The Crimson Thread

Chapter 13: No Hiding in the Shadows Anymore

The week heading into the Sudden Death Election Run-Off was eventful 24/7. From the moment the event was announced, the city of Honno was subject to constant skirmishes between Honnouji Academy's clubs.

From her protected tower within the Academy, Satsuki watched on. She knew that the chaos would sharpen those who were strong enough for the coming raid trip. She sits in her throne-like chair, sipping on tea provided by her loyal companion, Soroi.

In front of her, monitors play a series of skirmishes between different clubs under her jurisdiction as class president. Suddenly a screen pops up of Hoka Inumata.

Inumata: "Lady Satsuki. I believe we have a situation."

Satsuki: "Hoka. I hope this better be important, you may be a valuable member of my four elites, but you are not excluded from the free for all."

Inumata: "Of course, Lady Satsuki. I only wish to inform you that my observation teams assigned to monitor the skirmishes that are taking place within the city have been eliminated."

Satsuki: "Killed?"

Inumata: "No, mam. Only severely injured or incapacitated."

Satsuki: "Then why should this have any concern to me? If your teams have been eliminated, then that means another club managed to catch them off guard."

Inumata: "That would be the case if the teams that had been eliminated hadn't been those I had stationed to watch over the Mankanshoku household during this week." Satsuki seems to perk up as she realizes what this could mean.

Satsuki: "Then it seems our wildcard has awoken. How goes the research into his blade's mechanics?"

Inumata: "It seems the sword has been stolen. Most likely by Shiro."

Satsuki: "Hmm...No matter, we shall see how the Sudden Death Election Runoff proceeds then. For now, maintain your current objective and be sure to keep an eye out for Mr. Branwen."

Inumata: "Yes, Lady Satsuki." The screen turns off, leaving Satsuki to continue watching the other monitors.

Soroi: "You don't seem rather worried by his reappearance, madam." Soroi says as he refills her cup of tea.

Satsuki: "Junketsu and I have grown much stronger from the last time we fought with Hawk. But all we have to do is wait and see what transpires."

5 Days Later

Dark clouds hang over Honnouji Academy. Within its walls, the students sit in stands that surround the central courtyard. With said courtyard, hundreds of students await with eagerness as Satsuki Kiryuuin stands atop her citadel.

Satsuki: "Students of Honnouji Academy! For the last week, you have fought long and hard. However, your fight has only just begun! Welcome to the Sudden Death Runoff! Every battle within the last week has been recorded, and now we know who the survivors are. Based on who survives today, I will decide who will acquire 3-Star Status!"

As the surviving students rile themselves up for their chance to get 3-Star uniforms, the ground around them then begins to shake as five spiked pillars begin to ruse up from the ground.

Satsuki: "The Pillars are your next challenge. Race to the top of a pillar to become a front-runner in the election!"

As the students begin to try and climb up the pillars to secure their spots, most find that 4 of the posts have already been claimed by the Elite Four. The 5th pillar, however, was open, but from within the crowd, Ryuko Matoi cleaves herself a path to reach the top of said pillar.