When the Class B group left the classroom, their destination was the second-floor corridor of the special building, as indicated by Ibuki.
It was an especially quiet place. The special building housed many dedicated rooms, and outside class hours, it was practically deserted—perfect for hiding.
The four arrived well before the time agreed upon between Ibuki and Ryūen. They had to scout the area and prepare their filming plan.
The science lab Hashima had obtained the key for was on the left side of the corridor, near the stairs. Once the door was opened, he invited everyone inside quickly.
After several attempts, Hashima finally found the right angle to film with his phone. Leaving the door ajar, he waited, phone in hand, for Ibuki and Ryūen's arrival.
"They shouldn't be long," announced Ichinose, checking her phone. "Ibuki-san set the meeting for 4:30 PM, six minutes left."
Inside the science lab, a palpable tension reigned. This kind of situation was completely new to their school experience.
*Tap tap tap.*
Footsteps echoed in the staircase. On Hashima's phone screen, they saw the slender silhouette of Ibuki Mio, followed by a young man with a harsh face.
Dressed sloppily, with long hair and an open uniform, Ryūen Kakeru wore a contemptuous smile, as if nothing and no one mattered to him.
"Ryūen, I chose this place for our final duel today," Ibuki declared according to plan, in a provocative tone. "You want to become Class C's leader? Beat me, and it's yours!"
"Hmph, I don't know what you're up to, but if you take it that way..."
Ryūen slowly rolled up his sleeves, his expression turning increasingly menacing.
"I've already told you I don't go easy on girls. If you want to surrender now, I'll accept you as a subordinate."
"In your dreams! Do you remember the last time you lost to me?" Ibuki wore a mocking smile. "You claim not to go easy, but it was me who spared you!"
"You bitch...!"
Anger instantly flooded Ryūen's face. Without hesitation, he rushed at Ibuki at full speed.
The fight began. Ibuki remembered Hashima's instructions: avoid direct confrontation, prioritize dodging, and use her kicking techniques discreetly.
Ibuki ensured her kicks were powerful enough for self-defense.
This revelation had lit up Hashima's face. He showed her that by filming only the upper body, the kicks would remain invisible while allowing Ryūen to be accused of violence.
In the science lab, the four Class B members watched the filmed scene nervously.
Ryūen's brutality impressed them, but Ibuki's agility surprised them even more. In twenty seconds, Ryūen hadn't managed to touch her once.
"Do you want to fight or just run?! Why won't you stand still?!" Ryūen, panting, spat out his frustration.
From the start, Ibuki avoided combat, hindering his movements with her kicks.
"You want to defeat me? You can't even touch me!"
Following the plan, Ibuki adopted an expression mixing fear and anger. Despite her clumsy acting, it gave the impression she was fleeing in fear.
"I knew you wouldn't fight seriously."
Suddenly, Ryūen stopped, a dangerous smile on his lips.
"From the moment you invited me, I sensed something was off. If you truly hated me, you would've attacked directly. No need for this meeting."
"I don't know what you're up to, but today, I'll crush you!!!"
"What are you talking about?"
A bad feeling gripped Ibuki as Ryūen froze.
"Komiya! Ishizaki! You can come out!"
Ryūen cackled loudly.
Two boys in uniform emerged behind Ibuki, smirking. They had clearly been lying in ambush.
"What?!"
Ibuki, shocked, realized Ryūen had set a trap. One-on-one, she could handle Ryūen, but against three...
"What are you doing?!!"
As the two boys approached Ibuki, the science lab door suddenly burst open.
Hearing Ryūen call for reinforcements, Hashima didn't hesitate for a second. He handed his phone to Ichinose.
"Stay here with this. We're going!"
With Kamizaki and Shibata, he rushed out. Ryūen's trap had caught them all off guard.
"Who are you?" Ryūen eyed the newcomers.
"I could ask you the same question," Shibata retorted, always ready to defend justice. "Three against one, is that your idea of courage? I'm calling the teachers!"
"We're from Class B," Kamizaki declared angrily. "A teacher sent us to fetch materials. Which class are you from to harass someone like this?"
"Mind your own business," Ishizaki Daichi, one of Ryūen's henchmen, growled.
A veteran of brawls, he didn't seem intimidated by the three boys.
"And if we refuse? Will you hit us too?"
Hashima smiled. Upon leaving, he had exchanged a glance with Ibuki, confirming the video was successful.
Their mission was accomplished.
"Try it!" Ishizaki took up the challenge.
"It's pointless."
Ibuki's cold voice cut off the hostilities.
"Ryūen, you've won. I won't oppose you anymore. Be the leader if you want."
"Finally, some sense."
Ryūen, ignoring Hashima and the others with arrogance, turned on his heel, followed by his two accomplices.
Once their disappearance was confirmed, Hashima addressed Ibuki,
"Thank you, Ibuki-san."
"The important thing is it worked. And now?"
"Simple. File a complaint with the student council using this video. Ryūen can't escape suspension."
Hashima checked the recording, satisfied. The image was perfectly clear.