A few nearby students noticed the confrontation and stopped, turning their heads with that unmistakable "this should be good" look.
Apparently, even his own friends couldn't accept the fact that Hyoudou Genichi had "climbed the ladder."
Genichi looked at the two emotional former companions in front of him and felt absolutely nothing—if anything, it was almost funny.
The "giant boobs dream?"
"Brothers-in-arms forever?"
It had all been an act to avoid derailing the plot.
Now, he didn't have the time—or the interest—to keep playing their childish little game.
He needed power. He needed a way to survive and grow stronger in a world full of hidden dangers. He needed to be ready for the soul colosseum that could reopen at any moment.
Compared to that, Matsuda and Motohama's so-called "friendship" and "dreams" were weightless—and the shallow stupidity of it all irritated him.
"Matsuda. Motohama."
Genichi spoke. His voice was so calm it carried no emotion at all, and his eyes were just as cold.
"Sorry."
Matsuda and Motohama froze, clearly not expecting that reaction.
"I've found a new goal in life."
Genichi continued, tone firm and final.
"So starting today, the pervert trio is dissolved. I won't be doing those pointless activities with you anymore."
"Wha—"
Matsuda's eyes widened like he didn't recognize him.
Motohama's mouth fell open too.
"That's all."
Genichi didn't say another word. He didn't even spare them a look as disbelief twisted into anger on their faces. He simply turned and walked toward his classroom, footsteps steady, without a trace of hesitation.
"Wait! Genichi! Explain what you mean!"
Matsuda shouted after him, furious, trying to chase him down.
Genichi didn't turn around.
He only lifted a hand and waved once, casually—final goodbye, clean break.
He could feel their stares change behind him, slowly hardening from anger and confusion into pure hostility and resentment.
He didn't care.
Different roads. Nothing to discuss.
And with the kind of whirlpool he'd been dragged into, staying entangled with two ordinary humans would do nothing but harm—to them and to him.
Cutting useless social ties was part of adapting to this new environment… and part of hiding who he really was.
…
At the same time, on the spiral staircase that led to the upperclass floors and the school's "special activity" areas, Rias Gremory ascended at an unhurried pace.
Her heels clicked against the marble steps, crisp and rhythmic.
Sunlight poured through stained glass to the side, shifting across her wine-red hair and the elegant line of her face.
When she reached the top and was about to turn into the next hallway, her steps paused slightly.
Ahead, leaning quietly against a pillar, was a slender figure—as if she'd been waiting.
A girl in Kuoh Academy's uniform, but with an aura completely different from Rias's.
She had neat, shoulder-length hair in a deep blue-black shade and wore glasses. Behind the lenses, her eyes were calm and sharp, carrying a composure that didn't match her age.
Her posture was straight, arms folded, and she radiated an efficient, disciplined presence that didn't allow argument.
Sona Sitri.
Student Council President of Kuoh Academy, the next head of House Sitri, a pure-blood high-class devil—and Rias's close friend and rival.
"Is it him?"
Sona went straight to the point. Her gaze, magnified slightly by the lenses, fixed on Rias. Her tone was even, but the scrutiny behind it was unmistakable.
She'd clearly already heard about it—maybe she'd even seen the hallway scene herself.
Rias's face bloomed into a bright smile, like a rose opening in the morning.
"Good morning, Sona."
"Morning, Rias."
Sona gave a small nod. Her manners were flawless, but her eyes stayed locked on Rias, waiting for an answer.
They walked side by side toward the Student Council room, their pace naturally in sync.
"Taking in a new peerage member so suddenly… that doesn't sound like you at all, Rias."
Sona pushed her glasses up, stating it flatly.
As her longtime friend, she knew Rias's style better than anyone.
Rias followed an elite route. She was extremely strict—almost harsh—when it came to choosing her pieces. Quality mattered far more than quantity.
Up to now, she'd kept her peerage small. Every devil under her had been carefully selected and deliberately trained.
And Hyoudou Genichi, no matter how you looked at it, didn't seem to meet her standards.
Notorious reputation. Average ability. Awful personality…
This sudden reincarnation was, frankly, hard to believe.
At that, Rias's smile grew deeper. A glint flashed through her emerald eyes—something unreadable.
Instead of answering directly, she spoke with a hint of mystery.
"Really? Well, I think this time… I may have drawn an incredible trump card."
"A trump card?"
Sona's brow tightened almost imperceptibly.
Coming from Rias, that word carried serious weight.
Sona knew Rias wasn't the type to be swayed by surface impressions or impulsive emotion.
Which meant Hyoudou Genichi must have something—some secret—that Rias and the outside world hadn't revealed yet.
"For you to call him a trump card…"
Sona's voice slowed as she considered it. The gaze behind her lenses sharpened.
"Then Hyoudou Genichi isn't as simple as he looks."
Rias only smiled—neither confirming nor denying—then said lightly, with quiet meaning.
"Who knows? Maybe we'll have an answer soon."
She didn't reveal more.
Even to Sona, she had no intention of laying everything out.
Partly to protect Genichi… and partly to avoid drawing attention and trouble too early.
Sona glanced at her, and from the watertight smile on Rias's face, she understood Rias wasn't going to talk.
She didn't press further. She only said, calmly:
"I hope you understand what you're doing, Rias. A trump card mishandled can cut its owner too."
"Don't worry, Sona."
Rias flicked her hair with easy confidence.
"I'm very confident in how to use my 'pieces.' And…"
Her gaze drifted down toward the lower floors, toward the black-haired boy walking toward the ordinary classroom wing.
"That trump card himself… seems to be hiding quite a few interesting secrets."
Her smile curved.
"I'm looking forward to what he does next."
[1 Of 3 New Fanfics For The Poll Event!!]
[Use Your Power Stones On Your Favorite For It To Be Picked UP!!]
[Power Stones+Reviews Are Counted!!]
[Comments On Chapters Are Also Counted!!]
[Thanks For Your Support!!]