crying men's

The next day, Ryo arrived at school expecting to suffer through another ordinary day. Instead, he was immediately called to the principal's office.

As he stepped inside, the air in the room felt thick, suffocating. The blinds were drawn, casting deep shadows across the office. The principal sat behind his desk, hands clasped together, his face pale as a ghost. His eyes, hollow and filled with dread, locked onto Ryo like a man staring at his executioner.

Principal (low voice): "Close the door."

Something about his tone sent a chill down Ryo's spine. He hesitated before reaching back and shutting the door with a soft click.

Principal: "Sit down."

The way he said it—it wasn't a request. It was an order. Ryo gulped and sat, his heartbeat quickening. The room was too quiet. Even the ticking clock on the wall seemed to slow down.

Principal (deep breath): "Ryo... there is something very... very important I need to tell you."

A bead of sweat rolled down Ryo's temple. His mind raced. Did the school find out about my fake lottery scam? No... Did I forget to pay my lunch debt? No, that can't be it either... What could possibly warrant this level of seriousness?

The principal leaned forward, his voice barely above a whisper.

Principal: "Ryo... please... save me."

A single tear slipped from his eye, falling onto the desk with a soft plip.

Ryo blinked. "Huh? Save you from wh—"

Cold metal pressed against his throat.

Another blade rested lightly against the principal's neck.

Standing behind both of them, Ayane smiled sweetly, dual-wielding katanas.

Ayane (giggling): "Good morning, Cousin! The principal was just agreeing to let me enroll here, weren't you, sir?"

Principal (trembling): "Y-yes! Yes, of course! A-always happy to accept new students!"

Ryo: I'm going to die in high school, aren't I?

Flashback: The Yakuza Boss's "Negotiation"

The night before, the school principal had been enjoying a quiet evening in his office when a very large, very tattooed man entered uninvited.

Yakuza Boss: "You're the principal, right? I need a favor."

Principal: "W-who are you?! How did you get in here?!"

Yakuza Boss: "That's not important. What is important is that you enroll my friend's daughter at this school—immediately. No questions asked."

Principal: "S-sir, we have an official process! Applications, student records, and—"

The Yakuza boss cracked his knuckles. The sound alone sent a chill down the principal's spine.

Yakuza Boss: "Oh, I understand. You're saying you need a little... convincing."

Moments later, the principal's entire desk was stacked with cash.

Yakuza Boss: "Here's a donation. Consider it an investment in the school's future."

Principal: "I-is this even legal?!"

The Yakuza boss placed a single hand on the desk. The wood creaked violently as if it was about to snap in half.

Yakuza Boss: "You were saying?"

Principal: "...Welcome to our school, Miss Ayane."

Back to the Present

Still trapped in the principal's office, Ryo could barely process his situation. The principal sat frozen in fear. Ayane hummed happily, her katana still touching both of their necks.

Ayane: "So, Cousin Ryo, aren't you going to welcome me to school?"

Ryo: "WELCOME?! YOU JUST THREATENED MY PRINCIPAL WITH A SWORD!"

Ayane: "Oh, don't be dramatic. It was a gentle threat."

Principal: "IT WAS NOT GENTLE!"

Ayane sighed and gracefully sheathed her swords. The principal exhaled in sheer relief, slumping back in his chair.

Ayane: "There. See? No harm done. Now, Principal, I trust my paperwork is in order?"

Principal: "Yes! Yes! You're officially enrolled! Just please don't kill me!"

Ayane clapped her hands together. "Wonderful! Then I'll be attending class with my dear Cousin Ryo from now on!"

Ryo slumped in his seat, completely defeated.

Ryo: This can't be happening...

Principal (whispering): "Ryo... please... control her..."

Ryo: "DOES IT LOOK LIKE I CAN CONTROL HER?!"

Ayane simply giggled and skipped toward the door.

Ayane: "See you in class, Cousin! Oh, and Principal? I'll be expecting preferential treatment."

The principal nearly passed out.

As Ryo dragged himself out of the office, he muttered under his breath.

Ryo: "This school isn't big enough for the both of us..."

And thus, Ayane the Ninja Princess became a student.

And Ryo's life descended even further into chaos.