The Superior Elite (Ongoing)

Chapter 2: Ruthless Strategies

" let's ..see"

Kei Karuizawa moved with purpose through the quiet camp, the weight of the exam menu heavy in her hands. The early morning sky, painted with the first hints of dawn, cast a soft light over the sleeping students. Her heart pounded with a mix of fear and excitement. This was her moment to prove her worth to Ayanokoji, to show she was more than just a pawn in his game.

Reaching the campfire, the embers still glowing faintly from the previous night, she glanced around to ensure she was alone. With a steady hand, she knelt and fed the menu into the flames. The paper crackled and hissed as the fire caught, curling and blackening into ash. She watched, transfixed, as the crucial document was consumed, knowing this single act would ignite chaos among her peers.

The fire roared briefly, illuminating the area before dying back down, leaving only smoldering ashes. Kei felt a surge of exhilaration mixed with apprehension. She had executed Ayanokoji's orders flawlessly, setting the stage for the pandemonium to come. Her loyalty to him had driven her to this point, and she was determined not to falter.

Satisfied that her task was complete, she slipped away from the campfire, blending into the shadows. The impending chaos would soon engulf the camp, and she needed to be ready for whatever came next, ready to support Ayanokoji's plan.

Ayanokoji stood in the shadowed part of the forest, his demeanor calm and composed as he waited for Kushida Kikyou. The recent events had pushed her to a breaking point, and he anticipated her arrival with a mix of curiosity and cold calculation. When she appeared, her face wore a mask of deceptive sweetness, but her eyes betrayed a storm of emotions.

"You wanted to see me, Ayanokoji-kun?" Kushida asked, her voice laced with forced cheerfulness.

I hope you didn't think of this as me wanting to meet you for a confession or anything "

" I knew..that"

Ayanokoji's gaze was steady, piercing through her facade. "Kushida, I've had enough of your games. Your true nature is clear to me, and from now on, you will follow my instructions without question."

The pretense dropped from Kushida's face, replaced by a cold, calculating expression. "You think you can control me?" she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. "I'm not your puppet."

Her hand darted behind her, pulling out a concealed metal rod. She swung it with all her might, aiming to strike him down from behind. The air whistled as the weapon sliced through it, but Ayanokoji's reflexes were faster. He sidestepped the blow, his movements fluid and precise. With a swift motion, he caught her wrist, twisting it sharply and forcing her to drop the rod.

Pain flashed across Kushida's face as she gasped, struggling against his iron grip. "You bastard!" she spat, her voice a mix of anger and desperation.

Ayanokoji's voice was low, deadly calm. "You've made a grave mistake, Kushida. I could end you right now, but I'd rather you remember who holds the power here."

He tightened his grip, forcing her to her knees. Her eyes widened with pain and fear, the realization of her helplessness sinking in. "I'll do whatever you want," she gasped, her defiance crumbling.

Ayanokoji released her, stepping back as she collapsed to the ground, clutching her injured wrist. "Good. Then you'll behave. If you ever think of crossing me again, remember this moment."

Kushida glared at him, her eyes burning with hatred even as she nodded. She had lost this battle, and Ayanokoji had left her with a chilling reminder of his dominance.

The camp erupted into chaos, the flames from the burning menu casting flickering shadows across the confused and panicked faces of the students. The sudden onset of rain only added to the disarray, turning the ground into a muddy mess. Ayanokoji's eyes scanned the turmoil, catching sight of Ibuki as she slipped away toward the forest. Suspicion flared. The Leader identity card had gone missing during the confusion, and Ibuki's hurried departure could only mean one thing: she had stolen it.

He moved swiftly, his steps silent and purposeful, blending into the shadows as he pursued her. Ibuki's movements were frantic, driven by a mix of fear and determination as she clutched the stolen card. She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes widening when she saw Ayanokoji gaining on her. Her heart raced, knowing she had to escape before he caught up.

Ayanokoji followed her into the dense forest, his focus unwavering. The rain beat down, turning the ground into a slippery challenge, but he navigated it with ease, his eyes fixed on Ibuki. She darted through the trees, her breath coming in sharp gasps, but she couldn't shake him. He was relentless, his presence a constant shadow behind her.

Finally, Ibuki skidded to a stop in a small clearing, turning to face him. Her chest heaved with exertion, her eyes flashing with defiance. "Why are you following me?" she demanded, holding the card tightly.

Ayanokoji stepped into the clearing, his expression cold and unyielding. "You have something that belongs to me. Hand over the Leader identity card, and this ends here."

Ibuki's grip on the card tightened. "I'm not giving it up without a fight..idiot"

Ayanokoji's eyes narrowed, his voice steady. "This isn't about fairness, Ibuki. It's about power. And you're out of your depth."

"Eek?!-"

"Says you!!"

With a defiant cry, Ibuki launched herself at him, her movements fueled by desperation and anger. She aimed a swift kick at his midsection, but Ayanokoji sidestepped, his movements fluid and controlled. He grabbed her arm, twisting it behind her back, but she wrenched free, her determination driving her to fight back.

The rain-soaked ground made their movements treacherous, but Ayanokoji anticipated her every move. They circled each other, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. Ibuki lashed out with a series of punches and kicks, her form precise but wild with fury. Ayanokoji blocked her attacks with calculated ease, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Seeing an opening, he stepped in, catching her off guard. He grabbed her wrist, twisting her arm behind her and sweeping her legs out from under her. Ibuki hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the breath from her lungs. The identity card flew from her grasp, skidding across the muddy ground.

Ayanokoji pinned her down, his grip unyielding as he leaned close. "This is over, Ibuki. You're outmatched."

" Ughh-"

Ibuki struggled beneath him, her eyes blazing with a mix of anger and desperation. "You... you won't get away with this," she spat, but her voice lacked the strength of conviction.

Ayanokoji's expression remained unreadable as he retrieved the card, slipping it into his pocket. "I already have."

He released her and stood, leaving her in the mud, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The rain continued to pour, washing away the mud and blood from his skin but not the ruthless determination in his eyes