High & Low ~The story of SWORD~

Act 11: Murayama

I wanted to become the leader. What did I gain with my fists? What separates the Hoodlum Squad from Oya High?

It had been weeks since Murayama and Cobra had fought. While Murayama remained the head of Oya High, something within him had changed. He had lost his sense of purpose. He sought a new direction, one that would be shaped by his own strength. He turned down the help offered by the Iemura Group, not because he was too proud, but because he wasn't so lost that he would follow a group as corrupt as theirs. Days passed as he wandered aimlessly, searching for an answer. But while Murayama stood still, the world continued to move around him.

Meanwhile, a new problem was brewing within the Hoodlum Squad. Oshiage had fallen for Murayama. She admired his cool demeanor, his fighting ability, and his unwavering stamina. She confided in Junko, sharing her feelings, and asked for her advice. Junko, though a bit jealous, ultimately supported Oshiage. "Go for it! Give it everything you've got!" she urged.

But Murayama's troubles didn't end with Oshiage's infatuation. Something bigger was beginning to stir. A new student, Todoroki, had enrolled at Oya High, and he was intent on dethroning Murayama. He'd noticed the shift in Murayama's attitude and saw an opportunity to make his own mark. Todoroki began to stir up trouble, pushing for a fight, but Murayama wasn't interested. "Let him be," he told Seki and Furuya when they informed him of Todoroki's challenge. But Todoroki wasn't deterred. He had already gathered two followers, Shibaman and Tsuji, and now he was coming directly for Murayama.

"Senpai, nice to meet you. I'm Todoroki, a full-time student," he said as he entered the room, flanked by his two followers.

Murayama, lounging lazily on the black leather sofa, glanced up without much interest. "What do you want?" he asked flatly.

"I'm going to defeat you and become the leader of Oya High," Todoroki declared boldly. "Let's fight."

The challenge hung in the air. Todoroki clapped his hands together and signaled Murayama to step up. It was a gesture Murayama had used in the past, but now, his spirit was no longer burning with the same intensity. He didn't respond, instead tossing a baseball in the air and catching it, seemingly lost in thought.

Todoroki, growing frustrated, asked, "What's wrong?"

Murayama tilted his head back, staring at the ceiling as he absentmindedly played with the ball. "I won't fight you. You're just a kid," he said, his voice detached.

But Todoroki wouldn't back down. "I'm going to teach you, an old man who'll never graduate, a lesson," he threatened, drawing the attention of the other members, who stood ready to jump in. Seki rushed forward, grabbing Todoroki by his jacket.

Murayama stood up and called out firmly, "Seki! Leave him."

He pushed through the group of onlookers and faced Todoroki directly. "So, what do you plan to do if you become the leader?" Murayama asked coolly.

Todoroki smirked, his confidence oozing. "I'll rise with one fist," he said, as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

Murayama considered him for a moment, nodding slowly. "And after you rise, what do you think comes next?" he asked, his tone growing more serious.

"Reputation and glory, of course!" Todoroki said proudly, as though he'd already imagined it all.

Murayama laughed, a sound that held little warmth. "There's no such thing," he replied, his voice flat. "Go home, kid."

In response, Todoroki threw a punch, aiming for Murayama's head. But the blow stopped just inches from its target. He yanked at Murayama's bandanna, tearing it off and holding it aloft.