The Underworld Boss's Guide to Staged Accidents

What is the final destination for a thug? Probably dying at the hands of some unknown hothead. Relying on brute force to act cool and tough might win you countless fights, but you can't afford to lose even once. We're all carbon-based lifeforms; a simple knife can easily break through our defenses.

Stories of too many gang leaders dying at the hands of unknown underlings are everywhere.

Compared to metal, humans are fragile, which is why laws exist to protect us and restrain violence.

The thugs in Class C rely on petty cleverness to extort others, but the moment they show a single flaw, it will be their total ruin.

They probably wouldn't even survive a simple prisoner's dilemma.

The willpower of an average student isn't that strong; after all, it's just breaking school rules, not actual imprisonment, so the cost of betrayal is far too low. In the end, a chain reaction will pull the radish out with the mud, inevitably leading to a complete collapse.

Those who like to go all-in know that the wind on the rooftop can be quite strong.

Compared to gamblers, smart people never leave their fate in the hands of others.

"Hmph, Ryuen, if he dares to come to Class D, I'll make sure he never leaves."

"What a coincidence, Chang Shui Jing."

"Oh, isn't this the Student Council President? It is a great honor to be recognized by the President."

"Spare me the pleasantries. How about it? You haven't joined a club yet, right? Are you interested in the Student Council?"

(The Student Council oversees club budget audits; this information is easy to find.)

"The power of the Student Council at Advanced Nurturing High School is incomparable to that of an ordinary school. If they wish, they can even change the school rules."

Horikita Manabu, third-year Class A, Student Council President.

"Sugoi, but President, my interpersonal skills are zero. It would be very difficult for me to handle relationships between students."

"Joining the Student Council might cause you trouble, President."

"What a dishonest underling. You're so skilled at pleasantries that it's hard to believe you're bad at socializing."

Tachibana Akane, third-year Class A, Student Council Secretary.

"Forget it. I look forward to you changing your mind later. After all, this school is very unusual."

"You are welcome to come to the Student Council to find me at any time."

(The surname Horikita... could he be the brother of Horikita Suzune?)

(I should ask Ichinose on LINE. Kushida is busy looking for eyewitnesses.)

I pick up my phone.

"Chang Shui Jing-kun, is something the matter? You called so suddenly."

"The Student Council? That senior is so strict. All the first-years who went for interviews were passed over."

"However, Nagumo-senpai, the Vice President, promised to bring me into the Student Council in my second year. I am currently their trainee."

(As far as I know, no one from Class D went to the interview, nor were they passed over. Things are getting interesting.)

"Oh, Ichinose, I think I understand what's going on, and I know why you were passed over."

"Nani nani? What's the reason? Tell me, Chang Shui Jing-kun."

"Hehe, it's a secret. It's not the right time yet."

"Fine, >﹏<"

"Sorry, little angel. I'll make it up to you when I have the chance. Hanging up."

"Wait..."

I hang up the phone.

(This isn't something that should be said out loud. The Student Council President is on the side of Class D; there will be many opportunities to take advantage of that in the future.)

(If this were exposed, it would undoubtedly be disadvantageous for Class D.)

(I'll probe the rules of the special exam and then swindle some points.)

(Sorry, little angel, I'll make it up to you later.)

I dial the landline number for the Student Council office on my phone, and it is answered quickly.

"It's me, Chang Shui Jing."

"Have you made up your mind so quickly, underling?"

"President, I have. Although I have no intention of joining the Student Council, however... if I do this... and then that..."

"If you lose, you join the Student Council? You have quite the nerve. I look forward to your performance in the special exam. Don't let me down."

Keyaki Mall

When Kushida stopped Sakura, she accidentally bumped into her camera.

If you can't find it by searching the book title, try searching for the author; perhaps the name was just changed!

I need to go back to the mall to get it repaired.

"I'm sorry, Sakura. I accidentally broke your camera."

"It's fine, my camera is still under warranty."

Sakura was trembling as she spoke, especially while standing at the shop entrance.

Why is Sakura so afraid of this shop?

"Ah, this won't work. It might be a power issue. It's not that easy to fix. The warranty card, do you have the warranty card?"

The clerk stared at Sakura as he spoke.

"Oh, it is under warranty. It'll take two or three days. You need to fill in the important information, especially—your phone number and address."

The clerk's lecherous gaze swept up and down Sakura, lingering for a long time right in the center of her body.

Sakura was shaking violently, unable to speak.

"I'll sign it."

"Hey, you're being a bit..."

"The manufacturer's policy requires a warranty card, right? Are there any other additional conditions?"

"Sakura, let's go."

After the group walked out of the shop.

"Sorry, I have an appointment, so I'll be going now."

Kushida said.

"Ayanokoji, thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Why didn't you say anything just now?"

"Because your eyes are surprisingly not scary at all. You have that sense of trustworthiness that many of the boys I've met lack."

"Well, actually, I saw it. But I feel like Sudo usually acts very poorly—he often cuts in line and gets into fights. He's a bad person, so I didn't want to come out and testify."

"Ayanokoji, do you think it would be better if I stood up for him?"

"Just be yourself."

"Eh, be myself? What does that mean?"

"Whether it's for the sake of your classmates, for fairness, or for Sudo, just respect your own heart. You don't need to overthink it, and you don't need to carry too much on your shoulders."

"Mm, Ayanokoji, you really are a very gentle person."

"Maybe."

"Ayanokoji-kun, look at this photo."

"Shizuku—no, is it Sakura? The photos online are surprisingly bold."

"Uh, I think I can only show my true self online. That's why I upload photos often."

"A few days ago, I received a letter from a fan online saying they've been watching me and want to be with me, along with other dangerous language."

Could it be that clerk?

"Ayanokoji-kun, can you protect me?"

"Of course. If anything happens, call me. Let's add each other on Line."

"Hai!"

Sakura's selfie captured the scene, and she began participating in the discussion, which started at 3:30.

The hearing was presided over by the Student Council President.

Horikita briefly cast her gaze toward her brother, but realizing she was being ignored, she lowered her eyes and sat down in front of the Class C students.

"This violence incident will be presided over by the secretary, Tachibana, and myself. All participants involved in this matter and the homeroom teachers should prepare to speak. To ensure fairness, we have invited Hoshinomiya-sensei and students from Class B to observe."

Class C only had eyewitnesses, while Class D had physical evidence. Since the Class C students were indeed seriously injured, it was reasonable for them to demand compensation, even if the photo showed them initiating the physical altercation.

Both sides found it difficult to reach an agreement. The meeting ended on a sour note.

Unexpectedly, the next day, Class C voluntarily withdrew their complaint to the Student Council President.

The Two Loners began to exert their influence.

(It seems they used some kind of method to make the Class C students yield.)

(They're quite capable, those Two Loners.)

Nagami, who was in the classroom listening to Sudo thank Horikita, thought to himself.