The sky hung low and gray the next morning draping Sakuragi High in a cold stillness
Students shuffled through the gates, clutching bags and yawns, unaware that something had shifted.
Among them moved Ryuji, silent as ever, the wind brushing past his shoulders like whispers.
That's when a voice called out.
"Yo." the voice called—casual,cocky.
Ryuji turned his head slightly.
The blond boy from the alley leaned against the school wall, hands in his pockets, the silver chain on his wrist catching the light.
"I said it last night, but since we're classmates now—name's Kaito. Transferred this morning."
Ryuji stared at him, unimpressed. "You enrolled just to get close?"
Kaito smirked. "No. I enrolled because this school just became the stage. And you're the fire everyone's waiting to watch burn."
Ryuji kept walking. Kaito followed.
"By the way," Kaito said casually, "you're not the only special guest this week. Sora Kamaguchi transferred in too."
That made Ryuji stop.
Kaito nodded. "Yeah. That Kamaguchi. One of the five families that still act like they own the streets. Sora's their golden heir."
Ryuji's expression didn't change, but something in his shoulders tightened.
"He's already pulled strings," Kaito went on. "Vice president of the student council. Bribed faculty. Eyes on you from every hallway."
"He's not subtle."
"No," Kaito said, "he's strategic. The Kamaguchi don't use swords. They use strings."
Ryuji finally looked at him. "Why tell me all this?"
Kaito shrugged. "Because I hate them more than I hate silence."
---
Elsewhere — First Floor, South Building
The hallway buzzed with morning noise—laughter, gossip, the sharp clatter of lockers.
Then it all went quiet.
Sora Kamaguchi had arrived.
He moved through the crowd like a shadow that didn't belong in the light. He was tall, sharp-featured, with an effortless confidence that turned heads without trying.
Jet-black hair was slicked back into a clean, modern undercut, every strand in place. His eyes—cold, steel gray—cut through anyone who met them. He didn't glare. He didn't need to. Just one glance from Sora made most students lower their gaze and step aside.
His uniform wasn't school-issued. It was customized—tailored to his frame, dark blazer hanging open over a black button-up shirt, sleeves rolled clean to his forearms. A silver pin shaped like the Kamaguchi clan crest glinted on his collar. His black dress shoes were polished to the point of reflection.
Rumors whispered that the faint scar near his throat came from a sword. Others said it was from his father's private training sessions. No one dared ask him.
Two other students followed behind him—tall, silent, clearly fighters. But it was Sora who pulled every eye, even the teachers'.
He didn't talk. Didn't smile. Didn't break stride.
And still, people moved aside like they were parting for royalty.
---
Behind the gym – Later
Ryuji leaned against the wall, cigarette unlit in his fingers. Kaito stood beside him, watching the sky.
"Sora's dangerous," Kaito said. "Not because he fights. Because he rarely has to."
"You've seen him in action?"
"No," Kaito said. "But I've seen what's left after. Broken fingers, expelled kids, faculty silenced. All without a single strike anyone could trace back to him."
Ryuji's silence was like a blade being sheathed.
"They say Sora doesn't get angry," Kaito added. "Just… disappointed. And then things disappear."
Ryuji's eyes narrowed.
"I didn't come here to disappear," he said.
Kaito grinned. "Good. Then you'll last longer than most."
---
Faculty Lounge – Late Afternoon
Sora Kamaguchi sat in a private staff room, sipping tea from a cup.
The room was quiet, controlled.
A teacher stood before him, hesitant. "He's here. Tatsugami. As expected."
Sora set his cup down, eyes fixed on the rippling surface of the tea.
"Good," he said softly. "Let the tension stretch. The longer it does, the louder it snaps."
The teacher nodded quickly, retreating.
Sora remained seated, calm.
He didn't fear Ryuji.
He wanted to understand him.
And then decide how to remove him.
---
Closing Scene
Evening shadows crept over the rooftop.
Ryuji stood still, eyes scanning the horizon. Kaito's words lingered in his mind.
"The Kamaguchi don't use swords. They use strings."
And already, Ryuji could feel one tightening around his throat.