A week has passed ever since Noguchi called me behind the school, while the days were peacefully passing by which was a good thing. I am currently inside the classroom at lunchtime reading some novels while Himari was on her seat writing something on her notepad.
While both of us are friends we decided to refrain from talking to each other in class since it causes a commotion between our classmates. While eating lunch together was natural for us since most people have accepted it. There is also the fact that Himari would sometimes ask me to cook and watch so she could improve her skills as well but, this was one of the secrets we both keep to ourselves.
While waiting for class to start, Noguchi Aku went inside the classroom and stood in front of the podium. The students in my class noticed him and began to gossip about him being here.
I sighed and continued to read my book; Noguchi came towards my seat with a wide smile on his face. His hands were on my table which gave me less space to move. Since it has come to this, I looked at him waiting for him to say something.
"" Seems like you are enjoying yourself Satoshi, don't worry I'm not here for you right now, I just came to give you a message before doing my business.""
Noguchi says that before going towards Himari's direction.
I glanced at Himari to which I see her looking at me with a worried look before returning to her usual calm look. That was a rare face for her to make since there weren't many occasions where I was placed in harm's way.
I looked at Noguchi who right now was talking to Himari and some people around her. He had a smile on his face, but I can guess the smile he is making is a confident smile with a hidden motive. More so, it seems that the peaceful days are going to end.
"" Hey hey anyone wanna go karaoke after school?""
Noguchi's conversation can be heard from my place.
Karaoke? I heard from my family that it is common for high school students to have fun there. I don't understand how karaoke would be helpful for Noguchi but this may be a problem since I don't have any information pertaining to that.
"" Seems fun, we won't have any tests this week so let's go!""
A girl from my class raises her hand with a cheerful voice.
"" If it's Noguchi-san's invitation then it should be big right? Count me in I'll sing my heart out.""
A male student joins in.
More students soon start to join in his invitation, that aside, I have no intention to join due to my position. It seems Himari-san doesn't want to join as well, although I thought she would be interested but, due to her encounters with Noguchi she probably doesn't want to get involved.
"" Now now, anyone can join the karaoke I'll reserve the venue with one of our business partners, so I'll need a list of those to come. Also, other classes will be invited as well, hope we all have fun later.""
Noguchi pulled out his phone seemingly typing something, I would guess are the people coming.
What a terrifying use of power and influence, I am very sorry for the person supporting him since these guys just use the money for these kinds of things. While it is good to have fun once in a while, this kind of fun is just too excessive.
"" Alright, is this all the people coming?""
Noguchi looked around holding his phone speaking the names of the people who were written.
"" Eeeh, the "Angel" isn't coming along?""
A female student exclaimed which earned the attention of the other students.
Noguchi who heard this smiled for a second before returning to talk holding his phone. I don't know, she didn't approach me, so I guess she's not coming.
I glanced at Himari who clearly had been not expecting this to happen. I would guess that this is part of Noguchi's plan since I clearly had an idea of what he wanted since during eavesdropping on Himari's encounter with him and being cornered by him once I could guess he was aiming for Himari.
I wonder what Himari would do in this situation, the pressure from her peers is quite scary. She still had a calm look on her face, but I can tell she was surprised to be called out.
"" You should join Himari-san as well, it will be fun to see you sing.""
The cheerful girl invites Himari with a smile on her face.
Soon after the others surrounding her were also trying to invite her to join which in turn got accepted.
"" I think I can come today; I don't have plans but I need to return by 6 in the evening so I can't spend too much time.""
Himari finally gave in to the pressure which earned a cheer from the boys in my class.
"" Today is our lucky day boys, were going to hear the "Angel" sing!""
A male student was screaming with joy at the back of the classroom.
Seems like this is going to be a big event, I wonder if Kadehera-kun and the others will join. If they join them, they can watch over Himari if I ask them to.
I thought of that as the bell rings signaling the start of afternoon classes...
After classes ended, I ended up going to the mall because someone called me for something and asked me to investigate a place which ended up being the karaoke place Himari was at. I didn't mind investigating as he was like a benefactor and an old friend, although I was surprised to find out about what I was supposed to investigate I accepted it in exchange for a favor.
Currently, I am in a cafe in front of the karaoke place watching from a distance. I talked to the waitress who was serving me as my informant around this area. Our relationship was that of merchants where we trade information with each other in exchange for things.
"" So, what does Leon want with me right now, don't worry about me skipping my work you are a priority.""
The waitress sat down across me smiling at me.
"" You really should take good care of your cafe; it would be bad if that happened again.""
"" Don't remind me of that, well it's thanks to you I managed to get this place back on track, so I won't slack off too much.""
The waitress slumped down on the table.
"" Aira-san, please stop acting like that, even if you're not working, you're still a staff of this cafe wouldn't that give a bad impression?""
"" It's fine, I'm tired let me rest for a bit.""
The slumping waitress was known as Hiroku Aira, she is in her younger 20's but she still acts like a child.
Some circumstances led to our relationship right now, if I were to summarize it would have been I got dragged to help her out because she is a relative of the people that took care of me.
"" Can you tell me about the karaoke place on the other side?""
Telling what I want to know, I asked the slumping Aira respectfully.
"" That karaoke places? Well, that place is popular for their wide rooms and good service. Normally Karaoke places are smaller in size but apparently, that place is different since the rooms can be extended to fit almost 60 people. It can be used as a party venue for events like weddings and birthdays.""
"" What about the staff and history of the place?""
I continued to press forward with my questions.
"" The owner of the place is directly involved with the Noguchi family as the land is being rented by the owner. The staff are trained with protocols and are the kind of people that are well versed in customer service other than that, it is currently not doing well unlike in the past.""
Airi-san continued to explain changing her slumping posture to a proper sitting position.
"" For how it came into the place it is now, it was started by a member of the Noguchi family. The brother of the late Noguchi Ryoku wanted to build a place where events can be held for the family but after an unfortunate accident, the land was passed to the present owner who was stated in the will.""
"" Moreover, the present owner is a friend of the brother which was rumored to be the lover of the brother. It is unconfirmed but, I believe it to be true since the brother did not fight for the head of the family position at that time.""
"" Okay, that's enough Airi-san thank you for telling me this, here is your payment.""
I hand her an envelope containing the cash for her service.
"" Thanks, seems like you got good information out of this but, may I ask you a question? ""
Airi-san accepts the envelop I handed to her
I don't mind answering one question, but not about me, please.
"" Are you involved with that person?""
She says pointing at the letter N in the middle of the envelope.
"" Yes, I am connected to that person, He asked me to investigate this since he can't move due to his schedule.""
"" Really you are one hell of a person, your connections are simply unpredictable.""
Airi-san says that as I stood up to leave the cafe.
"" Good luck with your business expansion by the way Airi-san.""
I waved goodbye as I moved to my next objective.
Leaving the cafe, I went entered to the Karaoke place stealthily since it can become a commotion if anyone in the school saw me entering because of my standing. As I enter the place, I directly went towards the reception table where a female employee is standing by.
"" Hello, welcome to the Nitro Karaoke, we are really sorry we don't have any available rooms right now as the place is reserved for the day.""
The receptionist gave me a warm welcoming smile as I approached while also explaining the circumstance of the place.
"" No need to worry I have wanted to talk to the owner of the place, is she around?""
I calmly state my intentions while giving a card to the receptionist for confirmation.
Receiving the card, she asked me to wait while she went to the door at the side which was only for authorized people. I waited for a while until she came back gesturing me to come inside to the same door, she went through guiding me through the hallway to the room of the person I wanted to meet.
"" Good afternoon, I am really sorry for the bad accommodation but please bear with it, we are currently busy with a lot of things.""
A female adult who seemed to be in her mid-thirties welcomed me inside.
"" It is fine, I was the one who came unannounced, so I expected this.""
I bowed giving my greetings to the person who was named Shinobu Tomoe.
"" I'm really sorry about that since this is the first time, we are meeting I'll introduce myself, I am the current owner of Nitro Karaoke, Shinobu Tomoe.""
"" I'm Satoshi Leon and I am the representative of that person for now, because of his busy schedule he asked me to do this. I know you have some questions asked but let me apologize on his stead for being late in contacting your business.""
"" Alright, I'll be frank, what does that person want? My business already has a number of problems so I might not be able to effectively do things.""
Shinobu went ahead with the main topic.
"" That's why I came here, the head needs to clarify some things about your business since someone he knows was connected.""
I gave her some peace of mind which would be good news for her business.
"" Do you mean him?""
Shinobu asked for confirmation.
"" Believe me when I say that you are following that person's personal desires, not the whole family.""
"" Damn that kid, so that was all a lie!""
"" Unfortunately, yes, you were not actually following the current head of the Noguchi family rather you were deceived that you were following the head's decision. Don't worry Shinobu-san I as the representative will make sure you will get what you deserve.""
I reassured to her that the problems will be solved.
"" Sorry for losing my composure Satoshi-san it's just been hard for the business today, we have been on the red for months because of that brat.""
Calming down Shinubo made a tired face from her former agitated expression.
"" Please forgive the lateness of the head he has been trying to busy in his position ever since that happened.""
I bowed my head to her explaining to her the tardiness of the support.
"" I know, he was still young after all, it seems like he has been doing well I hope he can provide help to me. I also lost someone important during that so I can understand it.""
"" Well then, moving on please take this letter, the head will personally establish his support once a contract is signed, I will report the matter to the head as well. Also, here is a recording of our conversation if by chance I wasn't able to report to the head please give this to him as proof.""
I handed Shinubo-san the recording which earned me a surprised look on her face.
"" Thank you, Satoshi-san, I'll be sure to use this when it happens.""
"" I hope everything goes well for you now Shinobu-san, you can cancel that contract you had with the head's younger brother. I'll be on my way now thank you for your time, also the contact information of the head is written on the card I gave to your receptionist please save it if you have any questions for him. He will want to meet you at some point in time to fully discuss the contract so please leave your schedule open at the given time stated.""
I leave the room returning to the reception area of the building since I have done my purpose here. As I was about to leave the karaoke place, a voice called out to me.
"" Well well well, seems like we've got an uninvited guest in the place, what are you doing here Satoshi the Delinquent?""
The voice of Noguchi Aku was heard from behind, at the same time people looked to see what was going on.
"" Hello, Noguchi-kun it's been a while, don't worry I am already leaving the place, I was just done with my task.""
I turned around to see a smiling Noguchi but, his smile does not imply someone was happy to see me. While I am not here to mess his party directly, he seemed to have misunderstood me being here.
"" Oh, don't be like that you can stay for a while right? I just have some questions for you Satoshi.""
"" Sorry, Noguchi-san I don't want to stay here any longer I would like to return home.""
"" You have been very annoying Satoshi, don't you know who you are dealing with? You think the things you do are more important than mine?""
Noguchi clapped his hands, and the exit was blocked by his goons which made me unable to leave.
"" Listen up Satoshi, I am——""
"" Noguchi Aku, the second son of the late Noguchi Ryoku whose main business is to sell and rent out land to the people in Japan. Being the second son who has no influence in the household until today due to his older brother's talent for running the business left by the former head.""
I cut his words explaining what I know about him.
"" Shut up, don't you dare mock my position in my family!""
Noguchi had a face full of rage, he looked like he was about to lunge at me.
Noguchi raised his voice which garnered the attention of the surrounding people. I saw some familiar faces in the crowd, but I pay no heed to them as I stopped talking further.
"" Anything else you want to ask me Noguchi-san?""
I calmly look at him, the surrounding crowd began murmuring because of the tense situation.
"" Tell me Satoshi, why are you always getting in the way of my plans?""
He slowly went closer to me lowering his voice.
"" What do you mean by plans, I only got involved with you on the day you called me out at the back of the school.""
"" Don't tell me that you bastard, ever since you came into contact with the "Angel" all of my plans have been ruined by you.""
"" I don't know what you are talking about, I may be there coincidentally I've never seen you nor know what you did.""
I never encountered Noguchi during the time where I met Himari in the park. If I were to deduce what he said, then he must have done something to put Himari in that state. Then, could the thug that I took down that time be part of his plan? If that's the case, then that would explain a lot about Himari's attitude during that time. I wonder what would have happened if I didn't help her.
While thinking about the words he gave me, I suddenly felt pain in my right leg which forced me to take a kneeling position.
"" Guh!""
I held my leg turning around to see a familiar male student grinning at me with his leg in a kicking position.
"" Now that's more like it.""
Noguchi sends a right hook at my face to which I took directly since it was a pain to dodge. I held my face that took the force of the punch and looked back at Noguchi.
"" Like a child throwing a tantrum, it is a shame that you won't listen to what I say now.""
I look at Noguchi with disinterested eyes to which made him smile widely.
""What's wrong Satoshi? Don't think that you can just leave like nothing happened when you clearly did something.""
The crowd began to murmur wondering about the words Noguchi had said.
"" Did the Delinquent do something here?""
"" Man, now I'm scared, who knows what he could have done.""
"" Seems like Noguchi had caught him.""
How funny, even though they didn't have any idea what was happening they start to think too much.
I looked at the crowd which made them silent. I also saw a familiar face in the crowd who had a worried face but that doesn't matter right now.
"" Anything to say Satoshi? You better start confessing what you did because it is not going to end well.""
My eyes wandered towards the door that I came from, at the same time the receptionist got out of the room. Seeing the situation turning grave she went back to the door which I guess was to report Shinubo-san about what is happening.
"" Not gonna say anything back Satoshi?!""
Losing his patience Noguchi taunts me so I carefully selected what I was about to say.
"" How funny, for a person like you to be drowned in the power of someone who worked hard to build shows how immature you are to handle the Noguchi family's business.""
Noguchi hears my words and makes a face that was about to kill while I kept my calm demeanor holding the part of my face that was punched earlier.
He sends another hook to my face, but I used the hand I held my face to swipe his knees swiftly before the punch connected.
Using the momentum of the swipe, I used the hand as a support to lift my body upside down launching a 180 kick towards Noguchi which connected right at his face forcing him to fall down unconscious.
Everyone in the venue was surprised to see my actions. In a state of shock, no one made a sound and only silence was heard.
A second later the door opens revealing Shinubo-san with a worried face but seeing the unconscious Noguchi lying on the floor she made a sigh of relief.
"" Sorry Satoshi-san, I'll take care of this situation please leave while this guy is unconscious he can cause a lot of problems if you stay here.""
"" Can you explain to everyone here that this is all a misunderstanding on his part Shinubo-san? It would really help me since Noguchi-san here made false accusations.""
"" I'll explain the situation to them thank you for coming here.""
It seems Shinubo-san understood this Noguchi to cause problems which made it easier to understand.
I turned to the person blocking the exit.
"" Move....""
Seeing what I did to Noguchi, the male student made way for me to exit, and with that I got out of the karaoke place without much of a problem.