THE HIGAN FILES - KAORU'S RELATIONSHIP CHART
Log date - XX/XX/2000
Enclosed in this document are my personal findings and insights into as many prominent students of Higan Academy that I have collected over my time attending. Each profile includes general information, whatever suspicious activity I have found regarding them, and my personal thoughts on them, as well as a designated threat level. I may provide contingency plans on occasion, if I know the target well enough.
If any members of the Student Council ever find this document, please understand: I am a deeply distrustful person. Any suspicions I may have of anyone are born out of a need to make sure anyone who may betray me or cause strife in the future can be predicted, or stopped, before I or anyone else gets hurt.
I am also aware that you will have found out my own lies and secrecy. I have no excuse for this, but I beg for your forgiveness. I have nothing but good intentions under these glaring trust issues.
If you are reading this, and I have acute contingency plans for you, please understand: these contingency plans are only hypotheticals. In the event that you turned heel and they were necessary, if you truly wanted what’s best for everyone right now, you would need someone to be able to stop you. I have to do this because someone’s got to watch the watchmen.
Threat Levels
I will preface this section by explaining that no one, absolutely no one, is entirely free of suspicion or of the potential to be a threat. Therefore, my rankings will include a minimal threat level for everyone at most. At the same time, this ranking system is only an insight into the physical, socioeconomical and mental capabilities of someone, while acknowledging if they are Idolon users or not, to my knowledge. I have never fought anyone from school other than Ai Suishi directly, and as such, I cannot ascertain how spiritually powerful these individuals are. However, since the Idea World only brings out your true self, it’s reasonable to believe that strategies that play upon the psyche of someone else might still be effective in actual Idolon combat.
Kappa - Capable of being a nuisance, or causing only personal or emotional damage. Bullies, saboteurs, and mostly underpowered individuals.
Ox - Capable of causing considerable levels of damage, be it physical or otherwise. Rogue Idolon users and any enemies that might act solo fall into this category.
Daimyo - Capable of causing considerable levels of damage, as well as possessing some form of real-world influence over others. Popularity, charisma, blackmail and especially riches will land someone in this category.
Dragon - Hydrogen bombs waiting to go off. Dangerous individuals with the potential to be truly devastating. Brutes belong in the Ox category: Dragons are several steps above. They not only possess incredible spiritual power, but also great personal instability or a desire to do harm.
Oni - The most dangerous level. I can only attribute this to someone who I suspect of great evil. Anyone who might surpass my standards for the Dragon level will classify as Oni.
STUDENT COUNCIL
I, myself, have become a member of the Student Council. I was voted in thanks to the only remarkable quality in my otherwise unremarkable social standing: a good academic record. The Student Council required a treasurer, and I used my consistently stellar results in math tests as fuel for a successful campaign. That was the only time in my entire stay here that I had my name commonly mentioned by others, and I have returned to relative obscurity ever since.
My reasons for joining the Student Council, however, were not as friendly as one would think. As soon as I started attending Higan, I knew other Idolon users had to be roaming around the school. I took the decision to join the Student Council to not only watch over the watchmen, but also have a degree of information control over the entire school. I perform my job as a treasurer competently, but I will entirely admit to keeping records, doing inventory checks and overlooking budgets solely to keep as many tabs as possible on as many people as I can.
As sworn defenders of Higan and the entire city of Kageoka, the Student Council is, effectively, a group of vigilantes. As an adept of justice myself, I approve. However… anyone can believe they are heroes if they tell themselves they are. Anyone can claim they know where oppression and injustice lie, and they might believe that gives them the right to act and impose their will on others. And, of course, anyone can have a faulty judgement when it comes to such decisions. Every rebellion will take its price in blood, and the meadows of France have been watered by the blood of human lives who lived like anyone else has.
Who are the Student Council members to call themselves the “good guys”? Who is anyone to truly know who the objective heroes and villains are, in a world of lights and shadows, and many hues of red? I keep my secrets and act as Scarlet Senshi, bringing light from the darkness, to keep them honest. I must make sure they are truly as righteous as they believe they are, and if any of them were to turn heel, I must be the first to act and put an end to their treachery.
That said… regrettably so, I have found a degree of difficulty in keeping the mission free of emotion. I still don’t entirely trust my colleagues, but I have grown a certain degree of… attachment towards them. I look forward to seeing their faces every day. I might perhaps half-way enjoy Mihama-san’s positive attitude and the nickname she gave me. “Kao-Kao”… there is a degree of warmth I feel towards such an idea. Perhaps, in a world where I wasn't such a guarded person, and I could make sure they’re entirely good… I would like it if they could call me a friend. Perhaps they already do? If so, I would not be able to ascertain to what degree I would be able to reciprocate such a gesture in good faith.
If any of my colleagues are reading this… please know that, out of everyone I keep my façade up for, you are the people I wish to have to lie to the least.
Jinko, Shu
Codename: Mr. Perfect
Shu Jinko. President of the Student Council. Kaichou. I use such a title with him to maintain my mask of formality, my distance. However, perhaps he could see it as affectionate… as long as the others use it, I should keep doing so.
Shu Jinko requires no introduction. He sits at the top of this school. Popular, attractive (I would not lie about such a thing, even if it irks me) and a true friend to anyone who needs it. Everyone at the Student Council has sworn not only loyalty, but friendship to him. He performs sacrificial stunts, sometimes garnering media attention, and always stays on top as someone apparently heroic.
Apparently.
I have visited his home, on one occasion. A truly unnerving sight. His living space is run down, almost as if a Bleeding Zone, no — a Flooding Zone had been localized inside his home. I have noted down several anomalies in his home: near the windows, the temperature fluctuates in unusual ways. Wind currents are abnormal, as if a draft haunted the whole indoor space. The doors are unnecessarily noisy. Mold runs wild over every wooden substance. The entire place seems like it should fall apart at any moment… yet it doesn’t. And the feeling of not being alone is not unusual there.
As per why such a shining star would live inside such a place… I cannot possibly know. But that’s the best lead I have on him. Why would someone with a carefully curated heroic reputation live in a haunted house, for lack of a better term? Is his connection to the Idea World that strong?
That leads me to my next point: Kaichou is unnaturally lucky. Upon reviewing testimonies and records, he has comical levels of convenience that will support him at any time he would need them. My leading theory is that, somehow, the Idea World has chosen Shu Jinko. That is something I could not entirely trust. He holds a level of almost narrative advantage over the universe that, if placed in the wrong hands, would certainly be devastating to this city or perhaps the entire world. And, even if I can share his love of tokusatsu and truly desire to be his friend without pretensions, I must keep an eye on him. Just in case.
Threat Level: Daimyo
If Kaichou were not such an outwardly obvious hero, if I could notice the slightest hint of true darkness in his eyes… he would most likely be an immediate Oni level.
Contingency Plans: Shu is favoured by the universe – or at least, I assume as much. He is not particularly trained in martial arts, but any kind of confrontation would go his way just because. I must find ways to circumvent this if I am ever to face him in combat – and surely, facing him would mean facing Ai, as well. Fighting back against fate might be the most difficult task someone could do, but if I want to succeed, I must use my mental acuity to its fullest extent. If I can fool Shu for this long, I can do it again. Perhaps his luck could be used against him? I must learn more about his abilities. Speaking of, it would seem his Idolon, from what I know, is more geared towards support… that means a one-on-one confrontation might be disadvantageous to Kaichou. However, if his luck is still a factor, that may not be relevant in the slightest.
Dating Prospects:
Blakeney, what are you doing?! Why did you make me write that? I thought it’d be cute! Come on, give it a try! Just for me?
Dating Prospects: 10%
I will admit he would be a splendid partner. However, I could never truly trust him like the universe does. I would keep secrets from him and look into his own secrets. Not just that, but he has far too many suitors already. Suitors who are far more eye-catching than myself. Attempting to draw his attention would be dangerous to the mission. Not just that, but Ai would most certainly kill me. In a way, I wish Ai could be a well-adjusted human being and truly catch Kaichou’s attention… not for me. Friends at most.
Blakeney’s comment: A shining star! If he continues to sparkle, follow him to the end – but if he ever falters, my Scarlet Pimpernel… take him down with as much ferocity as anyone else!
Onguuchi, Madoka
Codename: Gals Panic
Onguuchi… leader of the so-called Beautification Committee. Despite the ridiculous name, the organization is essentially the public relations arm of the Student Council. As such, Madoka is around people often, and acts as somewhat of a mouthpiece. Her image as a gyaru clashes intensely with her family’s business, that being a dojo. She is poised to eventually take it over, much to her dismay.
Madoka is as cheery as they come. Together with Meliaya, they bring up anyone’s spirits, no matter the gravity of the situation. Her talent for people is remarkable, and even I can have an inkling of “fun” around her… regrettably so. I must work on reining in my instincts. She is my complete opposite: Madoka is flashy, and attracts attention. Just about perfect for me. I can blend into the background just fine when she’s around – or so I would think. She somehow brings everyone into the stage when it counts. This might be a tricky dynamic…
Her and Mihama are the wealthiest in the whole group – immediate cause for suspicion. How come her family survived the riots from long ago? There are many who hunger for money, and are not above coveting that of others. As such, I can only suspect that those who are wealthy now, especially those who inherit, have received such inheritances from families that hold enough power to survive a social crisis of that level. I cannot let my guard down, especially not under such influential people…
However, Madoka seems to be very opposed to the wishes her family has for her life. This can, to a degree, ease my suspicions on what she might eventually do with such power, but I cannot rule out the possibility of her family being capable of something dangerous.
Threat Level: Daimyo
With the capital, martial arts training and passive social control she exudes, Madoka Onguuchi is not to be underestimated. Not just that, but she’s surprisingly bright: despite not having as practiced detective skills as myself or especially Zennami, Madoka seems to have a talent for guessing someone’s next move, as indicated by the Student Council’s battle reports. Yes, Blakeney, I’m calling them battle reports. I know it’s just what they talk about when they come back from a Bleeding Zone, but I listen in and take mental notes. It also helps that Kaichou will simplify Idea World verbiage as if I wasn’t truly Awakened, so I can tell that their guards are down.
Contingency Plans: Madoka is a talented martial artist. Even with the takedowns and very rough CQC basics that Grandpa gave me, I wouldn’t last long in a direct confrontation, if it came to that. I would have to distract her in order to gain the upper hand, or use some kind of weapon. She might be good at reading her opponents, but that means feints or mind games might work. Bluffing, or forcing 50/50 situations where she HAS to guess, as well as playing with her reaction speed, might seem like the most effective way to take her down. It would seem her Idolon, from what I’ve heard, is mystical in nature and has access to forms of banishment and reinforcements. I would infer that a one-on-one battle would, paradoxically, be preferable.
Blakeney’s comment: The pen is mightier than the sword. She shows value in fighting destiny… but just how long can destiny be avoided?
Mihama, Meliaya
Codename: La Pucelle
Another brilliant mind from the Student Council. Meliaya Mihama (strange name, must be foreign…) is the Student Council’s secretary and the class representative for her class. Her mental acuity is remarkable, and she is especially skilled with machinery and hardware. When it comes to technology, she’s an expert. Her hobbies include video games… I have dabbled in arcades here and there, even if the mission doesn’t leave me much time for that kind of recreation. I’ve had to watch less anime and wrestling because of that…
As secretary, Meliaya excels in conflict resolution. She’s energetic and can bring up the spirits of just about anyone, simply with her attitude. If Madoka was passively influencing others, Meliaya is the kind that just brings a laugh out of anyone with her antics. Her empty face could be featured in a comedy manga…
Meliaya is fluent in a wide variety of languages, from old Japanese and romance languages to… the demonic language? I wonder if that has something to do with the Idea World, but every time she “speaks” it, it’s just gibberish and guttural noises. Her voice becomes surprisingly deep on those occasions. She seems to be quite wealthy, which immediately bumps her up a few places in the threat scale, for reasons I have previously outlined. However, her parents seem to be absent most of the time… I wonder just how much control over the family fortune she has, if she’s basically home alone most of the time.
However, Meliaya lacks in street smarts despite being quite plentiful in book smarts. She’s surprisingly naive and childlike in ways that someone our age should absolutely not be. It makes me legitimately concerned for her wellbeing, even if I should still be suspecting her as much as I should… Meliaya is best friends with that Rodionvova person – another cause for concern. Perhaps I could get closer to the Census Club with her help… I must investigate further, but at my own peril. I cannot, under any circumstances, underestimate the foreigner. Her relationship with that Itsuki boy is also concerning. How could I possibly get her to gain some distance? Or perhaps I can exploit that closeness as well… in retrospect, her social circles could be a wonderful tool.
Threat Level: Ox
As someone with great wealth, Meliaya would normally be at least a Daimyo level – but she’s just so trusting, so gullible and naive that I frankly cannot see her as anything else. Unless she were to be putting on a façade as believable as mine, if not more. I doubt that, however, considering her flaws have genuinely endangered her life on more than one occasion. I still cannot clear her of suspicion, but at the very least, she can be ruled out of higher threat levels.
Contingency Plans: Prevent access to technology. Any tools at her disposal could be dangerous on the merit of Meliaya’s talent. However, she might be quite easy to physically subdue, a flaw that others have exploited in the past. I am aware her Idolon seems to be related to technology, therefore such a contingency may be useless in a Bleeding Zone. However, if she could be forced into a close quarters situation, perhaps superior combat ability and disarming techniques might do the trick.
Blakeney’s comment: I know very little of your modern technology. Back in my day, some steel and a smile was all you needed to strike fear into your enemies! Never rely on such a thing, Kaoru. You are smarter than that!
Nejima, Ran
Codename: Tag Team
Ran Nejima… Leader of the Disciplinary Committee. Ironic, considering he’s the only member of the Student Council with a criminal record. Let’s see here: shoplifting, assault, participating in street gangs… a troubled past with the yakuza, too. Ran Nejima’s reputation precedes him, but he seems to be doing as much as possible to change and direct his violent energy towards a good cause. At the very least, this one’s skeletons are straight out of the closet from the start. He also plays in the rugby team.
Upon a closer look, Ran Nejima’s story is truly a tragic one. Almost like clockwork, he goes on frequent visits to the hospital. I have learned his brother was attacked by the yakuza, wrongfully, since their original target was Ran himself, which left his brother in a coma. Now, he visits his brother periodically. I should research how exactly the Idea World might react to those who are in vegetative states -- within reason. I'm sure a mad scientist with an Idolon would certainly run with that idea, so I'll put it away for now. Nejima-san is actually fairly guarded, for what it’s worth. Not a bad habit, but one I will absolutely suspect – even if that makes me a hypocrite. Hell, if someone were to find me fishy, even if it were a problem for the mission, I would applaud the effort.
I can only sympathize with Nejima-san's cause. However, his emotions certainly run high because of it. That can make him a liability to himself and others. Since the Idea World, Bleeding Zones and Idolons respond to personalities and feelings, emotionally volatile people are never a good sign. Perhaps I should suggest another mindfulness session? Not that it would have more beneficial effects than proper one-on-one therapy sessions, but I would at least be able to research the breadth of Nejima-san's emotional range.
He concerns me… the spirit of rebellion is fuelled by a thirst for violence. Those who seek too much violence will lose sight of true justice easily if they are presented with opportunities for more and more violence. Rebellion cannot be carried out mindlessly. If Nejima-san can control himself, and avoid losing sight of the values he seeks to defend, perhaps I shouldn’t be worried… but I must see proof of this firsthand.
Nejima-san seems to be the protective type. Of course, this is because of his brother. I wonder just how much danger he'll blindly jump into, or if his brother's health could be used as leverage against him somehow. Regardless, for the time being, Ran Nejima is a competent shield for the ones he cares for.
Threat Level: Daimyo
Despite lacking in the social graces, Ran Nejima is a powerhouse. As the self-proclaimed shield of the Student Council, he’ll be the first to strike in any situation, and his physical prowess is second to none. I don’t think a single student in this academy could face him one-to-one, except maybe Kaichou himself, and even then he’d have to get lucky to even last long.
Contingency Plans: Never fight him directly. Even in a Bleeding Zone, he’d most likely be a brute. However, he shouldn’t be underestimated mentally – most if not all combatants on this team seem to have good insight skills. If he were to become a threat, distance and defense would be immediate priorities. Stealth and subterfuge are key tools in taking him down. Anything he can’t face directly would be a good tool.
Dating Prospects: 5%
I’m sorry… just not my type. Strong men are a favourite of any girl, and Nejima-san clearly fits the bill – but I cannot risk a potential partner causing a ruckus on the regular. Too much attention would be drawn towards me. Besides, I’m most likely too plain for him. Also, I never understood why some boys shave their heads like that… who does he think he is, a wrestler? Now that I think about it, that might be kind of cool… n-no wait, dating a wrestler is a terrible idea! Too many eyes on me!
Blakeney’s comment: The fires of rebellion always need an enemy. If you make the world your enemy, many innocents will pay the price. Watch over him, my Scarlet Pimpernel!
Zennami, Yae
Codename: Sleuth
Vicepresident of the Student Council. Confidant to Kaichou. And above all… the most brilliant mind in the entire school, far surpassing my own detective skills. She’s dangerous. VERY dangerous to my mission. Even with how much information I may have on many people, she most likely has information on me… I am on high alert around her. I don’t think I can keep my secrets for too long if she’s in play. Not that I would want to take her out, however… but I must assume that she most likely knows some of my secrets already. No matter how secretive I may be, no matter how much I watch my back, she can probably tell my deepest, darkest secrets just by looking at me. But that doesn’t mean I’m gonna lose.
I know a few things about her that she most likely wouldn’t want me to know – namely, the fact that she’s under some kind of strict authority, even if she lives by herself. I’ve noticed the way she takes her meals. I can time her to the second. I also know she’s done detective work for the police. I can surmise she has family in law enforcement, and she’s being primed to work in law enforcement eventually. Whoever’s doing this, because she’s quite tight-lipped about her family, is very serious about Yae’s future prospects as a major police detective, to extremes that might even take a toll on her.
Regardless, what strikes me most suspicious about Yae is… her complete inaction. With how much she can piece together, how much she surely knows, how much she COULD do… she doesn’t do anything! I know the way she looks at me. She knows. She absolutely knows. But WHY? What’s she planning? Why does she just… SIT on all that untapped talent? She just lets others handle the problem! Even in Bleeding Zones, I’ve been told she’s more of a strategist, giving orders to frontline combatants and supporters alike. Whatever the occasion, Yae will just take a back seat! Is she, somehow, just content with knowing more than anyone else? Does she just like solving mysteries and that’s it? Ockham’s Razor would say so, but as per why someone would even be a detective with an attitude like this… it’s a mystery to even myself. For such a rational person, there is a clear lack of rationale in her actions.
Threat Level: Dragon
If Yae Zennami were to get off her ass, I would be done for. All my work as Scarlet Senshi would be exposed to the Student Council, and I wouldn’t know what they’d do with me. I might have to resign. But for some reason, she wants me around… does she just like having someone play second fiddle to her or something? Regardless, her mind is unparalleled. She most likely could identify any rogue Idolon users in minutes, and I fear what she could do in a Bleeding Zone – information control? Extremely concerning. I must keep my distance, if that were to happen.
Contingency Plans: Yae doesn’t seem particularly skilled in hand-to-hand combat. She takes a back seat almost every time, and she’s quite aloof. However, just because I could physically take her down, that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t see it coming. Fighting her must be closer to a game of chess than a wrestling match, and in a Bleeding Zone, knowing my every move with clinical accuracy would be a tremendous disadvantage. If I must take her down, I must get her to multitask, overwhelm her, and then overpower her.
Blakeney’s comment: A worthy adversary. Let the mind games begin! One long, treacherous riddle! Who’ll trust who? Maybe I’ll trust you? But! Can you trust me?! Just wait and see!!
This concludes my thoughts on the Student Council. Once again, if you are a member of the Student Council and you come across this document, PLEASE understand. If we are the heroes we claim to be, we must be kept in check. If anything from your past, your present or your future could be used to convince you to use your powers for evil, or your cause were to be derailed… I must be there to stop you. To make sure that true justice blooms.
Oh, and about myself? What would happen if Scarlet Senshi were to go to the other side? I have a plan. It’s called the Student Council.
FUJIWARA SENKI
It has come to my attention that there are many in-groups in Higan. Clubs are normal, and expected in almost every high school in the country... but it would seem that the Student Council is not the only vigilante group in Higan. I have obtained certain evidence of the existence of a group, four students that act towards common goals, or otherwise show some level of cooperation. Their activities are territorial, and they seem to roam the forbidden Fujiwara ward. Their name is... Fujiwara Senki! They sound like a cool sentai team. That's as much of a compliment as I will allow myself to give them.
Much like the Student Council, all self-proclaimed heroes, even myself, are fallible. I must search deeper into the Fujiwara Senki, and confirm their allegiance to the relevant forces of justice that come together to clear Bleeding Zones or subdue any rogue Idolon Users. It's nothing personal: I am Scarlet Senshi, the new Scarlet Pimpernel. I am the watcher of the watchmen. It's just what I'm supposed to do.
Kusanagi, Itsuki
Codename: Fatal Fury
I will preface this entry by stating that the following could easily involve a criminal investigation. Not particularly due to the actions of the subject -- which are still, most likely, befitting of some form of criminal offence -- but due to a case that went cold three years ago.
Itsuki Kusanagi is a haunted individual. Haunted by the past, haunted by rumours, haunted by the expectations of others on him. His criminal record puts that of Nejima-san to shame. While Nejima-san is a former thug on an apparent path to redemption, Kusanagi-san regularly gets in trouble. He has to get some form of sadistic enjoyment out of it simply due to the sheer amount of assault counts he's had in the past. He seems to target street thugs, or criminals of some kind. While I would normally approve of such actions, I cannot completely trust Kusanagi-san. If I were to garner a guess, I'd say he just enjoys fighting. His sense of justice seems lacking, albeit it's present still. I only wish that would make him reconsider his habits of skipping class...
Kusanagi-san has ties to the elusive Bohemian Club, some kind of art society. Meliaya seldom speaks of them, so I must inquire further... as per why he's affiliated to the Bohemian Club, I have no clear proof of what goes on in there, or what he even gets out of it. Why such a violent person would engage in artistic endeavours of that kind, is entirely lost on me.
Now, what truly intrigues me about Kusanagi-san, is his connection to the suicide of Koharu Suzuki, the previous Student Council President, whose death was never fully investigated. Due to this event occurring before I enrolled in Higan, I have no personal accounts of this event, and strangely enough, records are scarce. Almost as if the school released as little information to the authorities as possible... Could it go that deep? Unlikely. However, as the second best detective in the Student Council (no matter how deep I am in Zennami's shadow...), I believe I must take the chance to invesitgate further. I would ask Zennami herself for help, but I don't trust her track record... she would most likely solve the entire case by herself, lean back, place her shoes on the table and sleep on it. Just like my operations as Scarlet Senshi, I'm on my own here.
The death of a friend is always a traumatic event. Perhaps... was she more than a friend to Kusanagi-san? She was one year ahead of him, which wouldn't be impossible, but still unlikely. Regardless, they had some sort of connection, she committed suicide under mysterious circumstances, and information is hard to come by. As a result, Kusanagi-san is now a violent thug that beats up other thugs and seems to enjoy it more than he should. I have the feeling, however, that all these activities, as well as his involvement with the Fujiwara Senki and the Bohemian Club, show some kind of progression towards... something. He's getting ready for something. Maybe an attack? Who would he attack? Perhaps he thinks the Student Council of today might still have ties to what happened to Suzuki-san? Our records on the incident are very limited, despite my efforts.
Whoever he's targeting, whatever they've done... I have the vague feeling they're in for the fight of their life. If there's one proper pattern about Kusanagi-san, is that he very rarely attacks people unprovoked, unless they already deserved it. Despite this fact, his actions towards Meliaya are unforgivable... she seems to have forgiven him since, which is unfathomable to me, but that's her decision. If she were to get threatened or hurt again, THEN that might be my problem.
Threat Level: Dragon
Kusagani-san has proven to be incredibly volatile, and even more brutal. Frankly, he teeters on the edge of Oni level -- however, he has shown a consistent pattern of morally-motivated outbursts despite it all. I can symphatize with him, but I can't possibly overlook his methods and some of his less justified actions. He's dangerous, probably deranged, but not entirely psychotic. His destructive energy can be channeled towards slightly more positive avenues in theory. Perhaps, if I could manage to scrounge up more information on Suzuki-san's death, I might be able to placate his rampages... somehow.
Contingency Plans: Much like Nejima-san, do not confront directly. He is far more volatile than Nejima-san could possibly be, and most likely more experienced. If he were to turn to the other side, he would be an immediate Oni level threat... However, there is one glaring weakness that can be exploited in order to subdue Kusanagi-san. Suzuki-san. If my theories are correct, she truly did matter to him. Even a split second-long distraction could prove advantageous in, at the very least, escaping an encounter. Think very carefully before you do this -- it could, just as well, enrage him even more.
Dating Prospects: 0%
If my theories are correct, there is no way a healthy relationship with him can be achieved as long as he still grieves over Suzuki-san. In any case, he's too noisy, and too much of a brute... No. Just, no.
Blakeney's comment: Ah, love... Well, I just imagine it was love. It could very perfectly not be. What would you do for love? Can a lost love transform you into something that you couldn't recognize? Remember, Kaoru! You should try to live a little -- but you are the master of yourself. Be strong!
Chikata, Momofuku
Codename: Wind Demon
The only reason I know of her involvement with the Fujiwara Senki is stray sightings of her with Kusanagi-san. Momofuku Chikata is one of the most notorious deadbeats in all of Higan, rarely if ever attending class. I wonder if she's on any lists for truancy yet. I suppose the fact that she almost never misses PE is good enough to keep her away from such a fate, for the time being. As information on her is scarce, I must go by assumptions made by association, and anecdotal evidence.
Staring into Chikata-san's eyes is a sight that would terrify most. Thankfully, I can be just as deadpan as I want to be -- externally. She does intimidate me to a degree, as well. But! I have some leverage on her, as I do most people. She has no true criminal record, and has done a decent enough job at keeping her head down for the most part, but I know for a fact that she's involved with the Fujiwara Senki. She seems acquainted with Kusanagi-san, with a short distance that he wouldn't let others (like Meliaya) hold with him. What exactly is their connection? I can only infer she must have some kind of leverage over him, if he's willing to drop his guard when she's around.
Additionally, I have sampled some rumours of the area, and I have found something quite interesting: Momofuu-ki, the Wind Demon of Kageoka. A mysterious entity, stated to lead the Fujiwara Senki. The similarity in their names immediately stands out -- but it couldn't possibly be that simple, could it? Chikata-san doesn't strike me as particularly bright, so it IS possible that they are one and the same. Nonetheless, it's not out of the question that this is just a strategy, a ploy by the Fujiwara Senki to obscure their true leadership with a red herring. Requires more information.
Threat Level: ???
More information needed.
Contingency Plans: N/A
Addendum: Battling Momofuku Chikata might involve battling Itsuki Kusanagi. There are no contingency plans against Chikata-san at the moment, but caution is still advised.
Blakeney's comment: It's always great to see others that will uphold justice, no matter where they go! But don't drop your guard yet, my Scarlet Pimpernel -- Any self-proclaimed "hero" can be misled. Never let up!
Sola, Belladonna
Codename: Black Hat
To begin, unusual name. Must be foreign... I must admit I've been coming up short on this one. Sola-san very rarely comes to class, with a level of truancy comparable to that of Momofuku Chikata. All I have on her is speculation, and minimal threads of correlation without evidence of causation.
The last time she came to school... two weeks ago. I took it upon myself to take a page out of Ai's book and actually follow her from a distance that day. I HAD to take the chance, or otherwise risk losing her trail for potentially weeks or even months. And who did I find her talking to? Chikata-san. This confirms at least a certain degree of connection to the Fujiwara Senki. They only talked for two minutes. So? I watched the whole time. Can you even read lips? Regrettably, not yet. All I know is that they talked. Once.
All the information I have received from external testimonies has to do with Sola-san's interest in computers. It's only shreds of second-hand anecdotal evidence, but nonetheless, it's the best I have. And it does fuel a theory -- outlandish as it may be, it could possibly work.
There's a notorious cyber-terrorist by the name of Dawn that, curiously enough, seems to target the Fujiwara ward quite often. Car bombs, ATMs, DDoS attacks... Seems to fit the Fujiwara Senki's profile, as well as Sola-san's. She doesn't actually have to be anywhere to be effective if she can just use the internet as a weapon... However, I am well aware that this is a long shot. It would be extremely coincidental if Belladonna Sola were both a member of the Fujiwara Senki AND Dawn, at the same time. I may have a hunch, but I must find more information.
Threat Level: ???
More information required.
Contingency Plans: N/A
Addendum: Although I can handle myself around a laptop just fine, my equipment isn't the best and I don't have much internet or coding knowledge outside of what a layman would know. Perhaps, if I were to read up on the matter, I might be able to look deeper into Dawn...
Blakeney's comment: What's this? You kids fight your battles through computers these days?! Where did the days of rapier duels go? Be careful, Kaoru, lest you fall into one of those screens and never come back!
Furukawa, Fumiko
Codename: Mugen
Oh good, FINALLY someone with some kind of record! Furukawa-san seemed to fall into an unlucky snag in life, when her father's business was bought out by the Kurobane Group, leaving them destitute. After the death of her father, the Furukawa family left Kageoka, and Fumiko herself only recently returned to enroll in Higan. Let's see here: remarkable athleticism... three counts of assault with a minor weapon... Airsoft? Strange. Why airsoft? And with paintballs, no less. It seems like she was targeting thugs, much like Kusanagi-san. Fujiwara does have its fair share of vigilantes... But I can see some care more about grievous injury than others. The Kurobane Group... I must find out more about them.
She's friends with Madoka, who provided most of the anecdotal evidence for this one. I'm starting to be concerned about Madoka's ties to the Fujiwara Senki... Regardless. I've heard she's a fledgling mechanic as well. I am astounded at just how casual Madoka and Meliaya act around her, especially considering she did kidnap Meliaya "on accident", supposedly. Is the Student Council too lax with its enemies? No matter. They may be quick to forgive and forget... but if Furukawa-san ever steps away from the Fujiwara Senki's self-proclaimed heroism, she will become my problem.
Threat Level: Ox
I would rank her higher, but her deliberate use of airsoft implies she has some concern for the wellbeing of even those she preys upon. However, were she to use those skills with actual firearms... I wouldn't want to think about it. I don't think she's mindless. Perhaps misguided to a degree, but her intentions seem to be well-placed. Past transgressions, however, will be remembered. I may forgive, but never forget.
Contingency Plans: She seems to be athletic, as well as a good shot. Prevent access to long-range weaponry. Provoke and taunt until she falls for mind games. Brawny types are rarely strategic -- not unintelligent, simply not mindful fighters. More information required.
Blakeney's comment: I can't quite understand the naiveté of your partners. Has the world made the new heroes too soft? Mon Dieu! Say it ain't so! You know better than that, my Scarlet Pimpernel.
That is all the information I have on the Fujiwara Senki. They seem to be well-intentioned, but their members seem to be volatile and undisciplined when it comes to fighting for justice. Where does the justification for violence end when you face your foes? Where do you draw the line? I am willing to believe that the Fujiwara Senki may be a force for good -- but I must closely watch their members and confirm their justice shines true. Unlike the Student Council, my vigilance isn't a constant, however... Am I too harsh on the Student Council, compared to what they COULD be? All heroes are fallible. That's my rule -- and it applies to everyone.
MISCELLANEOUS STUDENTS
The following are unaffiliated students I have found notable, for one reason or another. If you are within the ranks of this list… congratulations, I suppose. You are under my watchful eye.
Suishi, Ai
Codename: Love Is All You Need
Ai. I am tied to her now, after she learned my secret, and I learned hers. Let’s not beat around the bush: if I opened up a slang dictionary and looked for the term yandere, her picture would be cited in the definition. Ai Suishi is, for lack of a better –or more gruesomely accurate – term, obsessed with Kaichou. To entirely unhealthy, and perhaps criminal, degrees. Three days ago, she invaded the boys’ changing room with the sole intent of stealing some of Kaichou’s underwear… If I am ever dominated to such an extent by my base urges, which I have done a good job of curtailing up until now, I should be put down right then and there. At the very least, I must be the most resistant girl in the Student Council when it comes to Kaichou’s charms. But this isn’t about me – Ai Suishi is a genuine danger. But I once believed she was a danger to others… Now I mostly believe she’s a danger to herself.
When I first met her, I believed she meant harm to Kaichou. Not an unusual suspicion for a yandere. Her sudden disappearances during PE could’ve clearly been indicative of suspicious activity. Knowing her slightly more now… I don’t want to think about what she could’ve been doing. However, the truth stands in the fact that Ai Suishi is far more of a problem to herself than she could be to anyone who wouldn’t deserve it. In recent occasions, her ability to restrain herself in social situations, and her sense of morality have surprised me positively.
I cannot stress, however, how careful I must be with her. She knows that I’m Scarlet Senshi. I have to protect her secrets… because it means protecting my own. We’re chained together, handcuffed at the wrist. Perhaps others might not believe her, but for my own sake, I must collaborate with her and perhaps even help her grow more as a person. And now, with the mark stunt… I will admit, I myself was surprised. I was caught entirely by surprise when I learned I had such a mark on myself. Especially considering I was the only un-Awakened person in that house. Questions are bound to arise from this… but the fact of the matter is, Ai seems determined to find the culprit behind the marks. This isn’t entirely bad, per se, but she’s doing it the Ai way – which means someone’s going to get hurt, if not herself. I have confirmed she has the best of intentions, but even if there’s a sliver of a chance that she could be dangerous… I must watch over her.
Ai has clear self-destructive tendencies. I am aware she has a past with Kaichou, in fact -- it fuels her... affection. She was heavily bullied and she harmed herself to great extremes. We're both tormented by our pasts, aren't we? I cannot say I have ever visited her home or observed her routines in great detail, but I am aware of some of her… rituals. She keeps trinkets and “memorabilia” from Kaichou, and collects them to create what I can only assume must be shrines or other items of worship. I dread the day she invites me to her apartment. Not just that… I believe she’s neighbors with Zennami. Tch… they just HAD to come in twos, didn’t they?
Now’s the part where I confess that, frankly… I wish I could truly be friends with her, too. It’s been so long since I had someone who, at least to others, I can call a “friend”. I wouldn’t say that’s what we are now, but that’s what I say to anyone else. I wish we could both escape our own problems, and maybe… go to the mall together? Buy clothes? Makeup? That’s what girls do after school, right? Oh, who am I kidding? Ai’s clearly a lot more beautiful than me, behind the horrendous hygiene and general lack of upkeep. She’s much larger than me where it counts, and if you look into her face closely, which I did when she tried to kill me, you’d notice that she has fairly good-looking features. If she worked on herself a little, she’d absolutely bring the attention of others… which is bad for me. But maybe, for a friend… that wouldn’t be so bad.
At the end of the day, I admit that Ai’s right about me. I’m more like her than I’d like to believe. Just like how she obsesses over Kaichou, I obsess over my trust issues. I make these elaborate plans, obtain information on people, record conversations in my head, hold on to the tiniest shred of evidence that could possibly incriminate someone… and all of those are extremely abnormal behaviours. Her rituals may be less… savoury, but I have my own rituals nonetheless. I don’t know her full story just yet, but we’ve both been hurt. We both just want some of the love we may have lost at some point. Maybe I want to help her, not because I’m worried about what she might do… but because it might help me heal too.
Threat Level: Dragon
The most accurate ranking in these files. I did, in fact, battle Ai Suishi directly, in a Bleeding Zone. She’s no slouch. She’s wild, unpredictable for the most part, and a powerhouse. She brought a whole house down on me, and I wouldn’t have lived to tell the tale if Blakeney hadn’t given me his strength in that moment. You’re welcome, ma cherìe! Sure, I’ll keep that in the document, why not. Regardless, I learned from prior battle reports that the last sighting of her Idolon required several individuals to take down. I only managed to win that encounter because I used a Garganta to take us both out of the Bleeding Zone, and I managed to subdue her with my CQC basics. I may not have lasted long otherwise, especially without my danger sense. That pair of scissors is extremely dangerous.
However, what concerns me most about Ai… She changes entirely as a person when she’s determined. That calm look on her face. It’s a wellspring of power that I have to, regrettably… place as much trust as I can on. Sadly, I don’t have much of it. I can reasonably see myself battling her again, if anything, just to pacify her. However, if I were to do so… would she be privy to my strategy? Would I have to change my approach? Ai is the most unpredictable, unreliable person… who I am actually forced to trust. She’s actually my problem. Whatever she does, no matter how unbelievable she gets each and every time, I MUST trust that there is good in her. I’m done, otherwise.
Contingency Plans: Since I technically managed to outsmart her and take her down once already, I am confident enough in thinking I could do it again, albeit perhaps not in the exact same way. Ai is wild and ravenous. She takes wide swings and will destroy anything in her path to have her way, or simply because she's overwhelmed with emotion. As such, she fights without strategy.
Most forms of BFR (Battlefield Removal), such as employing the use of a Garganta, are solid options for turning the tide in one-on-one Idolon combat, even if this might not entirely remove the opponent's hostile intentions, or it might not work at all if they have access to Garganta as well. In Ai's case, despite being larger (and heavier) than myself, a reverse hold was enough to pin her down after the Idolon factor of the Bleeding Zone was removed.
If left without options, Ai Suishi will break down and enter a suicidal mindset. Despite how much it hurt me to see it the first time, I am aware she cannot control this. I ask that you please have mercy in this situation, not because of what you might do, but because of what she might do to herself. Despite being a deranged stalker, Ai Suishi is a human being. She deserves love and kindness.
Blakeney’s comment: Your first friend, ma cherie! Not bad. You think a lot about who you have to fight and who you have to stop – having an ally isn’t always bad! I had the Band of the Scarlet Pimpernel in my day. You should get your own band!
Kuroda, Takaishi
Codename: Fleur
Inconspicuous, yet remarkable. Kuroda-san is someone I have met circumstantially while performing my tasks as treasurer. He seems to be quite acquainted with the garden shed, as a member of the Gardening Club, and despite his imposing size and athletic build, he seems to keep mostly to himself. There are many athletically gifted boys in Higan, but he’s just… uninterested in it all. I’ve learned from some second-hand testimonies that he’s had run-ins with the yakuza, but he somehow has no record of involvement with them long-term. Perhaps he just turned them down? If so, perhaps he may be in danger… or that’s what he might want me to think. I am also aware he collaborated during that public sighting of Ai, so he is fairly capable as an Idolon user at least.
As someone who actually does like flowers to an extent, I spent a little while helping him plant some seeds three weeks ago. He asked me what my favourite flower was. I almost instinctively answered with the pimpernel, but I held my tongue and said it was the peony. I remember his smile from back then, it was nice. He had such large hands, yet he was so gentle in helping me dig in and place the seeds properly… Unlike the other athletes, Kuroda-san is calm… he’s quiet. I like that.
Is my little Scarlet Pimpernel developing a crush? No. C’mon, not even a little one? No. I cannot allow myself such weakness. The mission is my top priority. I wrote this entry… because I felt like it. No more questions.
Threat Level: Daimyo
Kuroda-san shows no signs of threatening anyone. But he’s… a distraction. To me, specifically. I have to be careful.
Contingency Plans: This section would normally be irrelevant. I don’t think battling Kuroda-san will happen, and even if I never truly stop suspecting anyone, I know that his greatest threat is how much I’ve thought about him lately… which isn’t much, for someone who isn’t Ai, a member of the Council or one of my major targets, but it’s an abnormally large amount. I must fight back these intrusive thoughts.
Dating Prospects: 30%
...this is as much as I am willing to admit.
Blakeney’s comment: Let yourself live a little, Kaoru! I loved once. Keep your guard up at all times… but perhaps, a drawbridge would be a good addition to those siege walls!
Satou, Rin
Codename: Blank
I know that stare. I know what you’re doing. You’re just like me, aren’t you? Acting as inconspicuous as you possibly can, dealing with your little trades. I may have little to no evidence on you, Satou, but you give me a bad feeling. I’m going to find exactly what's going on with you, because just by staring at you my alarms already start going off. You must feel the same way about me, don’t you? I know this is me being irrational, Blakeney, but come on! Why would anyone else do what I do?! I’m obsessively keeping tabs on the only people I could reasonably consider my friends, so she HAS to be doing something… no, I have to stop. I’m being entirely irrational. I have only ever talked to her twice, and I have absolutely no evidence on her. Maybe she’s just as plain as me. This is a waste of time… but just because of this hunch, I’ll keep this entry up.
Threat Level: ???
More information needed.
Contingency Plans: N/A
Blakeney’s comment: You are highly competent when it comes to your cognitive skills, Kaoru. But remember – sometimes, a good hunch may be worth chasing! It’s up to you to determine which gut feelings to pursue, and which to dismiss.