Chapter 7 - Unknown Secrets

February 11, 2013, Monday, Nakameguro High School Cafeteria, 1:00 pm...

Moments later, the hulking brute barged into the cafeteria, his heavy footsteps thudding against the floor like a drumbeat of dread. Following close behind, Coach Onizuka strolled unannounced, immediately darkening the lively atmosphere.

"Well, this is unexpected," Onizuka said, his smirk oozing arrogance. "I thought this place was supposed to be empty. Oh! Aoi-chan, there you are."

His eyes lingered on her, his tone taking a disturbingly playful turn. "I think you would look adorable in a maid outfit."

Miruko and the twins stiffened, their expressions darkening at the coach's inappropriate comment. However, Elric-sensei stood still behind the food counter.

Onizuka turned his attention back to the brute.

"I will check on you later, little Aoi," he said with a chuckle before clapping his hands together. "Now, look at that! A galore of food, just waiting for you, Big Nicky."

The hulking brute, now identified as Big Nicky, stepped forward, his massive frame casting a shadow over the food counter. His labored breathing grew heavier as his eyes locked onto the food trays, saliva visibly pooling at the corners of his mouth.

Panic rippled through the cafeteria. The students froze, whispering among themselves, their voices tinged with dread. If Big Nicky got his hands on the food, everything they had worked for would be gone in seconds.

But just as Big Nicky was about to lunge forward, he suddenly stopped.

The brute staggered back, his expression shifting from hunger to discomfort. His massive hands clutched at his stomach as tears welled up in his eyes. Then, to everyone's shock, he began wailing, his cries echoing through the cafeteria like a distressed child.

"What the hell are you doing?" Onizuka snapped, his smirk vanishing. "Why are you crying? Eat the damn food!"

All eyes turned to the counter, where the untouched tray of Volcano Lasagna sat steaming. The students who had avoided it because of its intense spiciness now realized what was happening. The lasagna's fiery aroma clearly affected Big Nicky, overwhelming his senses.

Elric stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the hulking figure. A faint, knowing smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"I knew it," Elric said calmly, his voice cutting through the commotion. "So this is where you were, Nicolas Tymon."

The room fell silent, save for the brute's sobs. Despite the teacher's shaggy appearance, Elric's words carried a weight that left everyone speechless. The mystery behind Big Nicky's strange behavior was starting to unravel, and the realization sent a ripple of unease through the crowd.

Coach Onizuka's smirk faltered as he turned to Elric, his expression darkening. "What are you talking about, shrimp? You know him?"

Elric's gaze remained fixed on the brute. "I do," he said firmly. "But it seems you do not. And that is a mistake you are going to regret."

Elric continued, calm but authoritative, "This is Nicholas Tymon, the nephew of Nikolav Tymon."

A murmur rippled through the cafeteria as students whispered among themselves. The name "Nikolav Tymon" struck a chord, some recalling the infamous professional boxer who had gone berserk after undergoing experimental drug treatments.

In Classroom 3-4, a few brave students dared to voice their curiosity. "Sensei," one asked tentatively, "how do you know Big Nicky is his nephew?"

Elric's expression turned serious as he explained. "Years ago, Nikolav Tymon and his nephew, Nicholas, fled Russia after a certain... incident. Nikolav took to underground boxing with nowhere to turn, eventually rising to infamy in the professional ring. But his success came at a cost."

Elric paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "Desperate to maintain his edge, Nikolav turned to the black market for enhancement drug treatments. The drugs made him stronger but destroyed his mind, reducing him to the shadow of the man he once was. Before he died, his last words were a plea to find Nicholas, the boy he had smuggled out of Russia, to save him from the same fate. Tragically, Nicholas was later captured and subjected to the same experiments his uncle had fought so hard to protect him from. He disappeared shortly afterward, lost to the world."

The room grew silent as Elric's words sank in. The story's weight transformed little Nichalos from a terrifying brute into a tragic figure.

"But those experiments had side effects," Elric continued, his tone sharp. "One of them was an extreme intolerance to capsaicin. Even a hint of spiciness overwhelms their enhanced senses, turning their strength into a weakness."

Big Nicky's labored breathing deepened as he seemed to process Elric's words. His hulking frame trembled with rage, and his massive fists clenched. Without warning, he lunged toward Elric, his eyes blazing with fury.

Gasps filled the cafeteria as students scrambled to distance themselves, fearing the worst.

Leaning casually against the wall, Coach Onizuka smirked, amused by the chaos. "Let's see how tough this new substitute teacher really is," he muttered.

Elric, however, didn't flinch. Remaining composed, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek PEZ dispenser. With a flick of his thumb, he popped a small tablet and expertly flicked it into Big Nicky's open mouth.

The brute froze mid-charge, his massive frame locked in place. A stunned silence fell over the cafeteria as everyone watched, unable to believe what they saw.

"Hey, you oversized gorilla!" Coach Onizuka barked, his amusement giving way to irritation. "Why the hell did you stop? Finish him!"

But Big Nicky didn't move. Slowly, he fell to his knees, his massive body quaking. Tears streamed down his face as he let out a choked sob. The terrifying beast from moments ago now looked more like a lost child.

The students stared in disbelief, their fear replaced by confusion and awe. What had just happened?

Elric's calm demeanor never wavered. He tucked the dispenser into his pocket and approached the subdued giant.

"The curse of rage isn't invincible," Elric said quietly, almost to himself. "Even the strongest bonds of hatred can be undone."

When Coach Onizuka turned to Elric for answers, the teacher responded smoothly, holding up the dispenser. "This is a specialized PEZ dispenser equipped with medicine designed to satiate the hunger of patients suffering from eating disorders. The effects last up to twelve hours, and it's medically safe, even if a child accidentally eats one. Plus, it tastes like golden raspberry."

The calm explanation had an immediate effect on the room. The students, who had been on edge, released a sigh of relief, reassured that the food was safe. Murmurs of amazement spread as they marveled at the teacher's ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Coach Onizuka, however, wasn't convinced.

His irritation flared, and he sneered at Elric, clearly searching for a way to undermine him. "What the hell are you talking about, shrimp? You expect me to believe that? Sure, the kid looks like a foreigner, but how do you even know he's Russian? For all you know, you've got the wrong guy!"

His voice boomed across the cafeteria, his frustration evident as he crossed his arms, glaring down at Elric. But the teacher's expression remained composed, unshaken by the coach's bluster.

Elric-sensei stepped forward, his movements calm and deliberate, and knelt down to meet Big Nicky at eye level. The cafeteria fell silent, all eyes glued to the teacher. Then, to everyone's astonishment, Elric began speaking in fluent Russian.

"Товарищ Николас, всё в порядке? Ты можешь говорить со мной. Я сомневаюсь, что этот жирный свин может тебя обидеть," Elric said smoothly, his tone both reassuring and laced with a touch of humor. ("Comrade Nicholas, are you alright? You can talk to me. I doubt that fat pig can hurt you.")

The room erupted in gasps of disbelief. The fact that their substitute teacher could speak Russian was shocking enough, but Big Nicky's reaction made it undeniable.

The hulking brute lifted his tear-streaked face, his swollen eyes blinking in recognition. In broken Russian, he stammered, "Он... не... обидит... меня?" ("He... won't... hurt... me?")

Elric smiled warmly, nodding as he responded. "Правильно, товарищ. Этот жирный свин — просто надутая мышцами тряпка." ("That's right, comrade. He's just a fat pig with balloon muscles.")

A chuckle escaped Elric as he spoke, and to everyone's amazement, even Big Nicky let out a weak, hesitant laugh.

The students exchanged bewildered looks, unable to process the surreal scene unfolding before them. Even Coach Onizuka froze, his smug expression faltering as the realization hit: Elric wasn't bluffing.

Elric's calm smile didn't waver as he looked into Big Nicky's tearful eyes. Switching seamlessly to English, he spoke slowly, enunciating each word. "Nicholas, you can trust me. Tell me, do you need help?"

Big Nicky hesitated, his massive shoulders trembling. After a long pause, he stammered in broken English, "Help... please... home..."

The cafeteria erupted into murmurs of shock and disbelief. Even the most skeptical students couldn't deny it now; Elric had proven his point.

Coach Onizuka, however, refused to let this stand. His face twisted in anger, and he took a menacing step toward Elric. "You think you're so clever, shrimp? Stirring up trouble in my school? I'll..."

Before he could finish, the cafeteria doors swung open with an authoritative bang. Principal Takamori strode in, his stern gaze sweeping the room like a storm. The students fell silent immediately, tension thick in the air.

"What is going on here?" Principal Takamori demanded, his sharp tone cutting through the chaos.

Elric straightened and stepped aside to address the principal in a military fashion, calmly summarizing the incident. He explained the presence of Big Nicky, the gym coach's actions, and how Classroom 3-4 students had contributed to the cafeteria's new menu. Principal Takamori listened intently, his expression unreadable.

After thoroughly inspecting the cafeteria food, reviewing the student's performance, and piecing together the details of the altercation, Principal Takamori turned to Coach Onizuka.

"Coach Onizuka," he said, his voice firm and unwavering, "your behavior today has been unacceptable. Furthermore, your history of misconduct cannot be ignored. You are immediately suspended from visiting the school for two weeks."

Onizuka's face turned beet red, his fists clenching at his sides. "You can't be serious!" he echoed through the cafeteria.

"I am entirely serious," Principal Takamori replied coldly. "If you have any further outbursts, I recommend your permanent removal. Do I make myself clear?"

Realizing he was cornered, Onizuka gritted his teeth and backed off, glaring daggers at Elric as he stormed out of the cafeteria.

As the doors slammed shut behind him, the students erupted into cheers. They crowded around Elric, showering him with praise and gratitude. The atmosphere shifted to celebration as the students finally relaxed and enjoyed the food they had worked so hard to prepare.

Just as the energy in the room peaked, Principal Takamori raised a hand, silencing the crowd. "That's enough," he announced. "Lunch period is officially over. It's 1:15 pm; time to return to class."

The students groaned in unison but obediently began tidying up and filing out. As they passed, many cast admiring glances at Elric, their respect for the substitute teacher growing. Aoi seemed to grow more attached to her teacher due to his unusual determination to protect his students.

Standing amidst the emptying cafeteria, Elric allowed himself a small, satisfied smile behind his work mask.

Nakameguro High School, 4:00 pm...

The school day had officially ended, and students began streaming out of the gates, the chatter of the day's events filling the air. The delinquent boys and the gyaru girls left with a strange sense of satisfaction. However, the lingering effects of the brainwashing were beginning to fade.

Miruko and the Muto twins approached Elric-sensei and Aoi near the entrance. Miruko smiled warmly. "Thank you for everything today, sensei. We'll see you tomorrow!"

"Yeah, later, sensei!" Hiroki added with a casual wave, his twin, Ichiro, nodding politely beside him.

Elric returned their goodbyes with a small smile and a nod. "Take care on your way home."

As the students dispersed, Elric turned his attention to Aoi, who stood quietly by his side.

"Shall we?" Elric asked, his voice calm.

The two walked through the quiet streets, eventually arriving at the gates of the Wasei Rengō Manor. Aoi was greeted by the stoic and loyal members of the yakuza household, their imposing stances and sharp suits projecting an aura of authority.

"Welcome back, Aoi-sama," one of the men said, bowing respectfully.

Elric stood nearby, his shaggy appearance and ill-fitted glasses doing little to mask his indifferent demeanor. Aoi couldn't help but notice how he remained unfazed, even under the watchful eyes of the yakuza.

"Why isn't he intimidated?" she wondered, glancing at Elric from the corner of her eye.

His lack of reaction only deepened the mystery surrounding him.

Elric gave her a reassuring smile. "Go on ahead. I've got some homework to prepare for tomorrow."

Aoi hesitated for a moment before bowing her head. "Thank you for walking me home, sensei."

With that, she disappeared into the manor, the heavy gates closing behind her.

Once she was out of sight, Elric's expression shifted. He removed his crooked glasses, revealing sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to hold an entirely different presence. Running a hand through his hair, he straightened it, transforming from a disheveled teacher into someone more composed and authoritative.

After adjusting his appearance, Elric approached one of the manor's members.

"Could you guide me to Master Taka?" Elric asked, his tone polite but firm.

The yakuza member nodded, motioning for him to follow. As Elric walked through the halls, he couldn't help but marvel at the manor's traditional architecture. The wooden sliding doors, tatami mats, and intricate carvings spoke of a bygone era preserved with care.

When they reached the main room, Elric was jovially greeted by Takahiro "Taka" Matsunaga, the head of the Wasei Rengō.

"Ah, Elric! You're just in time," Master Taka called out, raising a sake cup in welcome.

Ryosuke and Kenta, who stood nearby, exchanged knowing glances as they observed Elric's composed demeanor.

"The manor seems lively," Elric remarked, sitting beside Master Taka. The smell of food wafted through the air as preparations for dinner continued in the background.

A few moments later, Jojo and Shouma entered the room. Their sharp eyes immediately fell on Elric, who was seated right next to Master Taka.

Jojo leaned closer to Shouma and muttered, "He's sitting with the boss as if they're equals."

Shouma scowled. "I don't like how familiar he seems. Who does this guy think he is?"

Master Taka, noticing their intimidating stares, laughed heartily. "Don't look so sour, you two. Elric and I are drinking buddies. It's natural for us to sit like this." He clapped Elric on the back, his grin wide and mischievous.

Jojo and Shouma exchanged skeptical glances but said nothing more, though their irritation was evident.

The conversation flowed smoothly as the group shared lighthearted banter and stories. By the clock struck 6:00 pm, the servants began bringing out dishes, their careful arrangement showcasing a feast fit for a celebration.

As the men began chowing down, the door slid open to reveal Aoi.

Aoi's soft voice greeted them, "Grandfather, I'm back."

Master Taka's eyes lit up. "Ah, Aoi! Just in time for dinner. Come in!"

As Aoi entered the room, her gaze fell on the unfamiliar man beside her grandfather. Elric, ever composed, stood up and offered a polite bow.

"Who is he, Grandfather?" she asked, her curiosity evident.

Master Taka hesitated for a moment, caught off guard. He realized Aoi wasn't aware of Elric's true identity and quickly covered his pause with a laugh. "This is… Akato," he began, fumbling slightly.

Elric smoothly took over, bowing again. "Akato. No family name," he said courteously.

Aoi tilted her head, studying him briefly before offering a polite nod. "It's nice to meet you, Akato-san."

Meanwhile, Kenta and Ryosuke struggled to contain their surprise. They exchanged looks, the same thought crossing their minds: How does Elric maintain his identity like this? A teacher by day and now an associate of the Wasei Rengō…

Despite their amazement, the dinner continued, the room buzzing with conversation and clinking chopsticks against bowls. Elric, as always, seemed perfectly at ease, seamlessly navigating the fine line between his dual identities.

Dinner at the Wasei Rengō Manor was progressing well, the lively chatter and warm atmosphere filling the room. However, the mood shifted abruptly when an unexpected visitor arrived.

It was Mr. Horigawa, Miruko's father. The man entered with a tense expression, his arrival clearly bearing bad news. Master Takahiro's face darkened as he rose to greet him. "Horigawa-san," Takahiro said gravely, "what brings you here at this hour?"

"Forgive the intrusion, Matsunaga-sama," Mr. Horigawa began, bowing deeply. "But I have urgent news to share."

Sensing the weight of the situation, Takahiro turned to Aoi. "Aoi, leave the room. Now."

"But..."

"No arguments. Go," Takahiro ordered, his tone leaving no room for protest.

Aoi reluctantly rose and stepped out, sliding the door shut behind her. But curiosity got the better of her, and she knelt quietly just outside, listening to the conversation through the thin partition.

Inside, Mr. Horigawa's words were grim. "The loan sharks… They've moved the debt deadline forward by two weeks. I was supposed to have a month to acquire the money. Due to this unexpected change, I have no means to repay them in time."

The room fell silent, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Then, Mr. Horigawa's gaze flicked to Elric. His eyes widened slightly in recognition, and he froze mid-sentence.

"Elric Ho?" Mr. Horigawa stammered before Takahiro raised a hand, signaling him to stop. The silent gesture was clear: Elric was incognito, especially around Aoi.

Mr. Horigawa quickly recovered, changing his tone. "Ah… Akato-san, I must thank you for saving my daughter. I owe you more than I can ever repay."

Takahiro's expression tightened. Despite being a longtime friend and Miruko's godfather, disappointment was evident in his eyes. "Horigawa, I warned you about this investment. The loan sharks preyed on your ambition, and now you've dragged your family into their mess."

Elric's calm voice broke the tension. "How much do you owe?"

Mr. Horigawa hesitated, shame coloring his face. "1.45 billion yen," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper.

The room tensed again, but Elric's expression remained remarkably composed. "I can pay that," he said simply.

The declaration sent shockwaves through the room. The loyal yakuza members erupted into laughter, their booming voices echoing off the walls. "This guy's full of it!" one guffawed. "1.45 billion yen? Who is he trying to fool?"

But Takahiro, Kenta, and Ryosuke didn't laugh. Their serious expressions silenced the others, baffling Jojo and Shouma, who exchanged confused glances.

"Master Taka, is this guy for real?" Jojo asked, his disbelief evident.

Suddenly, Jojo and Shouma realized Akato's connection to the "demon mercenary."

Takahiro said nothing, his sharp eyes fixed on Elric. "Akato," he began cautiously, "why would you offer such a sum? Are you truly willing to pay this debt?"

Elric met Takahiro's gaze without flinching. "Horigawa-san needs help. I have the means to provide it. That's all there is to it. If these loan sharks cause trouble in the neighborhood, I will have the biggest headache in my life."

Outside, Aoi listened intently, her heart racing. Who is Akato? she wondered, recalling the disheveled, quiet teacher she had known. Where did he get such wealth?

The conversation took an unexpected turn when Takahiro leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

"If you're so generous, Akato," the old geezer said with a sly grin, "why not become part of the family? You could marry my granddaughter."

Akato spat out the sake he was drinking and turned to Master Taka with a surprised expression. The room erupted again, this time with revolted complaints.

"What?! That's ridiculous!" Jojo barked.

"You've gone too far, Master Taka," Shouma protested, his face red with indignation.

Meanwhile, Aoi, still hidden behind the sliding door, felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, and steam emerged from her head.

"Grandfather! You idiot...!" she whispered to herself, mortified by his suggestion.

However, as the room fell quiet, all eyes turned to Akato. He sat rigid, his fists clenched on the table. Steam, almost visible in his composure, seemed to radiate from him. Confusion and unease flickered in his eyes as if he were fighting to control emotions that threatened to spill over. His usual calm demeanor had cracked, and he looked flustered for the first time that evening.

One of the grunts leaned closer to his companion and muttered, "What's wrong with that guy? Why does he look like he's about to explode?"

The tension in the air was palpable, and even Takahiro raised an eyebrow in concern. But Kenta suddenly realized the reason behind Elric's uncharacteristic reaction. His expression shifted as he leaned toward Master Takahiro and spoke in a low, urgent tone.

"Master Taka," Kenta began and whispered, his voice heavy with understanding. "It's his trauma from Las Vegas..."

Takahiro's jovial demeanor faded instantly, replaced by a somber understanding. He nodded subtly, signaling for the conversation to move on.

"Alright, that's enough joking around," Takahiro declared, raising his voice to cut through the murmurs. "Let's return to the matter at hand."

The theatrics of the meeting dragged on for hours, the discussion moving from serious matters to lighthearted banter and back again. Finally, the gathering ended, and Elric rose to leave.

As he reached the manor gates, Mr. Horigawa, who had lingered behind, froze in place. A strange sense of familiarity washed over him way before the incident.

At the same moment, Aoi, now seated in her room, held a newspaper clipping about the explosive bracelet incident. Her heterochromatic eyes narrowed as she stared at the image accompanying the article. The photo shows a familiar figure.

Why does Akato look so familiar?