A Tyrant's Will

Volume 2: Chapter 3.3 - The First Expelled Student

When details of the contest spread throughout the school, most assumed it would last for months before coming to an end. After all, there was no time limit.

For a while, this prediction held true. Most days were uneventful, with only occasional surveillance and tailing of key members from each class.

However, things quickly changed. The day of Hashimoto and Ryuuen's meeting arrived, followed by the expulsion of Yahiko Totsuka. This rapid sequence of events signaled the end of the contest between Class A and Class B.

But Yahiko was never mentioned in Ryuuen's plans, and the two never even met face to face. So how was he expelled?

To understand what really happened, it was important to go back to when the contest first began.

In truth, Hashimoto Masayoshi was never the primary target for expulsion. He was merely a reserve in case things didn't go as planned. Ryuuen's main targets were Kamuro Masumi and Yahiko Totsuka.

"Interesting. Is there a reason why you chose those two specifically, Ryuuen-shi?"

Ryuuen was sitting in a karaoke parlor room, with Sonoda, Kaneda, Oda, Suzuki, and Shiina also present.

"Kamuro is Sakayanagi's assistant-well, puppet is probably a better word for it. I don't know what kind of dirt she has on her, but it's enough to make her obey orders without question. Expelling her would likely hurt Sakayanagi the most."

"I see. And what about Yahiko-san?"

"He's Katsuragi's loyal servant. From what I can tell, he's idiotic, quick to anger, and seems like an easy target. That's why he's the second option."

"And you want us to tail them?"

"Yes. Track their schedules, observe what they do after school and during breaks, and identify their habits and tendencies. I expect a report from all of you within a couple of days."

"A couple days?" Sonoda's jaw dropped. "Ryuuen-san, isn't that a bit much?"

"Well, we know that Kamuro hangs out with Sakayanagi, and Yahiko hangs out with Katsuragi. I guess it won't be too difficult," Oda pointed out.

"If it makes you feel any better, know that even if you don't find anything particularly useful, I have a backup plan ready. I'd prefer to expel Kamuro or Yahiko, but I have someone else lined up just in case."

"Really? Who is it?"

"I'll tell you more when the time comes. For now, focus on the task at hand. I'm counting on you five for information, especially since all eyes will be on me from now on," Ryuuen said.

The five students nodded. Ryuuen stood up and left, needing to set up a few things on his end.

"Alright, I guess we should split into two teams. Kaneda-san and I will conduct surveillance on Kamuro-san, while the three of you do the same for Yahiko-san. Does that sound good to everyone?" Sonoda proposed.

"Sure. I've got no issues." Suzuki said.

"Same here," the rest agreed in unison.

"Just a minute. Er... I'm sorry for bringing this up so late, but I'm not very good at this whole spying thing. I feel like I'll just drag everyone down," Shiina said apologetically.

"It's fine, Shiina-san. If you're uncomfortable, Ryuuen-san said you don't have to participate. Suzuki-san and Oda-san will handle it," Sonoda reassured her.

"Are you sure? I feel bad about putting all the work on everyone else."

"It's quite alright. Ryuuen-san values your abilities, which is why he keeps you in the loop. He even suspected you might get cold feet. There's no need to apologize."