The Rain Before Checkmate

“Everyone is a tool. But not all tools know they’re being used.” This moment marks the beginning of Ayanokoji’s next phase he's no longer just observing. He's preparing to control the entire class hierarchy from the inside. Kushida is becoming unpredictable. Ryuen is getting desperate. Horikita is beginning to ask too many questions. And someone from the White Room his past might already be in the school. The rain becomes a metaphor washing away the false fronts of students pretending to be friends… and revealing their true value. Ayanokoji doesn’t want power. He doesn’t want status. But he’s starting to realize... To truly be free in this system, you must control it first.