The Art of Manipulation (Part I)

The academy buzzed with energy. The tournament had reached the halfway point, and Hibiki’s quiet victories had not gone unnoticed. His ability to win without breaking a sweat was both impressive and disconcerting to the students, especially to those with sharp instincts.

It was time for him to act, to steer the current course in his favor.

He made his way through the academy halls, taking care to keep a low profile. His next move was deliberate.. his presence had to become almost invisible to those who might suspect him.

His first target: Ishigami Renji.

Renji was an observant strategist, and his words had lingered in Hibiki’s mind. People like that… they’re usually planning something.

That was true.

But Hibiki had been planning far longer than Renji could imagine. Now, it was time to manipulate the situation.

Hibiki found Renji in the common room later that evening, studying a map of the tournament bracket. He approached, moving with practiced indifference.

“Still analyzing the matches?” Hibiki asked, his voice casual.

Renji looked up, surprised to see Hibiki. “You again? How’d you know I’d be here?”

Hibiki shrugged. “You always sit in the same spot.”

Renji raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment. Hibiki continued, “You’re right, you know. I amplanning something. You’ve got a good eye.”

Renji hesitated. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I know you’re a strategist. You don’t get your rank without being one.” Hibiki smirked, his tone implying a subtle compliment. “I’m sure you’ve already realized I’m not just some ordinary student. I have more at stake here than just the tournament.”

Renji didn’t respond immediately, but his eyes narrowed, intrigued by Hibiki’s honesty.

“You’re not like the others,” Renji said slowly. “You hide your true strength… Why?”

Hibiki leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Because revealing everything would make me a target. I have to bide my time.”

Renji was quiet, and Hibiki could see the wheels turning in his head. He was uncertain, but also fascinated. Hibiki pressed on.

“You can’t trust people in this place,” Hibiki continued, his tone laced with subtle warning. “There are alliances, hidden motives… But sometimes, you can’t wait for the right moment. You have to create it.”

Renji studied him, clearly picking up on the hidden message. He couldn’t help himself.. he was drawn in. Hibiki’s words were calculated, designed to manipulate Renji’s growing paranoia.

“I’m not saying I’m your ally,” Hibiki added, with a slight smirk. “But I’m not your enemy either.”

Renji didn’t answer, but Hibiki could see the uncertainty in his eyes fading, replaced by a reluctant trust. It was a small victory. Renji would no longer be a problem for now.

..

The following day, Hibiki encountered Shirayuki Akari in the training yard.

Akari had always intrigued him. The ice mage was disciplined, intelligent, and unpredictable. She didn’t trust easily, and her curiosity about Hibiki had always lingered in the back of his mind.

It was time to see how she could be useful to him.

“Training alone again?” Hibiki asked, observing her as she froze a target with pinpoint precision.

Akari didn’t look up. “I prefer to train without distractions.”

Hibiki smiled, walking up to her. “You know, I’ve been watching your progress in the tournament. Impressive.”

Akari finally turned, a slight frown on her face. “What do you want, Souta?”

He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing with intent. “I think you and I have similar goals. We’re both after something bigger than just winning this tournament.”

Akari studied him. “Is that so?”

“Yes,” Hibiki replied, his voice soft yet firm. “We both know that this academy is just the beginning. The real power lies outside.. within the kingdom itself.”

Akari raised an eyebrow. “You think so? And what makes you so sure you can change things?”

Hibiki’s smirk deepened. “Because I have more than just magic at my disposal. I have plans.”

Akari’s expression hardened. “What kind of plans?”

Hibiki leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. “Plans that could shake this kingdom to its core. You see, Akari, your magic may freeze enemies in place, but it’s not enough to freeze an entire kingdom.”

Akari didn’t answer right away, but Hibiki knew she was listening. He had her attention.

“You want to reshape this world, don’t you?” Hibiki added. “Then why not work with me? Help me destroy the kingdom from the inside, and we can make it something better.”

Akari hesitated. She wanted more.. he could feel it. But was she willing to betray her own people for it?

Finally, she spoke. “I’m not like you, Souta. I don’t destroy to create.”

Hibiki grinned. “No, you don’t. But you will.”

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone in the yard. She hadn’t agreed, but the seeds had been planted.

..

Hibiki’s thoughts were interrupted as he passed a familiar face.

Reina.

Her bright eyes followed him, but this time, Hibiki wasn’t interested in engaging. She had already played her role as the noble princess who liked to pretend she was above it all. He had no use for her.. yet.

But something about the way she looked at him made his mind churn. She was no fool. If she kept pursuing him, she could become a problem.

It was time to push her away, subtly.

“Reina,” Hibiki said, stopping in front of her. “Do you always follow people around?”

Her eyes flashed with surprise, but she quickly regained her composure. “I’m not following you, Souta.”

He tilted his head. “Then why are you watching me?”

Reina narrowed her eyes. “You’re being rude.”

Hibiki smirked. “I’m just curious why someone like you would be interested in someone like me. After all, your life is so perfect, isn’t it? I’m sure you have more important things to do than following around an ordinary student like me.”

The words stung more than he expected, but he kept his expression neutral.

Reina’s lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, Hibiki saw the slightest hint of frustration in her eyes. She turned on her heel and walked away.

Perfect.

Another obstacle moved out of his way.

Hibiki returned to his room later that night, the weight of his plans pressing heavily on his mind. He had manipulated Renji, planted the seeds with Akari, and dismissed Reina without issue.

Each move was a step closer to his true goal: the kingdom’s destruction.

And now, with the tournament nearing its final stages, he could feel it.. the tension in the air, the subtle shift in the academy’s dynamics.

Everything was falling into place.

It was only a matter of time.

Hibiki spent the next few days keeping a low profile, his mind whirring with his plans. The academy’s tournament would reach its climax soon, but it wasn’t just the battles he was preparing for. The true war, the one he’d been waging in the shadows, was far more intricate. Each person in the academy, each interaction, could potentially serve as a weapon.. or an obstacle.