11.5 Chapter 1.3: Graduation Ceremony Part 3

Part 3

Yesterday, the 23rd.

On the night of the conclusion of the event selection exam, I called a certain person.

"Hello, it's Sakayanagi."

It was the voice of a calm adult.

Who I called wasn't the Sakayanagi Arisu in the same year as me. It was her father.

Chairman Sakayanagi, who was confined due to a trap set by Tsukishiro.

He certainly would not recognise this phone number.

"Sorry to bother you this late at night. Long time no see. It's Ayanokouji."

I said that to let him know who I was.

"Hmm? Ayanokouji?... Are you Ayanokouji Kiyotaka?"

Hearing my surname and voice, Chairman Sakayanagi understood and spoke with a surprised tone.

I had to tell him that I wasn't calling just for fun.

"I apologise for calling you so suddenly."

"No, no, I'm just surprised. How did you know my phone number?"

"I asked your daughter which phone number I should dial when I wanted to get into contact with someone at the school."

On my way home from the final exam, I asked Sakayanagi, and she told me without hesitation.

"It turns out that even the Chairman would only tell his daughter his phone number!"

Although he wouldn't go as far as to be preferential and take his daughter's side, was he actually a person who loved his daughter very much?

Well... that's what I thought, but Chairman Sakayanagi's response was unexpected.

"Arisu? No... I didn't tell my daughter my phone number."

Surprisingly, he denied this.

"When and where did she find out?"

Chairman Sakayanagi said with a bitter smile. From the way he said it, it did not sound fake.

"Is the number of the chairman supposed to be a secret?"

"Of course, well, all the teachers know, and there should be records from information sent to relevant people..."

In that case, it wouldn't be very difficult to get a hold of his number. It wouldn't be surprising if Sakayanagi Arisu saw it somewhere, and wrote it down. There was one thing that confused me, though. Chairman Sakayanagi was a man who would enforce fairness even in the face of his cute daughter. I didn't think he's a man who would just help anyone that cried for it.

So why did she deliberately write down his phone number? It probably wasn't for reporting back to him or just making small talk.

I remembered that when I asked Sakayanagi for the chairman's phone number, she obliged happily.

Would it be possible that Sakayanagi had anticipated that I might run into trouble one day and ask her for the chairman's phone number...?

"So... How should I react to your appearance?"

Compared to how Arisu had obtained his phone number, it seemed that my appearance was more important to him.

It seemed seemingly unwelcome for a student to directly call the chairman.

"There are no rules which state that students cannot call the chairman, right?"

That needed to be confirmed first.

If what I said was rejected now, I would not be able to continue talking to him.

"Indeed, there isn't a rule like that, so I won't be hanging up just yet."

If that was the case, we could get on with the topic at hand.

"But... I personally think that the call should end as soon as possible. What business do you have with me?"

Although he sounded a little confused, he didn't seem to blame me for contacting him.

That was because there were no rules which stated that students couldn't call the chairman.

"Chairman Sakayanagi, I heard that you are now under house arrest for suspected wrongdoing. Is this true?"

"That's a very straightforward question coming from a student. It's inappropriate for a student of our school to ask such things from the chairman."

In the end, he politely avoided the question.

But the question was directly related to the topic I wanted to discuss.

Let's be a bit more insistent.

"If possible, can you answer my question?"

"...Ayanokouji-kun, I don't know what your goal is, but I can't answer your question. I don't need to tell you the reason."

"Because it's not appropriate for a student to know, right?"

"Yes. This matter has nothing to do with you."

Taking into account the current situation and position of Chairman Sakayanagi, as well as the fact that the matter in hand had nothing to do with the students, such a refusal was only the natural response.

"I know this very well. However, I have my own reasons for asking."

First of all, it was necessary to tell Chairman Sakayanagi my situation.

"Although I don't know your reasons, you're still a student at this school. No matter if you're an Ayanokouji or a Sakayanagi, your position is still the same. Have you forgotten this concept?"

He explained this seriously.

You could see that he was an accomplished man just from our short exchange.

"Of course, the relationship between Chairman Sakayanagi and I is nothing more than one between a student and someone related to the school. There are no other points of contact beyond that. No, I don't think there can be."

Because this was something put into a special framework, more than anyone, I didn't want that sort of thing happening.

"If that's the case, then this call is over. I will forget whatever happened here today——"

"No, if you do that, then we'll never be able to eliminate the foreign existence at the school."

I'll use that sentence to send a signal to Chairman Sakayanagi, allowing him to understand the situation.

"You're saying that there is a foreign existence at our school?"

"Yes. The existence I'm referring to is Acting Director Tsukishiro."

I got straight to the point, as there's no point in drawing it out.

"....What's wrong with Tsukishiro?"

The tone of the other party changed, even for just a moment.

Because of what he associated with him, the connection of "Tsukishiro = foreign existence" immediately came to mind.

"During an important examination between the strength of the students, Acting Director Tsukishiro acted on his own to obstruct the course of the competition. Do you not know about this?"

"I don't know what you're talking about. Tsukishiro intervened in an exam? What the hell is going on..."

In any case, Chairman Sakayanagi put on a facade being ignorant of the situation on the surface.

Because he didn't know my true intentions, this was a logical response.

"You were suspected of wrongdoing, and that was from the actions of Acting Director Tsukishiro. Maybe it's because you valued fairness too much, and as a result, you were too obstructive for what he really wanted."

On the other side of the phone, Chairman Sakayanagi seemed to be thinking about something.

Although we shared somewhat of a connection with each other through the white room, I was still just an ordinary student.

The affairs of adults weren't something that should be discussed with me.

However, if all this was related to me, then it was a different story.

But Chairman Sakayanagi should have been aware of this from the very start.

But as long as there was no visible damage, then the senior management of the school couldn't take action.

"Why would Tsukishiro do such a thing? He's already a powerful man. He has no reason to target someone like me on purpose. Coming to the school to obstruct an exam? I don't see any need for that."

This was the final confirmation that I needed.

The confirmation of whether he was willing to share information with me as equals.

"Tsukishiro's objective is to get me expelled from this school. That's the only reason he came here."

Here, I spoke of what I regarded as an established fact about him.

"If this has no basis, then I can't help but doubt it."

"I know that, but I have no time to leisurely negotiate with you. That man is determined to accomplish his objective, by fair means or foul."

This depended on how much the chairman understood my father.

If it's only a tenuous relationship, then he wouldn't be able to figure out what I meant.

But based on our previous conversation, I could roughly guess what I could expect from him.

Chairman Sakayangi understood my father's affairs and thoughts very well.

"You're saying that sensei...your father's going to these lengths to try to retrieve you?"

The sentence that was just spoken could be used as confirmation that he was feigning ignorance.

I haven't said anything about Tsukishiro being controlled by my father.

Without confirming this point, he connected this situation with my father. This was proof.

"You said that there was external obstruction at the end of year special exam, but was there any actual damage done?"

Of course, Chairman Sakayanagi had no way of knowing the circumstances behind the special exam.

If he knew, then he could have figured out a solution.

"I will explain in detail."

At the end of year special exam, Tsukishiro seized control of the system and tampered with my answers.

To remove my protection point, he needed to snatch away 1 win from me.

Although it was only one win, it was still an action which affected the entire year.

If we had that one victory, then our class would've been thrust into the running of the upper classes.

As I explained things, his responses faded.

In order to expel a single student, Tsukishiro was willing to do whatever it takes. That was a definite fact.

But it didn't end there.

This wouldn't stop, as long as the student named Ayanokouji Kiyotaka was still at the school. This was just the beginning.

"That's the situation. Will you believe it?"

In any normal situation, there was no helping it if what I said was dismissed as a prank.

But Chairman Sakayanagi knew my father, and he knew my past.

Naturally, he reached a conclusion. The conclusion of whether this had actually happened or not.

"If that's the case, I can only believe what you said, that he came to this school with the sole objective of getting you expelled. I heard that they were implementing a new system, so is this why...."

Although nominally, the new system was for the students and the school, in reality, this was only another way to get me expelled from the school.

"You're saying that in order to get you expelled, he's willing to disregard everything else? Now I understand why you've contacted me. To a student, this is a situation with no way out."

Since Chairman Sakayanagi said that, he probably understood the extent of the situation.

"For you to come to me, is it because you want my help?"

"More or less."

I admitted this.

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

Problems within the school can only be dealt with by people within the school.

Also, the person should be someone who normally had access to the Acting Director.

"But before that, I would like to ask.... No, I would like to confirm something."

"What is it?"

Regardless if I could answer the question or not, I was prepared to give an answer that would satisfy him.

"Facing off against Tsukishiro, who can even intervene with special exam results, this would be an extremely difficult battle for you. Since you resorted to asking help from me, there is no doubt that this has reached the level of a crisis. Yet, you are still extraordinarily calm."

He then continued.

"If you misunderstand, then I'll correct it for you. I don't have the confidence nor position to make sure your expectations are met."

I know what he was trying to say.

Chairman Sakayanagi's word couldn't overrule Tsukishiro's

If I was calling him with such expectations, he was saying that I had taken the wrong path.

"I'm in confinement for suspected wrongdoing, and I don't even have a way to get out of this situation. If your expectations for me in this situation are too high, it will only cause complications for me."

I clearly emphasised the next part, so he didn't feel the slightest anxiety.

"Indeed, if this was just a mere call for help, that would be the case."

"What?"

"So far, my belief is that I've been living in this school as unobtrusively as possible. Because I entered this school with the belief that I would live as an ordinary student for 3 years."

That was the reason I came to this school. My desire, my original intention.

"It's also the first time in my life that I've set my own goals, and sought about accomplishing them."

"...Well, I know that much, that's why I accepted you."

Although I don't know how it happened, in the end, I was still grateful for that act of kindness.

"However, if I let the acting director intervene this way, then there'll be no guarantee of me staying in this school as a normal student. This time, I was saved by the protection points, but if the same thing happens next time, I'll be expelled."

Tsukishiro would abuse his position to use methods that I hadn't even considered before.

Sloppy countermeasures couldn't counter the unethical practices by the school.

In other words, the position I'm in right now wouldn't do.

"So that's why you came for me for help?"

"The purpose of the call wasn't for asking you to stop Tsukishiro. If the opposing party makes use of rule-breaking strategies, then I will take corresponding actions. As a result, the school might be caught in the disturbance."

"So it's like that. In other words, you called me because..."

"Well, in the event of an accident, the existence of a supporter is indispensable."

It's not that I wanted him to get rid of Tsukishiro for me, but instead, I wanted him to prevent the consequences that might befall me when I get rid of Tsukishiro myself.

It's like if I use a knife to fight against an attacker, there still needs to be a witness to verify that it was self-defence.

The school's help would be necessary at that time.

Moreover, at that time, Chairman Sayakanagi would be my biggest trump card.

As long as Tsukishiro was removed and cleared of doubts, it was only a matter of time until his position as chairman will be restored.

For Chairman Sakayanagi to smoothly remove these doubts, the fact that it was me in this situation would be beneficial, as I did not like to resort to violence.

He should be a little hesitant to put hope on a child, and so I needed to eliminate this hesitation.

"But can you really stop Tsukishiro? Although it's hard to say, for a student, this is..."

"It's true that Tsukishiro, who has the authority of the chairman, will be troublesome to deal with. He can't be removed by failing an exam, which, in comparison to a student, is much different."

Added to the fact that he didn't show himself often, there weren't a lot of chances to launch an attack.

Only when he acts will we be able to deal with his fraudulent existence.

"Since I can't make the first move, I'll keep track of Tsukishiro's actions."

"But can you withstand his attacks while doing this?"

"There are several things that must be done now. First of all, it is necessary to lay out the groundwork of our defence network."

If it were under the instructions of that man, Tsukishiro would not take long to execute his plan.

If he finally kicked me out of school after 1 or 2 long years, it would be meaningless. If he wanted to decisively win, the main battle would occur after the spring break, in April. If we win against him then, we won't even need to do anything else to force him into a tight spot. But after being forced into desperate straits, he'll respond with even tougher measures.

"Time constraints are that guy's one and biggest weakness."

But by the time that happens, I'll have already made preparations, ready to take him on.

"I don't think this is something a student should say about a staff member of the school. If an ordinary person heard that, an angry response would not be surprising... But since I know you're sensei's son, I'm able to accept that."

"Towards people who deserve respect, I will adopt an appropriate attitude. But I do not intend to forgive someone who had forcefully intervened with our competition."

Chairman Sakayanagi didn't answer, and accepted this ordinarily.

"Although you say this is unforgivable, how do you plan to stop Tsukishiro's interference?"

He wanted to know how we should expand our defensive network. I had already decided what needed to be done.

To prevent Tsukishiro's wrongdoing, we'll have to use the staff of the school.

"The first thing I need is a staff member who can actively fight against Tsukishiro. If we can closely monitor him, we can hinder his freedom, which will keep him from acting as freely as he did last time."

We couldn't let our opponent do whatever they wanted. This was an action that must be taken no matter who we were up against, a strategy that couldn't be ignored.

We didn't necessarily need someone in power, just someone who was brave enough to face him.

"Yeah, without them, I don't think your plan could even exist."

Chairman Sakayanagi also seemed to figure out what I was looking for.

I didn't know the school administration. Who to trust, and who not to.

Whether there was someone who was willing to implement justice in the face of Tsukishiro in this school was unknown.

There was also a possibility that there were some teachers who've turned to Tsukishiro's side. Those people shouldn't be involved.

On the other side of the phone, Chairman Sakayanagi seemed to contemplate his thoughts.

The choice of our personnel determined what our fate would be, and no one knew that better than Chairman Sakayanagi.

"Do you know Chabishira-sensei's situation? I asked her to take care of you."

"Yes, she seemed to understand my situation."

"Mhm, she still has a certain understanding of your unrealistic situation."

Of course, whether she could be of use was another matter.

"I don't think we can ignore someone who understands the situation. Starting with her, we can bring the trusted teachers onto our side. That's the best way."

My father tried to force me out of school by forcing Chairman Sakayanagi to step down, and then also secretly fabricating the results of the school exams. Trying to explain that to just anyone would be hard to do, but if Chabishira can confirm and elaborate on what happened, then the situation would be different.

"If that's the case——"

After a little thinking, Chairman Sakayanagi gave his answer.

"Sure enough, Class 1-A's homeroom teacher Mashima-sensei should be the most suitable. He's the one in charge of the 1st year's examinations, and he's an excellent teacher who puts his students before anything else.

"Can this unrealistic story really be accepted by him?"

"It's hard to say... he won't believe it immediately. But once he understands that this is the truth, he will definitely stand by the students. I can attest to that. He won't yield to power and will act according to his beliefs."

If there was no other person more suitable than he was, I wouldn't be dissatisfied.

Knowing that there's a teacher like that close to me... It's definitely not a bad return.

"I have high expectations for both him and Chabishira-sensei, who graduated from the same year. It should not be difficult to talk to them."

"I see. It's Mashima-sensei, right? I'll first talk to Chabashira-sensei, and then I'll do what I can to make sure the conversation goes smoothly."

"This is not going to be easy. People are everywhere, and there are surveillance cameras throughout the school. You'll have to consider the time and place of the meeting very carefully."

Tsukishiro didn't watch me 24/7, but even so, it wouldn't be surprising if he had some sort of warning system. If he found out that I was meeting Mashima secretly, it would be extremely suspicious.

I didn't know where Tsukishiro usually was, but he could freely move around the school to an extent. If I were to run into him into the corner now, it wouldn't be surprising at all.

"It would be easier for me to act if you gave me some suggestions."

I sought advice from Chairman Sakayanagi, who knew the staff at the Advanced Nurturing High School more than anyone else.

I sought advice from Chairman Sakayangi, who understood Advanced Nurturing High School more than anyone else and understood the duties of a director.

"If you are to act as soon as possible... then you should do this. After the graduation ceremony, the third-year students and the teachers all have to attend the closing ceremony afterwards. According to tradition, the director has to attend every year as well. In other words, Tsukishiro will definitely go and participate. No matter if he's interested in it or not, he still has to perform his duties."

"So, if he neglects his role as the chairman, he'll get in trouble with the school?"

"Mhm. That's the case here."

To gain the freedom to do whatever he wants, Tsukishiro will need to prove that he's a superior director compared to Sakayanagi.

In other words, his surveillance of me during this period will inevitably weaken.

"Will the first year homeroom teachers participate too?"

"The closing ceremony lasts for around an hour, but every year it's extended up to 90 minutes. There shouldn't be a problem if two teachers disappeared for about 20 or 30 minutes. It's normal for someone to leave, and the only teachers who have to be present are the third-year homeroom teachers."

In other words, the best time to hold the secret meeting would be after the graduation ceremony, during the thank you meeting.

"For the location—the reception room should be fine. Because there are no cameras, it should be the most suitable."

This way, there will be no evidence of our meeting.

Besides, it wouldn't be appropriate for teachers to come to the student dormitory.

"I have no objection to this proposal."

I agreed with the approach taken in preparation for the meeting venue.

"The first step is for me to explain the plan briefly to Chibashira-sensei. But what you talk about in the meeting is up to you to decide. If you can't convince them, I think it would be best to give up."

"This is quite enough."

With Chairman Sakayanagi contacting them, Chibashira-sensei and Mashima-sensei will not be able to ignore this.

It's safe to say that through this call, I got the most amount of help I could have possibly gotten.

"Sorry for suddenly calling you at this hour."

"No worries. —ah, lastly, can I ask you something completely unrelated to this topic?"

"An unrelated matter?"

"I'm glad you came to this school because you dreamed of living a normal life. But, have you considered what you will do after graduation? Like, what job you want to do, where you want to go...something along those lines?"

Chairman Sakayanagi asked me this.

"Although I don't know how much you know, my fate is already decided."

"That means..."

This reaction was enough.

"After graduating, I will return to the white room and take up the role of the leader. That man has trained me for all these years up to now for this."

The moment I step out of this school, the walls protecting me will disappear. If I lived in a cheap apartment, he would attack me at night or use some other method to take me back to the white room.

"So you've accepted your fate...And on that basis, you came here."

"That's the reason why I want to protect these three years to the end."

In simple terms, it is like being in a rebellious phase.

To reject my father's orders and do what I wanted.

"I hope this school will be a memorable part of your life that you'll never forget."

"Thank you. I hope so too."

After the call with Chairman Sakayanagi, I breathed a sigh of relief.

Although I wasn't sure to what extent he could be trusted, at least I was able to certify the fact that he wasn't on Tsukishiro's side.

Furthermore, his daughter was in the same year group as me. That was one of my advantages.