A Brother's Sacrifice

Sports Day is approaching and part of the student body in the student council made it clear to us. I saw some student, mostly 2nd years and 3rd years, who were asking for help to prepare for this event.

I could say that some of the helpers were 'forced' to the assignments that were given. I have to thank my infamy because no such requests were done to me.

I was lazing around in the cafeteria while I watch others aid seriously or do the work in a half baked manner. Although a few portions of the helpers was slacking off, the quality of their work was decent.

It may be because of the Student Council's guidance or the student's effort, nevertheless, I think that no problem will arise qualitywise.

"You won't participate?"

"Of course not. I have no intention of partaking in this event from the start. Besides, I can use this as an excuse if someone wants to be stubborn in making me partake in it."

I rolled up the sleeve of my school shirt, revealing a bandage covering the injury that I had. It was easy to show it quickly and inconspicuously as I did not wear the school blazer. I wore it only on the Opening Ceremony, after that, not a single day. Ken and Aki were wearing the blazers but buttonless right now.

As I unfurl the rolled-up sleeve, I returned back to eating the lunch Aki prepared. Now that I think about it, I feel guilty for her. Having to prepare this food every day for me, I do think that it is time to stop it. Although Mom won't still lend me money to buy food or cook for my part, I will find another way.

"Umm Aki. I know this is sudden but, you don't have to prepare a portion of food for me anymore."

"......Why? Is it not that good?" Aki, a little bit shocked and worried, raised a question.

"No, it IS good. I just think that I have bothered you enough. What was it that made you bring food for me? It was for the exciting fights that you wanted right? But now, there are none and there won't be any for a while, so I think that it is the end of the line for this deal."

"If you say that much then I will stop...."

"I'm sorry."

"It's alright."

Ken stared at Aki expressionlessly as he darted a look at me. I paid no attention as I continued to feast on Aki's 'last meal' for me.

"By the way, are you two going to be participating?"

They both replied affirmatively to my question. Aki said she would take part in the long jump event and the 100 metres race, whilst Ken was going to do the 200 metres race and the 500 metres race. Ken's stamina is higher than Aki's so it is understandable that Aki would take the less exhausting events. Nevertheless, I will cheer them up by the sidelines, rooting for their wins.

The cafeteria was getting nosier as many people passed by to rest from all the work they were given. Sports day will be in the next 2 days, meaning on Saturday. Starting to prepare 2 days before this event must mean that there are big things that we must expect, right? Parents will come too so the school might impress them if they keep the rate at which they are going.

Straying from that kind of topic, I now ponder on how I should fill my stomach from now on. I mean, now that I have asked Aki to stop making me food, it is time to think of another income for food.

One way is obviously the cafeteria, but I won't have enough money if I only spend the rich girl's money. Should I resort to extortion from the students since I am a delinquent?

For some reason, I'm not going to do that because it does not fit me. I mean I cleverly got money from Aki during the first day at school but, that was a negotiation, or as Aki presume, blackmailing. In order to do such things, I had an advantage, a sense of having a tool of interest or having something that the other party needed from me.

To every student, neither I won't search the weaknesses that they have, nor will I wait for someone that needs my help, I highly doubt that there even is one.

Hmmmm.....or maybe......

This can work.......Yes.

.....That will do.

"By any chance Aki, do you know the name of that coward leader? You know, the one who started a needless fight against you." I leaned forward to my table as I asked her a question.

"Aah. Him? No, I don't know. But why do you want that information?" Her interest was piqued as she concentrated her attention on me.

"Don't worry. I won't cause trouble."

"The last time you said that this happened." Aki side glanced and pointed at Ken's bruises.

Ken had a wry and bothered smile, not declining the response from Aki.

"As I said. This time, I will NOT cause any trouble for you two." I really emphasised the 'not' in my phrase. I glared at Aki with serious eyes.

Things were not fully settled between the two of us since that ambush on Ken. But I am saying the complete truth here, I definitely will not bring problem to my puppets.

"Miyamoto Shin."

That name made us two divert our attentions towards Ken. He took another bite from his bread as he returned to gaze at those two.

"Ken, why did you tell him?"

"Aki, if he is saying with such seriousness that he won't cause any trouble, then he means it."

"Even if you believe him that much, he will definitely-"

I interrupted Aki to tempt her into convincing her for my earnestness.

"Then how about this. If I bring trouble even closer than you two, then I will allow you to punch me 3 times."

"Promise!?!?"

She leaned near me enthusiastically this time as I proposed her this deal. Since I was the one to suggest it, then I don't need to refuse the promise, right?.

"P-Promise." My stutter indicated that Aki's excitement is hassling me.

She jumped on that offer really quickly, as I wanted. But still, I'm kind of creeped out by the murderous intent from her that is leaking out. I finished lunch and I left the table early than those two. I told them that I will be back right after the break in the class.

....

Hmm...if Ken said the right information, then,

"Miiiyaaaaaamooootooooo...!!"

I opened the door to class 2-3 as I called out that name. A tone that could be perceived as playful and having fun was used. All the 2nd years that were in the classroom were staring at me fearfully and with a not so friendly glare. And Miyamoto was the latter as I saw his expression when he met my eyes. He was sitting on the far end row, second to last seat.

"Come to the roof with me. I need to discuss some important matters. If you do not come..."

I sneered at him then I walked away from the classroom's door. I know that he will not ignore my threat so I waited for him at the rooftop. This place in school is the most comfortable one for me. It did not lack any fresh breeze, beautiful scenery and space. Apart from the slight rusty door, everything else was alright.

I was leaning over the metallic railing that surrounded the rooftop's edges. The sun was right above my head as it was noon and the feeling of getting hit by the wind has been getting softer.

As I heard a creaky noise towards the rusty door, I turned only my head to that specific direction. Miyamoto Shin, a guest of mine, entered into view as he walked closer to me.

He halted at a reasonable distance in between us. He was clearly perturbed by this turn of events that has happened to him. Well, he soon will know the reason.

"How is it going Miyamoto? Any problems?"

"Apart from the embarrassment that I have been living with after being annihilated by that bitch, everything is okay."

Hostile gaze and a slightly gritted teeth wore his face, but the obligation to stand before me and endure the urge of attacking me overwhelmed his d.e.s.i.r.e for his belligerent intentions.

"Oh, my bad. This is your fault to begin with."

"I know! That crazy bitch's strength is the daunting factor that makes me shiver. Seriously, does such a high school girl even exist!?"

"I get you bro, I get what you are saying. Instead of fighting against her, you should have tried to put her under your wings in the first place. Too bad that you did not know of her monstrous strength."

"...What's the use of regretting the decisions made in the past now? The present is more important for now. What is the reason you called me up here?" Irritated but cautious to his words, he inquired.

My head twisted towards the direction of the scenery before me as I did not let him get a good look at my face.

"Say Miyamoto, what is your wish?"

"Wish? What are you even asking? Are you trying to be emotional or something? Knowing about it and what will you do? Fulfil it?"

A 'can't be bothered' tone was especially aimed at me. He was not talking to me seriously, is he? I stayed quiet, not quickly replying to his taunting. I kept my silence for a long time and he was being impatient as time went.

I thinly smile at the horizon and retained it as the quietness remained.

"H-Hey!" He broke the long silence engulfing us two.

I ignored him and continued to be mute. I did not even inconvenience myself to look at him.

"Tsk! Fine." The approaching step by Miyamoto was clearer due to the now increasing noise of his footsteps.

A sensation of someone putting a hand on my right shoulder and exerting a little force to make me turn around, he met my face with an annoyed expression.

"I want to be the ruler of this school!"

"That is a pretty big wish you have there Miyamoto."

"Laugh all you want. But now, can we move on to the matter that we are here originally?"

I sneered at him, making his eyes strain more with annoyance.

"Your wish is involved with the main cause of our meeting here."

As I spoke more, he could not understand as to where am I getting.

"Your wish. I will fulfil it." With such a confident tone, I stood up before him and left him in a confused and baffled state.

"...Are you being serious here?" Miyamoto, still not believing in my words, tried to confirm my sincerity of really achieving such feat.

"I am. It is up to you if you really want to satisfy such d.e.s.i.r.e."

This time, he was the one who kept his mouth shut, pondering over my commitment to the fulfilment of his wish.

"What is the reason behind this. You are not gonna tell me that you are doing this because you want to, right?"

"Of course. Only a retard or an extremely kind person would approach you this way. I'm neither of those so I guess you know what I mean."

He sighed and wore on an 'as expected' look.

"What's your part of the deal? I'm sure that it is related to money."

"That is right. That makes it easier then if you already know my intentions."

"It's not the first time that I have been approached with this kind of purpose." A lonely face hung down a bit before regaining his line of sight on me.

On the first day and second day of school, he attacked me and Aki with a bunch of delinquents backing him up. I noticed that he used the influence of money to motivate those juvenile thugs to do as he says. That pretty much leads to one conclusion.

He is from an enough wealthy family so that he could recruit those delinquents under him. But since his crew was decimated by Aki, also presumptively known as the 'crazy bitch according to Miyamoto, the bond between him and his fellow followers has decreased. It is only existing just by money that Miyamoto has.

He is basically a walking ATM now. From what I know to my small knowledge, he is not good at combat and is only feared because of the delinquents he hired. That's it. Even then, he is not safe. At any time, he could get assailed by his own hired followers and get extorted.

I can say that he is walking on a tight rope right now. With that said, I kind of feel pity for this guy. So I will give him an option that will get him out of this dangerous situation.

Then he continued, "So, how much?"

I extended my arms and showed him 3 fingers.

"300 ¥ per day. Only when I come to school."

".....Is that it?"

"Pretty much."

As dumbfounded as he was, he reluctantly agreed to my offer.

"I was sure that you would have asked more..."

"Don't misunderstand. I just need the minimum necessary money for my daily income of food."

"Even so....."

He did not question further. But instead, he made an interested face with a tinge of worries.

"Now that my part of the deal is done, let's address yours."

"When are you going to complete it?" His irritation stepped down a level as he asked me this.

"Today itself. After school."

Now, it is anxiety which surfaced on his visage as I stated the time of the fulfilment of his wish to be done.

"What!? Isn't that too soon? How are you going to carry out this in such a short span of time?"

I grinned at him when I heard all of his enquiries thrown at me. Ironically,

"That crazy bitch will be a major key in your path of becoming the ruler of Aomori High School."