A Tyrant's Will

Volume 2: Chapter 3.4 - The Mastermind and His Puppet

In life, there's always a winner and a loser.

For Hashimoto, being on the winning side was all that mattered. He was determined to reach the top by any means necessary, and he played both sides to guarantee his success.

No matter the outcome, he would always come out on top.

If Sakayanagi won, he would simply continue to serve under her until graduation.

If Ryuuen won, he would betray his class and save his points for a class transfer, ensuring his place in Class A.

But nothing could have prepared him for what he was about to witness next.

Hashimoto, his mouth agape, couldn't believe what he had just heard from Ryuuen.

"Yahiko was expelled? How the hell did you do that?"

Ryuuen chuckled. "Tell Sakayanagi to meet us at the main courtyard. I'm sure she's just as confused as you are."

"But you'll explain everything then, right?"

"I'd be delighted to enlighten you fools when the time comes. Now hurry up and do as you're told."

Hashimoto's mind reeled, but he obeyed without question.

"I bet your little princess is out there somewhere, keeping watch over the building. It'd be a shame to keep her waiting, wouldn't it?"

Albert stepped forward and grabbed Hashimoto, forcing him out the door. The lookouts were puzzled as to what was going on, but Sonoda quickly came in to diffuse the situation.

As the three waited for Sakayanagi to arrive, another student stormed in, unusually agitated for someone typically so calm and collected.

"Ryuuen! What is the meaning of this!?"

The towering figure of Katsuragi Kouhei marched up to Ryuuen, a deadly glare in his eyes.

"Who invited you, Katsuragi? Get lost," Ryuuen sneered.

"Not until I get some answers. You were the one responsible for Totsuka's expulsion, weren't you?"

Hashimoto's eyes widened in disbelief. So it really was true...

"I think you're getting a little paranoid there, Katsuragi. I didn't do anything," Ryuuen replied nonchalantly.

"Like hell I would believe that!" Katsuragi retorted.

"Whatever that punk Yahiko did to get himself expelled is on him. Besides, I've been chilling here with my buddy Hashimoto the whole time. Ain't that right, Hashimoto?"

"Huh?" Katsuragi looked around, having not noticed his classmate at all. "Why are you here, Hashimoto?"

"Long story. Sakayanagi is coming too, so if you want to know what's going on, I guess you gotta wait until she shows up," Hashimoto replied.

"I don't have time for that! Answer me!"

Ryuuen, bored, took out his phone and began sending a text message. "You know what I think, Katsuragi? You should've kept your dog on a tighter leash."

"Don't you dare insult Totsuka like that." Katsuragi's tone turned icy, his eyes narrowing in anger.

Ryuuen smiled and stepped forward. He leaned in, whispering in Katsuragi's ear, his voice low and mocking.

"Totsuka was nothing but a waste of space. You should be thanking me. I did your class a favor by getting rid of that worthless existence."

Katsuragi slammed his fist down on the nearby table, causing Hashimoto to flinch in surprise.