Chapter 278: So You Don't Take Me Seriously, Huh?

"You want... me to join the Anti-Gambling Club?"

"That's right," Rinji replied. "Join us, and all your debts will be cleared. Plus, you won't have to worry about the student council collecting payments anymore — as long as you give up gambling from now on."

"..."

Mary lowered her head, conflicted.

Without a doubt, what Rinji offered was incredibly beneficial to her.

She knew exactly how she had been treated ever since becoming 'livestock.'

Those classmates who once flattered her had turned on her instantly, tormenting her every day. Her desk was covered in insults. And because of her pretty looks, the newly transferred Kiwatari kept harassing her.

If she accepted Rinji's help, she could be freed from the status of 'livestock.' But...

Was it really that simple?

"Can you really do that?"

"Absolutely. No doubt about it."

"...Even though I really want to be free of this hell, something this important to my life can't be decided carelessly," Mary said. "Can I observe for a while?"

"Of course. Any time you decide to stop gambling, come find me. I'll settle your debts, no matter when."

There was confidence in Rinji's tone, which piqued Mary's curiosity.

Why was he so certain? Was the student council really turning a blind eye to his rampage?

…Come to think of it, how come after all the chaos he caused yesterday, the student council hadn't punished him? Could it be, as the rumors say, that he has some unbelievable power behind him?

"Hmm?"

Just as Rinji was about to continue introducing the club's goals, he noticed something and walked toward the window.

Several students were already huddled there, too scared to move.

"You… what are you…"

"Move."

He kicked aside the student blocking his path, then leaned out the window to look below.

On the grass under the school building, he saw Jabami Yumeko smiling sweetly at a boy who was approaching her with bad intentions.

That boy was none other than Kiwatari Jun, the one Rinji had been looking for.

"Perfect. So that's where you were."

Pulling his head back inside, Rinji turned and left the classroom, calling out to Nanami, who was waiting outside, and headed toward the first floor.

Inside the classroom, the students breathed a collective sigh of relief.

That terrifying grim reaper had finally left.

Mary stood in silence, pondering what Rinji had said about the Anti-Gambling Club.

---

On the grassy area below the school building, Jabami Yumeko smiled at Kiwatari Jun.

"Kiwatari-kun, right? Did you call me out here during break for something?"

"I already heard about you back when I'm still in Class Tsubaki, Jabami Yumeko." Kiwatari sneered. "Didn't expect even you to fall and become livestock."

Yumeko had transferred in this term. She quickly rose to fame after defeating Mary, the star of Class Hana, in a gambling match. Her beauty also earned her many admirers.

However, she had lost a game and racked up a debt of 310 million yen, thus becoming 'livestock'.

Yumeko's fall shocked many — and excited others.

At this school, 'livestock' had no rights. That meant they could do anything they wanted to her.

"So? What exactly does Kiwatari-kun want from me?"

"Hmm, what should I do with you..." Kiwatari grinned. "Let's start with this: take off your clothes. Everything. Don't leave a single piece on."

He said this in front of a crowd of boys.

They were clearly intrigued, all staring at Yumeko eagerly.

Who wouldn't want to watch a beautiful girl strip?

"I think I'll pass."

Yumeko smiled.

"I don't have the habit of undressing for people I don't like."

"What?"

Kiwatari's eyes turned cold.

"And besides, you're not my type. All you do is make me feel sick," Yumeko added with a sweet smile.

"You bitch! Did you forget your place!? You're livestock!"

Furious, Kiwatari grabbed Yumeko by the collar, clearly intending to get rough.

"Hey. You're Kiwatari Jun, right?"

"Hah?"

Just as Kiwatari was about to act, Rinji appeared in front of him, with a nervous Nanami trailing behind.

"And you are..."

Annoyed, Kiwatari turned to look — only for Yumeko to break free and rush to Rinji's side, hugging his arm.

"Takamine-kun, you came to find me?"

"Move. I'm not here for you." Rinji brushed her hand off coldly.

Kiwatari glared at Rinji, irritated by Yumeko's sudden affection toward him — and then he noticed Tsubomi Nanami.

The same girl he used to bully.

She was here? Great. He could take out his anger on her.

"Nanami! Get over here!"

"Uuh..."

Nanami shivered. Kiwatari's presence still struck fear in her.

"Didn't you hear me!? You want a beating!?"

"Hey, punk. You really don't take me seriously, huh?"

As Nanami trembled, Rinji stepped forward and blocked her with his body.

"You bastard…"

When Kiwatari got a proper look at Rinji, he suddenly lost his words.

Even though he hadn't been in class yesterday, he had heard the rumors about the 'Demon of Shuchiin' — and that black uniform matched the legend.

The man who beat an entire class into the hospital. The one who annihilated Class Tsubaki.

The lunatic.

He let out a "tch," turned around, and walked away. He knew there was nothing he could do while Rinji was here.

"I'll let you go for now, but later…"

Bang!!

"AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"

Kiwatari fell to the ground, clutching his bleeding foot and screaming in pain.

In Rinji's hand was the pistol he'd gotten from Midari the day before, the barrel still smoking.

He stepped forward, grabbed Kiwatari by the hair without caring about his wails, and yanked him up.

"I came all the way here to find you, and you turn around and walk away. Are you looking down on me?"

As he spoke, he aimed at Kiwatari's other kneecap and pulled the trigger.

Bang!

"AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!"