Matsumoto Rei

One year ago...

Sakata Akio's POV

It is my first year in this school my father built. I was so proud about my father's achievements. I am now on my first year in junior high school. I heard many positive comments about Seishin everywhere I go. I cannot help but to be excited as I entered junior high in my father's proud school. On my way to school, I heard two women, probably in their mid-40's chitchatting on the roadside.

Woman1: Have you heard about Seishin High?

Woman2: Yes. I heard that it was an ideal school that has been built in reality. Sakata Hiroto is the founder of that school.

Woman1: Sakata Hiroto? The man who supported the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology?

The woman gasped.

Woman2: That's him! He helped the minister who has contributed a lot on Japan's educational system.

Woman1: I wish I could send my son to that school.

Woman2: I heard only the rich are studying there.

Woman1: The minister is offering scholarships to those who wish to enter there. Every year, in the National MMA tournament, they recruit the best players and let them take an exam, which tests their IQ level. They take the smartest and the most talented student after all the exam and tournament.

Woman2: Wow. They really are something!

After I heard their conversation, I smiled and felt proud to become one of Seishin High's students. As I walked absent-mindedly, I accidentally bumped into a person who is about my age. He had light brown bed hair with red innocent eyes. I rubbed my arm after we bumped into each other.

(A/N: I just want a character to have red eyes. In this world, red, violet or other eye colors are considered normal.)

Akio: I'm so sorry! Are you okay?

I reached out my arms to his shoulder.

Rei: Oh no, don't worry. I am okay.

He gently smiled.

Akio: I am really sorry. By the way, we're wearing the same uniforms. Where were you going?

Rei: I forgot my wallet in the convenience store. You can go ahead.

Akio: Can I tag along? If you don't mind.

Rei: Sure. I am Matsumoto Rei. You can call me Rei-kun.

He introduced himself while we were walking towards the convenience store. First name basis right away? He must've felt comfortable with me.

(A/N: Unlike many western cultures, in Japan people generally don't call one-another by their first name. Doing so can be a mark of disrespect, unless you're very close to the other person and in the right sort of casual environment, so you've read. Mental note then: first names are best avoided.)

Akio: Nice to meet you. I am Sakata Akio. You can call me Akio-kun, too.

Rei: Sakata Akio?! The son of the owner of Seishin?!

I just grinned.

Rei: Wow. I never thought the first person I met would be the owner's son!

He chuckled. I am glad I met a cheerful person on my first day. Not to mention we haven't reached the school yet. He ran to the convenience store and hurriedly came back with a big tender smile.

Rei: Whew! I am glad my wallet's still there. I lost my wallet first thing in the morning.

He chuckled as he catches his breath from dashing back and forth.

Rei: But it's okay since I met the owner's son.

Akio: Nah. I am nothing special. My father is my father and I am me.

Rei: But still, you are his son.

Akio: Fine!

I sighed in defaeat. We both laughed. It was the start of our new friendship. Little did I know that Rei-kun was just putting a huge smile on his face hiding his worries and terror upon entering Seishin High.

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Matsumoto Rei's POV

A month before the first day of school...

Seishin High...

Hearing the name of my new school gives me chills. I knew what was going on in that school. The underworld of the government. I knew everything because I heard my parents talking about making me a fighter. I was surprised as to what they were talking about. My father saw me peeking and called me in.

Matsumoto Goro: Rei. As you enter Seishin, I want you to dominate the underworld. Be the best fighter and beat up all the kids. It is for your own good and it is for your family.

Rei: Why would I enter Seishin? I don't want to go there! Why do I need to fight?!

Goro: Son, it could benefit us. We could earn more money and power. It can help our business grow.

Matsumoto Ai: It is for the best especially for your future. For your father's business. For our family.

My mother pleaded with a mellow look in her eyes.

Rei: What are you thinking?! Mom! Dad! Why won't you two just work hard in the company without making me fight?! What is this suppose to mean?! Do you think I am your pawn?!

I snarled with a voice in an irritating tone.

Ai: Rei, we love you. But it is for the best.

Rei: What the hell is wrong with you two? Are you that hungry for money and power? I am already contented on what we have. Why can't we just settle with that?

Goro: Rei! Are you planning to rebel me now?! Our company's competitors are sending their children to Seishin and you want our company to go down?

My father’s voice switched from a pleading to a rough tone. He was displeased as to how I disobeyed them.

Rei: You are out of your mind! No sane person would do that to their child! You are the wor—-

Before I finished my sentence, my mother slapped me. For the first time in my life, I was slapped by my mom. I can't believe it. I stared at them and ran to my room. What happened to my parents? They were loving and they never tried to hurt me. Why all of the sudden? What did Seishin do to make my parents act this way? I just can't believe that my parents are about to throw me into hell. What should I do?

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First day of school...

I just can't believe I bumped into the son of the owner of Seishin High. Why does he look happy? Is he aware of the school his father is handling? Is he excited to fight people? I don't know. But well, we cannot judge a book by its cover. As we were entering school, I asked him about my thoughts.

Rei: Are you excited?

Ever since we met, I can only see his face smiling. His smile was as if he had no problems. Seeing him looks like seeing myself before I knew everything about the school we are about to go to. I just wish he is not someone I think he would be. I hope he is not as cold-hearted like other students in our school might be.

Akio: Of course! I can't wait to see how great my dad's school is! I can only hear positive feedbacks from the people anywhere I go.

He looked at me with an innocent smile. Wait a minute. He doesn't know how this school works? Did his father hid it from him? Was he not informed that he is entering hell?

My eyes widened as I heard him say that.

I looked back at him and placed a half-baked smile on my face. I don't know what's going to happen now. I can't help but to feel nervous as the first day of school began.

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End of Chapter 1