A Tyrant's Will

Volume 2: Chapter 5.5 - Counteraction

Over the weekend, Horikita, Hirata, and I spent time brainstorming possible statements that Ichinose and Katsuragi's "witnesses" might give during Friday's deliberation. Unfortunately, our options were severely limited since we needed something that also sounded plausible. We couldn't, for instance, claim to have seen Ryuuen's three group members assault and restrain Horikita on the rooftop. That kind of testimony would be far too convenient to be taken seriously.

To prevent any chance of our plans leaking to Ryuuen, we also asked Ichinose and Katsuragi not to share what they were doing with anyone outside of their chosen witnesses. Not even Kushida or Sudou were to be informed.

For Class B, the student chosen was Hamaguchi Tetsuya. For Class C, it was Machida Kouji. Both were diligent and trusted by their respective class leaders, making them obvious choices.

It was now Monday. After homeroom, we asked Chabashira-sensei to meet us in the faculty room. We did this to reduce the chances of being seen by other students. Ryuuen's classmates were still tailing us constantly, so we couldn't afford to be careless.

Hirata and Horikita explained the situation to Chabashira-sensei while I stood quietly near the back of the room.

"Two witnesses? For the case?"

"They're not witnesses, per se. But they did see something that helps corroborate our story."

As Hirata spoke, I gestured for Hamaguchi and Machida to enter the room. They stepped forward, having rehearsed what to say in advance.

"So, you two didn't witness the incident itself. However, you have information relevant to the case. Is that correct?"

"That's right," Machida replied with a nod.

"Let me ask one thing. It's been five days since the incident was announced. Why is it only today that you two decided to step forward?" Chabashira-sensei questioned.

"Our homeroom teachers probably assumed there weren't any witnesses, so they never asked if we saw anything. All they told us was that there had been some kind of incident between Class A and Class D, and that was it. That's why there was a delay, since we had to piece everything together on our own," Machida explained.

"I see. Let's start with you, then. Please give your testimony."

"I was in the library that night, doing some early studying for the final exams. On my way to the bathroom, I happened to catch a glimpse of three students slipping quietly toward the rooftop. It was dark, but I'm fairly certain they were from Class A."

"Can you describe them in more detail? Did you see their faces clearly?" Chabashira-sensei asked.

"No, it was too dark," Machida replied. "But I recognized them by their builds. One was tall with an extremely muscular frame. Another was shorter and stockier. The third was leaner, with a more feminine physique. I don't know their names, but I've definitely seen them walking with Ryuuen in the hallways. That's why I'm sure they're part of his group."

"Their names are Albert-san, Ishizaki-kun, and Ibuki-san, sensei," Horikita said. "As I mentioned when you questioned me, those three were the ones on the rooftop that day."

"Machida, when exactly did you notice these three heading to the rooftop?"

"I'm not sure of the exact time, but I'd say it was a little after 7:30."

Chabashira-sensei paused, then turned to Hamaguchi. "You also claim to have witnessed something, correct? Tell me what you saw."

"I was also in the library that evening, browsing the shelves for something to read," Hamaguchi said. "It was around 7:45. I was sitting near the window when I noticed a girl with long hair hurrying down the stairs. When I got up to take a look, she was already gone. However, I saw three students near the staircase entrance, appearing to exchange something among themselves. I believe they were the same three students Machida-kun saw."