Chapitre 9: Volume 2 - Ch. 1 Incidents and Romance
Mornings in Class C are generally lively. Each individual has a unique personality and strong will, and there are many proactive students.
The characteristic of this class is that students tend to form close-knit groups. Within these groups, they engage in lively conversations. From an outsider's perspective, they give off the image of cheerful students.
However, Ryueen Kakeru's group surrounds and controls these small groups.
As a result, when Ryueen Kakeru is present, the voices in the class shrink, and it becomes far from lively.
In other words, whether or not Ryueen Kakeru is present, the volume of the voices in the small groups changes, and the atmosphere takes a 180-degree turn.
But today, the atmosphere in Class C is different. Despite Ryueen Kakeru's presence, there is a sense of restlessness and noise in the air.
No, it's probably not just Class C. It's likely the same in other classes as well.
After all, today is the beginning of the month, the day when points are distributed.
Since understanding the importance of points, every class has made efforts to maintain their points and improve their daily lives.
The beginning of the month is when they find out whether their efforts have paid off.
Sakagami-sensei had already arrived at the teacher's desk and finished writing something on the whiteboard.
Class A: 1004 points Class B: 765 points Class C: 580 points Class D: 87 points
The commotion in the class grows louder. Class C had gained 90 points, increasing from the previous month's 490 points.
And the same applies to other classes. Although the rate of increase varies, every class has been steadily gaining points.
However, a problem arises at this point.
We received 580 points this time.
But the points haven't been reflected on the terminal. This is likely the cause of the restlessness among the students.
To briefly explain, CP (Class Points) are the points allocated to the class, and PP (Private Points) are the points allocated to individuals, which can be freely used.
CP stands for "Class Points," and PP stands for "Private Points."
1 PP equals 1 yen, and 1 CP equals 100 PP. Therefore, Class C, which received 580 CP, should have received 58,000 PP, or 58,000 yen.
It's definitely not a small amount to give to high school students, but it's the system of this school, and it won't change just because we think it's too much or too little.
To summarize the current situation in one word, we, as students, are not receiving allowances from the school for some reason. That's the situation.
Since PP serves as cash in this school, not having it can make life quite difficult for fools like me.
"First of all, well done for your hard work this past month. The fact that we increased our points by 90 CP from last month is remarkable. It's proof that your efforts have paid off," Sakagami-sensei said.
"Hey, hey, Sakagami-sensei, that's not what we want to hear," a king sitting sloppily in his seat, wearing a smile that can evoke fear, interrupts Sakagami-sensei's words.
Of course, Sakagami-sensei doesn't reprimand him for his attitude.
Perhaps this attitude is also related to points, but Sakagami-sensei doesn't seem inclined to correct the king's behavior.
"Well, that's true. It's important for you to know that there is a delay in distributing the points and that the explanation about it is crucial for you... To cut to the chase, there has been a little trouble. The point distribution for all classes this year is delayed," Sakagami-sensei explains.
Trouble, huh?
Upon hearing that word, a man wearing an overwhelmingly refreshing smile is present.
Of course, it's the king, Ryueen Kakeru.
"But within a few days, you will definitely receive 58,000 PP in your terminals. Until then, try to manage by borrowing from your friends or being frugal," he continues.
After that, Sakagami-sensei efficiently finishes administrative announcements and ends homeroom.
Along the way, a student mentions if there won't be an apology for the school's mistake, but well, that's unlikely.
After all, the mastermind behind this class is right here.
Some classmates have already started borrowing points from their friends.
While some might wonder why they can't manage with receiving around 50,000 yen per month, there are reasons behind it.
Certainly, the majority of those borrowing points are fools. However, among the minority, there are those who have unexpected expenses related to club activities and have no choice but to borrow points.
It would be somewhat cruel to say that it's their own fault.
While thinking about such matters and preparing for class, the mastermind of the situation approaches me with the same wide smile as before.
From the perspective of an outsider, it seems like the classmates are wary of Ryueen Kakeru's behavior.
"So, it seems like you and Shiina were having a secret meeting with Ibuki in your room instead of coming to my party," he says.
"I sense malicious intent in your choice of words. And what about it?" I respond.
"Well, it's envy-inducing to have two beautiful girls all to yourself. I came to hear your impressions," he says.
Although he says he's envious, his expression doesn't show any such emotion at all. Instead, he wears a mischievous smile that seems to tease us.
"Does it really matter? Let's get to the main point quickly," I say.
"Kukuku, it's a harsh way to put it when it was a secret meeting with two girls. Let's just say I'm jealous. But now, I have one important thing to tell you," he says.
"Is it something we need to talk about in this manner during class time?" I ask.
"You're such an impatient guy. I finally established one foundation for my reign. I thought I'd get your approval as well," he says.
"You mean what we decided at the celebration party," I say.
"Yeah, in a nutshell, it's about collecting taxes," he says.
He has started something quite national-like. If it gets exposed, we'll likely face some kind of punishment from the school.
"Well, it's still a trial period. If I achieve results in the upcoming class conflicts, I'll continue this under certain conditions. I haven't fully gained control over this class yet, so it would be boring to face trouble before starting," he says.
He is cautious and hardworking despite his appearance.
If I were to say this, he would probably get angry. It's easy to imagine.
"But it's troublesome to directly say it. Couldn't you have sent it to me by email?" I ask.
"As I've said before, I don't trust this terminal. I don't want any unwanted attachments," he responds.
I see, he's cautious indeed. He believes that by personally handing over the data, he can ensure it is completely erased.
"To begin with, if you three hadn't been having secret meetings, I wouldn't have had to go through all this trouble," he says.
"It's not just us who didn't come, right? And there was no compulsion involved, so your choice of words is quite harsh," I say.
"Shut up. Those who couldn't come will just be threatened later, so they won't cause any trouble. But you guys, especially Shiina, are too stubborn and troublesome. Talking to her drains me mentally, damn it," he complains, while holding his head as if in pain.
Certainly, even he would be overwhelmed by her carefree attitude.
I shift my gaze to Shiina.
Despite her name being mentioned in the conversation, she continues reading her book without any change in posture.
When Ryueen Kakeru notices the shift in my gaze, he looks at Shiina as well.
Then he sighs, as if exasperated by her. Perhaps her carefree nature has reached the level of talent.
After that, he hands me a piece of paper. It contains what he calls "Point Tax."
──Point Tax──
Tax Collection
Collect 30,000 points per person from the 40 students in Class C.
All the collected points will be converted into Ryuen-kun's PP.
However, the points collected through this method will not be used for personal gain or selfish purposes. If you want to know what they will be used for, you can ask at any time.
These points will serve as expenses for the upcoming class conflicts and as a contingency fund.
If for some reason you absolutely need points, you can come and discuss it.
Examples include club activities and student council.
The exception is Bonus Private Points. You are free to use them as you wish.
Benefits
By securing funds for the class conflicts, Class C is currently one step ahead of other classes.The collection amount is fixed at 30,000 points, providing stability.As CP increases, it is evident that each person will have a larger amount to use, leading to relatively more cooperation, improved daily behavior, and increased CP.Being forced to save develops self-reliance.There are no deductions from Bonus Private Points, encouraging active participation in club activities.
Drawbacks
When CP decreases, classmates may suffer due to the fixed collection amount.There is a possibility of punishment from the school if the scheme is exposed.If results cannot be achieved, there is a risk of increased resistance.
In summary, this is the gist of it. It's quite a bold reform.
And above all...
"...You have become quite a kind tyrant. Did something change in your heart?"
Before I can finish my sentence, his right fist comes flying towards me.
It reaches up to my cheek, but I manage to stop it with my left hand.
It seems he hasn't lost his fangs.
"...Tch, you managed to block my surprise attack too. You're still a monster. So, any objections?"
I quickly release his fist. The surrounding area becomes restless, but it's only temporary and will settle soon.
He is doing quite outrageous things, but I don't particularly mind.
In fact, it keeps things interesting for me, so it's fine.
Although it's certain that this interaction was captured by the surveillance cameras in the classroom, resulting in a slight deduction of points.
"There are none. After all, I suppose I don't have the right to refuse, right?"
"Holding a grudge, huh... Go to hell, you damn seaweed."
Ryuen-kun returns to his desk.
His outward appearance hasn't changed. He remains a delinquent with a belief in violence. Most people probably have that impression of him.
However, his back, as he acts like a typhoon, seems larger than before.
***
"Do Ibuki-san and Kamukura-kun really have a romantic relationship!?"
On the day of point distribution, a girl who ended up in the same group as me due to class asked me this question.
When I heard this, I couldn't help but sigh.
How many times have I been asked this question? I've heard it so many times that it's understandable why I sighed.
In my mind, the answer to this question has already become a pattern. I've been asked similar questions so many times.
Especially in early June, I remember being asked this question at least once a day.
I'm not good at talking to people, so I consider myself to have fewer friends compared to others.
Nevertheless, people from Class C who don't usually talk to me and even people from other classes ask me this question.
And I always deny it.
I say that Kamukura and I are not dating, and people usually disappear from my presence after that.
There are some annoying people who occasionally try to provoke me, but I handle them casually.
Now that I think about it, there might be people among them who are interested in Kamukura.
Considering how they go to such lengths to prevent even someone like me, who is neither male nor female, from getting ahead, that must be the case.
However, even though Kamukura has many abilities at a high level, I think anyone who falls for his appearance is mostly misguided.
Well, that doesn't matter. The problem lies in why this question keeps coming up.
Actually, I know the reason.
It's because I walk home with Kamukura.
But please don't misunderstand. There are no romantic feelings between us.
I do consider Kamukura a friend.
In Class C, he may not be normal, but he has a stronger sense of ethics than the others, and he's a rare presence with whom I can be at ease.
When I returned the question in a similar manner, there were even times when friends would ask me why we go home together almost every day without any romantic involvement.
I found it bothersome, but the truth is, we don't go home together almost every day just because we're friends.
The reason is simple. By being with Kamukura, I can stay away from Ryuen.
I dislike Ryuen. I don't agree with his methods or his way of thinking.
I'm just following him because I lost, and I'm honestly fed up with his cowardly methods.
That's how much I dislike him.
Even Ryuen recognizes Kamukura's value and allows him considerable freedom. So, by being with Kamukura, I receive fewer orders, and even if I do receive them, I can involve him.
Once I involve him, Kamukura quickly takes care of things with his innate abilities, and I basically don't have to do anything.
Ryuen probably realizes my thoughts, but he doesn't complain since I can bring out Kamukura. It's the most advantageous situation for me.
So, if I were to summarize the reason for going home with Kamukura in one word, it would be like carrying around a spray for dealing with Ryuen.
That is the truth and also a misunderstanding.
But there is another reason why I can't have romantic feelings for Kamukura.
It's because my heart fears him.
And there are only a few people, including me, who know the basis for this.
The phrase he often says, "Boring".
When that word unconsciously slips out, I can't tell what his blood-red eyes are reflecting, and it's terrifying beyond words.
That atmosphere he displayed when cornering Ryuen.
That unreal presence that makes you feel like your sanity will crumble just by being near him, it spread fear to everyone who witnessed it.
How can I fall in love after seeing something like that?
Certainly, I'm a girl too. There have been times when I've thought about romance.
I have certain standards like anyone else regarding personality and appearance preferences.
However, even if he happened to match my preferences, the perception of Kamukura Izuru in my mind is not as someone remarkable that other girls might say "He can do anything," but rather as someone inexplicably terrifying.
I can't have romantic feelings for someone like that.
Well, if we simply interact normally, as I mentioned before, he is someone I can be at ease with, so I don't dislike him.
Being friends is enough for me.
And so, today after school, I'm walking home with Kamukura again.
There are no orders from Ryuen today, and it's a good day without anything to worry about.
Come to think of it, I'm just using him one-sidedly.
Even when I first entered this school, I used him to deepen my understanding of the points system.
I realized that I'm a selfish and practical person in that regard.
But I don't think that's a bad thing.
In the end, I'm not a good person at heart either.
"Now, Kamukura, don't you have someone you like?"
To pass the time and out of curiosity, I ask this guy walking next to me.
Even someone like him has such emotions.
I remember when he was asked about his preferences regarding girls before, he seemed uncharacteristically troubled.
"Someone like that doesn't exist for me."
"Oh, really? Have you ever had a girlfriend?"
"...Do I look like the kind of person who would have someone like that?"
Hmm, I can't see it at all.
This answer that came out instinctively is probably correct.
"But maybe there is, and it would be interesting if even a guy like you had someone you're interested in."
"...A girl I'm interested in, huh?"
Just like when he was asked before, Kamukura starts to appear troubled in an uncharacteristic way. Perhaps there really is someone like that.
It piques my interest to think that even this guy with his Buddha-like expression and somewhat odd personality might have such sweet memories.
...In the end, I guess I do enjoy this kind of conversation.
Although I thought those who come and ask these questions were annoying, now that I've experienced the entertainment of listening to other people's love stories, I can't speak ill of them anymore and silently reflect on that in my mind.
"Is there someone? Or was there?"
"...No. Like I said earlier, there is no one like that for me."
"You're acting suspicious."
I scrutinize his face while laughing. I'm pretty sure my laughter is quite the opposite of being refined.
If I were to add onomatopoeia, it would probably be "Ninini" or something like that.
"That doesn't matter. What about your hair?"
"I won't do anything. There's no problem with leaving it as it is."
"You've been skipping swimming classes, Ryuen will say something soon."
Actually, he attends all other classes, but he has only attended swimming class once.
Of course, even attending it just once yielded results.
It was shocking to see him pass the test by participating only in the class during the test and achieving the highest time in the class.
By the way, the way he was swimming resembled a large piece of kelp being swept away by the waves, so it was shocking in another sense as well.
"I gave Ryuen my points when I became the top, so there's no chance of him saying anything."
Bribery, isn't it?! I scream in my mind.
"Don't use such a negative term as bribery, please."
"...You're really good at reading people. Simply put, it's creepy."
He acknowledges his cheat-like nature.
And I want to read his mind in return, as if it's payback.
"...Are you thinking something like you have talent as a hairstylist?"
"Hmm, you're getting sharper. That's correct."
I mostly guessed, but it seems like I got it right.
But even though I got it right, I don't feel happy at all.
If anything, I want to retort and say, "Why do you even have talent as a hairstylist?" But it's giving me a headache, so I won't.
"You can do almost anything, can't you?"
"I suppose so. Are you jealous?"
I was slightly puzzled by Kamukura's unusual question, but I quickly respond.
"Huh? I'm not jealous of you at all."
I do think it's impressive to have so many talents, but I don't feel jealous or envious.
Because it's lame.
If I were still a child, it might be different, but as a high school student, it's the most embarrassing thing to be whining and desiring what others have.
"So that's how it is. You're that kind of person."
Kamukura's expression becomes somewhat kinder than his usual Buddha-like face.
For a moment, I thought it might be an illusion, but this is reality.
But to my surprise, I blinked due to the sudden change. And Kamukura's expression returned to his usual blank face.
"Weirdo."
"You're the same kind of person."
"Huh?! I'm definitely better than you!"
We engage in such a silly exchange as we arrive at the dormitory.
The intimacy with Kamukura Izuru has increased!!
***
I took a shower as soon as I returned to the dormitory.
There was no particular reason.
It was just a vague feeling, without any meaning.
"...The girl who piques my curiosity."
The question that Ibuki-san asked resonates in the room where there is no one else.
At that moment, I was reminded of her.
Nanami Chiaki.
A girl who worried about someone more than herself and fought against despair with strong feelings.
But she couldn't overcome despair and perished in a pool of blood.
And the boy who shed tears at that sight and was bewildered like a malfunctioning machine.
I wonder what kind of emotions that boy, me at that time, had.
When tears flowed, did the boy's heart ache?
Of course, emotions do not exist.
Certainly, the previous me, Hajime Hinata, had special feelings for her. It was the same during our life on the Killing Paradise Island.
But I, Kamukura Izuru, am not Hajime Hinata.
Love, which can be simple or complex, is meaningless to me, who is close to despair and forms messy human relationships.
Therefore, Nanami Chiaki cannot be someone I have romantic feelings for.
I take something out of the drawer of my desk.
It's something I always kept in my pocket and carried with me wherever I went.
I don't know why I have it in my hand now, but such things don't matter.
Her hairpin. She always wore this accessory with its unique shape.
She was precious to the deceased Hajime, but she is not precious to me.
So, I don't need this.
But I can't bring myself to throw it away.
"...Love... I don't need such a thing."
Entering this school, I remember two female students who have spent more time with me than other students.
Hiyori Shiina has a laid-back personality but is a calm and gentle person.
Ibuki Mio is short-tempered and has a sharp tongue, but surprisingly, she is smart and considerate.
And above all, they are people who don't feel much jealousy towards talents.
They are not fleas. But that doesn't mean I consider them as romantic interests.
"Well, thinking about that will be a good way to pass the time from now on. Since I have time, let's think about it slowly."
I dry my hair and prepare for tomorrow.
I'll go to bed early today.
*******
Advanced Nurturing High School Student Database
Name: Kamukura Izuru
Class: 1-C
Club: None
Birthday: January 1st
──Evaluation──
Academic Ability: A
Intelligence: A
Judgment: A
Physical Ability: A
Cooperativeness: E-
──Comments from the Interviewer──
In the entrance exam, this student was evaluated as someone who would likely not be surpassed as an individual, demonstrating overwhelming abilities. It was probably the first time since the school's inception that a situation arose where the student's abilities could not be measured by the "exam" itself, leading to the inevitable decision to assign the highest rating of A. Although originally planned for the A-class without question, the side effect of possessing extraordinary abilities and having no need for relationships with others resulted in the lowest rating for cooperativeness. Taking all factors into account, the decision was made to assign the student to Class C.
──Comments from the Homeroom Teacher──
I was initially concerned about the fact that he had no need for others, but as of July 1st, it seems that he has made friends like Ibuki-san, Shiina-san, and Ryuen-kun, so I am relieved that he is blending in with the class. His perfect scores on quizzes and midterm exams using orthodox methods were truly impressive.
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