The Phantom Lady

Chapter 3: Shujin Academy

Ren awoke that morning feeling exhausted, that dream was just weird. Even after getting dressed in his new school uniform, he couldn't stop thinking about it.

"Ruin... Rehabilitation... What does it mean...?" He thought confused, while also trying to quell a headache.

"Looks like you're up." At the voice of his parole guardian, Ren turned to see the man, now wearing a cream colored jacket and a hat, coming up the stairs into the attic. "Well then, let's go and introduce ourselves properly to the staff about your transfer." He says.

"The school's in the Aoyama district, I'll drive you there, but just for today. You'll have to go by train to get to school. Transfer might be a hassle, but I got a shop to run." He explains. "Let's go. Akira's already waiting for us at the car." He said then turns and walks to the stairs and out of the café.

They walk to Sojiro's car, where Akira was waiting in the passenger's seat. The girl proceeded to ignore him and just mind her own business as Ren got into the back seat, while Sojiro got into the driver's seat. After buckling up, the adult man turns on the car and began driving to the school. Traffic was heavy but they got there in time. They all got out and went to the front gate when Sojiro suddenly stopped.

"Look, do us a both a favor and just behave yourself, all right? Don't get me wrong, I don't care what happens to you but don't cause us, especially Akira, any trouble." He warns Ren. Akira just looks away and keeps quiet. They walk into the building then to the principal's office, where Sojiro signs papers for the both of them.

"To reiterate, just so we're clear, you will immediately be expelled if you cause any problems." The Principal, a large man with almost no neck dressed in a yellow suit, said when Sojiro finished signing. "In my opinion, you're just a liability, but we had our circumstances to consider...

"Whatever you might've gotten away with in your hometown... those days are over. If you are thrown out from our school, there will no place for you to go. Keep that in mind." He told Ren with a warning tone.

"Oh, but Sakura-san, we're delighted to have your daughter at our school. I bet she'll be a fine addition to our student body." He said to Sojiro with a flattering tone. The man wasn't even trying to hide his favoritism towards Sakura-san.

"Amamiya-kun, this the teacher in charge of your class." The principal said, directing to the woman on his left. Who had short wavy brown hair and was dressed in a striped yellow shirt and jean skirt.

"I'm Sadayo Kawakami. Here's your student ID." The woman, Kawakami, said and put the ID on the table. Ren noticed something was under the ID, and apparently so did Miss Kawakami as she quickly took whatever was under it back. Ren opted to forget it and just took his ID.

"And Sakura-Chan, this is Mr. Inui, who will be in charge of your class." The principal continued to introduce the man to his right. The man had short black hair and was dressed in a suit.

"As Principal Kobayakawa said, I'm Inui. Your homeroom and history teacher. Here's your ID." The man said politely and handed to the ID to Sojiro first. Mostly because Akira was hanging behind her dad, clearly nervous and uncomfortable.

"Amamiya-Kun, be sure to read the school rules. Any violations will send you straight to the guidance office. And, if by chance you cause any problems, I won't be able to protect you at all." Kawakami proceeded to warn Ren. Jeez... He gets it already. "That is your promise, yes, Principal Kobayakawa?" She says to said man.

"Yes, he is responsible for all his actions." Kobayakawa replied and confirmed.

"But really though, why me? There should've been better candidates. Like Inui for example." She said, clearly not wanting a "criminal" in her class.