Inside Daiki's Classroom
They had just discussed their plan to crush Ren. They didn't know that Ren's guys were a step ahead.
"Alright, all my guys—we're going to crush him after school," Daiki said.
"Alright, boss, then it's settled," Fuyuki said.
"Alright, let's leave and return back to lunch. Wouldn't want to cause any confusion now," Daiki said.
They all got up and left the classroom.
"Ok, they're leaving now. We've got to get my phone and hear what they were talking about," Senju said.
"Alright, they're far gone now—let's go," Kenta said.
They all rushed in, and Senju grabbed his phone. It was still recording.
"Alright, Hiroshi, call Ren and tell him to come meet us at the library. He'll definitely want to hear what they were saying," Senju said.
"Alright, I got you," Hiroshi said, pulling out his phone and calling Ren.
At Lunch
Sitting at the table with the group, I got a phone call. I answered.
"Yeah, what is it?" I said.
"Boss, come meet us at the library. We got something important to show you," Hiroshi said.
"Is it really that urgent that I have to go to the library?" I said.
"Yes, boss, I'm serious," Hiroshi said.
"Alright, I'm on my way right now," I said.
"Alright," Hiroshi said.
"But umm… where is the library?" I said.
"You don't know where the library is?" Hiroshi said.
"No, I'm a first year—you forgot?" I said.
"Oh, you're right. It's in Building C, hard to miss," Hiroshi said.
"Alright," I said before hanging up.
"You guys, I'll be back. I've got something to handle," I said.
"You alright?" Akira asked.
"Yeah, I just got to do something," I said, and I left.
I made it to Building C.
Now that I think about it, all these buildings are quite big.
I entered Building C, walked for a bit, and looked to my right—the doors to the library were right there. I entered and saw Hiroshi and the others waving for me to come over. I went over and took a seat.
"What is it?" I said.
"So look, boss—I snuck inside Daiki's classroom during lunch and put my phone in there as a recording device," Senju said.
"That's it?" I said.
"No. Actually, Daiki and his group came back to the classroom during lunch and discussed something. We haven't heard it yet, and we were hoping to hear it with you," Senju said.
"Alright, play it," I said.
He pressed play. We heard it. Their faces were in shock, while I remained calm, listening. Then it ended.
"Ren boss, what do you plan to do?" Senju said.
"Yeah, we can show this to the principal and get Daiki expelled," Kenta said.
"Yeah, that could work," Hiroshi agreed.
"No, that's not enough evidence to get him expelled," I said.
"What do you mean that's not enough evidence? We got his voice," Senju said.
"So what?" I said.
"What do you mean, 'so what'? We can show the principal and get him expelled," Senju said.
"That's still not enough. You can easily fake voices. We need video proof of him physically saying that. But I won't get that—I'll get proof of him physically beating me," I said.
"How do you plan on doing that? And even if you come up with a plan, you could die. He might kill you," Hiroshi said.
"Well, to put it simply, I'm not going to die—I'll tell you that," I said.
I stood up.
"Alright, I'm leaving school right now. I need to be prepared," I said, walking away.
"Are you sure? We can help you," Senju said, standing up.
"It's alright. You've already helped me enough," I said.
"Dang it," Senju said, slamming his fist on the table.
"Let's just hope he doesn't die," Shohei said.
After School
While walking out of Building C, I texted Marasu that I would be busy this afternoon and dealing with a personal problem, so we couldn't study today.
She replied, "Ok, it's fine. Are you alright though?"
I replied, "Yes, I'm alright—just something at home. Also, tell them I'll be out of school for the rest of today."
She replied, "Ok."
Alright, forget that plan about getting the second years to turn on Daiki. I have everything I need right here to get him expelled.
I took the bus to the flower shop and walked inside.
"Hey, Miss Kunoechi," I said, walking quickly.
"Yes, Ren, you're here early. Don't you have school?" Miss Kunoechi said.
"Yeah, I do, but I wanted to ask—do you have a camera I can borrow for two days?" I asked.
"Yeah, but it's very old and dusty," Miss Kunoechi said.
"Doesn't matter. Can you please just get it for me?" I said.
"Alright," she said, going to the back.
Alright, if I can get this camera, this will be good. I can finally get Daiki expelled. But I know I will be gravely injured. At all costs, I can't die—I must win.
Miss Kunoechi came back with an old, dusty camera that still worked.
"Ok, thank you, Miss Kunoechi. I'll make sure to return it," I said, walking away.
"No, it's fine. Just keep it—and be safe," Miss Kunoechi said.
I don't know about that one, Miss Kunoechi.
I took the bus and got off at the nearest stop to my house. I walked my usual path and reached the alleyway I always pass.
There were no cameras, just like that guy said.
"Alright, old camera—it's time to put you to work," I said.
I walked into the alleyway, looking for a place to hide the camera. I found a box.
"Alright, this will do," I said.
I looked around for something sharp and found a knife.
Oh man… looks like other things have happened here too.
I cut a hole in the box and placed the camera inside, making the hole just big enough for the lens.
I placed the box far enough to capture everything, but not too far.
"I doubt they'll go that deep into the alleyway."
"Alright, I'm done. Now all I have to do is wait five hours. I'll find something to kill time," I said, walking away.
The camera was recording.
Later
Two hours later, Daiki, Fuyuki, and four other men left the school, took the same route Ren takes home, and arrived at the alleyway.
"This is a perfect spot. Good job, Fuyuki—this is a wonderful place to crush him," Daiki said with a smile.
"No problem, boss. I'll do anything for you," Fuyuki said, bowing.
"Now, did you bring the masks?" Daiki asked.
"Yes, sir. Just like you asked—I got six all-black masks," Fuyuki said, handing them out.
"We'll stay here for a while. In exactly three hours, we'll put on our masks and crush Ren Aokami," Daiki said, laughing.
Time Skip
Two hours and fifty minutes later.
My phone alarm went off.
It was time.
They should be there by now, waiting for me.
It'll take about ten minutes to get there.
At the Alleyway
"Is everybody ready?" Daiki said.
They all said, "Yes."
"In about five minutes, I want everybody to put on their masks."
As time passed, I reached the path where I usually walk past the alleyway. I knew Daiki and his men were waiting beyond those walls.
I prepared everything.
I took out my phone and called 911.
"911, what's your emergency?"
"I think there are people jumping somebody by the alleyway in Takesori," I said.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive. Hurry up—it looks bad," I said.
"Units will be there in five minutes."
Beep. Beep.
I hung up and put my phone in my bag.
Alright… it's time.
I walked past the alleyway.
A man with a black mask pulled me in and threw me to the ground.
"What do we have here? Oh, a Dominion Advanced Academy student," Daiki said under his mask.
That's definitely Daiki.
"What do you buffoons want, huh?" I said.
"Buffoon, huh? Just for saying that, we're going to crush you," Daiki said.
All his men rushed in.
One threw a punch—I dodged it and hit him back.
Another grabbed my arms.
Dang it—I'm trapped.
One of them punched me hard in the stomach. I gasped for air.
I kicked the one holding me in the knee, and he dropped me.
"You son of a—" he cursed, rushing at me.
I dodged, but someone behind me hit me, knocking me down.
Dang it… it's too many of them.
One grabbed my arm—I flipped him and kicked him.
"Bring it on," I said.
They rushed again.
I dodged, tripped one, but another grabbed me and slammed me down.
Someone kicked my face. Blood spilled.
Then I was lifted up and beaten—punches and kicks coming from everywhere.
Then we heard sirens.
"What the hell? There are police nearby," Daiki said.
"I didn't know," Fuyuki said.
"Forget it—let's go," Daiki said.
They slammed me down again. One final kick hit my face.
They ran.
The police arrived.
An officer came to me.
"Are you okay? Do you know what happened?" he asked.
I was barely conscious.
"No… but please look over there… for a box. That's all you'll need," I said.
Those were my last words before I went unconscious.
To Be Continued