"Everyone listen up! After the display at the inter-high we need improvements, and I mean now! The year isn't over! We have roughly a month until the National Sports Tournament. Now I know that everyone has plans what with the school trip coming up and the like. But I want a nice solid training session before we go. Put your all into it. Am I understood?" A nice inspiring speech before a training session. I wondered just what words would come out of his mouth if I weren't here. Perhaps they wouldn't change at all, just the tone.
"Yes, Kamoshida-sensei!"
"Good. Off to it, start your warmups then we'll begin the matches. Seita-kun, I'll leave it to you." The same boy who Kamoshida replaced in our match led the warmup. After a few training sessions I came to recognise him as the captain of the male team. I suppose that was why Kamoshida replaced him, there was no need for two leaders on a team.
"Understood, sensei." He seemed like a no-nonsense type of guy. He was probably a few inches taller than me and had a robust yet slim frame. He was like a mix between Hirata and the older Horikita, complete with prescription sports goggles that hung around his neck.
"Pair up. Doesn't matter who, just form a pair and start the usual stretches and mobilisation." Wonderful, finding a partner. My specialty.
"Suzui. Would you mind partnering with me?" I had told Sakamoto that it wouldn't be long before the next time we ventured into the metaverse. However, I also recognise how impatient my only ally is. Meaning I had a limited time to make my next move. In which I should prioritise meeting the uncertain variable. There was something different Suzui had compared to the other 'trophies' that Kamoshida had taken. In time I needed to find out what that was and sow the seeds for the next act.
"Um- Sure. Let's do it." She looked uncertain for a moment before gracefully nodding her head, the raven ponytail she had fashioned bobbed along lightly with the movement.
We followed along some light exercises, easy calisthenic movements that most anyone could do. The only real function to lubricate the joints, increase blood flow and heart rate to prepare for the real exercise that awaited.
"You first Ayanokouji-kun. Spread your legs." My memory's hazy but this is giving me a strange feeling of déjà vu. "And bend forward as far as you can." She continued.
"Try and lie as flat as you can, like a pancake. I'll start putting some pressure on, tell me if it's too much…" Her slender hands rest atop the shelf formed by the upper muscles of my back, lightly applying pressure making me sink lower and lower towards the floor. Flexibility wasn't an incredible strength of mine, it naturally came more to women than it did to men. A quick glance around revealed that I was probably more flexible than average.
"…Is that too much pressure?" She asked after a moment, my body had stopped moving forward. Imagining how many shoes had stepped along this floor… I don't plan on gracing the cold wooden boards with my face.
"Nah, that's just fine. I don't know if I can go much further."
"That's pretty impressive for a guy, usually they start shaking and gasping for air before they get as far as you." Stretching was supposed to be a somewhat passive activity, the breathing should be controlled and the pain minimal, it was something built up over days, weeks, months, years for some people. You could get results from forcing the stretches, that was usually a practice done if the students were older. With age the joints were less flexible, and these positions became harder to hold, that was usually why pursuits like martial arts or gymnastics were taught at such a young age. I had gone through similar lessons when I was a child, under the directive of my father.
"I'm just used to it. Positives of training taekwondo from a young age." Among other things.
"Hmm. How come you didn't join the Taekwondo club? I'm pretty sure we have one here."
"Some things are habit, some things are enjoyment. Volleyball is the latter for me." That was half true, I just didn't have anything better to do. This also let me keep an eye on Kamoshida. I was surprised he extended the invitation to a foreign element so easily, but I suppose after seeing my ability he had no choice but to relent.
"…I suppose it's easier to enjoy something if you're good at it." To a certain point. Eventually you might feel alienated by that ability. The strongest were often the loneliest.
"…Well, it's not the only reason." Being in this club gave me easy access to certain people.
"What's the other one?"
"Secret."
"No fair. You can't just spark my intrigue like that." Suzui let out a small pout.
"Should we switch?"
"I dunno, I'm kinda curious what that secret is… Hnngggh!" The force she exerted on my back seemed to double.
"…What are you doing?"
"Seriously? You're like a brick wall."
"I told you that was as far as I could go."
"You didn't even budge." She continued putting on more pressure, though it didn't do much. Unless she had some secret power in those small hands of hers then nothing would change.
"There's a limit to how far some people can stretch, I found mine a long time ago." That was the truth, some people's bodies simply weren't constructed with it in mind. Muscle insertions, length and density of bones, even the angle of protrusion of the hips all these things could prevent or aid certain people in these directions. For me, stretching had reached an age of diminishing returns, all I had to do at this point was regularly stretch and I'd remain at this level. To continue any further, I'd have to spend an hour or so a day to make any improvement. Which wouldn't serve me any purpose.
"Surpass your limits." Suzui said with all seriousness.
"If I stretch any further, I might stop being a man." Would that mean I could train with the women's team? That's a last-ditch effort plan if the time comes for it.
"Become more than a man!"
"No thanks. That's a limit I quite like having."
"Tch. Fine, we'll switch." The pressure on my back abruptly stopped, allowing me to stand once again. Suzui folded quickly onto the floor, she must've put in a certain amount of effort because she was resting just above the floor already even without my assistance. With the opportunity there I couldn't help myself.
"Are you sure you should be so relaxed?"
"Hmm?"
"You seemed pretty at home trying to squeeze me into the floor. I might really pancake you, you know?" I rolled the sleeves of my jersey up slightly.
"…Forgiveness please?" She looked at me with upturned eyes. You'll get no sympathy from me.
"Like you said; surpass your limits." I gradually applied pressure onto her slender back, pushing her slightly further down onto the floor.
"Ahhh! I apologise, I apologise!" She giggled harmlessly as she lowered further and further into the stretch. I made sure never to actually press too hard, I didn't want to actually hurt her. More than anything Suzui seemed to enjoy this kind of friendly rabble-rousing. The fact that it involved any amount of physicality was just icing on the cake. In the corner of my eye, I could see Kamoshida watching our interaction from a distance.
"Gross. My face hit the floor." If she were more blessed in certain compartments that might not have been an issue. If I tried this with Ichinose or Kushida would their faces ever hit the floor? Probably not what I should be thinking about right now…
"Congratulations. You surpassed your limits."
"I'll get you back for that, Ayanobaka. Bakakouji."
After that public display of affection Seita told us to stop flirting and the other students either remained silent or let out a small anxious chuckle. All the while Kamoshida watched on with his stopwatch and clipboard in hand. Surprisingly, even though the practice matches were mixed sex training I never ended up on the same pitch as Shiho for the entire practice session. The picture was forming a bit more clearly now. I wanted to interact with her a bit more, but I'm sure the school trip will allow for even more opportunities.
[Phantom opera: White Soliloquy]
"Have you seen this man?" A familiar face was framed on the television, one I wasn't hoping to see for a long time. Though, I suppose that would be rather hard with the entire country searching for him. "Under the name of Tsukishiro Tokinari, this man was the previous Acting Director of Advanced Nurturing High School and an active participant in the catastrophe that had taken place. Even to this day he has disappeared off the grid. Any information on this criminal should be brought to the attention of the police at your soonest possible convenience. This is a matter of national emergency."
"The mysterious organisation has been elusive since their appearance on the synthetic island. Even now the name of this domestic terrorist group is unknown, and their goals are mystifying. Is this the last we'll ever see of them? Are our children safe? Should the government be responsible for such a failure? What are your thoughts on this; junior detective Akechi-san?" He looked around the same age as me, shouldn't he still be in high school?
"Ah well, I think at the moment it is a bit difficult to tell."
"Even the detective prince is having an issue figuring this out? I suppose even the experts are stumped, so I can't blame you."
"Hahaha. You wound me Mashiro-san. I may not know their name or their goals at the moment, but I can assure you they will be caught eventually. For now, it is imperative that we protect the children in these institutions and ensure a failing of this magnitude never occurs again."
"Of course. I can attest to that, I don't think there's a single parent that doesn't worry for their children in such a time fraught with danger. But how can we combat such issues? We should also try and allow students to live a normal adolescence. Standing guards around the perimeter or excessive safety measure I feel may just breed an environment of distrust and stress."
"I understand and it is a very empathetic viewpoint. As a student I believe that I can speak on both sides of this ordeal. And whilst the freedom to pursue your adolescence appeals to every person my age. If we don't protect them, it may be that some children don't live beyond these youthful times."
"What a statement… Is it truly that dire?"
"Since that fateful day on the island I think this country has had a shocking revelation, there is danger everywhere. I think the sooner we get eyes on these schools and can act to prevent such atrocities occurring ever again, the better. The fact a government funded academy of the highest echelon with few entry points and requiring a high clearance has been targeted is telling of just how dangerous these individuals are."
"Indeed, that is worrying. What do you believe the point of attacking such a place, is? What reason could they have for it?"
"In my eyes it's a symbol."
"Like a symbol of their principles?"
"Not necessarily. At the very least it's a demonstration of just what they're capable of and how far they can be pushed for their goals. The fact that they targeted the next generation certainly is worrying, but it could also be a coincidence. ANHS was a symbol of mystery and national pride, for it to be intruded upon is damaging for many reasons."
"Certainly, even students aren't allowed to reveal information about the school. It begs the question, how did the invaders know of the internal structure?"
"Well, I'm sure there's many theories and even after the incident we aren't entirely clear on matters."
"There were rumours a student had infiltrated and provided the information."
"Yes. Troubling news to say the least. Unfortunately, further investigation and testimony assured us that the student in question has been coerced into the actions." Coerced? That didn't seem to add up… It was no good, I couldn't conjure up the memories correctly, like a mismatched puzzle, pieces were missing or in the wrong place.
"How dreadful. Is the child okay now?"
"He's been seen to for intensive care. However, his actions were undeniable even in the face of a threat therefore he's been sentenced accordingly."
"A harsh but fair punishment."
"Definitely. In fact, if it wasn't for the actions of a specific student there may have been fatalities at the scene. Remarkably the worst that passed were injuries."
"It's a shame such a hero never got the recognition he deserved, I know there're plenty of parents who would want to shake the young man's hand. I'd be in line myself."
"I'm sure that's the general consensus and I don't mean to take away from his heroics… However, I have my misgivings."
"…Huh? Would you mind explaining? That's a rather controversial opinion Akechi-san, I would've thought you would like to see justice and protection for the weak."
"Certainly, his actions may have protected people, but I wonder if the incident would have even happened without him involved." Was that true?
"Am I understanding you correctly? Are you insinuating that this saviour may instead be a wolf in sheep's clothing?"
"Well, it's a wonder that a single student managed to fend off the organisation. From other reports it seems he was also the first to respond as if he had already seen the event coming. Besides, the injuries were localised around where that student was situated. There were no other injuries throughout the school. I question the legitimacy of his actions."
"I see, that's insightful Akechi-san. But I'm sure a young man that devoted wouldn't do such a thing. After all, I heard he took tremendous injuries from that ordeal." My back begun to itch in response to that assertion.
"…I certainly hope I'm overthinking it as well. Perhaps that is the case. I just hope he lives out his probation without causing a fuss."
"Has he been assorted like the other students as of now?"
"His injuries cleaned up rather nicely I was told, so he started school a while ago. Though even his face, name and where he attends aren't known by me. Nor would I be allowed to share them if that were the case."
"Of course. Then into our next topic-" The tv shut off, Sojiro held the remote abreast. Sending a small look my way.
"Hero or villain, kid?"
"Would you have taken me in if the answer was villain?"
He breathed a quick sigh before he said, "I just don't believe in heroes, besides it was a favour to an old friend."
"What a coincidence, I don't really believe in them either." Or villains for that matter.
"Good. Just making sure it didn't go to your head. I don't need you thinking your something special and causing a fuss." He peered at my face through those circular glasses whilst wiping down the counter.
"No need to worry about that. I'm not." He was silent for a measure after I replied. I assumed he was finished speaking to me, though he continued slowly after a moment.
"…Kid, what really happened there?"
"Honestly, I couldn't really tell you. Strangely enough when I think back to it, it's all fuzzy."
"…"
"The only thing I remember is taking a bad fall." The crash of glass as we went tumbling, the blurring faces around me, the distant cries as we fell further and further. And all the while he had this smile on his face as if this was all he had ever lived for. After that I can't remember anything, not the reason for the altercation, not why I fought back. Everything from then has been a blur, it was as if I had been thrown overboard into the sea of time. Drifting between a sea of memories, all in chronological order but with no interaction from my part. The last time I felt in full control and awareness was when I travelled here to Yongen-jaya.
"…I hear you got the scars to prove it."
"Maybe so, it's about the only reminder I have of it. Not a particularly useful one when I can't see it myself." It wasn't something I particularly treasured. It was a time I didn't remember, my memory was something that I prided myself on. I've never forgotten a face in all my time. I was assured of that. It isn't treated as guess or supposition, my mind treats that as fact. Yet when I think back to that moment, I can't remember the clarity of the glass, the clearness of the sky, I can't see the layout of the classroom, I can't even remember the crowd that was there. In that moment there was only me and an opponent, and even they were in the twilight of recognition.
"…They used to say a scar on the back was a shame for a man." For a warrior maybe, that time was dead and gone.
"That so?"
"…Yeah. But I can tell you now. Not a single man should feel any shame if they held those scars. If what they said is true anyway…" I could only look at him in odd amusement.
"…Anyway, finish cleaning those dishes, time to get home. Make sure to get to school on time tomorrow. It's late enough." Sojiro turned away from me before I could notice his expression, hanging his apron and heading for the door.
"Understood." He couldn't be honest with himself, could he?
---
Word count: 3000
I've never had such a perfect ending on the word count. I even debated adding more but was just like; 'no this is a sign from higher powers.'
Now I'm sure there're probably questions for most of you, for one it seems as if we've skipped quite a bit of the calendar. To be honest this is partially my own fault for not sorting out a timeline before this and leaving it vague. But Ayanokouji and Yoshizawa have joined this school at the start of the second semester meaning after the summer holidays. That makes it early September for them right now.
To be honest this doesn't actually change much as almost all the huge events are pushed by the characters e.g. Kamoshida's expulsion wouldn't matter since they haven't caused problems for him yet. Madarame's palace wouldn't be a problem because Yusuke hasn't met Ann yet. Kaneshiro wouldn't have met Makoto and blackmailed her because Kobayakawa only asks her to investigate when Kamoshida has a change of heart etc. etc.
I can understand that there might be some issues with this, however it simply works better like this with what I have in mind. So yeah, it's currently September meaning they have the Hawaii trip coming up.
I can understand the confusion, though there were hints earlier, such as Sojiro and Ryuji talking about an incident in the news and the general mystery behind Ayanokouji's probation.
Hopefully you all enjoyed the chapter, let me know any of your thoughts in the comments below.
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Piracy? Unchanging Facade in a new world!
Phantom Opera: White Soliloquy
Extra plug:
I'm serializing an original novel on Webnovel, Wattpad and my patreon under the same author name. It's free on all platforms. If you enjoy isekai or cultivation, feel free to give it a try and let me know what you think. It's called Bloody Awakening.
Until next time.