that will come here as well. Now then, I think Ivan-san already finish his assignment on top of the island. Let not make haste movement till' the fifth day of the exam."
Two days had passed, and at last the island is finally seen from the Speranza.
Itachi currently is inside his room alongside Katsuragi, Sudou, and Shibata when the sudden announcement was heard from the speaker.
[Good morning students. The island will soon be in sight. We hope you'll take the time to observe this highly significant scenery.] The voice of Mashima, the homeroom of Class 1-A is heard.
'So it finally begin.' Itachi thought as he immediately stands up. From his room, Katsuragi also seems prepared as well to see the scenery of the island.
On the corridor, Siesta is seen walk by her own toward the cruise outdoor to see the scenery. However, she has other things in mind. 'Why'd I have uneasy feelings about this vacation or rather… Exam?' She thought in confusion.
"Aah~ so it finally begins." Dazai said as he listening to his headphone. "I wonder… How bloodied this island will get."
For ANHS, it will be a regular first special exam of the first year.
However, what awaits them on the island will be something that will cause trauma to some of the students… If someone not predict it first.
Author Notes
Hello! I'm back!
At last, the last prologue chapter of Volume 3 is finally done! As you can see, lots of event happens on this chapter and I don't think I need to explain why. As for the mysterious group that already on the island, let just say… They're cooking something.
Feel free to ask if there's confusion. The next chapter will cover the reveal of the first special exam, the rules of the exam, and each class methods to prevail on the exam.
See you in the next update.