Classroom of the Elite: Crimson Usurper (V5-V11.5)

(V7) Chapter 2.1

"IT'S been quite some time, Ayanokouji-sensei," the person said, bowing low.

"Sakayanagi. Seeing you gives me a rush of nostalgia. It's been, what —7, 8 years?" the man asked.

Chairman Sakayanagi, the father of the 1-Year Class A student, Sakayanagi Arisu.

"I suppose it's been that long since I succeeded my father as school board chairman. Time flies," replied Chairman Sakayanagi. "You must be Ayanokouji-sensei's... You're Kiyotaka-kun, are you not? It's nice to meet you."

He seemed to be a very careful and thoughtful person. He was about to say 'Ayanokouji-sensei's son' but seeing how I likely didn't view him as my father, he opted to disregard finishing the statement. His tone and way of speaking suggest that as well, especially when he was talking to that man humbly.

"We just finished speaking so I'll be heading back now."

"Ah, would you mind waiting just a moment longer? I was hoping to speak to you both, Ayanokouji-sensei. Please, have a seat."

I couldn't refuse that request from a third-party, let alone the board chairman of the school. I sat down. The chairman sat beside me. If the chairman of all things wanted to speak to us, it was likely something important. 

"I already heard from the principal. You intend to make him withdraw from the school, hmm?" Chairman Sakayanagi asked the man.

"That's right. Since it's what his parent wishes, the school must immediately take appropriate action."

Chairman Sakayanagi's eyes met my father's. "I'm afraid that's incorrect. It's certainly true that parents have a significant say in a student's attendance here, but we must examine the reasons they might wish for their child to drop out. For example, if a student were subject to terrible bullying, we'd certainly take that into account. Are you being bullied, Kiyotaka-kun?"

"No."

"This is a farce. I want him to quit attending a school he enrolled at without his parent's permission."

"High school isn't considered compulsory education, and attendance isn't mandatory. Students are free to attend any high school of their choosing. If parents paid tuition, it might be a different story, but the government covers all this school's fees. Our students' autonomy is our top priority," said Chairman Sakayanagi.

I finally understood what Matsuo meant when he told me, "If you go to this school, you can escape from the White Room." He'd said that because of Chairman Sakayanagi, who now spoke to my father without a hint of cowardice or fear.

Unlike the principal, who groveled before people in positions of authority, Chairman Sakayanagi held firm.

"You've changed, too. Where did the old, agreeable you go?" the man asked.

"I still respect you, Ayanokouji-sensei. However, it's precisely because I share my father's vision for this school that I intend to follow in his footsteps. I'm sure you understand that well. None of these policies have changed since my father's time."

"You're free to succeed your father and carry on his wishes. However, if that's your intention, then why did you allow Kiyotaka to enter this school?" the man inquired.

"Why, you ask? Because we determined that he qualified for admission based on his interview and exam results."

"Don't dodge the question. This school's fundamentally unlike ordinary schools. Kiyotaka should never have been a suitable candidate for admission. I know that the interviews and exam are just for show," the man countered.

Chairman Sakayanagi had worn a pleasant smile so far. However, after hearing those words, his expression changed.

"He was recommended to this school in secret. The moment that happened, his acceptance was decided. To put it in other words, it's strange that any and all students, no matter who they are, would be disqualified if they don't have a recommendation. Am I wrong?" the man continued.

"Kiyotaka never should've been among the possible candidates in the first place. It's abnormal that you didn't disqualify him." he finished his explanation.

"You're correct that he wasn't originally on the list of students we planned to admit. We normally reject unexpected applications from students not on our list, and we have an interview and exam to camouflage that fact. He's the only student I've approved for admission based solely on my own judgment. You may be here because you wish to take him back, but he's one of our valued students now, and in our care. I have a responsibility to protect this school's students. Even if this request comes from you, I'm afraid I must refuse. As long as Kiyotaka himself doesn't wish to quit, that is," said Chairman Sakayanagi, looking in my direction.

"So that's how it is," the man looked over to me. "You know, I have some interesting information regarding the people in this school. I'm sure Sakayanagi here knows what I'm talking about."

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Word Count: 763 Words