3rd Person POV
Let's skip the details.
All the students were confused as to why they were called to assemble in the Gymnasium all of a sudden. It was supposed to be a day off. This event occurs in a timeline between Year 2 Volume 7 and before Year 2 Volume 8.
All the more so, why do they have to listen to these unknown people's demands?
???: Have you ever wondered about the events behind the scenes? Aren't you curious about it?
That single sentence was able to pacify the noise, as everyone was now facing towards the screen, including teachers and the Chairman.
Ayanokouji: 'Wow, I am so excited.' -_-
Horikita: 'Is it about the previous day? I was so confused about what happened back there. Hopefully, I will get some answers.'
She glanced at her classmate and thought so.
Nagumo: 'Ah, it seems his plans will be laid bare for everyone to see. I will just sit back and enjoy the reactions.'
Manabu: 'It seems the actions you took will be unveiled to the entire student body, Ayanokouji. It seems the expectation that I had for you to leave a legacy in this school will happen sooner than you may have intended.'
Ryuuen was laughing nonstop.
Katsuragi: You seem strangely amused more than usual, Ryueen.
Ryuuen: Oh, you will see. I am sure you won't be disappointed.
Arisu: 'I wonder what that person will show us? There are a lot of possibilities.'
The light within the auditorium seemed so much dimmer compared to the normal cinemas l, even though I knew it wasn't the case.
It's as if the room is responding to the future.
Excitement.
Serenity.
Eagerness.
Fear.
A flurry of emotions was present in the student's expressions.
???: Let's react to the first video. And this is set in an alternate reality.
Hashimoto: What's the context?
???: It's from a parallel world, meaning the events didn't happen in your world. But it might have some similarities.
Hearing him say that, the students looked on in interest.
Hashimoto: Oh, I have heard about those. It means that the video we are about to see didn't take place in our world, right?
Arisu: Correct Hashimoto-kun.
Nishikawa: Oh? This is kind of exciting!
Amikura: I can't wait to see what we are going to watch!
Shibata: I hope it's a badass fight!
Ando: That would be cool!
Ichinose silently listened to her classmates' thoughts while thinking about what they would see next.
Will it be about him?
Ryuen: Pay attention, everyone. Even if this is another reality, information can still be gained from this.
He alerted his classmates, as they attentively nodded in response.
Ayanokouji: 'As expected of Ryuen.'
Horikita: Well, it's never boring when you are involved.
Ayanokouji: Don't lump me with some troublemakers.
Horikita: I didn't say that.
Karuizawa: Wow, Kiyotaka. Everyone's praising you, huh?
Even though she was smiling, her eyes were twitching in annoyance.
Matsushita noticed this.
Matsushita: Careful, girls. Kei-chan is getting possessive over her boyfriend~
Karuizawa: Guh?! N-no-
Satou: Aww~ don't worry, Kei-chan, nobody is gonna steal him from you.
Azuma: Try to say that without blushing next time, Satou-san.
Mii-chan and Inogashira giggled at their exchange.
Ayanokouji sighed as he looked at the screen.
Ayanokouji: 'Well, if it is an alternate reality, I am sure it can't be that bad. Maybe I could relax for this.'
Time: 5:53 p.m.
Ayanokouji POV
After a while, Sakayanagi appeared from the other side of the computer, probably waiting for the teachers to move away from us.
The murmurs started seeing Ayanokouji's name.
Ike: What?
Miyamoto: Aynokouji?
Ryuen: The video ain't gonna be interesting if it isn't about him.
Ichinose paid more attention.
Sakayanagi smiled, fully aware of the details of the upcoming video.
Horikita: Isn't that the Event Selection exam?
For Horikita, this was the most devastating defeat of all. Not because she and her class were so close to victory, but because Horikita didn't make any mistakes in this special exam.
Unfortunately, Horikita had to realise that sometimes, you can make no mistakes and still lose.
Hirata: Seeing Kiyotaka-kun and Sakayanagi-san together, it's probably the case.
Tachibana: I heard the results about the event selection exam, but I didn't know the details. I guess these videos will let me understand why Horikita-kun pays so much attention to you, kouhai.
Ayanokouji: …Thanks, I guess.
Ayanokouji: 'How can she be sincere with such a backhanded save?'
Kiryuin: So, kohai-kun is the main star of the stage? I hope the changes are interesting.
Tsubaki: 'I guess these videos will give me a better understanding of who had a 20 million point bounty on his head.'
Shibata: Wait, isn't this another reality?
???: Yes. The events going to be shown in the video took place here too. But there are some slight changes...
Mori: Changes? How so?
Nishino: Probably the general sequence of events is similar, but with some extra details or deviations, I guess.
Amasawa: Yup, I am excited to see what my favourite senpai has been scheming with Sakayanagi-senpai behind the scenes? Maybe they did something naughty behind the scenes?!
Nanase: Please behave yourself for once.
Ayanokouji: 'Whatever she is thinking, I hope her premonition won't happen.'
"Many thanks for today, Ayanokouji-kun."
"Yeah. You too."
After the seventh event, the first thing we did was exchange pleasantries with each other.
Although it had only taken 30 minutes, she had been going full throttle the entire time, and her fatigue was probably considerable.
"It takes endurance to play chess. Horikita-san's marvellous response to Hashimoto-kun during the opening, and your extraordinary fighting style, were even better than that. It truly was wonderful."
Sakayanagi had a satisfied look on her face. It seemed like she had brought out her very best.
Hamaguchi: Why would Sakayanagi-san be satisfied?
Kanzaki: Sakayanagi doesn't just like mind games. She is also very prideful, Hamaguchi. She is the type to take pleasure in showing off her superior intellect.
Sakayanagi: Oh my, you shouldn't badmouth the young maiden Kanzaki-kun. I thought, as Ichinose-san's right-hand man, you would be more considerate towards a girl.
Ichinose: I am sure Kanzaki-kun didn't mean it like that, Sakayanagi-san. He is just sometimes a bit too honest.
"Honestly, you were far stronger than I had imagined. You blew through Horikita's advantage, and I lost. There's no doubt about it."
"That's not the case. It was a perfect match. It could've gone either way until the very end. Though you wouldn't disagree that the one move I made toward the end made all the difference, yes?"
"Your queen's sacrifice was brilliant."
It all came down to what happened on the large monitor's other side.
My instructions had intertwined with hers, resulting in her superior instructions. There was no room for miracles or second chances.
Nishikawa: How Sakayanagi-san's last move was brilliant?
Hashimoto: I think what the princess meant is that in chess, what determines the brilliance of a move is the context. The last move was neither; it was a novice move nor a change-changer. I guess that's the reason.
Sakayanagi: Correct. Your reasoning is solid, Hashimoto-kun.
Victory and defeat were determined and decided at the school's discretion. Even though we had put up a good fight, Class C lost to Class A, forfeiting 30 class points. Although this only seemed like a minor setback, we still had not seen what transpired in the other classes.
Nagumo: To be honest, I was a little surprised when I heard the results. While it is inevitable since you faced the most capable class in your year, it is still worthwhile to see that you came this close to victory, Suzune.
Horikita: Thank you Nagumo-senpai. But my classmates won't stop with a close match. We will reach Class A together.
Sudou: Hell yeah! Suzune is right, you guys. We already are in Class B. We are just one step away from Class A!
Hirata: Horikita-san and Sudou-kun are right, everyone. The last 2 years have faced many obstacles, but we have overcome our shortcomings and made it this far.
Inogashira: B-But things are better now! We have Horikita-san and Hirata-kun, and we're changing for the better!
Ike: Y-Yeah! All we've got to do is follow the leader!
Shinohara: Idiot! At least make it sound like you're trying to contribute!
Hirata: Inogashira-san is right. We were ignorant in the past, but now that we know what to change, we're working to improve ourselves every day. Even if we don't make it to Class A... I think that's pretty incredible."
Class B: "Wow, Hirata-kun…"
Everyone looked at him with respect, even the usually jealous boys, before beginning to cheer. He'd managed to reunite the class with only a few sentences.
What a mature guy.
Horikita sent a grateful nod to Hirata.
Ichinose smiled at the display of fellowship.
Ryuuen mimed a gagging motion.
"Is there something you still want from me?"
"Not particularly," Sakayanagi said with a gentle smile, nodding her head in satisfaction.
"I was simply looking forward to facing off against you. And now, that wish has come true. I'm satisfied."
I was relieved that I was able to fulfil her request. I didn't want to risk upsetting Sakagami-sensei by chatting for too long, so I stood up and prepared to leave.
Just as I was about to open the door, Acting Director Tsukishiro entered the multipurpose room.
"The two of you have shown me something worth seeing."
"Huh?"
"I remember he was a director for a while."
"Why would he approach Sakayanagi and Ayanokouji?"
"Maybe he wants to congratulate Sakayanagi-san on victory?"
"Pff, maybe he will scold Ayanokouji for losing?"
Multiple questions were voiced in the classroom.
Chairman: 'So he is the man Ayanokouji-sensei chose as his hitman. I only have a surface level of information on his background and his activities in business. Perhaps these videos will help to gain insight into how this man operates.'
"Hello there, acting director Tsukishiro. Did you watch the special exam?"
"Yes. After all, those of us from the school are obligated to ensure there has been no injustice. I was in the other room, watching the two of you use commander intervention and watch as your match developed."
Ike: Huh? What is he talking about, Ayanokouji?
Yukimura: He's gotta point. Kiyotaka, did you get into trouble?
Horikita: Be patient, Ike-kun, Yukimura-kun. I am sure the video will explain it eventually.
With that, he clapped his hands and praised the two of us.
"Neither one of you would give an inch. It was truly the definition of an evenly-matched fight. Those of us from the school collected some excellent data from it, too. I'm confident that this contest will be a great asset to the school for many years."
When I looked into the Acting Director's eyes, he stared straight back into mine with a delighted expression.
And with that, I understood everything without even talking to him.
Mii-chan: I don't understand. What did he mean, Ayanokouji-kun?
Onodera: What did you understand, Ayanokouji-kun?
Mori: This scene is like those scenes on TV where one politician tries to one-up the other.
Kito: I believe Sakayanagi will understand the hidden meaning behind this man's words.
Kushida: 'I have no idea what that guy is talking about, but my gut tells me this will be a cliffhanger.'
"I'm quite glad you enjoyed the show, Acting Director Tsukishiro."
Sakayanagi bowed her head. Above all else, she felt a supreme fulfilment that our competition had finally concluded.
"Come to think of it, has the dust settled between Class B and D?"
"Yes. They finished about an hour ago."
Students in Ichinose's class couldn't help but experience various negative emotions:
Anger
Sadness
Regret
Frustration
Indignation
A considerably fast resolution.
"Which class won?"
It seemed as though Sakayanagi was also interested in hearing the results.
"Class D won with five wins and two losses. It was a big upset."
Tachibana: From what I heard from rumours, the victory was anything but straightforward. A distasteful way to win, but victory is a victory, I suppose.
Ryueen: And? In this school, the victor gets the last laugh. If anyone can't adapt and surpass their limits, that's their problem, not mine.
Yukimura: When I first heard about the final score and about Ryuen's return, I was quite shocked.
Nishikawa: Yeah. We in Class A were also flabbergasted when we learned that Ryuen-kun returned as a leader.
Amikura: Unfortunately, we lost because either our best classmates couldn't participate or just events were in Ryueen-kun's favour.
Ichinose: Don't be upset, Mako-chan. Yes, Ryueen-kun's defeat did affect us deeply, but I truly believe that we can face Ryueen-kun and other class leaders head-on.
Hoshinomiya: Ahh, Honami-chan is so cute, isn't she? Just a few words, and she managed to inspire my dear students. Doesn't it remind you of something, Sae-chan?
Chabashira: I don't know what you mean.
So Ryuuen defeated Ichinose. This meant that they had gained 190 class points.
Class D, or instead, Class C, had come back to life.
And this also meant that we would have to start again from Class D.
"This must be quite a painful defeat for Ichinose-san. Well, I suppose it's understandable."
If it hadn't been for Ryuuen, Class B would've won the exam.
I wondered: Had he taken action for himself or his class?
Whatever the reason, something within that guy had started to change.
Ryueen: Damn right I did!
Ibuki: Clearly, it took you no time to return.
Ishizaki: Of course he did! Ryuuen-san won't leave things like this!
Albert: Yes.
Sudou: This sucks. For a while, I really thought that Ryueen was gone for good.
Ryuuen: Ha! Obviously, I won't quit the game, you dog.
And at the same time, this also meant that a looming threat had returned for Ichinose.
"Alright, everyone, let's leave the room. The special exam is over. Teachers, please take your leave as well."
The Acting Director prompted both Sakagami-sensei and Hoshinomiya-sensei to leave.
"But, we still need to take care of..."
"We will take care of that on our end."
At the Acting Director's signal, several workers flooded the room immediately.
"Huh?"
"What are these people?"
"What are they acting as if they are conducting some top-secret operation?"
Multiple complaints were voiced in the auditorium.
"Who are all of these people? They're not school personnel, are they?" Sakagami-sensei asked, his voice full of doubt.
"It seems that the government would like to get its hands on the data from this exam as soon as possible. That's why they've dispatched all these people, so please rest assured."
As the Acting Director had instructed Sakagami-sensei, she had to comply and listen attentively. The two teachers hurried to finish their remaining tasks and exited the multipurpose room with Sakayanagi and me.
Utomiya: What is going on here exactly?
Tsubaki: They certainly are not here just to collect the 'data' for future education reference.
Kiryuin: Mind sharing with us your thoughts, kouhai-san?
Sakayanagi: Let's just say the students and the teachers are the only ones who were interested in this match, Kiryuin-senpai.
The teachers headed towards the staff room without paying any further attention to us. Sakayanagi, however, looked at the workers with a doubtful expression. But before we could keep observing, the door to the multipurpose room was shut and locked from the inside.
"Is something bothering you?" Acting Director Tsukishiro did not stay inside the multipurpose room and asked Sakayanagi.
"No. It's nothing."
"Is that so?"
At this point, I felt that I should also head back home. When I checked my phone, I found I had received a message from Horikita.
Horikita: Thank you for your hard work.
It was a short message. I'd indeed be hearing complaints and grumbling from her later.
Ayanokouji: Well, thank you for your support. I didn't know I was such a special person in your life.
Horikita: Don't get cocky.
Ibuki: 'So why is there a hint of blush in your face, you idiot?'
Asahina: Oh, someone is supportive?
Sakayanagi: What about you, Masumi-san? Do you also want me to send a congratulatory message to you?
Kamuro: Go to hell.
Hashimoto: It's alright, princess. Kamuro-chan is just a bit shy.
Kamuro ignored the two teasing her from her most Class A troublesome duo.
"See you later, Sakayanagi."
I attempted to leave her with a few light words and head back home, but...
"—Could you please wait a moment, Ayanokouji-kun?"
"What is it?"
Sakayanagi called out and stopped me as I began walking down the hallway.
She should've still been relishing the sweet taste of victory, but her expression had instead begun to cloud over.
"Was the move you made at the end the best choice you could have made?"
She seemed to question the conclusion I had reached after a lengthy period of consideration toward the very end of the match.
Suzune: 'So Sakayanagi-san is not the only one who felt that way? But I have to agree with her. When I realised that Ayanokouji-kun had lost, I just found it…strange.'
Ryueen: 'Finally, I will be able to confirm whether or not your defeat against Sakayanagi was a genuine one or if the school intervened.'
Ichinose: 'I wonder why Sakayanagi-san asks such a question? I always knew that Ayanokouji-kun is an amazing person, but this time it seems to be deeper than that.'
Manabu: 'Indeed. I also thought it was strange that Ayanokouji lost. I requested the staff to send me the list of moves both Ayanokouji and Sakayanagi made before that move. With Ayanokouji's memory, foresight, and analysis, it is very unlikely he couldn't conceive a better move. I wonder what the final truth really is.'
Nagumo: 'Indeed. I don't know much about chess, but I doubt Sakayanagi's suspicion has anything to do with ability or evidence. Rather, it might be a secret desire that her ultimate adversary was more capable than what she was shown.'
"You're the one who won. What more could there be to it?"
"No... I'm sorry. It looks like I've gone and imagined something silly."
"Aren't you happy that you beat me?"
"It's nothing like that. It's just, maybe, somewhere in the back of my mind, I was hoping that l'd lose to you."
Once again, I felt that she had an unusual way of thinking.
"I'll say this now: I didn't go easy on you."
"Yes, I know that."
But even so, Sakayanagi still didn't seem convinced for some reason.
Ayanokouji: 'I remember Ryuuen once stating a hypothesis stating that the school did something in our bout. Back then, he had nothing to confirm or further his suspicions, so he didn't do anything. However, now, it was nearly confirmed he was right.'
Nishino: Huh? Why would she assume Ayanokouji could have done better? I don't follow.
Azuma: Yeah. No offence to Ayanokouji-kun, but this is the Sakayanagj-san we are talking about? Could he really turn things around?
Nagumo: I guess she's disappointed. Her expectations weren't met, how unfortunate.
An opponent who didn't meet the level of challenge he desired was a waste.
Ayanokouji could see that Nagumo could relate to Sakayanagi in such a way.
Nagumo, too, felt the same way towards Horikita Manabu.
Maybe in her eyes, I was simply that much more significant than I was.
"You're such a cruel man, Ayanoköji-kun."
Acting Director Tsukishiro, who was still standing in front of the door to the multipurpose room, interrupted our conversation casually with these words.
Sudou: Huh? The chairman himself approaches you, Ayanokouji?
Hondou: Yeah. Is hell going on?
Miyamoto: I know, right? This shit makes no sense.
Ryuuen: Yeah, Ayanokouji. What did you do? Did you break the school rules and get caught?
Ayanokouji: Don't lump me with you.
Mashima: 'It's almost a confirmation that Ayanokouji was the original victor of this competition, and by extension, Chabashira's class, the true winner. Unbelievable. Not just that the original Class D truly won, even if it was a close match-up. At first, I was sceptical about Ayanokouji's ability. He was competent enough by ANHS standards, but he didn't stand out much even now. I guess these videos will allow me to understand this student and, if it's within limits, help him to secure the peaceful life he wants.'
Hoshinomia: 'It seems Sae-chan's joker was the one who truly won against Sakayanagi-chan in a chess match. Running, academics, chess…and a lot more. It's almost as if he has no openings. How annoying.'
Nagumo: 'So the acting chairman really was behind all of this? I thought there was something fishy going on when he requested that I approve a bounty on Ayanokouji's head. This video will help me will give me some useful hints, even though it's an alternative timeline.'
Sakayanagi turned and looked behind her, and I had to turn and look too reluctantly. The Acting Director approached us with a gentle smile and repeated himself.
"You're a cruel man."
"What do you mean by that, Acting Director Tsukishiro?"
It was not me but Sakayanagi who asked that.
"How about you give her the answer, Ayanokouji-kun?"
Kamuro: Huh? What is he talking about, Sakayanagi?
Hashimoto: "Yeah, princess. Is there something going on there?
Morishita: 'It seems Sakayanagi Arisu had a nagging suspicion that Ayanokouji Kiyotaka didn't finish the match with the ability he displayed before. Or maybe she expected him to be even more talented?'
Amasawa: 'It seems even now Sakayanagi-senpai has no idea what the acting chairman is trying to say to her. For someone who so confidently mocked and Takuya, yet still dared to act so cocky and challenge me when you can even see something so obvious, then it seems your brain has stopped developing like your body.'
"What are you talking about?"
"You should've just told her, honestly."
After finishing his 'business' in the multipurpose room, the acting director clearly had some time to spare.
"Properly speaking, the winner of that chess match should've been Ayanokouji-kun."
These words were like a bomb. Like a rapidly expanding explosive that had set off in the students' minds and caused mass confusion.
Nagumo: So Sakayanagi's victory wasn't a victory at all, huh? Now that's quite funny.
Ike: Whoa, whoa, whoa! So we should have won the exam?!
Hondou: Yeah! I want my extra points!
Kikuchi: Those two gotta point. This time, the culprit is not the student, but the school itself.
Horikita looked at me with a sharp gaze, curious about what he meant.
Horikita: Ayanokouji-kun, what happened?"
Ayanokouji: I had lost. That's what happened,
Horikita glared at me.
Horikita: Then let me reword it. Why should you have been the real winner?
A better question.
Ayanokouji: Just wait and see. There's no rush.
Horikita exhaled deeply and glanced back at the screen, dissatisfied but accepting.
As soon as he spat out these inexcusable words, Sakayanagi was bound to get caught up in them.
But why would this man go out of his way to put himself at risk by saying it?
"What are you talking about? I lost."
Sakayanagi turned and looked behind her, and I had to turn and look too reluctantly. The Acting Director approached us with a gentle smile and repeated himself.
"You're a cruel man."
"What do you mean by that, Acting Director Tsukishiro?"
It was not me but Sakayanagi who asked that.
"How about you give her the answer, Ayanokouji-kun?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You should've just told her, honestly."
After finishing his 'business' in the multipurpose room, the acting director clearly had some time to spare.
"Properly speaking, the winner of that chess match should've been Ayanokouji-kun."
As soon as he spat out these inexcusable words, Sakayanagi was bound to get caught up in them.
Amikura: No way! So Ayanokouji-kun actually won against that genius Sakayanagi-san?!
Watanabe: Wow! I heard from rumours that Ayanokouji is amazing for a while, but this is something else.
Yume: No wonder even Ichinose-san had her eyes on him.
Koenji: Ha, ha! So the true victor of this confrontation is Ayanokouji-boy. While you still have a long way to go to reach the supreme path embedded by yours truly, I congratulate you on your triumph, Ayanokouji-boy.
Ayanokouji: 'Does he always have to be so dramatic?'
Ayanokouji just nodded.
But why would this man go out of his way to put himself at risk by saying it?
"What are you talking about? I lost."
"Yes, I suppose you're right. You did indeed lose."
The Acting Director was speaking in a way that highlighted his true character.
"But, your input was different… wouldn't you say?"
Sakayanagi, listening to us silently, began to understand the current situation. And then, it dawned on her.
"How stupid... You're saying that the school forcibly intervened in our exam?"
Asahina: So Sakayanagi-chan really lost to Ayanokouji-kun?!
Satou: You really are amazing, Ayanokouji-kun!
Hirata: I am really glad to have such a reliable classmate in my class.
Sotomura: I never doubted you, Ayanokouji-dono. You are the true protagonist in this story.
Hashimoto: Damn, so the princess really lost to the king, huh?
Ryueen: Ha! So, he won in the end, huh? I was right after all.
Karuizawa: 'I knew it! I had my doubts back then, but I was wrong. There is no way Kiyotaka would lose to anyone!'
Ichinose: 'So, Sakayanagi-san really lost to Ayanokouji-kun, huh? Surprisingly, this discovery doesn't really surprise. After all, I was one of the people he knew the earliest outside of his class, of course.'
Morishita: 'So, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka really was the true winner as Koenji Rokusuke. And yet, neither of them tries to elaborate or deny anything. Are these two really childhood friends?'
Her reaction was undoubtedly fueled by anger. It went beyond regret or disappointment; Indignation was the better term for it.
"You're the one at fault, Sakayanagi-san. Not only did you refuse to follow my orders, but you even gave a protection point of all things to Ayanoköji-kun. I had no choice but to be a little forceful to take that away from him, wouldn't you agree? This is still a school, right?"
I see. So he was exposing all of this to get back at Sakayanagi.
Asahina: Wait, what orders? What does he mean, Sakayanagi-chan? And why would he want to expel Ayanokouji-kun?
Kyruin: Asahina is right, kouhai-kun. Did you offend the chairman, or maybe you broke some really important rule?
Ayanokouji: It's nothing serious, senpai. It was just a misunderstanding.
Sakayanagi: That's right. Both of them acted on false premises, but managed to reconcile over time.
Amasawa, Chabashira, Mashima: 'Yeah, right.'
Ishizaki: So, Ayanokouji really managed to one-up that Sakayanagi, huh? I knew he was amazing, but this is still insane!
Albert: Yes. Bro is amazing.
Shiina: 'I see. I doubted my own judgment when I heard Sakayanagi-san won the chess match against Ayanokouji-kun. I had no evidence, of course. It is simply that Ayanokouji-kun always has this calm reassurance in himself.'
"Good grief. If everything had gone as planned, we could've forced Ayanokouji-kun out of school this time. But, there seem to be quite a few overzealous teachers here at this school who are making my job rather difficult."
During the match, I carefully considered an instruction to send to Horikita. However, the instruction took about 30 seconds to reach Horikita's headset, which was much longer than the typical 10-second delay for my previous instructions.
This happened because the instruction was falsified within the computer system, resulting in a discrepancy between the input and the output.
"At the time, he was going to make a different move. It was even better than the best move we thought he could make. I had even gone so far as to prepare many personnel and machines to account for his options, but we were still forced into making a tough decision."
If they had changed it to a sloppy, unskilled move, it would've been painfully apparent that something unnatural had happened.
So, to avoid that, Acting Director Tsukishiro was forced to devise a difficult move that would still yield the desired result.
Hasebe: So, that's what happened.
Akito: It seems Kiyotaka is not just preoccupied with the class matters, huh?
Yukimura: I can't believe it, Kiyotaka. You became the centre of attention of the school itself.
Ayanokouji: You want to change places? I don't mind.
Sudou: But wait. If that chairman guy did something fishy, why didn't Ayanokouji say anything?
Suzune: Let's watch the video, Sudou-kun. It will probably be explained.
"In that sense, Sakayanagi-san did an excellent job at seeing through the weakness of the move we chose."
That was hardly even a compliment.
"Why didn't you say anything, Ayanoköji-kun?"
"Even if he had, it wouldn't have mattered. No, rather, he wouldn't have been willing to say anything to you in the first place."
Acting Director Tsukishiro went on to explain.
"It's simple. As a former White Room member and someone who forcibly snuck his way into this school, there's no way he'd want to draw attention to himself."
"Huh?"
"White Room? What is that?"
"Is it some kind of care centre?"
"Maybe it's a private border school?"
"He said 'white'. Maybe it's some kind of name for an educational facility?"
Onodera: "Ayanokouji-kun, what is he talking about?"
Ichihashi: Yeah. Is that where you lived before coming to this school?
If word got out that Tsukishiro had interfered with me, it could give rise to some very troublesome issues later on.
It was frustrating, to say the least, but l had no other choice but to give up and accept it.
"Even if it's tragic, a victory is a victory. You should be grateful."
Hosen: "Ha! This guy really knows how to piss off people."
Ryuen: "To be fair, I would do the same. He can say what he wants, and you can't do a shit."
"...You're quite skilled at provocations, Acting Director. However, know that you'll be paying dearly for that, alright?"
Upon seeing Sakayanagi's anger-filled smile, Acting Director Tsukishiro applauded again.
"For a child in your first year of high school, you say some exciting things. Have you gotten an inflated ego just because you're the playground princess?"
Generally speaking, if you were a student standing in the same ring as Sakayanagi, you wouldn't want to make an enemy out of her.
But to this man, she probably seemed like nothing more than a child talking bigger than they were.
Chabashira: 'This name is undoubtedly connected to the higher-ups in the outside world. I wonder, did Ayanokouji come to this school being fully aware that this might happen, or is it something else?'
Kushida: 'God… I feel stupid for even trying to expel this guy. After that day, I finally realised the full extent of his danger, but even this surpasses my expectations. Just how much of a presence does this guy have in this school?'
Horikita: 'I remember Amasawa-san from not allowing me and Ibuki-san to help Ayanokouji in area I2. Was the person Ayanokouji-kun confronted the acting chairman, or was it someone else entirely?'
"You said that I'll be paying dearly, so by all means, show me what you meant by that. Come on, quickly now."
A brief silence passed. There was no way that anything would have happened.
"Well, it's about time for me to go. We, adults, have plenty of work to do, after all."
Acting Director Tsukishiro began walking, deliberately pushing his way between us as he went.
"If possible, please choose to drop out of school voluntarily. That way, we won't have to get any other students involved."
Leaving me with those words, Tsukishiro left and headed down the hallway. After he was gone, Sakayanagi began to walk away as well, slowly.
"Well, this has gone and ruined everything. How immensely unsatisfying."
"Sorry."
"You don't have to apologise, Ayanokouji-kun. I'm just disappointed that an adult must intrude upon children's affairs. He took my most precious memory and trampled on it."
She didn't seem to care that her victory had been flawed.
She couldn't forgive the fact that the integrity of the chess match had been trifled with.
Shibata: How so? Even if Sakayanagi-san didn't want it the way she wanted, doesn't it mean her position in the class competition?
Ichinose: It's not that Shibata-kun. Sakayanagi-san is displeased not because she lost, but because the outside interference invalidated the integrity of the competition Sakayanagi-san wanted.
Sakayanagi: Exactly, Ichinose-san. Victory is secondary. What I truly craved was to compete against an opponent worthy to share the stage with me.
Inogashira: W-Wow. Even someone like Sakayanagi-san is praising Ayanokouji-kun.
Nanase: 'So this is how the first meeting between the acting director and Ayanokouji-senpai occurred. Perhaps these videos will show me insights into what type of existence senpai would become in my life.'
"It's just— don't you think it's somewhat unreasonable to ask me to accept it like this?"
Sakayanagi stopped walking and looked up at me.
"Yeah. You're certainly not wrong."
I had intended to keep quiet about Acting Director Tsukishiro's interference, but maybe it wasn't wrong that Sakayanagi had found out about it. Albeit only a bit, the situation had also left me feeling cheated.
"So, please play with me again, starting from the move just before the Acting Director interfered!"
I could've quickly rejected her proposal right then and there.
But, if I did, I felt something inside Sakayanagi would've broken. And something within me as well.
Mii-chan: E-Eto, what did you mean by that, Ayanokouji-kun?
Matsushita: Mii-chan is right, Ayanokouji-kun. I don't know what's going on, but I doubt it's because you care about the integrity of the game.
Nimomiya: Me too. This stuff sounds too complicated for us. That's why we leave the complex stuff to Honami-chan and Kanzaki-kun.
Ichinose: Don't worry about Nimomiya-chan. Everyone has their own strengths.
Ayanokouji: It's nothing like that. I just thought I might be filled with regret if I declined.
"I have no reason to turn you down, I guess. But where should we go?"
"Did you know that there's a chessboard in the library?"
Many students looked awfully confused at the implication. However, they didn't say anything yet. It seemed they were able to temper their questions for now.
"No... that's the first time l've heard of it."
"I occasionally use it to play chess. Let's go there and use that."
I had no reason to decline her proposal, so we went to the library.
Nobody was there today, probably because the special exam was over and all the courses were finished.
I found a chessboard inside the quiet library and placed it on a small table suitable for two players. Sakayanagi skillfully arranged the pieces to their original state.
"Here, the same situation as earlier. Please, show me your true move."
I picked up the piece and placed it where it was meant to be.
After the re-match...
"As expected of you, Ayanokouji-kun. It's my loss."
It was a closely contested match, with both sides evenly matched.
"You sure are honest about it."
"Do I look like some haughty lady who can't acknowledge her defeat?"
I'd be lying if I said I couldn't see it.
Many students couldn't help but snicker at Ayanokouji's blunt comment.
Sakayanagi: So that's how you think of me, Ayanokouji-kun?
Ryueen: I like this version of you more. You should do this more often.
Ayanokouji: I am good, thanks.
Morishita: 'So Ayanokouji Kiyotaka really did win the match against Sakayanagi Arisu. And yet, when it comes to their relationship, Sakyanagi Arisu is almost always the one who initiates the conversation. Wouldn't childhood friends try to correct each other more often?'
"What I wanted to know was where things stood between the two of us. Who stood above the other? I'd never sit here and complain about the result."
"Though I may have won, this was just a recreation. There's no guarantee that the match would've progressed like this at that time and precise moment."
I couldn't discount the possibility that it was a move I had managed to think of due to the extra time given to me.
"This match was the outcome of the advantageous situation Horikita had created during her match with Hashimoto. As far as I see it, 1 intervened while we still had the upper hand. I don't think it was a very fair match."
The match turned out the way it did because Horikita had given me an advantage. However, Sakayanagi's ability to overcome that disadvantage was a testament to her strength.
If we were to play again without any advantages, I would not be guaranteed to win. Even if she proposed a rematch, I would prefer to avoid it if possible.
"Is that your way of comforting me?"
Sakayanagi chuckled, finding my response strange.
"That's not it. I was objectively stating the facts."
"I'm satisfied with this result. Isn't that enough?"
If she was satisfied, then that was certainly right. That being said, it still didn't make me feel better.
"When this special exam was announced, you could've chosen to face me directly by further restricting the one-on-one event. If you had proposed something like that, I still would've accepted. But even so, you didn't. Why was that?"
Ike: Wait! Why would Sakayanagi-chan go her way to protect you, Ayanokouji?
Onodera: That's right. Horikita-san told us that Sakayanagi-san deliberately tried to target Ayanokouji, not to protect him.
Ayanokouji: The host said that this is an alternative timeline. In this timeline, the events might be different from our timeline.
Shiina: 'As always, Ayanokouji-kun deflects the question. Though I fairly certain that Sakayanagi-san never truly intended to expel Ayanokouji-kun. Friendship aside, Sakayanagi-san takes pride and joy in intellectual competition. She would never try to expel Ayanokouji-kun just for strategic advantage.'
Hashimoto: 'So the princess already made her moves to protect the king behind the scenes, huh? Even if it's an alternative timeline, I can still learn something useful what their true relationship, and more importantly, the king's true abilities.'
Of course, it would've still been a random battle fought using only seven of the ten events, so there would've been no guarantee it'd get chosen.
But if the two of us had come to an agreement surrounding both of our one-on-one events, the chances of everything working out would've been relatively high.
"The reason is simple. As you must have reasoned, there was no guarantee it would be chosen. Also, if you indiscriminately competed with me in this one-on-one match, the people around you would surely be suspicious. I wanted to avoid letting either of those things happen. Though the Acting Director took advantage of it in the end."
Sakayanagi had carefully planned the particular exam, considering my circumstances. This was probably why she got angry when Tsukishiro intervened.
The seven events chosen today and the order in which they were selected were most likely predetermined and not random. Therefore, it was not a fair competition from the beginning.
Matsushita: 'So that's truly happened. This is the first time I became suspicious of Ayanokouji-kun. At first, it was just a gut feeling, but only when I realised that Ayanokouji-kun might be more capable than I thought.'
Amasawa: Ahh, don't worry, senpai. Even if Sakayanagi-senpai, by some miracle, is better than you at moving pieces of wood, you are still number one senpai to me!
Amasawa said that with a sincere yet sultry look, giving Ayanokouji many glares towards him.
Karuizawa: Hey! Stop making trouble for my boyfriend!
Manabu: 'So that's what happened. This confirms that Sakayanagi wanted to compete with Ayanokouji for a very long time. This eagerness is not something you would expect from a childhood friend. Those are most likely lying about their relationship to hide the details of their relationship. I don't know why, thought.'
Kushida: 'Even just from the video, I can tell that the only reason I survived is that those freaks didn't care about me or found me easy to use before discarding me. God…I really feel stupid for trying to expel this guy.'
Miyake: Kiyotaka is much more popular than I thought.
Shibata: Damn. This guy has girls who have hots from almost every class.
Amikura: Hee, it seems Class A is not the only thing that is up for grabs.
Mori: Bad, Ayanokouji-kun.
Satou: Hah, so much competition.
Koenji: Haha, not bad, Ayanokouji-boy! Even if you never reached my level of perfection, you are still above the ordinary commoners.
Ayanokouji: I didn't do anything, Koenji.
"Besides, Hashimoto-kun was the most talented chess player in Class A, and yet he lost to Horikita-san after you taught him. That means that I lost in that respect as well."
Sakayanagi peacefully bowed her head to me.
"Ayanokouji-kun. It was a pleasure to face off against you. The answer l was looking for is clear to me now. You are certainly a genius. Your skill is by no means fake."
"Fake?"
"What does she mean?"
How can a talent be fake?"
Kiryuuin: False genius? You realise he is just as, if not more, intelligent than you?
Sakayanagi: There is a distinction between a fake genius and a false genius. I do not underestimate his intelligence. I understand how incredible he is.
Ryuuen: And what is all this talk about burying the false genius? You think you can beat him?
Sakayanagi: I am not obligated to answer your question. You will need to wait for the answer.
Ryueen: Then I will enjoy seeing the look on your face when you lose.
Ichinose: 'How can a genius be false? What exactly is that supposed to mean? A genius that was created? A nurtured one, perhaps?'
Horikita Manabu and Nagumo also came to a nearly identical conclusion.
"You don't plan on taking revenge with chess again?"
"Do you want me to?"
"Not really."
"How honest."
Many snickered at Ayanokouji's blunt response towards Sakayanagi.
We could play this game privately between us due to the rare circumstances we found ourselves in.
The particular exam had ended, and we were about to begin a long break, so we were able to locate a secluded spot with no other people around.
"As for the reason why l'm not planning on taking revenge... Honestly, I thought you and I were fairly evenly matched in chess. If we played ten games, it wouldn't be strange if we each had five wins and five losses. Would you disagree with that?"
"No, I agree."
Our true abilities were a perfect match, and if we were to face off again, it would definitely play out the way Sakayanagi predicted.
"But I feel that the winner would be you, Ayanokouji-kun. I would've lost back then, during the critical moments. Well, you have a slightly longer history with chess than me. Perhaps that made the difference."
A slightly competitive look showed on her face, emphasising the importance of winning.
"If I were to take revenge using chess, that would take the fun out of it. Chess is a leisure activity, and l'd like to keep it that way." As she spoke, she picked up one of the knights from the chessboard.
"Since you mentioned my history with chess, does that mean you did see me back then after all?"
"Yes. I was watching as you relentlessly overwhelmed your opponents in the White Room. I've been fond of chess ever since, believing the day would come when I'd face you myself."
The intuition I had about Class A's proposed events was correct. The inclusion of chess was not coincidental.
Hondo: Wait?! So Sakayanagi intentionally selected a chess match just to compete with Ayanokouji?!
Matsushita: How about that? Sakayanagi-san was eager to compete with you. She even arranged everything just to compete with you. You are quite popular, Ayanokouji-kun.
Hamaguchi: Knowing Sakayanagi, she certainly wouldn't go through all that trouble if he were just an ordinary genius.
Watanabe: Yeah. Ayanokouji is so amazing, he even has the attention of the most capable people in our year.
Miyake: Well, I will be damned, Kiyotaka. Sakayanagi must have really impressed if she wanted to prove herself, if she only met you once and wanted to impress you.
Hirata: That's amazing, Kiyotaka-kun! So many people respect you.
Ayanokouji: It's nothing amazing, Yousuke. Others are just overestimating me.
Ichinose: Modest as ever, Aynokouji-kun.
"Well then— let's hurry back, shall we?"
"I'll put it away. Just sit there and wait for a bit."
"Thank you very much. I'll gladly take you up on that."
I went and returned the pieces and board to their original places.
"It's with regret that I must say this, but I will be keeping my distance from you from now on. If I were to continue fixating on you, our classmates would probably start to suspect something. Furthermore..."
"Furthermore?"
"I've been dying to get to know you for so long. You're like a childhood friend I've never met, one l've always chased after. If it's easy for us to compete with one another, it would probably lose some of its value to me."
Ike: What?! Childhood friends?!
Hondo: With her?!
Sato: Is this right?!
Suzune: l...never expected that.
Kei: What?!
Everyone looked at Ayanokouji with inquisitive stares.
Hashimoto: Is that true?!
Class A also stared at her.
Sakayagi sighed.
Sakayanagi: Well, I would have preferred it not be revealed, but yes. I knew him for quite a long time."
The sophomores were surprised at the new revelation.
Ichinose: 'They...knew each other?'
Ryuen: Interesting.
Katsuragi: That...actually makes sense now.
Karuizawa: Why didn't you tell me?
Shinohara: Yeah, isn't this pretty important?
Ike: You are such a smooth motherfucker, Ayanokoji. Having such a cute childhood friend. No fair.
Shinohara glared at him, tired of his antics.
Ayanokouji: Sorry. It was just personal, and I didn't feel like it was necessary to share.
Maezono: But still-
Hirata: It's fine if he says so, isn't it?
Suzune: 'It isn't my business, but it still kind of bothers me.'
Kushida: 'That time he got all those praise votes... I see now.'
Sakayanagi: Not necessary? I feel saddened that you think of our relationship so little, Ayanokoji-kun. I suppose only I think of it as special.
She said, with a slight pout and sad eyes. Something that caught most of the students, especially Class A, totally off guard.
Everyone stared, while some glared at Ayanokoji.
Asahina: Ara~, are you both only friends?
She teased.
"Kyaa~"
"So bold~"
Some girls apparently found it delightful.
Ishikura: An unexpected rival, Kei-chan?
Ichihashi: U-unacceptable!
Sotomura: Is this the infamous childhood friend route?
Ryuen: How unexpected of you, Ayanokoji.
Hondo: H-he, he is a traitor!
Ike: A lucky bastard!
Hasebe: Wow...so devious, Kiyopon~
Miyake: He is just full of surprises.
Karuizawa simply glared at him.
Ayanokouji: It's not like that. She is just messing around.
Sakayanagi: Ara~ How could you blame a poor maid-
Ayanokouji: Enough Sakayanagi.
Sakayagi couldn't keep up the act as she broke into giggles.
Everyone understood at once, while others were amazed to see a cold person like her have such a side.
The boys collectively looked at Ayanokouji and gave him a thumbs-up.
"Though knowing Acting Director Tsukishiro, this is no time for students to fight amongst each other anyway."
Under normal circumstances, this school is meant to have students competing with each other, but it seems like the school's priorities are misplaced. Although we may compete in similar ways later, there is no guarantee that he won't interfere again at some point.
It's probably more accurate to say he would do whatever it takes to get in my way. However, I am grateful that I only need to be careful of him for now.
Albert: Bro has nothing to worry about. Albert and his friends will help him.
Horikita: You are the biggest troublemaker in my class, but I am still responsible for you. I guess I will also help.
Nishino: Wow. When I first met Ayanokouji, I thought he was just a type of guy who keeps to himself. Ayanokouji is a lot more popular than I thought.
Sotomura: Naturally! An overpowered MC is expected to have a admirers supporting him!
Machida: Yeah. After seeing so many capable people behind him priaising him, I can't imagine that guy being in danger in any way.
If enemies on all sides surrounded me, the exhaustion that would come with it would be considerable.
The two of us left the library.
"Come to think of it, this is the first time we've left the school together like this."
"Now that you mention it, you're right."
There was always somebody else with her.
Moreover, the idea of the two of us walking side-by-side together like this wasn't the most natural one.
Most students agreed with that without much thought.
Ayanokouji found that a little insulting.
"I must apologise for being such a slow walker."
"You don't have to apologise for that."
Her slow walking speed was due to her handicap. Today, I felt thankful for it. I would reach the dorms too quickly if I walked at my usual pace.
"What are you thinking of doing from now on?"
"It just depends on what Tsukishiro does next. He may just be filling in for your father, but he's still the director. Ordinary methods won't work for him."
Miyamoto: Wait! You mean your own father tried to expel you?!
Karuizawa: Is that true, Kiyotaka?!
Matsushita: It doesn't seem like just your typical argument in a family.
Kiriyama: 'It seems Ayanokouji has connections with the outside world as well, potentially even business or politics. Did Horikita-senpai know about this as well?'
Kyruin: Kouhai-kun is becoming more and more interesting as I learn about him.
Asahina: He really is.
Nanase: 'Just as I thought. Ayanokouji-senpai's father really wanted to expel Ayanokouji-senpai. But why did he try to go after with only in such a manner? With Tsukishiro's influence as an acting chairman, he should have had more options to expel Ayanokouji-senpai.'
Tsubaki: 'It seems Ayanokouji-senpai's father already tried to expel him before us. A reasonable approach, but not good enough. Has he miscalculated the threat level, or is there some other reason?'
"You're right. Given the current situation, father's reinstatement doesn't seem like it'll come easily after all."
"What are you planning on doing?"
As I asked, Sakayanagi pondered for a bit.
"For the time being, l'll enjoy myself as I always have. If Katsuragi-kun starts opposing me again, l'll act as his opponent. If Ichinose-san comes chasing after my position, I'll have fun crushing her back down as I play with her. If she gets herself expelled, l'd have the pleasure of watching as Class B falls apart as well."
She smiled like a little girl who was innocently playing with her dolls.
"I didn't foresee Ryuuen-kun's move, but if he's come back to the battlefield, l'd also like to face off against him. It seems like it may not be such a boring school life after all."
"That's good to hear."
Ryueen: Hahaha! It's hilarious that you actually believe your words. All you did was suck the most gullible dumbass in the country, and expose a hair clip scandal as if it's the unfathomable plan. Even a defect with some brain can pull it off.
Sakayanagi: The Leader's duty is to win, no? Sometimes, you don't need complex plans to ensure victory. If you are that eager to be crushed, you can wait for your turn during the next special exam.
Shibata: Wow, Sakayanagi-san really is scary… She is talking about crushing us and even her own former classmate as if she were doing a house chore.
Ijuin: Yeah, and Ayanokouji-kun accepted it so nonchalantly.
Sydou: Yeah, Ayanokouji, you can be quite scary without even meaning, you know?
Koenji: Preposterous. A little girl like her doesn't faze me in the slightest.
Sakaynagi: For someone who claims to be a gentleman, you sure don't know how to treat a lady, Koenji-kun?
Koenji: Is your pride that fragile when someone competent does not flatter your ego or try to kiss the ground you walk on? Unlike you, I know my value and don't care for everyone to show it for what is obvious.
Utomiya: Personally, I don't really see much difference between the two of them.
Kamuro: Leave it. Those two won't stop until one of them has the last laugh.
Hasebe: You sure are bold, Kiyopon. Sakayanagi-san speaks like that, and you are so unfazed.
Ayanokouji: It's nothing like that. I was just as affected as everyone else in this room. I just tried not to pay attention to it.
'What a liar.'
Those who Ayanokouji's true nature though to themselves.
"And there is 'that' matter."
"That matter?"
This time, both Sakayanagi and Ayanokouji were fully engaged.
This part did not happen in their timeline.
"What matter?"
"Yeah. What does he mean?"
"Yes. Sakayanagi got what she wanted."
"Dunno. Maybe Ayanokouji forgot something to do?"
Sakayanagi was naturally confused by my words.
She knew nothing about 'that'.
But it's alright.
This matter is between only the two of us.
To ensure I can proceed with my future goals, I have to tie up the loose ends once and for all.
Mori: "What goals?"
Ike: "Yeah, Ayanokouji. Would you stop speaking like a space cadet, and speak in japanese?"
Horikita: 'Bedrudiginly I have to agree with Ike-kun. Ayanokouji-kun and vagueness? I coudn't name a better duo.'
Karuizawa: Yeah, Kiyotaka. You speak like you about to commit murder.
Morishita: 'Ayanokouji Kiyotaka never directly denied that this timeline is different from the original one. He is either hiding his true relationship with Sakayanagi Arisu or the true reasons why his father wants to expel him. It must be related to this 'White Room' place.'
We arrived at the student dorm, and he was waiting for us.
Ando: Huh? Who is this guy?
Kaneda: I never saw him before either.
Sudou: Never met that guy either. Maybe he is a senior?
Suzune: Perhaps he is a senior student in that timeline?
Manabu: I can confirm that he was not a student in my year or Nagumo's year in the original timeline, nor he was in the generation before me either.
Ibuki: What does he want with Ayanokouji?
Ijuin: That guy looks so relaxed yet dignified. If I ever saw him in person, I would definitely think he is a senior.
Yamashita: He looks really handsome and mature. I wouldn't be surprised if he was actually a senpai.
Amikura: Yeah. He has the ease of an adult. He doesn't have that loud, excited feeling that most of us have."
"Why is Yamasaki-kun here, Ayanokouji-kun?
Sakayanagi was curious about the intent behind this meeting.
Neither of us said anything to her.
There was no need to.
"Special Annex Building."
Yamasaki muttered these words.
I nodded.
Sakayanagi was confused, but she followed as she was curious about this meeting.
Hashimoto: Princess looks genuinely confused. What is the king and this Yamasaki guy up to?
Ichinose: Maybe they want to discuss something private if they go to the Special Annex Building?
Komiya: I don't know. Aren't those two a bit too chill to discuss normal business?
Nishikawa: Yeah. I don't know what they want to discuss, but I doubt it will be something simple.
Amikura: Come on, don't be such cynics. Yamasaki-kun looks like harmless person.
Onodera: True. He almost reminds of Ayanokouji-kun only more expressive.
Azuma: You are right. It's a bit freaky.
Ayanokouji: 'I wonder what will the 'topic' between me and Yamasaki will be. There are too many possibilities to consider.'
Sakayanagi: 'The other me seems to be aware of Yamasaki-kun, but neither she nor Ayanokouji-kun showed any strange reactions to his presence. This dynamic feels off, but I can't point why."
Asahina: Kouhais gotta point. If it weren't for Ayanokouji-kun own confirmation, I wouldn't be able to tell if he in our senior or maybe even above.
Sotomura: My long-honed instincts tells me that this a fated encounter between two main characters in the ultimate showdown.
We trailed behind Yamasaki, who led us to the destination.
After reaching the place, he suddenly stopped and turned his back to us.
There were no cameras in sight as he pulled out his phone and glanced at us.
I figured this would be coming, but I could feel it.
The black abyss that was ready to swallow me whole.
Those eyes...
They could watch a trillion souls being snuffed out in an instant and not feel a shred of sympathy.A normal person would have recoiled in horror as I saw the darkness hidden deep within the young man's eyes.
Miyake: I couldn't tell from appearance, but my instincts tells me to avoid a fight with this guy, no matter what.
Hasebe: R-really? I-Is he really that dangerous?
Miyake nodded.
Ayanokouji: 'I see.
Utomiya: 'These are not the eyes you can gain, just from steet fighting.'
Tsubaki: Thoughts?
Utomiya: Same as that senior in Ayanokouji-senpai's class. I can feel in my gut that to engage in a fight with this guy is foolish.
It was my turn to be at Death's door.
Sliding his phone in his pocket, Yamasaki didn't waste any time as he tried to get my head.
I managed to block, but he pushed off his other foot and tried to strike my body with another kick.
I barely had enough time to block it as he created some distance.
He took the offensive and started hitting him with strikes, and I wasn't surprised that he was blocking and dodging each one.
He started to throw punches, and I was blocking and dodging each one.
Ibuki: 'No way! That guy can actually keep up with Ayanokouji!'
Suzune: 'I have only witnessed Ayanokouji-kun fight once, but even my brother would probably lose by this point. This boy, Yamasaki-kun, is no ordinary person either.'
Amasawa: 'This is not at the level Ayanokouji-senpai where can be defeated, but still enough to sur almost all students in this school.'
He seemed to have overextended one of his punches, so I took the advantage and struck him in the solar plexus.
He gasped for air, but I was surprised when he grabbed my arm and threw me over his back.
My back hit the ground as l ignored the pain and returned to my feet.
He had already composed himself and rushed at me. He was aiming for my liver.
It was a split-second decision when he changed the trajectory of where he was aiming and clipped my jaw.
He aimed an overhand punch at my face. At the last moment, he tucked his fist, bringing his elbow down.
I blocked it, but I wasn't expecting it to cause a lot of pain.
Ignoring the pain, I struck him in the face, causing him to stumble. I wouldn't let the opportunity go, so I hit him a few more times and tackled him to the ground.
I grabbed him by his collar and started hitting him in the face. I got a fepaw good shots in before he began to block.
I aimed a punch at his side, breaking his guard.
Looking into the darkness, he stared at my eyes, but I felt it...
A black abyss stared right back at me.
It felt like he was seeing right through me and into my soul.
Warning alarms went off inside my head.
I didn't know what came over me, but I started striking even more.
He was taking every punch to the face but striking me back.
I was caught by surprise when he grabbed my collar and slammed his forehead against my head.
I winced in pain as he pushed me off of him, scrambling to his feet.
I got a good look at him. His bottom lip was busted and bleeding, and he had a few bruises on his face.
Blood was trickling down my nose, and I hoped it was broken.
His eyes were cold and lifeless...
He rushed at me, and he seemed faster. I started blocking his strikes, but his hits were getting more vital and more challenging to counter.
He starts hitting me in the face and the body.
He was already behind me, lifting me into the air.
I thought he was going to body slam me, but he hooked an arm around mine as I was coming.
He had me in a flying arm-bar, and I began to struggle to break out of it.
I could break free from it, but I was being too hopeful. His foot struck me in the side of the head.
I felt slightly dizzy, but it was my biggest mistake as I didn't push through the dizziness.
He secured the flying arm-bar, and I didn't have any chance of breaking free.
I thought my shoulder was going to rip if I continued to struggle.
There was no breaking free from it...
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I tapped out.
He released my arm as I lay on the ground, staring at the ceiling.
The Masterpiece of the White Room has lost…
Sakayanagi: You are joking…
Amasawa: No way?! Senpai actually lost?!
Karuizawa: I can't believe it! Kiyotaka actually lost!
Ibuki: Impossible! That bastard actually was defeated?!
Kiryuin: Oh my, who would have thought you would lose, kouhai-kun. That's undoubtedly the most intriguing thing I witnessed here.
Mashima: Calm down, students. The video is not over, yet.
Eventually, students settled down.
I am relieved.
That man wouldn't be happy.
He would deem me a failure, but I was okay with it.
Yamasaki held out his hand to me. I grabbed as he pulled me up.
We stared at each other, but no words were exchanged.
He patted my shoulder before walking away.
I fought against the Grim Reaper and lost…
Ryueen: 'Haha! So tha the monster considered that guy as a Grim Reaper, huh? Shame he is not in this line. My intuition tells me he would be just as entertaining as Ayanokouji.'
It looks like there's a lot more that I need to learn.
"You seem very calm for someone who has lost," Sakayanagi said.
Ah. I forgot she was still here.
Few people snickered at Ayanokouji's dismissive attitude.
"How are you feeling?" She asked.
"Fine," I answered.
"I feel ecstatic witnessing your defeat," she smugly smiles.
Sakayanagi: 'I can't blame the other me. If I saw this confrontation in person, I would be both shocked and delighted witnessing Ayanokouji-kun's defeat in person, even if it's just in physical ability. Just who are you Yamasaki-kun?'
Manabu: 'I never would have thought that there is someone who not only can keep up with Ayanokouji, but to actually win? I truly didn't expect that. With such a level of ability, I wonder why he didn't apply to ANHS. Someone like that would undoubtedly shine in this institution.'
This should be enough.
With this, both Yamasaki and I achieved our respective goals.
"What goals?"
"Yeah. What is he talking about?"
"All they did fight, and then leave without saying a word."
But even so…
I never truly expected to lose.
I never thought the confrontation would be easy, but the fact that I was defeated truly surpassed my expectations.
Even though Yamasaki and I don't talk to each other much, I still consider him a friend.
Not in a sentimental, loyalty or warmth-type of sense of 'friendship'.
It was a mutual recognition.
The only person who lives in the same world as me, yet chose a different path.
I couldn't help but look forward but what the future will hold.
???: That's it for today.