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Chapter 8 - natural selection

Some Time Later...Honnouji Academy Student Council Room

Inumuta: See?

Satsuki and the Elite Four were going over the footage of Mako and Y/N.

Inumuta: Mako's fist, while not at full strength, connected perfectly with Y/N's stomach.

Nonon: So? She was obviously holding back. She's soft.

Inumuta: That doesn't matter. Mankanshoku was wearing a Two-Star Goku Uniform and Y/N was wearing a No-Star Uniform. The kinetic energy transfer alone... The very instant that punch connected with his stomach, his internal organs should have ruptured. He should be dead.

Sanageyama: He must be pretty tough.

Satsuki closed her eyes and went over everything that has happened involving Y/N.

Satsuki: Inumuta, what have you found out about him?

Inumuta: Yes! His background is... surprisingly clean. Parents passed away when he was younger, foster system, standard education. Nothing remarkable.

Nonon: How could a nobody like that possibly make it into Honnouji Academy?

Inumuta: That is where it gets interesting. Evidently, the reason why he was allowed in was because of the direct influence of the Prime Minister himself. Using his pull, he managed to get Y/N onto the transfer list and thus into Honnouji Academy.

Gamagoori: You expect me to believe an orphaned boy, with an average education, got the support of the Prime Minister?

Inumuta: That is what I asked myself as well. I went digging into the Prime Minister's history. Before taking office, his daughter had been targeted by kidnapping rings multiple times.

Sanageyama: Oh, so he's a kind of white knight that saved his daughter?

Inumuta: In a way, yes. Based on her social media accounts, she was saved by the same person every time.

Satsuki: Y/N...

Inumuta: Yes, my Lady.

Sanageyama: So, what? Is he some kind of Spec-Ops operative or something?

Inumuta: Even if that were true, that would not explain his physical durability. There are too many variables.

Satsuki: There is more to him. Keep searching, Inumuta.

Inumuta: At once, my Lady!

Satsuki: The rest of you, make final preparations for the Naturals Election.

Gamagoori, Sanageyama, and Nonon: Yes!

Satsuki looked out the window and at the city below.

Satsuki: Every day you fascinate me more and more, Y/N... Just what kind of wars have you fought in?

A Few Days Later

Honnouji Academy

The entire student body, including Ryuko, Y/N, and Mako, were assembled in the massive schoolyard. On her tower, Satsuki stepped forth and addressed the students of Honnouji Academy.

Satsuki: Today, I am giving the Honnouji Academy Student Council system a fresh start! All students have the right to attack all other students! Secret meetings, scheming, backstabbing, anything goes! Seven days from now, reach the schoolyard alive! And then use your strength to lay claim to your social standing once again! This shall be Honnouji Academy's first Naturals Election!

Ryuko: "Naturals Election"?

Mako: Woah.

(Y/N): Seriously, should I even be surprised anymore? This school is just a battle royale with homework. -_-

Satsuki: In this election, you will not be choosing some candidate! You will be choosing yourself! At 8:30am, seven days from now, a sudden death runoff election will be held with the survivors who arrive in this schoolyard! Fight one another! Emerge victorious! And I will grant you your Goku Uniforms anew!

SUDDEN DEATH RUNOFF ELECTION

Satsuki: And now, fellow comrades of Honnouji Academy! FIGHT!

Moments after her speech, the entire assembly of students turned into an all-out brawl. Everyone was fighting everyone. Satsuki's tower surrounded itself in a red shield and Ryuko, Y/N, and Mako, made their way to the Mankanshoku household.

Mako: Gosh, it sure is crazy in town.

(Y/N): sighs Looks about the same as usual to be honest. Just more open anarchy.

Ryuko: How can you guys be so calm about all this?

Barazo: Well, due to that recent incident, we learned that obsessing over short-term wants isn't any good.

Mataro: If I wait until everyone's exhausted from fighting, I'll be able to lift one or two wallets easy!

Sukuyo: You never learn! pinches Mataro's cheek

Ryuko: Haha... In that case, sir, I'm gonna borrow your scooter.

Barazo: No problem! I swindled it from a scooter dealership, just for you!

Mako: Where are you going, Ryuko?

Ryuko: Nowhere special.

Mako: Just tooling around? Than I'll come too!

Mako jumped onto the scooter and hugged Ryuko tightly.

(Y/N): Oh. Well, I'll see you guys later I guess.

Mako: Nonsense! You're coming too!

Ryuko: Eh!?

(Y/N): I don't think there's enough room on that scooter for me, Mako... And I value my spine.

Barazo: If you're going too, Y/N, you can take the car!

(Y/N): Really? A car with working AC?

Barazo: Sure! I still owe you for getting hit by Mako! Feel free to use it!

(Y/N): I already told you I forgive you, but okay. I'll drive.

With Y/N driving and Ryuko giving directions, the trio arrive at the wreck of Ryuko's former home.

Isshin & Ryuko Matoi Family Home

Mako: Is this-?

Ryuko: My family's house.

Mako: a wreck like this?

(Y/N): Wow. Someone really wanted this place gone. Blast damage... fire... very thorough.

Ryuko: Yeah. It was...

(Y/N): So what happened?

Ryuko: My mom died right after I was born, and my dad was a scientist who only had time for his research. We never got along, so I started living in the dorms in grade school. I started to turn bad and fight all the time. By my first year of high school, I was a full-blown juvenile delinquent.

(Y/N): You? A delinquent? I'm shocked. Truly.

Ryuko: I'm going to ignore that... Then, six months ago, I got a message from Dad saying that he wanted to talk, so I went home for the first time in ages. But...

Ryuko described what happened when she finally got home. Her father was stabbed by the very Scissor Blade she was using and was telling her that should she wield it, she will run into the one who killed him. When she ran out to find the one who killed her father, all she saw was the silhouette of a woman jumping away with the other half of the Scissor Blade.

Ryuko: When he died, I realized for the first time that I didn't know anything about my father. So I wanted to at least find out who killed him, and why. And what he was trying to tell me. And what this Scissor is. I want to find those answers. And to know why my dad created you, Senketsu.

(Y/N): You really have a good reason for doing what you do, huh? It's not just for the thrill of the fight.

Ryuko: Yeah... I have to find out-

(Y/N): I thought you were just crazy. I mean, with the large Scissor Blade and the outfit you transform into, I thought you were just some exhibitionist with a penchant for violence.

Ryuko bashed Y/N on the head with dull side of the Scissor Blade, sending him, face first, into the ground.

(Y/N): Thud

Ryuko: Shut up, you!!

Mako: You know Ryuko, you aren't alone.

Ryuko: Huh?

Mako: You have me, my family and even Y/N! We all love you!

Ryuko: Thank you... smiles

(Y/N): (muffled from the dirt) I am currently weighing my options on suing for workplace harassment...

Ryuko: I'll kick you again! You totally deserve it!

Eventually the trio looked around for clues, when they didn't find anything they decided to head back home.

An Hour Later

On the Highway

Ryuko: I thought that there might be some kind of clue where I found you, but I guess it was a waste of time.

Senketsu: Aikuro's doing, no doubt.

Ryuko: Maybe.

(Y/N): There she goes again, talking to her clothes. I almost wish I could hear what they are saying... Almost. Probably complaining about my driving.

Y/N was brought out of his thoughts when the car started to make banging sounds and slow down.

(Y/N): What the-!?

Ryuko: What's going on?

(Y/N): The car. It stopped running! He checks the dashboard Engine failure. Great.

Y/N moved the car to the side of the road, where it eventually came to a complete stop.

(Y/N): Well, I guess we're pushing it.

Mako: I'm sorry, the car isn't exactly well maintained.

(Y/N): It's fine, we aren't too far away. Just... inconvenient.

Mako: Then let's hitchhike! HeyHeyHeyHey!

(Y/N): Mako, hitchhiking isn't a good idea. Usually, in movies, the driver turns out to be a serial killer or a monster.

Gamagoori: Oi.

(Y/N): Deadpan See? Monster.

Gamagoori had pulled up beside the trio in his car.

Gamagoori: No. I am Ira Gamagoori! Chair of the Disciplinary Committee!

(Y/N): Oh god it's even WORSE than a monster. It's the fun police.

Gamagoori: STOP YOUR INSOLENCE Y/N!! Shakes Y/N YOU EMBARRASS THE UNIFORM YOU WEAR!!!

(Y/N): @_@ Ok... stop shaking me...

Gamagoori: sigh What is wrong, did you guys break down?

Mako: I reeled in Gamagoori!

Ryuko: Gamagoori! You followed me all the way out here?

Gamagoori: Calm down. I have no intention of fighting you here.

Ryuko: Huh?

Gamagoori: My fight with you will be during the Sudden Death Runoff.

Ryuko: What do you want, then?

Gamagoori: Get in. I, Ira Gamagoori, Honnouji Academy Disciplinary Committee Chair. If we come across a Honnouji Academy student in trouble off campus, it is the duty of committee members to assist them. That holds true even for you. Get in.

(Y/N): Why only off campus?... Never mind, AC?

The trio hopped into Gamagoori's car and attached the Mankanshoku's family car to the back.

Mako: (sings) On a drive, on a drive! On a drive to Hell! Going' totally upside-down to the bottom...-

Gamagoori: -_-

Ryuko: -_-

(Y/N): -_- ...Is there a radio?

Gamagoori: Matoi, make her stop that god-awful singing.

Ryuko: Do you honestly think anyone can make her stop?

Gamagoori: True, Mankanshoku has never had a red light.

Mako: That's right! My life's traffic lights are always yellow!

Gamagoori: "In life, proceed with caution," eh? There is truth in that.

Suddenly a car appeared on the side, overtaking Gamagoori.

Gamagoori: What nerve! This is a no-passing zone! Doesn't he know the rules of the road?!

As the car caught up, the group looked to see a group of One-Stars pointing guns at them.

(Y/N): Aw man. Not again. Slides down into the seat

Ryuko: Mako get down!

The students opened fire at Gamagoori's car. Gamagoori and Ryuko stood up and shielded the car from their bullets.

Gamagoori: The Automotive Club and Air-soft Club merged to form the Automotive Air-soft Club. I am the one they're after.

Ryuko: So they're after your Three-Star Goku Uniform, huh?

Gamagoori attempted to use evasive driving and started to spin the car around like a top.

Mako: Aaaah!!!

Ryuko: Aaaah!!!

(Y/N): Oh god!!! Hand over mouth I'm gonna hurl!!

Gamagoori: DON'T YOU DARE VOMIT IN MY CAR!!!!!!!

The car crashed into the wall of the highway and the Automotive Club surrounded the vehicle. Ryuko got up, preparing to face them, but was stopped by Gamagoori.

Gamagoori: Matoi, stay out of this. It was my mistake, I'll fix it.

Gamagoori stood in front of the small army of One-Star students, without any trace of doubt. The students launched a rocket at Gamagoori only for him to transform.

Gamagoori: Three-Star Goku Uniform: Shackle Regalia!

(Y/N): Peeks over the door Oh, goodie. More bondage transformations...

The students began to fire at Gamagoori, and while their shots did connect, the pellets didn't seem to be affecting Gamagoori.

Ryuko: Wow. That thing is hard.

Gamagoori: Not just hard! That's it! More! Punish me more! Punish me! Every time you punish me, my heart is whipped!

(Y/N): Whaaaaat the hell is wrong with this place? Is everyone here a masochist? -_-

Gamagoori: Just like that day... That was how I first met Lady Satsuki!

(Y/N): All you did was pause... Wait, did you just have a flash back!?

Gamagoori's uniform started to expand with each hit he received.

Gamagoori: The instant I reach my climax, the power that has been building up inside of me will burst out... ALL AT ONCE!!!!

Gamagoori's uniform transformed yet again, this time, however, it launched massive whips in every direction, completely decimating the army that was attacking him.

Gamagoori: Three-Star Goku Uniform: Scourge Regalia!

Ryuko: Oh, wow...

Senketsu: A secondary transformation, eh?

After the fight, Gamagoori drove the trio all the way back to Mako's home.

Gamagoori: Be careful. They say "a picnic is not done until you reach home safely."

Ryuko: Jeez, it's not a picnic...

(Y/N): Who even says that? Is that a committee rule?

Gamagoori: I'll be waiting for you at the Sudden Death Runoff Election. I'll arrange a fitting spot for our battle.

Ryuko: Hmph.

Gamagoori then drove away, leaving the trio where he dropped them off.

(Y/N): Yeaaah... Good luck with that, Ryuko. He seems... sturdy.

Ryuko: I'm going to beat all of them, and then Satsuki. She's gonna give me some answers. clenches fist

(Y/N): Well, I'm gonna head back to my place. It's late out and I want to get some sleep. Thank god the fighting is mostly in the One and Two-Star districts. See ya in a few days!

Mako: Bye Y/N!

Ryuko: Yeah. See ya.

Later That Night

Mankanshoku Home

Ryuko was up late, ironing Senketsu.

Senketsu: Aaah... This is the best. Don't forget to iron under the lapels. Yeah, that's the spot.

Ryuko: You're such a spoiled piece of clothing, Senketsu.

Senketsu: Mmmm... Hey, Ryuko.

Ryuko: Yeah.

Senketsu: What do you think of Y/N?

Ryuko: blush W-What kind of question is that!?

Senketsu: I mean, what kind of person do you think Y/N is?

Ryuko: An idiot.

Senketsu: Ryuko...

Ryuko: Fine. He's a good guy to have around. He's also the only boy that's stayed this close to me for so long. Usually, by this point, I would have beaten him up or he would have run away.

Senketsu: Hmmm...

Ryuko: What is it?

Senketsu: I am not calling Y/N a bad person, I already know he's a good friend and is fun to hang around. But I don't REALLY know him.

Ryuko: Know him?

Senketsu: Mako wears her emotions on her sleeve, Y/N however always seems to keep his life close to himself. Remember No-Late Day? I also saw him fall off, I thought we would lose a friend that day. I was genuinely shocked when I saw him in class.

Ryuko: Oh yeah. He still hasn't told me how he did that.

Senketsu: The other thing came during the time we fought Mako.

Ryuko: Eh?

Senketsu: Mako was wearing a Two-Star Goku Uniform, while I don't think she really wanted to hurt him, he was still hit with enough force to kill a regular human being.

Ryuko: Huh. That's right. I never really thought about it.

Senketsu: I had believed he was wearing a Goku Uniform or even a Kamui. But after you patted him down a while back, my theories flew out the window.

Ryuko: What are you trying to say, Senketsu?

Senketsu: I just wish I knew more about him.

Ryuko: Yeah, me too...

Senketsu: ...Maybe you can even find out if he likes you back.

Ryuko: W-W-What's that supposed to mean!?!

Senketsu: I can tell you like him, your heart slightly jumps when you talk to him.

Ryuko: blushes BUTT OUT OF PRIVATE STUFF LIKE THAT!!!!!

Meanwhile...

Home of the Prime Minister of Japan

Despite what everyone at the school had seen at the Academy, Satsuki had not actually remained in her tower. Instead, she left the academy grounds in order to question the Japanese Prime Minister on a certain individual.

Prime Minister: sweats U-um...

Satsuki was calmly sitting in the Prime Minister's living room, sipping tea provided by Soroi, who was beside her.

Prime Minister: gulp My L-Lady. May I-I ask what this honor is?

While Satsuki herself held little power over the Prime Minister, her mother, had far more influence than he could even imagine. In fact, it wasn't a stretch to say; that Ragyo Kiryuin held more power than the whole of the Japanese government itself. So having that woman's daughter in his home was immensely nerve-wracking.

Satsuki: I have some questions I would like you to answer, Prime Minister.

Prime Minister: gulp W-what are they?

Satsuki glared at him.

Prime Minister: I-I-I mean, of course my lady!

Satsuki nodded to Soroi and he placed a couple files on the table in front of them. The Prime Minister carefully picked up the file and examined their contents, which caused him to sweat more than he already was.

Satsuki: I take it you recognize the student in those photos. After all, you are the one who placed him in my school.

Prime Minister: Y-yes...

Satsuki: Now, explain to me how this student managed to garner the attention and favor of the Prime Minister of Japan.

Prime Minister: sigh His name is (F/N) (L/N)... A few years ago, before I became Prime Minister, he saved my daughter from danger, in fact he did so multiple times.

Satsuki: Who is he?

Prime Minister: R-really I'm not very sure. On the outside he comes off as a typical teenager, lazy, hard-headed, kinda silly, curious, etc...

Satsuki: I hope you are going somewhere with this.

Prime Minister: Y-Yes I am! On the inside however is a completely different story.

Satsuki calmly sipped her tea, but was intently listened to what the Prime Minister was saying.

Prime Minister: Despite his age, he acts like someone who's seen more battle than even the most veteran of men of the army. I've seen him take down whole platoons of soldiers in the blink of an eye.

Satsuki: Is he some trained super-soldier then?

Prime Minister: I wish I could give you an answer, but I honestly have no idea who he really is. All I know is what he's done for me.

Satsuki: Saving your daughter.

Prime Minister: Yes. But despite all the power he has, he never seems to use it for his own personal gain. In fact, he respectfully asked for his own apartment and offered to pay for it in full, which he did. He even garnered the affection of my daughter after a while, and to be honest, I wouldn't mind if they eventually married.

Satsuki: What kind of person is he?

Prime Minister: sigh I am a man of politics, I have seen the best and worst that humanity has to offer, and I can safely say... smiles he's the kindest person I've ever met.

Satsuki: Hmmmm...

Prime Minister: If you're angry about me getting him into your school, I humbly apologize! I will take any punishment that you desire, but I will not take back what I did!

Satsuki: You'd go that far for him?

Prime Minister: Yes... because I owe him far more than I can ever repay.

Satsuki got up and began to leave.

Satsuki: Thank you Prime Minister, our discussion has been, enlightening.

Prime Minister: Please... don't do anything rash.

Satsuki: Worry not. I shall personally guarantee his safety.

Prime Minister: I'm not worried about HIS safety, I'm worried about YOURS.

Satsuki stopped and briefly looked back at the Prime Minister, then left.

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