Chapter 2-2 (1/2)

Blacksmith Volume 2 Chapter 2

Entering the school building from the courtyard, I went to the staff room located on the south side.

I was walking with forty-eight people spreading out behind me like a triangle attached to my back, but I couldn’t help but feel that everybody kept giving me weird looks.

I think I saw this scene in the show ‘The Great White Tower (Shiroi Kyoto/巨塔)’ before…

There’s no way this is actually happening, because doesn’t this make me look like some kind of Evil Boss or something?!

Since everyone was following me so seriously I tried stopping for a second to see what would happen, and they all stopped in unison as if they practiced it.

…I have to admit though, this is getting kind of fun!

The downright pleasant sound of synchronized footsteps echoed throughout the hallway.

Fortunately, the corridor is wide so there’s enough space for the other students to pass by, while I majestically blocked the area in the middle with my group.

The thing is, students that passed by us seemed awfully scared as they made eye-contact with me.

…or rather the moment they did, they turned their eyes away.

As we proceeded down the hallway, there were two people standing in the middle of it in some kind of deep discussion.

They haven’t seem to realized we were here.

“Hey you two, you’re in Kururi-san’s way.”

Somebody behind me said aloud.

The two of them turned towards us in surprise after realizing the size of my group.

They quietly mouthed “We’re so sorry.” and quickly moved away.

Wait, no, I’m the one that should be sorry!!

This is dangerous! The quality is too evil!

What are we doing?! Are we trying to conquer the school or something?!

“Umm, that should be enough you guys-”

I stopped walking and turned around.

Woah!!

Turning around, I finally noticed the tightness of all forty-eight people there, and as their leader I naturally give off this aura that makes other students cower as we approach.

“Everyone, answer this but don’t yell since you guys over do it a bit. I know it might useless to tell you guys but not matter what, absolutely do not harm other students.”

“””Yes”””

Oh, it looks like they understand.

Maybe because we just started club activities, their loyalty to me seems to be really strong.

If I show them my bad side, what will happen to me if I disappoint them?

Will I get stabbed?

Then again, what’s preventing them from stabbing me from behind right now?

It wasn’t very long, but I think I just went through a terrible experience.

Finally, we were at the staff room.

I opened the door, taking my first step inside and of course they all followed.

Surprisingly, the sheer population entering the room didn’t phase the teacher inside at all.

“Wu-sensei.”

It was my homeroom teacher.

It’d be good if he could become my club’s counselor, I mean, he’s the only teacher I know.

“I’ve created a club, so I’d appreciate some funding for it.”

“So you’ve already made one? With such a large group too… but is this really the best time to be establishing a club?”

“Bucho(Club Prez) is busy, don’t waste his time with your useless banter Wu-sensei, get to the point.”

Busy with what?!

The only thing rushing here was the beating of my heart!

With a sigh, Wu-sensei handed a form over to me.

“Here, I’ve signed this form to become your club’s counselor, so I’ll bring you your funds later but… Kururi-kun, isn’t your head getting a little big?”

A big head?! I could feel my ears burning in embarrassment. I guess it could look that way from an outsider’s perspective.

“Well try to get it in today, I mean the sooner the better right?”

“Yeah got it, but remember to take the student’s autonomy into consideration when you have your extracurricular activities, and manage your budget well.”

“Got it, and… is there a classroom we can use?”

“Of course, you’re free to use the rooms on the west side of the school, but other students may be using them as well, so make sure you have one booked first.”

…I guess this wasn’t such an impressive school after all.

I had unintentionally raised my hopes for them, but how could they just let a group as suspicious as this be created?!

“By the way, we haven’t decided what we’re going to do yet.”

“That’s fine, enough members gathering together is a good enough reason in itself. I think it would be best for you to learn the power of numbers early on, because if I’m right, in the future you’re going to be in a position that naturally brings people together.”

“…but wouldn’t it be dangerous to fully fund an organization that doesn’t even have a distinct goal in mind? Let alone one with numbers as great as this?”

Read between the lines sensei! If I disband it I’ll be stabbed, but they should let it pass if you stop it!

“Of course, although Kururi-kun, gathering together a large force like this also comes with the responsibility of maintaining it. Don’t you think I would’ve rejected it by now if I didn’t think you could handle it?”

That’s…

…true, in this world there’s no such thing as sweet talk. I might only be 15 year’s old, but even I know that.

“Wu-sensei, can you give me more advice if I ever need it again?”

“Anytime, though I doubt you’ll need it, I have high hopes for you Kururi-kun.”

“Yeah, well then let’s go everyone.”

Everyone left the room on my cue.

Well, I guess if we got this far I might as well take advantage of it.

“Bucho, why don’t we return to the courtyard first to think of the direction we’ll take in the future? Then we can find a clubroom.”

I nodded my head to Heart’s proposal, and we returned to the courtyard.

“Everyone, from now on I’ll be talking about what direction I plan to take this club, so I want you all to listen!”

Everyone nodded in response.

I started making my proposition.

“I still haven’t decided what to do yet, but I have decided our motive! We will be the one’s with the hearts of Gentle Lions!”

They all tilted their heads as if to say ‘What does that mean?’.

“On the surface, those that have entered here have been considered superior in literary and military arts. We’ve studied hard and know a lot, but even the A-class has neglected this! We need to ride off of this momentum and change their assessment of us!”

To fire them up I showed them my serious face, flashing a smile to fuel their aspirations.

“We’re no good as we are now. In the future, we’re supposed to be the ones to stand over others with our abilities, and we will get to that point if we all put in some effort. However, the most important thing is to be able to see things from the perspective of the underdog. That’s the caliber that we need! For those who stand above others, with the consideration of those below them, that is our goal! The heart of a Gentle Lion!”

“” “Oh” ”” voices of approval were raised.

My first speech seems to have succeeded.

I felt a bit uneasy with how they put me on a pedestal like that, but it doesn’t feel bad being able to see everyone’s faces gathered together.

“Now let’s talk about where we want this group to go, if anyone has an idea do it with a show of hands.”

….

No one raised their hands.

I don’t want to have to start picking people!

“Umm, does it really matter if we have a goal or not?”

The one who raised his hand was a guy with silky hair and glasses.

“You’re… Thomas-kun right? If I remember correctly you scored fairly high on the achievement test.”

“Yeah, it is an honour to know that you know me.”