"Ahh—thanks for earlier, Ishigami. Almost got caught by the cops."
"Takamine-san, I think you could tone down the gangster slang. If a disciplinary committee member hears you, they'll definitely come after you again."
Having shaken off Iino Miko, Ishigami and Takamine Rinji were walking down the corridor outside the classroom.
"Are the members of the disciplinary committee all this strict?"
"At least Iino is that type. By the way, how did she notice you? Today's your first day, right?"
"I was caught smoking yesterday when I came to report in. She dragged me to the disciplinary room for a lecture, and I slipped away halfway through."
"The school rules do say no smoking or drinking… and I think Japanese law prohibits minors from doing that too."
"Old habits from living abroad… and now that you mention it, I kinda want a smoke again."
"…I'll take you somewhere."
"Oh?"
Ishigami led Takamine out of the school building, through the garden, and to the base of a certain structure.
"This is the place."
"This is below the student council office. According to school regulations, this area is technically outside Shuchiin's jurisdiction. Even the disciplinary committee can't touch you here."
"Oh, thanks."
Takamine found a shady spot, leaned against the wall, and pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.
"Want one?"
"I'll pass, I don't smoke," Ishigami quickly declined.
Seeing him refuse, Takamine lit one for himself and took a drag.
"Phew~ That's nice. It's lucky to meet such a friendly classmate right away. At least you're not like the others who look down on me."
"Not all students look down on external admits. Most are just too scared to go against the social atmosphere of their class. This school is full of the elite's children—it's only natural for that kind of social dynamic."
Shuchiin's student body is 99% made up of children from wealthy or powerful families. Even though they all wear the same uniform, you could randomly pick one out and they might be the daughter of a corporate CEO or the son of a hospital director.
"No wonder it's called a 'Petty Bourgeois Academy.'"
"What kind of nickname is that? Anyway, as a fellow external student, let me give you a heads-up—there's a strict hierarchy here."
"Like a pyramid?"
"Exactly. At the top are the privileged elite. Below that, major industry leaders. Third level: politicians and corporate board members. Fourth: doctors, small business owners, pro athletes. And at the bottom… external students like us."
"Yeah, I'm the bottom of the bottom."
"But there's a way to climb up."
"What's that?"
"Join a club."
"Like those student clubs in manga?"
"Exactly. If you join a sports club—even just as a backup—you'll get much more respect."
"Forget it. Too much trouble."
Takamine waved his hand dismissively. Everything about this school was a hassle.
"I go straight home after class."
"Same here."
Ishigami glanced at his phone—still a while before the next class.
"One last thing. In Shuchiin, make sure you don't mess with these people."
"Oh?"
"First, the Club Union. They're also called the 'Shuchiin VIPs.' They include the daughter of the Kanto underworld syndicate Ryujuzu, the granddaughter of an economic federation leader, the daughter of a shipbuilding company president, the granddaughter of a high-ranking religious shinto priest, the son of the Japan Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff, the son of the police superintendent, and the second prince of the Galdam Alrasam Kingdom. They're at the very top of Shuchiin's hierarchy."
"Damn. That covers the underworld, business, religion, military, police, and even foreign royalty."
As for these six people, Takamine actually knew a few of them.
The so-called Galdam Alrasam Kingdom? That second prince may sound impressive, but their national defense is controlled by IW, the organization Takamine belongs to.
The 'Ryujuzu' is one of the largest gangs under the Kanto Peace Society. IW's Japanese division used to do business with them—Takamine even handled that work himself four years ago. He's met the daughter of their boss a few times.
As for the police superintendent—when Takamine blew up a Shinomiya family property, he spent a few hours in jail until IW pressured the police to release him.
(They had surprisingly good coffee.)
The son of the JSDF Chief of Staff? Takamine met him too—and beat him up. Not bad, though kind of weak.
The other two, he didn't know.
Either way, he didn't take Ishigami's warnings seriously.
"Anyone else I should avoid?"
"Second Year Class A: Shinomiya Kaguya."
"…Her, huh?"
Takamine's expression instantly darkened at the mention of her.
"Her family is one of Japan's Big Four financial groups. Offending her is suicide."
"Oh…"
Avoiding her is fine. But for peace of mind, he still wanted to blow up another Shinomiya property someday.
"As long as you don't step on landmines, your life here as an external student may not be easy—but you'll make it to graduation."
"Thanks a lot, man. I appreciate you filling me in."
"Well… I don't have many friends myself."
"No."
Takamine grabbed Ishigami by the shoulder.
"You blocked the cops for me, and told me the rules of the road. From now on, you're my long-lost brother—we share fortune and I'll take your misfortunes."
"...Takamine, can you tone down the gangster talk?"
"You get the idea."
Finishing his cigarette, Takamine checked the time—it was almost time for the next class.
As the two were about to return, Takamine suddenly stopped mid-step.
"…No way."
"What is it?"
Following his gaze, Ishigami saw a girl with bright blond hair, painted nails, and a modified short skirt—clearly a flashy gyaru—laughing with her friends.
Takamine's lips trembled slightly. He whispered her name.
"Hayasaka…"