Nagatoro: Let's go, senpai!
Everyone: YEAH!!!!! MVP!!! MVP!!!! MVP!!!!
I had just blocked and taken the rebound from the opposing team's best player. Holding the ball, I dribbled it around my legs, as I took it up the court. There was really no point in playing right now. The score was too out of hand to be called fair.
152-75
However, regardless, that Angry coach just wouldn't have it and made me play the final minutes of the game regardless. Suchiro was also in the game as he signaled for the ball.
I threw an accurate pass to him as he caught it and dribbled around the wing. In my time playing on this team, I learned a few new tricks, one being the screen.
I gestured to one of our tallest players, a freshman, to set up a screen, as I faked to the right and went to the left. Blocking my defender with the screen, it opened the left side of the court as I pointed to Sukiro, our usual signal to throw a pass in the air.
He smiled and threw it with both hands into the air.
Before they even realized what I planned on doing, I was already in the air, jumping from the side of the paint.
Grabbing the ball midair, I twirled it around and slammed it inside, causing the hundreds of students watching to cheer.
Landing on the ground, I looked at Sukiro, who smiled as I nodded.
Announcer: ALLEY-OOP! THE ONE, TWO PUNCH STRIKES AGAIN!!!!
Jogging down the court, I looked up at the shot clock, knowing the game was over. The bell sounded, as the final score read 154-75.
Cheers continued to come from the audience, as this was our 15th straight win and the number 1 spot in the division was already secure. We also were rated number 1 in the country's power rankings, beating out ANHS.
...
It's been 2 months since Kei's left for Europe. I was finally able to resolve our issues and now she can fully move on from me, as I will from her. Due to Gamo-chan's help, and some strange coincidence, I was able to give the mantel of the art club to none other than President's cousin, who started this year as a freshmen.
And since then, I've been in contact with President on her cousin's wellbeing. I also learned that President now drives a motorcycle which surprised even me, but in a good way. School has been more tedious, and as a result of my increasing popularity, I've had both kouhai's and classmates confess to me, of which I rejected.
And as I've described, my time has been mostly allocated to the basketball team, where it has been pretty fun each and every game. Up to this point, 15 games have been played. There were only 6 more games before the start of the Interim Highschool tournament, which had the best schools from each division in Japan, compete.
However, I didn't much care for that. I saw participating in this sport as a hobby and something that I could spend my time in. Also, playing with my kouhai, Suchiro, is not all that terrible. He's certainly becoming a very good player as well, hence the nickname we've been given by fans from our district, 'One, Two, Punch.'
And as I expected, it was making the principal all the more happy. Whenever we had a committee or meeting in the auditorium, all he did was brag about our team, as I could do nothing more than cosign. But it wasn't as bad of a drag as I expected it to be. It simply took adjusting. And I also had Nagatoro to thank for that. She's been pretty supportive, as well as her friends and even Arisu.
This wasn't so bad.
And in a matter of a single month, I will be celebrating my first Christmas celebrated in complete freedom. But that is for another time.
...
We lined up with our opposing team and shook hands with one another, a testament to our respect and sportsmanship.
Leaving the gym, I saw Nagatoro and her friends holding out their hands to congratulate me as I entered the locker room. I gave them high fives as Suchiro and the rest of the team, tackled me in admiration.
Even though I've warned them that the next time they'd do this, I'd enforce their contract.
Suchiro: You were amazing again, senpai!
Me: It's just a game. You were just as good. Didn't you lead the team in assists? I've already told the coach you should be the point guard.
Suchiro: But you led the team in points, blocks, rebounds, and steals!
Me: That's because you all have been giving your all. I'll simply do my part as the unwillingly appointed captain of the team.
Everyone: CAPTAIN!
Me: I warned you.
Playfully hitting them all in the head, they retreated as they laughed at what this team has been doing. I was surprised myself. I didn't expect to take this as seriously as I have, but It's a decent sport to be a part of at the moment.
Taking off my jersey, I had a conversation with Suchiro who was also changing.
Suchiro: So are you planning on sitting out the last few games before the tournament?
Me: I was, but I guess I might stay on and play less time. I might get rusty.
Suchiro: But seriously, senpai, I knew we'd be pretty good, but I didn't think we'd be this good!
Me: It's not a big deal. Basketball is merely a form of entertainment and a hobby.
Suchiro: Well, that may be for you, but for the rest of us, it's all we think about. Just look over there.
I sighed as I turned around to where he was pointing.
Suchiro: We have 2 freshmen in the starting lineup from great basketball middle schools thanks to you.
Me: They are an upgrade from what you had last year. They're at least taller than me.
Suchiro: Hahahahaha.
I put on a new T-shirt and jacket, as I grabbed my bag.
Me: Well, I'll be going. I have some things to do.
Suchiro: You going with Nagatoro again~?
Me: Yes. She wanted to celebrate with our friends with some barbecue.
Suchiro: That sounds cool.
Me: Then why don't you join us?
Suchiro: Really?
Me: Sure. As long as you're not doing anythin-
Suchiro: I'll go!
Me: Good. Then let's go.
Suchiro smiled as he grabbed his things.
We both waived goodbye at the rest of our teammates, as we exited the locker room.
Suchiro: So, have you been to the art room?
Me: I've checked in and seen how everything is going. Thanks to President's cousin, it looks like a few more freshmen joined.
Suchiro: That's great!
Me: Now they can handle the club in my absence.
Suchiro: Oh, speaking of that, are you practicing for your entrance exams?
Me: Why should I? I don't plan on going to college.
Suchiro: What? But aren't you the number 1 ranked student of all the 3rd years.
Me: I'm aware of that. Multiple teachers have been trying to persuade me just as you are doing right now. But I have no reason to go. I'll settle in with the money I've accumulated and start my own business, one that will allow me to travel the world.
Suchiro: Looks like you have everything planned out.
Me: I do.
Suchiro: Except Nagatoro, right?
Why'd he bring that up?
Me: What do you mean?
Suchiro: Well you're gonna graduate soon, and you haven't even confessed yet. You have this big plan to travel the world, but where does Nagatoro belong in your master plan?
Me: I guess she doesn't.
Suchiro: Exactly. I doubt she'd agree to travel the entire world and leave everything behind.
Me: You're right. But that's for me to figure out. Mind changing the subject?
Suchiro: Alright, senpai. What about basketball? I know you don't like it as much as the rest of us, but come on, you're pretty damn good!
Me: It's merely a hobby. I'm not skilled enough to go professionally.
Suchiro: But if you did, I bet you'll make much more money than you plan on making in the future.
Me: Probably. But, let's not talk about it. Besides, it's not like scouts are interested in me. And I'd prefer if it stayed that way.
Suchiro smiled.
Suchiro: Whatever you say, senpai.
Me: They should be waiting for us at the gate.
Walking through the school, the many students and fans who watched the game gave cheers and greeted themselves. I ignored them.
Suchiro, on the other hand, shook hands, gave thanks, and continued to smile.
???: Ayanokouji-kun! Can you sign th-
Me: No thank you. I'm pretty busy. Goodnight.
Passing by, Suchiro apologized in my place.
Suchiro then ran up next to me and sighed.
Suchiro: You could at least give them a smile or something, senpai.
Me: They know better than to pester around at night. And I'm pretty tired.
Suchiro: Ok.
Walking towards the gate, I saw Nagatoro and her friends, along with Arisu.
Nagatoro: Senpai!
Me: Hey.
Arisu: Fufufufu. So we have another person joining us. Suchiro, right?
Suchiro: U-Uh, yeah! I'm glad you know my name!
Arisu: You played a pretty good game.
Suchiro blushed as he smiled.
Gamo-chan: Let's go already! It's getting cold.
Yoshi-chan: Yeah!
Sakura: Me too.
Me: Sure. So who's paying?
Everyone: You are!
Me: And why am I paying? I assumed it was your treat.
Nagatoro: But you're the only one with money enough to afford barbecue, senpai, hahaha.
Looking at Arisu, she couldn't help but quench a laugh, as I sighed.
Me: Fine.
*RIng*
Nagatoro: Senpai, it looks like that's your phone.
Me: Yeah, hold on a second guys.
I took it out and saw it was Mr. Sakayanagi. Why was he calling me? Prior to our basketball game, I notified him that Arisu would be hanging out with us for the night.
I answered.
Me: Mr. Sakayanagi, hello.
Mr. Sakayanagi: Good evening, Arisu, how are you doing?
Arisu? Why is he calling me her daughter's name? Didn't he just hear my voice?
Mr. Sakayanagi: You should have notified me if you were staying over at your friend's house. I am REAL worried about you. Please let me know about these things in the future.
But she's with me. And he knows this. We spoke a couple of hours ago. He's a rational man, so something is not adding up. I'll play with his little charade.
Me: I apologize father. Is there anything else you need to tell me?
Mr. Sakayanagi: Just goodnight. I'll be at my house, resting and drinking a glass of white wine.
Interesting. Now I understand.
Me: Alright. Well, take care. I'll be fine.
Mr. Sakayanagi: Goodbye
*CALL CUT*
I guess I can't go to this barbecue, such a shame. Well, I was getting a bit rusty.
Me: You guys go on without me. Here.
I gave my card to Suchiro.
Suchiro: HUH?! Senpai!
Me: Treat them to a decent meal. It seems I'll be occupied.
Nagatoro: With what?
Arisu stared at me, most likely understanding something was amiss.
Me: Something personal. I'll see you all tomorrow.
I started running away.
...
3rd Person POV
Nagatoro: Senpai! Damn, what could be so important he'd just leave like that?!
Arisu stared at Kiyotaka, as he ran away.
Arisu: I don't know.
...
Ayanokouji POV
I ran down the street, as I made my way to a smaller car, a ways away from the school.
With no one in sight, I went into my bag and pulled out my multi-tool set I had brought today when I fixed some appliances in the Art Room.
Turning around the tools, I jammed the small knife into the door, as I pulled slightly, carefully popping the lock. It was a black Subaru, making it easy to enter.
After a minute, I broke in and carefully closed the door. Turning on my phone's flashlight, I switched the multi tool to a screwdriver and unscrewed the bottom component of the driver seat, releasing a few wires.
Taking out the knife again, I cut a few wires, and connected some together with the help of my phone's flashlight. Starting the car, the lights turned on, I put on the seatbelt and put away my tool.
I took the wheel and drove the car away, towards Mr. Sakayanagi's house.
Whoever decided it was smart to give a phone to the man was an idiot. I've become well acquainted with Mr. Sakayanagi. So, when he told me that he was planning on drinking white wine, I knew there was something amiss.
He never drinks white wine. Because all he has is red. His ex wife caused him to quit white wine entirely.
I knew exactly where his house was. By car I should be there in less than 10 minutes crossing the speed limit. That was a risky move on his part, but if he's still breathing, then that's enough.
...
...
...
I made sure not to stop close to the house, instead a few blocks away.
Getting out of the car, I turned it off, and took the rest of my belongings with me. I couldn't leave anything in here, since this will most likely be found in the morning, when the owner realizes it has been stolen.
Walking in the guise of the night, I could see the massive mansion in the distance. It was the pretty obvious, since all the others in the area weren't nearly as massive or as lovely.
Walking to the side gate, I typed in the security code on the monitor, opening the gate ajar, enough for me to enter. Closing it, I put my belongings in a nearby bush, as I took out my multi tool.
Now, I'd like to see what we're dealing with.
Stealthily walking around the property, I could see dead bodies on he ground. Quietly walking up to them, I knew they were servants of the household. Based on their injuries, a total of 3 different types of weapons were used and most likely by 3 different types of people. One was competent, a clean shot through the forehead. Another was an idiot, shooting wildly at least 20 rounds in one of the servant's stomachs. And the other was a textbook assassin with multiple bodies in the bushes, with cuts on the inside of their necks.
???: Look who we have here.
I jumped back, as a man slashed my back. Blood trickled down as I looked at a masked individual. He tried to stab me again, but I swatted his wrist away, and landed a kick into his stomach, sending him back a few feet.
If all I've seen was correct, then there were at least 3 people responsible for this.
???: You're good. Which of the arts you practice?
Me: Why does it matter?
Charging towards him, he threw 3 knives towards me, as I dodged them, kicking his legs, bringing him off balance and falling to the ground.
He threw another knife to my head as I caught it as it was passing my cheek.
Punching him in the face, he coughed up blood, as I brought the knife to his neck.
Me: What are you doing here?
???: What does it look like? We're here to torture and execute the man responsible for sending our father to death row. And then we're going to kill that bastard kid who hit our father!
I sighed.
Me: Then the three of you are simply idiots.
???: How do you know there's three of u-
Me: Who do you think you're talking to?
???: Who are you?
I took off the hair tie to reveal my normal look, as he was shocked.
???: I-It's you! I couldn't see you well in the-
I slashed his neck open as a spray of blood hit my jacket.
Me: I overestimated how smart you were. If you three really are the sons of Tsukishiro, then I'll send you to hell so you can greet him when he joins you there too.
Cleaning the knife on his body, I searched him and found his phone, a gun with a silencer, and a picture of their father.
Now, I'll see where the rest of this vermin lies within this house.
...
...
...
Scaling the side of the house, I opened a nearby window, as it locked from the outside due to what Mr. Sakayanagi said was a 'common' mistake.
Entering, I could hear screams and lashes coming from a few rooms down.
Me: So they really are torturing him. If so, then why did they give him a phone call?
I saw another man walking down the hallway, with an Uzi. So this was the reckless one.
Getting out of the room, I grabbed his neck and put the knife to his neck, as I wrapped my leg around the arm he held his gun in, as it fell to the ground.
I brought him down on the floor, silently slicing his neck as his eyes stayed wide open, dead.
I let go and took his weapon, seeing he had went through all of his rounds and was only using it for intimidation.
Leaving him on the ground, I went closer and closer to the whipping sounds, as I eyed into the room, seeing the final son, unmasked, holding a whip in one hand, and a crowbar in the other. Around his belt, was a gun holster.
I took out the silenced pistol and shot both of his shins from behind, as he screamed and fell to the ground, clutching his now paralyzed legs.
???: What?!
The gagged Sakayanagi looked up and saw I stood there. He was covered in injuries.
The man tried to grab his gun, but I shot him in the shoulder.
Me: It's over.
Crouching down, I raised his head, as I sensed he looked familiar.
Me: You're a scientist from the whiteroom. So outside, your brother with the knives killed 2/3s of the servants, your brother with the machine gun killed that one servant with his limited ammo, and you came here with torturing utensils to kill my friend?
???: Y... You weren't suppose to be here. We were... saving you up for later....
Me: You're a smart man. Why did you let a guy like Mr. Sakayanagi call someone before you planned to kill him. Had you not done that, I wouldn't have been here, Mr. Sakayanagi would be dead, you would have fled, and you would have survived until tomorrow.
???: W..Why only tomorrow?
Me: Because in a matter of a few hours, I would have deduced who you are, where you lived, what were your intentions, and the perfect way to execute the three of you. For someone who worked in the whiteroom, you should have known what you got yourself into, attacking your masterpiece's friend.
Holding his head up, tears went down his cheek.
???: It was the only way!
Me: Only way for what?
???: I never planned to kill you! I just wanted him dead. I wanted to kill him so you'd feel what I felt like when you wrongfully accused my father and planted the evidence! I wanted to see you finally show fear!
Me: So why let your target call someone?
???: I... wanted him to at least say goodbye to his daughter... and to make sure that only he and his servants were in this house. I'm not a monster!
Me: From what you've told me, you seem sincere. But you can't make a wrong right with another wrong. And I'm sure you're aware of that.
Holding his head from his hair, he looked angrily at me.
Me: And from what I can deduce, you certainly aren't a monster.
Raising my knife, I said my final words to him.
Me: But I am. You don't mess with my friend and expect to get nothing in return.
Slamming the knife into his skull, it broke apart as it was lodged inside. The floor was now covered in blood from the whiteroom scientist.
I sighed and got up.
Me: It was a good thing you were kidnapped by a decent man. Next time, you should get more bodyguards, my friend.
I took off his bondage as he could speak now, although slightly hoarsely.
Mr. Sakayanagi: I.... I'll take that into... consideration...
Me: Look at the mess you've made me do. And you don't even have your servants here to help clean it up.
Mr. Sakayanagi: T...Thank you, Ayanokouji.
I smiled as I helped him on his feet and put my arm around his shoulder.
Me: What should you be thankful for? You owe me nothing, sir.
He looked very weak, as his chest and back were very purple with bruising.
Me: I'll get you to the hospital. We can settle the aftermath after you've been examined.
He weakly smiled as we walked past the two dead bodies of the man I evilly sent to jail for the murders I committed.
...
...
...
Calling emergency services, I reported the incident, as police were all over the scene of at least more than a dozen murders. Mr. Sakayanagi was brought to the hospital, along with me.
I was treated for my injury, a cut over my back that wasn't deep. It simply needed bandages and alcohol to disinfect it.
In the hospital, I was questioned by police, as I answered them all sincerely, even admitting to stealing a car in order to apprehend them.
Policeman: And why didn't you call the police? You committed countless crimes to save the life of the victim, even murder!
Me: In self-defense
Policeman: How were you able to pull it off? Were you trained? Who are you exactly? We did a search on our database, and we don't have any information about you, not even a birthdate!
And Just then, a few more police officers entered as I sighed.
Me: And finally they arrive.
Policemen: His case has been redacted.
Policeman: Excuse me?!
Me: Well, it was a pleasure speaking to you. And thank you officer, I know now that I need to let the police handle situations like these since I'm only a civilian.
Policeman: WHAT!
Escorted out, I looked at the 3 police officers. They were three of the same officers Mr. Sakayanagi has paid to work as his men inside the police force.
Policemen: Have a good day, Ayanokouji-san. Mr. Sakayanagi will be resting inside his hospital room and asked that you shouldn't worry.
Me: Good. Keep an eye on him, would you?
They nodded as I sighed, knowing all my belongings were still in that same bush on Mr. Sakayanagi's property.
Me: Well, I'll have to swing by there soon if I'm going to get the rest of my stuff.
Walking down the stairs, I scratched my head. What a busy night.
The doors of the hospital suddenly opened, and entering was Arisu and Nagatoro. It seemed like Arisu received a call about her father, and assumed I'd be here as well.
Me: What are you two doing he-
Nagatoro ran towards me and hugged me, as she was crying. I looked at Arisu as she walked slowly towards me with her cane. She sighed.
Arisu: What an idiot. If you had let me in on it, I believe it would have gone more smoothly. Fufufu, your little hero ego ruined my entire night.
I patted Nagatoro's head.
Me: I'm fine. You don't need to cry. And besides, your applying pressure on my annoying cut alongside my back.
Letting go, she wiped her tears as it looked like she was worried.
Nagatoro: I knew something was wrong! Arisu got a call, and looked pretty worried so I followed her. And then I hear about the hospital, and that her dad was there, and that even you were there! You stupid senpai!
It seems all she knew was that I was involved and I was injured. That was close. I don't want her to know I'm a murderer. I don't think she'll take it that well.
Not listening to my first plea, she hugged me again as I sighed.
Me: Calm down. You're making this bigger than it is.
Arisu: Fufufufu, I don't think she's listening to you.
I looked down as her crying was calming down, but she still didn't raise her head.
Me: I guess not.
Arisu: Well, I'll be going up and seeing how my dad is doing. I'm sure you'd prefer that anyway. I also told my driver to wait and take the two of you home.
Me: Thank you.
She turned slightly red as she closed her eyes, moving away.
Arisu: Kiyo... I should be saying that to you.
She walked away as I let Nagatoro calm down.
Me: Now, enough crying. If this is your reaction now, how would you react if I were to die?
Nagatoro looked up, the bottom of her eyes were red from the crying she was doing.
Nagatoro: D-Don't say that!
Me: Fine, forget I did.
I put my arm around her shoulder.
Me: I'll have the driver bring you home. I need to make a quick stop to the Sakayanagi residence to pick up my belongings.
Nagatoro: No! I'm going with you! I don't trust you anymore! So I'm going to be keeping my eye on you, senpai!
I smiled.
Me: Fine, have it your way.
...
...
...