Something I've learned over two lifetimes is that things don't always go the way you want them to.
One day you can be perfectly calm, following the routine you've kept for so long, and the next day it feels like the whole world is against you.
Well, saying "the whole world" is an exaggeration. A more accurate way to put it would be: a small group of people.
So, you're probably wondering—what kind of trouble am I in?
The answer to that goes back to yesterday, just minutes before lunchtime.
And even if I wanted to remember everything vividly, I'll recount it in my own way:
I was quietly sitting at my desk reading a novel—as usual. The classroom felt livelier than on other days, mostly because five students were absent.
That's when the school's loudspeakers called me to the principal's office.
And yes, in this world there are people with important roles in schools—unlike the anime stereotype where teachers and principals are practically nonexistent and the only recognizable staff member is the nurse who becomes a plot device.
Studying in a school like that would be nice, but this is reality—well, at least mine.
So once I was called, I had no choice but to leave the classroom and head to the principal's office.
Were they calling me to congratulate me for being an exemplary student?
Hahaha—not even I believed that.
There was only one reason they'd summon me, and I was fully aware of it.
After passing through reception and greeting the secretary, I stepped into the principal's office.
"Tsurumi-kun, have a seat."
The principal was the typical older man—probably over sixty—with white hair from age, yet he still carried himself with a firm presence and a sharp, determined gaze.
Being someone with decent manners, I greeted him properly and sat down across from him.
"You know why I've called you here, don't you?"
His expression stayed serious the entire time.
I simply nodded and confirmed his words. I wasn't going to lie to his face.
"I see… So it's true you beat up five students and left them seriously hurt." He sighed, clearly disappointed.
Even if I don't look like it, I'm a good student. So for someone who seems well-behaved to do something like this—it's unheard of.
"If I may say something, it was self-defense."
Self-defense—now that is a law that really helps in situations where you have to prioritize your own safety over someone else's. Or at least that's how the laws worked in the world I studied before I died.
"Self-defense to the point of knocking out five students?"
I just nodded again.
The principal looked tired; I don't blame him. His job is to maintain order at this school, and since it's a private institution, he has to make sure the environment is suitable for everyone.
"I doubt that's all you have to say. Even so, I wouldn't have believed it if you hadn't confirmed it yourself."
He placed several papers on his desk—complaints from the mothers of the boys I gave a light beating to.
"When these complaints came in, I thought they were some kind of joke."
"So, what's going to happen?"
Playing dumb would've been pointless. It's always better to be direct so I know what I can do about the situation.
"The mothers are demanding your expulsion, but I can't do that without hearing both sides. I don't believe you'd do something like this without a good reason. And since you said it was self-defense, I want to hear everyone's version of the events."
"No problem," I replied with a nod.
"Come back tomorrow with one of your parents. The other five students will also come with a guardian."
"My parents are away on a trip; I don't think they can come. Besides, I'm pretty sure this will be over faster than it seems, so it's not necessary."
I lied without hesitation for my own safety.
My parents are working; my mom even has the day off today, but I fear for my life if she finds out about this.
Mothers are terrifying, no matter what world you live in.
"Alright, come to my office tomorrow during lunch. I'll listen to both sides and make a decision based on that."
With our conversation over, I left his office and headed back to my classroom.
Ever since that day, I'd figured something like this would happen, so I was prepared.
It wasn't my first time getting into trouble—well, in this world it was. I usually avoid most problems before they happen, and when that's impossible, I just reason like a responsible adult. Thanks to that, I've never faced anything with serious consequences.
And this time wouldn't be any different. After all, how could a grown adult be so irresponsible as to not predict the outcome of their own actions? I mean, what kind of idiot would hit someone knowing full well what would happen on school grounds?
I may look dumb, but I'm not… maybe a little… perhaps.
And that was the most important thing that happened yesterday.
Although I almost forgot—yesterday, when I reached my classroom at lunchtime, Yumiko was waiting for me, interrogating me about why I'd been called to the principal's office. I told her everything calmly, and even though she seemed worried, I said there was nothing to worry about; at worst, I'd end up expelled. I was joking, though I don't think she got it.
Anyway, when the lunch bell rang, I left my classroom and walked to the principal's office.
Entering what felt like my place of execution, the secretary guided me to the principal's small meeting room, where a table and several chairs were set up. There, I met the five boys I had "spoken with" so kindly… along with each of their mothers.
A lot of things that look like clichés in anime happen in real life too.
For example, the husband working all day while the wife handles the house. And from what I can see, that's exactly the case here.
I could feel the murderous gazes of the mothers, since I was the one who hurt their precious sons—the innocent victims.
Maybe I did go a bit overboard, but this is exaggerated.
Each of the boys had bandages and neck braces, as if their bones had actually been broken.
Sure, I know how to fight, but this is absurd—I never tried to break their bones or anything like that… Of course, I could've if I wanted to, but that's not the point here.
I'm not some lunatic who goes around breaking people's bones…
"Tsurumi-kun, take a seat."
Nodding at the principal's words, I sat down in front of ten people who were clearly not happy to see me.
"Now that both sides are present, I want to hear the victims' version of events."
The same boy who confessed to Yumiko began recounting what happened that day, though he changed a few parts—just slightly.
"That day, I was going to confess to a girl, but this guy showed up and threatened us. When I tried to ask what he wanted, he hit me… My friends tried to help and calm him down, but he hit them without any hesitation…"
Hearing it told like that really makes me sound like the delinquent—the villain of the story. Kawasaki would burst out laughing if she heard this, bragging that I fit the delinquent image better than anyone.
After the boy's statement, the others nodded along while their mothers comforted them, calling me trash for beating up their precious little boys.
I'm glad I didn't bring my mother; she wouldn't stay calm after hearing that… In that sense, we're very similar.
"Alright, now that we've heard their side, Tsurumi-kun, would you explain your version of what happened?"
I cleared my throat before speaking.
"Yumiko—the girl that guy confessed to—is someone I know. So when she told me someone was going to confess to her, I decided to take a look."
It was already a pretty common scenario, but Yumiko's attitude made it seem like she was trying to get my attention.
"At that moment, while I was watching the confession, Yumiko—being true to herself—couldn't help saying exactly what she thought. And that's when he… uh, what's your name again?"
Now that I think about it, I don't even know his name…
"Well, it doesn't matter." I waved my arms dismissively. "This guy couldn't handle rejection properly and started getting aggressive. Knowing what kind of guy he is, I stepped in and told him to calm down, but all he did was try to use violence as his only answer. What is he, a gorilla who only knows how to flex his muscles?"
…Oops, that slipped out.
"Anyway, I tried to settle things with words, like the good student I am, but since he kept trying to hit me, I had no choice but to knock him out. After that, his friends—who apparently can't fight one-on-one—came at me all at once, so I had to use a bit of force to handle them. Are they wild animals who can't reason?"
I think I said what I was thinking again… I really need to work on that.
"And that's everything that happened. It was just a case of self-defense—something I had no choice but to use to protect my physical well-being."
This time, I made sure not to let anything else slip.
If this were an actual courtroom, the jury would absolutely side with my version.
Well… that would be the case if I were actually being judged in court. But right now I'm just explaining myself to the school principal.
"I see. In that case, both versions contradict each other… it's quite difficult…"
It's obvious the principal wants to declare me innocent. I've never shown any behavior that would make him doubt me. But with five mothers glaring at him like prosecutors ready to tear him apart, declaring my innocence alone isn't enough to stop the incoming storm.
I guess I have no choice but to use my trump card—my secret weapon, my last resort, my Exodia.
In short, the master move I prepared for this situation.
What?
Is it too convenient?
Oi, oi, think for a second. I've always been cautious, someone who never acts without considering every possible scenario. So why would today be the exception? Please… just a little reading comprehension.
As I pondered how to make my inner thoughts sound fancier, I snapped out of them when the guy in front of me suddenly raised his voice.
"That's a lie!"
And right on cue, another one jumped in.
"He's the one who attacked us without mercy!"
Wow. They're really making it sound like I'm some kind of lunatic who goes around beating up innocent people…
As if I'd wait for four students to leave a karaoke place just to ambush them in the perfect spot.
I'd never do something like that… I think… Maybe I did… There's no evidence or witnesses…
In that moment, both the students and their mothers began accusing me of being a liar, a horrible person, and plenty of other things.
"Silence!" The principal slammed his hands on the desk. "I've heard both sides; however, an investigation must still be conducted unless one of you can present evidence to support your version."
If I keep wasting time here, I won't be able to go get lunch.
So it's time to bring out the ace up my sleeve—the one I prepared last night at home.
But before I could say anything, the office door suddenly burst open.
The secretary was the one responsible.
"Principal, someone is here to see you..."
Before she could finish, a woman walked in.
Everyone involved is already here, and I can guarantee she is not my mother.
So I have absolutely no idea who she is.
The atmosphere instantly tensed the moment she stepped inside.
Her dark purple hair was tied into a messy, high ponytail that swayed with each step she took, giving her a fierce yet effortlessly attractive look. A few rebellious strands framed her face, softening her sharp features just enough without dulling the intensity she radiated. Her bangs fell over one side of her eyes, sharpening her gaze and adding to that dangerous charm she carried.
Her eyes—deep, reddish-brown—held a calm, almost amused focus as they swept across the room. Even without raising her voice, she gave off the impression that she understood everything happening here better than anyone else.
The toothpick between her lips only amplified that confident, laid-back aura—like someone who never worried about consequences because she'd already decided she could handle them.
She wore a sleek black outfit that clung to her figure in all the right ways without showing anything it shouldn't. The top traced her silhouette with a bold sort of elegance, an understated sensuality that made it impossible not to look twice. A wine-red belt sat snugly at her waist, drawing the eye naturally to her shape.
Over her shoulders, the white fur mantle rested like a regal accent, contrasting beautifully with her dark clothing. The fluffy texture framed her upper body and added a dramatic, almost queenlike feel—dangerous, confident, and undeniably striking.
When she walked, the long black coat split at the sides swayed around her legs, revealing glimpses of her thigh-high stockings. The lace at the top of the stockings was detailed and dark, adding a refined yet undeniably sexy touch to her appearance—tasteful, deliberate, and completely in control. Her black boots struck the floor with purpose, every step radiating confidence and command.
Everything about her—from her posture to the slight smirk on her lips—carried the aura of someone both beautiful and intimidating, someone who could silence a room just by walking into it.
Am I being too descriptive and attentive toward this woman? What can I say—she's my type. So why not give her a little more of my attention?
When she finally stopped walking, she rested a hand on her hip.
The air shifted.
Her presence didn't just stand out—it demanded attention.
A strange mix of beauty and authority radiated from her, the kind that made the room fall silent without her having to raise her voice.
Who is this woman?
Even though she wasn't looking directly at me at first, I felt an undeniable pressure coming from her, the kind that reminded me of my mom whenever she was angry.
Is she connected to any of this?
Or did life just decide to throw a random cutscene into my school adventure?
A former student?
The principal's daughter?
No… maybe granddaughter.
She looked young—especially with that style—but she carried herself like someone much older.
For a brief moment, her eyes met mine.
And for some reason I can't explain, she gave me a small smile.
"Looks like you're all having fun in here, huh?" she said, her tone relaxed and playful despite barging into the middle of the conversation.