Bonus: The Tyrant and the Dictator

(Ryuen Kakeru's perspective)

Justice is nothing but a rag used by the victors; I believe only in the law of power.

In the eyes of most, violence is synonymous with evil, but in my world, it is the most direct means to achieve an end.

"Boss Ryuen... ugh!" Ishizaki had barely started to speak when a powerful fist slammed into his abdomen. A surge of intense impact washed over him like a tidal wave, rendering him unable to utter another word.

"I don't recall giving you permission to speak, Ishizaki." Releasing his grip on Komiya's hair, Ryuen looked down at the collapsed Ishizaki with cold indifference.

"That's enough, Albert."

At Ryuen's command, Albert ceased his actions and returned to his position behind Ryuen, standing as still and professional as a bodyguard.

"I'll trust the three of you for now, but if I ever discover that you've betrayed me, I'll make sure you learn the consequences of such an act."

After delivering this nonchalant warning, Ryuen sat back in his seat, fiddling with his phone to exchange messages with someone.

Upon receiving a reply, a look of "just as I thought" crossed his face, and he peered down at the three men from his vantage point.

"The three of you, go and investigate whether any boys in our class have been getting close to students from other classes recently. Make me a list. Remember, I don't want to see you causing any more trouble."

Hearing these threatening words, the three dared not complain. Despite the lingering pain in their bodies, they scrambled to their feet.

"Yes!"

As the three fled like cowards, Ryuen slumped back onto the sofa in the room, his gaze slightly unfocused. A second later, as if struck by a thought, a cruel smile curled his lips.

"I don't know who you are, or how you got that information, but you'd better wait. It won't be long before I drag you out of the shadows and make you experience what true despair feels like."

While Ryuen was busy making his own threats, a petite girl sat quietly in the corner of the room, cradling a book in her arms.

"Ryuen-kun, I don't believe there is a traitor among our classmates. I still stand by my original opinion; I don't think they betrayed us."

Shiina Hiyori spoke slowly, her tone carrying a hint of gentleness.

She had been summoned by Ryuen from the start and had witnessed his entire display of force against the three men.

"Oh? You mean to say they aren't the problem?"

"Yes. Rather than that, I am more inclined to believe our information was stolen by someone from another class, or perhaps..."

"You mean... a wiretap?"

Ryuen was no fool; he understood what Shiina was implying.

After a moment of thought, Shiina didn't confirm it outright, instead shaking her head hesitantly after a short pause.

"I'm not sure. But you already sent people to inspect the equipment at the karaoke bar, and you know the result—nothing of the sort was found."

"Furthermore, the school strictly prohibits bringing such items onto campus. Even if they had, it would be nearly impossible to bypass the teachers' inspections."

Although Shiina's analysis was logical, Ryuen merely snorted.

"Until I have absolute proof, I don't intend to abandon this theory. However, as you said, the very existence of a wiretap is an unreasonable notion."

"If it really were a wiretap, who would have brought it in? Or perhaps... was it constructed only after arriving at school?"

At this, Ryuen laughed at himself. "No, that's impossible. That goes beyond the scope of a high school student. If anything, only those desperate criminals or suspects would carry such things."

"Therefore, compared to the installation of a wiretap, I am more inclined to believe there is a traitor in our class. If anything, that is the most logical explanation."

"Does Ryuen-kun really distrust his own classmates that much?" Shiina asked with a puzzled look.

"Hmph! Since ancient times, the existence of a tyrant has always been accompanied by the birth of traitors."

Ryuen had a very clear understanding of his own position. In his view, under his rule, there would always be one or two people dissatisfied enough to seize the opportunity to provide information to other classes.

At the same time, Ryuen glanced at Shiina inadvertently. "Aren't you one of those people?"

Yet, Shiina did not offer the fierce rebuttal Ryuen might have expected, answering calmly instead:

"While I do not agree with your methods, I cannot say I dislike you either."

"...Heh, is that so..."

No one knew what Ryuen was thinking at that moment, but one thing was certain.

Even if you are a tyrant, as long as you can lead the people forward, there will eventually be scholars who will justify your rule.