A Tyrant's Will

Volume 2: Chapter 7.2 - Showdown

Monday had finally arrived. This was the day everything would be decided. Unless Class D found a way to turn the situation around, Horikita's expulsion was inevitable, and Sudou's dreams of playing basketball would be crushed. The stakes had never been higher.

One by one, the students of Class D trickled into the room. It was clear that Horikita and Hirata had failed to find a solution. In fact, they had admitted as much, saying they would simply hope for the best on Monday.

Ike and Yamauchi had skipped class, hoping to ride out the storm. It was either that or face Sudou's wrath, so the decision was a no-brainer. Besides, they were convinced they would be rich once the trial was over. In their minds, they would be the ones gloating in the end, not anyone else.

News of Class D's gloom quickly reached Ryuuen's spies, who relayed it to their leader and the rest of Class A. When classes had ended for the day, the students cheered, convinced that victory was theirs. Interestingly, the only one who didn't celebrate was Ryuuen himself. Instead, he wore a thoughtful expression as he quietly pondered the situation.

"Ryuuen-san, what's wrong? We won, right? This is great news!" Ishizaki exclaimed.

"You think so?" he replied.

Ryuuen didn't buy Class D's act. In fact, he was almost positive they were up to something. However, their options were limited. Ike and Yamauchi were off the table, and Class D hadn't made any moves over the weekend. So what exactly were they planning to do?

He had even considered the possibility that Class D might fabricate evidence by creating a fake contract outlining Ike and Yamauchi's involvement. Since Ichinose still had a copy of the agreement she'd signed with him after the first month, they had access to his signature and handwriting, making forgery plausible. They could fabricate Ike and Yamauchi's signatures as well and present the document as proof.

However, it was unlikely they would resort to such a method, as it had a glaring weakness. And aside from that, the setup was completely airtight. Class D needed evidence, but Ryuuen had given them nothing to work with.

Even so, he chose not to end things just yet. Ryuuen could guarantee victory with a single move, but he was curious to see what his opponents were up to. And if Class D had acted this way because they knew he wasn't aiming for victory, that would make things all the more interesting.

He decided to humor them and watch their little performance unfold.

"I mean, Class D is done for, right? They've given up!"

"Guess you're right. Ishizaki, take these private points and go take a break. Bring Komiya and Kondou with you. Buy something nice, hit up some hot chicks. Just make sure you're back in time for the trial."

"Wait, seriously?" Ishizaki exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. "Thank you, Ryuuen-san!"

The three boys dashed out, eager to start spending. As Ryuuen stepped outside, he noticed a female student waiting near the door.

He grinned at the sight. It was none other than Horikita Suzune, looking thoroughly dejected. Had she come crawling to him, ready to beg for mercy?

"Ryuuen-kun. May I please have a word?"

"What's the matter, Suzune? Finally realized what a disappointment you are?"

Horikita bit her lip. "I haven't done anything wrong. But your strategy beat mine. That's why I lost."

"Ooh, what's this? Arrogant little Suzune admitting defeat? The same girl who thought she was superior to me just because of her grades? This must be a dream," Ryuuen taunted.