The Heir Apparent

“ Hey, shit stains! Gather ‘round, cause I got somethin’ for ya’! “ 

it was time.

the culmination of fear and anticipation reached a crescendo inside of one classroom — with a potentially familiar face waiting beyond the door, arms held out in a mockery of a welcoming gesture. his hood no longer obscured the eerie visage underneath, one of a handsome young man that many youth in the school had grown accustomed to seeing over their attendance. three things about his form quickly stood out: a pistol and a knife were sitting next to his person, yet the exact model of pistol could not be ascertained due to the lack of visibility in the classroom. the third, which all were sure to notice, was a pair of hollow red eyes watching each student with an egotistical leer.

idly, the mockery of a high school teacher plopped down on the edge of his desk and pulled a knee inward to his chest, draping an arm over it afterward. kobayashi gestured the undoubtedly bewildered students inward to have a seat, just like an average day at school. 

It didn't take a genius to notice the pistol and knife, and the probable intent behind them. Chances were that if his orders weren't obeyed, this mockery of an authority figure wouldn't hesitate to use violent force on any of them. This wouldn't be so difficult if they were unified. Someone disarms him, someone pins him down, they manage to keep him pacified. However, there were two major flaws with this plan of attack. First, the collars, which were probably designed to dissuade something like this from happening. They were probably electric or otherwise dangerous to people who disobeyed orders. And the second? The second was easy. A lack of unity, meaning they'd never be able to work cohesively as a team. Not without fumbling, or someone trying to one-up someone else.

He’s presented a wonderful opportunity here— having someone who at least looks cool under this situation may help him greatly. Be it warding off the meek-hearted, or just simply sharing a well of information… as long as his giant ego doesn’t force Neku to cut off his ears from all the talking.

Neku crosses his arms and chews on the tip of his thumb. This guy would be a much better choice to partner up with than his other acquaintances here. The only question remaining is, can he actually open himself up in this dangerous a situation? 

However, unless proven to have extraordinary capabilities in some manner or respect, everyone was a simpleton or an imbecile to the heir. Nevertheless, he couldn't address the younger boy that way forever. At least... not if he wanted his cooperation. So he listened carefully, arms folded across his chest, taking in everything he could... which wasn't much.

The heir hesitates... then shakes the other's hand with a firm grip before pulling away. This one seemed somewhat trustworthy. Probably not the eager or most competent, but at this point any assistance was a godsend "In terms of physical capabilities, that can't be properly determined on sight alone. Presumably, we'll be shocked or otherwise incapacitated should we choose to remove these collars. It only makes logical sense."

There’s something suspicious going on. He has a jump in his memories, an open blank space, and that alone is enough to make him uncomfortable. He was… walking home, yes, and then he was ambushed…

That must be it. Taking a look around, he sees familiar faces, though not many he can claim to actually know. With all the disoriented looks he sees, he can figure that no one was brought here on their own accord. 

Now’s not the time to mumble to himself, though— someone’s trying to get his attention.

As if those words are an explanation. But in the heir's mind, they ought to be. His name, his position, the intellect he has at his disposal... all things that people should know by reputation at the very least. As for this boy... the face was somewhat familiar. A loner, wasn't he? The headphones suggested as much, and he'd seen him wandering school grounds during breaks, head nodding to some inaudible beat.

"... Hrmph." Loathe as he was to admit it, Togami didn't know where they were in the slightest, either. A shameful turn of events for the young man who was usually so on top of things, but he wouldn't let it be this way for long. "We are... in a perilous situation." That was all the explanation that he could give for now, unfortunately.

" Jud. I’m Tenzou. Looking forward to solve this mystery with you de gozaru. " 

Tenzou was worried himself what was with these collars and mass abduction. It was quite the mystery it was. Were they picked at random or for specific reasons? Did they share something in common that made them the victims for all this?

That was all that needed to be said. It was both a statement of identification and a statement of intent. That very name meant that the man behind it possessed power, wealth, and a formidable intellect that could hardly be rivaled. It also meant that no matter the circumstances set before him, he would succeed. No ifs, ands or buts. Still... this was rather irritating. Minimal information, minimal resources. But, in a way, this was better. It would definitely prove his capability in any situation.

He stood up in front of the fancy dressed boy. Looking at him closer up, the eyes on the cap squinting to take a good look at the large collar thing that he was not familiar with.

" That looks like a heavy collar of sorts. "

He than had to think long and hard to answer the next question. Everything was in a blue.

" Let’s see…. I remember… A dark figure attacking in out of nowhere around a corner. Everything after that is in a blur until this moment. "

" And lastly, my face is concealed by a jutsu. This way people can see my eyes. It makes them less tense around me-de gozaru." 

The feeling of the device had been heavy, and this strangers' observation only confirmed his suspicions. Someone wanted to keep them in here. But as to the purpose of their confinement... well, there the heir was stuck. But he wouldn't be for long, or his name wasn't Byakuya Togami.

The details that the stranger was providing were in line with Togami's own memories, so he gave him a curt nod. "Such was the case with me. I have no recollections of being brought to this place, or having that collar placed upon my neck." Which was an absolute nuisance, but one that he would be able to deal with in due time with adequate information.

The masked boy’s cap was the first thing that reacted to this rude awakening, the two stripes on it starting to blink like eyes as Tenzou let out a low groan. 

The eyes on the large cap becomes clear wide open as Tenzou find himself in the hold of this man. An enemy? No, there were no ill intent from him. Tenzou slowly moved his head to the glassed, well dressed man.

Then the cap started to blink. Thankfully, the portly young man was no stranger to unusual situations and kept up his air of haughtiness... even if most situations weren't so unusual as this. Instead, he pointed straight at his neck: specifically, to that piece of metal around it.