The Shadows of this elite! (The elite of eminence in shadow)

Unfolding Shadows

The school’s power structure was in disarray after Shadow humiliated Ryuuen, throwing Class 2-C into chaos. While other students speculated about the mysterious figure, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka quietly began his own investigation. The appearance of such a powerful unknown had disrupted the delicate balance...

At the library, Ayanokoji sat at a secluded desk with a stack of student files that he had in front of him. He flipped through them methodically, his mind focused on identifying anyone unusual among the upper years.

Many of the students in Class 3 were predictable. Their grades, extracurriculars, and behavior matched their public personas. Yet, something still gnawed at Ayanokoji..

He kept scanning until he reached a file that made him pause:

Name: Cid Kagenou

Class: 3-A

Grades: Average

Extracurriculars: None

The lack of anything remarkable should have made Cid’s file irrelevant, but Ayanokoji found himself lingering on it. A third-year with no distinguishing qualities... Yet, if this person were truly ordinary, why did Ayanokoji feel drawn to keep reading? He made a mental note to keep tabs on Cthe third years and first years.. However, he wouldn’t jump to conclusions yet.

Meanwhile, in another part of the campus, Cid Kagenou found himself wandering aimlessly—because, as usual, he hadn’t been paying attention to where he was going. After getting bored of class, he decided to explore, hoping to stumble upon something interesting enough to fit the grand narrative he always imagined for himself in an ordinary highschool like this one..

His wandering eventually brought him to the outdoor courtyard, where he encountered two distinct figures:

Arisu Sakayanagi, the enigmatic leader of Class 2-A, and her friend.

Sakayanagi sat elegantly on a bench, her cane resting at her side, while Ichika stood nearby, cheerfully chatting with her. They both noticed Cid’s arrival at the same time.

“Ah, a third-year,” Ichika greeted warmly, flashing her usual bright smile. “I don’t think we’ve met before! Are you lost?”

Cid gave his usual carefree grin. “Not lost. Just... exploring. Always good to know your surroundings, right?”

Ichika tilted her head, amused by his answer. “True! I’m Ichika Ichonose, from Class 2-A. And this is—”

“Sakayanagi Arisu,” the girl with the cane said smoothly, giving him a polite nod. “Leader of Class 2-A. It’s rare to see a third-year taking such an interest in the lower years.”

Cid shrugged. “Well, you know. Sometimes you find the most interesting things in unexpected places.”

Sakayanagi gave him a curious smile, though her sharp eyes observed him closely. How unusual... a third-year with no apparent purpose, yet so comfortable in his aimlessness.

Ichika, ever cheerful, seemed oblivious to Sakayanagi’s calculating gaze. “It’s nice meeting you! If you ever need anything, just ask.”

“Thanks bye bye!" Cid said, giving them a casual wave as he turned to leave.

As Cid strolled off, humming to himself, Ichika and Sakayanagi exchanged glances.

“He’s a strange one, isn’t he?” Ichika remarked with a light laugh. “But he seems harmless enough.”

Sakayanagi tapped her cane thoughtfully against the ground. “Perhaps. But I wouldn’t dismiss him so easily.”

Ichika gave her a questioning look. “Do you think he’s involved with what happened to Ryuuen?”

Sakayanagi smiled slightly, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “There’s always the possibility. That boy... Cid Kagenou. He doesn’t fit anywhere on the surface"

"Oh..."

"-but sometimes, those who hide best are the ones with the most to hide.”

"Huh"

" Don't be so surprised, he did just transfer to 3rd year from another school"

Ichika frowned, still unsure. “You think he might be connected to the rumors about Shadow?”

Sakayanagi’s eyes gleamed with curiosity and caution. “Perhaps. Or he could be something else entirely..."

Ichika blinked, surprised. “Do you really think so?”

“Anything is possible in this school,” Sakayanagi said calmly. “We’ll watch him. If he’s merely a wanderer, we’ll know soon enough. But if he’s playing a deeper game... we’ll need to be prepared.”

Ichika nodded slowly, her usual cheer fading into seriousness.

As Cid strolled back toward the main building, he chuckled to himself, satisfied with how things had gone. Another perfect encounter.

"I'm making friend's! Hell yeah! My background character act is working pretty good!"

"Heh..."

"Just as expected.." he smirked" All the pieces are moving exactly the way I imagined. Soon, the truth hidden in the shadows will reveal itself."