The glittering sea loomed in the window, a constant reminder of the passage of time. The trip had come to an end. Soon enough the middling everyday would return. Though, perhaps that wouldn't be the case. At the very least, two particular students had rather large changes coming their way in the near future.
On an otherwise uninteresting commercial flight, a single row of seats towards the back of the plane had begun to raise in tensions. A woman in her thirties with frizzy brown hair tousled it back and forth in mock annoyance. To her immediate right was a student with bleached blonde hair and a frustrated look on his face. Attempting to appear absentminded whilst staring out the window. Though the anger and exasperation were more than clear enough to anyone who offered a mere glance in his direction. Students nearby didn't even spare a glance in his direction. An instruction the staff had given prior to deescalate confrontation.
"…You've been warned multiple times already, why are you causing trouble again?" She asked in exasperation. Pointing the question more to herself than the boy beside her. She had long since given up hope that the boy would change his ways.
"As if it was my fault! Whatever, shut up already. I'm not in the mood for the lecture." He turned his head immediately, intending to focus on the distant azure blues of the ocean far below them. His mind couldn't help but conjure up the memories on that beach just two days prior. Anger and frustration filling his mind as they did.
"Jeez, I just wanted to enjoy the sun. Why does nothing but trouble come my way?" The teacher's head slowly lowered with exhaustion. The nearby students among the other rows simply passed the time gossiping, looking out the window or discussing the souvenirs they had retrieved from their short trip.
"Excessive worrying forms wrinkles, you know? You old bat." He muttered without looking towards her, the thoughts bubbling over the surface without any intention on his part. He almost covered his mouth after that outburst, stopping himself at the last moment. 'What was the point?', he thought. 'Not like it matters anymore.'
"If that were the case, I would look much older than I do now, isn't that, right?"
"…"
"Isn't. That. Right?" A smile that should otherwise be sweet quickly turned sour as the overbearing woman neared the student threateningly. Disturbing his peace.
"…Whatever." He relented.
"Seriously, what made me ever choose to become a teacher? It's like you just want to cause trouble for me. And you still haven't dyed your hair back yet!" She lightly pinched a few strands of the coarse bleached hairs. As if they were still damp from the tide… His eyes also looked incredibly bloodshot and haggard. Despite the attitude he fronted, it was clear he was worse for wear. Dark circles emerged under his eyes. His skin had lost a little colour and appeared almost anaemic.
"Get off my back already. Seriously annoyin'…" He muttered defeatedly. She looked off to the side before settling a more serious gaze on him. He couldn't run away here. It wasn't the best idea to rile Sakamoto in this place. But he needed to be made aware of how his actions could impact his future and others around him.
"On school grounds would be one thing… Not that it would be acceptable there either. But this is literally an international incident now… Do you have any idea how many people get implicated by your ridiculous stunts?" Her tone was gentle but firm. A reprimand that didn't allow him to turn his back and feign ignorance.
"…"
"Honestly, this kind of thing would require you mother to come in again. I doubt that's enjoyable for any kid, but maybe you just don't care that much."
"Argh, whatever. I don't want to think about it anymore…" He truly was through with thinking about it. The two days of isolation on this trip had broken that from him. He had thought about it. Fretted, worried and then fallen asleep in an exhausted heap. Only to do the same again the next day.
"Ever since the track club disbanded you've been doing that a lot." She said with a surgical precision. It was like she knew the exact words that would tick him off the most. A magic spell that immediately turned his mood dour.
"…"
"You cause some sort of mess and let everyone else clean it up for you. I'm sure that losing your place hurts, but I would've thought you'd learn you can't use force to get your own way. Yet here you are making the same mistakes again… Really, this past year; what have you been doing, Sakamoto-kun?" That question was delivered with full sincerity… which only made it that much more wrenching for the young man.
The boy's fists closed tightly together, his vision swimming upon conjuring the old memories of his Mother's disappointment and exhaustion upon the last incident. Kawakami's words hurt more than he wanted to show. They hit the nail on the head, that's what deepened his frustrations. For the life of him, he couldn't find a single thing he had accomplished this past year. That uncomfortable realisation was enough to shut his mouth into a tight line as he watched the surroundings pass by in the plane's small window. The distinctive azure-blue hues of the ocean below had instantly turned to a blazing red in his eyes.
Between the separated carriages, two senior members of staff had found themselves at a back and forth. With the excuse of a toilet break as their motive. The figures of Kamoshida and Ushimaru stood between the curtains that segregated the two carriages of Shujin students.
"Kamoshida-sensei thank you for your assistance. I certainly wasn't expecting an ordeal like this to occur on our short vacation." The senior professor lightly matted his receding hair across his sweaty forehead. Readjusting the spectacles gracing his nose with a graceful movement.
"I'm only doing what any teacher would Ushimaru-sensei. I left Sakamoto-kun in Kawakami-sensei's hands, but if you wouldn't mind questioning him when we arrive… I'll handle Ayanokouji-kun. We can clear up punishments and the like when we have the full story to ourselves."
"If you ask me, they should be suspended or even expelled for causing such a ruckus!" Declared Ushimaru with a huff.
"Now, now. I can agree it was hardly the time or place for that sort of thing. But we've all been kids before, this is just boys at it in their youth. Besides, we don't even know if there was a good justification for the altercation." The younger teacher placated him with a small smile, easing the heavy-set professor from his elevated attitude.
"…Certainly. I know that Principle Kobayakawa won't look too kindly on this predicament." Ushimaru acted as the deputy-head of Shujin. Being a senior member of staff with many years in service, he naturally was quite high along the totem pole. As such he was often seen in the principal's good graces, hovering like some kind of overgrown earwig. Whispering platitudes and suggestions at his earliest convenience.
"Well, that's certainly true…"
"Listen, I say this for your own good, Kamoshida-sensei. I know he's a good seed for the volleyball club. But the boy has yet to try and cement himself in this school. His grades and athletics might be good, but there's a certain… discipline missing from him. You can see it when you look into the boy's eyes." Ushimaru was a stickler for rules and authority. Students often thought he had chosen to become an educator for this reasoning alone, with how often he would use his authority to dole out punishments for small grievances.
"I appreciate your advice, sensei. But he's just a child at the end of the day. Isn't that the job of us as the custodians of the next generation? To understand, forgive, and nurture these young chicks so that they can take the right path in the future? How can we act as the signposts for their development if we toss them aside at the first sign of struggle?" Truly if any students heard this conversation, they would thank their lucky stars that a man like Kamoshida was on their side. He truly cared for the welfare of student body. That was the common interpretation.
"It seems you've not only achieved gold medals for your prowess. Your tongue is made from silver as well."
"I learn from my betters; you and Principal Kobayakawa are better teachers than I could hope to be. That being said; I may be giving too much leeway to students which cause a scene…" He subtly glanced towards the senior teacher. A subtle deliberation meant to convey trust and expect tutelage.
"Indeed. That Sakamoto-kun in particular, vile little creature. Terrible grades, delinquency, truancy… The list goes on. If it were on school grounds then maybe it would be a little more understandable, but…"
"I hear you." He nodded along sympathetically.
"At least the other one has some good qualities, I'm sure a bit more discipline in the volleyball club and responsibilities on his belt might make him more receptive to instruction." He smirked subtly.
"Hmm? What did you have in mind?"
"Why not have him serve with the student council for a while on top of his volleyball duties?" Ushimaru gently patted his bulging stomach upon finishing his thought.
"The student council?"
"Indeed, rather than causing troubles for the institution, he can solve them alongside Niijima-kun. Maybe then he'd see how causing these problems affects those that deal with the bureaucratic matters. Niijima-kun's more than capable and listens to instruction well, she could be a decent mentor for him. The age difference might help with that."
"Basically community service for a while? …I like it, good idea."
"You could think of it as such, though he's hardly a criminal right now. Or seen like one anyway." Ushimaru casted a low nod to the boy's origin. Something only specific members of staff had any knowledge of. Almost all of them were present on this trip. The only one excluded from that group would be the Principal who still resided in the school watching over the first- and third-year students along with their respective members of staff.
"As always, I have much more to learn from you, don't I?" Kamoshida deferred to the older man, once again. Bowing his head somewhat lightly.
"You're doing a fine job already. Volleyball success, humility, great recommendations, if you were any better, I might have to start questioning your humanity. Hahaha!" They shared a short, sour laugh.
"Hardly, I feel if I were a better teacher then we wouldn't have these issues…"
Ushimaru heaved a tired sigh. Shaking his head side to side in amusement. "The problem with great men and understanding their own abilities... Did you know students and their families extend applications early to this school for the chance to train with an Olympian? There are plenty that see your success and flock here for the opportunities."
"I had no idea…" What should've been a genuinely astonished look covered the PE teacher's face.
"That's why I'm saying, a few times is fine… However, should they continue to cause problems they should be nipped in the bud. As such, that Sakamoto-kun is doing nothing for this school. We educate, they behave. That's the trade-off. It isn't a teacher's job to correct a brat's anger and frustration. That stems from home and the ability to learn from their betters. Of which Sakamoto has the patience and wisdom required for neither."
"…"
"If the truth comes out and he's causing problems with little regard for his own surroundings… it only follows that his surroundings will shun him." Ushimaru cast his gaze off to the two curtains that flanked them on either side.
"Of course… It's impossible to help someone that won't accept that aid." Kamoshida, quickly understanding his meaning agreed and nodded, looking towards the two curtains. His gaze lingering slightly longer on the carriage towards the front of the aircraft. The home of a particularly useful but dangerous double-edged sword. One he would soon be sitting beside for the duration of the journey.
"I'm glad that we could come to an understanding! I'll get what little I can from Sakamoto-kun. I hope I can trust you to track down Ayanokouji-kun and his little entourage for their version of the events when we return?"
"Of course. I'm acquainted with a few of them so it should be easy enough."
"Then I asked the right man, didn't I? You always deliver Kamoshida-sensei!"
"You give me too much credit."
"Nonsense, nonsense!"
The two continued to laugh and sing each other's praises before returning to their seats biding time before the wheels descended and they stood once more on their homeland. Meanwhile a certain auburn-haired student sat listlessly looking out the window, completely ignoring the easy-going smile of his coach beside him. His main concern…
'I hope they like the souvenirs.'
[Phantom Opera: White Soliloquy]
Rather than immediately returning to their houses we students were ushered onto campus grounds for a simple briefing, attendance and some materials for an essay regarding Hawaiian culture. I was carted off in a separate direction from Sakamoto. Cordoned off by the sea of students between us. I could feel holes being burnt into my head from his gaze. Eventually, the familiar door of a certain volleyball coach's office stood before me, that same giant opening the door ahead and ushering me inside towards the small chair intended for visitors.
The uncomfortable plastic seat shifted slightly under my weight, a brief sense of jealousy washed over as Kamoshida lowered himself into the comfortable office chair over the other side of the desk. He took out a notepad and set it onto the desk in front of me. An effort to show that he wasn't going to hide anything whilst taking notes. Most people would feel reassured upon such an action. I, however, knew that that made the person much sneakier. Individuals who always think about how others will view them are much more difficult to deal with.
Some psychological tests involved perception and orientation of character were related to this very same thing. For example; if prompted to write a Q on the forehead some individuals will write it backwards, in other words in consideration for others to read. Doing such a thing could be seen as empathetic. But that isn't always the case. Understanding the emotions of another person doesn't mean you have their best interest at heart. Manipulative people often use these methods to get what they want. Showing compassion and understanding only made it that much easier to twist the knife in their gut. Well, in theory. I have no idea who would be so heartless as to actually test it out.
"Would you mind explaining what happened?"
"Wouldn't it be better to ask the others present? An unbiased view would be much more useful." In truth no one was unbiased. Even if the truth lay on Sakamoto's side none of the bystanders would aid him. For Suzui and Takamaki that path leads nowhere. Mishima… if I was right, then he had no intention of rebelling against Kamoshida. Okumura doesn't have enough information to work off of, the information she's been given is enough to back me. She's probably intuitive enough to understand something is wrong… But that same intuition should tell her she can't change this outcome anyway.
Which means… Sakamoto is in a pretty dangerous spot. I suppose this interview will decide his fate. Suspended or expelled. Honestly, it isn't hugely important. I can use it either way.
"I will examine everyone's words at the end. But the perpetrators of the incident should still have the right to speak and defend their actions." Perpetrators? I should've guessed but that means they'll speak to Sakamoto as well… I wonder if Kamoshida will conduct the interview. I could see that easily going up in flames. I'm sure he has more insight than that… Or maybe he'll use that against my blonde ally? I suppose it depends if he sees Sakamoto as enough of a nuisance to get rid of him. Before now his presence in the palace has been not just lacklustre, but entirely vacant. Obviously, he doesn't see him as a threat.
That might have changed with the more time we had been spending together. Hardly a good thing for him.
"In a way you could say I caused it." It wouldn't be wrong to say this.
"In a way?"
"I had said some unsavoury words to Sakamoto which may have summoned his rage. However, I didn't think it acceptable to agree with assertions I find to be untrue. That's all." The best lies were those that were almost indistinguishable from the truth.
"Unsavoury? Could you go into a little bit more detail?"
"Sorry, they aren't something I want to repeat."
"I see… Then could you tell me who threw the first punch?"
"That was… Sakamoto. In terms of physical violence I was only defending myself, he attacked first. I simply retaliated. As I stated before; it is possible I incited the violence but ultimately, he chose to throw the first punch." It wouldn't do any good to lie here. This is something that could easily be uncovered with witness testimonials.
"And how did the others react to the argument starting?" Police investigative reports often used these tactics. Repeat even the most inconsequential information enough times and gaps start to form in the story. Was he trying to catch me out on something? Or did he really have no prior knowledge of this case…
I had thought this earlier… As far back as the first volleyball match. Kamoshida is strangely… amiable. He'll avoid conflict if it suits him more, his ego isn't so out of control that he'll step so far out of line that it becomes obvious. That match was the same. He could've chosen to go toe-to-toe with me and had a good chance of winning… But because the rewards wouldn't match the risk; he gave up on that route. Even if there might be one or two students that made the conclusion in their minds; 'he stopped fighting because there was a chance he would lose'.
"Surprised. I didn't want someone else to get hurt by accident in the event things got a bit more heated, so I requested they stay away."
"Admirable. I like a guy that can take charge of the situation. Best not to let the frailer ones get involved." Flattery. Interrogation. Lies. Uncomfortable spaces. Physical disparity. Formal setting. Deep tone. Authoritative attitude. It didn't matter what he used. If you think this will be enough to break my façade, you are mistaken.
"Nothing quite so admirable, I felt as if I caused the situation. I feel it only right that I rectify my own mistakes."
"Again, could you go into some more detail on that front?"
"To summarise the matter. Sakamoto had some wrong or generally misunderstood opinions and stated them as fact to others. I attempted to use the opportunity as a means of letting him see the reality of the matter."
"Like an intervention of sorts?" That phrasing makes it seem like he already had a good understanding of the events. Days had passed since then, so it isn't out of the realm of possibility. However, the school and teachers had strictly said any gossiping of the events would be harshly punished. Both me and Sakamoto had been placed under hotel arrest for the duration of the trip. And the teachers hadn't asked any questions, for fear of tensions rising again. Resolutely stating things would be solved when we returned to campus. They wanted to protect their reputation in another country. Understandable.
There was no reason to lie about speaking with the other witnesses. Of course, unless he wants to hide the relation he has with that witness… The chance Mishima is a spy for Kamoshida increases somewhat with that information. Along with his strange behaviour when we first met. I've all but assumed that to be the case. Though, there's still time to tell.
"That wouldn't be a wrong way of looking at it. I was mistaken in my methods' efficacy, that's my own fault. I should've anticipated Sakamoto's anger. It was obvious. Sakamoto's strong feelings. My own oversight lies in not predicting that and allowing others to be put in harm's way. At the end of the day, I just didn't want the misunderstanding to remain."
"Are you dead set on not revealing that misunderstanding?"
"…I believe rumours should be put to rest. Especially those that have no backing behind them." Now, what do you say Kamoshida-sensei?
"Certainly, rumours are plenty of trouble. However, they also say where there's smoke there's fire…" Still acting as if he doesn't know? I suppose my coach doesn't feel like revealing his cards so soon. Not like it matters. He could bluff until the world believed his lies, but I already knew the truth. His hand could be the equivalent of a royal flush. A completely unmatched strength. But… so long as I knew what he held and how it could be used, there was hardly any way I could imagine myself losing.
"Idioms are often misconstrued with reality." My next words are crucial. "I have judged with my own eyes what I deem to be untrue. That along with the general conclusions of those around me. There's no evidence contrary to my own conclusion. The fire simply doesn't exist. The smoke was a mere mist clouding our vision."
He nodded thoughtfully. Before quickly asking me basically the same question worded slightly differently. An attempt to find any missing holes in my story. The holes I shown were more like the tiny nets in a sieve. The grains that they revealed were fine and of little substance. All too believable for a student to miss in their first retelling. Upon the third iteration, Kamoshida's attitude slightly shifted.
"I see… To tell you the truth, Ayanokouji." No honorific? An attempt to make us seem equal or friendlier in this situation? How shrewd, there was nothing equal about this… In this scenario he could hardly afford to suspend or punish me particularly harshly. Though, even if he did, I could use that opportunity myself. "Seeing as the incident involves a certain Sakamoto-kun. I think I have an idea of what has occurred. Safe to say he has put a bit of a target on my back. Haha…" He wearily worked out a knot in his neck, a tired expression washing over his face.
"…"
"Sorry! I don't mean to say I resent it or anything like that. I think a previous misunderstanding is the major cause of this… Though, how to remedy that…? Ahh! How dreadful, a teacher shouldn't be showing this much confusion in front of a student. I apologise."
"So… you are aware of what he's been saying?"
"Not exactly. But I could hazard a guess. And you found these words to be unacceptable, thus the argument turned into a fight?"
"Yes. That would summarise it."
"I see. Would you mind if I ask; how did you become friends?" Finally… He turned the notepad over. Dropping the pen onto the table, seemingly disinterested in jotting these things down. But make no mistake, right now his mind would be jotting down notes even more meticulously. Kamoshida's real worries lay at the heart of this matter.
"He dragged me out of class one day. Having known few students and being in an unfamiliar place, I quickly accepted his friendship. Though, it seems that was simply a front to get more information about you. Kamoshida-sensei." A conclusion anyone could reach.
"…That must have hurt. To be used by someone you thought was a friend, I can't imagine the stress that must put you through." It should hurt more considering I'm the one using him in the end. "I apologise for that."
"There's no need for you to apologise, Kamoshida-sensei."
"It's the truth that this problem wouldn't exist if we didn't have our differences… It is out of the realm of control for a teacher to suggest this but… I think it would be best to remove Sakamoto-kun from your mobile contacts and limit face-to-face interactions with him. But that is just my suggestion. Don't feel the need to conform with it."
"I see… Thank you, Kamoshida-sensei. But that's unnecessary."
"Meaning?"
"We never exchanged contacts. I suppose that was one sign Sakamoto was never particularly invested in our friendship."
"…Is that so? Perhaps that is for the best…" I would sooner be caught dead than giving my contact information to him. The amount of incriminating evidence which could be delivered in a single one of his texts could damage the entire operation. I might as well ask to be sent to juvie early and give up on probation altogether. Kamoshida would question the reasoning, but it doesn't matter, he's unlikely to ever reach the truth.
I let the silence permeate for a moment. Leaving his thoughts to trail through that useless muck. Before switching the topic once more.
"How will I be punished?"
"Ah… About that. I appreciate you defending me Ayanokouji, it was a brave thing to do. But at the end of the day, I can't exactly allow you to go freely after this incident. You understand, don't you?"
"Of course. Regardless of my reasons, my actions weren't acceptable." In the short term they were beneficial for Kamoshida. Soon enough my words that defended him will decompose and turn to ash. 'So long as I am here, I will not allow Kamoshida-sensei to harm the students.' With the pressure on he won't be able to act. Mishima will assure him that recommendations and the like won't move me. As such he will be forced to use other methods or remain inconspicuous in his activities. Neither will work. His only real option is to get rid of me for good or completely subjugate me.
"As for punishment; from today onwards you are to report to the student council every day and assist with their various matters. That along with Volleyball practice at the agreed upon times. I expect no complaints and the same level of work ethic you have demonstrated throughout the short time you've been here in all manners of scholarly achievements. That goes for studies, athletics and students council matters. This is also a directive from Principal Kobayakawa. I'm sure you won't disappoint us."
"Understood." 'Work tirelessly to make our school appear good' the words were barely restrained behind their face value.
"With that matter discussed… I've kept you away from home for a long time, feel free to get going. Your guardian is probably worried… Oh, and a letter will be sent to your guardian regarding the incident. Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do on that front." Haah… I had a feeling that might be the case. I wonder just how Sojiro's going to react to this…
At least it won't be immediate. From the sounds of it, the letter has yet to be sent. Though, I can already tell this is going to be a pain...
"Ah, before I leave. May I ask if Sakamoto will be getting a similar punishment?"
"Some feelings of friendship remain? Or…?"
"I don't hold any particularly ill will towards him, but I'm well aware we aren't friends. I only ask that to be prepared if we are serving on the student council together. I wouldn't want a similar incident to occur again."
"That was a worry the teachers had as well… Honestly, we haven't figured out the kinks quite yet. But that isn't something you need to worry over, you'll have your own hands full soon enough." He smiled reassuringly, neatly closing the notepad and placing it in a drawer of the desk.
"…I might be overstepping my bounds as a student. But if I may make a suggestion…" I asked almost timidly.
"Hm? Go ahead, you were involved first hand with the incident. You should have your say."
"Well…" Truly, it doesn't matter either way. But a part of me would feel wrong if I used without imparting a gift. To drain a resource dry without any recompense… That didn't quite feel right to me…
No.
Everything had a use. Everything. Everyone. They could achieve something unique. As such, I should work to make sure those flowers bud properly, even if I must tirelessly prune them to reach that stage.
A villain shouldn't be a one-time use affair. Life wasn't a monster of the week, flavour-variety show.
I would be remiss to say goodbye on such uncertain terms.
Either route would result in my victory in the end. But if I had to choose the pathway I preferred… It was undoubtably the one that let me witness growth even past this first obstacle.
I don't want him to be cast aside immediately.
If we act quickly enough. Then that decision should be in deliberation before the final blow is delivered.
The only thing that remains to be seen is if the villain will metamorphose into a living legendary hero. Or a martyr remembered only for their sacrifice.
Only time will tell.
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Word count: 4906
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Apologies for the untimely upload. I've been getting to grips with trying to practice a plethora of other things in my spare time. Drawing being one of them, which has bitten into my writing time a bit. I'm getting more to grips with it over time, but this is the result of taking on more interests. Apologies once again.
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