章 39: Chapter 39 - The Talk

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"The best way to keep a prisoner from escaping is to make sure he never knows he's in prison." ~Fyodor Dostoevsky

"I see you've made it," I said to Katsuragi as he entered the room I had prepared for us. It was a room located on the bottom floor of the cruise ship, filled with piping and creaking noises. The atmosphere of the room fit perfectly for the upcoming conversation.

"You sure contacted me early. Is this conversation so important it couldn't be held in our rooms or any other private area?" Katsuragi asked, looking around. "This room, no, this whole area is shady, to say the least."

"I take it you made sure no one was following you?" I asked. Receiving a nod from Katsuragi, I took out my phone, showed it to him, and placed it on top of one of the nearby mechanisms in the room to assure the confidentiality of our conversation.

Katsuragi eyed me suspiciously, but after a moment, he did the same.

"I'm sorry for acting so strange," I said with a slight smile. "But anyway, now I'll answer your questions. The reason we couldn't hold our conversation in either of our rooms is simple: there are too many prying eyes in the halls of the ship. The reason our conversation is so early is the same. That, and the fact you'd be less likely to get tailed coming to meet me so early. Most students are probably just waking up now."

"Still, there had to be better options than this place."

I shook my head before responding, "No, this place is perfect. The only people who come down here are staff, and every creak, buzz, or piping sound of the ship can be heard down here. Even if someone were attempting to spy on our conversation, they wouldn't be able to make out much, if anything at all, without entering the room."

"I see. Then, my apologies. You've truly thought of everything."

Following those words from Katsuragi, the room grew silent. After a moment, I took a second to collect myself.

"Sigh, where to start." I began, "Katsuragi, what do you believe in, collectivism or individualism?"

"What?"

"Sorry, maybe I got ahead of myself. Collectivism is usually used to refer to the idea that society should prioritize collective well-being over individual interests, while individualism usually focuses on the prioritization of individual rights against the majority and societal norms—" Before I could continue, Katsuragi cut me short.

"I understand the concepts of collectivism and individualism. It just seems like a strange question to ask. However, if I must answer, I'd say I believe the groundwork on which collectivism is based are more solid. Individuals can only take you so far. Behind every individual, there is a group. There is a reason for that," Katsuragi explained.

"I see. Then how about individuals that are often left in the dust not because of their incompetence but because of the incompetence of their group?" I asked.

"Are you referring to individuals like yourself, Yagami?"

"You may see it like that," I responded.

"Indeed, it's a complex issue, much like the timeless argument between communism and capitalism. But let me ask, in the scenario you presented, is it truly a matter of incompetence? Consider Class A, for instance. Yes, we boast our share of prodigies, but we also have our fair mix of ordinary high school students. Now, take a look at Class B, or better yet, Class D. Both classes possess remarkable intellects, yet neither has achieved the success that Class A enjoys. Why? It boils down to two critical elements: cooperation and communication—cornerstones of any functioning society. In terms of raw intellect, Class B might not lag far behind Class A. But when it comes to cooperation and communication, especially at the start of the school year, your Class B wasn't even in the same league. This is an indisputable fact. Therefore, the lack of success in the example you mentioned—a capable student surrounded by less capable peers—stems largely from their inability to function cohesively in society. It's a flaw inherent to them."

Katsuragi's analysis was sharp, and I found myself in agreement. The reason Class A outperformed Class D wasn't solely due to individual talent but rather their collective ability to cooperate and work towards a unified goal. However, this notion crumbles when confronted by an individual so capable that they can single-handedly elevate a group. When the individual surpasses the collective by such a margin, it becomes impossible to determine whether they truly integrate with society or if they've reached a level where societal norms are irrelevant, a realm where compatibility is no longer measurable.

Consider serial killers or some of the most notorious criminals in history. Some are seen as peculiar outcasts, individuals who never quite blended in perhaps because of their quirks or volatile tempers. But then, there are those who shock the world: the ones believed incapable of such heinous acts, the so-called saints, whose exposure as criminals leaves everyone who knew them in disbelief. These individuals exemplify the distinction between those who never fit into society and those who, against all odds, slip seamlessly into a puzzle where they seemingly have no place in.

Naturally, I'm no killer. But there's not a shred of doubt in my mind that I alone can elevate Class B to the status of Class A—no, I can do even better. I can control this entire society, this school because someone like me cannot be confined by such a construct. Boundaries are meaningless when you're operating on a level where the rules themselves seem to bend to your will.

"I agree with you, Katsuragi. Especially in regards to this school, I believe the collective is what is important and what should be focused on. After all, the function of a school is to prepare its students for society," I said, smiling. "I'm glad we can agree on this. I was worried for a minute."

"I'm glad to relieve some of your stress, but I still don't understand what that has to do with our arrangement."

"Katsuragi, I wasn't sure before, but now I really am." I walked towards him and reached out my hand. "Please, Katsuragi, work with me, not as a student of Class A but as a student of this school."

"I had already agreed to work with you on the condition of your victory against me in the previous game," Katsuragi replied.

I shook my head. "That's meaningless. I'm not just looking for someone to do what I say because I ask. I am looking for true allies, those who want to do right by this school. Well, I guess I haven't explained everything, but I will now. I'm sure you will be important in the upcoming battle, Katsuragi."

Hearing my words, Katsuragi slowly nodded his head.

"So, have you given thought as to why you were never accepted onto the student council?"

"I have, of course… Although I can't say I've come to any reasonable conclusion as for the reason behind my declination other than maybe I really am just not fit for the council."

"I guess it would be hard for you to come to a conclusion given I was chosen for the council. That makes things difficult. Then I'll tell you a secret: the president, Manabu Horikita, had no intention of allowing any first year into the student council, even if Albert Einstein himself had shown up to our entrance ceremony."

I said, causing Katsuragi's eyes to widen.

Katsuragi repeated my words, "He had no intention of allowing anyone on the student council? But why?"

"Not anyone, specifically first years. And as for why, that's because he is fighting a war right now against the man who reigns supreme over the second years, Miyabi Nagumo, the student council vice president and the future president of the student council," I explained.

Katsuragi eyed me strangely before responding, "I find it strange I haven't heard of such a thing."

"It may seem that way, but that is exactly how the president wants things to be. If this information was leaked out to everyone, all that would ensue is an all-out fight. Students of all years and classes would start taking sides, and mass expulsion would follow. But that happens to be exactly what the president is attempting to prevent."

Katsuragi remained silent, allowing me to continue.

"The battle being fought by Horikita and Nagumo is a battle of ideologies and how this school should be run. The outcome will decide what rules supreme in this school: individual talent or collective ability. This is why the president didn't plan to allow any first years onto the student council. For this reason, and because of Nagumo's charisma, there's always the chance he can corrupt anyone deemed capable by Horikita."

"I think I understand now," Katsuragi responded. "This battle isn't just about the ideologies themselves, is it? Sure, a school should ready students for society, but this debate is also about the consequences. Under a school system that values individual talent, there are sure to be many expulsions of the untalented."

"That's right," I responded, clenching my fist. "I'm not sure about you, but obviously in Class B, I have many friends that such a system would throw to the ground and deem garbage. I disagree with such a perspective. That's why I must ask, Katsuragi, will you help me not only stop Nagumo but create an environment where everyone can see success?"

I know you have it, Katsuragi—garbage in your class, but garbage you don't want to see fail, like Yahiko Totsuka. That's how I knew you would respond well to my charade here; whether garbage sinks or swims doesn't really matter to me, Katsuragi; what matters is that it matters to you. Thats why you'll fall into my hand once again.

"Quite the ambitious goal you have… To not only prevent Nagumo from corrupting the school system but to sculpt it into something better for everyone. You really do aim for the impossible, don't you?"

Keeping my smile, I adjusted to look Katsuragi straight in the eyes, slowly moving my right hand toward my chest. "It isn't impossible because I'll be the one leading this change. A perfect school, where anyone can see success, one where there is competition but no fear of falling short and minimal risk of expulsion, one where it can be assured that those who reach Class A will surely see success in the real world."

"Hehehe," Ryuk's laughter filled the room.

Soon, Katsuragi also began a soft chuckle. "Hahaha," their laughter seemed to line up perfectly, even though the persons laughing seemed to do so for completely opposing reasons. "I must admit, this school you envision does sound wonderful. Who am I to decline? After all, you've already guaranteed me a spot in Class A as well as help with Sakayanagi. Plus, I'll admit, while idealistic, there's beauty in your idea. I think we will make good friends, Yagami." Katsuragi said, extending his arm, and I did the same, shaking hands.

"Thank you for your trust. I'm thankful we were able to talk about this."

Katsuragi nodded his head in agreement. "Although there isn't much we can do about Nagumo right now, being on this cruise ship, I am glad too."

"Talking about class affairs, since we are now allies, I must ask. It's obvious Sakayanagi aims to overthrow you, so I imagine you've kept a close eye on her. Do you have any idea about her motivations?"

"She is strange. She is the type to follow the course of things, but of course, that's only on the surface. I've tried to watch her, but I can't say I've seen much success… If I could say one thing, it's that she seems bored. It's like her focus isn't only on Class A but outside of it. I'm sorry, but that's all I've been able to tell. As you can imagine, Sakayanagi is very vigilant."

"Don't worry. Even just that much information can be important in the future, so I'll keep it in mind."

"I see. Then I should get going," Katsuragi said, preparing to leave. But before he did, he smiled and looked back at me. "Ah, and while I understand she may have found a weakness of yours, try not to lose to Horikita. It will make Class A look poorly."

"My weakness?" I questioned, confused.

"Everyone now understands the danger of letting things play into your hand or allowing you time to prepare. Horikita got rid of the possibility of you being able to plot anything against her by forcing you to play under completely unknown factors and conditions. In this upcoming game against Horikita, you can't take control of the game factors or plan as you did against me or as you did on the island special exam. The school will decide the game conditions; you won't know much till the time of your game comes. There are likely to be few tricks or loopholes to find. This exam is about gambles, after all. Not that I am doubting you, though," Katsuragi said while walking towards the door. "Something tells me, and many others, that such struggle is meaningless against you."

"Gambles? I guess this exam is about gambles to an extent. But trust me, I have no plans of losing to Horikita," I responded. At that moment, satisfied with my answer, Katsuragi left the maintenance room.

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I'm back from my short vacation. Let me know your thoughts on everything; the next chapter will commence Yagami v. Horikita; I had to finish up with Katsuragi first. Anyways, I'd love to hear your opinions on everything so far.

IMPORTANT: Also, I'm testing something below. Let me know if it looks normal to all of you guys. It should be a grid 4 in height and 7 in length.

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