Chapter 164: Fight Club (2)

Chapter 164: Fight Club (2)

~Third POV~

[Later, Honnouji Student Council Room]

During their free time with the Elite Four planning, Nonon asked in an annoyed tone about the recent achievements of the Fight Club, "Don't you think the Fight Club is getting a little cocky lately?"

Gamagori shares his concerns with Nonon's words as he spoke in a loud neutral tone with his hands behind him addressing Satsuki, "If we do not address the issue, Matoi, Mankanshoku, and Bastion will gain more power and become part of the Student Council's Inner Circle."

Inumuta opened his mouth as he told his fellow members of the Elite Four in a neutral tone analyzing the data, "I am certain Lady Satsuki had good reason for sanctioning the Fight Club."

Satsuki leaning on her chair soon smirked as she replied truthfully her thoughts of the Fight Club in an amused tone, "The failures of the defeated speak of their true worth. Just keep watching. You'll see for yourselves… whether they are destroying our academy… or being devoured by it."

She takes a sip of tea a stands up with a neutral expression as she speaks her plan to the Elite Four surprising them in a calm tone, "If they are that adamant about climbing the ranks why not throw them a bone joining our Student Council's Inner Circle? I doubt Mash would agree but what about his allies around him…"

The Elite Four were surprised when Satsuki explained her plan…

/////

[Honno City, One-Star District]

Exiting from the movie Ryuko and Mash came out with him shrugging at the movie with an unimpressed expression, "Man… that movie sucked hard. Seriously how are the people in the cast that dumb to realize Hitler is already dead?"

Ryuko nods her head sighing as she places her hand over her head at how corny the movie they watched was in a disappointed tone, "Yeah… I heard in reviews of Lupin the III supposedly being a great movie with decent plots. And my expectations plummeted down the drain. Especially with the 3D models."

Mash nodded his head watching the movie Lupin the III the First wasn't what it was made to be shaking his head as he thought to himself in a disappointed tone, 'Sigh… if the Heroic Spirit Lupin the III ever saw this he would steal the movie himself. Then burn it for such poor portray of his likeness.'

Despite the bad movie they certainly were entertained as Ryuko saw him smile seemingly in peace in a curious tone, "Hey jackass you seem to be better now. Did watching that crappy movie cheered ya up?"

He laughed seeing her attempt to lift his mood as he replied in a happy tone as they walked out of the theaters, "Hahaha… yeah, I'm chilled out. It's just it's been forever since I had this kind of normalcy for me. 2 years I suppose."

This earned her interest as she lightly persisted jabbing him on the shoulder getting curious, she asked in a confused tone, "For 2 years? Dude, do you need to touch some grass? Didn't your folks ever take you to one?"

When asked this she noticed he recoiled at the mentioning them. Ryuko almost cursed stepping on a sensitive landmine quickly apologizing, "Oh shit… sorry I didn't mean – "

She soon stopped as he raised his hand. Mash soon spoke in a calm tone accepting her apology as he explained himself, "No need to apologize. You didn't know and it… well, it's just been a while since I could do normal things like go out with friends or hang out watching movies. Honestly, it feels refreshing doing this."

Returning to his usual go-to attitude Ryuko sighed in relief but did think to herself from his words in a curious tone, '2 years…? Did something happen to him? Actually… it might be the best time to ask.'

Allowing her curiosity to get the best of her as they walked down the streets of Honno City One Star District she asked in a curious tone, "Say you said you missed this kind of thing that normal teens do right? What's up with that did something happen if you don't mind me prying too much into your business?"

Deciding to ask Mash looked as if he was about to say no but paused as if considering the idea. She waited for a bit from her comrade before he finally relented in a tired tone, "Sigh… I suppose it doesn't hurt to explain. You could say I've missed out 2 years of my normal life due to…"

Ryuko analyzes his face almost making out a growl at the words coming from him as if he hisses at them in disdain before returning to his tired tone, "… circumstances out of my control. And due to them, I've gotten myself a bit lost out in the open world. No clue where to find my folks, or hell where they live. Hell, I'm even jealous of Mako because of…"

No words needed to be said as Ryuko finishes for him in an understanding tone understanding his jealousy and envy in his eyes, "… because of her own family. Yeah, I wondered what made you moody you were homesick huh? I guess you wouldn't be the only one."

This made him blink a bit surprised hearing that from her. Mash thought in a confused tone tilting his head at her, 'What the heck is she talking about? Wasn't in the series she good friends with Mako I don't recall jealousy being a thing?'

Seeing his stunned expression Ryuko chuckled seeing his expression as she explained herself in a calm tone, "Ha. Guess even you could be surprised huh dumbass. You ain't the only one. I couldn't help but envy Mako with the folks who love her, and she loves them in return. It was something my old man didn't give to me when growing up…"

She almost laughed coldly as she rubbed one of her hands at her other arm joint and she continued talking in a neutral tone, "My old man and I didn't get along while I was growing up. When I was young my mother died around the time and my dad sent me to a boarding school, so I get you. I never knew what a family dinner was like till I hung out with Mako and her folks. I get why you envy her in that light."

Kicking a nearby can she stifles a small laugh as she continues tilting her head up to the sky seeing the stars brighten the night, "But at least you have folks to give you the warmth of a family. Not all of us are that lucky. I've been bullied by others, became a juvenile delinquent, constantly got into fights, and even went so far as to join a gang. But there's one thing I can tell you, dork."

*Tap*

Placing her fist over his chest near his heart she gave a genuine light grin giving him advice in a confident tone, "Despite the things or people in your way you got to stay determined and find your way. Find your way before your body is dry. Know what you want till the very end jackass because I'll be fucking disappointed if you gave up. You hear me?"

Hearing her words of encouragement he had a stunned expression on his face. Then another memory plays in his head of his first time traveling to the Re: Zero world Rem's advice as he closed his eyes to recall in his head never forgetting that memory, 'Mash-kun…. It's easy to give up, however, it doesn't suit you…. You sweetly melted my frozen heart and gently moved my stopped time. I believe in you. I'll always believe in you. The Mash-kun who saved me is a real hero. I love you.'

He soon smiled remembering why he set out on this long journey. Why he'll never give up no matter what. A reason to continue living.

Opening his eyes again Ryuko noticed them immediately. No longer was the glint of depression or despair in them. Now they were filled with a sense of purpose and determination.

*Tap*

Hugging Ryuko she stuttered at the surprised hug not used to this kind of familiarity as she asked in an embarrassed tone, "W-What the heck you are doing pervert! You're a bit too close jackass!!"

Letting go of the embrace she looked up into his eyes. There was something behind his golden veil within his eyes genuinely smiling as he spoke in a thankful tone, "Thanks Ryuko… you helped me remember something very important. I owe ya big time helping me out."

She blushed at the compliment but internally she smiled happily seeing the true him in a thankful tone gazing at his golden eyes, 'Yeah… it's what friends do dummy… and I'm glad I got to see this side of you…'

Clasping her hands with his own he soon spoke in a happy tone sporting a grin on his face locking their eyes, "Now come on. Let's go back home and I'll whip up something good to eat for dinner tonight. I can guarantee you it's gonna be good from the Boar Hat cook on duty!"

He grinned as Ryuko allowed him to drag her back to his apartment. But a noticeable grin was shown on her face as she thought to herself happily, 'You may be strong as hell man but… I guess even you have your faults like everyone else. I'm glad I was able to do something for you after the number of times you saved my ass. I'm glad I got to save you at least once.'

Having accomplished her goal of helping Mash out she took it as her accomplishment for the day.

/////

[The Next Day, Hounnoji Academy, Courtyard Arena]

*DUN*

*DUN*

Today is the day that the Fight Club fights against the Elite Four with Mash having petitioned to increase the Fight Club's remuneration standing in the middle of the courtyard arena Mash spoke out loud, "The time has finally come to challenge the Elite Four! If we win this battle the Fight Club will earn its place at the pinnacle of Honnouji Academy earning its place!!"

The Elite Four remained silent as Nonon first spoke in an annoyed tone looking down at the three in front of them, "What right does an underclassman have to challenge us?"

He merely grinned as Ryuko got her Scissor Blade at the ready as he replied crossing his arms smugly replying, "According to your rules our club's achievements give me the right. The best part of Honnouji Academy's system is that the practical application of one's abilities defines their position within its hierarchy!!"

Ryuko nods her head twirling her Scissor Blade affirming playing by their rules in a confident tone pointing her weapon at them, "Yeah! We've already crushed all the main clubs. You Elite Four are all that remain! It's time for the big battle jackass just as promised!!"

*TMP*

Satsuki soon revealed herself doing a dramatic heel clip and blacklights as she voiced out Ryuko's words in a stern tone, "No you failed to eliminate all clubs within the Academy Ryuko Matoi! Till you defeat the last Club Captain your fight against the Elite Four will be withheld!"

This surprised the group as Ryuko yelled out loud replying in an angry tone for the sudden changes, "What—What the hell you mean no?! We defeated every main club there is in this damn school what club captain is there left!!"

Satsuki merely grinned as Mash realized what she wanted. Ryuko took a few seconds to process with Satsuki gazing at him till it clicked in her head says in an annoyed tone, "Oh, you manipulative bitch!"

Realizing what Satsuki meant she intended to have Ryuko Matoi battle against the final Club Captain of the Fight Club Mash Bastion. By automatic default according to Satsuki's words, he is technically the only Club Captain left that Ryuko has to bypass to get to the Student Council.