Act 2 Vol. 2 Ch. 1 Ep. 5: Glory to Gehenna...?

"*huff* *huff* ...Mayumi's so fast!"

Looks like she's already started. Wow, she's even got a little crowd going!

And I ask you, how does Gehenna look now?

It's sheer chaos!

There's nothing anchoring us. We move adrift, treading water, any sense of cohesion left kaput!

But that's the fun part, isn't it?

Why do we need an "anchor"? To drag us down?

To restore glory to Gehenna! Glorious Gehenna!

Why does Gehenna need to be "glorious"?

Has Gehenna ever been glorious? Like, honestly?

Yes! It has!

Look, don't get hung up on the word "glorious."

The GLORY I'm talking about isn't something you'd find in a dreary history book or a so-called "ethics" class!

To be "glorious" is to be strong!!

Aren't we already strong enough?

Yeah. We're in the top three schools, bay-beee!

We used to be number ONE in Kivotos. No one else could be on the podium, and no one else could compete!

I-I never thought about that...

So, my friends, my sisters, WHY did our Gehenna grow weak?

It's because we failed to unite! As one! One Gehenna! One flag! Gehenna first!

You may THINK you're happy scrambling around and vandalizing buildings, but think about what you could REALLY do.

Imagine us uniting, hand in hand, moving together and once more being the strongest force in Kivotos!

More budget! More ammunition! And absolutely NO MORE kowtowing to the other academies' precious "feelings"...

THAT is freedom. Freedom from worrying about what others think! That is true glory, and it is within our reach!

But I already don't worry about what other people think...

You talk big, but isn't it all a bit much?

What's your plan, hotshot? How are you going to make Gehenna "glorious"?

Yeah. Just rallying people up isn't going to do anything.

That's... Uh...

Shouko!!

As I said, she's not one for details. Thankfully, I am.

Hello all, I am Igarashi Shouko, Secretary of the Gehenna Heritage League. I'll take it from here.

Oh...?

Every glorious journey begins with a single step. So, let's start small.

You desire relevance and realism. Let's discuss today.

This morning, a rocket launcher destroyed a basketball hoop. By lunch, a rogue claymore detonated, triggering a chain explosion when it hit the Philosophy Club's ammunition storage. They're still discussing what it all means.

Ah, right. That was hilarious.

What, or WHO, usually follows in these situations?

Uhm... The Prefect Team comes out?

And the responsible student gets locked up to "self-reflect" for the rest of the day.

Then there's demerits, apology letters...

Ugh. They're both such a pain.

That's right. The Prefect Team is responsible for punishing those who don't abide by the school rules.

Verboten activities include disturbances, violence, shootings, and the planting of explosives on public-facing school grounds.

Those are just part of life, you know. The Prefect Team is way too strict.

And yet... What if the Prefect Team couldn't interrupt such lively, natural expressions of action?

What? There's no way.

How...?

All we'd need to do is make such actions legal.

For example.

What if we had a designated zone where you could do...anything you want?

Hm? What are you talking about?

What if there was a place where you could test out your new ammunition...or throw a grenade when you're having a bad day?

A place where you could do whatever you wanted without having to worry about the Prefect Team?

Oh?

That sounds nice...

But the best part about shooting things is the spontaneity!

Yeah. It sounds kind of limiting. Why would I have to go to some "legal zone"?

You tell me. Is a minor inconvenience worth avoiding a huge hassle?

Would you rather be hauled away and locked in a blank room simply because you couldn't delay your impulses for a brief moment?

Ugh... No...

Fufu. There we go, Shouko! She's winning them over, nice and easy...

Ah, I just had a good idea!

And what's that?

When students use our zone, we'll give them "mileage" based on how long they stay and how much they visit. Sounds cool, right?

"Mileage"...?

Yeah! You know, like how restaurants and stores give you mileage points. It's the same concept! Like a rewards system!

The more students visit, the more points they'll earn. And then they can spend them on stuff! And perks!

Uh... That seems like a LOT to manage...

...

Shouko!!

Hmm, a mileage system. "Loyalty points"... I see the vision.

We'd need profiles and personal information for targeted outreach and control...

Wait. How much "personal info"?

It's a decent idea. I believe we should consider it.

Right? Sometimes, I go to places just because they have mileage offers! It'll work, I'm sure of it!

Sure, I'm down if you all are! Sounds harmless, and kind of fun!

Then, we should forge partnerships with the local stores. Students could use their points with our loyal allies.

Whoa! We can actually do that?

Did you forget who we have standing here?

Ah! Right! Sensei's the key!

You said you'd help us, Sensei.

You have three students here DESPERATE for your help. Surely you wouldn't turn us away?

It's just a little thing, Sensei! I've never done something like this. Could you help us out? Like with your name and stuff?

Like a guarantor! Just putting up a little collateral!

"Don't worry! I'll help however I can. I'll stake my honor on it."

...That's what you want to say, isn't it, Sensei?

I knew I could count on you, Sensei.

Schale's Sensei is on board?

This must be legit.

So, just so we're clear...

If we use your zone, the Prefect Team won't bug us, AND we get mileage points?

That's right! Reduce your risks, and increase your return!

Can we go right now? I've got an itchy trigger finger!

Of course! Why stop the fun? Follow me!

Sick! I'm so pumped!

Wait for me!

Look at them go! Now THAT's a reaction!

You should join us, Sensei. We've been meaning to show it to you.

Right this way...

Huh! Not too shabby!

They've got targets AND buildings! We can go wild in here!

Can I go first? Please? PLEASE?

Before that, could you show us your student ID?

My student ID...?

That's a thing? Did you bring yours?

No. I don't even know where it is. Do we really have to?

...

That sounds about right. In that case, please print your grade and name here.

Ha! I know THAT much by heart!

Shouko! Why do we need their names and grades?

Because that's how we'll manage the mileage system. Even though we still need to set it up...

Once we have their personal data, we can better manage our traffic. We'll know which students keep returning, and when our peak times are.

Trust me. This information will prove VERY valuable as our organization grows.

Oh! You're so right. Why didn't I think of that?

Thorough, as always!

I better be. I have the future of Gehenna resting on my shoulders.

Okay! My name and whatever are down. Can I go in now?

Heehee, let's rock!

Both third-years... Ah, perfect.

Hahaha! This is awesome! I think I finally understand the meaning of "trigger-happy"!

Totally! How about we toss some grenades? First to blow up that drum barrel wins!

They love it!

I'm glad we put in the effort. I bet everyone else will like it too! Yaha!

Shooting, destruction, wreckage... These are all effective ways for our classmates to release their storm and stress.

Here, we've provided a necessary outlet where they can unleash their repressed instincts.

"But did you get permission for all this?"

Uh... No?

We thought it would be easier to act first and deal with the aftermath later.

Sure! And that's why we asked for your help, Sensei!

We got so caught up in the swing of things that now it feels kind of awkward to ask...

I think Sensei has a point. The Prefects and Pandemonium have to know. Otherwise they'd shut us down, right?

They could get the wrong idea! So we just need to explain that this is an official and...therapeutic activity!

So...

Will you please go with us, Sensei?

Not even a spot of hesitation! I love how you're so down for anything, Sensei!

Yaha! And yet you agreed so quickly, didn't you?

All because it's your "job to help students"?

...

Riiiiiiight... I see why everyone relies on you, Sensei.

Now, let's march in and win them over. I'm counting on you, Sensei.

Hey, if Shouko came up with the plan, it must be good. Yaha!

Leave the details to me.

There's no need to worry, ladies. Even if we fail, it will only tarnish Sensei's reputation.

Now then, hup-hup! Let's get moving!