Chapter 273: Do You Know What You Just Did?

"...Rinji, this is your first day here, but you've stirred up more trouble than this school's seen in years."

In the student council office, Runa Yomozuki munched on a lollipop while playing on her handheld console, not even looking up at Rinji.

She didn't care—but the rest of the student council was drenched in cold sweat as they stared at Rinji sitting calmly at the conference table.

Outside, sirens blared. Ambulances pulled into the school one after another.

Under the guidance of medics, bloodied students were wheeled out of the building one by one and loaded into the ambulances.

Rinji lit a cigarette.

"Honestly, I found it strange from the moment I got here. No matter what happens in this school, the outside world doesn't seem to interfere. I guess your president Momobami really knows her stuff—sealing this school off from society with the influence and money of the [Momobami Clan]."

"Exactly right," Runa smiled, finally looking up.

"This school prioritizes gambling. Even dangerous games like Russian Roulette are allowed. The outside world can't touch us. That's what the president created."

"So she's basically a dictator or emperor here," Rinji said, handing Runa a giant lollipop. She accepted it and immediately popped it into her mouth.

With his head wrapped in bandages like a mummy, Kaede trembled.

"Even if society can't interfere… Rinji, what you did today is way too extreme!"

"What did I do?"

"You're seriously asking? A whole class—thirty-five students—all sent to the ICU!"

When the medics arrived and entered the classroom, they were shocked.

Scattered stationery, overturned desks, bloodstains on the walls and floor—students lying motionless, some barely conscious.

Boys and girls alike, all severely injured.

"Don't worry. Momobami will clean it up."

"..."

Kaede realized Rinji's every move was aimed at making life difficult for Momobami Kirari.

Logically, Kaede should've been pleased. If something happened to her, he'd have a shot at the top seat.

But with Rinji here, even if he became president, Rinji could just knock him right back down.

"Tell me then," Kaede said, glancing nervously at the injured students.

"What was your reason for beating up an entire class?"

"You interrogating me?"

"N-No, of course not..."

Trying to calm his fear, Kaede adjusted his glasses over the bandages.

"Just… curious."

"You dragged me all the way to the student council room just to ask that? You think I've got time to waste?"

"No..."

Rinji was a pain to talk to.

"But since I'm here, I'll explain."

He flicked some ash from his cigarette.

"When I returned to the classroom, someone had slashed my bag. My stuff was scattered and trampled."

"Uh… and did you find out who did it?"

"Nope. I asked, but no one answered."

"...So you beat them all up? Every single one? And sent them all to the ICU?"

"Yeah."

Kaede's hand began to tremble.

What kind of person is this?

"The culprit was definitely in that class, and since no one spoke up, I treated them all as accomplices," Rinji said.

"Besides, by beating everyone, the culprit couldn't escape."

"... Takamine-kun, do you know what your actions are called?" Sayaka asked.

"The Merciful Revenge."

"That's not it at all! You're insane! A total lunatic!" she shouted.

"You lapdog of Momobami, calm down. I showed immense restraint—those kids are still alive."

Rinji pulled out his backpack.

The one that had been slashed to bits now looked brand new, not a single tear.

"Good thing I fixed it. Otherwise, we wouldn't be talking ICU—I'd be sending those punks to Africa, with a seven-man team to carry their coffins."

"...The school allows gambling, but not violence!"

"Funny. I allow violence, but forbid gambling."

Rinji scoffed.

"Didn't I make it clear? My rules take precedence now. Igarashi, if you bring up your school's rules again, I'll—"

Gulp.

Sayaka swallowed nervously, trying to stay composed.

"Wh-What are you planning to do?"

"Don't worry. I won't do anything to you."

"...Huh?"

"I'll take it all out on Momobami clan."

"No! If you're mad, take it out on me—don't go after the president!"

Kaede seemed intrigued by that.

Momobami Kirari held the top seat of the school, but Kaede wanted that spot too.

If Rinji only had a grudge with Momobami…

"...Takamine, if we piss you off, are you going to target the president?"

"Who knows?"

Rinji glanced at Kaede coldly.

"If you keep yapping in front of me, I'll bash your damn skull in."

"..."

Without waiting for a response, Rinji stood up.

"That's enough talk. If you've got more to say, come find me. Don't make me drag myself all the way here again—or next time, you're all going to the hospital."