The three, Chabashira-sensei, Karma and Kiyotaka all had a meeting alone.

Having a little chat, Kiyotaka grab his phone. " It's now 2 o'clock. Right now, Ryuuen is probably putting on an interesting show on the rooftop after calling Karuizawa out there. "

Chabashira furrow her brows in confusion. " ...Ryuuen is? To Karuizawa? "

Karma rest his elbow on the comforter. " So even you aren't aware of it, sensei. The fact that Kei-chan used to be the victim of severe bullying in the past, so heartbreaking. "

" First time I've heard that... "

Kiyotaka didn't look at his teacher but somewhere else. " If we can prove Class C is involved in it, we may be able to retaliate but the damage we'd have dealt each other would be immeasurable. "

" I see. I've got the gist of your scheme. "

Karma then raise his hand that's holding a milk box. " Would you lend us a hand if we asked for your cooperation? "

Chabashira scoff. " Don't get too cocky, Ayanokouji, Akabane. I have no intention of cooperating with you. "

" Please rest assured, we had no intention of asking you for help from the start. "

" What? "

Karma smiled. " Kiyotaka was just teasing you for a bit there. Why don't you observe from afar then? "

______________________

The three of them go to the staircase, Albert is guarding.

Ishizaki had panickedly and ran down; it was so that he could fill up buckets with a large amount of water after which he went back up.

Karma observe from the distance. ' Judging from the droplets of water on the floor, he's already done it several times over. '

At that pace, the two boys converse their teacher regarding of private points.

At 2:40 PM, Ayanokoji mailed a person to come to them.

Chabashira sigh as she cross her arms. " I don't know the details but Karuizawa's suffering at the hands of Class C. I know that much at least. If you have no intention of stepping up then you should call someone else for help. "

Karma, who was staring above him soon become impatient. " We'll head over to the rooftop. "

Chabashira-sensei couldn't conceal her surprise at those words. " ...Are you insane? If you do that, the whole school will know about it. "

Karma stop and turn to her. " Even if Ryuuen realizes Ayano-kun is the one behind all the strategies up until now, it still won't benefit him in any way. "

" If you do that, he'll be famous overnight. He'll lose his quiet life at school. This may just be our misunderstanding. "

" Misunderstanding, huh. "

" Yes. I suppose that alone counts as a victory. But are you serious? " Chabashira state. " Even about Horikita uniting the class is almost impossible to believe. "

Kiyotaka gave a a half glare. " That's a line I don't want to hear from my homeroom teacher. At the very least, we believe Horikita is more than capable of leading Class D. "

" Suzu-chan is beginning to mature. The majority of our classmates are the same as well. All that's left is for you to guide them as a teacher and they'll secure their position as Class C...or maybe even draw closer to Class A. " Karma said.

Chabashira let out a deep breath. " So you both are stepping down. "

Kiyotaka nod. " That's what I currently intend on doing. "

" Let's get back to the topic at hand. " Chabashira-sensei took a step back. " You're free to boldly make your entrance. But will the problem really be resolved with just that? "

Karma's smile formed as he punch his fist. " We can't guarantee that. We're just going to deal with it based on Ryuuen's personality and behavioral patterns. Alright then, thank you very much for accompanying us. "

As the person they'd been waiting to show up, Karma and the others remain.

After a tough moment, Karma hear footsteps and turn his head. ' He's here, Ayano-kun did tell me he'll come. '

" Sorry to keep you waiting, Ayanokouji, Akabane. " Manabu said as he push up his glasses.

Chabashira-sensei expressed surprise at seeing the older Horikita.

" What's the meaning of this...? "

Kiyotaka walk forward to Manabu as he explain. " He's to be a witness when we settle things with Ryuuen. After all, he's the type to use any means necessary. And we'd like to avoid push coming to shove. "

" Are you planning to have Horikita resolve things by doing what I said earlier? " Chabashira-sensei ask.

Karma snort. " Does the former student council president look like the sort of person who'd do that? "

" There will be witnesses to what happens on the rooftop. As long as that fact stands, all is well. " Kiyotaka states.

Karma nod before facing to Manabu. " A few minutes after we've gone up to the rooftop, we'd like you to stop halfway on the stairs to the rooftop. Just make sure the students coming back down are made aware of your presence. "

" Very well. But don't forget that promise, Ayanokouji, Akabane. " Manabu said.

" Of course not. Because if we renege on it, you may choose to forget about this incident entirely. " Kiyotaka send a hand towards him.

Manabu stared at him with a hmph but took his hand nonetheless. " As long as you understand. Make it quick. "

Manabu sent them on their way and they headed over to the corridor that leads to the rooftop.

Chasbashira suddenly halt them. " Wait, Ayanokouji, Akabane. What would you have done on the off chance that you failed to acquire Horikita's cooperation? "

Karma shrug. " I wonder what I would've done then. "

" Either 20 minutes or 30 minutes. We plan to be back by then. " Kiyotaka said.

They climbed the stairs. They soon meet face to face with Yamada Albert.

He looks down at them as though appraising them.

Karma look up at the big guy and smile. " May we pass? "

Albert took out his phone using his large hands and deftly tried making a call.

" Don't panic. I'm the one you are seeking for. " As Ayanokoji said in English, Albert stopped moving.

Karma smack his face. Right. He then turn to Albert. " Today we'll solve the trouble by ourselves, and no one interferes. "

Albert then silently made way, wordlessly signaling them to pass.

He looked down the stairs once and then he opened the door to the rooftop himself.

Karma looked at the first person he sees, Kei, cowering near the fencing.

And then Ishizaki and Ibuki, having noticed the door opening and closing, looked over at them with Ryuuen following suit. They looked around to check for the presence of surveillance cameras.

Ibuki's eyes widen at X's identity. " Ayano...kouji...? "

Hearing his name spoken, Kei also noticed their presence. She didn't say anything right away, but they were able to tell from her eyes that she's shocked at their presence here.

Karma bit his lip from showing his guilt and just smiled. " Sorry we're late, Kei-chan. "

" Why...why did you come...? "

Kiyotaka came from behind Karma. " There's no need to ask, is there? We made a promise. That we'll save you should anything happen to you. "

Ishizaki turn to Ryuuen with hesitance. " R-Ryuuen-san, does this mean Ayanokouji is X!? "

Ibuki shakes her head. " That's not possible. Ryuuen, surely X is just manipulating Ayanokouji. Don't be deceived. They definitely told Karuizawa in advance that they'd send someone else with Akabane to save her— "

" Shut up, Ibuki. "

Laughing, Ryuuen distanced himself from Kei and drew a bit closer to them. But even then, he stopped while putting around five meters of distance between them.

" Well, well, what do we have here? If it isn't Suzune's orbiters, Ayanokouji and Akabane. What business do you have at an unpopular attraction like this rooftop here on a winter holiday? "

Karma place both hands in his pocket. " Kei-chan sent us an email. Asking us to save her. "

" Hmm? "

" It's obviously a lie. You were just given orders. Telling you to go save Karuizawa. " Ibuki spat. " This guy...this guy is just a goodhearted fool. I don't think he's even aware of the situation with Karuizawa and X, no? "

Ryuuen raise a brow. " Good Hearted, you say? Do you have reason to believe that's true? "

" Back on the island, I hid Karuizawa's underwear inside a boy's bag in order to sabotage Class D. Obviously you'd suspect someone like me from Class C of being the perpetrator. But he never once doubted me. Stupidly enough, he told me straight up that he doesn't think I'm the perpetrator. "

Ishizaki ask. " Do you believe it, Ryuuen-san? That Ayanokouji is X, I mean. "

" I've always suspected Ayanokouji. Because he's constantly with Horikita, who herself is said to be exceptional and all, and also Akabane, who was X's ally. " Ryuuen replied.

" But, isn't that way too blatant or more like...way too obvious for someone trying to hide their identity? "

Ibuki add as if agreeing with Ishizaki. " Stop acting cool. You didn't even mark Ayanokouji or Hirata as targets after that, did you? "

" It's precisely because I'm the most suspicious one that I deliberately did things that way. Or perhaps I had no other choice but to use Horikita? " Kiyotaka cut in between the Class C.

" But—! "

" Shut the fuck up Ibuki, he's the one you've all been looking for. " Karma said.

Ishizaki narrow his brows. " Hah. Now isn't that suspicious? Would you really admit to that yourself? This is way too strange. "

" I think it's also suspicious. He may have been ordered to name himself as the mastermind to serve as a decoy for the real mastermind... " Ibuki trailed off.

" Surely you also predicted that X wouldn't show up here, no? " Kiyotaka ask Ryuuen.

" Yes. " Ryuuen admit. " I can't blame Ibuki and Ishizaki for doubting you. If you're really X, tell me how you plan to overcome this predicament. "

" We just came here because Karuizawa asked for help. If you want proof that I'm X, you can just wait until the next exam. " Kiyotaka said.

" That's not true at all. Right now, we're aware of your identity. Furthermore, we're also aware of Karuizawa's secret. Surely you know terrible things will happen tomorrow if you leave without saying anything here. "

Karma tilt his head. " Terrible things? "

" Stop playing dumb. Now then, show me your next move. " Ryuuen command.

" Surely Sudou and the others are nearby, waiting for orders, don't you think? " Ishizaki suggest.

" If a large number of their classmates happen to see this disastrous scene of Karuizawa, she'll lose her position without even the need for me to spread it around. Use your head a bit. "

" I-I see... "

" Enough is enough, Ryuuen. " Ibuki seeth. " There's no way X would just boldly march up to us alone. "

Karma sighed at the stubborness. " We've already admitted it from the start but if you still won't believe me then allow us to disclose some more information. Ibuki. "

Kiyotaka then decide to explain. " During the island exam, you were instructed to film the leader's keycard with your digital camera. But for some reason, at the critical moment, your digital camera malfunctioned and you were left unable to use it. Am I wrong? "

Ibuki flinched. " H-How do you know!? "

" He's the one who broke that camera you hid inside your bag. " Karma said pointing at Kiyotaka.

" By the way, when we ran into Ibuki, her fingertips were covered with dirt. On top of that, there were traces of soil having been dug up around where she sat. " Kiyotaka point out.

" When we looked into it at night, we found a radio buried there. That was so you could communicate with Ryuuen, no? " Karma ask.

Ryuuen chuckled before turning to Ibuki. " You've got to admit it now, Ibuki. Ayanokouji is X. "

" Wait, wait a minute. Just because he's somewhat smart doesn't mean he's X, does it? "

" Is there even a need to doubt him any further? "

Ibuki grip her head. " But isn't it strange? Even if Ayanokouji really is X, pulling the strings from behind the scenes, why would he just obediently show up here!? They have demolished all our plans so far, haven't they!? "

Ryuuen shrug. " They probably have some sort of trick up their sleeve. A miracle that exceeds even our imagination. If not...they'll just be idiots then. If they'll tattle on us, we'll ruin Karuizawa in retaliation. No matter how you look at it, I'm overwhelmingly in the lead here. "

" Your not satisfied yet? " Karma bore his eyes on him. " We'll be taking Kei-chan back with us. "

" Don't say something so anticlimactic. You're finally here so you might as well take it slowly. " Ryuuen then grabbed Kei's arm and forcibly dragged her up.

Kei wince at the sudden pain. " Ahh! "

" There's no way you'd reveal your identity without a reason. What trick do you have up your sleeve? Show me. "

" Sorry, Ryuuen. But it doesn't seem like we'll be able to answer your expectations. " Kiyotaka spoke. " The only ones who know that I've been manipulating Class D from the shadows would be Horikita, Karma and Karuizawa. "

Karma chuckled humorlessly at the revelation.

" And what's the problem with that? " Ryuuen ask.

Karma step forward as if to guard Kiyotaka. " If you're going to reveal Ayano-kun's existence then we'll report everything that happened on this rooftop to the school. "

" You've just been cornered because you aren't capable of doing that. "

" We can do that. We just have to sacrifice Karuizawa. " Kiyotaka said.

Ryuuen blink blankly. " .. Huh? "

" You assumed we'd abandon Kei-chan. Am I wrong? " Karma ask.

Ishisaki suddenly spoke from behind. " Umm...since we've uncovered X's identity, wouldn't that suffice for now? "

Ibuki nod her head. " I agree. They might actually sacrifice her. "

" ...Kuku. " Ryuuen clutched his head and began laughing while shaking. " You're certainly right that war may break out once either side reveals their secret. I'll admit that. But even then, there's still no doubt that Ayanokouji is the X, and Akabane is his ally, who kept me entertained. Right, Ishizaki? "

Ishizaki jolt before answering. " Y-Yes. "

" For me, everything's a game. Not just climbing to Class A but crushing everyone I find interesting. " While laughing, Ryuuen grabbed hold of Kei's bangs.

Kei's face contorted in pain.

Having lost interest in Kei, Ryuuen released his grip on her hair and shoved her by the shoulder.

" You sure entertained me, Ayanokouji, Akabane. It was impossible for me to not be interested in you, to draw the mastermind out of hiding. That was a pleasure to me. "

Ibuki narrowed her eyes towards the smiling male. " ...What are you planning to do to Ayanokouji and Akabane? What you do now is something that puts Class C at risk. "

Ryuuen snort at that. " Kuku. You were always a lone wolf, never cooperating with your classmates and yet here you are, saying something like 'this puts Class C at risk'. Don't make me laugh. "

" Ayanokouji and Akabane clearly have nothing left up their sleeve. That's why I cannot approve of what you're about to do. "

" It's true that we've been had many times now by Ayanokouji. And I've lost to Akabane at the sports festival. We need to return the favor. "

Ibuki grit her teeth. " That's why I'm telling you that this sort of thinking is going to spell trouble for the class! "

* SMACK

Ryuuen slapped Ibuki's cheek with the palm of his hand.

" I couldn't care less as long as I'm enjoying it. Shut the door, Albert. "

After receiving that order from Ryuuen, Albert closed the door that leads back into the school.

Kiyotaka tilt his head with no alarm. " Are you really going to resort to violence? "

Ryuuen smirk. " Conflict isn't always a mental affair. Violence is the most powerful force in this world. No matter how crafty you may be, you will be forced to yield before violence. "

" People do yield before violence, that's for sure. But to carry out that logic, you need to be stronger than the other guys. Do you understand that? " Karma ask. Koro-sensei once almost said the same thing.

" Huh? "

" The four of you here won't be enough to stop us. " Kiyotaka suddenly proclaim.

Ibuki looked confused. " ...? "

Ryuen smiled wider at the declaration. " Kukuku Kukuku Kukuku Kuku. Then show me the extent of that confidence of yours. Ishizaki go first. "

" I-Is it really okay? " Ishizaki fiddled hesitantly.

" There'll be no problem even if we give Ayanokouji and Akabane a thorough beating. "

Kei's breath hitched. " Wait! Why are you doing something this stupid!? You won't gain anything from beating Kiyotaka and Karma up, will you!? "

" Hey, don't just cut in like that, Karuizawa. Your role is over. You can relax, your past won't be revealed anymore thanks to this guy's sacrifice. Just be grateful to him. " Ryuuen shove Kei aay effortlessly.

Kei staggered but pick up her pace towards the bigger male.

Karma liked Kei's fiery determination, he needs to keep her safe. Karma let out a smile. " Don't worry, Kei-chan. "

Kei felt unconvinced. " B-But. "

" There's no need for concern. " Kiyotaka coaxed.

Ishizaki stepped forward.

" Don't think badly of me, Ayanokouji. This is just another order from Ryuuen-san. "

Kiyotaka look at the male indifferently. " I don't care either way. "

Ishizaki casually swung his fist, as though to swat a disobedient baby.

But before he could attack Kiyotaka, Karma caught the right fist he swung mightily with his right hand.

Karma then turned to Kiyotaka. " Do you mind if I take on the big guy and the little man. "

Kiyotaka nod. " Suit yourself. "

Ishizaki flinched. " Ahh...? "

Karma smirked. " Ishizaki, now I'm your opponent. If you're going to do this then you should take it seriously. "

He used his left hand's grip strength to clench down on Ishizaki's right fist.

" Oh? Ahh, uuu, ehh...!? "

Ishizaki's expression slowly changed bit by bit and his knees began trembling.

" Ahh, uuuu, ahh! I-I can't, stop! "

Ishizaki's knees buckled and he fell to the cold floor of the rooftop on his knees.

Ishizaki desperately clutched Karma's arm with his left hand and tried to tear it away but to no avail. The one who first grasped this situation was Albert.

Albert waved his thick arms around like a pole and swung. Karma would have dodged there but he instead received his punch with the palm of his left hand instead.

A powerful force went through his elbow all the way up to the tip of his shoulder.

Karma chuckled lightly as he wave his inflicted hand. " ...As expected, it hurts... "

Ibuki furrow her brows. " You've got to be kidding...a-are you fooling around, Albert? Ishizaki? "

Ibuki knew that Ishizaki was a no pushover, and that Albert defeated Ryuuen when he first tried to use violence.

But even so, she couldn't comprehend that Karma would stop them that easily.

Karma then released Ishizaki, who crouched down and clutched his own right arm.

Ryuuen trace his eyes towards Albert. " Do it, Albert. "