Councilor Kondo vs. School
Councilor Kondo’s PoV
I quickly drove to the school to deal with the problem. I believe in nipping problems in the bud to avoid complications. Like the hotel incident before, I’ve found that some problems can be solved with a bribe. This is just my way of handling things…
It was after 12:30. I deliberately chose the lunch hour, thinking it would be easier to speak with the teachers I wanted to see.
The key figures in this case seem to be a teacher named Takayanagi, who is in his 30s, and the principal. Just the right age. Takayanagi has a promising future—I can support him. The principal is nearing retirement—it’s comforting to have a lot of money during those years.
If I tempt them with money, it will work.
At the reception, I stated my requirements.
“I am a city council member, the father of Kondo Seiji, a third-year student. I want to speak with the principal and Takayanagi-sensei…”
Declare myself as a city council member and exert pressure on those around me.
This should allow me to meet with them quickly.
Sure enough, the receptionist responded immediately, and I was escorted to the principal’s office. This is where the battle began.
“Welcome, Kondo-san.”
After ten minutes of waiting, two people arrived: the principal and Takayanagi-sensei. We exchanged introductions.
“I apologize for taking time out of your busy schedules. I have a matter concerning my son that I would like to discuss with both of you.”
Pretend to grovel and satisfy their self-esteem. If that doesn’t work, threaten them.
“Oh, what do you mean?”
“I heard that you two are suspicious of my son regarding the assault that happened two weeks ago…”
At these words, the two looked confused, as if they were pretending.
The principal replied,
“No, we do not suspect your son. We are simply informing all the students during the school assembly. Does the fact that you’re bringing this up mean you know something about your son’s involvement?”
Damn, he got me. I see, they didn’t say it outright. Stupid son of a b🬀🬀ch!
“Yes, that seems to be the case. I asked my son about it, and he admitted that he hit a junior over a love problem. I am very sorry for what he did. I wonder if there’s any way we can settle this peacefully.”
I’m sure the school doesn’t want this kind of scandal to go public either. Our interests align.
“I see. I wish I had heard that earlier. We asked him directly about the situation. You didn’t know?”
Oh, it seems the principal is quite persistent.
“This is the first I’ve heard of it. He’s at the age of puberty. I suppose he didn’t want to share his problems with his parents. My son is at a crucial point in his life as he prepares for college. I’ve tried to secure a spot for him in the university’s athletic department, and they gave us a positive response. It would be detrimental to his future if this issue became public. I’m sure the teachers would agree. Scandals like these are the media’s favorite headlines. If possible, it would be better to keep this quiet. In our generation, it was just a kid’s fight. I believe it’s best to avoid causing unnecessary harm to each other over something so trivial.”
At these words, they both stiffened. Apparently, the threat had worked.
The teacher in his thirties, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.
“What do you mean? Is it just a fight between kids?”
“Yes, when I was younger, it was common for kids to get into fights. But nowadays, parents tend to blow these things out of proportion. I’m willing to apologize to the victim’s parents and show them my sincerity. Therefore, I’d like to ask the school to keep a low profile in this matter. If such incidents become public, they could damage the school’s reputation and reduce the number of applicants for future entrance exams.”
Now the threats begin.
The young teacher continued,
“Do you mean you want the school to cover it up?”
“Cover-up is the wrong word. But I’m a professional, and I have connections in many places. If the school cooperates with me, I’m sure it will be a positive outcome. The bad publicity won’t surface. It would be a win-win situation for both the school and me, right?”
Takayanagi’s expression hardened as if caught off guard, and he let out a small sigh.
“…Don’t be stupid!”
I knew it… the hot-blooded type, rare these days.
“Takayanagi-sensei, consider this a business discussion. If you keep your mouth shut, I’ll do you a favor in the future. Or would you rather make an enemy of me and struggle for scraps?”
I’ve already dropped my gentlemanly facade. Now I can wield the violent instrument called power.
“…”
He was silent. He’s pretty funny when he’s flustered. Oh well, it can’t be helped.
“Do you understand? My son has a bright future. Will you let him have it? You claim to take this matter seriously over a few punches exchanged between kids, but to me, it looks like overreaction. I think your management skills are the real issue here. In the private sector, incompetence like this would get you fired—fired!”
The young teacher turned red and trembled at my sly remarks. Ah, I love this feeling of dominance.
“With all due respect…!!!”
I looked into the face of an angry Takayanagi. But a young man like him can’t do anything.
He’s just a teacher.
“Takayanagi-sensei, calm down.”
Panicking, the principal intervened to stop him. He seemed to know his place.
“But, Sensei…”
Seeing Takayanagi’s frustrated face as he glanced at his boss, I knew I had won.
“Takayanagi-sensei, you’re still young. You don’t have to take the brunt of an old principal’s burden. That’s the elder’s job. Sorry, Kondo-san…”
You’re a good-natured old man, principal. Well, this approach is faster.
“At least the principal knows what he’s talking about. From now on…”
Just as I was about to discuss our plans, the principal slammed his desk loudly.
A sharp thud echoed.
“What are you doing…”
I couldn’t help but raise my voice.
“A kid’s fight?! Shame on you! Your son nearly ruined another student’s future!”
The principal, who had been smiling gently moments ago, was now furious. His angry voice reverberated through the room.
“Huh? What…?”
Not knowing what was happening, I stammered.
“I will not allow you to mock my staff any longer. Takayanagi-sensei does not deserve such disrespect!”
A stronger counterattack came at me.