Chapter Fifteen: Checkmate

Courtyard, Morning

Ryuji stood by the school wall, his figure still as stone.

Students whispered around him, their eyes flicking toward the bulletin board and back. His name at the top of the disciplinary list had turned heads, stirred mouths, and sparked rumors.

But he never acknowledged it.

Kaito appeared beside him, biting into a steamed bun. "They really threw you up there like a wanted poster."

"Doesn't bother me," Ryuji replied flatly.

"No, but you want it to bother them, huh?" Kaito grinned. "Alright. What's the play?"

Ryuji didn't answer. He just looked up at the second-floor hallway—where Sora Kamaguchi, the transfer student, stood, watching from behind the glass.

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Club Hallway, Later That Day

Aika met with a teacher—one known for her strictness, but also her fairness.

"Miss Hoshino," Aika said carefully, "how was the disciplinary list made?"

The teacher frowned slightly. "The council submitted names based on student histories."

"Just... the council?"

"Yes. Why?"

Aika shook her head gently, thanking her and walking away. But something clicked. The list hadn't gone through proper vetting. It was done in-house. Controlled.

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PTA Grounds, After School

Kaito, in his school jacket and apron from his part-time bakery job, handed out bread samples during a parent event. He leaned in close to a curious mother.

"Hey, did you hear? Student council's targeting kids they don't like. Like, personal vendettas."

"Really? That sounds serious..."

"Ryuji Tatsugami's on the top. Everyone knows he embarrassed Sora Kamaguchi. Now he's suddenly on a blacklist? Coincidence?"

The rumor spread faster than wildfire.

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School Forums, That Night

Anonymous posts lit up Sakuragi High's student forums.

> "The list is sus. Kamaguchi's pulling strings."

"Isn't this abuse of power?"

"Not a Ryuji fan, but this is shady."

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Teacher's Office, Next Morning

A formal complaint landed on the principal's desk.

An anonymous document, with timestamps, posts, and witness statements.

The accusation?

Misuse of authority. Political targeting. Abuse of power within the student council.

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Classroom 3-B

Whispers echoed around the room.

Ryuji sat at his desk, calm as ever.

Sora entered. For the first time, students didn't move for him. They watched.

Sora Kamaguchi—the transfer student who had suddenly risen to become the student council president through unclear means. His cold, calculating demeanor and mysterious connections had made him a figure of fear and intrigue. There were whispers that he had abused his power to manipulate his way into the top spot, silencing any dissenters with subtle threats and behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

"He doesn't belong here," a student muttered as Sora passed by, his sharp eyes cutting through the room.

"Yeah, it's like he's just using us to get what he wants," another replied.

Ryuji's eyes flicked to the back of Sora's head, but he didn't react.

Aika glanced at him. He hadn't moved a finger. Just turned public opinion against Sora with silence and precision.

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Morning Announcement

"Effective immediately, the disciplinary review list will be suspended pending an internal investigation."

Murmurs. Shock. Eyes darted between Ryuji and Sora.

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Hallway Confrontation

Ryuji passed Sora at the lockers.

No glares. No words.

Just a quiet, confident smirk.

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Closing Scene – The Narrative Turns

Sora's fists clenched.

The narrative had flipped. And the war had begun.

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