The next day at school. It was very early in the morning, and Ms. Makemo just walked inside the class.
"Okay, students, enough chitchat. Today's subject we're learning is Science/Chemistry. Also, for today, you have PE with some of the second years," Ms. Makemo said.
"Umm, excuse me, Ms. Makemo, we don't have a textbook for Chemistry," a girl said.
"Well, you're not supposed to have one. For this subject, all we do is watch videos and take notes if you want," Ms. Makemo said.
"Yay, so that means free time!" Yoru said.
"Whoo hoo, yeah!" Takashi said.
"Don't get too excited because for this subject, next week you have a test—you have to do an experiment. These videos help you with that experiment," Ms. Makemo said.
"Aw man!" Takashi said.
"And for the rest of the class, I forgot to tell you: if you fail at least two of the tests next week, you will be expelled," Ms. Makemo said.
"What!" the class screamed.
"You're just telling us now?" Youske said.
"For real, Ms. Makemo?" Mio said.
"The principal didn't say that for the rules," Akira said.
"Did you really expect the principal to tell you every single rule? He just gave you a little bit. You are expected to read the whole rulebook, you know," Ms. Makemo explained.
"Really? We're supposed to read that whole thing?" Takashi said.
"Yeah, like, what human being has actually read a rulebook in their life?" Yoru said.
I did. I read it—it really wasn't that much, Marasu thought.
"Well, it's not up to me; it's up to you. I already told you what happens if you fail two of the tests next week, since those grades will be your first," Ms. Makemo said.
Well, she is right, because in the rulebook, in section three under expulsion, rule number five states: If failing two or more classes, the penalty will be expulsion. That means if we were to get two F's on those tests next week, those would be our first bad grades, which means we're failing that class.
"So now we will do Chemistry before lunch, and after lunch, you will be in PE," Ms. Makemo said, turning on the big screen at the front of the class.
Then I got up and walked to Ms. Makemo.
"Hey, Ms. Makemo, can I please visit Mr. Kawasaki?" I said.
"Yes, you may. Please make it quick," Ms. Makemo said.
"Ok," I said, walking out of the classroom.
Man, all he had to do was accept my deal, and he wouldn't be getting expelled. He was just too dumb to see that. Man, now I had to use plan two, which I didn't really want to use, but that's life, huh?
I went downstairs, made it to the principal's office, and knocked on his door.
"You may come in," Mr. Kawasaki said.
I entered the office and made sure to close the door behind me.
"Hello, what's your name?" Mr. Kawasaki asked.
"My name is Ren Aokami," I said.
"Ok, sit down," Mr. Kawasaki said.
"No, it's ok. I'd rather stand," I said.
"Ok, then. What did you come here for?" Mr. Kawasaki asked.
"I came here to get a student expelled," I said.
"Who, by chance, and for what reason?" Mr. Kawasaki asked.
"His name is Kaizouke Ouni, and he attacked me," I said.
"Is that an accusation, or do you have physical proof?" Mr. Kawasaki asked.
"I do. I have a video on my phone," I said.
I took out my phone, pressed the video, then passed it to him. He watched the whole thing.
"Is that enough proof?" I asked.
"Yes, it is. I will call him in immediately," Mr. Kawasaki said.
"Wait, before you call, tell me if I'm correct," I said.
"Yeah, what is it?" Kawasaki asked.
"Is it true that there are three ways a student can attend this school: Academics, Sports, and Money?" I asked.
"Well, how did you come up with that?" Mr. Kawasaki asked.
"Well, because I know you wouldn't let just any kids inside this school if it didn't benefit you or the school's representation. If you were to let bad kids in with horrible academics and horrible sports skills, the only option is money, right? Also, having rich kids that are popular attracts more attention from richer families, smart kids, and worldwide attention. Am I wrong?" I said.
And the principal just smiled.
"Wow, Ren Aokami, that's a very good thought process you have there, and yes, you are correct," Mr. Kawasaki said.
"Oh, okay. Just an hunch. You can call him in now," I said.
Building B, Floor 2, Room 12
Daiki and Kaizouke were sitting together and chatting. Then their teacher interrupted them.
"What happened, Mr. Larry?" Daiki said.
"The principal wants Kaizouke in his office immediately," Mr. Larry said.
"Well, it's happening, Daiki. Bye," Kaizouke said before leaving the classroom.
Me and the principal waited patiently. Then we heard a knock on the door.
"Come in," Mr. Kawasaki said.
Then Kaizouke walked in.
"Hello, principal," Kaizouke said, bowing.
"Sit down," Mr. Kawasaki said.
And Kaizouke sat in the chair right beside me.
"So you probably know why you're here," Mr. Kawasaki said.
"Yes, I have an idea," Kaizouke said.
"Then you also know that you will be expelled from Dominion Advance Academy for fighting with another student on campus without requesting a supervised fight," Mr. Kawasaki said.
Then there was just a pause in the air.
"Do you need to see the video yourself, young man?" Mr. Kawasaki asked.
"No, sir," Kaizouke responded.
"Now, do you have anything else to say?" Mr. Kawasaki said.
Kaizouke sat there in silence, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white.
For a moment, he didn't say anything.
Then he slowly turned his head and looked at me.
"Tch… so this was your plan from the start," he muttered.
I didn't respond. I just looked back at him calmly.
Then he let out a short laugh.
"Heh… you're worse than I thought."
He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes for a second before opening them again.
"But it doesn't matter."
He glanced at the floor, then slightly to the side—as if thinking about something… or someone.
"I made my choice yesterday."
Then his eyes sharpened, and he looked straight at the principal.
"I won't betray him."
"No, principal. I accept my penalty gladly," Kaizouke said.
"Well, ok then. You are no longer a student at Dominion Advance Academy and must contact your legal guardian now so I can speak to them. Now, Ren, you must leave the office," Mr. Kawasaki said.
"Ok, principal. Nice speaking to you," I said, getting up and walking out of the office.
I walked out of the office and took a deep breath.
"It didn't have to come to this, but he just couldn't listen," I muttered.
"He had loyalty, then you expelled him for that," Daiki said, his voice cold.
"Well, I didn't do anything. He attacked me, and I was just lucky some bystanders recorded it. I showed it to the principal because he broke the rule," I said calmly.
"No, you're lying. You set him up. You knew he was violent, and you used it against him," Daiki accused.
"I don't know what you're talking about. It was just luck," I said.
"You lying bastard! Now I'm definitely going to end you," Daiki growled.
"Well, give it your best shot," I said.
"Oh, I definitely will," he said before rushing at me with a punch. I sidestepped effortlessly.
"Oh, resorting to violence—that's how your buddy got expelled," I said, letting my words poke at his pride.
"You're just making things worse for yourself," Daiki spat.
He jabbed, then kicked. I blocked both, then landed a clean jab to his face.
Perfect. Keep him angry—people who fight with rage are predictable.
"Ohh, you've got experience. What martial arts did you learn?" Daiki asked, smirking.
"Karate. I'm a black belt," I said.
"Wow… all I've got is street fighting," he said, grinning, moving in again.
He charged with a kick—I grabbed it, spun him, and sent him crashing to the floor. He sprang up immediately, sprinting at full speed, jumping for a kick—I dodged. He turned, trying a backhand—but I caught his arm, pulled him in, and punched him cleanly.
Yes… keep him in his rage. He's predictable now.
Then, as he prepared to attack again, something changed.
He stopped. I can't win this by fighting with rage. I've got to stop and calm down, Daiki thought. He took a deep breath.
"Well, too bad my buddy's gone. Now you—definitely motivated me to crush your dreams," Daiki said, attempting a surprise kick. I blocked it.
He laughed, walking away. "Man, I'm going to have fun crushing you."
Even though the fight was over, my mind was already calculating the next move.
I walked back to class and sat down in my seat. A chemistry video was playing.
So now I need to find the perfect time to operate Plan Two: getting the second years to switch up on Daiki and get him expelled.
As time went by, it was time for lunch.
"Well, since today you have PE, you will report to Building A, Floor 1, Room 3—the gymnasium," Ms. Makemo explained.
Nothing really happened at lunch, but Daiki and his men were just staring at me the whole time. I was eating with the group, then time passed, and we had PE.
I walked to the gymnasium with Takashi, Yoru, and Youske and sat in the bleachers. There were three separate courts with a volleyball net. Then the second years came in.
And then I saw Daiki and his men coming, smiling at me and sitting on the opposite side from us. They were just staring, and I was staring back.
"Hello, I'm your PE coach. Call me Mr. Tsubasa."
"And hello, you can call me Ms. Riko."
"See, now you might be wondering why you first years and second years are together," Mr. Tsubasa said.
"Well, it's simple. Today it will be match between the first years and second years at Volleyball," Ms. Riko said.
"Oh, I'm going to crush you any chance I get, even if it's a sport," Daiki said.
Hmph. A volleyball match—let's get it on, then.
"Oh, and also, whichever team loses, those students will receive an F, so I wish you the best of luck," Ms. Riko said.
So it's me vs. Daiki at volleyball, huh. Luckily, I played some in elementary and middle school.
To Be Continued