A Bro's Life (AGG-ish Anime Bro Quest)

[Empathy: All 20]

Hmm. After spending all this time learning about people's emotions, their reasons for doing things, and just generally trying to empathize with them you've gained a...sixth sense of sorts.

You know how people tell others to "read the room"? Well, you can actually do that now. With but a single look you can get a general "feel" for a person's current mood. Whether they want to be left alone, if they're happy to see you, or even if they wish you wouldn't speak to them. All this from a single glance.

This will be useful.

[New All 20 Perk Unlocked!: Read The Room: You have an innate understanding of people's emotional state. Automatically get a general understanding of how a person feels the moment you see them. Right now it doesn't go beyond surface level, but sometimes that's all you need}

---

"Thank you for coming, Yamato Nagai. Please, have a seat."

You comply with the President's instructions, noticing that he has prepared for your arrival. There are but two seats on either side of a small circular table in the center of the room. All other furniture has been pushed against the walls. A mini fridge was plugged into the wall to your left. Your seat has your back pointed towards the door, while what you assume will be the President's seat will have his back towards the wall at the other end of the room. On said wall were numerous pictures of him standing next to a taller woman in the standard issue police uniform.

The President took his seat right across from you. His face kept the same static expression he had when he introduced himself to Yameko, Hayato, and you. Neither of you speak. Seconds turn into minutes as the two of you remain locked in a staring contest. Neither of you wants to break the silence.

His posture was at ease, confident. His sharp eyes glint with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. His fingers tapped out an off-beat rhythm on the table.

You didn't flinch. He called you here. He can start the conversation.

"So, Yamato Nagai," he leans back in his chair, face betraying no emotion, "Now that we are alone, would you tell me why you are so interested in what happens to Agano Rin?"

You had anticipated this and had an answer readied in advance, "Certainly, but in exchange I request that you do the same."

"That is fair, considering this is the first time we will have an extended conversation."

"You are expecting more after this then."

"Yes. If this meeting ends favorably, as I wish it to."

"Hmm. However, before we begin, there is another matter that needs to be rectified post-haste."

His head tilts and eyebrow raises, "Oh? What matter is so important that it will cause us to post-pone the primary reason behind our meeting?"

He does not recognize his mistake. You lean forward, place your elbows on the table, and rest your chin on your hands. That's the only indication you will give that his flippant disregard for your brother has irked you at all. Slowly, carefully, you inform him of the mistake he made, "During our first interaction, you dismissed my brother as if he was not part of the conversation. I request that you apologize for this action."

Surprise is Mitsuhide's reaction. His head tilts to the other side as he contemplates your words. Then he responds, "That is not what I expected to hear from someone like you, Nagai. May I ask, why do you see this matter as so important?"

"You may ask, but I believe the answer is apparent. Any sibling would be incensed if someone acted like their family and friends did not exist while they were all in an conversation."

"True, but would they be willing to post-pone speaking about the fate of a criminal for it?"

"Some wouldn't. I will," you reach into your pocket and pull out the folded piece of paper you brought with you. You swiftly unfold it and push it towards Mitsuhide, "A written apology. If you would. I will ensure it reaches my brother once we are done here."

He looks down at the paper with shock. It takes some time for him to realize you're serious. Then his face returns to it's original neutrality, "Would I be correct in saying you also brought a pen?"

"You would," you take said pen out of your other pocket and hand it to him. He thanks you and writes his apology out within the span of two minutes, stopping every now and then to think before he puts pen to paper. Once he is satisfied with what he's written, he slides both the pen and newly penned letter to you.

One read through is all you need to memorize, proofread, and confirm that the letter is legitimate.

"Thank you, Mitsuhide," you say while putting up the paper and pen. You take your elbows off the table and rest your back against your chair, "Now then, let us get back to the matter at hand. Considering you requested I come speak to you, would you please explain your own interest first?"

"Gladly," the President follows your example, leaning back in the chair while keeping his eyes firmly locked on your own, "I am interested in the situation behind Rin Agano's trial for one reason alone; Justice."

"Justice?" you repeat.

The President nods, "Justice is one of the pillars of our society. Though it may seem ephemeral, it is something that we must always strive to uphold. Lest the world we have constructed for ourselves fall apart at the seams. And one part of that is ensuring that justice is fair and proportional to the crimes committed. Which is where the case of Rin Agano comes in."

You remain silent but gesture for the President to continue. His response was not completely outside your expectations, and there was no need to interrupt him now.

He nodded before continuing, "Due to circumstances of my own, I was swiftly made aware of the arrest of numerous students of Kirin High School for assaulting our Academy. I was away at the time, so I did not personally see what transpired. However, I have kept a close eye on the entire situation as it is my duty as Student Council President. It is my way of assisting the students hurt during the raid...which is how I came upon the plot to expand Agano's sentence beyond the norm for a high school student."

"Which in turn went against your principles," you simply state to the President.

He nods in confirmation, "Numerous students came to me not as someone they could confide in or at least seek help finding the appropriate faculty to give them counseling, but as a 'hitman' of sorts. Seeking my approval and assistance in assisting their petty attempts at revenge."

"Many left when they discovered you were not interested in their proposals."

"Moreover, others made...attempts at persuasion. Thankfully, I have my ways of dealing with such matters," he says as if he were describing some particularly bad weather.

"However, something they said did have merit to it, thus your reason for wanting to speak with me."

Mitsuhide chuckles, "It feels as if you're the one who asked me to come and speak to you, rather than the other way around, Nagai."

"If my manner of drawing conclusions from easily discernible information is causing you difficulties, do not be afraid to inform me. I shall endeavor to correct such behavior swiftly," you're already performing the mental adjustments to accomplish that as you speak.

"That will not be necessary. It is refreshing to have someone that can reach their own conclusions without being led to them," Mitsuhide chuckles again before going silent. It lasts for a second before he waves towards the mini fridge on your left, "Would you like some refreshments, Nagai?"

You nod. There was no reason to refuse. Mitsuhide stands before walking over to the appliance. With two smooth movements he opens the door and pulls a platter of previously prepared foodstuffs from within. It has numerous cakes, bottles of water, and bean-paste confections sitting on the pristine plastic surface. The door to the fridge closes with barely a sound as Mitsuhide returns to his seat. He places the platter down on the table before once more taking his seat.

He waves for you to partake of the offered food first. You decide to simply take one of the bottles of cool water. It is more important to deal with your thirst than your hunger. Only after you have opened the water bottle does he decide to gently pick up one of the pastries on the platter. It's a small, square chocolate cake of sorts that he takes small bites out. He swallows his third bite before speaking, "This is quite good. I'll have to remember to thank Mina for choosing these."

"She is another member of your council?"

"Yes. But we are getting off topic," the President coughs into his hand before his expression changes to one of complete seriousness, "While much of what those who came to me said was simply them venting their anger and stress, one factor was constant across all their accounts; That Rin Agano was the leader behind the raid."

You wait a few moments before reacting to the new information. If you were to react at this exact moment, then the President would notice and know that you at least knew something about this already. You take note that he did not say anything about believing this claims. Merely that they were a common utterance when dealing with this subject among the affected.

Likewise, the President does what he can to hide any change in his expression at your lack of reaction. He continues, "While I am unsure of the efficacy of these claims, it repeatedly appearing in the descriptions of those I speak with has convinced me to look into it."

"I would assume this is because, if the claims were true, it would affect your outlook on what should become of Agano?"

Mitsuhide nods and his expression turns grim, "Indeed, it would. Being a participant in that foolish attempt at a raid is one thing. At that point you are simply a high schooler committing a crime. Thus you are and should be subject to the standard punishments for such actions. However, if Agano was the mastermind behind the events, then she shoulders far more responsibility for what happened. The typical punishments would not be nearly as appropriate as they should be, and I would do what I could to get them advanced to the charges for a fully grown adult...should this prove true."

Another moment of silence passes between the two of you. Then you ask, "In your search for this truth, what led you to my brother, Hoshino, and I? I can't see a logical reason for believing we have anything to do with this situation."

"Initially, neither did I," Mitsuhide agrees with a shrug, "While I had certainly heard your brother was involved with the raid on the school's behalf, they were always unsubstantiated rumors. But that all changed when I looked into Munagi Rishi and her recent activities."

You kept your expression impassive, waving for him to continue laying out his observations. He gives you a grateful nod before he does just that, "Munagi Rishi has been known to be relatively unconcerned with matters that don't hold her interest. I can't imagine her caring about a single girl from another school about to face trial have her sentence increased via the machinations of her fellows. Let alone one that was a part of the group that attacked her Academy. Yet, she was one of the primary actors in cowing various students who attempted to meddle with the trial."

"And your thoughts on that matter?"

He chuckles, "Well, I can't say I didn't enjoy learning about how those of the so called 'upper class' were being stonewalled by one of their own. And, should Agano be proven to not be the mastermind behind the raid, then they are actions that will lead to a far more Just outcome."

He idly scratches his cheek with a single finger, "My investigation into Munagi's actions are what lead to me learning of the three students still planning to find ways to affect the trial. From there I had planned to meet the three of them myself. To see if I could understand their motives and derive any important information that could lead to me discovering the truth of Agano's involvement...and that is how I learned of you."

"You likely discovered us through our interaction with Semisu Maesa and worked from there."

"Indeed. And if you are as connected to this case as I believe, then you should be able to answer my question."

The air shifts.

Mitsuhide's eyes narrow.

His pupils bore into you with such intense scrutiny that, if you were anyone else, you would've cracked under the pressure.

"Is Rin Agano the Mastermind behind the attack?"

.....

[Trickery: 102]

You could lie to him.

That is the most rational response here. Mitsuhide has already explained his motives and what drives him to pursue the mystery behind this case. He wishes for a form of "Justice" that equates with his idea of the concept.

[Feelings + Interest + Motives: 45/150: Fail!]

Granted, you would not have known that had Mitsuhide not laid it out for you. Your ability to understand others on an emotional level is not as developed as your brothers. If Mitsuhide had decided to obfuscate his true goal, you likely would have answered with a very swift confirmation of his doubts.

His straightforwardness both works for and against you.

You know his reasons...but you also know that he's expecting you to be truthful with him. He has done the same for you. It is a logical conclusion in a conversation where you share information. The complication comes from how your answer will affect his actions.

If you tell the truth, then he will become a difficult obstacle. He will be far more active in his actions than your opponents have been so far. And he will not be so easy to convince to stand down. After all, you'd be asking him to go against his convictions for the sake of a personal promise. To someone like him, that wouldn't make sense.

However, if you were to lie, then he would become a powerful ally. The Student Council President, while not the most powerful position in the Academy, is still an influential one. That was evident based on how many of the students looking to affect the trial came to him for help. But should he discover your deception there was no doubt he would turn from an ally to an enemy.

Moreover, if Hayato found out....

[Bond: He's my Best Friend AND Brother]

....No, you can't lie.

But you can't tell the truth either.

So, you will compromise.

"Tell me, Mitsuhide," you gaze into his piercing eyes while keeping your own mind calm, "Are you aware of any bullying occurring within our school?"

The President's eyebrow quirks upward, "I fail to see what that has to do with our conversation, but yes. I am aware and have done what I can to help mitigate or remove it altogether."

"I see. Did you ever become aware of a girl who was bullied by three of her classmates? Their names were Iwani, Eri, and Akemi."

"The three girls who were found in the infirmary once the police arrived? I remember speaking to them. They couldn't remember anything save for someone knocking them out and dragging them somewhere. The rest was a series of horrible nightmares before they woke up in the beds," he tilts his head, "Are you suggesting that they are behind the raid?"

"No. But I do believe they were the catalysts behind its occurrence. The girl they bullied likely left the campus and went to Kirin High. Once there, they used the resentment Kirin High has for our school to rile up the the student body. Then it was a simple matter of guiding them towards Raijin as a way of getting revenge. This girl is likely your true culprit. Agano is merely a distraction."

The President was silent for a time, but his eyes told you everything you needed to know. Those wide, yet sharp eyes searched your entire body. Every twitch of your finger, every shift of your weight, even the way your mouth moved was analyzed to find some crack in your mask. Something to prove that you're lying or bluffing in some manner.

[Trickery: 102/100: Success! +80XP]

Unfortunately for him, you give nothing away.

After all, you're only technically lying.

Most of what you said was true.

You simply didn't add the parts about Agano or mention Hiroko by name.

...Hopefully, Hayato doesn't mind half-truths.

"....I see," the President's eyes return to their normal state. He leans back in his seat with a shake of his head, "If what you say is true, then I share some of the blame for the attack on the school as well. If I had paid more attention, I could've done something about the bullying before it led to this. I will have to look into this girl you speak of. Do you know where she is now?"

"Negative," you shrug to complete the technical ruse, "Most of my information comes from Munagi. She is the one I went to for this information."

"Then I shall do the same," he nods before getting up from his seat, "And I shall keep you no longer, Nagai Yamato. There is an event in the Assembly Hall that you should attend. Don't worry about me. I was briefed on the reason for the event before this little meeting of ours."

"Then I shall take my leave," you get up from your seat and turn towards the door. With this done the President should at least be out of your way for a time. You'll have to see if Hiroko can do anything to slow him some more. Perhaps fabricating a history behind her persona and-


"There was one last thing, Nagai," you stop at the door. Your hand hovers above the handle as you slightly turn your head to look at the President. He is currently leaning over the table while looking absentmindedly at the ceiling, "I heard that your brother, Nagai Hayato, will be representing our school as a Sole Participant at the upcoming Tournament. This is, supposedly, due to the other schools not wishing to face any of our students who fought to defend our school. But, to our rival schools, Hayato did not play any part in the raid whatsoever. Thus he qualifies."

Hmm. It would make sense for him to know this. It is a rather important event for the school.

"Tell me, what do you think would happen if the other schools knew he fought in the raid?"

[???? Activated]

[Multiple Checks: Auto Passed]

"It is merely a hypothetical, you understand. But I wouldn't be surprised if it happened becasue you lie-"

"Your mother is a famous Police Officer."

He stops in the middle of his sentence. His face turns from confidence to suspicion as his gaze falls to you, "What was that?"

His voice has a tiny seed of nervousness to it.

Good.

"The pictures behind you all have you standing next to a police woman. Some are of the two of you eating at a restaurant in matching civilian clothes, proving your close relationship."

You're not looking at him anymore, but you can feel the emotions radiating off him from here.

As of now, that tiny seed has grown into a sprout.

"Others are clearly photos of her in her police uniform, taken by a professional photographer as she accepts a commendation or reward."

You hear a hand limply fall onto a solid surface.

Now it's grown into fear.

"Both your hair colors are a dark blue and there is no sign of dye being used to change the colors, suggesting a familial connection."

A chair loudly skids across the floor.

He's stood up. In panic from the sound of it.

Which means he's finally begun to understand what you're saying.

"Mistuhide," your voice is slow, menacing, and deliberate at you call his name, "I was able to discover that information all from simply looking at the photos behind you. What do you think I could find, if I took a couple of minutes to search up your mother? If I discovered her name?"

Ever so slightly, you turn your head to fix him with a predatory gaze, "What do you think would happen, if your relationship was leaked to certain unsavory groups of people? What would you do then?"

His face goes ashen white. His teeth grit in frustration. Sweat drips down onto the table like raindrops. His hands grip the edge of the table hard enough to make them shake. HIs pupils are wide with fear, apprehension, and anger.

Good.

You turn back to the door and pull on the handle. As it slides open you say, "Remember this, Mitsuhide. While I admire your ideals and wish you luck on your future endeavors, should you ever threaten my brother, his scholarship at this school, or any opportunities he finds for himself," you pause.

You let the silence stew for five minutes.

"I will do everything in my power to destroy your life. That is a promise."

You open the door, put one foot out, then pause.

"Ah. Thank you for speaking with me. I enjoyed our conversation. I hope we can have more in the future."

Then you walk out the room and shut the door.

Hmm. That was an interesting experience.

Now to head to Assembly Hall.

You need to be there to greet Hayato when the event is over.

[Yamato +80 XP]

[Yamato unlocked Student Council President Mitsuhide as an SL!]

---

FINALLY!

Jesus. Having job really fucks with my want to write this.

Thankfully, I think I've found a way to get a good amount of writing done per week while still being able to do work.

Hope this was worth the wait everyone.