inferior genius

by vamer

ok

Classroom of the Elite: An Inferior Genius(DISCONTINUED)
DarkVoid

Published: 2022
Source: https/

OC Introduction

Name: Maida Yasushi
Age: 16
Height: 5'10ft
Personality: Introverted, A slight Inferiority Complex, Quiet

Brief Description:

Maida Yasushi has been living with his father Maida Takao from birth to the age of 12 due to his mother dying from giving birth. His father didn't really hold a grudge on him, but Yasushi felt the weight he carried ever since he was 6. Unfortunately, his father died of illness as well, leaving him orphaned.

Luckily, he was left with quite the hefty sum of money before his father died, and made good use of it to study hard and train his body a bit, as well as getting a part time job. During the first year of his junior high(he was 13 years old), Yasushi started seeing himself as someone not worthy of living, but pressed on to keep his promise to his father of "Live for me."

Yasushi's academical abilities are above average, if compared to someone in ANHS it's around Hirata's level. As for physical abilities, it's that of a normal high schooler, but for actual combat knowledge he can compare with that of Ryueen or Ibuki.

As for strategies, it would depend on the available pawns and resources. If left with say one pawn, he could be as discreet as Ayanokouji, but using the entire class, he could be as aggresive as Ryuuen and Sakayanagi

Likes: Peaceful environments, books, chess, archery

Dislikes: Persistent people, perverts, mornings, non-logical explanations

This will be the only OC, the rest are COTE characters with slightly different developments due to Maida Yasushi being in the plot. I shall see you readers in chapter 1.

Volume 1: Hello ANHS

Yasushi POV

I am currently on a public bus heading to my new school. I sincerely hope I could find something here to keep me from stressing over the past. I searched all over the internet after I overheard my teachers and classmates talking about the Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School. It's basically a place of guaranteed college of your choice or work if you want to. Honestly, it wouldn't be bad for me, but that wasn't the reason why I chose this school.

(Note: This isn't the same bus as ayanokouji and the old woman incident)

I am here because I want to continue fulfilling the promise I made to my father. The atmosphere I kept feeling back home was that of a choking kind, a place where I could kill myself at any moment. In this school I could focus on something other than that.

The bus was near full as we left the last stop, the next destination being the ANHS campus. The last few to board were all students, wearing the same uniform as me, with gender separation in mind. We were now crossing an extremely long bridge, we're almost there. I was just planning on staring out the window till we get there, but...

Before I could do so, I felt a slight tug on my left sleeve.

"Hm?" I made a noise of confusion as I looked at the person to my left.

She was a girl, also clad in our school uniform. She had lilac colored hair and a curious look on her face.

"Um, is anything the matter?" I asked.

"Your eyes lack ambition, yet you enroll into this school. Why is that?" She replied with a question of her own.

"My apologies for my bluntness but that is none of your business."

"Mm, I see, do let me apologize as well. My curiosity got the best of me." She turned to look back towards the front with a smug grin.

What is with that face? Why do I feel so uncomfortable with that smug face of hers?

As I was turning my head back towards the window, I see that we just crossed the bridge. The campus walls came into view, a beautiful white and red color scheme to them. We started slowing down as I saw the entrance a couple meters away.

The students on this bus started to get ready to leave as the bus came to a full halt. The lilac haired girl beside me picked up a cane which was out of my peripheral vision. So she has a disability huh, she has my sincere sympathies. It took her quite a while to get up from the seat then out the bus, but she stumbled on the pavement causing her to lose balance.

"Look out." Before I knew it, I caught her from behind, grabbing her shoulders. We then walked to the side to make way for everyone else, and allow the girl to get back on her feet.

"Ah thank you, I apologize for that."

"No need, you have a disability, no way around that."

"You seem very modest, what's your name?" Introductions huh?

"Maida Yasushi, pleasure to meet you. What's yours?"

"I'm Sakayanagi Arisu, the pleasure is all mine Maida-kun."

"Do you need help getting to your assigned classroom? I could come with you."

"Oh please there's no need, I do not wish to trouble you any further."

"Are you sure?" I was actually a bit worried.

"Yes, please don't trouble yourself with me, I'm sure you would want to get acquainted with your classmates."

"Alright if that's what you want. I'll see you around Sakayanagi-san." I said making my leave.

"Yes, I look forward to seeing you in the campus Maida-kun." I wonder if that was true. Well it wouldn't really matter either way.

I walked through the entrance gate, leaving Sakayanagi behind. This school was incredible just by the first look of it. There were school buildings in front of me, a path leading to more buildings to the right and a large structure to the left. Multiple students were walking towards the school buildings, I was one of them, looking for my classroom. After looking at a nearby map, I saw that my classroom was on the second floor of one of the buildings.

Arriving inside that building, I climbed up the stairs and saw a plate on top of a door that said Class 1-D. I went inside and saw that the place was about half full, with forty chairs in the area. I went around looking at the nameplates till I found mine. It was at the second row to the back row, two seats were to my right, one to my left.

I put my bag under my desk and sat down. Looking at the entire room, friend groups were already being established. I was honestly baffled on how that was, seeing as it was just the first day. In the course of the next few minutes, I pondered on what I should do. Should I make some friends, or should I just stay the same as I was before? Either choice is fine by me, especially since no one knew me here.

Before I knew it, the room was filled to the brim, with all forty seats being occupied, and then someone else entered the room. It was a woman around her late 20s, having a stern and serious expression on her face. Seeing her, the students who were still standing immediately sat back down.

(I fixed Chabashira's age thanks to y'all in the comments)

"Ahem, good morning class, My name is Chabashira Sae, I teach Japanese History and I'm the homeroom teacher of this class. Students are not allowed to change classes yearly, for the next 3 years, those that you see around you will be your classmates, so I hope you all get along." After a short pause to confirm we understood, she continued.

"I will now be distributing the school handbook, take one and pass it to the back. Read it at your leisure"

She gave out the said items and I passed the last one to the person behind me. I flipped open the school handbook to look into the rules a bit, all in all they were standard rules with allotted punishments.

"Now that you have the handbooks, here are your student ID cards. This contains all your private points, which you can use just like normal money to purchase anything at this school. Anything on school grounds should be purchasable."

Interesting, so private points are our money in this school, I can understand because it is handled by the Japanese government. What I'm concerned about is the fact that she used the term "should be" rather than "is", therefore exceptions to what we can buy still exist. I quickly looked at my balance and was a bit surprised by the amount.

"Surprised by the amount? Your account balance has been deemed necessary just by getting into this school." The murmurs started to die down after she said that.

"Well looks like there aren't any questions, I'll conclude this homeroom early. About an hour from now there will be an entrance ceremony for you first years, do not be late."

With those parting words, she left the classroom, shutting the door behind her. My classmates immediately started shouting happily about their allowance of 100,000 points. While I wasted away, reading the handbook, a greenish blonde haired guy stood up and said something.

"Everyone, can I get your attention please? I would like for us to get to know each other since we'll be classmates for the next three years. How does that sound?"

"I'm in! I wanna get to know everyone too!"

"Same here!"

"Yeah!"

Some of my classmates chanted in agreement, some nodded, but the rest stayed quiet.

"Alright, I'll go first. My name is Hirata Yousuke. Back in junior high a lot of people called me Yousuke so please don't hesitate to use my first name. My hobby is sports in general, but I especially like soccer. I'm planning on playing soccer here too. Nice to meet you everyone!" He said.

That introduction was incredible, it sounded like he would be the center of attention in the class.

"I would like for everyone to introduce themselves one by one starting from the front, is that okay?"

They did as he said and started from the front. One by one they all introduced themselves.

"Alright, I guess it's my turn now." A brown haired girl said timidly. Some people were giving her cheers.

"My name is Kushida Kikyou, none of my friends from junior high made it to this school so I'm alone here. I'd like to get to know all of your names and faces as soon as possible so we could all be friends!"

She continued to talk for some time, around twice or three times as long as anyone else.

"My first goal is to become friends with everyone. So after we've finished our introductions I'd love for you to share your contact information with me!" She continued with a big smile on her face.

That smile, it's too...bright.

"So after school or during vacations, I want to make all sorts of memories with a lot of people. Please feel free to invite me to lots and lots of events! Anyway, I've talked for a long time, so I'll end my introduction here." She finally finished, again with a bright smile.

After a round of applause, the introductions continued. After some time, it was the turn of the guy with slightly long blonde hair, which I can't argue is a pretty stylish hairdew.

"Excuse me, but could you please introduce yourself?" Hirata humbly asked the boy in the center seat of the room.

"Hmph, fine." He spoke like an aristocrat with a high standing in the hierarchy. Shifting his legs instead of standing up, he spoke.

"My name is Kouenji Rokusuke. As the sole male heir of the Kouenji conglomerate group, I will soon be tasked with carrying Japan into the future. I sincerely look forward to making your acquaintance, ladies." He directed that last part to the girls, to which some looked a bit disgusted.

"Starting today I will mercilessly punish anyone who makes me uncomfortable. Please exercise proper precaution so that you may avoid that." Kouenji finished with a proud grin.

"Um, Kouenji-kun. What exactly do you mean when you say 'anyone who makes me uncomfortable'?" asked Hirata, he looked uneasy with what Kouenji just said.

"I meant exactly what I said. If I had to give an example , well... I would say I hate ugly things, for instance. So if I saw something ugly, I would do just as I said." He finished again, this time flipping his long flowing bangs.

Okay, half the class is left. After a few more, it was my turn. As I stood up, I made it careful not to forcefully push my chair back and then spoke.

"Hi everyone, my name's Maida Yasushi, pleased to meet you all. My hobby is playing chess and practicing archery, but that's all I've got. I hope we can get along." I finished with a slight bow.

I got a few applauding hands, Hirata and Kushida included. Good, I didn't mess it up. After the guy next to me introduced himself, who's name was Miyake Akito, I heard a partially loud clack.

"Um... My name is Ayanokouji Kiyotaka... I really don't like anything in particular... uh... let's get along."

Hmm, it seems he did what I tried to avoid. Both forcefully pushing the chair and messing up the introduction. Well, Hirata turned the atmosphere back to normal by saying "nice to meet you" so I guess everything is fine, but then...

Bang!

"Tch, what are we a bunch of middle schoolers? Making introductions like this?"

"Uh, well there's really no harm with it right?" Hirata tried to elaborate.

"Whatever, I'm leaving. See ya at the ceremony, I guess."

The red head picked up his bag and left the classroom, but looks like no one wanted to leave for now.

Well, introductions were a little productive for me, I didn't mess it up as much as that Ayanokouji guy, I pray for him though. If I were to give my introduction, say six months ago, I'd be in the same boat.

After a few minutes, Hirata told everyone to head to the gymnasium for the entrance ceremony.

Volume 1: Foundations

Yasushi POV

The entrance ceremony was, to put it bluntly, boring. There were around 160 people in the gymnasium for it, makes sense since it's the entire first year student body. After that we were given the rest of the day as free time, to explore the school and get ourselves settled in.

I for one went to the dormitories to check out my room. I received my room key, which was an electronic card that had the numbers 309 on it. I went to the third floor and quickly found that room to which I entered. Pretty normal for a high schooler living alone.

A bed, a desk and chair with a provided computer setup, a kitchen area, a bathroom and a little space in the middle to move around in. I put down my bag on the desk and took another brief look around the room.

" Sigh." I let out a sigh of exhaustion, I usually don't like bright looking rooms but what could I do? It's not like I can just renovate the entire place with black wallpapers, that sounds like too many points being spent.

"Well then, I guess I should get myself some food." I thought aloud.

After I left the convenience store with a small haul that would last me the week, I explored a bit. There was a place in the campus called Keyaki Mall, from the looks of the height it should have four or five floors. I entered and was greeted by an open air mall with multiple buildings.

The outside really got me huh? I thought it would be an air conditioned facility with escalators everywhere but I guess this is more practical and flexible for whatever budget this school had.

The first place I looked for was an electronics store, to which I found and bought a pair of earphones that costed 5000 points. Then, I went to look for a book store and bought three books that costed at a total of 3000 points. These should keep me interested in something for a while.

As I left the book store and started going back to the dormitories, I saw a commotion on that path. Great...

I took the route of the convenience store I first went to, and ran into the red haired guy from my class, who was fighting with some other students.

"Whaddya just say to me!?"

"Look at him, barking like an angry dog. Ha ha! You kouhais don't even know the hell you'll experience."

"You know what little pup we're gonna let you off the hook this time, see you around, stupid defect."

They must be senpais, at least second year students. After the three of them left the red haired guy got angry and kicked the nearby trash cans, then left as well. Soon after, Ayanokouji from my class came out, looked around and proceeded to tidy up the place. I decided to make my entrance.

"Hey there, let me give you a hand."

"Oh...thanks." He replied, seemingly unsure on how and why I was here.

"You're Ayanokouji Kiyotaka from my class right?"

"Yeah, you are...Maida Yasushi?"

"Yeah, introductions was pretty hard wasn't it?"

"Well, you didn't really mess yours up like I did."

"I mean, I haven't really formally introduced myself for quite a while now so I was really nervous."

"I see." We finished picking up the trash and I looked upward.

"You noticed?" Ayanokouji asked.

"The camera? Yeah, in our classroom and the stores I visited too. This school has strict surveillance." I feel like they only wouldn't put cameras in the bathrooms, changing rooms and dorms.

"This could spell trouble."

"What do you mean?" I asked, curious.

"The school would've seen that, it could cost us in the future."

"You mean like our private points or something?"

"Something along those lines."

Huh, he could be right, this guy obviously let less of himself know than he let on. I have to also agree with him about this.

"Well, nothing we can do now. Neither of us recorded the whole thing so what else can happen but let it slide. Besides it's only the first day."

"I guess your right."

"Are you heading back to the dorms? If so do you want to just walk there together?"

"Sure."

With a nod, I started walking and he followed. On the way back, we talked about mundane things and what we've done for the last few hours after the entrance ceremony. Ayanokouji was surprisingly approachable once you actually get the chance to talk. Well, that's my take on the matter at least.

We've soon arrived at the dormitory and I waited for Ayanokouji to get his room key, I wonder where he wandered off to while I was doing my shopping. We got onto the elevator after he got his room keycard and pressed the buttons for our respective floors.

"So you live on the 3rd floor?" He asked.

"Yeah, 309 to be exact, you?"

"401"

"I see."

The elevator door opened and I got off.

"Well this is me. Till next time Ayanokouji-kun." I said waving goodbye.

He didn't bother saying it back and instead nodded. I went back to my room and swiped the keycard to unlock the door. Putting my necessities on the bed and new books on the table, I started wondering. What do I want in this school?

Aside from getting away from my initial thoughts when that happened I should probably look for another goal. Should I make lots of friends like Kushida? No, too much effort. Maybe play a sport like Hirata? No, I don't like that many sports. I guess I can just start pulling my own weight more by studying a bit harder.

Well I can't think of anything at the moment. Who knows, maybe this school is perhaps different from all the rest? It's only the first day so I should just get myself settled into this room.

It was the second day of school, or should I say the first day of class. It's quite interesting to see so many first years grouping up already, I don't know if it's naivety or something else, but who am I to judge making friends? Good for everyone else I guess, but I still haven't set my goal in this school other than what I've already thought. What shall I do?

Before I knew it, I was already at the door leading into the classroom. I guess time flies if your lost in thought. The students already in here were chatting about idle things.

"Ah, good morning Maida-kun!" Hirata greeted me with a warm smile.

Oh no, he greeted me and now a lot of the girls are looking my way. Hey, I'm not a clown in a circus act, don't look at me.

"Good morning." I replied.

Well the girls looked staved off from that, since they looked away. That was mentally stressful. I took my seat and looked around. Ayanokouji was already here, looking out the window, I should probably just not stare at him like his seatmate does.

Class went onward for the rest of the morning. It was all just an orientation for our respective subjects with respective teachers to which I didn't see many of my classmates pay attention. Right before lunch break, about a few seconds after the last teacher left, music started playing over the speakers. I could hear the same music echoing from the halls indicating that this is a campus wide announcement.

"At 5pm Japan Standard Time today, we will be holding a student club fair in Gymnasium No. 1. Students interested in joining a club please gather in Gymnasium No. 1. I repeat-..."

So, a club fair huh? Despite not wanting to join any, I should probably go see what our senpais are like. At any rate, I need to go eat first before anything else.

I arrived at the cafeteria, damn, almost full already? After getting a rather cheap lunch set, I went to one of the free tables by a partially secluded area.

"Well, itadakimasu." I started eating quietly, once again thinking about my prime goals in this school.

Was it really that hard to focus on something other than my studies or my past? No of course not, I'm just stressing over this way too much. Hmm, what can I do here, I really don't want to join a club and I really don't want to make too many friends, both tasks are too bothersome.

"...-llo? Hello? Kouhai, can you hear me?" A voice started sounding in my ears.

"Hm, huh?" I looked to my right to see a purple haired girl looking at me, with a black haired boy behind her.

"Oh uh, pardon me, I was lost in thought. What can I do for you two?" I asked trying to sound as non-offensive as possible. They were probably standing there for a while, damn this habit of mine.

"We wanted to ask if we could take those seats beside you, is that alright?" The purple haired girl asked politely, but her face had a little irritation to it.

"Uh, sure, if your fine with sitting me senpais then by all means. Don't mind me."

"Okay then, this way president." President?

The black haired senpai nodded and went to sit beside me, the purple haired senpai sitting across him. I went back to my food and decided to think about the club fair. At best, I could see something interesting happen, at worst I'd just waste my time which both are what I want.

The two senpais sitting with me were apparently also talking about the club fair, but from a different perspective than me. They were probably two of the organizers or a club captain or something.

"If by chance, wouldn't that mean clubs would get us bonus points or something?" I thought aloud.

In my old school, clubs also existed, and some that did well got a bonus score on their report cards depending on who the organizer was. Say the organizer was an English teacher from my class, and one classmate did really well, say second place in the competition. That guy would've been compensated in their grade for English. However, since this school is different, it would probably be private point compensation.

"If this school is meritocratic, wouldn't that mean there are some sort of special exams? I don't think it would be strange, those senpais said we would 'experience hell'. Could that be what they mean? Probably not in particular but that should point out a few-"

Clap!

Once I looked up, the purple haired senpai's hands were clasped in front of me.

"Oh uh, was I rambling aloud?" Damn my habits again, I continued to talk aloud without knowing it!

"You were, and you've managed to say some interesting things for a first year on their first month."

This time, the one to answer was the black haired senpai.

"Ah my apologies, where are my manners. Nice to meet you, my name is Horikita Manabu, this is my secretary Tachibana Akane. We're both from Class 3-A." He stated. Secretary? If there's a student council here could he be the president?

"Maida Yasushi, Class 1-D. The feeling is mutual Horikita-senpai."

"I must say, I'm quite impressed on how you've observed the system, and it's only your second day too, did your teacher give you any clues?" Tachibana-senpai asked.

"I don't think they were clues, but still I could not trust the '100,000 points a month' my class has been talking about when I've only heard that we'd get the points this month. Besides, the way grades are normally graded from A to F depending on performance, the classes here are organized from A-D."

"A good deduction, but where else did you base it from aside the points you managed to get this month?" Horikita-senpai pressed on. This has definitely turned into an interrogation.

"Uh, I'd say from the way society works right now. Since this is a school sponsored and handled by the government, I thought this truly was an elite school. Then I saw how the people in my class were either oblivious or greedy, I thought to myself. Why would the school accept these types of students?"

"And did you manage to answer that question of yours?" He asked.

"I've only gotten to a temporary conclusion senpai. The conclusion is that this school has some high degree of meritocracy going on. I got to that because of all the ads of 'guaranteed work and college'. I simply couldn't trust that every single student that graduates gets those rights."

After I finished off, I got a small applause from Tachibana-senpai and...is Horikita-senpai smiling? If so it's barely noticeable.

"I'm impressed, all in two days no doubt. Hard to imagine you were from Class D if you haven't introduced yourself." Horikita-senpai said.

"Thank you but, why let me ramble about this Horikita-senpai?"

"Oh I wouldn't call what you just said rambling. To answer your question though, I'm the Student Council President of this school, and am currently looking for new members among the first-years to replace us graduating third-years. You'll be hearing me say the same things in the club fair later today."

"I see, well allow me to apologize for both taking up your time and for not answering kindly."

"Nonsense, You've made me realize that this year's first years should be quite interesting. Now if you'll excuse us, we must be off to get prepared for our next class." He finished off his sentence and got up with his tray.

"Thank you again for letting us sit with you Maida-kun, you take care in your school days now." Tachibana-senpai also stood up with her tray.

Well, I should probably leave too, the next class was about to start in a few minutes. I should think of what Horikita-senpai said though, but as for the student council stuff I doubt I'd even qualify.
_

There were four subjects in the afternoon that came and went without a hitch. Well at least my classmates didn't cause a ruckus, but not many of them seemed to pay attention. After our last teacher left, some of my classmates started to enthusiastically talk about the club fair. I could also hear Hirata talking about joining the soccer club.

It's about three minutes till 5pm, might as well go the Gymnasium No. 1 now.

Arriving, I could already hear the echoes of a microphone. I checked the time and it was 5:08pm, I guess I was a little late. Going through the double doors, the sound became clear.

"-in the Tea Ceremony Club, be sure to visit our tent over somewhere to your left. Nice meeting you all!" The senpai on stage looked finished with what she was saying.

Tea ceremony huh? I was genuinely intrigued with the practice but I didn't have much time for it. A few more senpais came up the stage to introduce their clubs. There were some such as the Basketball Club, which was pretty normal in every school, and others like the Archery Club, which wasn't in my last school or middle school.

As much as I loved archery I really didn't want to join any clubs. For the rest of the club fair, I stood off to the side looking around, then at some point just looked at my feet.

The senpais could be heard enthusiastically introducing their clubs, it must be a pretty big deal. Maybe the more good members you have the bigger the budget? It's possible, but I doubt that these were genuine feelings from the senpais.

"Do your best!"

"Did you bring your notecards?"

"Ha ha!"

The crowd suddenly started mocking someone. When I looked toward the stage, Horikita Manabu stood there, but this time with a completely different air to him. He was looking around, then his eyes fell on someone for a few seconds, then on me. Afterwards he introduced himself.

"My name is Horikita Manabu, the current Student Council President of this school."

The hell was that cold vibe I just got? This is getting interesting now.

"The student council is looking for first-years to replace the graduating third-years. There are not any strict requirements in applying for a position, but those interested should not be affiliated with any other clubs. Generally, we do not accept candidates involved in other clubs."

Yeah, I don't think I'll be joining the student council. I pass the 'no other clubs' rule but I really don't think I qualify.

"Also, we in the student council, are not looking for those that have a naive way of thinking, Not only will that person fail to get elected, but they will also inevitably becomea stain to this school. The student council is only responsible with regulating the students, but the school expects much more. Those of you that understand can become potential candidates."

I see, it must pertain to his reaction when I mentioned something about special exams in my theory earlier. At any rate, Horikita-senpai walked down the stage and out the building after his speech. After he left, Tachibana-senpai walked up to the microphone.

"Thank you all for coming. With that, the club fair is over. We will now open the reception area for anyone interested in joining a club. The reception area will only be open until the end of April, anyone interested after that deadline can apply directly to the clubs. You can now go to the club stands if you are interested in joining."

"The president seems highly respected by the senpais."

"You could say that." Another voice came into my ears.

When I looked the other way, I saw Ayanokouji, just standing there.

"Ayanokouji-kun? When did you get here?" I couldn't sense him at all.

"Just before the president's speech. I saw you and was curious on why you were here. Before I could talk he started to speak."

"I see. Well were you here to join a club or see what the senpais were like?"

"The latter, and by the way you look right now I could say you were here for the same thing."

"Guilty as charged. Anyway, were you here with someone?"

"Do I look like a guy who would be around others most of the time?" He asked. Did you really just put me on the spot?

"I'm not one to judge others by their appearances, the student council president is a perfect example of that."

A while ago at lunch, I thought these two were just busy senpais. I was right to a degree but I didn't expect them to be in the student council before they said it. After a while of just looking at each other, he finally answered.

"I'm here with Horikita." Huh?

"You're here with the president?"

"No, not Horikita-senpai. I'm here with Horikita Suzune, our classmate." Oh, now I understand.

"I don't think I heard her name before, she probably hasn't introduced herself. Where is she now?"

"Over there."

He pointed behind him. I could see a beautiful girl with long black hair, looking towards the empty stage. If her surname is Horikita, there's a high chance she and the student council president are related.

"Well, I've finished my business here. Are you gonna stick around for longer?"

"Yeah, I should probably wait for Horikita to stop looking so stunned. You go on ahead."

"Alright then, see you around." I walked out of the gymnasium and started walking back to the dormitories.

I should get my things ready for actual class tomorrow. While I don't have anything else to focus on, it would be best for me to just study. I might get destroyed by the new topics here, although I've prepared quite thoroughly.

But...before I could think about anything further, I need to address the real problem. That problem is how far should I go with this thought process. Everywhere I go whenever there are rules I always look into the loopholes first, but every single time it backfired on me. If in terms of rules this school is like all the rest, I might be far away from the correct path. Just because the Student Council President acknowledged me doesn't mean I can get cocky.

Besides, he might've done that to keep me from figuring out the actual system. I can't trust him, nor can I trust anyone else. At the very least...not yet.

Volume 1: Class D

Yasushi POV

It was Friday already, the week passed by with not many problems. My classmates continued to indulge themselves with the fantasy of receiving 100,000 every month. I've already solved that particular mystery so my point balance was still 88,943 where my earphones and books took up the bulk of what I spent.

Being able to cook was extremely handy as well, seeing that I could just buy lunch at school then make my own breakfast and dinner. Not to mention the free items in the convenience store, I could efficiently spend my points. However, that's the problem here.

How many points do we get next month? I have a brain and I know how to use it, but if they just try, I feel like my classmates could do better than me, Hirata for example. According to Chabashira-sensei, we only got 100,000 points because we managed to get in, which was an 'incredible feat'.

Now hold on just a damn second.

If I use some variables and some basic math, let's say our private points are converted by a 1:100 scale, whereas one point is equal to a hundred. The senpais all throughout the week kept emphasizing the words 'hell' 'defective' and 'brainless' whenever I run into my red haired classmate whom I learned his name was Sudou Ken.

That would mean something terrible will happen to us in the near future, as the senpais wouldn't really stop their provocations. Then I add in what Horikita-senpai told me privately as well as said publicly during the club fair. He was 'impressed' by my assumptions of this school being merit based, when merit itself deteriorates in quality if it loses it's purpose.

"Let's say you invested in a product created by a poor company. You bought that product for yourself and both you and that company agreed that you now have the rights to lay claim on saying 'I made this product'. A few months pass by and that product starts losing it's value, or should I say it's merit. You haven't made back the price you bought that product for and decide to sell it off back to that same company. The company refuses saying they've heard the product isn't that valuable anymore. This is where 'demerits' come into play." I thought aloud, muttering under my breath

Demerits counter what merits are, basically pros and cons. I believe this is what the school is implying, the 100,000 points was the worth of our merits when we got into the school. Our behavior in anything we do are the demerits, thus reducing our allowance, like in a normal job.

Through a variety of calculations and implications of merits, I think there is another quantity completely separated from private points. Something along the lines of points as a group, as a class. Because classes are sorted from A-D, I am in the worst class, which I can understand since I know more about myself than anyone else and why I deserve to be here. Even so, since everyone got 100,000 points, I believe we also started evenly.

Anyway, after my long thought process, I looked up from my desk and saw on my phone that it was 6pm. I got up to leave for the dormitory so I can think things over throughout the weekend. The weekend would also be a good chance to look through the other classes' affairs.

The hallway was fairly empty, I guess almost everyone was either at Keyaki Mall, at their clubs or the dorms. Using this opportunity, instead of going to the dorms immediately, I went to the empty classroom on the next floor. The school staff don't close the classrooms till 8pm anyway.

I found the empty classroom, with no plate saying '1-D' or anything, it was just blank. Opening the door I went straight to the window. Looking out, a beautiful sunset could be seen with the stage of the school campus as scenery. If only I could have at least one year, where I don't have to worry about anything but my daily necessities, but alas, life is unfair like that.

"Fufu, I honestly did not expect anyone else to come up here. Let alone you of all people." That voice...could it be?

I turned around to see the petite lilac haired girl whom I helped on the first day, standing using her cane. Honestly, that smug grin really is uncomfortable to look at.

"It's been a while Maida-kun." She said.

"Mn, how has this school been for you Sakayanagi-san?"

"Overall, my days here have been boring, but who can say?"

True, who can say? We've only been here the first week, and she was probably bored due to her class not knowing much. She gave off an aura of superiority though.

"And you Maida-kun? How have you been fairing in this first week?"

"I still haven't set a proper goal in this school. All I know is that there is a system that needs cracking."

"Oh, you haven't figured it out yet?" Yet? She already knows huh, I would expect it because of that stupid smug grin.

"No, my classmates kept emphasizing that we'll just get 100,000 points every month and I can't really focus on my theory because I want to pay attention in the lectures. I'm not a natural genius." Nothing I said was really much of a lie.

I turn back towards the window, finished with what I had to say. I assumed she would be disinterested with my disappointing answer but she pressed on.

"You really have no ambition here, do you?" This again? I turn back, only to see she was right beside me now, her smug grin turned into a serious expression.

"If you lack ambition, you lack the means to become successful in any field. You understand that right?" Why is she telling me this anyway?

"Of course I do, and I've been seeking out that ambition for quite a while now."

"Fufu, you lie to yourself." I froze in place at that statement.

"Your eyes say everything Maida-kun. You've given up a long time ago." Did she perhaps know who my father was? Have I met her before? No, the latter was impossible because of the way we introduced ourselves on the bus.

"Why do you care Sakayanagi-san? You must've seen me around so from your perspective I'm probably just a lowly Class D student. You have absolutely nothing to gain from talking to me."

"Why do I care hmm? You are either very modest or are trying desperately to get out from this situation."

No, it was because I actually didn't think I was worth her time. I looked at the class lineups in the entrance ceremony, it was arranged from Class A to the left, up till Class D to the right. I saw her standing near the front where Class A was, her lilac hair was pretty obvious like mine, dirty white.

"Well, to answer your question, you remind me of someone."

"That is obviously not the only reason. I have never heard of your surname before nor do I personally know you from the past."

This sounds like a mind game to me. She must be testing how I answer to her tricks. This girl really does leave an impression of someone better than all the rest.

"What are you trying to pull here Sakayanagi-san?" This stops now, I don't want to deal with this.

"What do you mean?" How persistent of her to want to keep talking.

"You're just going to blackmail me with what I tell you. From your aura alone, I can tell you take advantage of information, even if it's trivial."

Her expression returned to that smug grin from before.

"Stop the recording and delete it." There was a short pause.

"Fufufufu!" What is with that laugh?

She continued to laugh for about half a minute or so before stopping and showing me her phone.

"I must ask, when did you find out about this feature?" Her smug grin grew bigger. That is such an uncomfortable expression to look at.

"Right before I went to bed on the first day, I was looking through the settings and found it. Now please delete that recording." Even if I don't think much of what I said would help her, I can't let my guard down.

She shows me her screen, stops the recording, then deletes it.

"Very well, that would do for now." For now? So she isn't gonna be done with me, dammit.

She puts her phone away and begins to leave.

Clack!

Clack!

Her cane vibrated through the floor and made loud sounds.

"I hope you grow up to be a nice plaything, Maida-kun. Till next we meet." Plaything huh, she must see me as an opponent with no value then.

She left the room with those parting words. Sakayanagi Arisu...if this school promotes meritocratic competition, she'll be a tough one to deal with.

It was the weekend, and honestly I didn't actually have a plan on how to scout on the other classes. The best place would be Keyaki Mall, to look for first years who want to explore. I changed into casual clothing and left my room to look around. I guess finding as much information as possible would be a good goal for the day.

Entering the mall, it was way more packed than it was this week. A lot of students from the first-years to the third-years must be here right now, not that I can blame them for anything. I even recognized my classmates. Hirata was with a bunch of girls and Kushida was with her friend group.

How many points have they spent up till now? I really hope they have at least half what they got left in their accounts, it'll be troublesome if they spent everything in the first week.

Right...how do I tell which of these from the sea of students is a first-year? Let's head to Pallet for now, a lot of students from every year go there. As I went to Pallet cafe, I was struck with some luck...I don't know if it was good or bad though.

"Hey! Isn't that Maida-kun?" Kushida spotted me, and apparently her friend group and Hirata's harem joined up to talk.

Stop looking at me you demons! I feel like an actual clown in a circus act now.

Both Hirata and Kushida walked up to me, big warm smiles on their faces. The group they were with soon followed, and for some reason looked at me like I was the most uninteresting person in the world.

"Oh, hey guys...What brings you to Keyaki Mall?" I first asked the obvious.

"We're here to look around and do some shopping! What about you?" Kushida asked.

"Just wandering around, I don't really have anything to do today."

"Well, why don't you join us? We'd be glad to have you with us." Hirata invited me.

"Uh, thanks but I don't think I'd fit in with-" Before I could finish, Kushida put a finger to my lips.

"No buts! Just come along with us! He won't be a burden right girls?" She asked the group.

They all nodded and some of them even encouraged me. I eventually gave up and followed them, Hirata checking on me from time to time. His harem looks so persistent, I guess even Hirata needs some guy company.

"So Maida-kun, what have you been up to this past week?" Kushida slowed her pace then came to my side.

"Nothing much, just been getting my bearings. This is a really big campus."

"Mn, your right. I hope you haven't been getting lost!"

What is with this girl? One second she acts like a stranger the next she sounds like your best friend. Her friends in front of us seem really accepting of me though, I wonder why...

"No, I haven't really been getting lost. Anyway, how has the class been doing as a whole? I haven't really been paying attention." I went straight to business. I can't waste time with this matter.

"Um, in what way do you mean Maida-kun?" Hirata overheard us from where he was standing and stopped in his tracks. The others were now staring at me again, well this time it was my fault to begin with.

"I mean in how they've been acting. This school is too generous for my taste. Hirata-kun, surely even you must see something is wrong?"

"It's true that I don't really trust what this is either, but sensei said so herself. We would be getting 100,000 points every month."

"Yeah, what Hirata-kun's saying is true!" The blonde girl came with an exaggerated tone.

"I guess you didn't catch the hint." Most of them tilted their heads.

"Hint? What hint?" Kushida asked.

"Sensei said we'd only be getting 100,000 points this month, therefore next month and the month after that wouldn't be 100,000." This put what they were initially saying to a stop. Hirata's shocked face told me everything I needed to know about the situation.

"You know what fine. Hirata-kun, Kushida-san, I need to talk to you two in private." The other girls started to act suspicious of me. What? Did they think I was gay or something, or that I wanted to ask Kushida out on a date and have Hirata as consultant? Oh please.

"From what you just said, this must be important. Girls, could you all go on ahead to Pallet without us?" Hirata's face became stern and serious, while Kushida had a small frown.

"Mn, I agree with Hirata-kun, we need to discuss this alone." Just from Kushida, her friends agreed almost immediately.

"If Hirata-kun says so. We'll meet you guys in Pallet then." The blonde girl said, giving me a hostile look. Were they dating or something?

The girls all left for Pallet while I led Hirata and Kushida to a somewhat secluded corner.

"This school is meritocratic."

"What?" They both said at the same time.

"This school arranges students from best to worst. Class A being the most elite, and Class D being the most defective. This means that the school judged us to all be foolish delinquents." I explained it to them.

"But, wouldn't that not be fair? And what about what the school promised in the advertisements?" Hirata asked with a concerned tone.

"It's possible that only Class A get those benefits, which means B and below get nothing." Society is unfair that way. It is also why society is so flawed in the first place, there is no equality.

"But what about us? Doesn't that mean all other classes walk out of this school with absolutely nothing gained?" Kushida pressed the matter. I wouldn't say they get nothing but it's still pretty accurate.

"In my speculations yes. Anyway, I have a favour to ask you two, it's for the class to survive the upcoming months."

"Sure, this sounds like a problem that should be solved immediately."

"We'll do it!" They both happily agreed to listen to my request.

"Tell the class to start behaving. Tell them what I told you. Tell them their point allowance could be in danger and that they would suffer the consequences." It was simple for these two, who have big social connections despite it being the first week.

"And lastly, don't tell them I was the one who told you all this."

"Eh? But you should take the credit because it was your hard work for all this!" Kushida was complaining on my behalf. Hirata had yet another concerned look on his face.

"I understand your sympathies, but I still haven't figured everything out. I'm not saying you can tell them once I do figure it out, I just want to lay low for a bit. If this school promotes inter-class battles, I would like for the other classes not to be wary of me." It was a semi-truth, Sakayanagi looks like a good candidate for leader in her class and she already knew me.

"I see, I understand then. However, if you get cornered because your 'not doing anything for the class' I'll be glad to defend you." Hirata's concern turned into determination, so did Kushida's.

"You can leave what you asked to us!"

"Oh yeah, as for Kouenji, just ignore him since you'll just be wasting your breath. Now, I'm off, tell your group I went back to the dorms because I forgot something in my room."

"Eh, your leaving? Could you tell us the real reason?"

"I'm gonna look around for the other classes. If you'll excuse me."

"Oh, if your gonna go look for other classes then I suggest looking around for people in Class B first. They're really nice!" Really nice? Sounds like a dream to me.

"I'll be on the look out for them. Have fun with your friends, later."

I left the area as they bid their goodbyes. Hirata looked a bit sad though. Well, he'll get used to the life of having a harem eventually, cause I'd never be able to.

During the course of the weekend, nothing else really happened except me meeting a girl from Class B named Amikura Mako. According to her, Class B really was a haven of friendship, which still sounded unbelievable. She then told me that it was all thanks to a girl named Ichinose Honami, their class representative.

Amikura also had some knowledge of Class C, she said she 'ran into some stupid delinquents and a giant foreigner' last Wednesday. She told me she spied on them for a while and got the name of their leader, Ryuuen Kakeru. He was in her words 'a fucking monstrous tyrant' who wielded violence to tame his class, the exact opposite of Ichinose.

Of course, this information didn't come for free, I had to pay her 10,000 points. It's actually pretty cheap to be honest, Amikura could've charged me 20 or even 30,000. Now, all that's left was Class A, I only know about Sakayanagi in that class, but overall nothing else.

In the class group chat, which Kushida added my contact info then added me into it, they were already working towards what I asked. Thanks to Kushida alone, both the boys and the girls agreed to start behaving properly and not causing trouble. That leaves three problems, and I would need Ayanokouji's help for this.

Those three problems are Sudou Ken, Kouenji Rokusuke, and Horikita Suzune.

Volume 1: The Supremist and "The Ordinary"

Yasushi POV

Monday came by and I remembered last Friday that we would be having swimming classes. By that alone, I started feeling sad for the girls, I could just tell that some boys would be ogling them, specifically two from the Idiot Trio. Those two were Ike Kanji and Yamauchi Haruki.

I can just feel that they would rally up the boys, so since I didn't want to get dragged into it, I came to school last minute. Once I got in the room, I saw that I was the last one to enter, right before the bell rang.

We had four classes in the morning, which probably felt like an eternity to some of the boys. I could see girls here and there getting uncomfortable because they know what's coming. Once the bell rang for lunch, our last teacher said to get ready for the swimming classes after the break, then head to the indoor pool.

Time to make a move.

"Hey, Ayanokouji-kun, care to have lunch with me?" I said, simple and easy.

"Uh, why though?"

"I have a few questions to ask, and don't worry I'll pay." I couldn't help but feel guilty so I offered to pay in exchange for him answering my questions.

"Well you just want questions being answered right? Sure, let's go." He grabbed his bag and stood up to follow me.

Arriving at the cafeteria, we went to get meal tickets, to which he chose the daily special and I chose the cheap lunch set I always bought. We then sat down to eat at a table.

"Itadakimasu." We both said.

"Right, while we eat, you mind if I start now?"

"Sure." He said, taking a bite out of some fried shrimp.

"What do you think of this school, I want an honest opinion."

"Well, what can I think of it? It's an elite school that let's us do as we please." That's a lie.

"Cutting the 'let's us do as we please' part, yes it is an elite school. What I want from you is how is your description of the school system. The private points, the 'you can buy anything' rule, all that sort of stuff." I had no choice but to be persistent, the thing I hate. Sorry for this Ayanokouji.

"You seem to have gotten the hint, which is a good thing. Alright, I'll answer properly then." He closed his eyes and clasped his hands in a thinking position, half done with his food.

"This school isn't what it seems." That's what I thought so as well.

"Care to elaborate?"

"I can't elaborate unless I know what you already know." That was fair enough.

Over the next five to ten minutes, I proceeded to explain to him what I've already theorized. The thing about another quantity of points, the fat that the senpais kept emphasizing 'hell' and 'defective', all of it. Once I was done, we were both finished eating, and he started to think again.

"Well like you said it's all speculation with vague hints from everywhere. However, you missed something." I did?

"You missed an important detail, the cameras." Oh right, I did miss those.

"The cameras huh, yeah come to thin of it now that I've gotten my bearings those are everywhere."

"It's obvious the school uses those to watch us, then evaluate us using the point system."

"Using the point system...are you saying they deduct our allowance according to our behavior?" He nodded.

"Well then, it's a good thing I told Hirata-kun and Kushida-san about this."

"Maida, who are you really?" Hm? What kind of question is that?

"Define your question a bit more."

"What's you history? Why are you like this?" I could ask you the same thing though.

"My past is none of your concern Ayanokouji-kun. Besides, from your poker face I could tell you've also had it rough." Teenagers with a semi-monotonous voice and expressionless faces are usually those that are used to tragedy and despair.

"That's certainly true." He didn't press it any further.

"Well, I'll head out first to prepare for the swim class. Good luck handling Horikita-san."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I've been seeing that you two have some sort of relationship. And I also assume Kushida-san approached you about making friends with her. Anyways, see you." I went to the counter where leftover trays are put and left the cafeteria.

"Finally! It's time!" Ike shouted excitedly.

"Hey, where are all the girls?" What a great question Yamauchi, where do you think?

Thankfully, Sudou who knows the consequences of ogling girls, put them in a headlock to teach them a lesson. While waiting for our teacher, I stood off to the side with Ayanokouji, he had a pretty good physique under all that clothing.

"You work out?"

"Every now and then. What about you? Do you have a a proper schedule for working out?"

"Who knows." What kind of answer is that?

After about five more minutes, the girls arrived. However, there were only nine of them present, around less than half. Ike and Yamauchi looked visibly depressed, but then soon lit up again by the sight of Kushida. Honestly how are they so aroused by these things?

"Seems you've made a friend, Ayanokouji-kun."

To our right, Horikita Suzune approached us. Even I have to admit she looked elegant and pristine, but that cold stare ruined it.

"I don't believe we've met properly. Name's Maida Yasushi, a pleasure." There was a short pause, she just stared at me.

"Oi Horikita, your not going to make new friends yourself without even doing introductions."

"Tch." She left as soon as she came.

"Well, luckily I'm not the one dealing with her. I'd be screaming for her to leave me alone by now."

"Yeah, lucky you."

"Alright everyone! Line up for me, separate gender!" A macho looking adult came from the other side of the pool. We soon did as he said.

"A few of you are missing I see, well we'll make do with you bunch. I want to assess your skills and physical endurance first. Swim for me."

He gave us the signal to do a warm-up and just swim around the pool for ten minutes. Some were generally quite slow, others were fast. One of the boys even said he didn't know how to swim but our teacher said 'it'll help you in the future so I'll teach you'.

Kouenji, for the first time I've ever seen him, looked like he was having fun. His physique surely reflects his skills and just by seeing him swim, I can tell he's higher than even an above average high schooler. Even a girl named Onodera Kayano was really good.

"Right, now you'll all be competing with each other. once again you are to be separated by gender, three groups each. The top two of each group will advance to a final round. However, since there are only nine girls, only the one with the shortest time wins, no final round needed."

We did as instructed. I was part of the second group of boys which included Kouenji Rokusuke, wonderful.

Once the first group finished, the girls cheered for Hirata getting a time of 24.59, first place.

(Note: Okay all these times will be made up, I won't copy them from the LN)

Now it was my group's turn. Kouenji was waving at the girls to signal them to watch over his display.

The whistle blew, then all seven of us splashed into the water. I didn't want to put on a shameful nor outstanding display, so I went average, I think.

After finishing, I could see that only Kouenji was there, so I got second. The rest of the boys started finishing around six seconds after I finished. According to our teacher, I got a time of 23.12.

After the last group of boys finished, the teacher cheered.

"Ha ha! Now that was swimming! Alright, the winner for the final round will get 5000 points, I'll be paying." What?

So teachers could do that huh. It was interesting but I'll think about it later.

The lineup for the boys' final round was:

Lane 1- Hirata Yousuke

Lane 2- Miyake Akito

Lane 3- Kouenji Rokusuke

Lane 4- Maida Yasushi

Lane 5- Sudou Ken

Lane 6- Ayanokouji Kiyotaka

The girls were cheering for Hirata, but Kouenji thought it was for him and waved at them. Honestly, the suspense is killing me since Hirata, Suodu and Kouenji were good. I also expect Ayanokouji to do well, Miyake also had a good build on him.

The whistle blew, and we all dove into the water. I decided to once again be a bit average. I couldn't see anything because of the water around me. I soon finished and saw Kouenji and Ayanokouji were already there. A few seconds later, the others also arrived.

Time:

Kouenji Rokusuke- 21.16 seconds (1st place)

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka- 22.84 seconds (2nd place)

Maida Yasushi- 23.11 seconds (3rd place)

Sudou Ken- 23.43 seconds (4th place)

Hirata Yousuke- 25.02 seconds (5th place)

Miyake Akito- 26.28 seconds (6th place)

Honestly, I actually expected Ayanokouji to do well, question was why would he? The teacher already gave Kouenji his points and after the girls finished, he gave us the rest of the hour as free time. Onodera won the girls' match with a time of 24.32 seconds, not really that bad.

After I changed back to my uniform, I went up to the stands to sit down. From here, I could see Sudou going all out on Ayanokouji with his rants on how he got second place. He then pointed towards me, to which Sudou followed with his gaze.

Dammit, looks like he reminded him that I got third. Even if it was by a slim margin, you're a traitor Ayanokouji.

During the rest of the day, things started happening. While I was in Keyaki mall, I saw two different groups of people following me. A group of two students, and then a blonde haired boy. I couldn't recognize any of them, but since they're in two groups, it's easy to say they were from Class A and C. Class B was too friendly to do this kind of tactic.

Now for the reasons. For Class A, I assume Sakayanagi became wary of my presence, then asked one of her classmates to tail me. For Class C, Ryuuen Kakeru didn't really know me yet, so this is probably an experiment of his, to see how the meritocratic point system works.

Time to do a little something called "baiting". I went to the direction of Pallet, and my stalkers soon followed. Then, I took an elevator up to the third floor, but took the stairs to the fourth. I could only see that only the blonde haired boy managed to follow me. I went around the corner to once again, take the elevator. Gotcha.

The two boys who followed me were inside as the doors opened. To not let me get suspicious of them, they had no choice but to get out. I pressed the button for the second floor, where Pallet was.

From where I was standing, I could see the two boys and the blonde haired boy ran into each other. That encounter should keep them busy for a while. Before they could do anything else, I texted someone then left the mall.

The next day came by and some of our classmates were complaining to either Hirata or Kushida. They were saying things like being harassed and getting annoyed by other students, which means I wasn't the only one.

"Ayanokouji-kun, were you being followed yesterday?" I asked, going towards his table.

"Yeah, a guy was following me as I went back to the dorms." So him too.

"What about you Horikita-san?" She once again didn't answer.

"Horikita, someone asked you a question."

"Mind your own business." Seriously, what is wrong with this girl?

For the next minute or two, the three of us just kept staring at each other. Over that entire course, I knew Ayanokouji and I were thinking about the same thing. Horikita's superiority complex needs to be put to a halt.

Going back to my seat, Chabashira-sensei came into the room. Once again, like yesterday, she was a bit surprised on how we were behaving like actual students. After a few words for the five minute homeroom, she left and our next teacher showed up.

The entire damn week, every single day someone up to four people were following me. I guess baiting them annoyed either Ryuuen or Sakayanagi, or both. I'm getting sick of it so I started taking photos of them whenever I can, that way when I confront them they had no choice but to admit it.

Today was Thursday, and I was once again being followed. The same two students from Class C and this time a purple haired student from, I assume once again, Class A. This time I was in the outskirts of the dormitory building for the first years. Taking the elevator to my floor I saw it go down to the ground level, then by the time it went back up to this floor I sprinted toward my room.

I heard a little ding sound, the sound of the elevator doors opening. I swiped my keycard, entered the room, then locked the door.

"Sigh...This is getting incredibly annoying."

If I weren't well aware of how Ryuuen and Sakayanagi operated, I would've confronted them by now. This wasn't physical combat or anything, it was mental harassment, I was so annoyed I could punch something involuntarily.

As I went to sit down on my bed, my phone rang. Huh, it's strange because I only have two numbers registered with my phone. I looked and it was a message, from one of those two numbers.

[Maida, I need to ask you a favour, care to hear me out?] 17:21pm

[Sure thing. If it's within what I'm capable of I'll do it] 17:21pm

[Can you come with me tomorrow to Pallet, it's a matter regarding Kushida and Horikita.] 17:21pm

[I don't have anything to do tomorrow so sure thing. Just tell me what time.] 17:22pm

Our chat ended just like that. Kushida and Horikita huh...sounds like her trying to make friends with Horikita, and Ayanokouji turned into the mediator. Well, I'm not particularly annoyed with me getting dragged into it, it'll give me something to distract myself from the harassment.

Texting the other contact I have, I decided to eat my dinner then call it a day early.

It was time to help out Ayanokouji. Wait, are those girls coming toward me No stay away you damn demons.

"Hello, your Maida Yasushi-kun right?" A girl with twin-tails asked me, with a girl who had shoulder length brown hair in tow.

"Uh yeah, anything you need? I kind of have to go somewhere soon."

"Oh, Kushida-chan didn't tell you the details?" Details of what?

"No?"

"Ah, your supposed to come with us. But with that look on your face I suppose you don't know us yet. I'm Mori Nene!" The one with shoulder length hair stated.

"And I'm Wang Mei-Yu, but please call me Mei-chan! I hope we can get along!"

"Nice to meet you both, now what was this about me coming with you?"

The two girls told me that I was supposed to be with them when Kushida implements her plan. We were to sit at a table in Pallet cafe then wait for Ayanokouji and Horikita to get into the area, then leave and see how the plan goes.

In my honest thoughts, I think it would be better if I wasn't part of this because of a few things. Horikita had a superiority complex, but that didn't mean she wasn't observant. She had to have perceived that I was a loner, and that it would be unusual to see me with the likes of Mori and Wang. Well, either way this would have a failure rate of 80%, Horikita's superiority complex was way too thick inside her head.

Despite what I thought, I went with it anyway, with a few changes. I suggested that I just stood outside Pallet, looking like I wanted to go in, then come with Ayanokouji and Horikita if they let me join them. My role would just be over watch, but not for this plan, for other spectators.

"Right, I texted Kushida-chan about this change. See you later Maida-kun!" Mori and Wang went inside Pallet as I was left behind.

I went towards a nearby corner and just stared at whatever I could look at. Within a few minutes, they arrived, not Ayanokouji and Horikita, but my oh so loyal stalkers, and with reinforcements too. There were seven people in the area, looking around like there's no tomorrow, tilting their heads, talking to each other, then locked onto Pallet.

The scale of this was so stupid I could just confront them right now. If Ryuuen was methodical, he would go for those of us like Sudou, who is a hot headed delinquent, and yet here he is, targeting us. He must know something about us specifically.

"Oi, Maida, your here too?" From behind me, Ayanokouji's voice resounded.

"Oh...hey you two, what are you around Keyaki Mall for?"

"This guy dragged me here saying 'I'm scared to go into Pallet alone' and here we are."

Wow, she can say things other than "tch" and "mind your own business", I'm quite touched.

"I see, well don't let me bother you, I'm just aimlessly wandering the mall."

Just from both our gazes, I understood that Ayanokouji also knew we were being followed by more people than usual. They then said goodbye to me, or should I say Ayanokouji said goodbye, then went into Pallet.

Right, now to keep these guys out of our business. The purple haired girl from last time went into Pallet, can't do much about that, however the other stalkers are a different story.

I left the area, three out of the other six moved to follow. So the other three must be for Ayanokouji, Horikita, and possibly Kushida. Well, time for another round of baiting.

Left, three rights, left, up the stairs. Right, left, into a store, stay for a few minutes, move left, right, right again, take the elevator to the first floor. One stalker got lost, right, towards a corner, hide behind a large pillar, wait.

The other two stalkers past by, then I quietly walked behind them, back to where the corner was. I checked the time and that took about fifteen minutes, I feel like Ayanokouji and Kushida should be done by now.

My stalkers must be fuming right now, or maybe scared that Ryuuen would punish them because of his violent nature. Well, it's not really my problem. I arrived near Pallet, but I saw Horikita was already a little ways away from the cafe. I see, mission failed. I waited outside, then Ayanokouji and Kushida came out.

"Fail?" I asked.

"Yeah, sorry to have dragged the both of you into this." Kushida looked down.

"It's fine Kushida, these things happen, especially with Horikita." Ayanokouji tried to cheer her up.

"If you two don't have anything else to do, wanna walk with me back to the dorms?"

"Doesn't sound bad, sure." Kushida nodded along with Ayanokouji's statement.

We walked throughout the mall in the path of the dormitories. The three of us were talking about our daily lives and the way things are in the class. Thanks to Kushida and Hirata's social powers, they actually started behaving properly.

"Our classmates really have pulled through with how they acted! It's all thanks to Maida-kun...Oops!"

Kushida you traitor.

"Uh, what did Maida do?" Now Ayanokouji is suspicious of me, great.

"Sigh...I thought I told you not to tell anyone. Well, I suppose you can know Ayanokouji, I trust you." I don't really trust him that much yet but I guess even he should know this.

I explained to him how I told Hirata and Kushida to make the class behave, as well as my full take on how this school judges it's students. His face didn't visibly change but somehow I knew that he also had suspicions, strong ones.

"That's about all I've got. As for you Kushida don't be a blabbermouth next time."

"Ehehe, I'm sorry I guess it just kind of slipped. But this is now a secret that all three of us and Hirata-kun share!" She winked at us, honestly it's weird for the three of us to be together.

After another while of walking, Kushida waved at another grouped.

"Who were they?"

"Oh, that was Ichinose-san, we made friends a week ago!"

Ichinose Honami huh, so that's the leader of Class B. She was beautiful, with strawberry colored hair, but her assets are a little...actually I don't want to think about that. Her physical features aside, now I know the face of the second out of three class leaders, Ryuuen remains to be seen.

We'll see how this'll come out on May 1st.

Volume 1: May 1st Comes Over

Yasushi POV

It was Monday of our fourth week

Throughout the remaining days of the month all I did which was interesting was bait Class C into running into my other stalkers from Class A. Once May comes in, I'll be a target of those two classes, I just know it.

The good news is that I managed to make friends with Ayanokouji. It was a scenario of where we were two loners that decided to stick together.

Japanese History was our next class, Chabashira-sensei would be our teacher. As she went inside, it seemed to me she was more serious than usual.

"Okay class, today's lesson will be a little more serious." She put a stack of papers on the podium.

"Uh sensei, is there something the matter?" Hirata asked.

"Nothing is the problem, you will just be taking a mock exam that would be similar to your upcoming midterm. Take one and pass it behind you."

A mock exam for the midterms? Nothing new in schools.

"Damn, I'm kinda worried 'bout my score." Sudou grumbled.

"I'm sure you'll be fine Sudou-kun, according to Ike-kun you tried your best." I encouraged him.

I asked Kushida to hang out with us instead of her usual friends, then rally Sudou, Hirata and his girlfriend, the slightly rude blonde girl. Ayanokouji wanted to listen in so I decided to let him join us. We were all in a cafe at Keyaki Mall, not as popular as Pallet but at least had good coffee.

"By the way Kushida-san, why is he here?" Karuizawa Kei, Hirata's girlfriend, asked. She pointed at Ayanokouji.

"Blame it on me, I invited him. I always eat lunch with him nowadays." I spoke up to defend my friend.

"Now, I gathered them for you Maida-kun, what would you like to talk to us about?" Everyone looked at me.

"You're all aware that the midterms are coming up, as well as May 1st. That is when, in what I understand the senpais are saying, hell begins."

Hirata, Kushida and Ayanokouji listened attentively, Sudou and Karuizawa had shocked expressions on their faces.

"Before I continue, how many points do you all have?"

"I've got about half left" Hirata said.

"Same here, around half." Kushida said.

"Ugh, I have like 5,000 left." What? Karuizawa is such a shopaholic.

"I've got 20,000 or so." Even Sudou managed to spend less than her?

"I have 80,000 left." Okay, good Ayanokouji.

"Well, expect that the points you'll get won't be 100,000. As for what I said about May 1st, I think I'll let sensei explain everything on that day."

"Uh, what do you mean everything? About what you've deduced?"

"How do you know everything would be revealed on May 1st?"

"Yeah man, sounds kinda sus."

"Hmm, let's just say a little bird told this would happen sooner or later." That last part was absolute nonsense to make them believe I didn't do this alone.

"Also, Sudou, have you been keeping your cool with the senpais and Class C guys?"

"Ha? I mean yeah, if they get on my nerves I just punch a wall in my room." That's actually a pretty good solution to anger issues.

"Good then, I can pretty much estimate how many points we'll get on May 1st." Everyone looked at me with widened eyes, Ayanokouji was the only one who didn't.

"Huh!? That's possible?" Kushida half shouted.

"If my method was correct, it should be roughly accurate." Well, I don't think I'm good at math but these were just basic estimations using variables.

"Then, how much do you think we'll get?"

"Due to what has happened on the first week, Kouenji-kun's continued behavior and some obvious foolish moves from some of our classmates..." I paused to recall my process.

"Around 30,000 private points, give or take a few thousand." I looked at Ayanokouji while saying this, his eyes widened by the slightest margin I could have ever seen.

"Eh!? That low?" It's better than nothing Karuizawa.

"Well, it's better than nothing." See? Even your boyfriend thinks the same thing.

"Good thing we told everyone to save their points." Kushida said with a smile.

"Yeah, in my opinion us boys wouldn't have listened if only Hirata said so." Ayanokouji finally spoke.

"Well damn, it's a good thing Kushida-san also came into that announcement from ya Hirata!"

"I don't know why the boys wouldn't have listened to him but I guess whatever works." It's because he's a girl magnet Karuizawa, you of all people should know how big his harem is.

"Anyway, I guess that should be it for now. Just be ready for the worst on May 1st. Once again, don't say anything about me to our classmates yet, especially you two, Karuizawa-san and Kushida-san."

"Mm, don't worry, I'll keep my mouth shut this time!"

"Yeah yeah I'll stay quiet."

"Hold up a sec, why was I here again?" Sudou finally became self aware.

"To find out what the class' problem child was up to. No offense."

"Uh, none taken I guess." He scratched the back of his head then stood up, everyone else soon stood as well.

"Alright then, thank you for this Maida-kun. Despite you not wanting credit, I'm sure the class will appreciate it!" Hirata gave out his opinion of me.

They bid their goodbyes, which left Ayanokouji and me to walk back to the dorms together.

"So, how'd you think about that Ayanokouji-kun?"

"I'd say you did a good job, not bad for a loner."

"I guess I've just gone with the flow whenever I talk about something I thoroughly thought about. However Ayanokouji, I do have a question for you."

It was time for me to make him realize...

"What is it?"

That I know how much better he is than me.

"Will you let me...become your pawn?"

Ayanokouji POV

Friday

I must admit, I was still a bit surprised with Maida willingly being my pawn. He was reliable enough, and most importantly he also knew how to throw away the trash, or at least that's what I thought.

Who knows when he realized that I was holding back, or how he knows I've been keeping an eye on him, but that just makes him a better person to work with. He already seized control of the Class D social network by having close ties with both Hirata and Kushida, but still doesn't want to present himself.

He was somewhat like me.

As I got into the room, my classmates looked confused, except for the group with Maida and I last Monday. When I checked my phone earlier this morning, we had received a reduced amount of points, Maida's calculations were accurate. Like he said 'give or take a few thousand'.

"Morning Ayanokouji-kun." Maida greeted me as I passed by his table.

"Good morning, awfully gloomy today?"

"Yeah, everyone seems confused, but like I said last Monday I'll let Chabashira-sensei explain...speaking of sensei." He looked towards the door.

Bang!

The door swung open.

"Take your seats class, homeroom begins now." She said with her everlasting stern voice.

"Uhm, sensei? Why were our points reduced?" Asked Yamauchi with a raised hand.

"All the points for every class in every year have already given. What has been given to you was what you get for this month."

"But...it's so low..."

Clap! Clap!

"I must say though, who knew you defects could have saved this many points. I actually thought you'd end up with zero."

Horikita, sitting next to me, looked uneasy because of the word 'defect'.

"Listen up fools, I will now explain to you the S-System."

Yasushi POV

Sensei looked genuinely entertained. She was looking at us, making it look like she was incredibly impressed with our performance. Before she continued speaking, she wrote something on the whiteboard.

Class points total:

Class A: 910 points

Class B: 650 points

Class C: 490 points

Class D: 370 points

Earlier when I looked at my phone, I received 37,000 private points, so it really was a 1:100 scale. Everything aside it meant that my theory was correct, at least somewhat, for now.

"Sensei, what does this mean?" Hirata asked.

"This is the class point total across all the classes in the school year. As you can see, Class D has the lowest amount."

But still, to think we lost that many, the bulk of it being from the first week.

"In this school a student is evaluated based on merit, and is arranged into Class A through D accordingly. What does it mean? It means that the school has judged this class to be the last bastion of delinquents." She said, without any hint of mercy.

"But, it looks like there is some hope for you lot, as you've saved this many points."

"Sensei, is there any way to gain more points though?" Kushida was the one to ask this time around.

"Of course, and if you gain more class points than Class C, you'll be promoted to Class C, and Class C demoted to D. Your nearest opportunity would be in the midterm. Oh and one more thing..."

Bang!

She slammed her clipboard onto the podium.

"If any of you fail to get the threshold in the midterm, you'll be expelled immediately. However, once again there is some hope." She erased the class point total on the whiteboard and posted up a large piece of paper.

These are the scores in our quiz last Monday. Kouenji got full marks, being the highest, and Sudou got a 43, being the lowest. According to these scores and the formula...the class average should be rounded down to 41, Sudou barely got in.

"As you can see, some of you managed to get the highest score in the grade, while some barely even managed to get into the threshold."

"Sensei, what was the passing grade for this test?" Hirata asked.

"For this mock exam the passing was 41. Congratulations Sudou, you got in." The guy in question was sweating hard though.

Everyone was now starting to panic, except for Kouenji, Ayanokouji and Horikita. After Hirata managed to calm them down...

"Be sure to study well you lot, your midterms come three weeks from now."

Chabashira-sensei left without another word. We couldn't discuss this any further because of our classes, but Hirata would see to it we would later.

"You're sure about this?" I asked.

"Yes, I've known this from the start and I'd be willing to pay the points." Ayanokouji answered.

Right now, we were two of the last few people inside the classroom, since the classes for the day had already ended minutes ago. Ayanokouji just revealed to me his plan, which I would take part in.

"So, who'll be the decoy?"

"Kushida."

"You're suspicious of her too?"

"I can't trust at all that a person can be that nice, for now I'll ask her to help with something that I know Horikita will try and do." I see, so Horikita would probably go solo again.

Earlier around lunch, Hirata announced that everyone should be part of his study group, which everyone, even the three idiots agreed to. The only ones that didn't join were me, Ayanokouji, Kouenji and Horikita. I'm not worried about Kouenji, I'm more worried about the three idiots.

I've got Sudou under wraps but the real problems were Ike and Yamauchi, who would probably just sit there and engross themselves in the vision of the girls. That is where Ayanokouji's plan comes in.

Horikita would go solo, that much is expected, so he wanted me to enlist Kushida onto our side. Obviously there would be more and more problems on the road. The gist of the plan was make Kushida ask Horikita to join the study group, let them talk, then follow the two of them to their respective business.

"Will the student Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, please proceed to the faculty room. I repeat-."

"Well so much for planning it out more, good luck man."

"I'll text you the details when I get the chance."

He took his bag and left the classroom. I left as well, but in the direction of the library, I wanted to see how Hirata was doing. He and Kushida should at least be the ones there right now.

"Ah Maida-kun, you're here!" Speaking of him and Kushida.

"Hey there Hirata-kun, how are the preparations going for your study group?"

"It's going quite well! Although Kouenji-kun, Ayanokouji-kun and Horikita-san don't want to join." Kushida voiced out her concerns.

"I have Ayanokouji-kun with me, I'm the one teaching him." Lies.

"As for Kouenji-kun I wouldn't really worry about him, but Horikita-san is the actual problem."

"Yes, she managed to get high grades but I want her to help the rest of us as well."

"Kushida-san, how many times have you tried convincing her to join since Hirata-kun's announcement earlier?" I asked her.

"Uhm, only once. I do want her to join though, so I think I'll try again tomorrow or when I see her later."

"I see, well I'll leave you to it, I'm gonna plan out Ayanokouji's study regiment."

After our brief exchange, I left the library, running into Karuizawa on my way out.

Ayanokouji POV

"I don't know what's normal in this world, it's a coincidence, a coincidence."

Right now I was in the faculty room, with Horikita and Chabashira-sensei in front of me, talking about my scores in the entrance exam.

"Good grief. I admire your attitude, but it'll cause problems for you in the future."

"I'll think about that when I have to."

Chabashira-sensei sent Horikita a look saying "How was that?"

"Why do you...pretend like you don't understand?"

"No like I said it's a coincidence. It's not like I'm hiding that I'm a genius or something."

"What do you think? He might be more intelligent than you are, Horikita."

Horikita visibly flinched. Sensei please don't say anything unnecessary.

"I don't like studying nor do I want to try my best. That's why I get those scores."

"A student who chose this school wouldn't say something like that. However some students have different reasons for getting in. You for example, as well as Kouenji and Maida, all three of you don't seem to have any ambition in rising to the top. I think you are fine with either being in Class D or A."

What she said was true for Kouenji and I, but I don't really know about Maida yet. It's not just this school, but even the teachers aren't normal. During their conversation earlier, Chabashira-sensei managed to upset Horikita with her words. It's as if they hold the "secrets" of all the students.

"What is it? What other reasons are there?"

"Do you want to hear it in full detail?"

Chabashira-sensei had a sharp glint in her eye. Somehow, it seems like she's trying to provoke her.

"No, I'll stop here. If I kept listening, I feel like I would go crazy and destroy all the furniture in here."

"If you do that, Ayanokouji will be demoted to Class E."

"There's such a class?"

"Of course, Class E means expelled. In other words, dropping out of school. Well the conversation ends here. Enjoy your student life from now on."

What a sarcastic remark, if Maida heard that I feel like he would sniffle a laugh.

"I will also leave. It's almost time for the staff meeting to start. I'm going to close this room, please, get out."

She pushed the two of us out of the room. Why did Chabashira-sensei make the two of us meet? She doesn't look like the type to do meaningless things. Well anyway this somewhat benefited me. Horikita mentioned 'Niisan' earlier which probably meant Student Council President Horikita Manabu. In the event they'd meet, I could exploit that.

All I wanted was a peaceful life here. However, now that Maida was my pawn, I guess I could indulge myself with some fun. First thing on the agenda is further stabilizing the class as a whole.

Wednesday

"Are you free during lunch? Do you want to eat together?" Eh?

I look to my seatmate who was looking at me with a stern face. I then looked at Maida, who overheard her and was giving hand signals saying "don't" and "no".

"Sorry but I already have plans to eat lunch with Maida."

"Then can I join you two? Is that alright Maida? It would be my treat." Oh dear, it seems I've failed.

Maida slowly turned around to face us.

"Sure, I guess." Well, it would actually be worse if he said no.

The three of us went to the cafeteria, as always during the lunch rush, it was packed. I bought the daily special, and Maida went for the cheap lunch set he always bought. Maida was about to take his first bite, until the devil spoke.

"It's sudden but please hear me out." Here we go.

Yasushi POV

Here we go.

"No."

"I haven't even said anything yet."

"I remember you cutting off Ayanokouji-kun multiples times in the past. Why can't I cut you off?"

"But you accepted my offer of me buying you food."

"Then give me your phone number and I'll repay you the points." I am not letting Horikita have any favors on me.

"He does have a point Horikita." She flinched at Ayanokouji's remark.

She really tried her hardest to blackmail us.

"Besides, you're the one who wanted to join us, so just give me your phone and I'll transfer you the points."

Reluctantly, she did so. This girl looked like she was about to burst with anger, but that's what we want here. We need to destroy her superiority complex so she can reach her full potential.

"Well, now that's settled, let's all just eat in peace." Before I could put away my phone, Ayanokouji messaged me.

[Arrange the meeting for Horikita and Kushida.] 12:15pm

[Got it, who do I follow afterwards?] 12:15pm

[You follow Kushida, I'll follow Horikita. Now, provoke her again.] 12:15pm

"Sigh...I can practically hear your anger from here. Fine, what's this request."

"Your going to help the class aren't you? Make sure to heavily focus on the three idiots." That was already the plan though...

"Anything else? Did you really come here just to tell us what we already know and are doing?" Sorry Horikita but orders are orders.

"Tch, who do you think you are in this scenario?"

"The one that let you join us thus is allowed to speak out their thoughts sometimes?"

"Horikita I think he has the stronger argument here. Besides, as far as I'm aware Hirata and Kushida have things under control."

"Hmph, fine but my warning has been given. I won't be helping any further." After finishing her food, she got up and left.

"Well, that was a royal pain in the you know what." I said taking another bit of rice into my mouth.

"Our provocations would probably hit her any time now. Anyway, get their meeting scheduled, you should make it happen by today or else her superiority complex will take full effect again." That much was true.

After finishing my food, I texted Kushida to be persistent in her attempt today, and that it was part of something I've planned.

[Got it! I'll try my best! If she still doesn't want to join I'll leave everything to you Maida-kun!] 12:23pm

This'll be quite the interesting few days.

Phase One

I almost laughed out loud at the way Horikita just shot down Kushida from every angle.

"Just what is your game here Kushida-san?"

"Why are you being so c-cruel?'

"It's not cruelty if it's the truth, you don't actually seek to befriend me do you?"

I admit she's smart but once again her superiority complex ruins her potential. Thus, I've also believed that her brother was probably disappointed in her. Ayanokouji already left the classroom, leaving me to supervise what was happening here, with him on call, listening.

"Again, I refuse to join the study group, and I also decline your means to befriending me. Now, I'll be on my way."

With that said and done, Horikita left the room, and Kushida looked devastated. I put a hand on her shoulder.

"Apologies for that Kushida-san, I didn't know that she would be that cruel at declining." I really was sorry, but I fully knew she would be that cruel.

"It's fine...Maida-kun. After all Horikita-san is extremely hard to approach. I guess I'm still really far away from my goal."

Did she really expect to be able to befriend a supremist like her and a narcissist like Kouenji easily?

"Hmm, like I said in my message, I'll take care of this myself."

"Mm, please do, everything's on you now Maida-kun. I'll see you tomorrow!"

Caught you. I saw that hint of anger in your eyes Kushida Kikyou. Now on how to exploit it.

Ayanokouji POV

"You heard all that?"

"Yes, good work."

I just saw Horikita leaving the school building, she didn't seem to notice me.

"Maida, follow her, it's time for phase two."

"Yes sir."

Ayanokuji Kiyotaka point balance: 117,906

Maida Yasushi point balance: 110,368

Volume 1: A Pawn's Pawn

Yasushi POV

Wednesday, 6:07pm

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, someone who I know is ten times better than me.

After hanging out with him these past couple of weeks I realized that both of us have no ambition here, but to lead a life of surviving these three years. He must also want to run away from his past.

I've realized this since he asked the question "Who are you?", but when I asked it back he just shrugged it off and never pressed it again. It means we both have a past we want to run away from, and this school was the best option for both of us. Above all else, he knew better and was better.

Noticing the cameras, realizing there were demerits, punishments, and that there was more to this school than meets the eye. Ayanokouji noticed them all, stayed hidden, and stayed silent, he wanted peace despite his abilities. I felt the same way.

Right now, I was following Kushida as instructed. She was for some reason in the school, but it was 6pm. She was probably here to wait for a friend doing club activities, until she went up to the second floor. Wait, she just went up to the third, was she headed for the roof?

If she was going there to meet with someone it could be bad for me, I'd be cornered. Well, I'd take that risk anyway as I headed up the stairs as well. Treading carefully, I leaned onto the handrailing, peaking through the crack of the rooftop door.

No one else was there, and Kushida set her bag down, then...

"Ah, so annoying!"

?!

"She's seriously annoying! God, how irritating. It'd be better if she just died..."

Was this really Kushida? I knew she was angry from the look in her eyes a few hours ago but this seemed a bit much.

"Ugh, I hate stuck-up snobby girls who think they're so cute, Why is she such a harpy? A rotten girl like her couldn't possibly tutor me."

It's safe to assume she's talking about Horikita. But anyway wasn't she more or less the same thing?

"Ah, she's the worst! She's just the worst, the worst the worst! Horikita, you're so annoying! You're so damn annoying!"

This was definitely a side of her that no one has seen before. A darker side of her that bore hatred for Horikita, if not a lot of other people. I really wanted to leave now but I was currently recording this. But still, why would she agree with me to get Horikita on our side if she was so annoyed with her?

I couldn't understand why. If she hated her so much why would she approach her? Unless it's because of her "goal", which I think was bogus now. But there was another possibility. Would Kushida and Horikita have known each other before?

"And that guy Maida! Putting me through all that for what!? Absolutely nothing! He's just a pretty boy with no purpose in life but to annoy me too! Damn them!!"

Okay...so we provoked her a bit too much. Well, I don't care, it's time to catch her in the act.

Thump!

I kicked the door open and made myself visible, Kushida flinched at the sound. She slowly turned to face me, then asked.

"What...are you...doing here?"

"Is it not obvious? I'm here to catch some fresh air." Obvious lie.

Her gaze was intense, however since I probably had one with intensity, she also looked a bit scared.

"Did you hear?"

"Of course I did." No point lying about that particular topic.

"I see..."

She walked up to me and grabbed me by the throat then pushed me up against the wall. This was completely unlike her. The expression on her face could terrify a normal person, but unfortunately for her I'm not one of them.

"If you tell anyone what you just heard, I won't forgive you." An empty warning.

"If I did?"

"Then I'd tell everyone that you raped me." Okay, that one had some weight

"That's a false charge."

"It's okay, it won't be false."

She grabbed one of my hands and pulled it onto one of her breasts. What the..!?

"Just what are you doing?"

"Your fingerprints are on my clothes. That's evidence of my claim. I'm serious. Understand?" Time to shut her down.

"Yes, I understand. Now let go of me." She did so.

"I'm going to leave this uniform in my room without washing it. If you betray me I'll hand it over to the police."

"Sure sure, whatever."

"Huh?"

"What would you do though if everything that happened here was under a recording?"

She looked at me, her intense expression turned to that of panic.

"Don't you lie to me Maida-kun!" Well that pressed some buttons.

"Oh I'm not. Which one should I present to the school huh?"

I pulled an audio bug on me and showed it to her, then walked toward the door and took out my phone from it's angle.

"Should I present the audio, or the video? I have options you see, so it's hard to choose."

I tried sounding as cruel as possible, so as to break her mentality. I put the audio bug and phone back into my pockets and waited for her to respond.

However, she responded by desperately running at me. She tried aiming at my pockets, but I dodged her then pinned her against the wall.

"Now it's your turn to understand. Kushida Kikyou, you are to listen to whatever I have to say and carry out tasks I want you to do. If you don't want your 'friends' to hear about what happened tonight, you will do what I want, understand?"

She looked at me, with hatred in her eyes, then they started watering. I let her go and she slumped onto the ground as if losing consciousness, then cried. Sheesh, she really must like popularity a lot if she would go to such lengths as using her own body as bait. After a good few minutes, she stopped.

"What...do you want from me?"

"It's simple, I just want you to help me out when I ask. Don't worry, I won't ruin your reputation and popularity unless you betray me. Besides, now you have someone to vent to." She got shocked by the last part.

"Vent to? The hell does that mean?"

"It must be stressful right? To put up an act day by day, to tend to the needs of others when you don't want to? Well now you have a place to shout out your stress whenever you want, in exchange for that, you will help me."

"Tch fine, not like I have any other choice anyway."

I stretched out my hand to her but she slapped it away and got up on herself.

"I do have a first task for you already, if you don't mind."

"And what'd that be, 'master'?"

"Drop the master part, just because you work for me now doesn't mean you can just treat me like that. Anyway, your first task would be helping out Ayanokouji with something he has to do."

"That plain boring guy?" I heightened my intense gaze on her.

"Tch, fine."

Ayanokouji POV

Same day. 10:26pm.

Something has changed in my opinion of this school, or should I say at least my opinion on someone.

My original goal here was to lead a peaceful, relaxing life. That was still my main goal, but now with a few changes to it. With the S-System in effect, I wouldn't simply be able to lead a peaceful life so easily, I needed allies.

Maida Yasushi, a classmate of mine who I had befriended on the first month. We still currently were friends but he recently asked me if he could become my pawn. Now why would that be? It was simple, he wanted to feel distracted.

I believe that we had the same reason for getting into this school, to run away from our past, at least for the three years we'd be here. Although different backstories we had a common goal; survive. So, I accepted his enlistment onto my side, and our current objective was to stabilize the class, get them ready for inter-class competition.

Phase Two

Now that both Kushida and Horikita have been thoroughly provoked, it was time to catch them off guard. However, Horikita showed no sign of being caught and went back to her room.

Maida texted me saying he has Kushida under his command now and that he would send her to me when phase three comes into play.

I was in the lobby, drinking some juice that I got from a vending machine, until...

"Lucky me."

After seeing Horikita on the surveillance camera near the reception desk, I hid behind the vending machine. Once she got off the elevator, she looked around warily.

Leaving the dormitory building, I decided to follow her. I hid again before turning the corner, Horikita stopped in her tracks. I sensed another person was with her.

"Suzune, I didn't think you'd follow me this far." He said, had she left in the dead of night just to meet with some guy?

"Hmph. I'm far different from the useless girl you once knew, niisan. I came here to catch you."

"Catch me, hmm?" Niisan? I couldn't see the person she was talking to. However, with surnames involved she could be referring to the Student Council President.

"I heard you were placed in Class D. I suppose nothing has really changed in the last three years. You've always been fixated on following me, and as a result you don't notice your own flaws. Choosing to come to this school was a mistake."

"That's...you're wrong about that. I'll show you, I'll reach Class A right away, then-"

"It's pointless. It's true your class has a chance on reaching class, but if and when they do I doubt it'd be because of you efforts. Things in this school aren't as simple as you think."

"No! I'll reach Class A with my own-"

"I told you it's pointless. You are a disobedient little sister." Horikita's brother stepped closer to her.

From my hiding spot, I could see him plainly. It really was Horikita Manabu. He displayed no hint of emotion. It was like he was staring at an uninteresting object. He grabbed his younger sister by the wrist-she offered no resistance-and pinned her against the wall.

"No matter how I try to avoid you, the fact remains that your my little sister. If people around here learned the truth, I would be humiliated. Leave this school, immediately."

"I-I can't do that...I will definitely reach Class A. I'll show you!"

"How incredibly stupid. Do you want to relive the pain of the past?"

"Niisan, I..."

"You possess neither the abilities nor the qualities needed to reach Class A. The way I see it, if your class rises you'd just be dead weight. Get that through your head."

He moved forward, as if about to act. The situation looked fraught with danger. Resigned to facing Horikita's anger, I leapt out from my hiding space and went after her brother. Before he knew I was there, I grabbed his right arm, which he was using to pin his sister.

"What? You..." He stared at his arm and slowly turned to me with a sharp gleam in his eye.

"A-Ayanokouji-kun?!" Horikita cried.

"You were about to throw your sister to the ground weren't you? You do realize the floor here is concrete, right? You might be siblings, but you should know the difference between right and wrong."

"Eavesdropping is not an admirable quality." He said.

"Fine, then let go."

"That's my line."

We glared at each other in complete silence.

"Stop it, Ayanokouji-kun." Said Horikita, her voice was strained. I'd never heard her voice like that before. Reluctantly I released her brother. Instantly, he tried to backhand me in the face. I instinctively took a step back to avoid it. For such a lightly built guy, he was a nasty attacker. He then aimed a sharp kick at my unguarded spot.

"Watch it."

He had enough power to knock me out with one blow. Looking slightly confused, he exhaled deeply, extended his right arm, then opened his hand. If I grabbed his hand, he'd probably throw me to the ground. Instead, I slapped his hand away.

"Good reflexes, I didn't imagine you could evade all my blows so quickly. Also, you seemed to understand quite well what I was trying to do, have you been taught?" After the attacks stopped, the questions began.

"Yes, I was taught piano and calligraphy. Also, when I was in elementary school, I won a national music competition." I said.

"You're in Class D too aren't you? What a unique boy Suzune." After he let go of his sister, he turned to face me.

"No. Unlike Horikita I'm pretty incompetent."

"Suzune, is this boy your friend? I'm honestly surprised."

"He's...not my friend. Just a classmate." Horikita faced her brother fully, as if denying him.

"You continue to confuse independence with solitude. And you, Ayanokouji. With you around, things might get interesting."

He walked past me and disappeared into the night. So that was the distinguished student council president. His presence explained some of Horikita's weird behavior.

"I'm going to drag myself up to Class A even if it kills me." She said.

The night was engulfed in silence as Horikita sat down against the wall. She looked ashamed of herself. Once I turned to return to the dorms, she called out to me.

"Did you hear everything? Or was it all a coincidence?"

"It was 50% luck, I happened to be in the area so I followed you." Actually it was more of a 70/30 chance since I was following her the whole day.

"Your older brother was strong, he didn't hesitate to attack."

He's...5th dan in karate and 4th dan in aikido."

Yikes, good thing I was the one who followed Horikita. If it were Maida, I feel like he'd have trouble against him.

"Ayanokouji-kun you also practice something right? You're also a rank holder."

"I already said didn't I? I played piano and performed tea ceremony."

"You said calligraphy before."

"...I did that too."

"You purposefully got low scores on your test, and you say you did piano and calligraphy. I still don't understand you very well."

"Getting those scores were only a coincidence, and I really did piano, tea ceremony and calligraphy."

If there was a piano here, I could play Fur Elise at least.

"I let you see a strange side of me."

"Rather, I always thought you were a normal girl-nevermind."

She scowled at me.

"Let's head back. If anyone sees us here, there would surely be a misunderstanding."

Certainly, there would absolutely be strange rumors about a boy and a girl by themselves in the dead of night. Not to mention our relationship was iffy to begin with.

Slowly getting up, Horikita walked in the direction of the dorms.

"Hey...are you really okay with not helping everyone and socializing?"

Thinking that I wouldn't get another chance, I called out to her resolutely.

"Why are you asking that? My decision was final since I declined Kushida-san so much."

"I have a bad feeling. Or should I say, the other students might be planning something."

"I don't mind. I'm already used to it. Also, all the low scoring students are with Hi-"

"I don't care about that."

She faced me with a shocked expression when she heard me cut her off.

"Sure the lower students are with Hirata, so what? We need as many capable students as possible to teach the ones that aren't. Yukimura even volunteered when Hirata made that announcement. You're not good a teaching? No, your just not good at socializing like me."

She could only look at me when I said that, so I continued.

"Horikita, ever heard of demerits before? Those are the reasons why we're trying to cover everyone."

"Demerits? What do you mean demerits?"

"Sigh...Did you really think the school didn't think of that? Say a student got a failing grade on the midterms, what would happen? They wouldn't just be expelled, the class would also take a hit, in our overall points. They deducted our points because of behavior and we lost almost 700, how many do you think they'll deduct if it's an expulsion?"

"That's-"

"Of course nothing is certain since we don't have that much credible information. However, don't you think it's safe to assume these things because it's a fairly high possibility? A hundred? A thousand? There's even a chance that 10,000 or 100,000 points are deducted. If that is so, you will have a hard time reaching Class A."

"We can afford to make sacrifices, if we remove those who can't study, we'd go down to 0. However, we can't go below 0 so removing the incompetent would be good for the long run, as we would just rise back up."

"There's no guarantee that that'll be the case. Do you really think it's alright to ignore such a dangerous risk? Well...for someone as smart as you, there's no way you hadn't considered it. If that wasn't the case, there's no reason for what you have been doing ever since May 1st, you abandoned them ever since that time."

I was starting to get worked up. Maybe it was because I started regarding her as a friend just like I do Maida. I didn't want her to regret her decision.

"Even if there were minuses, it'd be better if we just get rid of the failures. Once we start racking up points we-"

"If Hirata and the others were to hear you right now, they wouldn't just be upset at you Horikita."

Her eyes widened, but then slowly turned around and got onto the elevator. Before she could, I grabbed her by the wrist.

"Let me go Ayanokouji-kun. It doesn't matter what the others think of me. I've always been alone so what? This is nothing new."

"You're really talkative. I never imagined someone like you would talk this much."

"That's...That's because you're being insistent." This isn't the normal Horikita. The normal Horikita would never listen to me, and for this long too.

"The day we met. Do you remember what happened on that day?"

"You mean what happened on the bus? That time we refused to give up our seats?"

"Yes. At that time, I thought of the meaning behind giving up my seat. To give up my seat, or not to give up my seat. Which one is the right answer?"

"I already gave my answer. I didn't give up my seat because I thought it was useless. There's no merit to giving up my seat, but rather a waste of time and effort."

"Merit? All you think about is profit and loss till the very end."

"Is that bad? Humans are calculating creatures. If you sell goods, you get money, and if you do someone a favor, it'll be returned. I'll receive this thing called 'joy' from my contribution to society if I give up my seat. No?"

"No, that's not wrong. I also think that's natural"

"Then-"

"With that mindset, make sure to have a broad outlook in life. Right now, you're too blinded by anger and unhappiness that you can't see anything."

"Are you someone important? Do you even have the ability to find faults about me?"

"Whatever my ability, I can see the one thing that you cannot see. This is the only fault in the otherwise perfect-looking person known as Horikita Suzune."

She snorted as if to say "Tell me if you have a bone to pick with me."

"Let me tell you your faults. You find other people a hindrance and you don't let anyone come close to you. Aren't you in Class D because you always think of yourself superior over everyone else?"

"...It seems like you're trying to say that I'm equal to Sudou-kun and the other guys."

"Then, are you trying to say that you're superior to those guys?"

"It's obvious if you look at the test scores. Those are clear evidence that they're just heavy baggage for the class."

"Certainly, if you measure by the scores, they're two, three times below your level. Even if they tried really hard, they wouldn't be able to surpass you. However, that's only true on top of the desk. The school doesn't only look at intelligence. This time, if the school did some kind of physical examination, the results wouldn't be the same, is that wrong?"

"That's-"

"Your physical ability is also good. After watching you swim, you're definitely one of the better girls. However, both you and I know that Sudou's physical abilities surpass yours. Ike has communication skills that you don't have. If there was a test based on communication skills, Ike would certainly be helpful. Meanwhile, you would've dragged the class down. Well then, are you incompetent? No, that's not it. Everyone has their strong and weak points. That's what it means to be human."

Horikita tried to retort, but she wasn't able to say anything.

"...You have no basis to your words. All of your words are just pure guesses."

"If there is no foundation then you have to come up with a guess from what we do have. Think about Chabashira-sensei's words carefully. In the guidance room, she said 'Who decided that smart people are the ones who get into superior classes?'. So, the conclusion is that there is some factor other than academic ability that affect rankings."

I swiftly cut off Horikita's exit path as she looked left and right to weasel herself out of the argument. If I didn't do that, our argument would've been ridiculous.

"You say you wouldn't regret abandoning the students that will fail, but that's not true. There will be plenty of days where you feel regret if they drop out."

I looked straight into Horikita's eyes. She was not only grasping the reality of the situation, but also tied it with her consciousness. I got that impression of her.

"You're really talkative today too. Doesn't suit your principle of avoiding trouble."

"Yeah probably." In my opinion this is getting into trouble now so I wouldn't run into more later.

"It's really frustrating but your words are right. You had enough persuasive power to make me think that. I still can't understand one thing. That is, your true intentions. What is this school to you? Why are you desperately trying to persuade me?"

"...I see, that's what your thinking."

"If someone doesn't have any persuasive power, their theories won't be believed."

She wants to know why I'm trying to persuade her that letting Sudou and the others drop out is a bad thing.

"Without any facades, I want to know the true reason. For points? To rise up to Class A? Or, to help your friends?"

"Because I want to know. What is 'a person with merit?' What is equality?"

"Merit, equality..."

"I came to this school to seek out answers to these questions."

Although it wasn't well organized in my head, it came out clearly with words.

"Your hand, can you let go?"

"Ah, my bad."

After I released her hand, Horikita turned around to face me.

"I couldn't have fallen for your smooth talking right?" Saying that, Horikita extended her arm towards me.

"I will join the study group and help out as many of them as I can. As for whenever a situation involving expulsion comes up again, I'll try and make sure none of them drop out as an investment for the future. Is that fine?"

"Don't worry, I don't think you'll act differently. That's the kind of person you are."

"It's a deal then."

We shook hands. However, it wasn't until later that I'd realize that this was a contract with the devil.

Horikita and I got onto the elevator, and got off on our respective floors. Before I could even open the door to my room, my phone buzzed. When I took it out, I was shocked by both the message, and my point balance.

[I blackmailed someone. Your share] 10:42pm

Friday, 12:05pm

"Kushida, can I get your help for a second?"

"Hm? Sure, what is it Ayanokouji-kun?"

Phase Three

Kushida and I arrived at the cafeteria, then sat and waited near the meal ticket machine. After buying a meal ticket for two portions, I slowly moved away from the machine. From there, I looked at the fingertips of the students buying their food.

"What is it?" Kushida looked at me curiously.

"There is a possibility that this will lead to an answer to what I was concerned about."

I looked at the students who were buying lunch. After about 20 students, I found my target student. The student bought the meal and walked over to the counter with heavy steps.

"Alright, let's go."

"What? Ok."

Quickly exchanging our tickets for meals, I walked over to the student and sat down.

"Um, excuse me...you're a senpai, right?"

"...Huh? Who are you?"

Quietly looking up, he looked at me, uninterested.

"Are you a second-year? Third-year?"

"Third-year, so your a first-year huh?"

"I am Ayanokouji Kiyotaka of Class D, you're also of Class D aren't you senpai?"

"...What does that have to do with you?"

Kushida looked at me surprised, asking "How did you know?"

"Because he was restricted to the free meal. It's not very tasty, is it?"

"What the hell? You're making me feel annoyed."

He tried to get up with his tray, but I stopped him.

"I have something to ask you. If you listened, I would show you my gratitude."

"...Gratitude?"

My small voice was lost in the confusion of the cafeteria. The nearby students were also engrossed in their conversations with friends.

"Do you still have the problems on the midterm from your first-year first semester? Or if you know someone that has all the previous test problems, can you tell us who they are?"

"Hey, do you even understand what you're saying?"

It's not anything surprising. I don't think it's against school policy to use old test problems to study."

"Why are you asking me?"

"That's easy. I thought it would be easier to cut a deal with someone without points. Honestly, the free vegetable meal meal isn't that tasty. Of course, things are different if you actually like eating the meal, What do you say?"

"...How much?"

"20,000. That's as far as I can go." Thanks to the points I got a few days ago I can afford it.

"I don't have the test problems but...I know someone who does. I guess he'd be fine with 20,000 points. The deal would be good, but you'd have to pay in advance."

"I don't mind. But if you go back on your word, I won't forgive you. I'll make sure your expelled."

"...Fine, I don't want any bad records. If rumors pop up that I ripped off a kouhai, I probably won't be forgiven."

"Now then, since I'm paying anyway, how about the answers to the mock test for another 5,000 points?"

"Alright, I'll include that. Well, I think that whatever you're doing is useless, but sure." It looks like senpai understood what I was thinking.

"Thank you."

The senpai quickly left his seat. I guess he didn't want to be noticed.

"H-Hey, Ayanokouji-kun...Was that...was that really ok?"

"There's no problem at all. The transfer of points is allowed by school rules, so there aren't any violations."

"That's fine but, isn't it dishonest to get past year's test questions?"

"Dishonest? I don't think so. If the school didn't allow it, there would have been something in the rules. Also, I confirmed another thing when I was just talking to the third-year senpai. It looks like these kind of transactions aren't strange."

"Huh...?"

"He wasn't particularly surprised, and he quickly agreed to listen to my proposal. It probably isn't his first time negotiating. He has not only the answers to the midterms, but to the mock test. There's no mistake."

Her eyes were spinning with astonishment.

"Ayanokouji-kun, you were really different. I was surprised."

"It's just insurance to make sure Sudou and the others don't get expelled."

"But this might turn out to be useless. Past questions are past questions right? This year's test may be completely unrelated."

"The problems may not be exactly the same, but there will definitely be some similarities. The last mock exam gave me that hint."

"Hint?"

"You noticed that there were really hard problems along with easy ones right?"

"Well yeah, those were the last problems of each section. I didn't understand those questions at all."

"When I looked into it after, those were problems second-years and third-years were learning. In other words they don't expect first-years to solve those problems. Isn't it useless to throw in unsolvable problems? They're probably there for a reason other than to actually test us. If the problems on the mock exam were the exact same as previous mock exams, what would happen?"

"...If I saw those problems, I'd be able to ace the test."

The same thing is applicable to the midterm. I even asked Maida about this and he said he didn't know a thing about the last three questions of each section.

Soon after, I got the message. First I checked the mock test. The key question is, are the last three problems the same? Kushida also tried to looked at my phone.

"Are they...Are they the same?"

"Yeah, down to the last letter."

"That's amazing! If we showed this to everyone, it would be an easy success! Don't show it only to Sudou-kun, but to everyone else too!"

"No, we won't show them to anyone yet."

"W-why? You went as far as to use so many points."

"If they hear that these are the test questions, they'll lose all motivation and focus. Above all, overconfidence is the biggest problem. The midterm may not be the same as the mock test; there's a possibility the problems are different on the midterm."

It's essential to keep in mind that these old tests are just insurance. Maida already knew of this, as I told him beforehand, and even he understood not to fully trust this plan.

"Then what are you going to use them for?"

"Release these problems the day before the test. Then we will tell everyone that these problems are roughly the same as this year's test. What would everyone do then?"

"That night, everyone would try to memorize these problems!"

"That's how it is."

The students who don't understand the basis probably wouldn't be able to memorize all the problems in a single day. But, it's not difficult to understand the problems beforehand. We're not trying to get the highest score possible on the next test. We're trying to avoid failing. If we ask too much, the plan might fail. However, with this and the fact that Horikita is also helping the study group, we can get everyone to pass in Class D.

"Hey...When did you think to get these old tests?"

"Since we learned that the test was different. However, I had an inkling that the old tests might be similar ever since the midterm was mentioned."

"E-Eh!? That early?"

"When Chabashira-sensei first mentioned the midterm, she was speaking in an unusual manner. Even know she knew Sudou and the others' grades an attitudes, she spoke with absolute confidence. In other words she confirmed there was a surefire way to save them."

"Is that...the old tests?"

Maida and I discussed how people like Sudou, Ike and Yamauchi got into this school. It was because they weren't measured by academic ability alone, but overall ability. If they can't study hard, this is a good way for them to overcome such problems. Maida said that 'this school reuses things way too much', in short not many changes will be on the written tests. That's how we understood it at least.

"...Ayanokouji-kun, you're really observant aren't you?"

"I'm just being cunning. I didn't think that I could pass the midterm without any help anyway. I asked Maida to tutor me but I still didn't understand much. I was looking for a way to reliably pass."

"Hmmmm."

As if she had something on her mind, Kushida had a mischievious smile. No need to act too much Kushida, I know Maida told you a little about the plan.

"I have a favor to ask. Could you say that you got the old test questions? Say that you got the old questions from a third-year senpai that you get along with."

"I'm fine with it, but...are you really okay with that?"

"I like to avoid trouble after all. I don't want to stand out. Also, our classmates trust you. It'd be a lot better for you to tell everyone else."

"...Okay, if you say so. Heehee."

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing...it's just Maida-kun asked the same thing when he told us to make the class behave. Well, don't you think this is a secret between the two of us?"

"Yeah, probably."

"Alright then, I'll do as asked. I'll keep my mouth shut as well. See you later Ayanokouji-kun."

She got up from her seat then abruptly left the cafeteria.

Yasushi POV

Same day

[You planned this from the start didn't you?] 1:07pm

[Planned what?] 1:07pm

[Making me realize Ayanokouji-kun isn't the boring guy he made himself to be.] 1:07pm

[Who knows.] 1:07pm

[Tch, anyway now what?] 1:08pm

[Do as Ayanokouji said for you to do.] 1:08pm

[Do you not want a copy beforehand?] 1:08pm

[Nope, already have one.] 1:08pm

My conversation with Kushida ended just like that. Ayanokouji's plan was almost done, all we have to do now is wait for the midterms.

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka point balance: 2,593,036

Maida Yasushi point balance: 2,604,485

Volume 1: Conflict Begins

Yasushi POV

Wednesday, 4:37pm

"Has everything been well prepared?"

"Yes, everyone should have been covered, even Sudou-kun." Hirata said.

I was currently in the classroom with Hirata, Kushida and Horikita. Ayanokouji left to handle a few things with Class B. Apparently he came into contact with Ichinose Honami and was needed to help with something.

"I must thank the three of you for working so hard, and apologize for not helping much."

"There's no need for that Maida-kun, you've done enough yourself!" Kushida said.

"I'm inclined to agree for once, Ayanokouji-kun says you've been helping him and the others behind everyone's backs." Horikita commented.

He said what? Well I was acting like some sort of class leader.

"Everyone's been working hard these past couple of weeks. Even if the topics we were learning about were wrong, we still managed to pull through." Hirata looked relieved.

It was true, Chabashira-sensei announced a week ago that the topic for the midterm was changed. I don't know if it was true that it changed or stayed the same the entire time but it was bad for us. If we were to file a complaint about sensei, the school might suspend her.

Regardless if that happened, Class B came in clutch, helping us by merging study groups. Checking through the topics afterward, they still aligned with what the old tests were, which Kushida distributed earlier before everyone left.

Everyone should be covered, if not, well we still have three separate tricks up our sleeves.

Monday, 8:07am

(I don't remember when classes start in ANHS so I'm assuming it's 8am.)

Chabashira-sensei walked into the room, with a clipboard and a small stack of paper with her. The midterms have already gone by and everyone was in a lot of suspense, awaiting the big reveal.

"Why so serious class?" Chabashira-sensei said with a grin.

"Today is the day you reveal our midterm scores right sensei?" Hirata confirmed.

"Certainly, it seems you're all well aware. Enough waiting then, here are the scores across the board."

She posted several papers on the whiteboard, each having the subject written on top.

"Congratulations on your scores." Sensei said.

"None of you seemed to have failed." Her grin grew wider.

It was true. Everyone, including Sudou, Ike and Yamauchi got a passing mark. Sudou has the lowest overall in the subjects, 45 in English. The passing score was half of the class average, 45, he passed the mark, I could see him slumping on his chair relieved.

(Since this Sudou, Ike and Yamauchi joined from the start, they were able to focus. Also with the help of Horikita and the old tests, none of them got red marks.)

"It looks like everything went well." I thought aloud.

"Kushida-chan you're a hero!"

Almost everyone started flocking Hirata, Horikita and Kushida. This gave me and Ayanokouji time to examine the situation.

[What now?] 8:12am

[The class conflict will most likely officially begin next month. When that happens, Class C will use us as guinea pigs to test things out.] 8:12am

[From the looks of things since the second week of April, it's likely. Ryuuen must've picked a target by now.] 8:12am

[Yeah, that'll be your next task. Figure out who is the most likely target and destroy whatever plan Class C would have. Class B would have our backs since Ichinose said they'd establish an alliance with us. As for Class A, according to Kushida they are currently in a civil war so no need to worry about them.] 8:13am

[Right, I'll get on that.] 8:13am

He was absolutely right. Class C has been mentally harassing every class. I saw Amikura in Keyaki mall two weeks ago and she was being followed by a Class C girl. She even came to me saying she was followed.

I then asked as many Class B people as I could and they said the same things, even Ichinose was being harassed. Ayanokouji apparently got a favor from Ichinose so we'd have their help if something comes up.

Class A as a whole wasn't really a problem, but Sakayanagi was. She has been sending her pawns to spy on me since our confrontation in that empty classroom. It was the same blonde haired boy and purple haired girl from before. As of now I'm dealing with three people from that class.

While we were thinking, Chabashira-sensei left the room with the papers that have our scores. It was once again time for class.

Same day, 12:34pm

I wasn't really hungry today so I skipped lunch, not really healthy but it's at least good for my weight loss. I went over to the ground floor of the first-year school building to check the class standings, wishing I'd be lost in the sea of students that wanted to check, however...

I saw a tall bald man in our school uniform, along with Sakayanagi. They were the only ones here, dammit.

"Ah, what a coincidence Maida-kun. Here to check the class standings too?" Sakayanagi greeted me.

"Yeah."

"You know this boy Sakayanagi-san?" The bald man asked.

(Imma assume Katsuragi uses honorifics since I dont remember)

"But of course, we've met on a few occasions."

I ignored their stares and looked at the class standings.

First Year Class Standings:

Class A: 1004 (94)

Class B: 710 (60)

Class C: 492 (2)

Class D: 460 (90)

Nice, we got almost the same amount added to us than Class A did. We'll be facing off against Class C soon, and I doubt their leader would be happy.

"You're in Class D aren't you?" The bald man asked me again.

"Yes, uh..."

"Katsuragi Kohei."

"Maida Yasushi. Yeah, I'm from Class D."

"Careful Katsuragi-kun, he'll lead you astray from what you want." I will what?

"Hm, I must congratulate you and your class for getting a large sum of points added to the overall."

"Thanks, I guess...but we're far from being able to compete."

"Hm?" Sakayanagi put on her smug grin.

"Apologies but I'm not inclined to tell you our affairs. Besides, you also have your problems to deal with, right?"

With me hitting the mark, they looked at each other. That means they were on different sides, and by both their auras, they must be the leader of each faction. Katsuragi's stern expression rivaled Sakayanagi's smug grin.

"Well before I get caught up in your staring contest, I'll take my leave." I started to walk away.

"Oh but would you please kindly stay a little longer?" No I kindly will not, Sakayanagi.

"I want to ask you a few questions, if you would?"

"Sigh...if it doesn't pertain to my class affairs then I'll answer you."

"Very good."

Katsuragi eyed her suspiciously as she walked up to me.

"If I were to tell you how both me and Katsuragi-kun operate, would you care to choose a side?" So they are the faction leaders.

Katsuragi looked at me nodding, seeing that he understood what Sakayanagi was trying to do.

"Alright, shoot." I decided to play a bit.

"Katsuragi-kun is a turtle inside it's shell, he operates solely on defending the class and choosing the safest options. Quite boring if you ask me."

"Uh-huh..."

"As for me, I'm more on the aggressive side, attacking my enemies whenever possible. By our confrontations I think you've already known that."

By confrontations I suppose she means all the times she sent a stalker to my location. She was indeed aggressive. In short, it's a battle between offense and defense types of strategists.

"Well, if I were in your class I'd have to pick your side. As they say, offense is the best defense, and it really would be quite boring to just defend the entire time. In a real war, you only defend when you get attacked, you'll never get the extra territory without doing your own offensive."

I've read a lot of books about tactics and strategies, one being Sun Tzu's 'Art of War'. In all of them, it mentions that you don't win a war by just defending, you'll lose eventually through rebellion.

If their conflict continues, Sakayanagi will eventually come out on top. I could see her using underhanded tactics here and there just to win. When she takes control of her class, it'd be bad for us. I'd have to either help Katsuragi or get our class points high enough.

"Thank you for your time Maida-kun." Sakayanagi slightly bowed.

"Sorry for the answer Katsuragi-kun."

"It's fine, it's your opinion after all."

"Well, I'm off now."

I walked away from the two class leaders.

Same day, 5:41pm

Ayanokouji POV

We were inside a karaoke room, which Hirata and Kushida rented for two hours. The entirety of Class D was here, except a few like Kouenji who didn't care, Horikita who didn't like crowds yet and Maida who has retired for the day. I also didn't want to go but Kushida forced me to.

Class D was celebrating the end of the midterms happily, but I could still see Hirata wearing a concerned expression. Interesting.

"Ayanokouji here! Have a drink of soda!" Kushida urged.

"Uh, no thanks, I'll stick to water."

"Heh? Why not?"

"My body doesn't really sit well with fizzy drinks." A lie, I just didn't want to drink any soda right now.

Kushida for some reason left me alone after that. I didn't really think about it too much so I instead left the karaoke room while no one was looking. Sorry Kushida.

I texted Maida afterwards as I was walking back to the dorms.

[You still awake?] 5:46pm

[Yeah, need anything?] 5:46pm

[Nothing really, but I want to ask you about the stalking situation.] 5:46pm

[Then come to my room, it's going to be a long talk.] 5:46pm

I wanted to see how serious the situation was with Maida. He said that not only was he being followed by Class C, but by Class A as well. The most stalkers he'd had at a single day with no one else from Class D around him was ten. Even I couldn't believe it at first, then he showed me pictures of who they were.

His most regular stalkers were the two from Class A, a blonde haired boy and a purple haired girl, the rest were from Class C, random everyday, probably taking shifts on him.

I arrived on the third floor of our dormitory building then knocked on Maida's door. He opened it, looking bored till he saw me.

"Ah you're here, come in."

I entered his room, looks pretty clean, he even had a book collection. Maida looked to be a fan of strategy and mystery books, he had twelve in total.

"Have you read all of those?"

"No, just two. I bought all of those since I wanted to read."

Interesting, so this is how he kills time. If it were me I might be doing the same thing.

Maida set down some drinks for us and we sat around the kitchen table.

"So, where shall I start?"

"Start from the very beginning of when you were getting stalked."

Maida then told me the story of how his stalkers kept following him. He also showed me the pictures of every single day he was followed. I'll look into these students as to make him aware of who he is dealing with. As of now we have about five regular stalkers, each taking shifts on him on which day.

He says that he suspected Ryuuen Kakeru of Class C and Sakayanagi Arisu of Class A was behind all this.

"I don't know why but I'm pretty sure they should only send one or two to me. However there's so many of them that I don't really understand anymore." Understandable.

"Well, we don't really have much info on both Ryuuen and Sakayanagi so we can't tell for sure yet."

"Yeah, but if I were one of them I'd target and provoke someone like Sudou."

His take on this was correct. If they were to target someone like Sudou, they'd be able to trigger an altercation and blame it on him. However, Class C prioritized four to five people on Maida.

"What do you think you did that would make them target you?"

"Aside baiting them I haven't done anything to Class C."

"When you say bait, what do you mean?"

"Making them get lost, or running them into my Class A stalkers."

So that's it.

"It's possible that Class C is targeting you because Class A is. When did you say this scale started?"

"The third day of being followed, there was like four of them, when on the second day it was merely two."

"Ah, then that is the most probable reason."

Ryuuen or whoever is behind this must think that Maida is an important member of Class D because Class A was targeting him. Thus, they did the same thing, to see what he would do. It works to our advantage however, like during the time Kushida tried befriending Horikita at Pallet.

That time, I saw Maida outside, looked around, then left the area. After we were done with our business, he was suddenly on the first floor near Pallet.

"Well, I've got the information I needed. Thank you for the tea, I'll be going now."

"Yeah, see you."

I got up from my seat then exited his room.

Now, what to do about this. Before I resolve his issues I need to know a little more about him. For now I have three priorities:

Get the class under control

Find out about Class A and C

Investigate how capable is the person Maida Yasushi

School Database

As of 7/1

Name: Maida Yasushi
Class: First Year, Class D
Student ID: S01T004723
Club Affiliations: None
Date of Birth: August 18th

Evaluation
Academic Ability: B
Intelligence: A-
Decision Making: C-
Physical Ability: B
Cooperativeness: C

Comments from the Interviewer
According to his evaluation statistics, he is a candidate for Class B, maybe even Class A. However, his placement was determined due to his lack of self awareness, decision making, and confidence. His problem is that he doesn't think he's good enough no matter how much effort he puts, and thinks about things for way too long. His placement would've been in Class B at the very least if it weren't for his unusual demeanor and the fact that he doesn't agree to anything. The reason we accepted him is because he had the required academic and physical level.

Notes from Homeroom Instructor
In terms of his evaluation I have nothing to say, his marks are that of an above average student. His attitude however, has much progress to make, such as his lack of self confidence. I've seen him looking around interesting things but don't try them. As of 7/1 he has helped his classmates on multiple occasions, such as the midterm. Another little push and we'd be on the right track, I will keep monitoring him closely.

Volume 2: Class C Strikes

Monday 7:53am

"What's going on?"

What's going on indeed, Yamauchi Haruki. It's been long since 12:00am of the first of the month and we haven't gotten our points yet. The rest of the class was also confused. Hirata especially, looked concerned. I'm assuming he thought we dropped down to zero points for some odd reason.

It's not that I'm lacking points, it's that both the class is lacking points, and that something happened in the last few days.

[Don't worry. I know what's going on.] 7:58am

Ayanokouji sent me a message. He really does? No way.

[Does it by chance have to do with our concerns on Class C?] 7:58am

[Yes, looks like you also know so I don't have to tell you.] 7:58am

Yes you do Ayanokouji.

Before I could type back, Chabashira-sensei entered the room.

"Morning class, homeroom begins now." As emotionless as ever.

"Sensei, did something happen? We didn't receive any points." Hirata asked.

"Ah yes that. There has been an issue involving Sudou and students from Class C. In short, a fight."

Sudou looked distraught, well at least he felt guilty. He didn't seem to want to defend himself so he kept quiet, a wise choice.

"Has this issue not been resolved already?"

"No, the complaint came from Class C. They claim that it was a one-sided fight. However, when we spoke to the accused, Sudou said their claims were false. He insists that the students of Class C called him over and started the fight."

He still stayed silent. I'm impressed with his self control right now. Since Ayanokouji said he knows what happened, could he have been involved in this? Or at least with the fact that Sudou is sulking instead of lashing back?

"Well Sudou, looks like you don't have anything to say for yourself. Come with me to the faculty room so we can discuss this further."

"Yes sensei..."

Sudou picked up his bag then left with Chabashira-sensei. If Ayanokouji was involved in this, what did he do? How did the hot headed Sudou become someone hit with regret so hard?

"Everyone, can I have your attention? I want to believe in my classmates. Who wants to go with me later to look for witnesses?"

Kushida gave me a side glance, asking for confirmation. I nodded, then she stood up.

"I will. I know Sudou-kun can be hot headed at times, but I want to believe he's innocent here!"

"Same here!" Ike obliged himself.

"Yeah! I bet those Class C dudes staged Ken up!" Yamauchi joined in too.

Before anyone could say anything else, our first teacher showed up.

There were two groups that separated and looked around the school grounds for witnesses or clues on the Sudou incident. One group was me, Hirata and Karuizawa, the other being Ayanokouji, Kushida, Ike and Yamauchi. We were currently at the soccer club asking senpais.

"Nope, sorry Hirata-kun. I didn't see anything." A senpai said.

"It's fine senpai, thank you for answering."

We've been out here ever since lunch break came, and we have about half an hour or so before we need to head back to class. Hirata looking disappointed, left the soccer club with us.

"There has to be someone that saw the fight." He said.

"Hirata-kun maybe we should just head back for lunch right now. It's better if we kept looking after classes." Karuizawa suggested.

"She's right, besides we don't even know where the fight took place since Sudou won't talk." I added.

After Sudou got back to the classroom somewhere around the end of first period, I talked to him about it. He kept implying that he caused enough trouble and didn't want to talk. What's worse is that Ayanokouji wouldn't tell me anything either.

"Yeah, well I want to keep looking for another ten minutes or so. Does that sound good to the both of you?"

"Sigh...Sure."

"Alright let's keep looking then!"

Ayanokouji POV

"Looks like we couldn't find anything today..."

Kushida, Ike and Yamauchi were all sitting down near the fountain of the school grounds' park area. We were looking for about thirty minutes and nothing led to Sudou's case. Kushida looked ready to give up.

"I think we should stop here for now, class will start in fifteen minutes or so." I suggested.

"Mn, I think we should probably head back now." Kushida agreed.

"Damn, what did Ken even do to those Class C guys anyway." Ike voiced his concerns.

I can't do anything if they blame Sudou entirely. He had a violent nature and he made everyone aware of that fact. However this time, he didn't do this to himself, Class C was at fault. Sudou was the victim that looked like the villain.

"It's possible he just brought this on himself man, he is Ken after all." Yamauchi replied to Ike's remark.

"Maida just texted me, he said they didn't find anything either."

"Eh? Too bad, let's just go back to class now." Kushida stood up to go and we soon followed.

Just then, an idea popped in my head. This is the perfect time to test them. If they were able to solve this case with at most two clues from me, I'd be able to relax a little. We're not trying to get to Class A immediately anyway, we're here to establish trust.

[Special Building] 12:38pm

Yasushi POV

Tuesday

According to Chabashira-sensei yesterday in our Japanese History class, there would be a hearing about the Sudou incident on Thursday. I had to act now because Ayanokouji wouldn't. Horikita also had enough, and decided to join me.

"How are you not getting hot from the inside right now?" I asked.

"I'm used to these types of environments."

Forget her not getting hot. How is she speaking to me normally? This isn't the Horikita I know.

"So you're sure this place is the right one?" She asked.

"Yeah, according to all the clues I found this should be the place of where the altercation happened."

Well, "clue", not in it's plural form. Anyway it all checks out. I've been here for five minute and I haven't seen any cameras, not a single one. This was definitely a setup now, Ryuuen must've planned this.

"By the way. Why are you helping now?"

"I want this farce to end quick. If we don't win the hearing then Class C will have an advantage over us. It'll be hard for us in the future."

"So you're helping because you're thinking about the long run?"

"That's exactly it."

We arrived on the second floor of the special building through a stairwell. The place was still hot, and not a single camera in sight. I looked around and saw nothing of note.

"This looks like a good place to start an altercation. What do you think Horikita-san?"

"Yes, it's also hot so it's hard to keep a cool head, especially for Sudou-kun."

This area was spacious enough for a proper fight and without being seen. However there was one problem, the hallways.

"There has to have been a witness here. The hallway is too long." It stretched for as far as a camera can zoom in, but still enough for the naked eye to see something from the end of the hall.

"That's true, but what could we do?"

"Find the witness at least. We'd be lucky if it was a first year student."

"Yo yo! How's it going you two?" Who was that?

Looking back at the stairwell, I saw one of my stalkers, the blonde haired boy who I assumed was from Class A.

"Oh sorry, did I interrupt your date?" Damn you for making that remark.

"Tch, who are you and what do you want from us?" Horikita, annoyed, asked.

"I'm just here to observe the situation. I heard there was a fight between a Class D student and three from Class C."

"Then explain how you're here. How do you know to look here in the special building?"

"Sigh...This guy has been following us since we left the classroom."

"And you didn't bother telling me?"

"I'd wager you wouldn't listen to me anyway."

My stalker started laughing at our argument. Horikita noticing this "tched" at him again then looked away.

"Anyway, what do you want with us. Answer seriously this time."

"Sigh...I'm actually here to help." I don't buy it.

"Do you think we'd believe you?" Horikita thought the same thing.

"Here, catch." He threw a piece of paper at me, to which I caught with my left hand. Opening it, it says:

For indulging my curiosity during the past months and for answering my questions, this'll be your reward. One of the people that followed you stands in front of you right now, Hashimoto Masayoshi. Under my instructions he is to help you with this case. Good luck! fufufufu

Okay so this is obviously from Sakayanagi. But why would she write down "fufufufu"?

No the better question is why would she help in the first place?

"Why?" I asked Hashimoto.

"Don't know. However, I trust what she tells me."

So Hashimoto is just a guy that follows her orders? Is he really not supicious about what Sakayanagi is trying to do.

Me indulging her curiosity is not good enough of a reason for me as well. What in hell's name did I do for her to help? Even Horikita who was beside me is skeptical about this.

"What are you two talking about?"

"Good news, Class A is helping us." I said

"Yup, let's all crush Class C together shall we?" Hashimoto followed up.

Horikita still looked skeptical, can't blame her though.

"Trust me on this, the paper he tossed me had some interesting things written on it."

"Hmph fine, I'll trust you on this if nothing else."

She was surprisingly submissive to what I had to say.

"Right well now that you're helping us. Have you found out about anything regarding this case?"

"All I know is that it did happen here, right where we're standing. That and there was at least one witness." Hashimoto said.

"I know who that witness is. I'll text it to Ayanokouji-kun so he can text it to you."

Isn't it better to just exchange numbers though?

"What? Don't trust me?" Hashimoto asked with a grin on his face.

"Of course I don't."

A few seconds later, Ayanokouji sent it to me.

[Horikita told me to say that the witness is Sakura Airi, the pink haired girl sitting next to Sudou.] 5:12pm

So she's a classmate huh...

"Wait aren't I on your contact list? Also how'd you know it was this person?"

"The person in question didn't look up to see the commotion when Hirata announced he'd look for clues. Everyone else, even Kouenji-kun, did." She didn't answer my first question though.

"Hate to break the encoded conversation guys but we seem to have more visitors."

"Eh?"

Horikita and I got confused. This guy was sharp enough to sense others in the area, but dumb enough to fall for my baits?

"Can you come out whoever you are?"

"Ehehe, guess we got caught. Sorry for spying."

This time from the hallway, came Ichinose Honami, with another guy behind her.

"Ichinose-san? What business do you have in the special building?" Horikita asked.

"We heard about the incident then started searching for you guys in Class D. When we couldn't find any of you, I decided to look into this case myself, then I heard the special building had no cameras." The guy with her said.

"Oh before anything else, my name is Kanzaki Ryuuji, nice to meet the three of you."

"The feeling's mutual, now what's this again?"

"Right, we wanted to help Class D with this. Ryuuen tried to do the same thing to our class, luckily no one fell for it. But I guess Sudou-kun wasn't as lucky as we were."

"Same here with us, Class C has been trying to pick fights with some of my classmates." Hashimoto added.

So Ryuuen was provoking every class from the beginning, not just us. This puts us at a significant advantage.

"So you're saying you also want to help us. Can I please know the reasons?" Horikita asked again.

"Like I said a while ago we didn't want this to happen with anyone. I also don't think what Ryuuen-kun is doing is an act a student should do." So she was somewhat like Kushida, but without a second face.

"Don't worry we don't have any alternative motives, we just want to help in dealing with Class C." Kanzaki said.

Hashimoto nodded saying "I don't have any either" then Horikita just sighed.

"Fine, if you want to help then help." She said.

"Alright! Well did you guys find anything here?" Ichinose asked enthusiastically.

"Nothing of note other than this place being where the altercation happened." Horikita said.

"The witness is in our class so leave that to us. What we need from you guys is to either monitor Class C or look for any more clues." I said.

"Sounds like a plan, the hearing isn't till two days from now so we have plenty of time." Hashimoto said.

"We'll be on the look out, in the meantime be sure to try and convince your classmate to testify!" Ichinose suggested.

After our brief exchanges we all left the special building in multiple directions.

"So, what'll we do about Sakura?" Horikita asked as we were heading back to the dorms.

"I'm sure she'll come along."

"Don't make me laugh, I've observed she's the shy type and will definitely not testify."

"Who says we're making her testify?"

"What? Ichinose-san said that you should." Horikita looked confused.

"I have another idea entirely so don't worry too much."

I don't think I need Ayanokouji this time. However, just in case, I have Kushida and Hashimoto as backup.

Ayanokouji POV

Same day

I just finished eating dinner and was now sitting on my bed looking through my phone.

[I did what you asked. Now what?] 7:24pm

[Let it all happen, he can do it. However if he does require your assistance, help him so he doesn't get suspicious.] 7:24pm

[Fine, but what's this about anyway?] 7:24pm

[You'll see.] 7:24pm

Sorry about this Maida, I really am sorry. I'm not gonna be helping you with this issue, and I won't be giving you anymore clues unless it's from another person. If you fail, I won't accept you as a permanent pawn.

I need to test how good you are.

Volume 2: Four on One

Yasushi POV

Thursday, Day of the hearing.

It was nearing 4pm, the alloted time for the discussion about the Sudou incident.

"Okay, we need two representatives along with Sudou to go to the conference room with me." Chabashira-sensei said.

I raised my hand, soo did Horikita and Hirata.

"We only need two, but if you want, one of you can wait outside. Now, come with me."

All three of us stood up and followed Chabashira-sensei, Sudou close behind.

"Hirata-kun, let us handle this." Horikita said.

"Are you sure Horikita-san? Not that I'm doubting you but we need to resolve this peacefully."

"We can't resolve this peacefully if both sides are at fault. Now please Hirata-kun, let me and Horikita-san go."

After a little more convincing, he finally agreed. Hirata was to stand guard outside for our side of the conference. When we arrived, Hashimoto and Ichinose were there.

"Hey hey, ready you two?"

"This is a matter for Class C and D, please do not interfere with the conference unless you want to testify." Chabashira-sensei said seriously.

"Sorry, we'll get out of the way."

Hashimoto and Ichinose moved away from the conference room door. Hashimoto sent me a thumbs-up while Ichinose winked. Good, the plan will be able to go well.

"Pardon me for asking sensei, but who will act as mediator for the classes here?"

"Oh, the student council president will oversee this hearing."

Horikita froze. Well this is bad, now I have to be all sentimental.

I put a hand on her shoulder.

"I know this is gonna be hard Horikita-san, but be strong. Try not to freeze in place or be empty on words it's not like you. It'd be an insult to your brother too y'know?"

She looked at me with a cold stare. Good, that adrenaline should keep her until the end of the trial.

"Looks like I pushed some buttons. I'm gonna need your help alright? Our mission here is to buy time." I said.

"Hmph, I'm well aware."

Chabashira-sensei knocked on the door of the conference room.

"Come in." A familiar voice greeted us as she opened the door.

It was Tachibana-senpai, she looked serious this time. It's normal since she's in the student council.

"Ah, Chabashira-sensei and Class 1-D representatives, please get yourselves seated."

"Apologies for being late." Chabashira-sensei stated.

"No need for that, it's five minutes before the alloted time. However now that everyone is here I guess we can now begin."

The student council president Horikita Manabu sat at the center chair. Across us was Class C and their homeroom teacher, Sakagami-sensei. This'll be an interesting debate. The three students from Class C were severely injured, and now I doubt even more that Sudou did this.

Once we were seated, Horikita-senpai spoke.

"A few days ago, Class 1-C filed a complaint against the student Sudou Ken of Class 1-D, that much is understood yes? We are here today to determine which of the stories each class tells is the truth. Tachibana, if you may."

"Yes president. I will first present the story given to us by Class 1-C. The students Ishizaki Daichi, Komiya Kyogo and Kondou Reo were caleed by Sudou Ken to the special annex, then beat them up in a one sided fight. Is that correct?"

"Yeah...Sudou beat us senseless, we couldn't fight back even if we wanted to-"

Bang!

"That's bull! You called me over and started it!"

Wow, he finally spoke, I guess he didn't like the fact that they were lying about him. I wonder why he was sulking the entire time before this though...

"Quiet down Sudou-kun, there is no use interrupting them." Horikita said.

"But I... sigh...fine."

And he got quickly tamed. What's been wrong with him this past week? This isn't the hot headed Sudou I knew.

"Now Class 1-D. The case presented by them is the opposite. Sudou-kun was called by these three from Class 1-C and started the altercation with him, correct."

"Yeah! They called me! It was their fault!"

"Stay quiet Sudou-kun. This is your case but it's not your fight." I said.

"Now, which one of these stories are true? We will start with a detailed explanation from both sides. Class 1-C, if you please?" Tachibana-senpai asked.

"Um...Around the time club activities were finished, Sudou said he wanted to talk to us. He then said to meet him at the special annex, and when we got there he started to beat us up."

That sounds like a practiced response. Anyway, their injuries depicted that there really was a fight, but even Sudou wasn't dumb enough to do all that damage.

"Right then, that checks out with what the official complaint said. What about Class 1-D?"

"These morons were lying. It's true that it was after club finished, but they were the ones that called me to the special annex! Then they started to fight me so I did the same. It was self defense!"

"Just like in the response Chabashira-sensei submitted. Now, for the allotted punishments. It looks like Class 1-C is telling the truth, according to their injuries. Sudou will be suspended for a month and Class 1-D will transfer 50 class points 1-C. Are there any objections?"

I raised my hand. Horikita-senpai nodded, then Tachibana-senpai allowed me to speak.

"If I may, what exactly was the reason why Sudou called you?"

Sudou started to get mad and was about to stand up, but I held up my hand to stop him.

"Answer me now."

"Uh...Sudou said he just wanted to talk to me."

"Then why did you bring Ishizaki-kun? He wasn't in the basketball club." Horikita joined into the argument.

"Sudou is a beast! He's really aggressive, so I wanted the extra protection." Kondou said

"I see, you wanted Ishizaki-kun to come along because of his reputation as a fighter."

"Then why and how pray tell did you lose a three against one fight with that many injuries?" I provoked them.

"Even you must know how violent Sudou is! We just didn't want to fight back is all." Ishizaki stated.

"And yet you were there to be extra defense. How do you think that adds up?" Horikita said.

"It's simple Horikita-san, they staged Sudou to be the villain." I said out loud.

Everyone except Chabashira-sensei and the Horikita siblings were wearing shocked expressions. Chabashira-sensei and Horikita-senpai smirked, while Horikita herself was just serious.

"Explain." Horikita-senpai said.

"Simply put, they 'didn't' want to fight, but they actually fought. Not to injure Sudou, but to injure themselves as proof of their claim. Although I don't have any concrete evidence, my suspicions were cleared as true when we checked the area of the special annex."

"Maida-kun here said when we were in the area that 'it would be hard to keep a cool head' because it was hot there, especially for Sudou. I'm sure he did do some combat but as he said, it was in self defense." Horikita said. But she was the one to say that back then.

"You then injured yourselves even more after your altercation with him, then submitted the complaint."

"So you are suspecting my students of fraud? Utterly ridiculous." Sakagami-sensei came into the argument to defend his students.

"Certainly not, at least not fully." Horikita countered.

The three Class C students looked troubled. I guess they didn't have a counter statement in their plan when we made our side of the argument.

"It is as Horikita-san said. We believe Sudou-kun did hit your students Sakagami-sensei, but not that hard. Just look at them, a cast on Komiya-kun's forearm, Ishizaki-kun's heavily bandaged face and Kondou-kun's black eye. Those aren't injuries of a brief altercation."

I knew for a fact Sudou wasn't dumb enough to hit them that hard. It was because of the events on May 1st and the midterms that I knew. Speaking of Sudou, he's been quiet ever since we told him to do so, interesting...

"Then what do you propose if both parties here are guilty? You've spoken as if Sudou-kun has done nothing." Did you not hear me old man? I said he hit them.

"A two week suspension for your students, and one week for Sudou-kun, that's my proposal." I said.

"But everything you've said here is speculation, especially since it sounds like Sudou-kun is innocent."

"Because he is." Horikita stood up with me.

"It's true he hit them, but like we kept saying it was in self defense. Not to the scale of their visible injuries, Maida-kun's debate is correct because Sudou-kun is not that violent."

"And just so we're clear, I make sure I have my facts straight. I even asked throughout the first years if they saw anything." I added

"President Horikita-senpai, what do you propose we do? It's obvious neither side will back down." I said, we've bought enough time.

There was a short silence.

"Class 1-C, do you say that your claims are true?"

"Y-Yes..." Ishizaki replied.

"What about Class 1-D?"

"Of course." Horikita said.

"Then, my verdict i-"

Knock knock knock

A knock came from one of the doors. Tachibana-senpai went toward the door and opened it. It was Kanzaki.

"Hello, is this the trial for Sudou Ken?" He asked.

"Yes it is, do you have business in this trial?" Tachibana-senpai replied with a question of her own.

"Hai, I found some visual evidence, here." He presented an SD card to Tachibana-senpai, to which she took.

"Do you wish to testify?"

"No no, I don't have any actual words for the trial. I just found this photo of the altercation."

"Very well then, I will close this door now."

"Thank you for letting me intervene"

Kanzaki bowed and Tachibana-senpai closed the door. She went towards Horikita-senpai, said some things under her breath and took out the projector. The projector turned on and the picture was there for all to see. It was a picture of Sudou surrounded by the other three, one of them grabbing his collar. The Class C students froze at the sight. Good job Kanzaki.

"This does not prove anything. My students must've been defending themselves." Sakagami-sensei said.

"That is the exact opposite of what we're implying here Sakagami-sensei. My offer is still on the table however."

"This isn't true! Sudou-kun started the fight and beat us up!"

"Shut up! You're the ones that started it!"

Looks like the hot heads of each side had enough. They were now arguing for the sake of arguing, Horikita and I just stayed silent.

"Dear me Sakagami, your students are unruly." Chabashira-sensei said.

"It's not like your students are any better." Sakagami-sensei retorted.

"Enough."

With one word from Horikita-senpai, everyone shut up.

"This was a useless debate. However, because of this evidence that boy presented, we will just reconvene here tomorrow at the same time. If no more changes occur, expulsion will be on the table. Understand? Dismissed."

His glare was terrifying. Everyone agreed to what he said. Class C left first, the students had annoyance on their faces. Then we left, Chabashira-sensei told us to try and find out more if Sudou is truly innocent, then she, Horikita and Sudou disappeared from view. I decided to wait for the people responsible for this evidence. However, fate had other plans.

The door to the conference room opened, and the senpais walked out, looking at me.

"I have fulfilled your request. This means I have nothing left to owe you right?" Horikita-senpai asked to confirm.

"Yes, the only thing left is the reconvened meeting tomorrow and, if you want, we can sever ties."

"President, what are you two talking about?" Tachibana-senpai was confused, understandable.

"Nothing important. However Maida, what will you do?"

"You'll just have to wait and see Horikita-senpai."

"Heh, then I look forward to it."

Flashback to the Horikita siblings incident

No way, Ayanokouji had those moves? That was pretty cool actually.

I ran away from the area and tried predicting Horikita-senpai's path. After a few minutes, I found him walking to the third-year dormitory.

"Senpai!"

"Hm? Maida? What are you doing in this area this late?"

"I could ask you the same thing Horikita-senpai, if not for the fact that I saw what happened."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"No use playing dumb senpai, I recorded everything."

I showed him my phone, but he seemed unfazed.

"How much for you to delete it?"

"Five million points...and one favor."

"Fine, give me your phone so I can delete it myself."

I unlocked my phone and gave it to him. He pressed through it for a time then took out his. He then gave me back my phone. My point balance went up by five million.

"Well, satisfied?"

"Yes thank you. As for that favor I think I'll save it for another occasion."

"Very well, but please entertain me when you do use it. You and Ayanokouji will make your school year a lot more interesting to cover."

I can see what he meant. He just witnessed Ayanokouji's skills in combat and got blackmailed by me. Horikita-senpai would now have high expectations of us.

"I'm off, you should also return to your dormitory."

"Right, thank you Horikita-senpai, see you next time."

We exchanged farewells and went back to our dormitories. I could see Ayanokouji and Horikita having a conversation in the lobby. Well, guess I have to wait. They were having a long talk, but after they finished up, I sent Ayanokouji half what I got and sent him a message.

[I blackmailed someone. Your share] 10:42pm

End of flashback

"Let's go Tachibana."

"Yes president."

Tachibana-senpai looked to have an annoyed expression on her face. What, did she hate me because we had a secret from her? Anyway, a little after they left, Hashimoto and Ichinose appeared in the other end of the hall, giving me a wave. Hirata was also with them.

They definitely heard all that, if not Ichinose then Hashimoto heard it.

"Is everything ready?"

"Yup! Though I still don't like the way you're approaching this, but it's all set." Ichinose said.

"An eye for an eye and the world goes blind. Even I can understand that." Hashimoto somewhat agreed with her.

"So you'd do something else if you were Maida-kun?" Hirata asked while Ichinose nodded.

"Nope, this plan is a fun one. Ha ha!"

Ichinose puffed her cheeks in annoyance while Hashimoto laughed. It's strange but somehow these two managed to get along during this operation. I'm glad though. Hirata had a look of concern on his face, probably because he thought Hashimoto was the deceptive type.

"Kushida-san should be sending the message to them by tomorrow at lunch, thanks again for the help."

"It's no problem! Class C needs to learn their lesson about fraud." You were opposed to this seconds ago though.

"Hate to break it to you Maida but this'll be the only time I'm helping unless the princess dispatches me again." I'm well aware Hashimoto.

"Princess? Do you by any chance mean Sakayanagi-san?" Hirata knew her? Interesting.

"Yup, I'm only here cause I was told to be here. But I will admit this was pretty fun. You don't disappoint Maida."

I don't disappoint huh? So it's less of a reward, more of a test. Well at this point I assume that's Sakayanagi's modus operandi.

"Anyway, I have a few other things to do today. See you all later."

"Best of luck tomorrow Maida-kun!"

"We'll be waiting for thee result."

"Give me your contact info next time."

"If I get the chance." I abruptly left them alone.

Ayanokouji POV

Same day

According to Horikita, Maida's plan was to buy time then frame the Class C students into admitting it was them. It was honestly a pretty good plan if you asked for my opinion.

Maida used the resources available to him and surpassed my expectations, however I still need to find a few more things out about him. I had a talk with Kushida about him but couldn't get any answers because she thinks I don't know her true identity, so she kept it up.

"Sudou, you alright?" I asked the guy sitting on the floor of my room.

"Huh? Uh, I don't really know man, kinda wish this didn't happen."

Sudou for some reason agreed to staying quiet when I asked him to do so, I assume because Kushida was there. Horikita then told me she'd help, but I told her I would stay out of this one. However, I didn't.

Unfortunate as it was I had to do some things because of an accident. While I was in the special building to spy on Maida, I found Sakura Airi in one of the hallways. We exchanged greetings then she timidly left. Kushida, who I assume was under Maida's orders, asked me about Sakura, to which I told her what happened.

Maida saw and knew this part. Kushida was being persistent when she asked Sakura to testify, but her camera broke and we had to fix it. When we got a chance alone, I told her to do what she wanted, whether to testify or not.

"Hey Ayanokouji, whaddya think happened to Sakura?" Sudou asked.

"I don't know, she hasn't reached out to me since yesterday."

Sakura obviously had a problem, but I wanted to test Maida so I left her alone since I thought my influence would make her testify. To my surprise, instead of testifying she gave the evidence to someone named Kanzaki Ryuuji of Class B, whom I saw when Maida was meeting with his colleagues for this case.

"You'll be fine Sudou. Horikita and Maida seemed to have a plan form the way she described what happened." I encouraged him.

"Yeah, I guess. Anyway I gotta go man. Thanks for the talk."

"Sure, thanks for giving up your key to my room."

All that was left were the keys Ike and Yamauchi had then I'd be set to have a safe room again.

Now the matter regarding Maida. I'm honestly eager to see what he would do.

The next day though, I overheard from Horikita that Class C had withdrawn their complaint.

Volume 2: Shizuku and Two Face

Yasushi POV

Wednesday, day before the trial.

Kushida was in my room, tired of life. She was so tired that for the first time she's been ranting she decided to just slump onto my shoulder.

"Why can't they all just die..." She sighed.

"I feel you, I really do, but life is unfair that way you know?"

"Who said you could talk?"

"Me? Because this is my room?"

"Sigh...I'm too tired to make up a counter statement."

She's been here for the past half hour or so, ranting about how her girl friends kept emphasizing how dumb Sudou is. Kushida accidentally admitted that Sudou was valuable in the process, her friends Ichihashi and Inogashira also agreed according to her.

I pushed her away a little to make way for my arm so I could put it around her back.

"Don't you dare pet me."

"I'm not."

I put my right hand on her shoulder as she relaxed onto me. Kushida had it hard with this kind of thing, pretending to be something you're not, I'd never imagine myself like that.

"Listen Kushida, I can't really imagine myself in your situation, but what I can imagine is how hard it is. You're acting skills are impressive, and yet you don't like the way you do act around them."

"It's just...I wanna be loved you know? I'm addicted to the feeling of standing out and being at the top of the social chain."

"That makes us polar opposites. I don't like being noticed because I think it feels weird to be praised. Not even my family praised me."

My father taught me everything I needed to know, but he never really praised me. All I got were around a few thanks' in his entire lifetime, the last being on his death bed. The very thought of that scene pierces right through me.

"Hmph, then I guess you've never felt happiness before."

"I suppose not, but this is me. Every person is unique, remember that. That's why I want to see people's full self and personality before making a verdict. Like with you, not a single person would've guessed you're like this."

I only judge half effortedly whenever I'm annoyed, which is a rare occasion in and of itself, since normally people just ignore a quiet human. However, students here are different, Sakayanagi is proof of that.

"Sorry if I've talked your ear off."

"Ha, it's fine, I'm the same with others right? Talking their ears off that is."

"No, we aren't the same."

"Believe what you want, you can be extremely sociable when people get to know you." Is that not the case for everyone though?

She got up from my bed, for once, showing a genuine smile towards me.

"Well, I'm off, thanks for tonight Maida-kun."

"Oh, before you go, are you ready for the plan?"

"Don't worry about that. Ayanokouji-kun and I took care of Sakura-san's camera, she should have had a talk with him. I bet he went all sappy and got her feelings good."

So Ayanokouji got into this mess by accident. It works to my favor though, since I didn't know how exactly I should convince Sakura how to cooperate with us.

"Just send the text to any of the three Class C students on Friday during lunch."

"Mn, will do."

Day of the trial, during lunch

Ayanokouji wasn't here, but Sakura was. It was either do or die now.

"Hey, Sakura Airi right?"

"Huh? Uhm, what do you...want from me..?"

Sheesh she's real shy, more so than me.

"I have a favor to ask you, is that okay?" I tried to sound as gentle as I could. I really didn't want her to just break down and cry or run or something else.

"Uhm, if it's...within what I'm capable of.."

"Don't testify."

"Eh?"

There it is, she finally shot up to look at me.

"Oh sorry, I meant to say that instead of testifying you just give us the evidence."

"Uhm, is that...really..okay..?"

"Yeah, I can't get the evidence from you right now though. Would it be alright if I send someone else to fetch it from you?"

"Uh..."

She looked indecisive. I can understand from the way she was acting that she didn't really interact with people.

"There'll be a guy named Kanzaki Ryuuji who'll approach you around the time of when the trial is occurring. Don't worry I especially picked him because he isn't the type to ogle like those of Yamauchi." I had to use an example, sorry Yamauchi but it's pretty true.

"Please relax, you can trust me alright? Besides I doubt you actually wanted to testify in the first place, whether it concerned classmates or not."

Sakura had the air of someone really timid and shy. Just by looking at her face, I could tell that the way I once acted was her.

"Uhm, alright...I'll give the...USD card to Kanzaki-kun." Wow, she actually agreed.

"Thank you, if you do give it to him you have no need to testify. If you need anything just ask me or Ayanokouji. See you next time Sakura-san."

I left the classroom to look like I'm off for lunch, then I texted two people.

[Kanzaki-kun, she agreed. you can find her hanging around our classroom.] 12:17pm

[Got it, I'll do my part, Ichinose and Hashimoto will give you the signal to confirm] 12:17pm

[Hashimoto, everything is set, be sure to follow Sakura till tomorrow to make sure she's safe.] 12:18pm

[You got it!] 12:18pm

According to what Kushida told me, that store clerk ogled Sakura like a doll. He was a pervert.

I hate perverts.

Don't get me wrong Ike and Yamauchi were also perverts, but at least they don't publicly announce it, they only announce that they want a girlfriend. This employee was ogling a minor, and it was disgusting. If he makes a move, I'll make sure he pays for it.

Friday

It was lunch time and I was currently hiding by a corner of where the special annex took place. Kushida texted me a little earlier saying she sent the message and that they were on their way. The ones who were going to surprise them were me, Kanzaki and Horikita, Hashimoto was on a mission to keep Sakura safe while Ichinose was to keep Ayanokouji distracted.

After a few minutes of waiting, we could hear footsteps and banter coming from the stairwell.

"Oh come on, do you really think Kushida-chan would ask you out Ishizaki?" That sounded like Kondou.

"Well why would she wanna meet up in the special annex then? Ha ha!"

"As if someone like you could get a girlfriend!"

"She called you here to trap you."

The three of them stopped their banter and turned towards Kanzaki, who was sitting on the stairs.

"Greetings Class C students." He said with a serious expression.

"Oi oi, what's this about!? Where's Kushida-chan?"

"Like I said, this was a trap."

"I instructed Kushida to bring you here."

I made my entrance, Horikita right behind me. The three of them were now trembling in fear.

"This place remind you of something, Ishizaki-kun?" Horikita asked.

"'Course it does! This is where we got beaten up by that red haired monkey!"

"How rude calling our classmate a monkey. Haven't you considered that you're all monkeys yourselves?"

"Hey Maida-kun, doesn't that sound a little harsh?" Kanzaki had a sinister grin on his face.

"Being harsh means nothing here right now."

"What do all of you want!?" Ishizaki lost his temper.

"It's simple, have you noticed all the cameras in the school?" Horikita answered with a question.

"Duh, those things are all over the place. What does that have to do with..."

Kanzaki pointed towards his back, to which Ishizaki's eyes followed. They immediately widened, to the sight of a security camera.

"Oi, wait a sec! When did that get there!?"

"What are you talking about? The science labs are in these halls, of course there would also be cameras here. This isn't the only one you know?" I provoked them.

I pointed to another camera by the hallways, the three of them couldn't utter another word.

"Why don't we make a deal Ishizaki-kun. Withdraw your complaint to the school, then we'll all act like nothing happened." Horikita was the one to offer.

"Huh, why would we accept that!?"

"Don't you think the school already knew what was happening from the start?" I asked.

"What Maida-kun's saying is correct, when our teachers told this, it was like they already knew how it happened." Kanzaki backed me up.

"They're testing us to see how far we want to lie for the sake of class points. Now, what's your decision? Remember, in the next trial expulsion is on the line, so this is a one time offer."

Ishizaki looked stressed and confused on what to do.

"Ishizaki, let's just accept it!" Kondou pleaded.

"Huh!? Who're you to tell me what to do!?"

"Face it Ishizaki we've lost! Let's just accept Horikita's deal and withdraw our complaint!" Komiyaq sided with him.

"Tch...hold on let me just make a quick call."

He pulled out his phone to dial a number. Horikita walked over to him and snatched it.

"Oi! Give that back!"

"What? Can't make a decision on your own?"

"I said give it back!"

He pulled Horikita towards him, ready to punch. Kanzaki and I got into position in case he actually threw it.

"Resorting to violence are we? Go on then, do it."

Ishizaki's face was in a mixture of emotions while his two comrades just looked like they were about to cry. Probably because Kanzaki was giving them a death glare and I was in a martial arts position.

"Tch, dammit! Fine!"

He let go of Horikita, who I caught because she lost her balance from Ishizaki's push. He on the other hand looked down and sighed heavily.

"Damn you...fine, we'll pull everything back...nothing else needs to be said."

"Good, if you betray us we will send the evidence we found on those cameras."

Ishizaki said nothing else, neither did the other two, all three of them just left the area.

"Whew, great acting Kanzaki-kun." I sighed in relief.

"It wasn't really acting but sure, no problem."

"What now Maida-kun? Do you have a Plan B if things go south?" Horikita's concerns were still valid since Ryuuen might call our bluff.

"Yes I do, but I'm not saying it till we need to implement it."

I even had Plans C-E ready to go, all of them involving Hashimoto, Ichinose and Kushida. But I doubt I need to worry.

"We were lucky they were dumb enough not to make real changes to their accusation plan." That was true. Either that or they were afraid Ryuuen would punish them.

"Yes, it's a good thing they stuck straight to what they were told." I said.

"Since our business here has concluded I'll be on my way. Class B hopes to continue our relationship with Class D." Kanzaki walked away, waving at us.

"Likewise, Kanzaki-kun, till next time." Horikita saw him off.

After he left, we soon followed, in the direction of our classroom.

"You've really presented yourself in this incident Maida-kun."

"I wanted this to be solved as quickly and as quietly as possible. Basically why you also helped I guess."

"Ayanokouji-kun said otherwise." He said what?

"What do you mean?"

"The only reason I helped was to test you. Now I'm confident that I can reach Class A with the two of you helping."

I doubt Ayanokouji would voluntarily help, it was also the same with me. Neither one of us wanted to stand out in the crowd, at least not yet. As for helping her reach Class A, it could be a good distraction.

Ayanokouji POV

Horikita told me minutes ago that the complaint was withdrawn, looks like Maida pulled through. However there was now another problem, Sakura.

"Ayanokouji-kun? What are you looking at?" Ichinose, who was beside me asked.

I was looking at my phone, seeing Sakura's location.

"Ayanokouji-kun? Huh...? Hey, where are you going!?"

I bolted towards that location. I could hear Ichinose screaming to me but that wasn't what I wanted to pay attention to right now. Sakura was in a secluded alleyway, near the same electronics store we went to to fix her camera.

Sorry Ichinose but there was no time to explain, I was worried about what was going to happen to Sakura.

I arrived near the location and saw the exact alley where Sakura's location was. There stood one of Maida's stalkers, looking into that same alley.

Upon seeing us, he gestured us to be quiet and look at what was happening. When I actually looked, I could see Sakura pinned against the wall by the same electronics store employee that hosted us when we were fixing her camera. He was spouting nonsense like loving Sakura with all his heart and the like.

Ichinose was tugging on my sleeve. Looks like she wanted for this to end, so did I, but it's not time yet.

A few seconds went by and the store employee was about to touch Sakura...that was until Maida's stalker grinned.

Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap!

The sound of running footsteps came into my ears. Ah, I see why he grinned.

"What the...?" Ichinose got confused by the sight.

A shadowy figure ran past us and into the alley. Then, it suddenly kicked the store employee into the wall.

"Maida?"

"Maida-kun!?"

"Heh, awesome timing."

After he turned around to look at us, I could see his face clearly. He was mad.

"Pardon my actions this one time. If you please?"

"Don't worry Maida-kun, we'll say nothing. For now I'll call the police to get that guy arrested." Ichinose said while leaving the area to find police officers.

That statement was directed at me, since he acted without my permission. I guess I'll pardon it.

His stalker and I went towards him and Sakura, the latter being slumped on the ground trembling.

"Hey, you alright Sakura?" I asked her.

"I guess I really am...useless."

"Nonsense, you being here just proves that you're trying to become better.

"Oi Maida relax dude, he's already unconscious."

While I was helping Sakura get up, Maida was ready to punch the store clerk in the face, but his stalker stopped him. His kick was so powerful that he not only got him towards the wall which was about ten or so meters from where the clerk was standing, but also to knock him unconscious.

"Woah woah calm down man! You've done enough here!"

" Sigh...this guy needs a lesson, but I guess I'll let the authorities do that job for me."

Maida slowly backed away from the store clerk, his stalker breathed in relief.

"Sorry for being so late Sakura-san." Maida bowed slightly.

"It's fine Maida-kun...actually, I'd rather ask how did you all...find me?"

"I had Hashimoto here follow you in case you got in trouble. I didn't know Ayanokouji-kun was also following you."

"Actually, I was tracking her through GPS signals."

I showed them my phone, to which there was a red dot on the screen, showing Sakura's location.

"I noticed she was heading for this alley so I decided to look for her."

"I see."

"Hey guys! I brought help!"

Ichinose came from the entrance of the alley with three police officers. Two of them went over to the store employee to handcuff him.

"Don't worry Sakura-san, we'll answer their questions if you don't want to." Maida said.

"It's...fine. I'll answer them." So she managed to get herself some confidence, good.

"What exactly happened when I left Ayanokouji-kun?" Ichinose directed her question to me.

"Nothing really. Maida was just about to punch the clerk again."

"Eh!?" Yes Ichinose, he was that mad.

"Apologies, but I don't let these kinds of things happen quite easily. If I know it's happening, I just move without thinking."

He saved himself by saying that last part. Ike and Yamauchi ogle the girls in our class often, and Maida does nothing about it.

"Ha! You should've seen his face Ichinose, he was real pissed." Hashimoto remarked.

"You didn't have to say that Hashimoto."

"Ahaha, well at least Sakura-san is alright."

"I...have to go. I need to make sure of a few things." Maida wanted to leave.

When we allowed him, he ran off. I can just tell that he wanted to either talk to Hirata or Horikita about the Sudou incident. Hashimoto, Maida's stalker, also left the area, saying he has to report to the "princess".

"You sure you're alright Sakura-san?" Ichinose asked her, as the authorities also left with the store clerk.

Y-Yeah...thanks to all of you."

"Oh right I don't believe I introduced myself yet. I'm Ichinose Honami!"

"That clerk is definitely going to jail for this. I wonder how he found out about Sakura though."

"Eh? What do you mean 'found out about her'?"

I looked at Sakura for permission, but she shook her head.

"Sorry Ichinose, but Sakura doesn't want me to say it."

"Oh it's fine, it's probably a well kept secret anyway." She smiled at Sakura, showing she doesn't mind.

"Anyway, I should go as well. I need to ask Maida a few things. Ichinose could you escort Sakura to the dorms for me?"

"Sure, if Sakura-san is also okay with it."

"I...don't mind."

"Then I'm off. Stay safe out here Sakura."

"See you later Ayanokouji-kun!"

I walked off out of the alley. I didn't actually have things to ask Maida, rather I just wanted to see what he'd do.

When I followed him to the school building, I took a different path as to not run into him. While I was walking, two figures were in my way.

"Ah, Ayanokouji, good to see you." Horikita Manabu greeted me.

"Is there something the matter senpai?"

"Nothing of the sort. However when Class C asked to withdraw their complaint I accepted. Did you have anything to do with that?" Why is he suspecting me?

"No, from what I've heard only your sister and Maida handled that."

"I see, so you've made your choice on the class battles."

There was a silence between us, all while Tachibana-senpai was glaring at me for some reason.

"Tachibana, we still have that spot open yes?"

"Eh? The one you offered Maida-kun earlier? Yes, we still have it open, no one from the first year wants it."

What? I see, so he offered a spot to Maida.

"Ayanokouji, if you Maida doesn't want that spot on the student council, I'll happily let you have it."

"Twice in one day!?" Tachibana-senpai half yelled.

"No thanks, I don't like troublesome things."

"Two rejections in one day!?" She half yelled again.

"I see, then I shall leave it at that for now."

When they went past me, I was about to think of how Horikita-senpai suspected I was involved in this. But, there was another guest this evening.
_

Yasushi POV

After that little skirmish against the store clerk, I went to see Hirata, who was probably nervous about what happened with the Sudou case. To my surprise, Kushida already calmed him down, she and I were currently walking to the dorms.

"That confrontation with Class C was great! Their faces were hilarious!"

We had set up dummy cameras in the special annex, but we also had it actually record for secondary plan purposes. Since we didn't really need it, I sent it to Kushida so she would enjoy the show.

"And you guys! Despite Horikita's damn face all of you were so cool!"

"Were we?"

"Don't play dumb with me Maida, you were obviously acting there. But still, it was cool nonetheless."

Kushida had a face of enjoyment on, I didn't know if it was genuine though. Regardless, it was stressful to deal with this case, as I was trying not to disappoint four different parties. Those were Ayanokouji, Horikita-senpai, Sakayanagi and Chabashira-sensei.

"By the way, what are you going to do now Maida-kun?"

"Huh, that's a good question. I'll probably just stay quiet for awhile, I need a break."

I actually was mentally tired. Having to exchange in mind games and ploys are fun to do, but still troublesome. However it'd be a problem if Ryuuen realizes I was behind this madness.

Just then, a pair of footsteps could be heard behind us, as we neared the dorms. A maniacal and weird laughter came in as well.

"Kukuku...Oi, you're that Maida guy aren't ya?" Another creepy laugh?

Kushida and I turned around to see a magenta haired boy, standing with a sadistic smile.

What? Did all the bigshots have some sort of signature look or pose?

"Who might you be?"

"Name's Ryueen Kakeru. You and Suzune really pulled something big huh?"

He was talking about the fake cameras.

"Keep your ass in check Maida, I'll be your opponent next time."

Sensing the tense air, I instinctively walked in front of Kushida to protect her.

"You'll get no entertainment by facing me though."

"Kuku, how long are you going to keep up that humble bullshit?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Heh, whatever. See you next time Maida, and be sure to let me have some fun."

He walked past us and into the dorm building. Dammit, now I have to deal with Ryuuen myself when he attacks.

"Maida-kun, now what?" Kushida's face turned into that of concern.

"Same plan, I'll lay low. As for you just be the same as you always were. And by the way, I'll have some plans for us in the summer, so please try to clear your schedule as much as possible in late July."

"Eh? Wait, you don't mean...!?"

"Mean what? We're just gonna hang out. I'm getting tired by this tense air between us. I want us to be actual friends, not just an errand girl to her person giving tasks."

It really was tiring to have Kushida being suspicious of me most of the time. I need her to understand my thought process, me as a person in general, so we could put an end to this type of mood.

"You aren't satisfied with me just doing tasks?"

"Of course I am. However, I just don't like it when a girl like you is wasting away her life to do everything in keeping a secret. Live a little, that's what we're here for as teenagers right?"

She didn't respond to my last statement.

"You have the looks don't you? You're cute and beautiful, take advantage of that while also being smart. Kushida, you need to start seeing which is the real you."

I wanted for her to start being genuine, because her face is wasting away from that secret. If anyone should be wasting away it should be me. She had one bad junior high experience so what? She still had all the potential to bury that completely, by being genuine.

People are judgemental, I learned that the hard way. But Kushida's case is different, it's different because someone's here for her, unlike with me when father passed away. I honestly wanted to watch her grow.

"I...I don't know what to say..."

"If you really don't know what to say then keep you're mouth shut for once. You can still be popular even without responding to every little thing."

I turned around to look at her, to see that she almost bumped into me before looking at my face. I then patted her head, but she didn't react in any way.

"The other day you said 'don't you dare pet me', yet I'm doing it right now. Why is that Kushida? Could you be changing?"

Her face turned red as she looked back down, not even trying to remove my hand from her head.

"You're real annoying aren't you? You aren't the type to butt into other's business." That was a lie Kushida, you're smiling.

"It's true I don't usually do so, but I do tend to whenever the need arises."

"And you think I'm in need of you butting in?"

"I am butting in right now aren't I?"

Her hand reached mine to remove it from her head, then she took a few steps away from me, looking away.

"Baka..."

"Hmm?"

"It's nothing, let's just go back now."

Her cheerful tone and mask of happiness returned to her face, all while walking past me. That girl really has a long way to go. Well, I've got a much longer path than her's.

Ding!

My phone rang, indicating that a notification came in.

[Maida, good work on this case. Sorry for not helping too much but you passed my test.] 4:57pm

[Test huh, no wonder you didn't voluntarily help. The only time you did was the incident with Sakura.] 4:57pm

[Yeah well let's just say I got caught in the crossfire.] 4:57pm

[Anyway, I do have some information from Horikita-senpai.] 4:57pm

[What is it?] 4:57pm

[He said interesting things will happen in late July up till late August.] 4:57pm

[I'll keep that in mind. Are you free right now though?] 4:57pm

[Yeah why?] 4:58pm

[Oh wait never mind I see you. Turn around] 4:58pm

When I did, I saw that Ayanokouji was at the doors going into the dormitory. I see, he wanted to meet me outside somewhere. He went towards me, Kushida was already gone.

"Did you run into Kushida?"

"No, she must've boarded the elevator before I got down."

"Well anyway, what did you want to talk about?"

"This."

He showed me his phone, with an image of a girl on it. Hold on isn't this that junior high idol Shizuku?

"Is this Shizuku?"

"You're well informed. Yes, this is Shizuku. Recognize the background?"

"That's...the dorms isn't it? Wait...reddish pink hair...blue eyes...Is this Sakura Airi?"

"Spot on. Shizuku is Sakura."

"Then that'd mean that clerk was a fan who was able to find Sakura here in this school. Then he took advantage of her.."

"Calm down Maida, you're irritation is showing on your face."

"Sigh...What's this about? Why show me this?"

"Sakura will most likely start seeing the two of us as friends or people who she can depend on. You can protect her now, doesn't that sound nice?"

No, it does not.

"I don't know. It sounds like you're just dumping the work of protecting her on me."

"Aren't you my pawn though?"

"Yeah yeah fine. Is there anything else?"

"Did Horikita-senpai ask you to join the student council?"

"Yeah...You too?"

"Yes, he had a hunch that I was involved in this somehow. So when I ran into him by chance he talked about it with me."

I also got offered a position on the student council right before I went to deal with the store clerk. Horikita-senpai is incredibly perceptive.

"What did you say to him?" Ayanokouji asked.

"I said I'd think about it, I wasn't really sure of the perks in the student council so I made a yes and no answer."

"Then join after summer vacation comes up." Eh?

"You're sure?"

"Positive, it'd be advantageous if either one of us is in the council. Besides, having Horikita-senpai as an ally and some information on future events wouldn't be bad."

"If you say so. However, Horikita-senpai would have to be the one to ask me by then."

"That's fine. Anyways, we best head back, it's been a long day."

I was inclined to agree, I was beat. I'm still not used to this sort of thing, mental instigation with other people I mean.

Ayanokouji and I made for the dormitories, calling it a day.

Volume 3: The Island of Hell

Yasushi POV

The same line kept repeating in my head ever since we boarded. Why would the school be this nice?

"Woohoo! This is awesome!"

A lot of people were currently out on the deck, including me. Well...let's just say I was forced to come here.

"Maida-kun, come here! Look at this view!"

Kushida I'm seasick, I've vomited around three times now. You don't see it on my face? Of course you don't.

"No thanks, I'll stay here."

"Oh come on! Here, look!"

I was looking down, listening to some music from my earphones while leaning on a wall of the cruise ship Speranza. Kushida suddenly yanked my arm and dragged me towards the railing of the ship. The view was an amazing sight to behold but...

Up, down, up, down

The waves were making me dizzy and nauseous. Kushida, let me go!

"Yup, it's a good view. I'm heading back now."

"What? Hey get back here Maida-kun!"

I pulled my arm back then walked away and towards the ship's inner hull, where I can't see the waves. Now my stomach was able to calm down, that motion was really putting my illnesses up to speed.

"Maida."

"What the- Cough cough!?"

I turned around me, hands up ready to defend myself, only to see Ayanokouji standing there.

"You're really jumpy today. Something wrong?"

" Sigh...Kushida's been hounding me to join her in her leisurely trips to the stores in this cruise ship since the day we boarded. Also, I'm seasick so my mental fortitude is taking a hit."

"Also, what's with the mask and your sudden cough?"

"My allergies have been coming back. My illnesses are getting triggered."

We've been hanging out a lot lately, because I planned it in the first place. I didn't think my social courage would be buried in the process. Kushida was a demon when it came to her conversations about mundane things, especially since I've seen her other side. It was also her fault on why I'm in this condition. All the times we went out, there was a slight view of the waves.

It isn't the seasickness doing this to my body per se, it's my condition. My medical records say that I have problems revolving around my circulatory system, but that's about all I saw. My father knew the actual details, but even he didn't tell me much.

In short, I'm being attacked by a long term illness, and the effects of seasickness.

"I see, well you should probably retire to your room while she's gone. And keep an eye out for those 'interesting things'."

"I will, see you later Ayanokouji."

I briskly left the area as he went back towards the ground deck. There was quite a problem with my room. I was roomed with Miyake Akito, Sotomura Hideo and Okitani Kyosuke, who seem like nice people, but...

I opened the door and went inside, only to see a portable computer on my bed.

"Ah, greetings Maida-dono. Apologies for having to use your bed as my headquarters."

One of my roommates was an otaku, whom some in our class call 'Professor'. I call him that as well purely because the nickname stuck around after a while of hearing it.

"Professor, I have a little favor I wanted to ask you. Is it alright?"

"Ho-ho, Maida-dono requires my assistance? Please, speak."

I told Sotomura what I wanted from him, it was basic but important.

"Eh? You really want that?"

"Yes, when do you think you can get it done?"

"Hmm, I don't have the materials for it, so I'd probably finish it by the end of summer break. My apologies Maida-dono but your request is pretty out of this world."

I just asked him for a modified camera. What does he mean "out of this world"?

"If you require points, I can fetch you some. What exactly do you need?"

"Oh, I'm aware that compensation goes unspoken. This is the problem with your request."

He turned his computer screen to me. Ah, he was updating his system.

"See, my computer is fairly high tech, it takes about a few days or so to update the system settings due to all the mods I've put in." Mods?

"Uh what?"

"Basically, I wouldn't be able to use this once it starts updating. I currently am preparing for the update, so by the end of summer break I can get it for you."

"Ah I see now. Take your time then, it isn't really important as of the moment."

"Hehe, quite the patient one eh Maida-dono?"

That patience is running thin with the way you talk though.

After our conversation, Professor moved his computer over to his bed, which was cluttered with junk like circuit boards. How was he allowed to bring this stuff anyway?

I went to sleep on my bed early, not even bothering with dinner.

Ayanokouji POV

"Attention students, please assemble on the main deck. You'll be seeing the island soon. This is a good time to take in some rather significant scenery."

What a strange way of phrasing it.

When I did as told, a lot of people were here. From my position, I caught a glimpse of three interesting sites. The island itself which has multiple opened paths and landmarks, Ryuuen and a bald man near each other, and Maida who was standing in the midst of Hirata and Kushida.

Good, Maida's making a move without needing me to say it.

The island in question had no beach house that was promised when we first boarded the cruise ship. Well, I never expected there to be a beach house or anything anyway.

"We will be disembarking soon. Students should have changed into their jerseys and go to the main deck for the general assembly. Please observe your belongings and don't forget your cellphone. All other personal items should be kept in students' assigned room."

I can speculate this to be some sort of survival exam, but with your class. That would mean I can relax a bit and let Maida handle the heavy lifting.

(I'm too lazy to write down the entirety of the deserted island exam rules. I assume a lot of you already know anyway. Gomen)

Mashima-sensei finished explaining the rules to us and one thing stood out to me.

The leader picking, that would be the main thread that would drastically change each class' final score. Those extra rules would prove useful if Maida messed up.

Speaking of that person, he was currently talking with Hirata, Yukimura and Karuizawa, arguing about a toilet.

"Yukimura-kun, it'd be an investment. The girls would be incredibly uncomfortable without a portable toilet like this. Would you rather lose multiple 30 S points than just spend 20 S points once?" Maida posed a good argument.

"Maida-kun is right here Yukimura-kun, besides I doubt some boys would also use that one."

Hirata pointed to the free toilet we got and some girls nodded long with him. Yukimura eventually gave up and decided to help with the calculation of S point consumption, while maida left to talk to me.

"Who should be the leader?"

"Horikita would be a good choice, just look at her."

She was currently standing around near us, with her left arm holding up the right.

"I see, I'll go tell Hirata and Kushida."

"Oh and Maida, about that other matter."

"Don't worry, he agreed."

Impressive, I didn't think he actually would agree to this since I had the perfect Plan B ready. Anyway, it's great for us.

"Then I don't have to do much in this exam."

"Yeah, just leave it to me. But if things go south-"

"I'll handle it."

"Thanks then."

He walked off over to Hirata who managed to buy a portable toilet. Now, the only thing I'll do in this exam is the minimal effort set on me by everyone. Having a reliable pawn sure is handy.

Yasushi POV

With Kushida's and Hirata's help, I had established myself as the proxy head for the exam. I didn't really like doing this sort of thing but orders are orders. Once we had picked our leader, we trudged through the forest to find a suitable base camp.

"Hirata, for how long do you think we can go with what we have?"

"I'm afraid not even a day Maida-kun. We'd have to buy meals for everyone tonight.

"If we could find a suitable food source in the forest we could probably reduce our spending." Kushida suggested.

"Actually that's not the plan, at least not right now."

"Eh?"

I cut through the bushes in front of us, revealing our destination.

"A cave?" Hirata asked.

"Yup, I noticed it on the ship. It's the perfect spot as a base camp so I assumed one of those device things would be here. Hirata-kun, let the others guard the entrance for now, Kushida-san and Horikita-san follow me."

They didn't really understand what I was trying to do but they agreed. Kushida and Horikita followed me into the cave, then we searched for the device. From where I was, I saw clear as day that it was the device, it stood out in the crude darkness of the cave.

"Claim it while I scout the area outside. Kushida-san support her here."

Despite Kushida's hate for Horikita, she knew she had no choice because I told her to. When I got back outside, I saw that there was a commotion. It was Katsuragi Kohei, and he had a green haired boy with him.

"Get out of here already! We got here first." Karuizawa was arguing with them.

"Well we saw this place first! Not like you Class D schmucks have good eyes."

I've only seen this guy today and I already hate him. Racist discriminating bastard.

"Oh, then why didn't you run as fast as you could boy?"

Kouenji Rokusuke strode out from the shade of a tree, joining the argument.

"And who the hell are you?"

"It's impolite to ask for someone's name without introducing yourself. Honestly, you're ruining my perfect existence." A narcissist in an argument is something else.

"Kouenji-kun, is something the matter here?" I decided to intervene.

"Nothing that is troublesome Maida-boy. There's just this talking monkey spouting nonsense."

"Why I-!?"

"That's enough Yahiko, we're leaving."

"But...fine."

"Oh it seems I was mistaken Maida-boy. It's not a talking monkey, it's a talking dog. Ha ha ha ha!"

"Forget him Yahiko, let's go."

Kouenji's provocation was hinting at something for me. This was a spot, and had the perfect location for a base. He was pointing out that one of them was the Class A leader, and from what I'd heard of Katsuragi, he'd never be it.

"What's that guy's name?"

"Oh, that's Totsuya Yahiko of Class A, he's in the Katsuragi faction." Hirata was the one to answer.

"I see, thanks for the confirmation. Thanks for handling them as well Kouenji-kun."

"Hmph, the pleasure is all mine Maida-boy. It's-"

"Expected of a perfect existence like you? I suppose so."

"Ahaha! Now you are starting to get it Maida-boy!"

I decided to compliment the guy. He'd given me what I needed from Class A. Besides, I needed to keep him in check anyway.

"Hey guys! We found a good spot!"

Ike and Sudou came from the forest. They told us about a river with a spot making it a suitable base camp. An idea popped in my head as Kushida and Horikita came back from the cave.

"Hirata-kun, Kushida-san, what do you two say to being base managers?"

Ayanokouji POV

I was currently in the river base, helping in setting up the tents. I don't blame Maida for giving me a job but why'd he have to put me on duty with Sakura.

"Ayanokouji-kun...I brought some firewood."

"Oh, just put them in the pile near Ike over there. I need to finish this tent."

"Ayanokouji could you help me with this nail?" Miyake Akito asked.

This river base was supposedly our secondary base, the place where we get water. Ike confirmed that the source of this river was pure, thus safe to drink, but we had to ask Kushida so that the girls would feel comfortable too. She was also the one managing this base, while Hirata and Maida managed the cave base.

"Right, that should keep this tent steady."

"Thanks Ayanokouji."

"Ayanokouji-kun? Maida-kun is looking for you."

Kushida came from the forest with Maida. They were holding a bunch of berries. When they set the food down near the firepit, Maida urged me to come near a tree to talk.

"So, what is it?"

"While scavenging for food, Kushida and I found the Class A campsite."

"Where's the Class A camp?"

"Near a cliff face, somewhere south of here. We also managed to claim the hut and tower spots since we brought Horikita along."

"Maida-boy."

From out of nowhere, Kouenji came from above and landed in front of us.

"I mapped out the island as asked."

"Thank you Kouenji-kun. I'm surprised you actually did it."

"There are no surprises Maida-boy. It's the duty of a perfect existence to lay watch onto and help the inferior from time to time."

I don't really get what these two are doing.

"Well, if you want you have freedom for the rest of the day. Do what you want."

"Ha ha! I have no need for your confirmation but you have my gratitude nonetheless."

"Oh by the way, you can have that."

Maida pointed towards a pile of things near the river and had his finger on a hammock.

"I imagined you wouldn't want to sleep with everyone else or on the ground, so I went ahead and bought that for you."

"It seems more gratitude is in order Maida-boy. You have made the right call for giving a perfect existence special treatment."

I don't think that's how it works Kouenji, you did map the island after all.

He went to claim his hammock then climbed up a tree to set up one of the ends.

"How did you tame him so properly?"

"I didn't exactly tame him per se, more like bribed."

"I see."

It must've costed him a small fortune but it's very benefitial that Kouenji is helping.

"How much did he charge you exactly?"

"Oh he didn't charge me anything. This is what happened."

Flashback

Yasushi POV

Day before the Deserted Island Test

I was running around the ship, trying to find Kouenji Rokusuke. This is by far going to be the hardest mission Ayanokouji gave me.

[Get Kouenji to help out with the 'interesting things'] 2:38pm

I lied to him about the interesting things but somehow he knew it was going to be hard for the class. Horikita-senpai gave me the full names of the exams going to be held this summer break, but he refused to disclose the details.

Those were the "Deserted Island Test" and "Zodiac Exam", that's all I got from him. Ayanokouji though was another story, who knows how he found out about it.

"Please sir! Dry up first!" I heard a voice in one of the hallways.

"Ha ha! There is no need to be persistent to getting more than one autograph." That was Kouenji, I finally found him.

"Ah hello, is there a problem here?" I went over to their voices and found them.

"Oh, you see sir, this man here just finished in the sauna then went to clean himself of sweat in the showers. However, he left without even drying himself."

"Ah I see, don't worry, Kouenji-kun here is a friend of mine. Give me the towel."

"Oh please handle him sir. I have other duties to attend to."

He gives me the towel and runs off in a rush. Kouenji left in the other direction.

"Oi, Kouenji-kun, wait a second."

"Hm? And what business do you have with a perfect existence like me Maida-boy?" He said looking at the towel I had.

"Is it not a hindrance for your existence to stay wet and potentially slip or something?"

"Though it would be a problem on school grounds, we are on this luxurious ship. The floors here in the lower decks are carpeted, no such thing as slipping boy."

There was a short silence as we just stared at each other.

"Three million."

"Hmm?"

"Three million points, you help us in two special exams."

"Oh? So you have knowledge on special exams eh? My, you've just become interesting Maida-boy."

Did I really? That could be a problem.

"Also is there something the matter with you? You have a mask on."

"Apologies but I'm a bit sick, I don't want to spread my illness."

Because of this one week long cruise, my medical allergies had gone through hell, and my seasickness didn't help. I was currently experiencing problems breathing and my motor skills have deteriorated somewhat.

"Ah, you're contributing to society. Ha ha! Isn't that nice?"

"Indeed it is. Now about my offer?"

"Ah yes your offer. It certainly is tempting but how can I trust that you'll give the points to me?"

"Down payment. I'll give you half now and the other half after we've done two exams."

Kouenji-kun closed his eyes and crossed his arms, deep in thought. He'd look way more dramatic and cool if he was wearing something other than his underwear though.

"Fine then. I'm honestly intrigued with what you'll use me for so I accept this deal."

"When can I send you the points?"

"Right now actually."

He brought out his phone from his boxers. He had that on him? Is he mad? Well our phones are waterproof so who am I to judge. I quickly brought out my phone then transferred him 1.5 million private points.

"The deal is good Maida-boy. I'll help out in the next two exams, you have my word."

Let's hope that word of his can actually be trusted.

End of flashback

Ayanokouji POV

"Well that sounded like a spectacle." I commented.

"I actually don't understand how he wasn't like 'what about all your points instead?' or something else. I was lucky he agreed to three million."

"That may be true, but you still managed to convince him to help. That's an incredible feat in and of itself since we're talking about Kouenji."

"Well, I should head back to the cave, we aren't done with the base camp."

"Sure, I'll be here."

He bid me farewell and stood up to leave. Maida looked to be tired despite his face mask. I could just see in his eyes how mentally stressful it must be to lead the class, even with Kushida and Hirata's help. We should probably get another reliable pair of hands soon, I don't want him shutting down on me.

The riverside camp was looking fantastic, aside Kouenji who was lying on his hammock, everyone was working hard. Kushida's orders came and left swiftly as people completed them. However if things stay like this it could be a problem.

We'd have to watch out for plots from Class C, and keep our leader safe, but that would be a problem if Maida is sick. In the event his condition turns to the point of him needing to retire, it'd be bad, incredibly bad.

So bad that I would need to take advantage of the event.

Volume 3: Body Problems

Yasushi POV

It was currently the second day, roll call already came and went. I was currently in a group with Horikita to capture spots, we already recaptured the river and cave, now for the tower and hut.

"You feeling alright Horikita-san?" I asked

"I'm just fine."

"Is something the matter Horikita?"

"No need to worry Sudou-kun."

There were five of us, all to keep Horikita's identity hidden. The problem was Yamauchi was also here, and boy he has no shame.

"Man this forest sucks. If only we could see better, and it's so hot."

Yamauchi had taken his off his jumper and was left with his shirt and pants, he was swinging around and his sweat went all over the place. Horikita and I went as far away as we could from him, Sudou also understanding, was blocking Yamauchi from view.

"Oi Haruki, stop swaying your sweat in the environment."

"Eh? Come on I'm turning into fried food here."

"That doesn't matter, that'd get us minus points y'know."

I don't think sweat would destroy the environment, but at least that stopped Yamauchi.

Everything aside my condition got severely worse from yesterday. I slept on the rock hard ground instead of a comfortable bed, all while my sickness ate away at my body. At least it's not showing to others, I just started walking slower.

"There's the tower. Sudou-kun, support Horikita-san in getting up."

"Right."

I had told a select few about Horikita being sick, that included Sudou. What they don't know is that I was sick as well.

"Careful with her Ken!" Yamauchi shouted teasingly.

"Shut up Haruki."

Sudou climbed up the ladder and helped Horikita get to the top of the tower. He waved from there, saying they got it.

"Yamauchi, you and Okitani head back to camp with the food we got along the way." I said.

"Right, leave it to us!"

"Let's go Okitani."

Well someone's easily coursed.

They took the food on the ground and from my hands, then left to go to the river base.

" Cough cough...augh."

I took off my mask so I could breathe easier. My condition was too bad for me to continue running around the island doing work.

"Ugh...Horikita-san! Sudou-kun! I'm heading back! I'll call Kouenji-kun and a few others to help you in claiming spots!"

"Sounds good man- Wait that guy!?" Sorry Sudou, you can't complain.

I walked back to the river base with my hand clutching onto my chest. When I got there, a commotion was occurring.

"Just leave us alone Class C!" Shinohara was shouting for people to leave.

"What's wrong with us bein' here? Not like we're bothering any of your work." A face from Class C came into view. I think this guy is...Oh wait it's Komiya. I almost forgot his name.

"Oi Komiya-kun, stop making a ruckus in our campsite. What do you want?" I went ahead and stepped in.

"Oh hey hey Maida! We were just trying to tell your fellow defects about a true summer vacation."

"Can the insults, you're wasting your time with them." He seemed to get my provocation and gulped.

"A-Anyway, Ryuuen-san wanted us to say that the Class C camp is open for everyone. It's a summer paradise over there."

They added the -san suffix? What has Ryuuen done?

"Tell him we'll think about it. Now get lost would you?"

I needed to put away everything right now so I could rest. Giving the work to Hirata and Kushida sounds good enough.

"Kouenji-kun, Wang-san, Miyamoto-kun! Head over to the tower in the north. Sudou-kun and Horikita-san should be there so go and support them in taking spots."

Kouenji jumped down from his hammock and looked at me in the eye.

"And why would I, a perfect existence, go with those two?"

"Wouldn't a better question be 'why would I, a perfect existence, go at all?'? Anyway, we need as many people with them as possible to keep the leader hidden. I have some work back in the cave. Cough cough."

I tried to suppress my cough as quiet as possible. Let's hope Kouenji didn't hear that.

I just have to keep reminding myself I'll be fine. For now at least.

Ayanokouji POV

Maida was currently inside one of the tents resting, saying he got tired. However, I know the real reason.

His behavior this morning wasn't comparable to that of yesterday, because he was more energetic, now he looks incredibly tired. It looks like I'll have to make a few adjustments to the plan to compensate for Maida's sudden change for the worse.

"Hey Ayanokouji... Cough cough."

The man himself went out of the tent and walked over to sit next to me.

"Are you sure you want to keep that mask on? You seem to have a hard time breathing."

"Are you sure you want to get sick too?"

"Are you sure you want to retire?"

"Are you sure you don't want to take advantage of that?"

We just stared at each other for a few moments, then he sighed.

"Look, I'm just gonna take it extremely easy from now on. Besides I'm not the one who has to capture spots and I've contributed enough for the class not to be like 'hey get over here and help.'"

He had a point.

"Fine, in that case I'll be the one scouting the other classes for the next few-"

"Hey everyone! We have a visitor!"

Hirata came from the mouth of the cave, with an unfamiliar face. Maida stood up to talk to them.

"Who is this Hirata-kun?"

"Ah, Maida-kun. Well you see..."

Hirata went to whisper into Maida's ear. After a while he nodded then told him he'd speak to the girl outside.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'll handle it. What's your name?"

"Ibuki...Ibuki Mio."

"Right, follow me Ibuki-san."

Hmm, I can see where this is going. Maida's physical condition is destroying his mental capabilities. In short, he'd either get Ibuki unconscious then take her to the ship, or send her back to Ryuuen, because he is in no place to instigate arguments.

"Hirata."

"Hm? What is it Ayanokouji-kun?"

"I have a little favor I need to ask you."

Today was the third day. I got up from where I was sleeping and left the cave to get myself some sunlight. On my way out, I saw that Maida slept sitting up, that was not a good sign.

I swear he's some sort of sadist because his body condition is already terrible, more so than Horikita. Yet he still decides to sleep in that position.

"Morning Ayanokouji-kun."

From behind me, exiting the mouth of the cave, Hirata greeted me.

"Hey Hirata, about that favor?"

"Don't worry Ayanokouji-kun, I had a talk with everyone. They won't be a bother. You must really care about him to ask this."

Yes and no.

"Yeah, he's a real friend to me, and I want him to stay safe." More like a voluntary pawn who I want to keep using.

"It's also hard on me. I didn't know Maida-kun was operating in that condition."

I thought over the symptoms of illnesses to see if Maida had any. Currently, his symptoms were heavy breathing, constant coughing, deterioration of speed, and probably chest pain since he keeps clutching onto it.

My current conclusion was that he has asthma. However, if it's a heart problem it would be incredibly awful.

While I was thinking, our classmates from the river base arrived through the forest for roll call. Kushida was at the head of the crowd.

"Morning you two! Is everyone else awake yet?" She asked.

"They're all waking up right now, I told them it was time for roll call." Hirata responded.

It was a good time to disappear so I went to blend in with our classmates. From the cave, everyone was already coming out, Maida included. Then roll call came and went.

Before everyone left to do business, Hirata and Kushida gave out the tasks for the day. I was to go with Horikita to look into Class C's base camp. The person I was to go with however, looked like she was having a terrible morning.

"Oi, Horikita. Let's go, we're heading to the Class C camp today."

"Yes, yes I'm coming. Don't say it like it's an order."

Like Maida, she was also sick. Unlike Maida though, she only had a fever. We were now in the forest, trudging though the thick bushes and trees.

"Horikita, how are you holding up?"

"I'm holding up just fine, why?"

"Aren't you sick too?"

"Too? I don't know anyone else nor myself being sick in the first place."

"Horikita you weren't there when the announcement mentioned 'significant scenery', I know you're sick."

"Hmm? I was finishing up the book I was reading."

"No, you were probably sleeping. You aren't the sort of person to prioritize a book from suspicious phrasing."

"Who are you to say that?"

"Someone that's confident enough of how much I know you. Now, look at me."

"Huh? What are you...!?"

I turned to her then pinned her hands against a tree. Horikita could do nothing but pointlessly struggle or look at me in the eyes.

"Hey! Hands off!"

Not listening to her, I put my right hand up, to indicate I was going to do something. When she closed her eyes, I pushed up her bangs to feel her forehead.

"A fever, around 37 degrees or so."

"I said I'm fine alright? Also what's with the 'too' from earlier?"

"Maida is also sick, more severely than you are. It'd be good for both of you to retire."

"No, I'm not wasting 30 of our precious S points."

"Horikita you want to make an investment for the future right? This is one of them. We can't have people like you operating under bad conditions."

"Then what about Maida-kun? You're just going to let him get tired and collapse?"

"Maida isn't you, he knows when he's reached his limits."

Certainly his sickness is much worse than Horikita's, but his endurance is incredible. Sleeping while sitting up, running around the island to scout and find spots, all while having an illness that eats you from the inside out.

"You need to learn what your limits are Horikita. It's clear to me you're fast approaching it."

"I can't just retire, we need to keep capturing spots. I was made leader so I have to uphold my responsibility in this exam."

"You've been doing that, of course you have, but that isn't your only responsibility. Every person's responsibility is to take care of themselves. You haven't been doing that properly."

"Has Maida-kun been doing that?"

"Yes he has. Despite his severe sickness, he's been making sure to stay within his capabilities, factoring his condition into it. Unlike you, you're clearly putting in effort more than needed."

What I said wasn't true, Maida was surpassing his physical capabilities due to his endurance. That and his will to fight, which I'm impressed by.

"Oh right, about that girl Ibuki? What happened to her? Do you know?"

"I remember Maida saying she retired to the ship. Why ask?"

"Nothing in particular."

He managed to prevent a potential spy from infiltrating the campsite, well done Maida.

Yasushi POV

" Achoo...Achoo..!"

"Jeez, settle down Maida-kun!"

The heck? I just sneezed twice. I can't tell if it's my illness or someone talking about me.

Kushida was currently inside the tent with me, trying to make sure I was okay. We were currently in the river base, I came here so I could have an easier time reaching Class B.

"Sorry about this Kushida-san."

"It's fine, I'm inclined to take care of you anyway."

"What are you my personal maid?"

"Wanna die? I'm not your maid but you did blackmail me remember?"

The second part was true but...She's technically my personal maid.

"Thanks but. .cough..I need to get going now."

I tried to stand up but Kushida grabbed me from behind then held me down.

"No, you're not going anywhere yet. You need rest Maida-kun."

"Oi, what is this position you put yourself in?"

She grabbed me from behind, flipped us over, and now she was on top of me. Kushida noticing what our position was, turned beet red and leaped backwards.

"Why didn't you say sooner you jerk!?"

"Uh-huh sure, I'm to blame for this. Anyway, I really need to get going now."

When I got up again, I tried to leave the tent but Kushida blocked the exit, arms raised.

"No, like I said you need more rest."

" Sigh...You're really persistent aren't you?"

She looked me in the eyes. Wait, is that genuine concern I see? My brain doesn't seem to buy it though.

"Fine, I'll stay and rest for a while longer. I'm too tired to instigate in mental stimulation."

"Mn, good!"

I had decided to give up and just sat on the ground in a cross position. Kushida looked at me with a victorious smirk, which doesn't fit on her usual face. She sat down in front of me.

"So, who's giving orders now?" She said.

"Me, now please don't try what you did awhile ago again." Reminding her of what happened, she blushed.

"You're really stupid you know that?"

"Yes, I do."

"What!? Do you even know what form of stupid I'm talking about?"

"It's lacking intelligence or common sense, right?"

"Wh...I don't get you..."

"If anyone's not getting anyone it's me not getting you. What are you trying to say here?"

"It's nothing, just forget I said anything in the first place."

Again with this? What is she trying to say to me anyway?

"Kikyou-san? Could we get some help out here?" A voice from the outside called.

"Yeah, be right there Kokoro-chan! I need to go Maida-kun."

She abruptly gets up and heads for the exit of the tent, turning around she said."

"Stay. Put."

With that, she left. In your dreams I'll stay put, but this is reality.

I waited a few seconds then checked the outside of the tent. Kushida was helping to organize berries with Ike, Inogashira and Shinohara near the fire pit. I used this chance to slip out of the tent and into the forest. I made sure that I went towards where the Class B camp was located.

Hirata had informed us of the Class B camp's location yesterday, and said that Ichinose said we were welcome anytime. I wanted to know how they were doing though. Ichinose would probably have her entire class thriving with community happiness by now.

"Oi you!"

While I was lost in thought, two people got in the way of where I was going.

"Huh? Who are you people?"

"Doesn't matter who we are! If you give us the name of your leader we'll give you 100,000 private points."

Despite me running low after paying Kouenji, I don't really need points.

"No."

"Oi! This is a one time offer! Either you tell us and we'll get you the points later or you don't tell us at all!"

"I don't exactly trust you people. I doubt you're from Classes B and C so are you Class A? If so I'd like to talk to someone credible like Katsura-"

"Why did you say Katsuragi!?" The other guy spoke.

"Isn't he the leader of Class A?"

"Hell no! The true leader is Sakayanagi!"

Ah, so these two are from the Sakayanagi faction. Because of what I said, one of them brought up a stick. It's slightly intimidating because I was very slow and would probably not be able to dodge attacks.

"Tell us your leader, now!"

"I already said no, now get out of my way please."

Not listening to what I said, one of them thrusted the stick towards me, but I managed to side step. However, there was an incoming punch to my abdomen.

I can't dodge that, I'm too slow!

"Urgh!"

The punch connected and I was sent to the ground, coughing. Dammit, I can't breathe properly.

"Wanna tell us now?"

If Sakayanagi cares about me as an opponent, this won't do for her. These two will not hear the end of the scolding they'll get.

"Hey!"

From out of nowhere, a figure approached and pushed the people away from me.

"What the!? What's wrong with you Hashimoto!?"

"What's wrong with you assholes!? This guy is associated with the princess! Now get out of here."

"Ha? He's associated with Sakayanagi? This defect?"

"Do I have to repeat myself?"

"N-no Hashimoto, we heard you loud and clear."

The two people disappeared into the forest, then Hashimoto ran to me.

"Hey hey, you alright man?"

" Cough...cough cough!"

"Hey take it easy, that was a nasty looking hit to your chest."

Hashimoto kept patting my back while helping me up. I used a tree as a support beam.

" Pant pant...Thanks Hashimoto-kun."

"Don't worry about it, you however look to be in terrible shape man."

"Sigh...As perceptive as ever. Yeah, I'm not doing so well."

Because of that hit to my chest I feel like I'm in much rougher shape than a few minutes ago. At least it wasn't my solar plexus. I feel like I'd die if that's where I was hit.

"And those bastards were supposed to be with us, the princess will hear about this."

"Maida? Is that you?"

In the thick shrubbery, a voice cried out. Once the bushes parted, I saw Horikita and Ayanokouji.

"What are you two doing here?"

"We could ask the same thing to this friend of yours." Horikita eyed Hashimoto.

"Heh heh. Good to see you again."

"The feeling is not mutual."

"Yikes, how do you two deal with this girl?"

"Excuse me?"

"Maida-kun!!" Oh no.

Coming from the river base, Kushida came charging at us and stopped behind me.

"There you are! I've been...looking for you." She was panting. Did she really look all over the area?

"What were you doing out here Maida-kun?"

"I was...just trying to reach the Class B camp that's all."

"Oh, don't bother then, we scouted out both Class B and Class C already." Ayanokouji said.

Ah I see, so Ayanokouji held true to what he said last time. Horikita seemed to be annoyed though.

"What exactly happened? Horikita-san here looks to be in a bad mood." I asked.

Ayanokouji and Horikita looked at Hashimoto for a little, then at me and Kushida.

"Hashimoto-kun could you please leave? We're about to talk about internal affairs."

"Oh right, sorry. I'll be going then, you take it easy Maida!"

With that, he took off, possibly to look around or go back to the Class A camp, who could say.

"Now, we should get back to the river camp first." Ayanokouji suggested.

"I agree, you need to get to a safer place to rest Maida-kun." Kushida prompted further.

"Fine, let's head back. You coming too Horikita-san?"

"I'm going back to the cave to reclaim the spot, then I'll meet you there."

Yeah, it was almost eight hours since the last time she took it, same goes for the river base spot, but it had a longer time frame left.

Horikita parted ways with us as we went back to the river base. Kushida insisted that I use her as a support while Ayanokouji cut through the bushes.

"Get inside the tent Maida-kun, I'll get you some water."

Kushida went to the river to get water while Ayanokouji and I settled down inside the tent.

"Alright, could you please tell me what happened?"

"Ryuuen is doing a zero pointer strategy."

"Huh?"

"It's as I said, we saw a person from Class C in the Class B camp, and when Horikita mentioned that Ibuki girl retired, Ryuuen got mad at her."

I see, it was the right call for me to make her retire then.

"If what you say is true wouldn't that mean Ryuuen's class would probably all retire tomorrow?"

"That's what I've predicted, and I also predict that the one in the Class B camp will stay on the island to know their leader."

So Ryuuen's put his full trust in the extra rules, interesting. Then again, it would be advantageous for us.

"Your condition is getting worse Maida, how long do you think you'll be able to keep going?"

"Sigh...If we're talking about doing the bare minimum, I'd be able to survive the rest of the exam. However, if something like earlier happens again I'll- Cough cough cough!"

"Have to retire?"

" Cough cough... Ehem...Yeah, I'd have to retire."

"Well then you shouldn't chance it, I suggest you retire now."

"Is that an order?"

"No, this time it's a mere suggestion. Whether you retire or not would be advantageous to me."

"I see...Then I'll stay as long-"

"Maida-kun! Oh good you're still here. Drink this."

Kushida barged into the tent with two bottles of water in her hands. She offered one to Ayanokouji and the other one to me. I quickly emptied the bottle in a hurry, I was able to taste the water so it meant that I was extremely thirsty.

"Thanks Kushida-san."

"Don't mention it. Now I have to go organize our food with Ike-kun. Ayanokouji-kun can I trust you letting Maida-kun stay put?"

"Sure, I'll keep an eye on him."

"Hey everyone! Sakura-san and Kouenji-kun found a cornfield!" That was Ike.

Wow, Kouenji is doing real work. A corn field? Even I didn't find one while exploring.

"You should take a nap Maida. Nothing much should be happening for the rest of the day anyway."

"Yeah, I'll take you up on that offer. Tell them to wake me up if they need me."

I laid down on the ground to sleep inside of the tent.

Ayanokouji POV

We were supposed to meet with Class C again today, to try and find out what they're up to. However, me, Horikita and Sakura were met with an interesting sight.

"Sigh...I guess Ryuuen-kun doesn't want anyone to find out his plan." Ichinose said, standing beside us.

"I can't believe he actually did this though." Horikita commented.

"I agree, it's like he's given up." Kanzaki replied.

The Class C campsite was all but gone. Only a few things remained here, such as garbage and a beach ball that Sakura found. Even the jet ski we saw yesterday was gone.

"No matter, this is good for both our classes anyway." Horikita said.

However Horikita, you're wrong. Since you don't see what's actually going on, I won't use you. Maida would do fine.

He's a tool by choice, and now I know his abilities it's time I test his mental will.

You are a tool Maida, and I am the user. It's my choice if I want to break you. I assume you knew this would happen anyway.

Volume 3: Faulty Existence

Yasushi POV

At this point in time my condition was absolute garbage.

It was around noon on the fourth day and I was walking around the forest, looking for possible spots the remaining Class C students could hide in.

Because of Ryuuen's reaction yesterday according to Ayanokouji, I believe his plan really was a zero pointer strategy. He wouldn't react like that if his plan wasn't based off of spies and zero remaining S points. Now, where could the remaining Class C students be hiding? I know one is in the Class B camp but there has to be others.

" Cough cough...COUGH...urk..Damn this."

My lungs feel like they're dead. I couldn't breathe much air in anymore, my chest feels so tight. My heartbeat is slowing down as well, and I couldn't move that much, let alone run. Still, I had to look around, this was Ayanokouji's order.

"Class C huh..once I find one of you... Pant..Pant...You better explain what's...Ryuuen trying...to do."

I doubt they actually would, but it's a person's right to dream of the ideal situation. How long has it been since I started? An hour? Two? I don't know anymore.

All I know, is that I am in pain.

Ayanokouji POV

Maida just got back into the cave. He looked like a mess, it must be because of what happened yesterday that his condition is worse than ever.

"Maida-kun is everything alright?"

"I'm fine Hirata-kun, just tired is all."

It was around dinner time and roll call was currently being held. We have a full three days left and I doubt Maida would be able to make it all the way.

Because I plan on working him till he retires voluntarily.

He isn't Horikita so it should be easy to do. As for Horikita herself I'm going to have to use some force.

"Maida, report."

"Huh? Oh, right."

He came near my ear in a whisper.

"The spy in Class B has been dealt with. I told Ichinose he retired by choice."

"Have you found any other Class C students?"

"No, but I know for a fact whoever is left here, one of them is the leader. As leader you can't retire from the exam unless you have someone to replace you."

That was true.

"So let's say that Ishizaki Daichi is still on the island, as an example. He's the only remaining Class C student."

"It'd mean he's the leader." I said.

"Yeah, so we'd need to scour the entire isl- Cough cough!"

He was on the right track with his train of thought. However, his condition won't let him scour the whole island. I won't be the one to do it for him though.

"You won't be able to do it. Find someone else, I'm not going to be the one to do it."

"I have options, so leave it to me."

He has options but only two of them. He has Kouenji and Kushida, two power players, but only one is suited enough to run around the island looking for Class C students. Maida himself would still have to look around but still be very careful. If Ryuuen was still here and he found Maida out of condition, he would definitely take advantage of it.

"You be careful now Maida. I'll be the one to handle Horikita."

"Sure, I'll handle Class A and C."

"Class A? Ah I see."

"Yeah."

He was talking about what's happening behind the scenes. From Katsuragi's behavior during the first day, it seems like he had everything planned, but we disrupted it by taking the cave. Now they're holed up by a cliff, probably living off of Class C's stuff.

When the fifth day came, strange things started happening.

I slept in the river base, and when I woke up, Ike and Shinohara were arguing about stolen food. Looking into it, I saw our supply was all gone. All the fish we caught and berries we picked, everything was gone, even the corn. What's worse is that our spot was taken.

Class C- 6:47:50

I was certain of something now. Who else would be as aggressive?

"Everyone! Per the rules we can't keep staying here. Get everything and move it to the cave base." Hirata said, looking up from when he saw the device.

Maida was by the forest heading to the cave. Kouenji and his hammock had disappeared as well.

"Class! Time for roll call!"

Chabashira-sensei was walking towards us.

"Sensei? Do you know where Kouenji-kun is?"

"Ah yes Kouenji. He has retired from the exam."

Almost the entire class was shocked with widened eyes. However I noticed something.

Maida was all but shocked.

"Does this mean that we'd lose thirty points?"

"Yes, unfortunately." Sensei replied.

"Dammit! Kouenji!!" Sudou shouted in anger as he fully grasped the situation.

"What do we do now?"

Everyone else started panicking, I however feel like I know what's actually happening here. I wouldn't say Maida is overstepping his position as my pawn, he's basically using everything he has to fight Class C.

Je's provoking Ryuuen and is trying to give him a taste of his own medicine.

After roll call, everyone got everything packed and ready to leave. This goes without saying but we also stocked up on water from the river. Maida on the other hand left to talk with Chabashira-sensei about interesting things.

"Ayanokouji-kun do you think Maida-kun will be okay?" Kushida caught up to me as we walked back to the cave

"Honestly? No, I don't think so."

"I'm really worried he'd get a permanent injury because of his sickness."

His symptoms have gotten worse since the second day. Because of that, I no longer think he has a normal asthma.

"Ayanokouji-kun, do you think Maida-kun has a generic illness?"

Now that is a really good question. If his bloodline had the same problems then he never stood a chance from the start.

"It's possible. That or he just isn't used to this type of environment."

I threw in that latter situation as a suggestion, however it's also actually possible.

When we arrived back at the cave, we went straight to work. I was currently helping Hirata and Miyake with a tent while Kushida was issuing tasks to everyone.

Once Maida got back, I immediately saw his face. Unlike me he was able to express himself quite a bit, which somewhat pointed out what he was thinking. He probably asked Chabashira-sensei about Kouenji's retirement, trying to get finer details. Or he was about to ask if he could retire as well.

That aside, with the confirmation from Hirata, our other classmates shouldn't bother him too much. Kushida, from what I've seen, cares about Maida's well-being to some extent, so she also pitched in.

"Maida-kun you're back. What did you talk about with sensei?" Kushida asked, calling everyone's attention in the process.

"Oh nothing, I just asked her about other possible penalties for someone retiring."

"Oi Maida! Get over here and help us with all this water." Sudou prompted him.

"Yeah, I'm coming."

Usually, Maida would've tried to resist, but his mind was so tired he just didn't care. I feel bad for him, he was one of those people to just give up at their limit, which is admirable but sometimes foolish.

He has the potential to become a leader like Horikita, he is willing to cooperate but doesn't want to do much or stand out, like me. I wouldn't say he's wasting his potential, more like hiding it for the long term. You don't win a war by showing all your trump cards at the very start.

Class D does have trump cards, even if you exclude my existence. Kouenji in particular, could carry Class D if he wanted to. As for Hirata, he is too nice but has the appropriate skills and talents to be leader, same goes for Kushida. I'm sure there are others hiding in the crowd known as Class D that can lead everyone.

"Ayanokouji-kun hold this."

Hirata gave me the hook that would tie the tent together, then he and Miyake held it up.

"There we go, that should do. Thanks a lot you two." Hirata said.

Maida on the other hand was carrying bottles of water with Sudou and Ike. Yamauchi was just standing there teasing them. Why was he doing that?

"Come on Maida, you're a man right? Just pick up the bottles like this!"

Yamauchi brought six bottles up to his chest and started carrying them like some sort of superhero. The audience he was trying to show off to wasn't impressed however.

"Oi idiot, just carry them properly." Sudou said.

"Yeah Haruki, no one's impressed." Ike followed.

"Sigh..." Maida looked disappointed.

"Yikes! Real tough crowd jeez."

Yamauchi gave up the show and started carrying the bottles normally.

"Ack!"

Maida suddenly dropped his items and fell on his knees, clutching his chest.

"Maida! You alright?"

Sudou and Ike stopped what they were doing to support him back up. Kushida also rushed over.

" Cough cough...I'm fine, my chest just tightened."

"You should just rest from now on Maida-kun. It'd be bad for both you and the class if you have to retire early."

" Sigh...You're right but I still have some work left to do, especially since Kouenji retired."

"You can leave everything you have to do to us Maida-kun. You've been like this since the third day!"

The commotion was plain for the class to see, now they know not to bother Maida from now on. Sudou then picked up the bottles Maida was supposed to be carrying.

"Sorry for tryna make you help man, we'll handle it from here."

"Fine, I'll rest. Not like I have any other choice eh? None of you would let me work after seeing me like this anyway."

Good answer Maida. With what you just said, Horikita would probably take another hit on her pride and would be like "I'll have to force myself even more" since you are going to be out of commission. We'd be able to move my plan forward.

"Good then, Miyake-kun could you help me get Maida-kun inside a tent?"

"All over it."

Miyake and Kushida helped Maida get inside the tent while Sudou handled his chores for him. Since he won't be working, Hirata had to redo the task list so they could cover for Maida not being available. That meant reassigning other people to go with Horikita on her quest to claim and reclaim spots.

"Ayanokouji-kun? You're friends with Maida-kun right?"

One of the girls came up to me. If I remember correctly, her name is Matsushita Chiaki.

"Uh yeah, why ask?"

"Did you by chance know that he was sick from the start?"

"No, I only found out on the second day of the exam when he came to talk to me. I noticed his breathing was off, and that his behavior was less energetic than that of the first day."

"I see...Did you notice anything else?"

This is an interrogation, a mind game. Alright, I'll play along with a sprinkle of lies.

"Maida seemed to be a bit limp with his walking. He kept saying he was fine but was clearly not."

"Then you tried to stop him?"

"Yes I did try, but he isn't one to listen whenever the utmost important things are not finished yet."

"I see, so he wanted for us to keep moving the exam forward."

"Exactly, and now that everyone knows, he has no choice but to rest. I'd have to thank Kushida later."

"Mn I guess so. Anyway, thanks for answering my questions Ayanokouji-kun!"

Well Matsushita seemed happy with my answers. That was an obvious mind game to me so she's probably another candidate to lead the class.

Maida was out of view, he was probably inside the tent already. Without anything else on my to do list, I decided to approach Horikita.

"We didn't manage to factor in sleep, did we Horikita?"

"No, I suppose not."

"Have you captured the other spots yet?"

"No, I was too busy helping with moving the things from the river to the cave."

This is bad then. It's been about an hour since we left the river, and we usually claim the other two spots straight after we reclaimed the river spot. Ryuuen would probably have already claimed those by now, but it doesn't hurt to check.

I suggested it to Hirata and he agreed, even said he'd come as well. Kushida had to remain in the cave to keep things organized and to keep an eye on Maida. We were a group of three people, which is bad since Ryuuen might be hiding in the area like a ghost.

"So, do you two think you have an idea on who this person from Class C might be?"

"It's a high chance that Ryuuen is their leader, frankly no one else in his class is of note with this aggressiveness." Horikita replied.

"I can't think of anyone else either."

That scuffle between Ryuuen and Ibuki back on the ship proved how he operates. He rules his class through fear, therefore almost everyone lost their will to fight him, thus losing aggressiveness as well.

It's still possible that because of what Maida did Ryuuen made a few adjustments to his zero pointer plan. Ibuki, the supposed spy for Class D and Kaneda, the spy for Class B, were supposed to stay in the respective camps to find the leader of each. However, Maida foiled both of them, and now Ryuuen is out for blood.

If Maida is caught by Ryuuen, he won't be able to protect himself, not in his condition. If it were the Maida of before we got onto the cruise ship, he would've surely been able to handle him, the incident with the store clerk is my proof.

"Here's the tower spot, lets check." Hirata said.

Climbing the tower, I helped up Horikita so she could see the spot for herself.

Class C- 6:57:43

Interesting, so Ryuuen claimed this straight after claiming our river base.

"Sigh...It seems Ryuuen-kun is playing aggressively." Horikita said.

"Let's check the hut this time." Hirata suggested.

"No, there's no need, Ryuuen-kun would've taken that as well by now. He must've studied each and everyone's tasks ever since yesterday."

She had a point, since Ryuuen's class retired yesterday. Checking would be pointless for Horikita, but invaluable for me.

"I think we should check it anyway. There are fishing rods there that we could still use, if Ryuuen didn't take it all." I said.

"Ayanokouji-kun is right Horikita-san, let's go."

"Fine, we don't have much food anyway."

"We should also have a visit at Class B, ask them about what happened to their spots." Hirata said.

Good, this'll buy at least two hours. You better use this time wisely Maida.

Yasushi POV

"Lie. Down."

"No."

"Just lie down and rest already!"

"I don't want to sleep."

"Baka!"

I was currently having an argument with Kushida. Thankfully both of us were practically just whispering since this is the other Kushida talking right now.

"Do you want to die Maida-kun?"

"Why would I want to?"

"Either you die of your illness or you die to me. Pick your poison."

Sheesh, is she my new mother or what?

"I pick 'or'."

"What!? You and your tricks!"

"It's called a loophole. Who's the real idiot?"

"At least I'm not a dense pretty boy!" What?

"The heck do you mean pretty boy? I don't really think I'm attractive."

"Wait where are you making me get this conversation to!? Go to sleep already!"

I actually enjoy it when she's expressing her emotions like this. It means she's changing for the better, unlike me.

Without me knowing it, Kushida lunged and fell on top of me.

"You will go to sleep."

"Do you think you're some sort of illusionist or magician? I'm not falling for that."

"Pretty please?"

What is that face? No, I'm not falling for her puppy dog eyes.

"No, you're eyes won't work on me Kushida... Cough cough...And you better be thankful I have this mask on."

I opened my eyes after coughing, only to feel a drop of water on my face. What I saw caused my eyes to widen somewhat.

Kushida was crying.

"Why...Just why do you not want to take care of yourself?"

"...Huh?"

"If you suddenly disappeared...I'd have to go back to being the sorry excuse of myself as just some two faced bitch..."

She admits it? Also why does she care?

"Don't you resent me for what I did to you?"

"Of course I did, but not anymore. I lost myself, then I found it again thanks to you. You helped me."

"That's not what was supposed to happen. You should know Kushida I only see you as someone that can help with what I need to do."

I pushed her away then sat up, Kushida outside of my peripheral vision.

"What relationship you seek? I doubt it'll happen Kushida, you're just a tool."

Well, so am I.

Kushida hugged me from behind.

"I don't care about being a tool or a friend to you. I see you in a different light Maida-kun. Remember you're stuck with me, that was true ever since you first blackmailed me, hehe."

"Ehe te nandayo?"

"You can't run away from me you know? Mai-da-kun."

"Hmm..."

There was a short silence, as we sat in this position.

"Yasushi."

"Eh?"

"You can call me Yasushi, my first name...if you want to." No point in thinking, guess I'll just give in.

"Mn! Then, you can call me Kikyou in return!"

"It's a deal then I guess...Kikyou."

"Of course Yasushi-kun!"

"Kushida-chan? Maida-kun is Kushida-chan in here?"

Before we could react, the tent flap opened up, revealing Shinohara and Ichihashi. There faces turned from one of searching someone to that of sadistic grins.

"Ara, are we interrupting something Kushida-chan?" Shinohara said teasingly.

"Eh!? No it's nothing Shinohara-san! This isn't what you think it is!"

"Sure, please carry on with 'nothing'. Let's leave them alone for now Shinohara-san." Ichihashi said sadistically.

"Yeah, let's."

Without another word, they both left, closing the tent flap behind them.

"Hey! Don't go around spreading rumors!"

Kushida quickly ran out following them.

What just happened.

Oh right I still have one thing to do for this exam, if nothing else.

If this doesn't work, my commander will have to take action.

We'll see what happens when the King on your side of the chessboard has no choice but to act aggressive. It's always been their show, but it'd be more direct.

Let's do this Ayanokouji. It's the last few turns.

Then its checkmate.

Volume 3: Genius For Hire

Y asushi POV

The sixth day became hell for me. I'm so sick my legs don't want to work properly. My left leg grew weak after sleeping through last night, now I'm basically limping.

I was currently trudging through the woods for one last attempt at finding Ryuuen or any other Class C students left on the island. The rain was devastating for me, it doesn't help that I can't breathe properly and now this environment came in. However, looking for Class C wasn't my only reason for running around this cursed island.

"PE, hear my call you fathomless existence."

"Thy seeketh my attention, mortal?"

"Aye."

After that cheesy medievalish talk, he snapped his fingers three times, meaning he understood.

We had agreed upon needing a back to back code to address a few things, like an emergency. At that point we had ten different codes for ten different scenarios.

"Unable to do things on your own anymore, boy?"

'PE', was our code for 'I can't work anymore', meaning I've reached my limit when it comes to my physical health. The other lines was just me going along with his roleplay because it's actually enjoyable.

"GFH, frontline needs reinforcements." Meaning I needed serious help.

"Then thy commandant shall send for troops to attack from the rear at moonlight." That meant 'I'll do it myself' at night.

"However, GFH needs direct confirmation to strike, TK." TK meant a specific item.

"Understood, will TK by roll call. MY out."

"KR shall stay SS. As for CC, mission accomplished."

"Noted, expect AK to give TK to you."

With that, I left, finished with my business. I can probably just rest for the rest of the day, but I'd like to avoid Kushida for a while, because of what happened this morning.

She. Slept. With. Me. Alone.

I don't understand why our classmates agreed to sleeping in the makeshift sleeping bags and other tents and just gave that one to us. It was truly suspicious. When I did wake up she was clinging onto me, thankfully I slipped away without waking her up.

After roll call though, I decided to disappear from the camp to do my business.

"Right, now that's settled, what's next?"

The sun was nowhere to be seen, only clouds and rain were in the sky. This is obviously bad for my health but I used it to my advantage so that no one from our class would be able to find me. Now for my next destination.

"Class B..."

This is my second visit to Class B in this exam, the first one being when I dealt with Kaneda Satoru of Class C, making him retire "voluntarily".

The Class B campsite seemed a bit dull, since the rain must've made them hide inside their tents or under trees. Luckily, the people I needed to find were still outside, sitting on hammocks.

"Eh? Isn't that Maida-kun? Hey hey!"

Amikura Mako greeted me as I walked closer to them. I'd have to put on an act now, make them think I'm not limping. Ichinose and Kanzaki looked to face me, two others as well. I think I know the boy, his name was Shibata? I don't know who the other girl was though.

"Hey Amikura-san, how's your class holding up against the storm?"

"We're holding up just fine! A lot of us had to stay in the tents though."

"What brings you here again Maida-kun?"

Ichinose, Kanzaki and the other two students came up to me.

"Ah, I came here with a proposal. It'd be your call if you wish to accept it."

"A proposal? On what?" Kanzaki asked.

"On the other leaders, the ones of Class A and C."

"Eh!? You figured them out!?" Ichinose yelled.

"Hold on Ichinose-san, he might be lying about this."

Kanzaki is still suspicious of me huh...

"I wouldn't lie, especially since I owe you guys for the Sudou incident. I have the names of their leaders in my head, care to listen?"

"Ichinose-san, we should accept this." The other boy suggested.

"Yeah Honami-san! Maida-kun is trustworthy after all!" Amikura said.

I wouldn't say trustworthy is the right word for me.

"Hmm...Kanzaki-kun?"

"Well...alright I can trust Maida-kun on that statement."

"Okay then Maida-kun, you can tell us and we'll think about what to do with the information."

"Splendid."

It was somewhere around the late afternoon, I was in the forest alone. This was my worst idea yet.

To win this, I have to lure Class C out, using myself as bait.

I had a talk with Ayanokouji about it since I saw him with Horikita, Ike and Yamauchi in one of the ponds trying to catch fish. He said I could go for it if I wanted to, right before Yamauchi splashed Horikita with mud, to which she responded by flipping him toward one of the rocks.

It was funny, but if Ayanokouji hadn't broken his fall, his head would've split open. Anyway Horikita was currently taking a bath in a waterfall near me. I'm not peeping, but someone has to keep an eye on her, or should I say she needs a lesson.

I took the keycard from her clothing and bolted for the trees, in the direction of the cave. Horikita would need to realize she made a blunder, that way she would grow up to it. Her fever should start getting bad by now anyway, so both of us would probably retire by tonight.

"How did it go?"

Ayanokouji asked as he saw me approaching him.

"Got it right here."

I gave him the keycard and pulled out my map.

"Here's an option for you. Head for this little red circle here and say 'AK has TK, comply' then give him the keycard so we could capture spots last minute."

"There's a flaw to that plan, it'd be better if we make Horikita retire first. Take the keycard with you and wander the forests. Class C is definitely still on the island, so bait them out with the perfect item."

"Ah right, I understand."

I forgot that only the leader them self can capture spots. If the keycard still says Horikita Suzune, it wouldn't work because she wouldn't be the one capturing spots.

I took the keycard back then left the area, up until Ayanokouji called out.

"Try not to get hurt Maida."

"I won't."

At this point, I'm technically on my own. Ayanokouji would break Horikita's spirit and force her to look for the perpetrator, then he would need to find a way to make her retire voluntarily, or knock her unconscious.

Too bad I won't be there to enjoy the show.

Ayanokouji POV

I was currently sitting inside the cave next to a fire. Horikita just got back, her face was that of disappointment.

Once she saw me, she immediately started walking towards me.

"Hey, Ayanokouji-kun?"

"Hm? Something the matter Horikita?"

"Can I talk to you about something? Alone."

"Sure, what's it about."

"You'll know soon enough, come with me please."

We quietly exited the cave. I understand wanting to talk but did we really have to go out in the rain?

"Horikita, slow down a bit, we're on an uphill ground. You also have a fever."

She stopped to rest her hand on a tree. This Horikita wasn't the normal one, she looked far more disappointed than usual.

"I think this is a good spot to tell you."

"It better be, you're health is wasting away because of this downpour."

She sighed then turned around to face me.

"Well? Out with it, we would need to head back soon."

"...I lost...the keycard."

"Huh?"

"Do I have to repeat myself? I said I lost the keycard!"

I would've been disappointed, if it weren't for the fact that we stole it.

" Sigh...Do you at least know who did it?"

"N-No, I don't have any suspects. I've already tried looking through my things and retracing my steps too."

"I see, well that makes things difficult."

"Do you have any idea who could've done this Ayanokouji-kun? Anyone at all?"

"The only idea that pops into my head is that Ryuuen or some other Class C students did this, like with our spots."

I managed to give Horikita a grim reminder that Class C pulled a fast one on us by taking the tower, hut and river spots while no one was looking.

" Sigh...Then it'd be impossible to get the keycard back."

"You could always just quit the chase."

"Eh? I won't do that, it'd be abandoning my responsibility in this exam."

Well it was worth a try.

"Look around you Horikita, it's raining, visibility is blurry, temperature isn't humid, you're going to run out of stamina at this point."

"I can manage, besides the exam isn't finished, we still have time."

Time that's precious for me to find Maida. He should be fighting right around now.

" Sigh...If you don't want to quit then fine, I'll help with looking."

You're way too persistent with trying to make me work Horikita. We'll see who's the real tool later.

Yasushi POV

I was limping away for my life, quite literally. Thankfully adrenaline took over my body so I could move faster.

"Get back here Maida! You coward!"

Ryuuen Kakeru was screaming for me to fight him. If it weren't for my sickness, I would've fought him right then and there.

Who's the real coward if he was going to fight against a limping sick person?

The reason I'm in this situation was an unfortunate coincidence. I found Ryuuen camping in the forest so I sat down to talk with him, that is till Hashimoto got there. I was trying to negotiate giving him our leader but then Hashimoto said that I was and I went along with it.

Ryuuen believed it and let me go, but...the keycard fell out of my pocket and of course he saw it. Surprise surprise he wants me dead now. This was a blunder by me, I don't blame Hashimoto in any way.

Crackle!

Thunder resounded in my ears, causing me to flinch while running. Oh no...

I left the forest and found an opening, only to be greeted by a cliff.

"Well, this is my-"

Before I could finish my sentence, my instincts kicked in. I ducked, pushed my right arm backwards, then jumped away. Once I turned around, I saw Ryuuen in a fighting stance.

"Kukuku, so you sensed me huh? Who knew this fight wouldn't be so easy."

He's mocking me.

"I'm gonna make you pay for trying to lie to me. Not only that, but for what you did during the Sudou incident and for my spies' disappearances."

"That last part wasn't even my fault." I said trying to feign ignorance.

"Do I look like I give a fuck?" Guess ignorance doesn't work on this guy.

Despite my sickness, I can still fight. Just need to finish this as fast as possible, my adrenaline won't last forever.

I got into a stance.

"Bring it on then Ryuuen."

"Kukuku, let's see how good you really are."

Without another word, he rushed towards me and threw a jab to which I caught with my left hand. I aimed a right chop at his abdomen but he twisted away to launch a low sweep.

I managed to jump and land on my right leg, then kicked Ryuuen from behind.

"Ack!"

Ryuuen slipped on the ground and fell in the mud, I wasn't finished though.

I tried kicking him again but he dodged and got back up. Letting out another "kukuku", he threw some mud on my face but I anticipated it and blocked using my arms. Before I could react again, a punch connected with my abdomen.

"Augh! Cough cough."

"Kukuku. Say, how's that illness treating you huh?"

"Just fine."

I got back up and immediately kicked his feet away so he he would trip. Ryuuen jumped and then tried landing a hit on his way back down, but I dodged. We were now just staring at each other once again.

Enough of this, I can't drag this out for too long.

At the crackle of another thunderbolt, Ryuuen and I engaged in an all out brawl, trying to land as many hits on the other.

"You won't last long against me Maida!"

"I don't care for your provocations."

"Just try and run away again, I'll hunt you down. Make sure you don't even get the chance to tell your class about this!"

"Can you stop barking please? You're voice is louder than all this thunder."

"Kukukuku! Fuck off."

He kneed me in the stomach, then I was sent to the ground. Wasn't my solar plexus but it was in the same area as when that stick hit me.

" Cough cough! What are you waiting for huh? Why not knock me unconscious?"

"Kuku, do you think I'm an idiot? Leaving you here is counterproductive to me."

Right, if my classmates can't find me the teachers will once the exam is over. Then they'll be pretty suspicious of the lone student of Class C still on the island.

"Then I guess there's only one other option then, huh Ryuuen?"

"The fuck are you tryna say?"

"If you won't finish it then I will."

I pulled myself up with the last of my strength.

"OI! WHAT!?"

His reaction was understandable, because I jumped off the cliff, back first. I even pulled my middle finger up to annoy him.

I closed my eyes and let the fall take me to wherever I would end up. My heart was beating so fast and my nerves were destroying my senses, but I didn't care.

Checkmate, Ryuuen Kakeru. You're loss has already been sealed with lock and key.

Ayanokouji POV

Because of that slip, Horikita managed to bring down the full wrath of her sickness into her body.

We were walking along the forest but then Horikita suddenly slid down a slope, I had to follow her down and catch her before she could land.

It was currently a few minutes after our fall, Horikita was catching her breath.

"I'm really sorry about that...Ayanokouji-kun."

"It's fine, neither of us are hurt in any way. However, we do need to go back to the cave."

"Just...go without me...I'll never make it."

"We'll lose points if I don't get you there."

"It's fine, let's just call it another investment for the future."

No, that's not how it works...

Before I could try and persuade Horikita, we heard a scream. It sounded like a scream of terror or pain.

"Who was that?" Horikita asked.

"I'll go check it out while you can just catch up."

With that, I left Horikita behind. I'm sure she could handle herself walking towards the scream alone.

I looked around but visibility was pretty terrible. It took me around five or so minutes, but I found a small boulder on the ground, around it was...

"Maida?"

"Dammit, oh hey Ayanokouji. Fancy meeting you here."

"What happened?"

"Help me get out of this boulder first before I tell you?"

I nodded in response and moved the boulder out of the way.

"Aughh-"

Maida covered his mouth as to stop emitting his cries of pain.

It looked really bad. His left leg got crushed by that boulder, I couldn't see it properly but it's safe to say he has a severe injury. The only thing good was that he fell from a high ground but his body didn't take much damage, since it looked like he fell through leaves as cushion.

"Ayanokouji-kun! I heard another- Maida-kun!?"

"Huh, you two were together again? Ack, my poor leg."

"Try not to move it Maida. Hold still, I'll carry you back to the starting beach and get you to retire."

"Yeah, I think I'm done for this exam."

While trying to help him up, I searched his pockets. The keycard wasn't in any of them. Horikita watched as Maida kept howling in pain while I tried to get him to ride on my back.

"This won't work. Horikita, can you try to help move him while my back is turned?"

"...I don't think I can but I'll try."

When I turned around and got down on my knees so Maida could ride on me, I heard a sudden thud.

"What the? Maida-kun fell unconscious."

"Huh, the tiredness must've gotten to him. No matter, it's actually easier to move him while he's asleep. Grab one of his arms and toss it onto my shoulder."

Maida's unconscious body was slowly but surely gotten onto my back. I could also tell just by moving his body, Horikita was exerting too much energy.

"You should retire too Horikita." I said while standing, then I started walking in the direction of the starting beach.

"I...honestly I don't know what to do now, seeing that this happened to Maida-kun."

"Maida knew what he was doing, this must've been an accident."

That boulder was my proof, I knew for a fact it had to come from the cliff because Maida's leg got crushed beneath it. Luckily though, I didn't feel any broken bones so it must've been a low hanging rock.

"Are you really going to waste his sacrifice? I sent him on a task to stall for the two of us, so that you'd be able to retire."

"Hold on a second, what?"

"You heard me, that's why I wanted for you to quit the chase. However, you're too thick headed that you once again thought about yourself."

"Excuse me?"

"Why don't you take a good look at Maida? This wasn't supposed to happen you know?"

I had intended that Maida retreated back to the cave after talking with Ryuuen, but things must've gotten out of hand.

"Then that's his own fault. If he had just-"

"Sorry but I'm missing the part where you're supposed to have equal ground in this argument."

I heard Horikita made a noise of some sort, probably out of shock that I would say such a thing.

"The fault is mine, but it's also yours. This entire exam Maida had been trying to cover for you in any way he could, despite his sickness. His last task was to stall for time since Ryuuen was still on the island."

"And what does that last task have to do with me?"

"It was to give me time to convince you into retiring, but that didn't really work out did it? Instead you went back into your superiority complex and thought you could find the keycard."

"Then...That'd mean you've been using Maida- No, it'd mean you'd been indirectly using everyone as pawns."

"I don't know what led you to that conclusion but I was just here as support. Now, my job is to get the both of you to retire, so just shut up and keep walking."

I said harsh words, but I've had enough. I saw Maida as a tool but it didn't mean that I would discard him so easily. He and Horikita both had a lot of potential, and Maida had been trying to exploit his, unlike the latter who was walking behind me.

I've never regarded anyone as a true friend. Not Maida, Hirata, or even Kushida. People are nothing but tools to me. However, even tools need a degree of care to be able to use them.

"Fine...I'll retire...But this is just because Maida-kun got hurt due to my ignorance."

Oh wow, don't feel bad about it. Because I wouldn't care at the moment.

We kept walking in silence, the rain and our feet on muddy ground being the only sounds heard in our ears.

"Here we are."

It took us a good ten minutes, but we arrived at the starting beach. There was a tent off to the side, Chabashira-sensei and one other staff was currently there.

I walked over to them with Maida on my back.

"Chabashira-sensei."

"Hm? Ayanokouji? What happened to Maida?"

"Horikita and I saw him limp, his left leg was crushed by a boulder. Could you help?"

"You, get the paramedics! Also Ayanokouji, what do you mean by you and Horikita?"

"Huh? She's right behind me."

I turned around to look, only to see her clinging onto a tree right by the entrance to the forest.

"Here kid, put him on this stretcher." A paramedic said while they got the stretcher near me.

I did so then I went over to Horikita, not even bothering to tell Chabashira-sensei the situation with her.

"I guess...This is my limit...I'm so...tired."

"You're retiring aren't you? Just go ahead and sleep."

"Right, I think I'll actually...do that."

Before she could fall to the ground, I caught her in my arms. This is way too convenient but who am I to complain about it.

"If Horikita and Maida are retiring, you're class will lose 60 S points. You'll also have to pick a new leader, do you agree?"

"Yes, please take good care of them."

"We'll do what we can. Now here's a new keycard, who'll be your new leader?"

After roll call and telling Hirata as well as the class about Maida and Horikita retiring, I went to the place he mentioned.

It was deep in the forest, a bit far away from the cave.

"AK has TK, comply."

I heard a splash as a figure dropped down to the ground. Once the figure got near, I recognized who it was.

"Kouenji, here you go."

"AK did his job well. My thanks Ayanokouji-boy."

"You're planning to capture spots right?"

"Of course, that was my agreement with MY after all."

"Also, what's with these abbreviations? Codes?"

"Yes, something MY and I thought was necessary."

Ah, then I assume MY stood for Maida Yasushi. Pretty obvious but none would be the wiser.

"Well, I shouldn't waste any more time. It's precious to capture spots all around the island. Farewell Ayanokouji-boy."

He left quickly after finishing what he said.

Thanks to this hiring, we don't need to worry about being last place. Kouenji's words and actions seem to be credible if he's paid.

Sounds to me someone's been moving more flexibly than I thought they were.

Volume 3: Princess and The Broken Tool

Ayanokouji POV

"Please settle down and rest. We are only going to announce the scores so no need to form proper lines."

The exam had just ended, and all the classes were present.

"Kuku...Oi, don't start without me."

"And me too, how unfortunate that all of you have such a forgettable memory of such a perfect existence."

Everyone was shocked by their appearances. Ryuuen Kakeru and Kouenji Rokusuke came out of the forest from different sides.

"Ryuuen was still here?"

"Wait how is Kouenji-kun here!?"

"I thought they both retired?"

A lot of people started to question why they were both here, but there's no need for me to dwell on that.

"Ehem, quiet down everyone, I will now announce the scores. I will also be sharing some bad news with all of you afterwards."

Bad news? Now this interested me.

"Let's start off with last. In fourth place, we have Class C, with 0 points."

"Huh?"

"Ha! Where's your smug look now Ryuuen!?"

A few students laughed at Ryuuen's lone figure, but immediately stopped after receiving a death glare from him.

"In third place, Class A, with 70 points."

"Hmm?"

"What's the meaning of this Katsuragi!?"

"Second place, Class B, with 358 points."

"Woohoo!"

"Yeah!"

"Finally in first place, Class D, with 369 points."

"Let's go!"

Our class started celebrating along with Class B, while Class A was complaining to Katsuragi. Ryuuen however, was still a bit stunned. After his plan being foiled I could understand why.

I however, was more interested in this bad news.

"Be quiet everyone! Now for the bad news."

Everyone went silent as they heard Mashima-sensei shout in a rather angry tone.

"The student of Class 1-D, Maida Yasushi, has returned to school grounds due to a severe injury."

My eyes widened a bit, and my mouth opened somewhat due to the shock, but my expression didn't really change.

"Sensei! What happened to him!?" Hirata asked in a worried tone.

"Maida Yasushi apparently had heart problems and was struck with an attack. Furthermore, his left leg has crippled because of the injury and he currently cannot walk. We sent him back to school grounds early on a large helicopter that is able to reach the school in one flight."

"But sensei! Why send him back to school and not treat him immediately?" Kushida asked this time.

"Unfortunately, the cruise ship lacks the proper facility and medical personnel for his sort of problem. We did try to treat him and managed to shut down his heart attack, however his leg needs further treatment."

I see. This is truly unfortunate that Kushida's assumption of a genetic illness was true. But, it's safe to say that we avenged him.

"However, there is no need to panic Class D. The school will do everything in it's power to treat Maida Yasushi's leg. The only penalty your class will receive is that he won't be participating in further activities until our return to school grounds."

"Anyway first years please board the landships, we will return to the cruise ship in an hour. There is no need to worry about Maida Yasushi for now." Chabashira-sensei said.

I could see Kushida shake when she said "for now".

First Year Class standings:

Class A: 1074 (70) in canon is 120-50(Being guessed by Class B)

Class B: 1068 (358) in canon is 140100(Guessing leaders)100(Not being guessed)18(Spot occupation)

Class C: 492 (No change)

Class D: 829 (369) in canon is 22530(Kouenji staying)-30(Maida retiring)25(Girls didn't spend S points)-25(Kouenji not attending roll call)18(Last minute spot occupation)120(Occupying five spots for five days) 6(occupying cave spot for the rest of the exam)

(Upon looking at images of the Deserted Island, I rounded it and just said there would be 20 or so spots available for occupation. The spots Class D kept occupying up till Ryuuen stepped in were the river, cave, hut, tower, and one near the cornfield. Kouenji being the new leader, held his end of the deal by running around claiming spots the night before the seventh and final day.)

Yasushi POV

So...bright.

I opened my eyes to a blinding light that is the ceiling lightbulb. When I looked around, I wasn't on the island, but in a room. There was a window, which showed a good view of the school grounds.

Wait...the school grounds?

"Ah, so you're finally awake Maida-kun."

Who was that?

I turned to my right to see a girl wearing a beret. Her lilac hair made it obvious who she was.

"Sakayanagi...Where am I and why are you here?"

"I think I'll let the doctor and nurses answer your questions."

She took out a remote or something and pressed the red button. It must've been the call the nurse remote. A few minutes after, a doctor and nurse walked into the room, while Sakayanagi played with her phone.

"Patient Maida Yasushi, how're you feeling?"

"I'm feeling fine but...What exactly happened?"

"Ah well let's see. Your classmate found you in the forest of the deserted island yes?"

"Yes, that much I remember. I also remember my left leg..."

I pulled away the covers so I could see my leg. It was fully bandaged.

"Luckily, you didn't need an amputation, however you still sustained severe damage. Your muscle tissues are in quite a mess and the blood vessels connecting to your left leg have been somewhat blocked. You won't be able to walk properly for a long time, if not permanently."

"I see...Is there anything else I should know doctor?"

"You were having a heart attack during your treatment before arriving back on school grounds. Symptoms were shortness of breath, cold sweating, nausea and body pain specifically around the chest according to your behavior. Do you not remember that?"

"What? N-No...I don't remember anything past me being in the forest of the island."

"Well, the paramedics managed to stabilize your condition. Unfortunately, like I said a while ago your left leg has sustained most of the damage to your body."

"What is my actual heart problem?"

"You've been diagnosed witharrhythmia, since during treatment the paramedics felt that your heart was beating irregularly. The cause is most likely your heritage or the scarring from your heart attack."

How did I not notice this? I should've studied more on the cardiovascular system and diseases revolving that.

"So there's nothing I can do about this?"

"There is, this is a document on your recommended exercise routine and food consumption so that your arrhythmia doesn't get worse. As for your left leg, I'll leave the explanation to the Chairman." Who?

"The Chairman?"

"You may come in now sir."

The door opened, then showed a well built man in a business suit.

"Thank you doctor, please leave the room to us."

"Of course Chairman Sakayanagi."

Sakayanagi!?

"Fufu, it's a pleasure to see you actually managed to clear your schedule to visit us father." The Sakayanagi I know said.

"Well, this is somewhat my fault, so I managed to finish my work for the day early."

"Uh, pardon me but I'm a little lost here?" I blurted out.

"Ah, so you really don't remember us, do you Maida Yasushi?"

"No? I have no memories of the Sakayanagi family being mentioned by my father,"

"I'm surprised you aren't fazed at all Arisu. After all, you used to play with him quite a bit before you pursued your academic career."

Eh?

"Please do not mention those embarrassing days of us father."

"When did we play as kids? At what age?"

"It was around when the both of you were a year old or so. When you were three, Arisu kept wanting for us to visi-"

"Father? Please, can you not?"

"Right, of course. Let's get on with the main topic. I am this school's founder and owner, you may call me Chairman Sakayanagi or Mr. Sakayanagi, this is my daughter Arisu who I assume you've met already."

"Okay, what's your relationship with me?"

"Not necessarily with you. Your father was a college friend and one of my coworkers during the establishment of this school, he taught here for three years till eventually retiring and switching jobs then married your mother. We kept in touch and when we both had kids, we decided to let you two get along, unfortunately you don't seem to remember us."

"I mean unlike your daughter, I'm no natural genius with an impeccable memory."

"Did you not see me during your father's funeral?" He was there?

"No."

"What about with your funding? That was your father's pension plan and a little extra from me."

"What the... Sigh...You know what? I give up trying to understand and just accept that you know me."

"Fufufufu, it seems he doesn't know the details of the money he inherited."

"To be fair, my father kept me in the dark."

"Haha, I'm surprised Takao didn't change till the day he died. He never wants to worry other people, let alone his own son."

"Yeah, that sounds like him..."

My father was a stubborn and overprotective man. On his deathbed, he only said that the cause of it was an accident, but I knew he lied about that.

"Anyway Yasushi-kun, I'm here to tell you about your rehabilitation plan. Arisu, if you may."

I turned to look at the Chairman's daughter, who held out her left hand which carried a cane.

"A cane?"

"Yes, you'll be like me now. Crippled and unable to participate in physical activities."

Why did she say that with a smug grin?

"I have a question though Mr. Sakayanagi. Did my father have heart problems?"

"Yes, he did. His specific heart problem was also arrhythmia."

"I see..."

"Yes, you have a hereditary illness unfortunately."

"I'll just have to accept it then, no use dwelling on it."

I gently took the cane out of Sakayanagi's hand and looked at it.

"Huh, black handle and gray pole."

"But of course, I even remembered you're favorite color choices Maida-kun."

Her brain is something else. My color choices were indeed revolved around black, that's probably all I remember from my infancy days. I was a weird baby wasn't I? Loving the color black.

"Why help me this much though? Wasn't adding money to my inheritance enough?"

"I owed your father a great deal for what he has done for me. He even helped me in thinking of this school's current system. Besides, you remind me of him."

"In what way?"

"You're reaction to your situation right now is exactly how your father reacted when your mother died. Just accepting it and moving on."

"...Well after all that I suppose I could trust you."

"Fufufu, worry not Maida-kun, anything that is broken can be fixed with the correct procedure."

"Ah, unfortunately this is all the time I have for you two. I have an appointment thirty minutes from now with the third year homeroom instructors. It's a pleasure to formally meet you, son of my deceased friend."

Mr. Sakayanagi bowed and quickly left the room, leaving me and his daughter to stare at the door.

After a while, Sakayanagi got up then held out her hand.

"So, shall we get started with your training of being a crippled person?"

" Sigh...Don't say such things with that expression on your face."

(I made sure to do my research on arrhythmia and it is infact hereditary. The information I found says it's harmless but can sometimes be life threatening and prevents your body to function properly through irregular heartbeats and flow of blood. Thus I think Maida's left leg sustaining severe damage and the effects of arrhythmia preventing him from walking properly is accurate. And yes Maida's father wasn't meant to be disposable.)
_

Ayanokouji POV

It was in the late afternoon, I was currently looking at the vast ocean with Kushida and Horikita, who both had a faces of discomfort. Kushida had been acting like the world fell apart ever since Maida was said to have gotten a severe injury.

"You shouldn't worry too much about it Kushida. Maida's a strong person." I said.

"Still, it's all my fault...I should've kept a closer eye on him. Even Hirata-kun was affected by this."

That much was true. Neither Kushida nor Hirata wouldn't talk about it and shunned everyone out of their thoughts. Horikita even approached me about it, but didn't ask about the results. At least she knew when to actually stay quiet.

"This is a matter between Maida-kun, Ayanokouji-kun and I, you can stay out of this if you want Kushida. The majority of the fault is mine." Certainly, this much was true, but it was still Maida's choice to carry out my orders.

"No, I choose to step into this. We won because you two and Maida-kun worked so hard behind our backs. At this rate, I don't care if we were all pawns."

"Hmm?"

"Maida-kun chose to stay by my side whenever I wanted to talk with him, and in return I did things for him which benefited the class. This time, it's my turn to help him."

"Do you not resent Maida-kun for what he did?" Horikita asked.

"He did that to me sure, but he's done more good things for me that I've forgotten it even happened. Besides, if I resent anyone it's you Horikita-san."

Earlier when Horikita and I were talking, Kushida was near us and she decided to put most of the blame in Horikita. If these girls were to go into their own catfight I'd rather stay out of it.

It's actually interesting that Kushida saw Maida in a very different light. She saw him as one of her true friends, especially now since he knew her real self. However, she still saw Horikita as an enemy, someone to get rid of, but Maida was in her way and she'd rather keep him in her way.

"Worry not about what I know Kushida-san. Besides, at this rate wouldn't Maida-kun have way more dirt on you than I do?"

"Of course he does, I chose to reveal it to him that's why. But I still can't trust you, you know?"

"I don't care about such things, it'll make the class fall apart if I said anything and I don't want that. If you do try and make the class crumble, I assume Maida-kun will get in your way."

Kushida's options were limited because of Maida's existence. She can't just declare war on Horikita and hope to come out on top without his permission. I was also factored in since Kushida knows that I know there situation.

"Save your fight for some other day you two. It's kind of disrespectful."

Since both Kushida and Hirata won't say anything about Maida's severe injury, the class would probably change over the course of this summer break.

"Also Ayanokouji-kun, you owe me for my sudden increase in popularity."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"The only things Hirata said while we were on the landship was that Maida-kun and I orchestrated everything, but that was an obvious lie. You replaced one name with mine."

"Oh? Is Horikita-san admitting to her incompetence?"

"I'm not, t's just that I didn't do much this time, so why?"

"You need practice on being a leader somehow Horikita. The only way is giving you the credit. Since Maida isn't here you're going to get all of it."

After boarding the cruise ship, she had everyone to shut up and just be glad we won instead of tanking her. It's a good move because of multiple reasons.

This was a victory for the class battle, but a defeat for the class morale. Kushida and Hirata don't want to say anything, and Horikita had the audacity to shut everyone up. Kouenji also didn't want to tell the whole class the details of his agreement with Maida.

It's an interesting development but Maida would be getting a lot of praise and apologies once we get back. I'll just hide in the shadows while he's recovering.

"I'm off, I have to go do something before going to bed for the day."

"See you later Ayanokouji-kun." Kushida said in a rather grim tone.

I walked away from those two and towards the theater of the cruise ship. There shouldn't be anyone in the area other than the people I'm supposed to meet.

"Dear me Ayanokouji-boy, it would seem we're in quite the predicament."

"Good to see you're still being yourself after all that Kouenji."

"Ha ha ha! Why wouldn't I? My client just became wounded, not dead. There's no need for me to panic."

"Ayankouji, it seems you brought another guest with us. No matter, this'll do."

Chabashira-sensei approached us as we were seen by her.

"If it isn't our ever ice cold sensei. It would do you good not to interrupt the class' sulking for now." Kouenji commented.

"Even I know when to actually keep quiet. Now, I'm here to congratulate you on the results."

"I assume you're satisfied then sensei? We lost one of our own after all" Kouenji spoke for me.

"Certainly, I'll be keeping a watchful eye on this class in the near future."

"This really isn't something we should be talking about while the class is well aware of what happened to Maida."

I actually find it disrespectful to talk about results when one of the people that made it happen was wounded and doesn't even know about it.

"Well teacher? Is that all you had to say for yourself? If so the perfect existence that is myself shall be-"

Before he could finish his sentence, both of our phones ringed. Kouenji and I looked at our respective screens.

[I've been told that I won't be able to walk properly anymore. If that's not a bother to you then I'll continue doing work once you return to school.] 6:37pm

[I'm fine with that, just make sure you actually take care of yourself this time around. Enjoy your break, I won't be needing you till we get back. That's an order.] 6:37pm

[You got it.] 6:38pm

"Ha ha ha! It would seem my job isn't done for this summer. You shall expect great things sensei."

"I have no clue what you are talking about but I'll look forward to it."

With that, Kouenji nodded at me then left the area. I also left without another word after that.

Since Maida will be out of commission till we get back, I'll have to do something about it.

Like find another piece for my chessboard.

Author's notes:

The entire thing about Maida having to return to school grounds early might be cap. I don't know if Speranza actually has the proper facilities to treat an extremely wounded leg or heart problems so I decided that he'd just go back to school grounds, the scenario I depicted was like a surgery so yeah. Also nerfing my own OC so plot convenience could get him in touch with Sakayanagi and I could establish their relationship properly.

I'm not trying to make Ayanokouji more heartless than canon, he just tried to take advantage of Maida's condition to make Horikita retire, but that failed and this happened. He already saw that boy collapse and had a hard time breathing in WR so I don't think this is much different. The cliff Maida fell off from wasn't that high not to the point of death, I was picturing it to be around ten or so meters high.

I'll leave it to your imagination to decide on who's fault it actually was for Maida's injury.

Anyway this'll put him under the same circumstances as Sakayanagi, he can't participate in the Sports Festival and the Zodiac Test. That's all I have to say.

SS Kushida Kikyou: Vengeance is a Lie

"Can we put aside our differences for now Kushida-san? For Maida-kun's sake."

"For once I have to agree with your words Horikita-san. It's disrespectful for the class Maida-kun has tried to keep stable to fight amongst each other."

I hate it when Horikita's right about something, but she was. Yasushi-kun got hurt, and part of the fault is mine because I was stupid. I was a stupid person for not keeping a closer eye on him, pay more attention to him, all that sort of stuff. Now, he got hurt.

Yasushi-kun and Ayanokouji-kun have worked hard with Hirata-kun and I to stabilize the class. In my perspective it truly is disrespectful to fight amongst ourselves, especially if it's only because of one of them getting injured.

"I have to go Kushida-san. If you're really that affected by it, I suggest you take it easy."

"To hell with your suggestions."

"I'm just saying."

Even the high and mighty Horikita Suzune was somewhat affected by the event. Not a single person could've anticipated a student would get so wounded that they'd need treatment on school grounds. While he's gone, it's up to us to keep the class going till summer is over, it shouldn't be that bad.

"Kushida-chan? Hey, there you are!" A voice called out.

I quickly put on my normal happy face then turned around to meet them.

"Oh? Kokoro-chan? Is there something the matter?"

"Nothing of the sort, it's just that Ichihashi-san and the others are worried about you."

I see, so they're worried? I'm flattered.

"Please tell them it's nothing Kokoro-chan. I just need to think things over because of what happened to Yasushi-kun."

We made a promise to call each other by our first names. Who knew that a few days later he'd get in an accident. Was it a bad omen? Who can say...

"A-Are you really sure Kushida-chan?"

"Yeah...I need my space for now."

They knew I was close to Yasushi-kun, because of that accident we had in the tent when we were arguing. Surely they'll understand that even I, Kushida Kikyou, needs her own "me time".

"Okay then, but please we need to talk to you again soon. The class will be in disarray for a while since even Hirata-kun won't talk."

"Mn, I'll be back to normal by tomorrow. I promise."

With that, Kokoro-chan left with a goodbye. I also decided to leave that area and roam the lower decks for a while.

The ship was silent, I guess most of the people retired to their rooms because of exhaustion. Well, that's what I believed till I heard a commotion. It was members of Class A.

"How do you explain this result huh!?"

"Katsuragi, what is the meaning of this!"

"Oi all of you shut up! You trusted Katsuragi-san with our class so you can't blame him!"

I was hiding by a corner, involuntarily listening. Looks like Class A is in rough shape, must be the leader struggle Yasushi-kun talked about in the past.

"Hey, how're you doing."

"Eep!"

On instinct I hit the person behind me by elbowing his abdomen.

"Ow ow! The heck's your problem?"

"Huh? Hashimoto-kun?"

"The one and only."

"Please don't sneak up on me like that! Sorry for elbowing you."

"It's fine, just your reflexes. Anyway, what are you doing here?"

"Uhm, nothing really..."

"Listening in on them?"

Well fuck, I mean it was as clear as day that I was, but fuck.

"Relax, I'm not on Katsuragi's side anyway."

"O-Oh."

"Before I destroy whatever they have going on there I have a question. You're with Maida right?"

"Yeah, the news hit me really hard."

(Okay this isn't cheerful Kushida nor her other self, it's a mixture of both because of what happened.)

"Good, then this'll be easy to say. You know Sakayanagi Arisu?"

"Yeah, I know who Sakayanagi-san is."

"She's told me that Maida can't walk on his own anymore, I'm a credible source. Now go, before they hear you."

"He...He's what?"

"I don't like repeating myself but since it's bad I'll say it again. Maida can't walk on his own, his leg didn't get amputated but he can't walk on his own. His situation now is that of Sakayanagi's."

So he...can't walk on his own anymore...huh?

"I'll leave you alone for now. You should leave now, before they hear you. My class didn't really care about the news."

Hashimoto-kun with a serious face is really different to that of him with a grin or smug look. He patted me on the shoulder and went towards them, I didn't hear them because I tuned them out.

I thought about what he said as I walked.

"It's all...my fault..."

He got a heart attack...got a severe injury on his left leg. Now...he can't walk.

I don't know what I should think about this.

"Yasushi-kun...I hope you're okay."

Maida Yasushi is a guy that found me red handed trying to let out my stress. He used me, and in return showed me mercy, gave me advice, all that stuff. I was supposed to hate him, want vengeance, that's how it was supposed to work...

So why...does it hurt so much? To hear him losing a part of his life, for something as stupid as victory? No, this isn't how it's supposed to work.

SS Sakayanagi Arisu: Childhood Friends

"Put some more of your weight on the cane Maida-kun."

"Yeah yeah I know, I just don't trust this yet."

I, Sakayanagi Arisu, am currently teaching Maida Yasushi-kun the ways of living like a crippled person. It's honestly nostalgic to watch him like this. It was like with me when I was three years old, learning how to balance with my cane.

Still, the situation is truly unfortunate. The exam that the student council proposed and the school approved as the fuse of his injury, one that was life threatening. I of course do not have the details just yet, but I believe it to be an accident. After all, this entire time my father and I knew of the Maida family's hereditary illness.

The second I saw him on the bus, his ambition wasn't visible in his eyes. It was at that I assumed his only family, his father, had died in the past. However, he truly has grown to be much like another childhood friend I held dear.

"You alright kid?" One of the health officers asked Maida-kun.

"Yeah, just lost balance again." He replied.

"Fufufu, I kept saying you should put more weight on the cane Maida-kun." I said smugly.

"I just started this yesterday, give me a break."

At the moment, it was three days after Maida-kun returned to school grounds, he was able to arrive overnight and receive treatment for his leg quickly afterwards. Coincidentally, the doctors came in touch with me since currently, I was the only person in the school who used a cane, they wanted my help with his rehabilitation.

Aside me, Maida-kun was also assigned two health officers to keep him in check and make sure he doesn't over exert his energy.

"Hey kid, that's enough. Take a good rest, it's lunch break anyway."

"Alright then."

Maida-kun sat down on the bench and set his new cane on the ground, hand picked by yours truly. I slowly made my way to him and sat down as well.

"So, how're you experiencing you first day as a crippled person?" I asked.

"It's not surprising that it'd be pretty hard. The good thing is I can still move my left leg somewhat, so the cane's support is handy."

"Mn, I recommend you start trusting you're cane more Maida-kun. It'll be your new best friend from now on after all."

"Yeah, I can't deny that."

It's that feeling against. Hmm, I see...

"Do you not have any ambition to impove your physical health?"

"Again with the ambition thing? I thought we stopped that."

I suppose you still wouldn't understand. After all, you've been somewhat dependent on a certain individual that I would like to meet in the near future.

"I had Hashimoto-kun keep an eye on you since our meeting in that empty classroom, you obviously know that fact. I know because you've been baiting him."

"Actually, I'd like to thank you for that, it gave me something to do in this boring world."

"The world is boring to you because you have no real ambition to rise up the ranks."

"That makes us opposites doesn't it Sakayanagi? The world is boring to you because you've surpassed enjoyment of mundane life."

"Fufu, touche."

"Now I know that you knew about my family's existence let me ask you this. What exactly led you to think that I'd be a good plaything?"

"Ah that, I only threw in that comment because of my disappointment."

"Disappointment?"

"But of course, since you didn't remember me. That wounds me you know?"

" Sigh..."

A sigh of defeat, it sounds like he's given up.

"Anyway, I'm off to get lunch. Care to join me?"

"An invitation from the one and only Maida Yasushi-kun? Don't mind if I do."

"Please don't take my words out of context."

"Fufu, no promises."

I already had my own lunch prepared and along with me. I followed Maida-kun to the cafeteria, to which when we got there, multiple second and third-years looked in our direction. No one could blame a human's curiosity, we were the only first-years in the campus right now after all.

"Could you find us seats Sakayanagi? I'll be back to get a meal ticket."

"Of course."

Normally I wouldn't listen to what anyone suggested but I'll give him exceptions during his rehabilitation. I made my way to a table then sat down, opening my hand made lunch box.

Seeing him walk, trying not to lose balance, it really does remind me of myself when my father watched over me. The second and third-years look to be trying to give him some support or pity him for his condition.

Oh? What's this? It would seem Maida-kun ran into some interesting people.

A boy with short black hair and glasses came up to him, along with a girl with purple hair.

Unfortunately I couldn't hear them from where I was seated, but it looked to me they wanted to join us, since they were now coming this way. The purple haired girl seemed to be the one carrying her's and Maida-kun's trays.

"Sakayanagi, Horikita-senpai and Tachibana-senpai would like to join us, do you mind?"

"No, not at all. A pleasure to meet you again Horikita-senapi."

"Likewise Sakayanagi, I thoroughly enjoyed our previous chess matches." He replied.

During the course of the summer break, I found an opponent out of the student council president whenever I was playing chess in the library. Thankfully, he didn't play to finish quickly since the only work on his plate at the time were his student council duties.

"Thank you for letting us join you two." Tachibana-senpai said with gratitude.

When they all sat down, Tachibana-senpai gave Maida-kun's tray to him, then they inquired about the current situation.

"I must say Maida, I didn't expect for something like this to happen."

"No worries president, no one could have ever foresaw this coming. Let alone me returning here early."

"Still, I would like to apologize. The island exam was a proposal made by the student council after all."

"I see, well I won't accept the apology since it was my own incompetence that got me into this mess."

"Fufufu, you never cease to see yourself in a darker spotlight Maida-kun." I commented

"I must agree with her here. After all, your rejection to me inviting you to the student council was that of indecisiveness. You didn't think you qualified, did you?"

"Would you people please stop ganging up on me? Of course I didn't think I was qualified for anything as serious as the student council senpai."

"Then what about all those things I kept seeing you looking at in Keyaki Mall during our school days?" I decided to tease him some more.

"I said stop ganging up on me."

"Fufufufu."

"Uhm...Anyway, how goes your condition Maida-kun?" Tachibana-senpai said.

"Well, in the doctor's words I at least didn't need an amputation. From what I've heard, the worst I got was that the blood vessels leading to my left leg were somewhat clogged. I'm actually surprised the bones didn't get fractured, if not broken."

"Yes, it's a miracle to be celebrated. It'll be a shame if you lost your entire leg after all." The council president said.

"Oh by the way president, please don't forget about our busy schedule starting next week."

"Of course, I am fully aware of the renovations on the student council room. I'll have to ask one of the other clubs for permission to use theirs."

"Oh? What were the renovations for?" Maida-kun asked.

"Something the school thought was necessary. It's not a big thing to have to think about."

Typical Maida-kun, having to try and read between the lines. Well, I'm not really much different.

"If you'll excuse us senpais, we need to get back to Maida-kun's rehabilitation training." I said, packing up my lunchbox.

"Ah, then don't mind us. Please leave your tray here Maida-kun, we'll be the ones to return it once we're done eating." Tachibana-senpai suggested

"Thanks a lot senpais. We'll be going now."

"Take good care of yourself Maida." Horikita-senpai implied.

"Right."

We both got up to leave, canes in one of our hands. The senpais looked at us once more like when we first entered.

"So Maida-kun, care to try your hand against me in chess?"

"Aren't we supposed to continue my rehab?"

"The health officer didn't say anything abut having to continue it for today, did he?"

"You're...right."

"Fufu, of course I am. Now, shall we head to the library?"

" Sigh...Fine, prepare to win ten out of ten matches."

"Not confident are we?"

"Nope."

To me, some of the best ways to understand someone is through a game of chess, that is if they know how to play. If it's like with that boy on that day eight years ago, the coincidence of them being similar would be freaky.

Fufufu, I can't wait to meet him.

Volume 4: Crumble Like Sand

Ayanokouji POV

It had been three days after the end of the exam on the island. On board of this luxurious cruise, no other exciting events happened.

That one week whole test made some of us lose our minds, the boys being starved like carnivores while the herbivores the girls were dilly-dallying in the sun. I however, chose to sit through all of it in my room, it's like an outbreak out there.

"Ah, have you been staying in the room this whole time Ayanokouji-kun?"

Hirata Yousuke, one of my cabin roommates asked while entering the room.

"I don't have any reason to go out. Besides, I'm still contemplating on what to do after what happened to Maida."

Maida Yasushi, an official pawn in my chessboard was currently out of commission. He was sent back to school grounds early due to a severe injury on his left leg and a heart attack. It was partly my fault but he was still the one that took the risk of carrying out my orders.

"Yeah, I've been on edge ever since Mashima-sensei said it. I heard Kushida-san still doesn't want to talk to anyone."

"Can't blame her for that. I've seen how they interacted, compared to how Kushida interacted with others, she regards Maida as a close friend."

"I see, that also aligns with what Shinohara-san and Ichihashi-san tried to say back on the island. Anyway Ayanokouji-kun, would you like to have lunch with me?"

Well that was pretty sudden.

"You sure Hirata? Don't you already have plans with your other friends?"

"I can just cancel my plans with Karuizawa-san. I can eat with them any time, but with you I'd rarely get the chance."

He posed a good point but...Do I really want to?

Before I could answer, Hirata's face turned serious.

"Actually, I wanted to ask you something Ayanokouji-kun."

Ah, there's an ulterior motive.

"What is it?"

"Do you mind if we talked it over lunch?"

"Alright, then I'll join you."

"Great."

His face went back to the usual cheerful Hirata. We left the room quickly after that while he called Karuizawa saying he can't make it to lunch with her.

"Alright, while we're walking. What did you want to ask?"

"I want to ask if you could be a bridge between Horikita and the rest of the class. Since Maida-kun won't be around, I doubt we could do this on our own. As for when we get back to the school, I don't want to rely on him too much because he'll be recovering."

"What makes you think Horikita would be willing to listen? I mean, she barely listens to me."

"Well you said she was the one to come up with the plan to win the island test. But she and Maida-kun got into an accident."

I did say that she and Maida were the ones to carry us in that exam, but I didn't think he would approach me instead of her.

"I mean, I can try but I can't really promise anything good."

"That's fine by me."

We arrived at a small cafe located on the upper decks, with a good view of the pool.

"It's on me, so what'll you order?" Hirata said.

"A light sandwich would do, with some juice."

"Alright, I'll get our food so please stay here."

Hirata left to order the both of us some food. This place is pretty crowded for my taste, if I weren't with someone like him I'd be able to disappear in it, but fate had other plans once he got back to our table.

"Here's your order Ayanokouji-kun."

"Thanks. About me being a middleman for the class and Horikita I think I'll do it. I'm not really on good terms with her but she at least opens up to me once in a while."

"Really? Okay then, I'll be waiting for her to have a talk with me."

Without Maida here, my only established connections with the class are Hirata and Kushida. It's a good thing the former is approachable and the latter is under my technical command.

I recieved a text from Maida two days ago that Kushida is to take direct orders from now till we get back to school. I wonder if its because there are more "interesting things" that'll happen on this cruise.

No matter, Kushida was willing to do this anyway, she said it was for Maida's sake.

"Oh? So you are here Hirata-kun! Care to have lunch with us?"

"E-Eh? Karuizawa-san and her friends?"

Karuizawa strode up to our table with three other girls. While they were all over Hirata, I used the opportunity to leave the cafe with my sandwich in hand.

This didn't slip from Hirata's vision, however.

Yasushi POV

"Seems its my win once again Maida-kun."

The stress of fighting Sakayanagi in chess matches was troublesome. I was fond of and am familiar with chess, but I'm no grandmaster. We've played 10 matches so far, the score was 10-0 in favor of her.

" Sigh...I really am rusty."

"There's no need to feel so down Maida-kun. I've played chess for eight years now, so I'm on a high level."

"The way you kept baiting out my rooks and bishops were real annoying though."

"Fufufu. You just need to practice on your counter strategies. If I take out your bishops and rooks then rely on your knights, queen and pawns."

"There's a saying that you can use the king as an aggressive piece though."

"Fufu, that's also true."

"Anyway, its getting late. We should wrap this up and head back to the dorms." It was currently 6:30pm, the school buildings close around 8pm, the library closing thirty minutes earlier.

"I agree, this was a rather interesting day. Oh? It seems there's something happening on the cruise ship."

"Hm?"

When Sakayanagi said that, I got three different messages.

[Boy, there is a special exam called the Zodiac Test. This'll mark the end of my contract with you once I've helped the class.] 6:31pm

[Just for confirmation, I'll have complete command over Kushida right? Also, starting tomorrow till the end of the cruise we aren't allowed to contact you.] 6:31pm

[Yasushi-kun, there's a test happening and Ayanokouji-kun wants to use me. Do you agree to that?] 6:32pm

I responded to Ayanokouji and Kikyou, but I didn't need to respond to Kouenji.

"Let me guess, your classmates just texted you about it?"

"Yeah, I don't know how I could help while being here though. Same with you?"

"Yes, Masumi-san was trying to ask for directions. Hashimoto-kun on the other hand was asking for permission to mess with Katsuragi-kun."

"I see. Well, neither of us can do anything about this matter. I'd rather just live in peace till they all get back."

"That is understandable. Now, shall we get going?"

"You want to walk back together?"

"But of course. After all, we're stuck together till they all return."

"Not necessarily stuck, unless you're talking about using me to get rid of your boredom."

"Fufufu, guilty as charged."

" Sigh..."

What a troublesome girl.

Ayanokouji POV

It was 8am and the message was just sent to Horikita and I.

"I suppose neither of us was chosen, then."

"I don't know if I should be happy that I won't be under pressure, or sad that I won't have a chance at half a million points."

Although I still had over 2 million thanks to Maida's blackmail scheme, you can never have too many in case of an emergency.

"Well, if you were chosen then you could lead your group to any of the four outcomes." I added.

"Even so, I don't like how they wrote it. It's like I wasn't qualified to be the VIP."

"There's a huge difference between the VIPs and the rest. Those who weren't chosen need to struggle to find the VIP while the VIP themselves just need to hide their presence. The school said there were no disadvantages, but that was a lie. Unless the VIP is in your class, the class point gap will widen once again."

Currently, the difference between Ryuuen's class who has the lowest points, and Class A was 582 points. While the gap between Class A and us was 246. However, the gap between Class A and B was a mere 6 points, it's terrifying to think they were that close.

"The leaders of each group should be coming up with a number of strategies already. If we don't decide early on how we're going to conduct ourselves, we probably won't recover."

"I understand." Horikita responded with a frustrated look.

I was trying to figure out how to fight this battle. I have command over Kushida, who was in the same group as Horikita. My group on the other hand had its own problems, such as the presence of Ichinose, who is class rep of her class, but oddly enough isn't with the rest of the leaders in the Dragon Group.

As my goal began to take shape, someone came rushing to us.

"Ayanokouji-kun, Horikita-san!"

Hirata stopped at our table, panting because of his run.

"Hirata-kun? Is something the matter?"

"I tried looking for you two, then suddenly caught a glimpse of Ayanokouji-kun here. I wanted to talk about the exam."

"I see, we should just talk it over breakfast, care to eat anything?" She offered.

"Oh, please don't worry, I've eaten with Karuizawa-san half an hour ago."

Hirata then sat down and apologized for this being so sudden. Once he tried to talk about the exam, footsteps were heard.

"Nice weather, eh Suzune?"

Two people approached us, both wearing unsettling grins. One of them was Ryuuen, the person I was being wary of, and the other was...

"I've warned you not to call me by my first name Ryuuen-kun. Also, its good to see a potential spy returning from the grave of retirement, Ibuki-san."

Beside Ryuuen was a girl, Ibuki Mio. She had a somewhat cocksure gleam in her eyes. She was also coincidentally in the Rabbit Group with me.

Ryuuen seeing things tense up between them, flashed a satisfied smile. Ibuki tried infiltrating Class D during the test on the island, but Maida stopped her before she could do anything. I don't understand why these two were so full of each other, but I guess rivalry is fine for Horikita's superiority complex to deteriorate.

"You should've seen the message by now. So, what were the results? Were any of you chosen as VIP?"

"Even if we were, we wouldn't be inclined to tell you. Unless you want to tell us about your message?" Horikita retorted.

"If you wish." Ryuuen strode and sat on the last vacant chair.

"I'm actually here to ask you something since curiosity got the best of me. How did you manage to wrangle those results on the island test?"

Horikita's acting skills were impressive. She remained calm and unwavered, and didn't even bother to answer Ryuuen's question.

"I suppose you wouldn't give anything away, but that doesn't matter. According to my information you didn't do shit. It was that piece of trash Maida that did all the work, wasn't it? He was the one responsible for your victory."

"I have nothing to say. I'm not so stupid to give away what our class is actually planning."

"Uhm, Horikita-san, would you please keep this civil?" Hirata said.

"What are you talking about Hirata? This is as civil as you could get with someone like me. What about you, beta male? You've been quiet this whole time."

"He doesn't have anything to say to you either."

"Kukuku, answering for him eh? The dude really is a beta male."

" Sigh...Anyway since we're all here in the first place, why don't we all get some coffee? It seems a good time to enjoy a nice cup."

"Mn, I agree. It'll help in calming down the mood." Hirata offered his opinion.

Horikita was strangely in a good mood as she got her morning coffee. Hirata and I ordered the same thing. Ryuuen however, showed no signs of leaving, he wanted to continue the conversation once the coffee arrived.

"Katsuragi seemed cautious of you yesterday."

"I don't know about him but I think he should be cautious of everyone like I am. Besides, even he wouldn't have guessed that people from Class D would do so well, isn't that why you and Ibuki-san are here? You came to check on me, is that wrong?"

"Heh, well I don't deny that. I came here to measure your abilities myself. It's too bad Maida isn't on the ship anymore, he would've enjoyed our conversations."

"Of course." Horikita said, sipping her coffee. She was unusually at ease that even Hirata noticed.

"You seem to be taking this easily Horikita-san." He commented.

"I just don't have anything significant to hide from a person like Ryuuen-kun."

"So that means you do have something you're hiding. Kukuku, you just don't think I'll acknowledge it."

"Exactly my point, you won't acknowledge it, so I won't say it."

Horikita was choosing her words carefully, she was trying to be cunning. This was Ryuuen after all.

" Sigh...You're being real boring you know that? Maida's way more fun than you are."

To Ryuuen, he probably thinks Horikita was being a coward. She was using the silent treatment and the excuse of insignificance. During the Sudou case, Maida was pretty open with his approach, and on the island, something must've happened that made Ryuuen acknowledge him as an opponent and not just a bug.

"You're free to think what you want. No one is stopping you."

"Kuku, that's certainly true. C'mon Ibuki, we still have some more business to do today."

Ryuuen got up with a satisfied smile and left the area with Ibuki.

"Well that was...something." Hirata said with a forced smile.

"Now that they're gone, you wanted to talk about the exam Hirata-kun?"

"Yes, I wanted to ask you about the VIP picking. It seems that it's random but I feel like something is going on here."

Before they could continue, I tapped the table and held my finger onto my mouth. Hirata and Horikita both gave a confused expression, until I went over to under Ryuuen's chair and pointed at something.

"I see, well what are your concerns about this aspect?" Horikita started an act.

"Well, I didn't really get how it worked. I already asked Kushida-san and not even she got picked as VIP for our group."

He said that while typing on his phone.

[Kushida is the VIP for Dragon group]

"Interesting, then it actually might be a pattern if none of us was the VIP."

"I thing we should ask if our other classmates got chosen." I suggested.

"Good idea Ayanokouji-kun, I'll ask everyone later. I should probably go now, I don't want to ruin your breakfast with Ayanokouji-kun after all." He said with a smile.

Hirata trying to tease us? Huh.

"I'll see you at the appointed meeting time Hirata-kun." Horikita said, finishing her coffee.

Hirata got up and waved us goodbye, then we also left the area.

"Good thing you spotted Ryuuen-kun's phone under his chair, or else we would've exposed that one of us is the VIP."

"Yeah, I thought his sitting position was pretty weird, so I had to be sure."

Ryuuen tried to be cunning as well, but failed.

"Anyway, I'll talk to you about the exam again once we finish our two meetings for the day."

"Sure, good luck in your group."

"I'll look forward to your report Ayanokouji-kun."

With that, we went our separate ways.

Author's Note:

I'm not doing the actual meetups of the groups since I would only do Ayanokouji's POV. I'll be focusing on what happens in between the times of not having meetings like when Kouenji turned traitor and the Karuizawa blackmail scene, of course with a few changes. I'll also be focusing on what Maida is doing in the school grounds.

Ayanokouji will have a little change in how he attacks this exam, specifically something with Kouenji and Kushida. Due to Maida's efforts he technically has command over Kouenji, who is still on a verbal contract with Maida on the specific thing of "helping the class in this exam". To me he isn't as much of a narcissist that he'd do the same thing in canon for the price of 1.5M private points. If there's anything Kouenji is good at, it's keeping to his word.

Volume 4: Break Like Glass

Yasushi POV

I was in my dorm room, reading one of the many books I bought in the past. I'd been discharged ever since Sakayanagi offered to help me with rehab, they only assigned me two health professionals to keep watch as well. It was really hard to clean while holding a cane.

I might have to buy a vacuum, problem was I was broke. My private point count was 15,345, it used to be over a million but I gave the rest to Kouenji to make sure he actually helps the class while I'm gone. He had a lot of freedom because of my wording of "help the class in two special exams", because I didn't specify how much he would help.

For the price of 1.5 million, I think he'll pull through and do something pretty big. This is Kouenji, I think I can trust what he says.

While reading, I heard knocks on the door.

"I wonder who it is." I said in a rather sarcastic tone.

I took my cane and got up to walk to the door. I unlocked it, and behold I knew it.

"Good day Maida-kun. Are you ready for today?" Sakayanagi said.

"Yeah, I'll be right out."

I said while heading back to my room to get my jacket. A jacket during summer? Yes, I'm crazy.

"Feeling cold in the summer?"

"Yes, leave me alone please."

"Fufufu. Anyway, shall we go to the library?"

"Sure."

Sakayanagi had been dragging me to the library or to the mall ever since my rehab started. According to the health officers, it counted as training since I'm practicing walking with my cane. Other than that, I was suppose to do stretches every morning which I've already done today.

My days have been somewhat dull ever since my injury, but that's what I get for being reckless.

I jumped off a cliff for heaven's sake.

"Oh? Looks like the library is rather full today."

"Also looks like most of them of them are suspicious of us."

"I don't mind them."

Sakayanagi led me to an open table in the corner of the library. Most of the people here appear to be second years, with one blonde taking the center of my radar with the look on his face.

A chess set was brought onto the table as we both sat down, putting our canes on our laps.

"Shall we begin?"

"Prepare to win a hundred more times Sakayanagi."

"Fufufu, don't be so hard on yourself. You may have the white pieces."

After that display by me in chess, Sakayanagi and I were currently having lunch in the cafeteria. This time, I made my own bento because it's hard to order here with just walking like this.

"You're tactics have grown quite aggressive these past few days Maida-kun."

"Adaptability is a must in chess. However, I still have a very long way to go to beat you."

"Not as long as you would think. In that last match, you actually caught me by surprise sending your pawn then turning it to a knight instead of a queen."

"Despite that being a queenless battle I still lost. Your rooks brought in victory."

"Still, that was quite the desperate play, fufufu."

We resumed eating peacefully for a while. Until the same blonde from before approached us.

"Well, if it isn't the only 1st years on campus at the moment! How have you two been fairing?" He said, his entourage behind him.

"Nagumo, I said you should leave them alone." One of the boys with him said.

"Is there something we could do for you senpais?" Sakayanagi's smug grin disappeared, instead having a serious look on her face.

"I'm here to ask if we could join you. The both of you seemed to have lots of fun playing chess."

"Unfortunately we planned to roam Keyaki Mall after eating, so sorry." I answered.

"Ah I see, then would it be fine if we joined you in roaming around?"

"Please just spit it out if you want something from us senpai." I said while taking a bite of some chicken.

Sakayanagi's grin returned. For some reason now that I've hung out with her, that smug grin indicates either the situation is not worth acknowledging or she's having fun.

"You just had to be conspicuous about it Miyabi." One of the girls with him face palmed.

"Alright fine then. I wanted to talk to you about your connection to Horikita-senpai."

"So you're a second-year? What does my relationship with the student council president have to do with you."

His face turned stern.

"So I take it you actually don't know me? I'm Nagumo Miyabi, Class 2-A. I'm also the student council vice president. This guy with glasses is Kiriyama, 2-B, one of our secretaries."

"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Kiriyama Ikuto."

"Maida Yasushi, 1-D."

"Sakayanagi Arisu, 1-A."

"Heya kouhais! I'm Asahina Nazuna! Apologies in advance for Miyabi's behavior." The girl that face palmed earlier slightly bowed.

"Anyway, what do you want with us?" I said bluntly.

"Not 'us', just you." Nagumo replied with a grin.

"Fufu, a shame that I'm not a target of a senpai. I'm wounded." Sakayanagi gave her remark.

"Even if you're the vice president Nagumo-senpai, my relationship with Horikita-senpai should mean nothing to you."

"The reason for that is because he's a simp!" Asahina-senpai jokingly said.

"Oi, stop saying that. It means a lot to me because Horikita-senpai keeps pretty much to himself about recruitment in the student council. I heard he personally invited you and another first-year to the council."

"And? Is that rare?"

"For the whole time I've known him, he's never personally invited someone in before. Now, he invited two, and got rejected by the both of you."

I could see Kiriyama-senpai gesture for me to not tell the truth.

"What do you want out of me?"

"It's simple, why did you reject him?"

What? Is he supposed to be Horikita-senpai's guardian? Or is Asahina-senpai's remark of him being a simp really true?

"Because at the time, I wasn't interested in the student council. However you need to get your facts straight senpai, I said to him that I'd think about it."

"Well, that's too bad, the position for first-year representative has already been filled."

"What's that? Sorry senpai but I'm missing the part of where I'm supposed to care."

I've never cared about the student council, not even during my middle school and junior high days. If there's one thing I want to do in my free time, it's self reflection or reading.

"Fufufufu!"

"Ahahaha! Miyabi you just got hit good!"

Nagumo-senpai visibly flinched at my comment while some of the people in our group laughed or sniffled a chuckle.

"Oi! Do you know who you're talking to defect!? This is our class leader!"

"Know your place damn defect!"

Some of the senpais in the cafeteria overheard me and got angry. Sakayanagi and I quietly packed up our bentos and prepared to leave.When we stood up and started walking I felt someone rushing to me.

"Hey! Don't just run away coward!"

Before the person could reach me, a figure rushed forward and caught their hand.

"Stooping so low as to hit a person with a disability? You bring shame to the image of this school."

When I looked at Sakayanagi, she was grinning like a madwoman. Then, when I turned around, Horikita-senpai was holding onto a hand that was outstreched, aiming for my cane.

"Horikita-kun! Maida-kun are you okay?" A certain short purple haired girl ran up to us from the entrance of the cafeteria.

"Tachibana-senpai. Yes, I'm just fine."

"Nagumo, you should learn to control your lackeys better. Trying to hit a kouhai in the open where everyone can see? Disappointing."

Horikita-senpai let go of the guy that tried to hit me, then looked at Nagumo's entourage.

"And you yourself, need to learn to stop harassing people just to find information on my business. That can count as stalking in some people's eyes you know?"

Nagumo-senpai couldn't say anything in front of the man he "respected", because this really was just something out of his control.

"I came here to eat, but I suppose I've lost my appetite. Maida and Sakayanagi, come with me, I have some business with you two. Tachibana, you could stay here to have lunch if you want."

"Eh? No, I'm not really that hungry so I'll just follow all of you."

"I see, what about you two?"

"We planned to wander Keyaki Mall but I suppose that could wait." I said.

"I'm pretty interested in what you have to say Horikita-senpai."

"Very well, follow me then."

Horikita-senpai went ahead of us as we awkwardly followed. The cafeteria's tense atmosphere disappeared afterwards.

Ayanokouji POV

"You want what?"

"Freedom to choose. I'll do my part in this exam and you will give me the freedom to choose whatever I wish to do in future exams." Kouenji said.

We were currently in our shared room with Hirata and Yukimura. Kouenji just requested the freedom to choose what he wants to do in the future exams in exchange for participating in this one.

"Well, I-I guess I could agree to that. What type of contribution will you be making though?"

"Two things. This."

He pulled out his phone and typed something down, a few seconds later a message appeared in all our phones.

[The test has now ended for the Monkey Group. Those in the Monkey Group are no longer required to participate any further. Please do not disturb the other students.]

"What the!?" Yukimura shouted in protest.

"And this."

He fiddled with his phone again, then multiple messages came into our phones.

Nine other groups have submitted an answer and finished the exam.

"Kouenji! What in hell's name did you just do!?" Yukimura shouted once again.

"I asked Kushida-girl to accept the deal with that tyrant to unite against Class A. Do not blame her for acting without permission, this was all Maida-boy's plan."

"Huh? Maida-kun had a hand in this? But he's back in school grounds.."

"I will not disclose the details. Just be happy that we all have our freedom once again! Ha ha ha! Now, I must make haste to bathe myself. Adieu."

Kouenji tossed his phone onto his bed then dramatically walked to the bathroom.

"Wh-What just happened!?"

"I don't know Yukimura-kun. Only Dragon and Rabbit groups are left, you two, please do something about this."

Despite his shock to what the enigma known as Kouenji has done, Hirata maintained his composure and tried to keep acting as a leader.

"Leave it to us." I said.

Kushida was mad to have accepted Ryuuen's deal. However, someone else was even more mad than she was.

After our fourth discussion, seven people gathered in one table.

Ryuuen, Ichinose, Kushida, Horikita, Hirata, Kanzaki, and me.

"Kukuku, that was real fun. Katsuragi's face was priceless!"

" Sigh...I can't believe I actually agreed to this." Ichinose said, defeated.

"I can't believe you actually kept to your word Ryuuen-kun." Horikita said.

"Kikyou here did a wonderful job of rallying you sheep. Kukukuku."

"What exactly happened Ryuuen-kun? I wasn't really aware of this beforehand." Hirata voiced his concerns.

"Oh, I'll let Kikyou explain that." Ryuuen said, taking a sip from his iced tea.

"Uhm, Kouenji-kun approached me saying to accept Ryuuen-kun's offer, I then approached Kanzaki-kun and Ichinose-san about it."

"Kushida-san here was really convincing us with this. Since the point difference between Class A and B was 6 points we just decided to accept it." Ichinose joined in.

"But then, what exactly did you do? Why leave out the Dragon and Rabbit groups?"

"My intel tells me that Manabe was being a bitch lately, so I let off the Rabbit group easy and gave all of you the choice to either end it or keep it going to teach her a lesson. I wanna see how she handles herself alone without having to fear me, kukuku."

"Well uhm, in the Dragon Group we already know who the VIP is but..."

"Ryuuen insisted on continuing the discussion for the sheer entertainment of provoking Katsuragi. Apparently, he approached Ryuuen with a deal of uniting." Kanzaki finished Kushida's sentence.

"A masochist at his finest. Kukukuku."

"Anyway guys, this is a list of all the groups we all decided to turn traitor in." Kushida passed a paper and put it down on the table.

Rat Group- VIP: Class A Traitor: Class C

Horse Group- VIP: Class D Traitor: Class B

Snake Group- VIP: Class A Traitor: Class C

Cow Group- VIP: Class B Traitor: Class C

Tiger Group- VIP: Class C Traitor: Class D

Monkey Group- VIP: Class B Traitor: Class D

Rooster Group- VIP: Class C Traitor: Class B

Dog Group- VIP: Class C Traitor: Class D

Pig Group- VIP: Class B Traitor: Class C

Sheep Group- VIP: Class A Traitor: Class B

(There are three VIPs per class, the ones on the official LN I copied, the rest are made up and randomized to fit the numbers needed. Also, Class D is still Class D since the positions won't change till the next month. The other two VIPs are Class D's since it's the Dragon and Rabbit groups)

What was written on this paper was only the supposed scenario, but I had my doubts this was what actually happened since Ryuuen was involved.

"And now we wait in luxury as Dragon and Rabbit groups continue to make each other their prey. Suzune, if you want we could all gang up on Katsuragi by mocking him, kukukuku."

"No thanks, that's your thing Ryuuen-kun." Horikita rejected.

"You know me so well, kukuku."

"Well, the exam is pretty much cleared, but I might not do something as underhanded as this again." Ichinose stood up and prepared to leave.

"It was nice guys, thanks in advance for getting us to Class A!"

She and Kanzaki left the scene, but the latter had a worried expression on his face.

"Now, what do you plan to do with the last two groups Ryuuen-kun?"

"I keep to my word every once in a while, like I said we're gonna do whatever the hell we want. The Rabbit group is of no concern to me, I just wanted to target Class A this exam, but..."

He finished his iced tea and put the glass on the table, then pointd at Horikita.

"In the next exam, you're my target Suzune."

"Is this perhaps a game to you Ryuuen-kun?"

"Of course it fucking is! No matter who I target, I'm in it for the fun. I'll fight the whole school alone if I wanted to! But even I know that's suicide, kukuku."

All of us gave him a look of concern as he laughed like a maniac.

"Oh right. Oi, beta male, you're friends with Maida yeah? Tell him to recover well because I'll target his ass too, kuku."

"Noted." I said.

"Ah, so you do have a tongue! Then I look forward to my match with him. He's gonna be exciting."

(Masochist sees masochist lmao. Ehem getting beat up by Kiyo ehem jumping off a cliff willingly.)

Ryuuen looked like he was enjoying himself. I don't know what happened to him and Maida but it sure got his gears turning.

"On another note Ryuuen-kun, I should go." Hirata abruptly wanted to leave.

"As do I, it's getting pretty late." Horikita agreed.

"Oh good good, I had some more business with my class anyway, so lets end it here."

Ryuuen got up and instantly left the area. Immediately after he disappeared, we checked for any bugs Ryuuen put and then started bombarding Kushida.

"Kushida-san, who gave you permission to accept that deal?" Horikita asked.

"Eh? Well, I asked Yasushi-kun if I could do anything to win the exam and he said yes, so I went ahead with it."

"That was pretty risky Kushida-san. Please don't do such a thing without our consent again." Hirata said.

"I can vouch for what happened."

Once I said that, everyone look at me.

"Maida got injured because of something that happened between him and Ryuuen. So I went out of my way to try and finish this quickly, but Karuizawa had an issue so I decided to fix that too."

"You're talking about Manabe-san and her friends aren't you?" Hirata asked me.

"Yeah, I wanted for this exam to be over with quickly, but that happened. Kushida and I did this for Maida's sake, since I find it disrespectful for us to fight the other classes straight after he got decommissioned."

"So we went to Ryuuen-kun with Ichinose-san and Kouenji-kun to accept his deal to target Class A."

The plan was to hit Class A's VIPs while also hitting our own VIPs equally, so as to nullify the class points we all get and lose. The only thing everyone gains would be private points. It was a smart plan to target Class A like this, they'd lose a minimum of 150 class points since we guessed their VIPs.

"How did you all figure out the pattern?"

"Ryuuen-kun said it was according to the alphabetical order of our last names then the order of the zodiacs."

That meant for example, for our group, the fourth in the zodiacs, would have Karuizawa Kei as the VIP, the fourth name in the alphabetical order of participants.

"I...I see, so it was that easy."

"Yeah, turns out we read way to far in between the lines with this one."

"Well, I just hope you and the others can resolve the situation with Karuizawa-san, Ayanokouji-kun."

"We'll try to take care of it tomorrow."

Tomorrow was a break day so Manabe's group would either back off or go on the assault. Karuizawa brought this upon herself but it'll be a worthy trade for me.

After all, this is according to plan.

Author's Note:

The reason this went so fast is because I wanted to finish Volume 4 ASAP. My plan for Volume 4 interactions was the same as canon anyway, like the interactions with Yamauchi and Sakura, Ayanokouji still had those. I was just too lazy to write everything down.

For my plans in Volume 4.5, I may or may not discard some of the events, then add one in their place, Maida's birthday. I need to reread Volume 4.5 anyway.

Also, I'll be unavailable for a while because of exams, I'll publish the next chapter of Volume 4 tomorrow then I can't write much for at least three days after that.

Volume 4: Sigh Like You Lost

Yasushi POV

After the business with Horikita-senpai yesterday, Sakayanagi and I just went home instead of continuing our stroll to Keyaki Mall.

Today, I was just sitting in the library alone, reading another book. I needed a break from chess. Nagumo-senpai once again tried to get information out of me, but I kept on declining him. I'm certain that I made an enemy out of him.

" Sigh...Sakayanagi was right. It really is boring just sitting somewhere without any ambition."

I closed the book then put it back onto the shelf I got it from. With my cane, I walked out of the library with no clear intention on what I wanted to do.

As of right now, I feel like I know what I'm feeling. I'm lost, lost in my own thoughts once again. Without a clear goal in mind I tend to just drift away from reality and think about mortality. What meaning does life have, if you take away humanity's goal of evolution?

I feel like I know what it means. It means to be able to enjoy yourself without the burden of the future. It means that you, your peers and the younger generation can live freely. But, what is freedom anyway? What is equality? A lot of people say that anything is now possible through research, does the same thing go for something as fictional as magic? No, of course not.

Ambition is what keeps humanity going, it's our fuel to keep fighting the good fight. Whether the ambition is driven by money, survival, or any other reason, humanity has prevailed. However, what would happen if that ambition disappears?

Enter me. After I graduate from this school or get expelled, I have no place to go. I only came here to escape from the past, to forgive and forget. Class A? Who cares, because I certainly don't. Unlike Sakayanagi, who is a natural genius, Ichinose, who is kind and hard working, Ryuuen, who is tyrannical and aims for the fun, or Ayanokouji, who wants to live in peace, I have no ambition.

What drives me forward, is to simply fulfill a promise that was meant to be broken.

" Live for me."

Those words enter my mind every time I think about death and mortality. My father wanted for me to live, but what's the point if it's not what you wanted to do. I was never bullied, never tortured, never forced to do something I didn't want to do, and yet, I wasn't satisfied with the way things are.

If the pursuit of life is an ambition, then what is the pursuit of death?

Poke poke

I was forced out of my trance, then I looked around me. I was sitting on a bench in the ark near the dormitories, it was already dusk.

"And here I thought you were dead."

"Oh...hey."

Sakayanagi sat beside me on the bench as we gaze upon the sky.

"Your face seems more depressed than usual Maida-kun. Care to tell me why?"

"Ambition, that's why."

"I see."

I couldn't see her face because I wasn't looking in her direction, but I somehow knew she wasn't grinning like usual.

"Would you like to talk about it with a friend?"

"I have no friends."

"So Kushida-san, Ayanokouji-kun and I don't count? I'm hurt."

"When did you ever consider me your friend Sakayanagi? You've been treating me like a plaything ever since our second meeting."

"That much is true, but even childhood friends can drift apart then get back together again. Wouldn't you agree to that?"

"I don't really agree to much whenever human emotion is factored. Solitude isn't really my thing either."

"And yet you've lived in solitude for at least three years now, a shame."

"A shame indeed."

We went silent for a few minutes, just admiring the scenery. After a little while, I looked back down and my eyes fell on Sakayanagi, who happened to be looking at me.

"A question for you Maida-kun. What do you think about mortality?"

"Why ask such a question?"

"Curiosity."

"Well...to me mortality is a reminder to us that we as humans should enjoy ourselves to the fullest. From the rich to the poor, from the smart to the dumb, from the highest societal position to the lowest. That's why society is annoying, it puts titles everywhere, but they're all facades. In the end, we're all human. If we started equal, then we'll all end equal."

"Are you sure you're not a philosopher or natural genius?"

"Of course I'm sure. The only thing I have going for me is hard work. I've got no talents, no clear goal, no nothing. I'm just here, in the end I'll die in vain."

While looking down to my lap, an object flew into my vision. It was a cane, Sakayanagi's cane. When I looked at her again, her eyes were filled with anger.

"A human shouldn't talk down on themselves without any proof. You're grades, efforts and plans in this school so far have been near successful or are. Tell me, does a person who had just worked hard, be able to predict anything and everything? Including the enigma known as emotion?"

"No, I don't think even the smartest person in the world could predict what emotion one feels at any given time."

She pulled her cane back from my neck, raised it, then hit my head.

"Ow. What?"

"You may just have enough in you yet."

Sakayanagi stood up then looked at me.

"Come Maida-kun. You still have a life to live do you not? Then stand up, and keep that promise to your father if you have any ounce of ambition left in you."

"...A life to live huh? If you put it like that."

I took my cane and stood up.

"I guess I could give something as easy as that a try."

Her grin returned.

"Good answer. Now, shall we have another game of chess?"

"Sure thing. And thank you for that."

"Tis my pleasure, now come. Let's see if you'll be able to win today."

(I hope this Sakayanagi isn't too out of character)

Ayanokouji POV

Meanwhile at the same exact time as their interaction, an event was happening on the cruise ship.

"Are you okay now?"

"Yeah, a little."

"Take it easy Karuizawa-san, they hit you quite a lot of times."

Kushida and I filmed everything while Karuizawa had to suffer through it. Since she was on a leash, I knew I could trust her with helping me in this plan.

"Where's Hirata-kun? And how are you also here Kushida-san?"

"Well uhm..."

"I told her about it, I thought I could trust her with the situation." I said in her place.

"Don't worry Karuizawa-san! I promise I won't tell anyone about this!" Kushida exclaimed.

"Thanks, but..."

"Sounds like Hirata was supposed to meet you here, but I came in his place. He asked me to come here since he got called away by a teacher."

"Ayanokouji-kun saw me in the area and asked me to come with him too."

That explanation should be sufficient enough to satisfy her. For now, I have to get her to relax.

"Kushida, could you check the area for me? I'll take care of Karuizawa here just make sure no one's around."

"Sure thing Ayanokouji-kun."

Kushida complied almost immediately and left the scene.

"So, why were yu crying?"

"Manabe-san and her friends...I absolutely will not let them get away with this."

She was trembling like we were experiencing freezing temperatures. Even though this isn't her natural public self, the trauma was able to break straight through her facade and make her like this.

"You have to keep this a secret. If anyone finds out about this, I'll never forgive you." She warned me.

Has she forgotten that Kushida also saw everything?

Her weakness was that she couldn't stand being seen as a victim. So she played the tough girl act, pretended to date Hirata and climb up the social chain, then tried to be the predator. That's the problem here, once a victim, always a victim. The difference between Kushida and Karuizawa with their facades was clear.

"You know, you could get back at Manabe-san and her friends. Since they're girls, even someone like you could win." She suggested to me.

"That's an insane request." I said.

"What, are you scared of Manabe-san and her friends? And you're supposed to be a guy..."

"That's not it. If we attack them it'll all be over. You should know because of what happened in the Sudou incident. They'd play crybaby and tell it to the school."

Manabe and her friends could use that to their advantage then play the victim. After that, Karuizawa's social status would dissipate because she was the one who wanted to do it to them.

"So you'll just lie down and take it?"

I knew how to respond but chose to stay silent

"But...they'll continue doing awful things to me..."

She started shivering again, thinking of what would happen. I've been waiting for that desperation of hers to come out.

Karuizawa would continue playing cat and mouse, hide and seek, all the predator and prey games with Manabe and her friends, but she can't do it forever. Even if the school doesn't get involved, our classmates would surely notice a change in Karuizawa's behavior.

Surely, one would think that since Maida has control of Kushida and I have control of him, I don't need Karuizawa. But it's way better to have extra pieces available to use on the board. Kushida's social network is surely way more vast than Karuizawa's, but we don't have full control over her, since Maida's relationship with her is built on trust.

Also, Ryuuen vowed to stay out of this situation between three students in his class and one in mine. I doubt he'd care if Manabe and her friends confessed to him that they were doing this. The same thing with Hirata, he also vowed to stay out of it.

"It would be terrible if things went back to how they were back in the old days. I understand that you want to prevent it." I told her.

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"I meant what I said. You've managed to escape to this prestigious school and rise through the ranks of the Class D girls by becoming Hirata's girlfriend. But, victims stay victims. You're still that bullied little girl."

"W-Who are you talking about!?" She shouted.

"You, Karuizawa."

I pinned her against the wall and forced her to look at me in the eye.

"Manabe and her friends tortured you just now, yes? They pulled your hair and slapped you. Kicked you in the chest and stomach, right? That's why you ended up like this; miserable, pathetic, crying on the ground."

Kushida POV

Who is this guy!?

This is definitely a side of Ayanokouji-kun that I've never seen before. Those eyes, fucking terrifying. Is this why Yasushi-kun trusts him? He's seen this side of Ayanokouji-kun?

"You were bullied ever since you were little. You were a victim throughout elementary school and junior high. You wanted to act tough so you could stop the bullying, right?"

"D-Did you hear this...from Hirata-kun?"

Who else dumbass? But jeez even Ayanokouji-kun's monotone voice is different.

"Hirata is everyone's ally, for better or worse. He'll help you like he'll help anyone. Even if you got your position in Class D because of pretending to be his girlfriend, he won't be any of use to you in these types of situations. He isn't a good enough of a host for a parasite like you."

Well if we're thinking about it, Karuizawa-san really was acting like a parasite. I don't have much of an idea on what happened but this must be Ayanokouji-kun trying to blackmail her, just like Yasushi-kun blackmailed me...

Wait a minute what!? We're all becoming Ayanokouji-kun's pawns! Is Yasushi-kun already a pawn!?

After tuning them out to think, I was hearing their conversation again.

"Don't run. If you try again, I'll expose everything I know about you at school."

Karuizawa-san stiffened, almost like being affected by a spell.

"You...Grr."

It looks like Karuizawa-san is also realizing that Ayanokouji-kun isn't just some meek and average nobody. No, I knew this a little beforehand actually, through Yasushi-kun.

" Trust in Ayanokouji, he knows what he's doing."

Yasushi-kun's words echoed in my mind, but I couldn't believe that he was this different.

"Spread your legs."

HUH!?

My legs collapsed as I panicked at what I just heard.

Ayanokouji-kun what the fuck did you just say!?

I was hearing Karuizawa-san's sobs. Was she really spreading her legs!? Her secret is that important to her!?

At some point I tuned them out again. I needed to think about this. Yasushi-kun placed his trust on Ayanokouji-kun, because of what? He probably did know about this side of him since he didn't have anything going for him out in public.

Even that bitch Horikita trusts him to a degree, but I can now believe why Yasushi-kun trusts him fully. This is a much more cruel manner of blackmail than what Yasushi-kun did to me. Ayanokouji-kun's voice was darker, colder, scarier, it was all so terrifying. I should watch where I step if I manage to make an enemy out of him. Then again, I doubt that'd happen since we're still useful to him.

Heh, we really are all pawns.

I tried standing up again, then continued to listen to them, this time no more tuning out.

"Have you told me the whole truth?" Ayanokouji-kun said.

"Huh?"

Hmm? That wasn't everything? Karuizawa-san was still hiding more?

"What are you hiding?"

I was hearing Karuizawa-san struggle or something. Wait, is he!?

"S-Stop!"

He is!?

"This is it? This is your darkness?"

"Ugh!"

Dammit! If only I could see what was happening! What's going on?

"Despair comes in many forms, and you've experienced despair, haven't you?"

Nope! I'm leaving! No thanks Ayanokouji-kun!

I quickly started running away from the area. What I heard from Ayanokouji-kun today was extremely different than how he normally acts. It's different from me, and even different from Yasushi-kun on that day.

"Gah!"

"Huh? The fuck?"

I ran into someone in the corner. Oh no just my luck.

"Hey hey, good to see ya Kikyou, kukuku."

"Uhm, hi Ryuuen-kun. Sorry for running into you."

I stood back up and dusted myself off. Ryuuen was alone, Yamada-kun and his other lackeys weren't here.

"If you're wondering why I was in this secluded area of the ship I wanted to watch the show."

"Show? What show?" I tried feigning ignorance.

"Manabe told me where it was gonna happen. But since you're here I suppose it's over? That's a shame, kukuku."

He looked really satisfied with himself for some reason.

"Outta my way Kikyou, I know someone else is back there."

Shit, shit, shit! If he finds Ayanokouji-kun he's going to figure out this was all his plan!

"There was no one back there Ryuuen-kun. I was cleaning up the place since one of my classmates made a mess while having to rush off somewhere."

"So they coincidentally left the job to you? Bullshit."

Ryuuen grabbed my shoulder then pushed me aside.

Dammit, if I try to stop him then he'll know someone really is there!

Ayanokouji-kun I hoped you left the room by now.

"Not coming? Fine, this'll be fun even without your reaction." Ryuuen-kun said.

Ayanokouji POV

"Right?"

"I mean...yeah..."

"Shush."

"H-Huh?"

I covered Karuizawa's mouth then hid behind the door with her.

Bang!

The door sprang open, almost hitting us, then the footsteps I heard earlier became clear to my ears.

Ryuuen stepped into the room, looking around, but not at us.

"Ku. Ku. Ku. Here comes the boogeyman, come out come out wherever the fuck you are. Tremble in fear, for Ryuuen is here! Where the fuck are you?"

Ryuuen was having so much fun that he was speaking in third person.

I had no choice. I silently took Karuizawa into a princess carry, crouched, then ran out the room.

I wasn't using top speed because I had to be quiet about it, let's hope Ryuuen didn't notice.

"Eh? Ayanokouji-kun, here!"

Kushida who was at a nearby corner, whisper shouted at me while waving her arms widely.

"Did Ryuuen-kun see you by any chance?"

"I didn't have time to check but let's hope he didn't"

"Uhh..Can you please put me down now?"

Realizing her position, Karuizawa made a request.

"Oh right, sorry."

I gently put her back down, then she looked at the both of us.

"I'll work with you then. But, I need to get back to my room so I can think this over again."

"Sure, we have until the meetings tomorrow anyway."

"Are you okay now Karuizawa-san?"

"Yes Kushida-san, I'm perfectly okay now. I just need some me time that's all." She gave Kushida a strained smile.

She then abruptly left afterwards. I gestured to Kushida that we should leave too. There was still a tyrant behind us back inside that room.

"You heard everything didn't you?" I said.

"I uh...yeah. I did, for the most part at least, since Ryuuen came into the area."

"I see, don't tell this to anyone understand? The class would be at risk if any of this was found out by them."

"Sure thing, I uh...just didn't expect that, y'know?" She posed a strained smile.

"We didn't expect your facade either Kushida?"

"Ehehehe, touche. Well, I'll keep my mouth shut since Yasushi-kun also kept himself quiet."

Huh? Oh she must be in the impression that Maida knew my true self. I'll play along then.

"Your reaction seems pretty subtle compared to his back then."

"I kind of stopped myself so I could keep eavesdropping, or you could say I'm still in shock."

"Fine then. Just to be sure we can trust you, I'll have Maida pressure you with that video of you ranting."

She flinched, it looks like she's forgotten about that since their current relationship wouldn't seem like it was based off of blackmail.

"S-Sure. I should go, I think I've been gone from everyone long enough. They might get suspicious of it."

"Right, go then."

She took off running with a little wave. I continued to walk in a different direction, towards the main deck, around where the pool was.

Turns out it was almost night time. I gazed out at the ocean in front of me, alone. A sight to behold.

Things like these are worth protecting, in my personal opinion. If I have to fight for my freedom then I will. If I have to trust others to fight my enemies, I will. If I have to sacrifice things just for my own survival, I will.

Maida Yasushi...don't you think about the same thing sometimes?

??? POV

A conversation between two students was happening while someone listened.

"The school has provided me some compensation for you, but you'll have to choose."

"Sure, what is it?"

"Due to unseen circumstances, you have three options. One, a sum of three million points shall be transferred to your account. Two, being allowed to drop out of the school without your class taking the consequences, however you would be provided assistance in the outside by the government."

"What's the third?"

"Sign this and you have my word that you will be compensated fairly without having to choose the other two options."

Silence was in the room, then the third person spoke.

"This is entirely your choice. However, do note that you win in any of the situations, even option two."

"..."

"I should warn you that this is a one time offer from the school. I am not allowed to give this offer to you once more."

" Sigh...This is a lot of pressure you know?"

"Of course, which is why that this offer will only be available to you until today."

The one who was offered a chance, was having a hard time thinking, while the other two students looked at their face.

(Their as in no gender, not as in someone's belonging. I'm not giving y'all any hints.)

"Dammit, fine..."

The one offered clenched their fist and said.

"I'll pick option three."

Volume 4: Cheer Like You Won

Ayanokouji POV

"You tricked them really well Ayanokouji-kun!" Ichinose said.

Our very last meeting had finished, and I posed myself as the VIP to everyone. It's safe to say that Karuizawa's identity is safe from Class A, but not from Ryuuen. You never know if he submits her name last minute.

Ichinose and I were walking to the main deck together, with the intent on meeting with Ryuuen, Hirata and Horikita. We wanted to confirm one last time what the results would be like.

"Ah there's the beta male and the pacifist." Ryuuen said as we walked up to his table.

"Here you two are, we were starting to get worried." Horikita said.

"Were you two perhaps doing unholy things? Kukukuku."

"Eh!? Ryuuen-kun please don't say such things!"

Ichinose turned beet red for some reason. Did he mean unholy by...ah, I see.

"Please have a seat you two, we can finally discuss what's going to happen tomorrow."

"Oh, before everything else..."

[The test has now ended for the Dragon Group. Those in the Dragon Group are no longer required to participate. Please don't disturb the other students.]

"Eh!?" Hirata yelled in surprise.

"I calculated everything and turns out my class would go a bit down with the benefits, kukuku."

"Did you hit any other groups rather than the ones on that paper?"

"Of course I didn't. Like I said I wanted to hit Class A, but after my calculations, my class doesn't reap enough benefits, so I stole one of your VIPs. Like I also said, I don't give a fuck about the Rabbit Group, so whatever the outcome was it wasn't my doing."

"Fine, we'll see in a few hours anyway." Horikita resigned herself to wait.

"If only Maida were here, this test would be way more fantastic if he'd been plotting with us. Kukuku."

Surely to Ryuuen, it would be exciting. However knowing him, Maida would probably do the same thing Kouenji did.

"I wonder how he's doing?" Ichinose posed an interesting question.

"I hope they've managed to fix up his leg." Hirata said.

"He must still be in the rehabilitation phase. Nothing to worry about."

"So shall we wait here for the next hour and a half? Wanna play some Old Maid while we wait?" Ryuuen suggested.

"That's a weird suggestion coming from you." Horikita said.

"I'm down for it! I got the card set right here."

"Kukuku, if any of you wanted it we could bet private points."

We passed the time by playing Old Maid. Horikita however, decided to just watch. We even got a few spectators to our weirdly created group of people. Even Katsuragi stopped by, but then went to a nearby table with his entourage to wait for the results.

"Damn, the beta male is pretty good at this. Kukuku."

I managed to win five thousand private points, but Ryuuen already won over fifteen thousand. Ichinose had really bad luck in this session.

" Sigh...there goes some of my money for the summer." Ichinose said with a smile.

"Don't worry Honami, you'll get over a hundred thousand next month anyway, so what's the problem?"

Ichinose didn't even try to stop him from saying her first name, since this is Ryuuen.

"Ah, it seems like the results are here!" Hirata said, looking at his phone.

We pulled out all of ours, but Ryuuen didn't bother, instead he just watched us with a sadistic grin.

Rat: Outcome 3. The traitor answered correctly.
Horse: Outcome 3. The traitor answered correctly.
Snake: Outcome 3. The traitor answered correctly.
Cow: Outcome 3. The traitor answered correctly.
Tiger: Outcome 3. The traitor answered correctly.
Monkey: Outcome 3. The traitor answered correctly.
Rooster: Outcome 3. The traitor answered correctly.
Dog: Outcome 3. The traitor answered correctly.
Pig: Outcome 3. The traitor answered correctly.
Sheep: Outcome 3. The traitor answered correctly.
Dragon: Outcome 3. The traitor answered correctly.
Rabbit: Outcome 4. The traitor answered incorrectly.

Based on those results, the increase or decrease in class and private points are as follows-- "cl" and "pr" are used to denote "class points" and "private points", respectively.

Class A: -200 cl, no change in pr

Class B: no change in cl, 1,500,000 pr

Class C: 100 cl, 2,000,000 pr

Class D: no change in cl, 2,000,000 pr

"Well this is unexpected. You actually kept your word." Horikita said, looking at the results.

"What? I can be trustworthy sometimes when I wanted to be. Besides, I wanted to target Class A, and speaking of them."

Looking over his shoulder, he shouted.

"Oi, Baldy! How's that huh!? Kukukuku! You underestimate the power of offense!"

Ryuuen was mocking Katsuragi as he looked in shame at his phone. The other Class A students in the area all heard this, heck the entirety of the people in this place.

"Well, it was a good strategy Ryuuen-kun, and thank you for getting us to Class A, but..."

"Yeah, yeah you don't like how I do things blah blah blah. Just celebrate for now Honami! Your in Class A dammit, so just shut up and be happy about it."

Certainly, Ichinose really shouldn't complain, since Ryuuen, who's class was at the bottom, helped Ichinose, who's class was 6 points away to the top. Now they were at the top.

" Sigh...No point crying over spilt milk I guess." She said.

"Seems we'll be Class C starting next month. Please don't take too much offense Ryuuen-kun."

"Don't worry about me Hirata, what you should worry about is what Suzune will be experiencing in the next exam. You're my next target, that is one hell of a promise. Then Maida, then you Honami, and finally that crippled loli who didn't even make it to this trip. I've been saving her for dessert."

Ryuuen wanted to pick off the leaders and strategists one by one? Thankfully, I wasn't in his list, but I should tell Maida about this.

"I hope you'll at least entertain me Suzune."

"We'll see what happens next time."

"Kukuku, sure sure. Anyway, I'm heading off. I have some bitches in my class to talk to."

He forcefully slid his chair back and left our table. Now the rest of us remained.

"Well, do you guys think we can still keep up our alliance? We still owe Maida-kun for the results on the island." Ichinose said.

"Huh? What do you mean you owe him?"

"Oh? You still don't know? The reason we got almost as many points as your class was because Maida-kun helped us by giving the names of the leaders of Class A and C."

That seems uncharacteristic for Ichinose to accept such a proposal from Maida. Maybe it was because Maida owed her something and he did too much that Ichinose feels like she owes him something now.

"You just accepted it?" Hirata asked.

"It seems something you wouldn't do Ichinose-san."

"The thing is... Maida-kun sort of owed me for something in the past, then he used that exam to repay us. But, I feel like I owe him now, since he got a really bad injury, I feel like it was partly my fault for not noticing. He even got us a lot of points last exam."

Ah, I see. Maida had been visiting the Class B camp for more than just getting rid of the Class C spy. He talked to Ichinose about the leaders.

"I think I can understand. So you also feel guilty, don't you Ichinose-san? After all, Horikita-san and Maida-kun brought us the win in that exam, but both of them got hospitalized, Maida-kun even got a horrible injury."

"It's true, Maida-kun did a lot of the grunt work, so I don't understand much of what happened. I didn't really think trying to ask about how it did go was a good idea since he got really injured."

It's a good thing that Horikita thought it was disrespectful to talk about results at the time. Unlike that place, it's all about results no matter what happened to us.

"Oh, I need to go. Kanzaki-kun and some of my other classmates want to talk about these results. See you next time guys! Enjoy the rest of your summer!"

"Have a nice summer too Ichinose-san! Oh and Ayanokouji-kun, the situation with Karuizawa-san was resolved right?"

"Yeah, Machida, Yukimura, Kushida and I managed to convince Manabe and her friends to stop. They even apologized."

"I see, then thank you for that."

"It's no problem."

Well the reason for why it ended is a complete lie but it ended either way.

This should conclude the Zodiac Test. All that's left is the rest of the cruise and the days of summer. I'd say these results are rather satisfactory.

First Year Class Standings:

Class A (Sakayanagi): 874

Class B (Ichinose): 1068

Class C (Ryuuen): 592

Class D (Horikita): 829

(I'll be putting down names of the "leaders" from now on.)
_

Yasushi POV

What a headache...

"Checkmate, fufufu."

"Well played. I'm starting to see how counter strategies work in chess."

"Of course you are. There should be a counter strategy to every counter strategy, which you didn't make."

"Yeah, that's on me."

"Hmm? It seems that our classmates are able to contact us again."

"Already? It's only been four days."

"I'm sure their exam has concluded."

While Sakayanagi looked at her phone, I also got messages.

Oh dear, it's from Kikyou. Every single one of the messages were all from Kikyou.

[Did something happen?] 10:06am

[We finished the exam last night Yasushi-kun. The cruise ship is heading for the harbor right now.] 10:06am

[I see, we'll be waiting.] 10:06am

[We?] 10:06am

"Fufu, it seems Ryuuen-kun did the dirty work for me. Katsuragi-kun's reign on my class is over." Sakayanagi said.

"So that means you'll be the leader from here on?"

"Of course, we made a deal after all. If he slips up, the class would be mine."

I see, then the class battle would be much more difficult in the future. Through our chess matches, I learned that Sakayanagi is a ruthless attacker. If she targets my class and us alone, we don't have much a chance.

"It looks like we're gonna be opponents once again."

"Not quite, we still have the rest of summer do we not?"

"You're right about that, but aren't you going to be busy wrangling your classmates?"

"I won't, they'll come straight to me because they know of my deal with Katsuragi-kun."

"I see, then should we continue playing?"

"Of course, fufufu."

We continued playing for around three more hours, then we went to Keyaki Mall so we could roam around. I'd gotten used to the glances that second-years and third-years give us, the site of us would probably be odd to them.

"Not a single win again Maida-kun. I wonder when you'll beat me?"

"Never, you're like a grandmaster player while I'm just an average newbie."

"You're not giving yourself enough credit again. To me you're at least an intermediate player."

For the ten games we played after that talk, I didn't win any. Sakayanagi kept attacking despite me trying to break through her defensive line. Even when I have control over middle I still lose.

"Not that I care, I haven't really been practicing chess till we started playing together."

This was the truth. I was so focused on trying not to jump into despair back then that I haven't played chess, practiced archery or care for my other interests.

"Just keep stepping up your game. It's important to adapt after all."

"Indeed."

Hmm? Well what a coincidence.

"Student council president, good to see you again." Sakayanagi greeted him.

"Yes, good to see the both of you too."

"How goes the renovations to the council room Horikita-senpai?" I asked.

"It's going smoothly, thank you for asking."

"You two first-years have gotten quite the reputation among your senpais." Tachibana-senpai said.

"Was it because of that thing with Nagumo-senpai?"

"That was part of it. Nagumo-kun is the leader of all the current second-years, and since you've gotten his attention a lot of the students here are talking about it."

"Oh, well that's great..." I said sarcastically.

"Fufufu, popularity comes with a price Maida-kun."

"Oh right, about that matter senpai?"

"Yes, the necessary documents have already started to be put together. We also need to recreate some files though so it'll take a while. Expect the change to happen around the start of the second semester."

"I see, thank you in advance."

"There is no need for that. This was a necessary change, even the director as well as the Chairman agree."

I would have to agree. I mean, we're talking about legal and sensitive documents here.

"Anyway, we need to get go-"

Beep beep!

Hmm? My phone rung, who was it? Oh, it's Ayanokouji.

[Here are the current class points according to my calculations.] 3:56pm

He then sent me a picture of the class points, but it was on a handwritten paper instead of printed or digital document.

"Well I'll be damned, look at this Sakayanagi."

I showed her my screen, earning the curiosity of our two senpais in front of us.

"Fufufu, it's impressive that not only did he fail, he managed to lose our position. He's a goner by the second semester."

"Are you talking about the results of your fellow first-years?" Horikita-senpai asked.

"Yes, do you have a copy of the results already?"

"No of course not. I'll be getting one once the cruise ship and the students return though."

That's the power of the student council president I guess.

"Do you two have any more business with us? We'd like to continue our stroll."

"No, you may go. We need to check on the documents for that matter anyway."

"I see, farewell then Horikita-senpai."

"Take care now you two." Tachibana-senpai said as they passed by us.

Sakayanagi and I continued to walk through the mall for a little while afterward.

Now because of what they said, I realized why they kept looking at us, a lot of them must be spying.

The good news is that we weren't being seen as a couple...I think? Let's hope so.

Volume 4.5: Troubles of a Loner

I'll only be doing some of the events not all of them. Most of them would be altered.

Ayanokouji POV

We had just returned to school grounds. Everyone in the first-year student body, take away those that aren't present, were required to return to the dorms first before doing anything else. Two teachers escorted us, Chabashira-sensei and Mashima-sensei, while Sakagami-sensei and Hoshinomiya-sensei reported to the staff room with all the documented results of the two exams. Well, at least according to them.

"I can't wait to get back home..." One of the students said aloud.

"I forgot I'm all out of stuff, I'm gonna have to go shopping later." Another said.

"Oi, who are those two?"

One person's comment caught my attention, it was Sudou who said it. He was pointing his finger towards the little park in front of the first-year dormitory, to which a lot of us looked, even Ryuuen.

"Is that Sakayanagi-san?" One of the Class A students said.

"Maida-kun!?" Ichinose half shouted.

It was an interesting sight actually. Sakayanagi Arisu and Maida were sitting on the same bench, admiring the scenery. What's even more interesting is that I saw two canes. Two.

Turning around to the commotion, Maida looked at us and gave a little wave. Sakayanagi saw this and just smiled at us.

"Alright everyone settle down! Head back to your rooms first." Mashima-sensei ended everyone's chatter.

Yasushi POV

Looks like they didn't expect the two of us to be together.

"Everyone's back it seems. I suppose that's the end of our alone time." Sakayanagi said.

"You act like we were on a date this entire time."

"Were we not?" Her grin turned extremely smug.

"No." I said flatly.

"Instant rejection. Fufufu, I'm hurt."

Like hell you're hurt.

"Anyways, I should probably leave, no doubt some of my classmates will come running here once they got back."

"So you still don't want to be bothered?"

"This isn't really something I can just explain in one go." I pointed at my cane.

"I suppose so. You just want a better venue for when you do explain."

"Exactly. I'll see you around Sakayanagi-san."

"Oh before you go, I gave you my contact information did I not?" She asked while I slowly stood up.

"Yeah, why ask?"

"No reason, however I will be inviting you to places from time to time." She said.

"Okay then, I'll need advance notice for those though. Looking forward to it."

"No promises, fufufu."

I made my way back inside the dorm building, then went straight to my room.

Once I arrived, I had realized something. They'll just rush straight to here right after looking for me at that bench. Dammit.

This is the most awkward I've ever felt in quite a while.

"Uh...Nice to make your acquaintance?"

"Yeah, same here...I guess."

As I expected, a lot of people came into my room looking for me. In order for me to have alone time with Kikyou and Ayanokouji, I had asked Hirata beforehand to keep everyone who would visit on a tight leash.

There was one person here that I didn't expect though.

"You'll all be working together from now on, so bear with it." Ayanokouji said.

Kikyou had cried her eyes out for a few minutes before falling silent because of the other two in the room.

"Kikyou, stop hugging me."

"No."

This is so awkward because Ayanokouji and Karuizawa Kei were watching us in this position.

"So uhm, what now?" Karuizawa asked.

"Maida, I'd like you to explain your condition properly, so as I could make countermeasures."

"Yeah about that..."

I started to explain what happened to my physical condition. From the arrhythmia, to my crippled left leg, to my cane. What I didn't tell them was my exact relationship with Sakayanagi, I would very much like for the school to be the one to explain that.

"I see, then you really can't do much in terms of physical activities."

"I wouldn't be surprised if they exclude me from physical activities overall, like PE class."

"Ayanokouji-kun, should you really be acting like this in front of Kushida-san?"

"What? Can't trust me?" Kikyou asked with a smirk.

"I already explained this, all three of you know to a degree what I'm like behind the scenes. So yes, it's fine."

I don't know what happened to these two on the ship, but I doubt I want to know.

"Getting to the point, what's with introducing us to Karuizawa aside to tell us we'll be working together?"

"I want you three to at least get along, despite the origins of how you'll be working for me, trust is still essential for every plan. Horikita and Hirata will be covering for us, but we still need to be careful about this."

"We don't even know what our end goal is." I said.

"Certainly you don't know, because we don't have an end goal."

"""Eh?""" All three of us said, confused.

"You could call staying in school an end goal though. Do any of you even care about Class A?"

Now that was a good question. I myself, haven't cared about Class A ever since I figured out the system and when Chabashira-sensei explained it. The only thing i came here for at the time, was to run from the past. Now, I just want to feel useful till I fade away.

"I don't really care about it, I mean a good paying job would be nice but I could just go by selling crafted items or food." Kushida said.

"Same here, I could just keep myself going with a small business of my own." Karuizawa said.

"What about you Maida?"

They all looked at me.

"Never cared about it at all, not even back then."

"Then our being able to stay here with a good amount of points is our end goal."

In short, we can play defense all we want, even if we are Class D till the final semester of our third year. Ayanokouji doesn't seem to care about what those with goals like Horikita or idealists like Hirata want for themselves or for the class.

"So, we just play defense?" Kikyou asked, agreeing with my thoughts.

"Surely we'll need to go on the offensive every so often, like for what happened on the island." Ayanokouji said, looking at my left leg.

So for vengeance huh?

"But wouldn't that call attention towards us?" Karuizawa asked.

"Then it'll be a cycle of war, yes. That's what I want to avoid, so try not to get too much attention in terms of your efforts."

"Too late for that, it looks like Ryuuen sees Yasushi-kun as an opponent."

She must be referring to a conversation they had on the ship with Ryuuen.

"That's what Hirata and Horikita are for. You could call them our cloak so we could disappear."

Now I'm starting to lose the meaning of what he's trying to say. From what I understand we only protect ourselves then go on the attack if necessary, but try to keep quiet about it? Sounds like a battle royale game.

"Well, we should stay at that for now. You two, come with me and leave Maida's room, I'm sure you have something to do Maida?"

"Yeah, I have this appointment with the student council again."

"Will you be okay on your own Yasushi-kun?"

"I've been okay till now Kikyou, I'm sure I can survive." This trusty cane is my new best friend after all.

"Come on Kushida-san stop clinging onto him. Let's go.'

Karuizawa-san approached us and grabbed Kikyou's hand, then pulling her off me. I could see her pouting for a while until they left the room.

"Take care of yourself Maida." Ayanokouji said, closing the door behind him.

" Sigh...I wonder what his reaction will be to the announcement on the first day of the second semester?"

It's been a few days after the first-year student body came back to school grounds. Turns out, Sakayanagi wanted to meet with me today, and I wondered why.

I arrived at Keyaki Mall and decided to put on a more coordinated outfit for myself. My instincts told me something was going to happen but I couldn't put my finger on why.

"Ah, there you are."

It was legitimately ten minutes before our meeting time and she was already here.

"You're rather early, is there a reason for this meeting?"

"Oh nothing really, but it would seem you are also early."

"Well I was trying to observe proper etiquette but it seems I failed on that part."

"Fufufu, there you go again."

She suddenly started walking, to which I followed her.

"There is a particular reason for this meeting, an important one at that."

"What's so important?"

"You'll see soon."

What's she on about? I don't know anything about this, and her behavior is especially weird today.

Sakayanagi led me through the mall, I saw a few first-years looking at us, even those I know from other classes like Ichinose. I wonder what's going on, this is too convenient.

We arrived at a popular area in the mall, the karaoke room rentals.

"Hello, what is your business with us today?"

"I'm here to inquire on the Sakayanagi reservation."

"Ah yes, all your other guests are inside miss, please by all means."

The clerk showed us to one of the rooms then quickly left to go back to the reception. Sakayanagi opened the door, to reveal a dark room, it was almost pitch black.

"Sakayanagi, what is this supposed to be?"

"Just step inside for me."

The hell does she want from me? I'm getting really suspicious of this now but I supposed it's too late to say anything about it.

I stepped inside, my cane clacked onto the ground, then...

"SURPRISE!!!"

"Agh! What the!?"

The lights suddenly turned on, basically burning my eyes. When I looked at the room again, quite a few people were inside. People I knew from other classes and from my own.

"Happy birthday Maida-kun!" Hirata, one of the people inside, greeted me.

" Sigh...All of you really startled me. Thanks a lot guys."

"You should also thank Sakayanagi-san for this Yasushi-kun! She organized this after all." Kikyou was also here.

I looked at Sakayanagi to my side, she had a smug grin on her face, and held out a little bag.

"I was wondering this entire time on how you haven't been asking why I called you. However, it seems you've forgotten your own birthday."

"Oi oi, what's the matter dude?"

Hashimoto strode up to me then grabbed me by my shoulder.

"To think you'd forget your own birthday. Oh the humanity!"

"Can the insults Hashimoto-kun. Anyway, thanks a lot everyone, I might've just stayed in my room since I really did forget."

"No problem Maida-kun, that's what friends are for!" Ichinose came from behind us, by the door.

"Now that the guest of honor is here, shall we get started?" Sakayanagi said.

Ayanokouji POV

I was sitting on one of the couches, talking to Hirata. Sakayanagi Arisu had approached me yesterday asking to attend this meeting, I had planned to give Maida a gift today alone, but this works too.

"Maida-kun really made a lot of friends since we entered this school."

Through his efforts in the exams and on issues of the past, Maida managed to create his own social network aside Kushida's, which he has control over.

"Yeah, I'm glad that this amount of people care about him."

"Mn, especially since he'll only be able to walk with a cane from now on."

"Hirata-kun! Get over here!"

"Oh? Sorry Ayanokouji-kun I have to go. Have fun here!"

"Don't worry about me."

Hirata left our couch and went over to where Maida was. It was apparently his turn to give Maida's gift, good thing I already gave mine.

"Ara ara, if it isn't Ayanokouji Kiyotaka-kun."

Sakayanagi Arisu sat on the couch, observing Maida on his end of the room.

"Is there anything you need from me Sakayanagi?"

"Oh nothing, just wanted to see how you were doing here."

Under the guise of all this commotion, no one would be able to hear us, she knew that. Then, she said...

"Its been a long time Ayanokouji-kun, eight years and 172 days in fact. Or should I say its been one day, because we've already met yesterday."

"You're kidding me right? I don't even know who you are."

"Fufu, of course not. After all, its only me that knows who you are."

I looked at her, and she at me, all while the party was going on. I just hoped no one was looking at us.

"White Room."

I flinched.

"Now there's a reaction. Please relax, I have no intention of revealing it to anyone."

So she knows I come from that place huh?

"...Does Maida know?"

"No, in fact I'd like to keep him out of it."

Good, because if Maida knew then there's a chance that man would target him and his family. He may be a pawn but he's still a human with potential of being successful in the future. Who am I to ruin that?

"What do you want?"

"It isn't much, but I'd like for us to compete. After all, I'm the perfect person to bury a false genius."

"Okay then, I just have one question though."

Her grin turned smug.

"Can you bury me?"

"Hee hee!"

Sakayanagi tried sniffling a laugh and managed to keep herself from getting loud to not draw attention.

"I apologize, I didn't really think you would ask such a thing. I'm glad you did though, because I would very much like to bury the greatest masterpiece your father has ever made."

I wanted that too. My destruction, my defeat, would mean that man would lose. That was what I wanted, it would be a good end goal for myself, but I have to choose an end goal for them as well.

"That was all I wanted to say, thank you for indulging me. Please enjoy the rest of the party."

"What's your relationship with Maida?"

I asked the question while she tried to stand up.

"Who knows? You could say I have many types of relationships with him, but not in that way."

I don't know what that way actually is, but I assume its in a romantic way.

"Alright then."

"Farewell for now Ayanokouji-kun. Please tell me when you're thoroughly prepared to face me."

"Sure."

"Oh, and before I do leave, I should tell you something."

She turned her head a little,as if trying to look at me from behind.

"Expect a little surprise at the start of the next semester."

A surprise huh? A person like Sakayanagi wouldn't tell me something like that. Interesting.

Yasushi POV

The party was an incredible feat. Sakayanagi managed to gather a majority of the people I knew in the first-year student body that it actually surprised me. I got a lot of gifts too, some even just gave me gift cards since they didn't know what I wanted, which was respectable.

What's great was that I got a fifty thousand point gift card for one of the book stores that I like.

"Did you enjoy yourself?"

"Yes, thank you for everything Sakayanagi."

It was a blast but sadly, the day went by very fast because of it. It took a lot of convincing, but Kikyou let me walk with Sakayanagi back to the dorms alone, while everyone else already left. I was carrying my gifts in my free hand, thankfully no one bought anything big for me.

"You do know that we can switch to the first name basis now right?"

"I do, but I'd like to stay with this till it gets announced. I'm honestly eager to see everyone's reactions, I'm sure you are too."

"Fufu, indeed."

For my sheer entertainment, I wanted to keep it a secret, also because it was going to be really hard to explain. So I thought to myself, "Why not let the teachers and school explain it for me?" It was actually something troublesome.

"Did you like everyone's gifts?"

"Yes, especially yours and Kikyou's. It was very thoughtful of the two of you."

"I'm glad, for a second there I thought you wouldn't like them."

Sakayanagi had given me an exotic black coat, with a stylish design, while Kikyou had given me a grey beanie which for some reason goes very well with the coat. I couldn't even fathom how much the coat costed.

"Oh and were you really sure with that gift?"

"Of course I was, after all it wasn't just a birthday gift."

"Okay then, I'm convinced, thank you once again."

"Yes, just think nothing of it. As for our plans for the rest of summer will they be continued?"

"Yeah, I'll clear my schedule for that day."

"Good then."

She was talking about the pool being announced to open for the last few days of summer vacation. We were making plans for one last get-together before the second semester started. I actual wanted to go this time since Ichinose and Ayanokouji also had plans to go, it would be a coincidental meeting.

Sakayanagi and I continued to go back to the dormitories, ending our plans for the day. How dumb I must be to forget my own birthday huh?

Author's Note:

Some context on Maida's birthday. The Zodiac exam ended on August 14th, so I thought I'd make the ship arrive in Tokyo Harbor on the 15th around noon. Thus, letting Sakayanagi have enough time to gather everyone. She knew that Maida knew them through reports from Hashimoto and Kamuro of course.

It may look sus for her to do this but let's call it plot convenience for now.

Volume 4.5: Echo Charlie

This is a combination of Operation Delta and A Gathering Between Classes

Yasushi POV

"Alright, that should do it."

I finished packing my necessities for tomorrow's trip. I would be going in a group that consisted of Sakayanagi, Hashimoto and two other people that belonged to her faction.

(Ayanokouji already had that talk with Karuizawa earlier on this same day.)

One of them was named Kamuro, the purple haired girl that used to tail me during the first and second month. Next was Kitou, a gloomy looking character, however Sakayanagi reassured me that he's trustworthy.

Kikyou was supposed to go with Ayanokouji's group, which included Horikita, Sakura and Class D's "three idiots".

Knock knock knock!

Ah, speaking of Kikyou, sounds like she's here.

I opened the door to see Kikyou with a discomforted look on her face.

"What's with that look?"

She went inside without a word, and so I decided to close the door. When I got back inside, she had her phone out, then pressed a button.

" -reaten them, and make them move. After that we pull out towels and act like we're gonna change, and form a human wall around the vent that no one can see. Then I'll remove the hatch and insert the RC car. I'll operate it, so I'll need you guys to hide me. I'll stop the car right in front of the girls' locker room, and start recording. Once we've determined that they're done changing, we'll get the car back out." A voice outright said.

" So I threaten people and make them move. I also need to make sure people don't get close to us right?"

" You guys see just how incredible Operation Delta is?"

" B-But Kanji, this is a crime dude. Like, the sin is gonna weigh heavier on me than the actual peeping."

Out of shock and anger, I accidentally dropped my cane and used the wall as a support. Kikyou heard my cane drop then looked at me with a disgusted face. She put a finger on her lips to symbolize staying silent before I shout with a pissed off mood.

I continued to silently listen as I prepared Kikyou and I cups of tea. All I know for now is that the criminals of this "Operation Delta" would be Ike, Yamauchi and Sudou. Ike was the main asshole here, trying to corrupt Yamauchi and Sudou's morals, and he even succeeded dammit.

" Look, I've been saying this for a while now Ayanokouji. Licking a flute is a crime, and directly peeping on someone changing clothes is a crime. Secretly photographing someone without their knowing is a crime. But this is what youth is for! Boys peeping on girls getting changed don't go to jail; we only get a warning. That's what I mean! You get it?"

"Kikyou is that just a video or audio recording? Not a live call?"

"Yup."

"Good."

I said while setting down our cups of tea.

"What the fuck does he think youth is about huh?"

I could see Kikyou flinch from my surprising comment.

She pressed another button on her phone then set it down.

"Youth is about enjoying life while sticking to one's morals. Is that what his morals are? Peeping on girls? How disgusting."

What's the point of doing it in the first place? Sure the opposite sex can appeal you, but to me that's about it. From what these pieces of garbage are saying, this isn't love, more like trying to objectify the girls.

"What should we do about this Yasushi-kun?"

"As much as I want them to disappear from this school, the class would fall apart if they know of this situation."

I put a hand on my face, annoyed on how limited my options are.

"We could always leave it to Ayanokouji-kun you know?"

"I doubt he'd want to do this himself though."

"Oh? Hold on, speaking of Ayanokouji-kun..."

She put her phone towards her ear.

"...Ayanokouji-kun? Yes, I'm here, or should I say we."

She pressed another button then set her phone down once again.

" We? Who else is with you?"

"Me."

" Oh, I forgot to tell you not to tell Maida about this."

"What do you want us to do."

" First of all I want you to calm down, I can hear the anger just in your voice alone. As for this situation, I'll handle it myself. If I leave it to you, I doubt you'd be happy not getting them expelled."

"Of course I wouldn't be happy. What the fuck is the point of letting them stay aside the class points?"

Ayanokouji POV

He's mad to the point that he's actively swearing.

"The point would be the class morale. As much as I agree with you on the fact that this is non-justifiable by any means, if the class found out about this, there will be a divide among the boys and girls. The only trustworthy ones in the girls would probably only be Hirata and you."

" Sigh... Alright just this once I'll stay out of it. I'll be keeping my eyes on them though since I'm also going to the pool tomorrow with Sakayanagi and a few others."

"Don't worry, I'm sure you won't act without reasoning. Just leave this to me."

" Fine, I'll trust you with this. I'll just enjoy my time there like I had planned in the first place."

" See you tomorrow Ayanokouji-kun." Kushida cut in, then ended the call.

You better not get out of control Maida, because I already have the situation undercontrol.

"Gah, hold still dude!"

Ike was struggling to put the RC car inside the vent because Yamauchi kept squirming.

Earlier, our group ran into Ichinose's by coincidence, and I saw that Maida's group was already out by the pool when we arrived. I had to give him a hand sign saying I had everything under control so that he wouldn't intervene with my plan.

"I'm heading out." I said, walking away from them.

"Huh? You're betraying us!?" Yamauchi said in a panicked tone.

"No, but it'll be suspicious that none of us go out, besides we've been here a while."

"O-Oh right, got it."

I walked out of the locker room, then out to the pool area.

"Whoa, talk about luxury. It's completely decked out."

The large pool facility, normally used for club activities and regular practice, looked completely different today. Several students crowded the area, but food stalls were also everywhere. Snacks and junk food were in abundance: hot dogs, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and more. Even weirder, upperclassmen seemed to be managing the stalls. There were all types, from serious students who worked hard without so much as a smile, to students who looked like they were having a blast.

It reminded me of the special tests. Whatever was going on, it certainly seemed festive. While we stood around, waiting for the girls, I felt the group's mood begin to lift. I didn't know how we compared to other school, but a lot of people at this school were more attractive than average. That included members of our group. We were surrounded by many gorgeous students whose names I didn't know. No wonder Ike and Yamauchi were so sex-mad. Almost all of the male students suddenly focused their attention on a single point.

"Whew. This sure is a huge crowd, isn't it?"

Ichinose caught up with us, apparently oblivious to everyone looking at her. Those of note that didn't look at her was Maida and his group, who were engrossed in the chess match being played by him and Sakayanagi.

"Hey..."

Unsure where to look, I shifted my gaze toward the wall as I answered.

"Where are the others? I thought the boys would be faster." She said.

"They're still changing." I answered.

They were also late due to other...circumstances.

"You got changed pretty quickly."

"Ah haha! I'm pretty confident in my quick-change abilities." Ichinose boasted, as though that was something to be proud of.

Her sunny innocence might just be the secret to her popularity.

"Oh! Ayanokouji-kun, you brought a rash guard?"

"This might be strange for a guy, but I don't really like showing skin in front of people. I heard it was okay to wear this when we aren't in class."

"I see. I think that's fine. It doesn't violate the rules after all."

"A few other students were also covering up, even guys like me. Even Maida, who was playing away in chess wore a summer shirt and shorts instead of a bathing suit or rash guard.

Ichinose poked my vest-covered stomach with her index finger.

"You're pretty hard. Also you're slender. You have the ideal amount of muscle, without being too muscular." She observed.

She kept touching me all over, from my arms to my shoulders. I obviously had the funds to buy an outer garment. Still, I should thank Katsuragi despite what I got from Maida.

"Do you work out?"

"No, it's probably just the material. I don't exercise daily or anything." I said.

"Hmm."

Ichinose lowered her eyes to look at my legs but at least she stopped asking questions. Still, standing this close to her made me hyper-consncious of her monstrous-er, very large breasts. How in the world could I swim in that condition? I doubted whether I'd even be able to move.

"Well, those guys are late. I think I'll go check on them." I said.

I knew full well what they were doing, and why they were late, but I couldn't hear seeing Ichinose in her swimsuit anymore. I turned on my heel and headed for the men's locker rooms. Several minutes !after, we completed our preparations. We headed to the pool together. All the girls, including Horikita, had assembled.

"Wow!"

Ike couldn't help but exclaim when he saw the wondrous spectacle the girls presented. Sakura, however, retreated to the back of their group. She, of course, was wearing a rash guard too. Even so, not all guys were able to conceal their delight at seeing the girls wearing swimsuits.

"Gah, ah! I can see them. Their breasts, underneath those thin swimsuits! I can see them!"

Ike and Yamauchi stared at the girls as if they had X-ray vision. They seemed to be heaving the time of their lives. They should tone it down though. Once Maida hears them there's no telling what he'll do. Thankfully, Sakayanagi has him distracted with their chess match.

"Okay, how about we get going? Looks like that spot at the far back is open."

Ichinose led the way as we went to secure a place where we could hang out. The guys fell in line right behind the girls, their objective to ogle the girls gently bouncing buttocks. However, Sudou didn't move from Horikita's side. They looked good together. I actually thought they would be a surprisingly good couple.

Meanwhile, I walked next to Sakura, which was becoming a habit.

"Ah, thank you." She whispered.

"Why are you thanking me?" I asked.

"What do you mean?" Sakura appeared puzzled.

Then she realized she had no idea what she was referencing to.

"Um, well. For inviting me today."

"Huh? It's normal, after all. We're friends. Right?"

I said the word "friend" smoothly and easily. Sakura looked up happily, her eyes sparkling like a puppy's.

"So you don't need to thank me." I said.

Sakura apparently didn't agree.

"Still, thank you." She repeated.

"No well... Well, okay."

That was just the way Sakura was.

It was why I could relax when I was with her. Even so, she had become bolder. She'd matured to the point where I barely recognized her as the same girl I first met. A classmate had confessed romantic feelings toward her, and she hadn't run away but answered him properly. Watching her grow more and more each day, I thought that maybe I could change too.

"I've been thinking, recently- during PE, the teacher told us that swimming would definitely be useful to us later. I think that referred to the island test."

Sakura made this observation with a fiery look in her eyes. I decided not to deflate her.

"I see. Huh. That's certainly true."

"See, just like I thought!"

She gave a small hop of joy, making her breasts jiggle beneath her rash guard. However, her expression turned apologetic the next moment.

"If I participated properly, I think I'd be more useful. I used my poor health as an excuse to run away."

"As long as you're aware of that, isn't it enough?"

The students who once lived solely for themselves, with no thought of the future, had slowly begun to realize that people couldn't survive alone. Unless you planned to be a hermit, living in a mountain, you had no choice but to depend on other people. The majority of junior high and high school students hadn't noticed this, however. They lived hedonistic isolation, spending their time on the Internet or feverishly engaging in mobile games. Some delinquents even committed crimes ranging from minor offenses to serious felonies.

They didn't know how to ask for help or cooperate with others. Some would spend their entire lives not knowing how. This school was different though. Their methods were unique but they seemed to be trying to teach students how to become functional individuals. Sakura had started to recognize that. She'd realize that maybe there was something she could do for the class. She might eventually become a great asset to 1-D.

(Summer isn't over and it's currently still August in this timeline. They haven't been promoted yet.)

There was one aspect that I didn't quite understand though, the person who asked to be my pawn. He, at the start of the year, reminded me of just another average student, that is until we started talking to each other. At the start, I didn't sense any ambition in him to rise up and fight, now he did. Maybe it was because he had a goal now, to be useful. At least, that's what I think. Since I can clearly see in him that he just doesn't want to bother others but still be helpful. He's probably the opposite of Horikita because he didn't think what he does is good enough.

Maida had also begun to change. All he really needed was one little push, which I myself didn't even have to do. He just realized how great I was, and wanted to be useful to me, like an employee seeking to help a company. In his own way, he is worthy of Class A, and yet he was placed here among us defects. Maybe his history had something to do with it.

"Ichinose-san. You guys. You came here today as well huh?"

Someone broke my train of thought. Three male students called out to us as we looked for a spot. I recognized one: Kanzaki from Class B. He nodded to us.

"Yoo-hoo! Shibata-kun, you're here with the guys?" Asked Ichinose.

Shibata raised his hand and looked at us Class D students with a smile.

"Looks like a fun group! How about we join you?"

"I'm totally okay with that, but...is that all right?" Asked Ichinose.

Kushida nodded enthusiastically, which annihilated Ike and Yamauchi's ability to veto the suggestion. The three Class B students joined us, making our group's total number a staggering thirteen members.

"Sorry for bothering you." Said Kanzaki, approaching me.

He understood that I wasn't especially good at dealing with a rowdy group. Sakura, for some reason stayed by my side, not even trying to fade away like she does normally.

"That's fine." I said.

"Ah, good to see you again Sakura-san."

"L-Likewise, Kanzaki-kun." Sakura replied.

It seems these two know each other. Interesting.

Yasushi POV

How did we attract such a crowd on us?

We were currently seated at a table off to the side of the pool, Sakayanagi sitting across me with her side of the chessboard. Hashimoto, Kitou and Kamuro were all watching us play, but then the senpais saw us. Now, I'm under even more pressure then when I normally play with Sakayanagi.

"Watch yourself kouhai, looks like you're in a disadvantage." A senpai, who knew about chess, warned me.

Meanwhile somewhere by the pool, we could hear cheers, but the senpais watching us stayed.

Hey guys, just go off to whatever was happening over there, I'm dying from pressure here you know?

"Check."

Sakayanagi placed her bishop on a tile that intersects with my king. I quickly put a pawn to block. That pawn got killed off by the nearby knight. I had no choice but to move my king onto another tile.

"Checkmate."

" Sigh...Dammit, well played."

The senpais around us gave soft claps and a few comments on how good that game was. That particular match took half an hour, which was a few minutes longer than our normal matches back in the library.

"Shall we play again?" Sakayanagi asked.

"Sure. Oh wait hold on."

I got a text on my phone from earlier which I ignored because of this match, so now I looked at it. It was Kikyou, who I could see from my area that she was with Ayanokouji's group.

[The situation has been taken care of Yasushi-kun. Karuizawa-san took out the SD card.] 9:12am

I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Something the matter?"

"Oh no it's nothing. Let's start."

The day went on as we played away through the day. The commotion of the cheering was apparently a volleyball match that involved Nagumo-senpai. Sakayanagi and I just spent the day together playing chess and chatting, while the other three in our group watched.

Since Kikyou told me not to worry about Operation Delta, I just didn't. This was one of the times that I left absolutely everything in Ayanokouji's hands.

I told Sakayanagi that I'd just head back with Ayanokouji's group, to which she hesitated but reluctantly agreed.

"Ayanokouji, how goes the sabotage?"

I approached the man who stood around near the pool.

"Any minute now. Ah, I'm so drained." He said.

Before I could react, Karuizawa appeared behind us, slapping Ayanokouji's back.

"Good work, how'd it go?"

"It's just like you said- wait should we be...?" She said, looking at me.

"He's in the know, we can." Ayanokouji replied.

"Alright, we'll just like you said,they did it. Honestly repulsive."

"Come on, don't say that. It's just youth run amok, right?"

"I wouldn't call an attempt at a serious crim 'youth run amok'." I commented.

"Anyway, how was it you two? Being at the pool I mean." He asked.

"I loved how I got brutally murdered in chess."

"Whatever, I don't feel much of anything, but..."

Karuizawa looked around warily, as if to see if there are any spectators.

"Even if it's fake I'm supposed to still be going out with Hirata-kun."

"Karuizawa there's two of us here. There's no such thing as that in Japan. You wouldn't be seen as cheating on him." I said.

"Ah, that was your concern. Don't worry about it then, like Maida said there's two of us."

Hirata was supposedly Karuizawa's boyfriend, but ever since Ayanokouji filled me in, I know it wasn't true.

"We were allowed to wear rash guards today. You saw them right?" Ayanokouji asked.

"Well yeah. But are you really okay with spending money on a rash guard? They're pretty expensive."

"Don't worry, I had a hand in that expense."

"You did?"

"You could say he did."

We were referring to the 2.5 million private points that I sent to him around the second month.

Karuizawa held her hand out to Ayanokouji, to which he grabbed.

"What are you planning anyway?"

"What do you mean?"

"Question, is that the card?" I asked.

"Yeah, and Ayanokouji-kun could've just enjoyed the show. Actually, didn't you just enjoy the show?" Karuizawa pointed her finger to me.

"Ayanokouji said I shouldn't worry about it so I didn't. Instead, I just played chess. Besides do you really think I could do anything without being conspicuous with this?" I pointed toward my leg and cane.

"He has a point, besides like he said I told him not to intervene."

"Okay then, I guess."

"Oh and also, you two should prepare yourself for a little trick I'd pull in the next exam."

"You said 'I'd', are you not sure of it yet?"

"No, but the trick would be to have someone expelled."

""Huh?"" We both said.

I looked at Ayanokouji with my full attention. If he's gonna do what I think he'll do...

"Wait a minute! What do you mean!?"

"Exactly what I said. I'm going to have a first-year expelled. The ideal candidates would be those three girls who know about your past. If we can't get to them, then perhaps someone else. If that doesn't work, then..."

"T-Then what?" Karuizawa asked.

"He'll have one or all of the three that tried to pull a fast one on the girls. You have the power right there clasped in your right hand, isn't that correct Ayanokouji?"

"Yes."

"You do understand what you're saying don't you? Getting someone expelled isn't easy."

"It's as easy as you could think Karuizawa. All Ayanokouji has to do is walk over to the faculty room and report this incident, then one, two or three students would be expelled. I'll trust you with this Ayanokouji."

I'm in full support of getting any of those three expelled, especially the one that corrupted the other two.

"B-But wait. Why are you talking about this? You went all out trying to save Sudou-kun in the past right?"

Yes, the two us saved Sudou in his case. However, at some point after that, Ayanokouji was committed into reaching Class A. Even if he didn't really say so last time, that was definitely our end goal.

"Even though you two saved Sudou-kun, you're gonna kick him out?"

"No, I'm not getting rid of Sudou. His potential and physical abilities are too important for the class." He said.

Certainly, Sudou's physical abilities can't be compared much against others, probably not even Kouenji.

"But what will happen to our class points once someone gets expelled?"

"It's go down obviously, but we can afford the hit. We're around 200 points ahead of Class C." Besides, the fear would drive the others in our class to keep struggling against expulsion.

"Both of you can be real awful."

"Is that not obvious already?" Ayanokouji asked.

"For you it is, but for someone like Maida-kun, I wouldn't even have thought that he'd be working for you. Let alone him being cruel as well."

I can throw away my beliefs for the sake of survival sometimes.

"Why don't you consult Hirata-kun?"

"No, we don't talk about him right now." He said, looking at me.

"Oh, a secret between just the two of you, got it."

"Anyway."

He tossed the thing in his right hand to me, which I caught calmly. It was the SD card.

"Since you were accidentally involved in this Maida, I'll leave the choice to you."

"What do you mean accidentally involved?"

"Ike mentioned that the Professor used a modified camera that you requested from him, but never got. So, the choice is yours."

The modified camera? Oh right I did request something like that from the Professor back on the cruise ship.

Damn it, so this was partly my fault.

" Sigh...Well since I was accidentally involved..."

I crushed the thing inside my palm.

"Eh!?"

I then slowly walked toward a trash bin and threw the remains.

"I guess I'll forgive them this time. Besides if it weren't for my request they would have had a harder time planning this bs out."

I then made my way towards the exit alone.

"I'll wait for you two at the bus station. Finish whatever you need to finish." I said, leaving them behind.

I knew they wanted to finish that conversation about Hirata. Have fun Ayanokouji.

(Rushed ending oof. Also last chapter for 4.5, Volume 5 is next. Live with it, I'm lazy.)

Volume 5: Bomb Dropped

Yasushi POV

Summer vacation was finally over, and everyone had returned to the normal school life.

On this day, it was currently our afternoon class, which became a two hour homeroom period. Class C's homeroom teacher, Chabashira-sensei had arrived.

"Starting today, classes begin again. However, before we do start, I have two announcements."

Sensei looked around, then her eyes fell on me. Hmm, I guess it's time, huh Arisu?

"Yasushi, please come forward."

"EH!?" Most of the class erupted.

"Sensei is calling Maida by his first name!? What's happening here!?" Ike yelled.

"Sensei, are you feeling okay? Did you get blackmailed by this guy!?" Yamauchi also yelled.

"Relax, I haven't even gotten to the actual announcement yet. It's really hard to explain."

I had ignored everyone's shouts and complaints then walked toward the podium.

"Here are your new documents, phone with a new school ID, and a few new guidelines because of the change. Transfer all your points, important information and data to the new phone then give me the old one once you're done." I accepted all the materials she gave me.

"Now, what I'm about to tell you is also being told to the rest of the first-year student body, that way there are no mistakes. The second-years and third-years do not need to be informed."

The class looked puzzled. What could be important to the first-years but not to our senpais?

"There has been a mistake in how the school has perceived Yasushi's personal information and it took the higher ups a long time to discuss and fix the issue."

She looked at the class with a serious expression.

"Let me reintroduce him to you all. Meet your classmate, Sakayanagi Yasushi."

Flashback

"Identity reassignment papers?" I asked.

"Yes, the Chairman has informed me that there was a little mistake on your personal information status. He left this for you." Horikita-senpai showed me a little voice recorder.

I pressed the play button.

" Yasushi-kun, I'm sure you're pretty confused but since I have little time I will only explain it in the simplest matter that I can. You're birth father truly is Maida Takao, the same father you were raised by, but that's not much of the case." Chairman Sakayanagi's voice started playing.

" Around when you were two years old, Takao suggested that I adopted you. Of course I hesitated, but since he brought up his heart problems, I agreed. We had the six month process and the documents were fixed up straight afterwards. Your last name was kept as Maida under your father's wish, this was allowed anyway. From your entrance into this school I knew you didn't know about your birth certificate and other documents that had me as your legal guardian."

No, I didn't even see my birth certificate!

" I also assume you didn't remember much from your infancy days, which is understandable. Anyway that's all I can really say, the student council president should have given you the identity reassignment documents. All you need to do is sign it and you'll be known with our last name, Sakayanagi. It's completely your choice, but either way after you get out of this school I'll be the one to take care of you."

The recording ended after that last bit.

"Man, I'm a fool."

"Just because you were too young to remember much doesn't mean you're a fool." Sakayanagi Arisu said.

"Anyway, what'll you choose? Like I said this offer is until today only."

"Heh, it's not even a choice. From the start I didn't think I'd have a future, but now I do. Just one question though. Are you really fine with me being your brother?" I directed it at Sakayanagi.

"Father had discussed this with me at the start of the school year. Around the first month, we had a little chat about you being here as well as the fact that he had plans to have your last name changed. So yes, I'm fine with you being my brother." She said with a smile. Not a smug grin, a smile.

"Okay then, I guess I'll sign it. Thank you for having me."

I held out my hand to Sakayanagi, to which she held with both of hers.

"Welcome to the family, Yasushi-kun."

"...Could we not do the first name basis till this is announced? I know this needs to be fixed in the school system and told to the students. Besides this'll need some getting used to" I suggested.

"Fufu, all right then, we can keep this a secret."

"I'm still here you know? Maida, sign it." Horikita-senpai said with a satisfied smirk.

"Oh right."

(Okay I had to search this one up. I had planned for him to be adopted but after searching it, I was like "why not add a little more to his backstory?" So I did and here we are. What Chairman Sakayanagi did with Yasushi is called Special Adoption in Japan. Since he has some influence in the government, I thought it'd be fine for him to be a single parent and adopt him. It might not be realistic but hey it's a fanfic.)

End of flashback

"EH!?"

Another eruption came from my classmates. I could see Horikita and Kikyou with widened eyes. Ayanokouji though, didn't have much of a reaction on his face, but I knew he got caught off guard by this announcement.

"I will not disclose any background information on this. Just note that this was an issue with his entrance into the school and identity. We had no choice but to fix it. I also suggest you do not ask him about this because he hasn't been told much either." Chabashira-sensei explained.

"It's as sensei said everyone. I wasn't told much, and I didn't know about it either until recently. However, from today on, please regard me as Sakayanagi Yasushi, I've already accepted this. You can differentiate me and my step-sister through honorifics." I said.

"So uhm, Mai- I mean, Sakayanagi-kun. Is this really something you just accepted? You've lied to yourself about your identity this entire time right?"

"Not necessarily lied, more like misinterpreted, but my birth father really was a Maida. I was apparently adopted around when I was two years old, but that's all I'll disclose."

"The process for the documents for outside the school will take about a month, but we decided to implement the change now. His identity has been changed already and the Sakayanagis have full care of Yasushi here."

Now my classmates are understanding why she had to call me by my first name.

"And like he said, you may differentiate him and Sakayanagi Arisu of Class 1-B by using honorifics or using their first name. Any other questions before we move on to the second announcement?"

It looked like they were convinced.

"None? Okay, please return to your seat Sakayanagi."

I nodded then slowly made my way back to my seat. Of course, I got glances. Were they worried I'd betray the class to help Arisu's?

"Now for the second announcement. From September to the beginning of October, we will be holding more physical education classes to prepare for the upcoming Sports Festival. We'll distribute new weekly schedules, so please review them carefully. In addition to the new schedules we'll also distribute materials related to the festival. Students seated in front, please pass handouts to those behind you and so on."

"Alright!!" Sudou shouted with enthusiasm.

And now it's like everyone forgot about the first announcement. Well, their reactions were priceless during the moment so that's fine.

"Settle down everyone." Sensei said.

"Sensei, is this another one of the special exams?" Hirata asked.

I was expecting her to say "naturally", but...

"You're free to interpret it however you wish. In any case, this event will massively impact each and every class."

Those who loathed exercise grumbled, while the rest were excited. If this were an ordinary school we could've found a way to skip the festival, but that's not the case. Since this will affect the class's fate, even the least athletic have to participate.

But guess what Sports Festival? I have to walk with a cane, so Arisu and I are special cases. Ha, eat it, I hated sports festivals ever since middle school.

Let me see here.

I flipped over the handout a little then read its contents. What the?

"Some people have noticed this already, but for this year's festival, we're going to divide all students across all grade levels into two groups and have them compete against each other. You Class C are assigned to the White Team. Class B is also in White Team, so they will compete alongside you." Chabashira-sensei explained.

The former Class D and Class A, so basically if the positions didn't change we'd still be teammates. In that event we'd be in Red Team while Ryuuen and Ichinose's classes were in White, but it's the other way around. Anyway it'd be Red versus White.

"Whoa! Seriously!? We're really doing that?" Ike shouted out.

He might've assumed it would put all four classes against each other like normal, but instead we were divided into two teams. I myself had thought so before I saw it and sensei explained it. This demanded inter-class and year cooperation, which wasn't normal for us.

I wonder, will Horikita's brother complex hold her back from doing her best? I could hear her and Ayanokouji muttering to each other.

(Skipped the exam explanation again. Hehehe.)

Over four hundred people were in Gymnasium 1 for the assembly. Instructors, students, even some normal maintenance staff were here. We were, of course, fallen in line with our own classes. While everyone sat on the floor, I was given a chair, how nice of them.

I can just feel the gazes that first-years are giving me, especially from Class 1-B.

"I'm Kiriyama, second-year Class B. The third-years decided that I should assume command of White Team." Kiriyama-senpai said.

This guy was that secretary that warned me of Nagumo-senpai by using hand signs right? Yeah, I remember now.

"A piece of advice to you first-years, which I assume the captain of Red Team is also saying something similar." He said.

"Your lack of motivation is understandable, but we'll be attempting to get victory here okay? The only inter-year event is the last one, 1200 meter relay, so I'd like for each year to prepare a good plan to try and win everything. Now, go on and discuss your strategies." Kiriyama-senpai finished.

In response to his words, Katsuragi and Class 1-B begun assembling in droves, while we in Class C were floundering a little. Its probably because of nervousness of eing in the company of elite senpais and the former Class A of our year.

"Hirata, I hope we can join forces with your class without any problems, despite the bizarre circumstances of being teamed up." Katsuragi said, approaching our class.

"I feel the same way Katsuragi-kun." Hirata replied.

It would seem Katsuragi would like to redeem himself for the past two exams. His class dropped to Class B because of him, there is an obvious tension within him for not being able to lead them to victory.

"Hey check it out. Is that her?" Ike whispered.

From my chair, I could clearly see her. My new step-sister Arisu, stuck out like a sore thumb like I did. It seems she didn't intend to help with the discussion of teams.

She gave a thin smile and a little wave as she saw me, I responded with a wave of my own.

"Every individual class has its own strategies, but-" Katsuragi continued talking, ignoring the concerned looks and murmurs that my class gave.

"So you don't intend to have a discussion?" Someone said.

Ichinose of Class 1-A was currently talking to Ryuuen Kakeru of Class 1-D.

"You understand that I'm leaving out of goodwill right? Even if I offered to cooperate with you, you wouldn't believe anything I say. In the end, you'd just probe me for information to see if I can be trusted, right? Its a waste of time."

"I see, so you're just saving us the hassle then?"

"Yup, you should be grateful."

"Hey Ryuuen-kun, do you really think you can win without cooperating?"

"Heh. Hmm, I wonder."

Ryuuen sneered and walked out of the gym, his class in tow. The rest of us could merely just watch and realize just how much Class D was a dictatorship.

"Class A seems to have it really rough, being paired with Class D and all." What we saw was a reminder that Ryuuen controled his class with no complaints from them.

Katsuragi looked at Horikita and offered her advice.

"Since we'll be teamed together I'll warn you. Don't underestimate Ryuuen. He'll laugh while he attacks you in the same instant. Don't let your guard down."

"I appreciate the warning, but I wonder if you're speaking from personal experience."

This girl...

"This is no time to think yourself superior Horikita." I said aloud.

Quite a few people from both my class and Katsuragi's looked at me.

"If you think you could win while disregarding his existence, you're wrong. You of all people should know right?"

"And who are you to say that, Sakayanagi-kun?"

"You're really going t hold on to that stubbornness? fine, you've been warned not once, but twice. Continue with that confidence of yours, you'll be torn apart."

The glances I got started to feel like they're getting angry.

"Everyone calm down. Horikita-san, Sakayanagi-kun is right. Remember how he said he'd target you this time? We need to be careful." Hirata said.

"I'm well aware."

"I wonder if he'll make a move right away." Arisu whispered, apparently still thinking about what Ryuuen could be planning.

Those who heard her gave her questioning glances.

"That's Sakayanagi Arisu. She's disabled, so please be sensitive about that." Katsuragi said.

"Oh, don't worry Katsuragi-kun, Sakayanagi Yasushi-kun is also the same, so we have an idea of how to avoid being offensive."

"Ah right, you recently got your last name changed if I remember what Mashima-sensei said."

"Dude, your step-sister is super cute!" Someone said.

"You really have the audacity to say that when both of us are right here?"

I gave the boys in my class a hostile look.

"Fufufu, being protective, are we step-brother?" She tried teasing me.

"Some of these guys are perverts, that's why."

"I see. Unfortunately for everyone, neither of us will be that useful in this competition. The two of us will be consistently absent. Please accept my humblest apologies on our behalf."

I didn't even have to stand up for myself there.

"You have nothing to apologize for. No one will give you a hard time on that. Right everyone?"

"The school sure is harsh. They should've come up with some accommodation for you."

"Oh they have, they managed to organize my documents, so that's enough for me." I chimed in.

"Still, you two don't need to worry. We'll handle everything!"

Thanks to Arisu's calm and innocent demeanor, a lot of them gave their support to us.

"Your kindness overwhelms me."

If it weren't for me knowing about her tactical side, I would have also fallen for her act.

I could see that Katsuragi watched her quietly. I guess he'll one again assume command of over Class B since Arisu wouldn't be able to participate, but the divide in power is still plain to see.

"Although if you do need help in strategizing, please feel free to consult us." She added

"Yes, that's really all we can do, plan." I said.

"Anyway, I was thinking that it'd be best if we just keep out of each other's way. You don't mind, do you?" Katsuragi said, ignoring us.

"So you won't share the details of the competitions you'll be participating in?" Hirata asked.

"Right, letting that information slip might lead to unnecessary conflict down the road. Besides, constantly comparing ourselves to each other will only increase the divide between us."

While they were talking to each other, I stood up and pulled my chair so that it's located next to Arisu's. Neither of us can do anything for this competition anyway.

"Good to see you." I said, sitting down again.

"It's official now right? Yasushi-kun?" She asked.

"Yup, it sure is Arisu."

"Fufufu."

"Please don't get the wrong idea. We're gonna be siblings not lovers."

"Another rejection. When will you stop hurting my feelings?"

I had half a mind to hit her on the head with my cane, problem was there were spectators. You win this round.

"So, what would you be doing for the Sports Festival?"

"Nothing I suppose. Though like you suggested I might help them out in creating the participation table, along with a few other things."

"I see, then we get to keep playing chess together."

She was smiling. Was she excited for our future matches?

"Sakayanagi."

Both of us looked at the person that said our name.

"Oh sorry, I meant Sakayanagi-kun. Horikita wants to talk to you." It was Ayanokouji.

Well this was a problem to those that don't use honorifics.

"So much for making plans. See you later Arisu."

"Till next time step-brother."

That's gonna take some getting used to.

Ayanokouji POV

I was definitely caught by surprise at that moment. Who knew that Maida- I mean Sakayanagi-kun got adopted? Later either I had to get used to using an honorific for him and his step-sister or I call him by his first name.

Anyway, I suppose it checks out. Back in that place during the earlier years of education, I learned that Special Adoption was possible of the birth parent/s and adoptive parents agreed to it. I suppose everything was settled as Sakayanagi-kun said when he was two years old.

Still, I genuinely had to admit that I was caught by surprise by that announcement. This was what Sakayanagi Arisu said by "surprise at the start of second semester".

Now, I was just sitting in my dorm room, talking with the group.

"Yasushi-kun none of what happened in homeroom was a lie was it?" Kushida asked.

"For the tenth time, no. None of it was a lie, I'm adopted, the documents just had to be fixed, that's why the announcement was made public to the first-years."

"Still Sakayanagi-kun, that was one of the last things I would've guessed as an announcement." You and me both Karuizawa.

"Anyway, this'll only change my identity and my relationship with Arisu. I'll still be the same guy you all knew. Nothing to worry about." Sakayanagi-kun said.

"It certainly is nothing to worry about you two." I said, ending the discussion.

Kikyou seemed convinced now, but Karuizawa looked like she still had her doubts.

"If you're worried about me betraying the class, don't. I've been promised a future either way. Whether Class A or D, I'll help till the end, that's one promise I'm willing to keep." He said.

"Fineeeee. I guess we'll leave it at that." Karuizawa gave up after that.

"Anyway, for the sports festival you can obviously see that I won't be able to participate. However, I can help with the participation table and other stuff behind the scenes when needed. I'll just be playing chess with Arisu in my free time so you could probably find me at the library." He said.

"Don't worry. I'll have Kushida and Karuizawa help me in convincing Hirata for the participation table. As for Horikita, since she has her own influence circle now, I think she can handle herself with convincing them." I said.

"Alright, sounds like a plan then. Once again, everything is in your hands."

"We'll be here to help Ayanokouji-kun. Just tell us what we need to do next." Kushida said.

Karuizawa nodded and Sakayanagi-kun had a look that said "good luck" on his face.

This'll be quite the interesting Sports Festival.

Author's Note:

Ever wondered why the POV was Yasushi instead of Maida? I didn't either, but then I used it to my advantage.

I made sure to make Yasushi being adopted as realistic as I possibly could have made it. Special Adoption exists and is allowed in Japan for kids 6 years and below, as well as for adopting couples to be 25 years and above. Since Chairman Sakayanagi has quite a bit of influence in the government I thought it'd be fine for him, a single parent, to adopt a kid like Yasushi.

As for the renaming, I couldn't find much in it. All it says is that changing the last name is a bit common in Japan. When I first wrote the OC introduction, I didn't put down much now did I? That's because I had planned for him to just be a loner working for Ayanokouji, but then I used Maida Takao to my advantage and get him linked with the Sakayanagis.

When I thought of this I said to myself "this might work", so I just wrote it all down. Once again, this is just a fanfiction. There's a high chance I'm 100% wrong about Special Adoption and renaming. Take everything I write down on this fanfic with a grain of salt. That is all.

Volume 5: Warmups and Strategies

Yasushi POV

After the announcement about the sports festival on that day, the class had begun seriously planning for it, if not the whole ANHS student body.

It was currently one of the free periods of the new schedule, and Hirata, along with Kikyou and Horikita stood in front of the class by the podium. Chabashira-sensei moved to the back, intending to listen.

"Before we start participating, we'll have to decide on the order of which we'll participate in, as well as measure everyone's physical abilities."

I raised my hand a little, gesturing that I had a question.

"What is it Sakayanagi-kun?"

"How exactly are you going to decide the participation table?" I asked.

"Ah, this is how we'll be going about doing things. Horikita-san, if you please?"

Horikita silently grabbed the chalk and wrote down some words on the board.

"There will be two methods for us to use for both of the participant events. First is the Raising Hands method, where you can volunteer yourself for the All Participants category. Next is the Ability method, where we assign those with promising physical abilities in events so that we can maximize efficiency." She explained.

"For context, the Ability method would cover both the All and Recommended Participant events." Kikyou said.

It looks like she's able to stave her bloodlust against Horikita for now. Good.

"Both methods have their pros and cons. For the cons, the Raising Hands method would contradict with everyone's decisions while the Ability method would deplete the stamina of our power players. For the pros, everyone can pick whatever they want and try to gain points for themselves, while the latter method would let us maximize our physically gifted students like Sudou-kun."

Everyone seemed to agree with what Kikyou was saying. In my opinion there is one other problem, but I'm not gonna say it since Ayanokouji told me to keep quiet about what I think. Besides, I hate sports festivals. Being allowed to not participate was a dream come true.

"We should obviously decide based on ability, shouldn't we? I mean, the person that knows themselves best is themselves right? If I win, then its more likely that the class would win." Sudou said outright.

I looked at Ayanokouji for confirmation to intervene. He nodded.

"Well, it makes me kinda mad, but I suppose you're right." A girl muttered.

"He's both right and wrong." I said, standing up then heading towards the podium.

"I understand you want to win Sudou-kun, but stamina is not infinite. I agree with your first statement, but I disagree with the second." I explained my point of view while looking at him.

"As much as I'd like for you to handle all the recommended events, we can't do that. If you lose your cool because of opponents like Ryuuen, or run out of stamina for some reason, we'd be in quite the problem. So I have another idea instead."

Sudou listened intently as I explained why him going full monkey for the events was a horrible idea.

"Onodera-san, why don't you and Sudou-kun team up and measure everyone's abilities?" I suggested.

"Eh? Why me?"She asked.

"Aside Horikita-san here and probably one or two other girls, you have the best physical abilities among the girls of this class. Also, according to our sensei in swimming class, you had the best time. I'm confident that you'd be able to help a great deal in this Sports Festival."

Murmurs among my classmates began to spring up. Kikyou and Hirata who were behind me were warmly smiling at how I suggested it, while Horikita had the same expression as always.

"Okay then I guess. Sudou-kun, are you alright with it?"

"I mean uh..."

A lot of people stared at him, waiting for a reply.

"Okay okay fine, we'll do this together."

Such is the art of peer pressure. Thanks for using your puppy dog eyes Kikyou.

"I will have to agree with what he said Hirata-kun. Everyone wants to earn rewards but not everyone can compete because of their abilities. Sudou-kun can't carry everyone alone either." Horikita said.

"Then I guess its decided. Once we finish up the Raising Hands method, we'll decide on how to properly-"

"Hirata-kun as much as I'd like to get things moving along, we'd still like to mange to earn points for ourselves." A new challenger appeared. It was Shinohara.

"I also agree with this Yousuke-kun. A lot of us are getting low on points." And Karuizawa also joined.

Wait what? Ayanokouji was this you're doing? I looked at him, he shook his head. So Karuizawa is acting on her own accord.

"You're still on that you two? How repulsive. Our priority here is to earn the rewards like class points. We can get more private points in the long run if we prioritize efficiency." Horikita said in Hirata's place.

"As much as I do want points you guys, Horikita-san here is correct. Its better to get private points in the long run." Kikyou joined the argument.

I really don't see any logic in Shinohara and Karuizawa's complaints. I mean come on, we have an allowance of over eighty thousand points, and Karuizawa just recently got half a million thanks to the Zodiac exam. According to Kikyou girls do tend to use points more than boys do but I didn't think it goes well over one hundred thousand.

"We may not be as smart as you Horikita-san, but even I can tell that some of us should get private points." Shinohara argued.

I put a hand on my forehead. What kind of logic was that? Is she really prioritizing convenience over efficiency and the long run?

"Are you alright Yasushi-kun?" Kikyou who was beside me, asked.

"Oh yeah, don't mind me, just a little headache."

"Its about this bitch isn't it?" She whispered so that only I could hear.

I nodded, and she giggled a bit. While they were arguing, I decided to quietly go back to my seat.

"Oi Ma- I mean Sakayanagi-kun! Why don't you tell Horikita-san about the situation of the whole class' points?" Shinohara do not use me as backup to your illogical argument.

"Shinohara-san, Horikita-san is right in almost every front of the argument." I said, sitting down.

"We have an allowance of over eighty thousand, so we should prioritize efficiency here. Just because all of you want points doesn't mean we should risk our monthly allotment by evenly dividing the weaker students to events. Well, who am I to speak? Its clear as day that I'm disabled now."

Bringing up my disability, Shinohara looked at me in shame, while Karuizawa just looked shocked. I wonder why though.

" Sigh...How about this? Majority vote. Horikita-san's plan of using some of us as decoys for the events we're weaker in, or dividing everyone to whatever they want. Hirata-kun, please count them." I said, intent on finishing the argument as fast as possible.

Since I had a bit of influence in the class, a lot of people agreed to the majority vote. As people were thinking on what to vote, Horikita and Kikyou went back to their seats, whilst Hirata stayed near the podium.

"Okay uh...twenty votes for Horikita-san's plan. What about dividing everyone evenly?"

A few hands were raised, but it didn't go over twenty.

"Twelve votes, looks like its decided. We'll go with Horikita-san's plan then."

And with that, they can no longer argue about the matter since they agreed to a majority vote.

"Ehehe, sorry about that."

Ayanokouji called our little group to a meeting in a secluded hallway to discuss about a plan of our own.

"Don't blame her, I told her to do this." Ayanokouji said.

"Are you- Sigh...I felt dizzy the way she said it. Anyway, why'd you tell her to do it?"

"Don't worry Yasushi-kun, I didn't know about it either." Kikyou said.

She put a hand on my shoulder, having some sort of hurt expression on her face.

"Relax guys, he texted me to do it in the middle of class." Ah that made more sense.

"Honestly, I agreed with Horikita-san's and Sakayanagi-kun's plan, but why did you want me to object?" She asked.

"I wanted to confirm a few things, that's all I'm willing to say. Besides, I'm not exactly obligated to answer all you're questions fully." Ayanokouji replied, directing that last part to all three of us.

"Whatever you say then, I guess we're all just loyal dogs here." Kikyou said with a sadistic grin.

"Yeah but you should at least give us some context, that way we know what to do." I retorted.

"The suggestion is duly noted." He replied.

"Anyway, you didn't vote earlier. Why is that?" Karuizawa decided that we should continue the back and forth.

"I tend to avoid questions in the 'either-or' binary."

"Huh? I don't understand that."

"Karuizawa just don't spam him questions. He'll just give you the most vague answer possible to each and every one of them."

Kikyou giggled a bit. After all, she and I have been working for Ayanokouji for a much longer time than Karuizawa has.

"You're saying you understand him enough to do stuff for him properly?" She directed the question at me.

"No of course not. I'm just speaking from experience. Ayanokouji either puts down hints or gives me direct orders for whatever I had to do in the past. Don't worry too much about it, we're not aiming for Class A anyway." I explained.

"Certainly the end goal isn't Class A, but it would be beneficial to us either way if we rise to the top."

Well that was a shocking reply.

"Wait a minute Ayanokouji-kun. By 'us', do you mean...?" Kikyou asked.

"I mean the four of us. The class aside it'd be beneficial to the four of us if we rise to the top."

Okay now even I'm not following him. Was he saying that the battle for Class A is worth fighting? Or that graduating in Class A would still be beneficial because of the advertisement?

"You just want to enjoy yourself, don't you?" Kikyou answered before I could.

"To a degree yes. I don't want to be noticed so that I can continue my peaceful life, but I also want to have a little fun. That's what the three of you are for."

Like pawns in a game of Ayanokouji against the rest of the grade. Honestly, now I'm wondering how he'll fair against Arisu.

"That doesn't make a lotta sense." Karuizawa said in a defeated tone.

"Well to us it does so no need to worry about it." Kikyou said to comfort her.

"All that aside, Kushida you're going to play a big role in this Sports Festival." Ayanokouji said, I think this time its the actual plan.

"Eh? What'll I be doing Ayanokouji-kun?"

"I'll give you the details some other time. For now, just help out with the preparations of the participation table and during PE classes. Oh, and watch your backs for traitors, understand?"

"Got it."

"We'll be on the look out."

With that, Ayanokouji left the area, and so did we in our own directions.

The next day, Hirata had asked permission from the faculty for two devices that measure grip strength, one for each gender.

"Sakayanagi-kun, since you won't be able to participate, would you mind taking note of everyone's strengths in terms of physical ability?" Hirata asked me, as I sat down on a chair given to me.

"Sure thing." He gave me a pen and his notebook,

"Great. Alright everyone, first lets measure everyone's grip strength!" He said, loud enough for everyone to hear.

He walked over to the class, thankfully I was near enough to hear them so that I could take notes.

"I managed to borrow two of these. Everyone should measure the strength of their dominant hand."

Hirata handed the two devices to two people on his left and right; Hondou and Yukimura. Sudou who apparently didn't like that, snatched one of them.

"Let's start with me Hirata, that'll set a high standard." I bet you just want to impress us and mostly the girls.

Um...well then, let's have Sotomura-kun measure his strength alongside you."

"Check it out Ayanokouji, this is what a real man looks like! Uraah!" Sudou said, bellowing after the last part.

Why'd he direct it at Ayanokouji though?

From where I was sitting, his arms were visibly shaking as he tightly gripped the device. I could barely make out the numbers shoot up rapidly. I didn't see the final output, but it seemed to be crazy because of everyone's reactions.

"What the heck dude? You're stupidly strong!"

"Heh, that's 'cause I train all the time, only natural. Hey come on, you do it Kouenji." He displayed his score to him, as if to provoke Kouenji.

"I'll pass, ignore me." Kouenji who was doing his nails said.

"What? You scared of losing to me or something? Guess it's understandable. Heh!" Sudou said, with a victorious tone.

Kouenji suddenly went to me then grabbed another chair, setting it down beside mine before taking a seat.

"The heck are you doing here?"

"This spot looked to be a VIP area Sakayanagi-boy! Ha ha ha!" Did it really?

"Tch. Oh hey, you do it Ayanokouji." Sudou, who gave up on Kouenji, shoved the device onto Ayanokouji's hand.

"No thanks, I'll do it later." He said, flatly.

"Come on man, we gotta do it in order." That's rich coming from a guy who's last name starts with an S but went first.

Ayanokouji seemed to go into thought as he decided to actually do it next.

"Sudou, what do you think is the average for a high schooler?" He asked.

"Huh? I dunno, maybe around like, 60?"

Oh this'll be good.

"Around 60, huh?"

Ayanokouji doesn't know that the average was somewhere around 40 to 50. Interestingly enough, it sounds like he's aiming for average.

He starts to grip the device like Sudou did a while ago. From the looks of his arm he's putting in force little by little, until he stopped.

"That's it, that's as far as I can go." He said.

"My score was 60.6."

"Heh, you're pretty strong Ayanokouji-kun." Hirata said, while I wrote down his score.

"Eh? Isn't that average though?" He said, confused.

"The average is around 40 to 50 for guys our age!" I shouted to him, cutting off Hirata.

"Yeah, what he said." Hirata said with a warm smile.

I bet he's thinking "why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"Hirataaaa, I got a 42.6. Could you give me a few tiny bonus points and make it 50?" Ike said.

I wrote down 42.6 in Hirata's notebook. Sotomura got a 42, Miyamoto had a 48. It was now obvious that a lot of people scored lower than 50.

"I see, so 60 was high then." Ayanokouji said.

Ayanokouji had gotten second place, with Hirata in third with 57.9. Sudou couldn't hide his disappointment.

"Seriously? The next best is Ayanokouji? Man, this might as well be over."

His rudeness didn't really help the situation. I got up and gave Hirata's notebook to him.

"I took the liberty of writing down suggested names for the recommended events based on this."

"Oh, thanks a lot Sakayanagi-kun." He said with a warm smile.

Hirata then tried giving the devices to the girls, but got stopped by Sudou.

"Oi hold up Hirata. Sakayanagi! Why don't you take your grip measurement?"

Huh?

"I can't even compete. Why do I have to?"

"Just try and show these weaklings who's boss."

He showed me the device.

" Sigh...If its just for fun then fine."

A lot of people's attention was now on me.

I took the device from Sudou. Luckily my dominant hand was my right, while my left hand held my cane. I started the grip as the device started measuring my strength. My arm was shaking a bit from the force I put onto the device.

The number shot up to 40, then 50, then 60.

"That's all I got." I said, stopping my grip.

My final measurement was 65.7.

"Aww, well good try man. At least you beat Ayanokouji." Sudou said.

Because of what Ayanokouji said earlier, I know for a fact that he's stronger than me. I've worked with him long enough to know that he doesn't want his feats to be noticed. I wouldn't be surprised if he's stronger than even Sudou.

"Its unfortunate you can't participate Sakayanagi-kun. We could use that strength of yours in the four way tug-of-war." Hirata said.

"What even is a four way tug-of-war? I ain't ever heard of it." Sudou chimed in.

"Me neither, so I looked into it. Its exactly as it implies; four people from four classes, with a total of sixteen, would fight in a four way tug-of-war."

With that type of game, you can't rely on strength alone like in a normal tug-of-war. Tactics would be needed. Hirata wrote down the participants of the four way tug-of-war as the girls finished up taking their measurements.

"Hirata, what about the other events? Would we not get a chance to decide on those?"

"Oh its not that, its just that events like the scavenger hunt are based more on luck than skill."

"I agree with him there. I think we should settle the luck based events with luck itself. Rock-paper-scissors?" I suggested.

"Yup, that was also my plan for those ones."

They started playing, and coincidentally, Ayanokouji who I thought wanted to lose, won over and over. It was honestly funny, but I had to hide my amusement.

"Ayanokouji-kun, Yukimura-kun, Sotomura-kun, Mori-san and Maezono-san. You five. Hirata said. Adding Sudou that made six of them to participate in the scavenger hunt.

"Alas! I-I have been chosen for the scavenger hunt? Alack! Why did I throw rock at that very moment? Alas!" Professor said.

"I'm so jealous!" Ike whined.

I guess someone's trash is another's treasure.

Hirata was writing down on his notebook, completing the roster.

"All done. Take a look Sakayanagi-kun." He said, giving me his notebook.

"Looks good, for now anyway." I said, closing his notebook then giving it back to him.

The class let out a sigh of relief.

"This information is top secret. Please take note of only your events and your partners. No photographs."

He'd thought of almost everything, taking into account that no photographs were allowed. He passed his notebook from person to person, until Horikita approached Ayanokouji and I.

"What's the matter Ayanokouji-kun? You look more somber than usual." She said.

"Many participants were chosen against their will." He replied.

I had thought to say that he just didn't want to participate in the ones he was chosen in, but decided against it.

There's nothing to be done about that. In our class, there's an extremely wide gap in the athletic and unathletic students, especially one of us who's also fairly capable can't participate." She said, looking at me.

"The roster isn't done yet so who knows. Maybe the positions might get rearranged." I said.

"That's certainly true." Ayanokouji replied.

The keywords in this particular situations was "Hirata thought of almost everything.", because there was a problem. There was one thing we clearly did not think of.

Starting on our next homeroom period, the classes would start practicing independently. I, on the other hand, have other matters to attend to. By other matters I meant one; scouting out other classes and two; this.

[Otouto, meet me at the library after school. We'll be having a few chess matches.] 2:23pm

[Fine.] 2:23pm

Arisu had wanted me to play chess with her again. She was supposed to be in class, how is she texting me?

(Arisu is older than Yasushi by a few months, since they were born in the same year but Yasushi was born in August, while Arisu in March. Therefore otouto or younger brother instead of oniisan or older brother. Yasushi would be calling her oneesan from time to time.)

We were currently in the stands of the athletic grounds. This was our free time which was supposed to be used as preparation for the sports festival. I didn't need to be here since Chabashira-sensei allowed me to do what I pleased in free time, but I didn't have anywhere else to go.

"Hey, check it out." Ike said with an unpleasant expression.

His gaze was at the main school building, more specifically at the first-year classrooms. People from their classroom windows were looking at us.

"They're from Class A(Ichinose) right? Looks like they're already spying." Ike mused.

"Class B is also checking us out."

Well we were training in a very obvious place so that's something that can happen. Ah, I can see Arisu waving at me. Oi, you may be a natural genius but at least pay attention to your lessons.

I shook my head and made a cross sign with my arms in a gesture as if to say "stop looking", she only made a peace sign. What am I going to do with this girl, she's older than me and yet it seems I'm the more mature one.

After a few or so minutes of warmups, Hirata had asked everyone to do laps so that he could record the time. His method didn't really encourage forced participation, but 90% of the class still joined in aside me and Kouenji, then there are a few others like the Professor who also sat it out.

"Hey, hey! Let's go!"

Sudou, who was both serious and not at the same time, worked himself basically to the bone. In top form, he was practically unbeatable. No one could stand as his equal in our class. Kouenji might, but he doesn't even participate.

"Wow! Just as we'd expect from Sudou-kun! You always take first place in our class no matter the event! That's amazing!" Kikyou said. She jumped up and down in excitement as Sudou finished running the 100-meter relay.

Looking at him run made me a bit sad. Before this disability and injury, I used to be a pretty fast runner. I was one of the fastest back in junior high of my whole year too, back when I was forced to run in the sports festival there. Those were the days.

"Heh, guess so. Even so, we dunno what'll happen if he runs." Sudou said, looking at Kouenji.

"You know that reminds me, I've never seen Kouenji seriously run before."

Back during that pool class in April, Kouenji managed to beat everyone's time, including Sudou's. Who knows how fast he'll be in a normal running competition.

"But seriously, you're amazing. Really Sudou-kun, you're definitely the sports festival leader." Kikyou said.

Leader? Me?"

"Yes." Hirata said, while recording everyone's scores.

"After all, the sports festival is an athlete's time to shine. Would you mind leading our class for this?"

"I ain't really suited to be a leader or anythin'..."

He looked at Horikita, wanting her opinion.

"You're not the type to speak eloquently. As a communicator, Hirata-kun is definitely the superior choice. However based on your sprint earlier and your other athletic records, I can see Hirata-kun's point. You shine when showered with attention. Besides, brute strength will be necessary to pull our class along. I wouldn't object letting you be the leader in this."

That was a yes and no answer. If Sudou wasn't leader, she won't care. If he was, she won't care either.

"Alright! I'll lead our class to victory." Sudou said.

Some people just shine when people see their strengths for what they're worth. As for people like me and Ayanokouji, we just work fine in the shadows.

The next day, Sudou was actually taking it seriously. He coached everyone he could, all while training himself as well. This time, we were focusing on the tug-of-war, cavalry battle, and three-legged race, the tug-of-war being first.

"You're just pointlessly strainin' yourself. There's no strength in your pull at all. At this rate, you wouldn't win even if you could."

Sudou in a demonstration, held one end of the short rope, the other end by Ike and Yamauchi. From the stupid looks on their faces, they expected to win. However, literally a few seconds later, Sudou pulled with overwhelming strength and the two fell down.

"See? There's no power in your pull at all."

"Well, power's important, but don't just use your arms, use your hips too." His manner was rough, but everything he said was true and helpful.

"Sudou-kun, can you take a look at this for us? We're not doing well with our carriage for the cavalry battle."

"Sure. Wait a sec. I'll be right there."

There were more than a few unathletic students, which meant that several people asked Sudou for help. I was honestly surprised that even girls asked him for his opinion.

"Well, he seems to be taking this rather seriously." I heard Horikita, who was when I turned to her, was approaching Ayanokouji.

"It's the first time that people have relied on him. Leadership might actually suit him, don't you think? As for me, though...well, I wouldn't mind praising him, but—"

Before she could finish the thought, we heard an angry voice.

"Look, I'm tellin' you that ain't it!" Sudou kicked at the dirt, sending it flying toward Ike and Yamauchi.

"Gah! Puh...yuck! Dude, c'mon. Stop!"

Horikita sighed.

Sudou's rashness was still a problem. A leader needed to be patient, like Hirata, who always employed gentle teaching methods. He was currently checking some girls' positions in the carriage formation, to make sure that they were comfortable.

"Yeah, I think this formation is great. But don't you feel a little cramped?" Hirata asked them.

"Yeah. My shoulders hurt a little, I guess."

"Let's change the positioning a bit. If you just move a few centimeters, it'll feel different."

"Oh, wow, you're right! That feels much more comfortable. Thank you, Hirata-kun."

"Hey, can you help us out, too, Hirata?" Another cavalry group asked.

"Why don't you help teach the girls, too?" Ayanokouji asked Horikita. She was one of our top athletes; she had a lot going for her as a teacher.

"I don't want to teach them. Besides, I don't think anyone wants me to teach them, either."

With that bold statement, she started warming up by herself.

"I'm already trying my hardest to produce results for myself. How can you be so laid-back? I suppose, if you're sure you can win, that's fine." Horikita added.

"Nope, I'm not confident."

"That sounds about right. You always get average scores. You're neither fast nor slow. Your results don't stand out at all."

"You know that?"

"I try hard to uncover my classmates' true abilities. I'll ask you this just once, but...are you holding back, like you did with your test scores?"

"Would I do something so pointless?"

"Just leave him alone Horikita." I said, walking up to them.

"Ayanokouji has made it clear he doesn't want to try and do his best, at least not now."

"And why would you chime into this conversation of ours?"

"You're not the only one affiliated with Ayanokouji, you know?

Our eyes met, it was like lightning in between us. All Ayanokouji could do was watch.

"If you're so smart then why don't you try your hand in helping with the sports festival?"

"You're brain cells must be getting deleted Horikita. Or is it that you are getting blind? Do you not see my condition?"

Ayanokouji POV

Looks like Sakayanagi-kun had finally snapped. I knew from ever since he started working for me, that he and Horikita wouldn't really get along. Horikita Suzune, who thinks herself superior to everyone else, and Sakayanagi Yasushi, who patiently judges others through their personality while disregarding his own abilities, do not mix well together.

Both of us had tried time and again to ty and break through her complex, but to no success. Her skull was just too thick, and her pride would spell her end. If Sakayanagi-kun would want Horikita expelled, I wouldn't be surprised.

After finishing their argument, Horikita turned to me.

"You promised me that you'd cooperate, didn't you? You said you'd help me reach Class A." said Horikita.

"That's what I'm doing, isn't it? I'll participate in the festival. That's cooperating." I spread out my hands, showing that I'd nothing to hide.

"Are you serious?"

"You said so yourself, didn't you? Physical ability will determine victory or defeat."

"But there are other aspects to the competition besides physical ability too." She said

"Okay. So, on the day of the festival, should I give the Class A and D students stomachaches and make them bow out? If I do that, we'll have a total victory. We'll win by an overwhelming margin." I said.

Sakayanagi-kun chuckled a bit.

"Stop joking."

"Look. It sounds like you're saying that a high level of physical ability won't be enough". Ayanokouji said.

"So, you agree that something else is required?" Horikita asked.

"You'll learn the answer to that soon enough." I replied.

Somebody was walking toward us.

"Horikita-san, you're up next for three-legged race practice."

"Okay."

Horikita left. Apparently, she was partnering with Onodera, a girl from the swimming club who was supposedly a great sprinter. I wondered how Horikita would handle it.

The five pairs of girls lined up in formation, then launched into the race. Horikita and Onodera weren't slow, but they weren't fast, either. They came in third. The worst team was Sakura and Inogashira, a most unathletic pair. They were slow as molasses.

Dissatisfied, Horikita and Onodera decided to practice the three-legged race again. That time went no better than the first.

"Those two're kinda slow, huh?" mused Sudou.

"Yeah."

"For the love of all that is logical." Sakayanagi-kun said, putting a hand on his forehead.

"What are you're thoughts on that Sakayanagi-kun?" I asked.

"I've been on a three-legged race before. The most important thing is cooperation, not speed. The faster person needs to slow down to the speed of the slower person. Its better to aim for a sustained speed other than the fastest possible." He said.

He was right about that. I haven't been on a three-legged race but I can tell that you and your partner should be on the same page at all times.

We continued to talk a bit as Horikita and Onodera argued. Sakayanagi-kun was pretty experienced in team plays despite saying he hates participating in them. He said that in a tug-of-war, the one with the strongest pull should be at the back. Meanwhile in cavalry battle, the strongest horseman should be the one up front.

"Okay, how about we give it a try Ayanokouji-kun?" Hirata said, walking towards us.

"Roger." No more time to talk, I needed to actually practice this.

"Make sure to have good rhythm you two." Sakayanagi-kun said as we walked away from him.

"To start off, why don't we just focus on running. Then, we just fix whatever's wrong after that, okay?"

I nodded and tied our legs together per Hirata's instructions. It was too tight for my liking, and made me feel shackled. Honestly, it was a little embarrassing to be that close to somebody. Particularly Hirata, the darling of all the Class D girls.

"Okay then. Let's take our first step." said Hirata.

I nodded, and waited for Hirata to move his leg so I could match him. Keeping up with his rhythm, I stepped with my outer leg.

"This is really uncomfortable."

"It is, isn't it? But, as you run, try matching your breathing to our movements. Okay? I'm going to start running."

Hirata picked up his pace slightly, and I copied him. Really, my run was only at about power-walking speed.

"Yeah, that's it. That's it! You've got it!"

Being complimented really did make things easier. As I got used to three-legged running, I realized that it was surprisingly simple. If both partners understood each other and maintained a similar pace, everything got smoother.

Hirata and I ran a small lap, came back, and untied the cord. Loud, high-pitched cheers could be heard from the girls. "So fast! Just like we'd expect from you, Hirata-kun!"

"It's really, really easy with Ayanokouji-kun as my partner. Let's all practice and do our best during the festival, okay?"

Yeah, he really was supportive. He'd just finished his own practice, and now he was heading off to give other students advice again. Just another day in the life of Hirata, a truly superior man.

It was mid-September, and the sports festival was less than two weeks away. Sudou remained steadfast and practiced tirelessly. Tempering his spirit day in and day out with basketball had made him tenacious. Some students among us were holding back and cutting corners, but Sudou always gave everything he had.

Of course, Hirata hadn't forgotten about our relationship with Class B. He periodically held meetings with Katsuragi during which they discussed how best to compete. Class C, normally just an inch away from disaster, was doing almost too well.

As for Sakayanagi-kun, I've thoroughly tried to let him help outside of practice, but to no success. His step-sister has been hoarding him whenever he's free. They either play chess at the library, eat together, or just hang out together. How do I deal with that, would be a problem for next time.

Looking at the big picture, I saw two remaining issues at hand.

First, Horikita Suzune. She could become an invaluable asset to the class, but she wasn't quite there yet. No matter how many times Horikita changed partners, they always ended up fighting and dissolving the partnership. Eventually, Horikita decided to compete paired with the girl who best matched her speed, but even that had fallen apart. Now she just spent her time silently alone.

"Do you have a minute?" I asked.

"What?" Perhaps because of stress, she seemed even pricklier than usual.

"I think it'd do you some good to compromise a little more." I said. I'd watched her practice, but had seen no sign of improvement. Horikita's overly forceful nature was getting in the way.

"Many people have told me that. I won't compromise, because I'm trying to get the best time. Isn't that a good thing?" She said.

"So, you have no intention of yielding?"

"That's right. I don't intend to accommodate someone else's slowness."

"But, because of that, no one wants to practice with you."

"If I'm expected to yield, my partner must put in the effort first. I can't work with someone who refuses to even try to improve." She replied.

"Stick your foot out."

"What are you getting at?"

"Partner with me for the three-legged race."

"Why should I?"

"There's a mixed-gender three-legged race. Can't we determine how compatible we are as partners?"

"So, you think you can keep pace with me? You'll only drag me down."

"According to your theory, my speed isn't the issue, only my effort."

"Fine. I'll tie us together."

Horikita crouched and tied the cord around our legs, as if telling me not to touch her. Everyone nearby was focused on practicing, and no one paid attention to us. Even Sudou, who'd probably get angry if he saw this, was too busy with other people.

"Well then, let's go!"

At the beginning, I mirrored Horikita. However, as we picked up speed, I started going at my own pace.

"H-hey!"

Despite Horikita's panic, I mercilessly went faster. She did everything she could to keep up with me, but her stamina and strength couldn't match mine.

"You said that keeping up with your partner isn't difficult, right?" I asked.

"That's... I know!"

She was obstinate. I decided to shift gears. In the three-legged race, speed alone wasn't enough. The important thing was to find a tempo that suited both partners, then find your best stride.

"Tch!"

Eventually, Horikita had to admit defeat. I grabbed her as she stumbled, then came to a stop. She breathed raggedly.

"This wasn't about fast or slow. Your practices went wrong because you didn't look at your partner," I told her. Without saying another word, I untied the cord around our legs. "The important thing is to work with your partner. How about letting them take the lead?"

"I..."

"Think about it."

Horikita's athleticism meant that she needed to discern her partner's ability level and then work with it.

I didn't know whether she would learn and mature. That was up to her.

The second problem, was none other than Sakayanagi Yasushi's step-sister. In this sports festival, I plan to tie up as many loose ends in our class as I could, Horikita and Kushida's relationship being one of them. That is already taken care of with a plan I explained to Kushida two days ago.

Sakayanagi Arisu, who both knows my past and is trying to keep her step-brother from working for me outside class hours, apart from when we're at the dorms, was going to be tough to deal with. If she's planning what I think she's planning, it'll be hard to counter her. Her step-brother is my most useful asset, if he can't help out against her then I'd have to do everything myself.

"You're really fast Ayanokouji."

Speaking of her step-brother, here he comes now.

"Really? I don't think I am though."

"You say that and yet you were clearly trying to show Horikita that you were better than her."

He stood beside me, as we watched everyone else practice.

"You gonna continue that plan with Kikyou?" He asked.

"Yeah, I hope you don't mind."

"No, I don't. In fact I'm all for it, since Horikita needs a lesson that'll manage to get through her skull."

Good, with his approval, I won't feel bad for making Kushida look like a villain. This is the only thing I could think of that might work. Besides, they had a relationship to fix.

Volume 5: Back Off

Yasushi POV

There wasn't really any other issues with warmups and practice, so the days went by very quickly. Soon enough, only one week was left before the sports festival would begin. Right now, we needed to decide the participation table, since the entries have opened up.

Hirata stood at the podium while Kikyou faced the blackboard, recording results and such.

"Now without further ado, let's decide on the entries." Hirata said.

To choose the order for our winning strategy, Hirata consulted his notes, which contained aggregate results of our entire class's daily records. We had written down the order, everyone's roles, and the competitions they'd enter. Not a single student objected to Hirata's results, which were based on hard data and clear testing of people's abilities. Everything proceeded without a hitch.

"For the final event, the 1200-meter relay, Sudou will be our anchor." He said.

"That seems fair."

No one really objected since its Hirata. Besides, the fastest runner should be the anchor, however we need a different strategy here. Its true that in the last event, the fastest runners like Horikita and Sudou would shine brightest, but this is one of the events where we need to focus on tactics. After all, we'd be competing against senpais on this one.

After the discussion, Horikita stood up and went straight to Sudou.

"What's up?" He asked.

"I want to talk to you about something. Can you come with me?" Horikita replied.

"S-sure." Sudou hurriedly stood straight up at Horikita's command.

"Oh, Hirata-kun. Can I also have a moment of your time?"

Sudou, whose heart must have been pounding for a moment, immediately looked disappointed.

"I want to discuss the participation table we decided on earlier. I'd like you to give me the anchor position in the 1200-meter relay at the end of the festival," said Horikita.

Sudou looked confused. "But, well...the anchor position is normally for the fastest person, right? Do ya feel uneasy having me as the anchor?"

"No, that's not it. I know your abilities from seeing you practice," said Horikita.

"Okay. So, I can handle it, right? I mean, if the anchor is the fifth runner, then—"

"I have my reasons.You're good with the starting dash, right, Sudou-kun? I think that having you breeze past our opponents as the first runner is a viable strategy. Starting with the second runner, we'll allow everyone to take the lane they like on a first-come-first-served basis. In the event that we're overtaken, the rules state that, from the second runner onward, we're allowed to use the outer lanes to overtake other runners." Horikita explained.

"But..." Sudou didn't appear convinced.

It was certainly true that, if Sudou did well at the starting dash, our other runners would have an easier time, but the pressure would be on. Besides, Horikita appeared to agree with my thought, even if she had a different reason in doing so.

"It's just, y'know, the anchor position goes to the fastest team member."

"This school is a meritocracy. Let's not make choices based on assumptions or preconceived notions. The other classes will be coming up with various strategies as well." Horikita reasoned.

I understood her logic, but I felt as though she was pushing a bit too hard. It didn't make much difference who the anchor was; both she and Sudou were sure to perform well. That meant there was another reason Horikita wanted to be anchor.

"I'll definitely produce better results than I've gotten in practice." Horikita asserted.

"I ain't convinced. This ain't like you, Horikita." Sudou said.

"Excuse me. Is it okay for me to chime in? Uh, I'm sorry. I just think maybe there's some other reason Horikita-san wants to be anchor."Kikyou hesitantly entered the conversation.

"That's—"

"In that case, Horikita, would you mind telling us why? If you have a request, Sudou and I will take that very seriously. But if we're changing the order that everyone decided as a class, I need more information." said Hirata.

"I agree with Hirata. We need a reason." Sudou said.

I think I know the reason. Knowing that incident...

"It's because I think my brother...is an anchor." she said quietly.

"Your brother? The student council president?"

"Yes. That's my brother."

I knew it. Horikita just wants to be anchor alongside her brother.

Everyone knew Horikita-senpai was the student council president, but not everyone even tried to think that he and our Horikita were related. I mean, to be fair, their family name wasn't that uncommon and they didn't really look alike. Everyone was surprised by Horikita's statement.

"So, you want to be an anchor with your brother? Is that it?" Kikyou didn't seem as though she fully understood.

"Some stuff happened. I guess Horikita and her brother aren't really on speaking terms. She probably wants this opportunity to patch things up with him." Ayanokouji jumped in.

It wasn't exactly the truth, but it wasn't a lie, either. Horikita glared at Ayanokouji for an instant, since he had eavesdropped on her conversation, but immediately looked back to Sudou and the others.

"I was wondering what the matter was. So, that's it, huh? Well, to be honest, I do still want the anchor position. But if that's the way you feel, then I don't mind handin' it over to you." said Sudou.

"I think it's fine, too. If Sudou-kun is satisfied, then everyone else will be too, right?" Kikyou added.

"Right. Sounds good. Well, I'll submit our list after I swap Horikita-san and Sudou-kun's places. Is that okay?" Hirata asked.

"Thank you." said Horikita quietly.

"So, this'll be it huh?"

"Yes, very much so. Thank you for spending time with me for the last few weeks."

"Oh it was nothing, we quite enjoyed your company Shiina-san." Arisu said in my place.

It was a day before the actual sports festival starts. During our more recent visits to the library, Arisu and I ran into Shiina Hiyori of Class 1-D. We ran into her a few weeks ago while she was reading a book at our usual table. Basically...

Flashback

"If I may ask, who might you be?" Arisu asked.

"Oh, is this your table? Pardon me for using it, my name is Shiina Hiyori, I'm from Class 1-D."

"Ah, there's no need to apologize. I'm Sakayanagi Arisu, and this is my step-brother." Arisu said, pointing to me.

"Sakayanagi Yasushi."

"Oh so its you two! Glad to finally meet the both of you. I heard from Sakagami-sensei that you're name was recently changed due to an issue, and that Ryuuen-kun has taken quite the interest in you."

"Me?" I asked.

"No, in fact he's taken an interest in both of you." Shiina said with an angelic smile.

Damn, that smile beats Kikyou's by a longshot. This girl looks so innocent.

"Are you telling me that boy swings both ways?" Arisu said with an incredibly smug grin.

I suppressed a laugh.

"No, no! That's not what I meant! Ryuuen-kun just keeps rambling about wanting to face off against the both of you after he's done with his current plan."

From what I remember Ayanokouji saying, Ryuuen's target was supposed to be Horikita. I assume that's the plan Shiina was talking about.

Hold on a second is Ryuuen making this angel of a girl work for him? I might have to smack him with my cane later.

"So Ryuuen's just being Ryuuen, nothing to worry about I suppose. Anyway, what book are you reading? Mystery novel?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"Oh yes! It is indeed a mystery novel! Do you perhaps like the genre?"

"Indeed I am. I'm a fan of Christie and the Sherlock Holmes series."

"Interesting! You have quite the good taste Sakayanagi-kun!"

End of flashback

Over time, we gradually took a liking to Shiina's company. For the first few days Arisu seemed like she wanted her to leave, but Shiina displayed an innocence that even she dared not to mess with.

"Before we do end it off here why don't I give you two a book from my personal collection?"

Personal collection eh? She really is a fellow bookworm.

Shiina put her back down on the table with a pretty loud smack.

"Hmm? My, you have quite the collection Shiina-san." Arisu commented.

"Oh, you have a book made by Isaac Asimov. You have great taste for a personal collection."

"Thank you! And by all means take your pick."

"In that case I'll take Irish, I've heard his books are good."

"I suppose I'll indulge myself with Asimov since you mentioned he had pretty good books, if you don't mind." Arisu said.

"You like mystery novels Arisu?"

"Not necessarily, but it doesn't hurt to try, correct?" She said with a smile.

"Mn! I'm sure you'll enjoy it!" Shiina said enthusiastically.

"We'll give back your books somewhere around a week after the festival. Thanks for this Shiina-san."

"No problem at all Sakayanagi-kun! Take it as a symbol of our friendship."

She enjoys books way more than I do, which was interesting. It might just explain her innocence.

"Anyway, I best be going for now. It'd be bad for me to start another book the day before the festival. I'd never be able to focus."

"Sure, stay safe on your way back Shiina-san. We'll be staying for a little while longer."

"I'll see you two next time!" She said, packing up her things.

She waved us goodbye as she went for the exit of the library. I could hear Arisu breathe a sigh of relief. What was she thinking this time?

"We should head back too once we get this chess set fixed up. I suppose we won't be able to talk with each other that much during the sports festival."

"You think? We'll still be stuck together you know?"

She suddenly pulled my arm towards her and hugged it.

"Visit our area during the sports festival, or else."

"Or else what?"

"Or else I'll come to your class' area and publicly whoop your buttocks."

"...Okay then oneesan."

"Good. Besides, the two of us are allowed to do whatever we want so long as we stay on the field."

That's true. I talked to Chabashira-sensei about it and she said since I was a special case that couldn't join the sports festival, I was allowed to do whatever I wanted. The condition was I stay on the actual field of where the sports festival was being held. Visiting Class B's camp is within the scope of that.

"I have a question. About you're behavior lately, what are you trying to pull?"

"Whatever could you mean otouto?"

"You're usually more ruthless than this. Now you're suddenly just being overprotective or something. What's up with that?"

Her face distorted a bit but she immediately regained her composure and put on a smug grin.

"Who knows?"

Who are you, Ayanokouji? Either way she is acting really out of character when around me.

Ayanokouji POV

At last, the day had come. The curtains were about to rise on the sports festival, and it looked to be a long day. The entire student body, all wearing their jerseys, marched together as one. Well, we called it a march, but most people just strolled along, taking the movement just seriously enough not to disrupt the order.

"All right, time to really show off for Kikyou-chan!" shouted Ike as he walked directly behind me.

How did he plan to show off when he was bad at sports? The guy was all bark and no bite.

Kiriyama, from the second-year Class B, gave a speech during the opening ceremony. Although there weren't many, a number of spectators watched from the school grounds' outskirts. They were probably adults who worked on campus. The school didn't seem to have put any strict restrictions in place regarding who could attend the festival. Occasionally, one of the spectators smiled or waved.

Meanwhile, the teachers themselves watched us without the vaguest hint of smiles. Medical personnel could also be seen setting up some kind of cottage. It could fit around twenty people and was equipped with an air conditioner and water cooler. The school's preparations were as meticulous as they had been on the deserted island. They provided tents for the Red Team and White Team; these faced each other on opposite sides of the track. The school didn't want the teams mingling with each other, except during competitions.

The first event of the festival was the 100-meter dash, and I saw that a camera had been installed and pointed toward the finish line. The line between victory and defeat could come down to a hair's breadth in competitions like these.

"What group are you in for the 100-meter dash, again?" Horikita asked.

"Seventh." I answered, looking over at the program table, which had the participation order and schedule.

"Hopefully no one exceptionally good turns up. I'll be cheering you on for the class's sake."

"I'll do my best not to come in last, then." I replied.

"Best of luck out there you two. I'll be in Class B's area if you need anything from me. Tell Hirata and Kikyou as well." Sakayanagi-kun said.

"Wait, why are you heading to Class B's area?" Horikita asked with a confused expression.

"Oneesan wanted me to go, or else I'd be publicly humiliated. I'd rather pick the lesser of two evils."

What was he talking about?

"O...kay then." Horikita said.

With that, Sakayanagi-kun went to Class 1-B's area. Now with my unambitious goal, I headed to the track with the rest of the first-year boys. The festival ordered events such as the 100-meter dash by grade level, starting with the first-year boys and ending with the third-year girls. Then there'd be a break, after which the order would switch. We'd resume competitions in the opposite direction, starting with third-year girls and ending with first-year boys.

The competition was about to start. Now we'd finally learn who would run from which class, and in what order. The first-year boys formed ten groups in total; mine was seventh. Each group contained eight people, two from each class. Sudou was in the first group.

All of Class C watched, holding their breath. This festival's outcome depended greatly upon Sudou. If we won this race, everyone on our team could use that momentum to get hyped. If Sudou did poorly, it would probably put a dent in our spirits.

"From my point of view, nobody here's really that big a deal. I see lots of fatties and twigs. Sudou's got first place covered!" shouted Ike.

I couldn't see any students of note from the other three classes in Sudou's group. Like Ike had said, Sudou's victory was probably assured.

"Then again, depending on how you look at it, this could be a big loss for us."

Something about seeing Sudou hunched and ready at the starting line inspired feelings of absolute confidence. Even if he did happen to take a spill in the middle of the race, he'd still be all right. He could do this.

As soon as the signal sounded, Sudou shot forward like a bullet. He quickly outran all the other boys, leaving them in the dust. He reached the goal with such an overwhelming lead that no one else came anywhere close. He won by a landslide.

While everyone watched, Sudou took first place, as anticipated. Meanwhile, the Professor—the second Class C student in the first group—managed to come in last. We'd anticipated that, too.

The signal to start the next race came right away, without any time to bask in the afterglow. The signals came at about twenty-second intervals, which meant that it would take four minutes for all the first-year boys to finish running. This event would repeat for all the boys and girls in all three grade levels, which meant that the 100-meter dash should finish in about thirty minutes.

"Just as we'd expect from Sudou-kun." Hirata seemed genuinely impressed.

"Yeah. Feels like the other classes were pretty dumbstruck too."

We, the seventh group, also had our roles to play. Hirata, who belonged to the soccer club and was a fast runner, was sure to place high. I'd take a spot at least one place after him, so there was really nothing to be anxious about. It was just a question of how to stand out while remaining inconspicuous.

There were several students from other classes to be wary of. I wondered which groups had athletic students like Kanzaki and Shibata, and which boasted students with a strong presence like Ryuuen or Katsuragi. The third group hurried to the starting line.

"Oh, Baldy's—I mean, Katsuragi's—in the first lane." said Ike, pointing at Katsuragi's head.

Sunlight shone on Katsuragi's scalp, lending it a brilliant sheen. Next to him, I saw another guy I knew: Kanzaki from Class A. So, Katsuragi and Kanzaki would be competing against each other, huh?

Kouenji was also supposed to be in the third group, but there was no sign of him in Lane 5, which he'd been assigned. No one from the school bothered to search for him. They just marked it as an absence and immediately started the race.

I thought that the third group would be a close match, but Kanzaki was fastest. Katsuragi was by no means slow, just outclassed. The race ended without much fuss. Kanzaki took first place and Katsuragi third. As the races continued, Hirata noticed something.

"Ayanokouji-kun, over there." he said, gesturing at the temporary cottage that had been erected.

When I strained my eyes to look, I saw Kouenji inside, fussing with his hair.

"Apparently, he's not participating."

Kouenji had cooperated all the way up until the opening ceremonies, but in the end, it appeared that he planned to bow out of the competitions. His absence weighed heavily on both our class and the White Team. Class B had Sakayanagi Arisu, who also wouldn't participate in any events, but at least she had a valid reason, so did her step-brother that was in our class.

Speaking of the siblings, I could see them by Class 1-B's area. Were they...hugging each other? Or was Sakayanagi-kun being overly harassed by his own step-sister? I couldn't make sense of the scene so I decided to ignore them for now.

If Classes A and D had no absentees, the White Team would need to make up for their three missing members. That was quite the handicap.

The rest of the competition progressed smoothly, and soon it was time for the seventh group. I went and stood in Lane 4, with Hirata next to me in Lane 5. There was also Yahiko, from Class B, but the rest of the competitors were guys I wasn't familiar with.

This was the first sports festival of my life. I started off with a medium dash, neither fast nor slow. Hirata slowly but surely passed me and joined the top runners. I saw four people's backs in front of me, which meant that I was in fifth.

Because there wasn't a huge difference in speed between us, we all kind of clustered together. As we continued to run, our order didn't change. In the end, I finished in fifth place. Hirata narrowly took the top spot.

"Whew. Good job." Hirata said, taking a deep breath.

"Sorry. I dragged us down." I replied.

"That's not true. Everyone was fast. It was a good race." said Hirata.

Despite my disappointing results, he didn't blame me at all. Instead, he gave me a smile.

We hurried off the track and headed over to the tent. The next group would be starting, and we were in the way. After the first-year boys finished running the 100-meter dash, they returned to their seats and focused on watching the girls with a predatory intensity. They cared about the race's outcome, of course, but they also just wanted to watch the girls run.

"Where's Sudou?" I asked. He should have returned to his seat by now.

"Who knows? Maybe the toilet? Dude, we've got more important things to look at. Check out those jiggling boobs, man, those boobs!" said the chipper Ike.

I immediately had a bad feeling about Sudou's absence. He should have been cheering Horikita on, so his disappearance was strange. Also I am so glad Sakayanagi-kun wasn't here. If he heard Ike who knows what he would've done.

I looked over toward the cottage to see that my intuition was correct. Sudou was approaching Kouenji.

"This isn't good. I need to stop them." I said.

"Yeah." replied Hirata.

Hirata and I ran toward the cottage, where things were apparently already heating up. His hand balled tightly into a fist, Sudou confronted Kouenji.

"Hey, you. What's the big idea, sitting this out?! Don't disregard the rest of us, jerk!"

Kouenji didn't seem to notice that Sudou was even there. He just kept admiring his own reflection in the window, which only made Sudou angrier.

"Looks like you ain't gonna understand unless I beat you up, Kouenji." Sudou growled.

"No. You can't do that, Sudou-kun. If the teachers find out-" Hirata tried to stop them, but Sudou wasn't the kind of guy to be deterred.

"I don't care. This is a class problem, right? It don't even matter if I beat him up, long as this punk doesn't go crying to the teachers." said Sudou.

"You're quite foul, aren't you? I came here to enjoy some me time. Alone. As you can see, I'm feeling quite ill today. I decided to withdraw so that I wouldn't be a burden." said Kouenji.

"Don't give me that bull crap! If this was just practice, that'd be one thing, but you're skipping out on the actual event!"

I understood why Sudou was shouting. Kouenji looked to be in perfect health.

"No. Don't, Sudou-kun!"

Hirata panicked. But before he could intervene, Sudou threw a punch. He probably intended to knock sense into Kouenji, but then something happened.

An object flew in between Sudou's fist and Kouenji's body.

"Woah! What the hell!?"

We looked towards the entrance. It was Sakayanagi-kun, who apparently threw his cane like a spear, and was now currently on his knees. His step-sister, as well as Hashimoto of Class 1-B, were also here.

Even those with him wore shocked faces, until Hashimoto realized Sakayanagi-kun's position and decided to help him up.

"Sakayanagi!?"

"I heard you Sudou-kun. You said this was a class problem right? You wouldn't mind if another classmate intervened, do you?"

I was impressed on how he managed to throw his cane with precise aim before eventually losing his balance because of the condition of his left leg.

"Oi, any one of you. Stop standing there and give this guy his cane." Hashimoto said, holding Sakayanagi-kun by his arms.

Before anyone else could react, Kouenji got up from his seat, picked up Sakayanagi-kun's cane, then gave it to him.

"Thanks."

"There is no need for gratitude in helping the weak, ha ha!"

Kouenji was still being his usual self, took his seat once more.

"Goodness. Both you and that girl seem to consider me unreliable" He said.

"'That girl?' Who?"

"That cold girl who's so inflamed your passion. She's been telling me over and over that she wants me to seriously participate in the sports festival."

"Horikita?"

"In any case, leave now. I'm not feeling well." said Kouenji, waving us away.

"You jerk!"

To prevent a second punch from flying, Hirata stepped between Sudou and Kouenji.

"Let's all just calm down a little. Kouenji-kun's attitude is a problem, but if he says he's not feeling well, then he has the right to rest. Besides, violence is bad, no matter the circumstances. Also, you've made Sakayanagi-kun have to take action himself." He said the last part with a very serious look.

"But he's definitely lying!" said Sudou.

"That is a baseless accusation. My proud carriage serves to disguise how poor my health is." said Kouenji.

"So, you're planning on skipping the rest of the competitions, too, huh?"

"If I recover, I will of course participate. If I recover." replied Kouenji.

"The next competition is about to begin, Sudou-kun. As our leader, your absence impacts our morale." said Hirata, switching tactics.

"Fine. I'll head on back." groused Sudou.

"Thank you." said Hirata. He escorted Sudou from the cottage, and I followed a little way behind.

"I'll leave Sudou-kun in your capable hands Hirata-kun!" Sakayanagi-kun said as he followed his step-sister and Hashimoto back to 1-B's area.

We made it to the White Team tent, where Sudou sat back down, clearly still irritated.

"Damn! Next time, I'm seriously going to punch that jerk." he huffed.

His anger, rather than dissipating, only continued to swell. In keeping with the adage that "a wise man keeps away from danger." people started giving him a wide berth.

Ike, however, was too engrossed in the girls' race to notice Sudou's frustration. Before I knew it, the girls' 100-meter dash was nearly over. The final group had just entered the track.

"What are you doing, Ken? The girl you like is about to start, dude!" Ike cheerfully slapped Sudou on the back. Sudou grabbed his arm and forced Ike into a headlock.

"Gah! Dude, the hell?!"

"Stress relief." said Sudou.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch! I give, I give!" shouted Ike.

It was a pitiful sight, but taking his anger out on Ike seemed to help Sudou. As Horikita's race began, he calmed down a little. If that was all it took to heal him, then I'd let him heal.

As I watched Sudou, Sakura appeared next to me, completely out of breath.

"Ahh...ahh...! I-It hurts..."

She must've used up all her energy when she ran. She was breathing very deeply, as though she was in a lot of pain.

"W-were you watching me, Ayanokouji-kun?" She asked.

She looked up at me, her eyes sparkling behind her glasses. Unfortunately, Sakura's race took place while I was chasing Sudou, so I hadn't seen a thing. Of course, if I told her that, she'd probably be really sad.

"You did well." I said.

My response was brief, but true. One fact that I could be absolutely certain of was that Sakura definitely gave everything she had.

"Th-thank you! This is the first time I didn't come in dead last." She beamed.

Whenever we'd practiced, Sakura was always the slowest out of everyone by far. It seemed that she'd finally beaten someone else—because of her own hard work, too, not an opponent's mistake.

"Just don't push yourself too hard. You might hurt yourself," I said.

"O-okay!" she replied with a smile.

Sakura stood beside me, still breathing heavily, and looked over at the next race. I focused on the other girls who would run against Horikita. In the third lane was Ibuki Mio, a Class D student. Horikita was in the same group as her most bitter rival. What a bizarre coincidence.

Horikita didn't even look at Ibuki, but Ibuki wore a furious expression, as though fire shot from her eyes. She was determined never to lose to Horikita, no matter what.

"Hey, I wonder if Ibuki-chan's good at sports?" the other boys speculated.

"Hell if I know. All I know is Horikita is gonna win, no doubt."

They didn't realize that Ibuki was highly athletic. Personally, I couldn't say for certain who would win.

When the signal sounded, seven of the girls launched themselves forward. Between the two I focused on, Ibuki had the better start. Horikita's reaction was slightly delayed, so she lagged behind the rest of the group. However, she immediately picked up the pace and began to catch up to Ibuki, who seemed distracted. She glanced behind, perhaps curious about Horikita, and the distance between them closed. Ibuki remained stuck in the middle of the group, neither increasing nor decreasing her distance from Horikita.

As they neared the end of the race, Ibuki's expression stiffened. She and Horikita were neck and neck, running side by side. Horikita, looking quite pleased with herself, managed to nudge ahead of Ibuki by a narrow margin.

Ibuki ran harder, fighting to close the distance between herself and Horikita, but Horikita managed to cross the finish line first. After an incredible race like that, everyone erupted into cheers.

Ibuki kicked the ground in frustration. I got the feeling that if she hadn't been so concerned about Horikita, the race results would have been different. Her hyperawareness was the reason Horikita won.

"Those two completely outran everyone else." said Sudou.

After the first-year students' 100-meter dash ended, we went to check the results. Athletic people like Sudou, Horikita, and Hirata had taken first place, as expected. However, the mid-tier students we'd hoped would do well hadn't performed so great after all.

"Come on. Get it together, everyone. Especially you! Your speed's the only thing you're proud of, right?" said Sudou.

"Y-yeah, but that Shibata dude's just too good, man."

"Nothing we can do about it. Shibata-kun's even faster than me, after all." said Hirata. That was true. I'd seen it during club practice.

"Damn, if only Sakayanagi was here, I heard he used to be a runner in the sports festival."

Surely, Sakayanagi-kun did have experience, but the only thing he could help with was strategy. Besides, he has his hands full, quite literally since his step-sister was sitting on his lap. I feel very bad for him.

Even though we'd gotten off to a good start overall, tracking our scores would get more complicated from here. No notebooks or phones were allowed, and though we could talk to one another about the results, we couldn't know what the other classes were planning.

I approached Horikita, who'd just gotten back.

"That was close." I said.

"Yes, I suppose. Ibuki was faster than I expected." said Horikita. She breathed a sigh of relief.

"So, you reached out to Kouenji." I said.

"Who told you that? Well...it seems like it was meaningless anyway. I was worried he'd skip out on the competitions, and that's exactly what happened." Horikita looked towards Kouenji's little hideaway.

"It seems like he doesn't care about reaching Class A."

"Maybe if I was popular like Kushida, I could have gotten to him."

"I don't know about that. I don't think he's the type to listen to Kushida, or even Hirata." I replied.

Then again, those two wouldn't have tried to berate Kouenji in the first place. Even though Kouenji was clearly lying about his illness, they wouldn't have called him a liar to his face. Sakayanagi-kun is practically the closest person to Kouenji since he hired him during the island and zodiac exams.

"To think you'd wish you could be more like Kushida," I chided.

"I never hated her or anything." Horikita realized that she'd slipped up, and immediately clamped her mouth shut.

"You didn't hear that." She added.

With that, she marched off to watch the third-year students' races, which would start soon. She was concerned for our class, but most likely also worried about her brother. Of course, it wasn't as though her brother, the student council president, cared about his little sister's feelings in the slightest.

Horikita's older brother, as part of the second group to race, naturally took first place.

"He's just as fast as I imagined." I said.

"That's because my brother is perfect. No matter what he does, he's always number one." Horikita answered. She wasn't bragging. She said it as if it were a simple fact.

After each grade level finished the 100-meter dash, the final results were tallied. The first round of points for the Red and White teams were announced.

Red Team: 2003 points. White Team: 1991 points.

The competition had just begun, but the Red Team was slightly ahead by a little over ten points.

Yasushi POV

While the sports festival was being held right in front of us, I had my own problems to deal with.

"When are you gonna get off me Arisu?"

"Can I say 'never'?"

She's been sitting on my lap ever since we got back from the cottage to deal with Kouenji.

"Kamuro-san could you please help me get her off?" I asked.

"No. She's your sister right? You deal with it." She said flatly.

" Sigh...Guess we're stuck like this for a while."

"Fufufu. In any case, I was duly impressed by the way you threw your cane earlier."

"I don't think the throw itself was that incredible. What I do think is incredible was the way I kept my balance long enough to aim and throw."

That was one of the riskiest things I've ever done. Within around two seconds, I shifted most of my weight to my right leg, put my cane off the ground then aimed in between Sudou and Kouenji. That was all before my immediate fall to the ground.

"Still, to me it was an incredible feat."

"Whatever you say oneesan."

"When will you call me 'onee-chan' instead?" She looked at me with the most smug grin I've ever seen.

"Never."

"Fufu, I'm hurt."

In the background, I definitely felt Kamuro struggling to hold in her laughter.

Anyway, the current competition was the hurdle race, it already started in the meantime of me struggling to get Arisu to get off my lap.

It was apparently Horikita's group on the field. The other groups were finished up.

Wait, what is that lineup? Ryuuen was actually targeting Horikita? Oh I see now.

"Kamuro-san, do you know those Class D girls?"

"Yeah, they're Yajima and Kinoshita of the track and field club. WHy ask?"

"Oh nothing, just wanted to confirm something."

Ayanokouji you sly dog. At this point it was our little group against the whole grade, including our very own class.

Volume 5: One's Limits

Yasushi POV

It was bad for our team. Since Horikita's group would be constantly targeted by Class 1-D's aces, we can't really rely on her anymore. The White Team is as good as defeated by now, with the senpais Class As carrying the Red Team. This'll be a loss for now, but we can easily make a comeback in the next special exam.

The plan here was to tie up loose ends, not actually try to win everything.

The next competition was capture the flag. Though simple, it was still a fierce and slightly dangerous event.

"All right. We're definitely winning this one, guys. Since that moron Kouenji ain't here, we've gotta get that much more fired up!" shouted Sudou.

Well, to each their own methods I guess. The way Sudou is trying to inspire the Class B and C students would or wouldn't help. Our capture the flag group was facing off against Class A led by Kanzaki and Shibata, and Class D led by Ryuuen. Class D in particular had some pretty big power players like Yamada Albert, and some good fighters like Ishizaki Daichi.

During their earlier discussion, Katsuragi and Hirata had decided that our classes would swap back and forth between offense and defense. Class C would be on the offensive first, while Class B would protect the flag. If we successfully got a head start, we'd prioritize keeping that momentum and continue with our roles.

"Well, don't worry. I'll beat our enemies to a pulp single-handed." Sudou said.

"Uh, but aren't you supposed to go after the flag?" Ayanokouji said.

"Can't make any promises. I'm all pissed off, thanks to Kouenji. Grr." Sudou growled.

He flipped the other team off, not even trying to hide his hostility.

"Better keep my distance." Ike muttered.

"Oi, everyone!"

While they were all focused on what they were doing, all of them suddenly locked their eyes on me. I was still allowed to step onto the field since they haven't started so I intervened.

"What is it Sakayanagi-kun? We're getting ready to start." Katsuragi said, approaching me.

"I have an idea for this round. Its a one time trick so please listen to me since it might work."

Katsuragi and Hirata, as well as most of the team intently listened to what I had to say.

"You think it'll work?" Katsuragi asked.

"Class A is defending. Although they're our enemies, they're still nice people. Besides like I said this is a one time trick, so next round you can go back to whatever your initial plan was."

"Ahaha, its crazy enough that it might actually work. Let's try it Katsuragi-kun." Hirata said.

"Your call, since your class is attacking anyway."

This'll be the funniest display I'll ever see.

Ayanokouji POV

Though the game was called capture the flag, all we had to do was knock down the pole that represented the flag above it and we get the point. Sakayanagi-kun's plan might actually work here.

The less-aggressive students included Ike, Yukimura, and myself. We slowly brought up the rear. Like us, the A and D group had neatly divided their forces between offense and defense. It looked as though Class A truly was defending the flag in the first round like Sakayanagi-kun said. They waited for us up ahead.

It was forbidden for an attacking team to come into contact with the other side's attacking team. The rules stated that the offense had to focus as much as possible on capturing the flag.

"Anyone who wants to die, bring it!"

Sudou drove right into the opponents' defensive line. Using his height, and a level of power unimaginable for a first-year high schooler, he tore through the students around the flag, one after another.

"Stop him! Stop Sudou!" shouted someone from Class A. A number of students on the defending team surrounded Sudou.

"Hey, you guys. Come quick! Here, I'll clear the way!" yelled Sudou, not even looking back while he shouted instructions to his allies.

Now that some Class A students were out of the way, Hirata and I sneakily made our way to their flag. Or should I say casually walked up to it.

"Hello Shibata-kun." Hirata said with a warm smile.

"Oh, hey Hirata."

"How goes the situation?"

"Well, Sudou looks to be having a hard time, since Kanzaki and the others are trying to stop him with full force."

"That sounds nice. Could you let go of this pole for me?"

"Ah sure, I must be in the way."

Shibata readily let go of their flag. Then suddenly, Hirata and I pushed it with all our might until it started falling to the ground.

"Huh!? Hold on wait a minute!"

As Sakayanagi-kun explained earlier, we used the surprise sequence here. Hirata casually started up a conversation then suddenly, we just started pushing a pole over. Shibata took way too long to assess the situation.

Their flag fell and the whistle blew, ending the round. The first point goes to White Team.

"Dang, I never expected you to be the tricky type Hirata-kun." Shibata said.

"Please take no offense, I was just sticking to our little plan." His warm smile never faltered.

"No worries man, this is a competition after all. I'll be keeping an eye on you two though." He said, heading off to apologize to his team.

Once we got back to our flag, Sudou, some of our classmates, and even those from Class B were laughing like it was going to be their last.

"No way! That worked!?"

"Hahahaha! Sakayanagi-kun is a genius!"

Unfortunately for Class A, their kindness was used against them this time. This is a good lesson for them to reflect on.

Still, we won based on luck. We didn't know if they would actually move away for us, and there was also the fact that Class D might've taken our flag first.

"Hey Katsuragi-kun, you guys will attack next." Hirata said.

"No problem, everyone in formation."

"Lets win this next one!" Sudou shouted.

Yasushi POV

"Fufufufufufufu!"

Arisu was laughing up a storm, and even Kamuro was trying to hide her own laughter.

"Fufufufufu, that was the most hilarious thing I've seen in a while. You may just be a genius yet Yasushi-kun."

" Sigh...I really needed to see something funny."

It was incredibly funny how the plan actually worked. It worked so well that I actually feel bad for Class A to take advantage of how nice they are.

"There's no freaking way. How the hell did that even work?" Kamuro said, recovering her composure.

"That was called the surprise sequence Masumi-san. The human brain takes time to calculate what unexpected things are going on in front of them. As such, the body physically freezes for 25th of a second then is followed by confusion. It works especially well against the aggressive people like Ryuuen-kun or the nicest like Ichinose-san."

"I figured that if the ones defending were the nice and orderly Class A, i wanted to use Hirata who was well acquainted with some people there to strike up a conversation. Actually I'm glad this worked, since Class D could've taken the flag before Hirata managed to snatch the one they're attacking."

I didn't think it was stroke of genius, more like convenience. After all, those scenarios could have played out miserably for us.

As we finished talking, the second round was almost done. Well, looks like we lost it. I can see Ryuuen was literally standing on Sudou's body.

"At least we won a round."

"Indeed, since we might've lost entirely instead." Arisu said.

The third round begun, then quickly ended after Class D's big assault. We had lost 2-1.

The situation looked really dire, so Arisu and I started helping out with the strategies.

The tug-of-war was next, and I doubt everyone would know how to win this. Luckily there's a strategy that works by using the enemy's weight against them.

While the ball toss for the girls continued, Arisu and I approached the boys of our team getting ready.

"Ah, Sakayanagi siblings, do you have another plan?" Hirata said, looking at us come toward them.

"With 50 points, the Red Team wins." The referee that was overseeing the girls' ball toss said through a megaphone.

"Dammit, we need to make a comeback here." Sudou said.

"I'll leave this to you otouto. I don't know much about sports." An understandable statement came from Arisu.

She slowly made her way back to the White Team tent.

"Sudou, make sure not to overuse your energy. I saw Ryuuen-kun stomping on your back earlier."

"Ha? I'm fine dude. I'm tougher than-"

"I will not take excuses this time. If you use up all your energy, you won't be able to contribute much for the final few events."

"Aight fine, if you say so man." Sudou grudgingly accepted my suggestion.

"Now, Katsuragi-kun and Hirata-kun, for the first round, stick to your plan. In the second round, what you'll do is hold your ground, do not move the rope, use your legs to keep your ground against them." I said.

"But we'd lose because of the time limit." Katsuragi said.

"Ryuuen-kun is smart I'll give him that. He'll let you think you're winning by a landslide and then suddenly sweep you from your legs then stomp on you like bugs."

Everyone listened intently as I evaluated our enemy.

"First round, take the free point. Second round, just hold your ground against them by keeping your end of the rope. Don't try to pull, just let them use their energy. If they get the point that's fine too, but lineup at the front in that round Sudou-kun."

"Why the front?" He asked.

"Yeah dude, shouldn't we line up by height?" Ike said.

"The rules didn't say anything about how you line up. Sudou-kun is the tallest among you all, so whoever holds back their strength during the first round can go wild. Our priority is a tie game, if we lose all the games, then that's mission failed."

"Well you heard him! I guess we'll follow Baldy's and Hirata-kun's plan for this!" Hashimoto said.

"Alright Sakayanagi-kun, we'll give that a shot." Katsuragi said.

"Good luck. As for the other events I don't think I'll be able to help with strategizing, so stick to whatever you had planned for those."

As I said my final statement, Katsuragi and Hirata nodded, then I went back to the tent.

"Are you sure you really want to help them? I would like for Katsuragi-kun to be thoroughly crushed." Arisu said, with an annoyed face.

"I can't have Ryuuen getting any freebies, especially for what happened back on the island."

I admit it was an accident that he saw my keycard and that it was me in the first place that jumped off that cliff. Even so, I need to protect my class from him.

"You can whoop Katsuragi's buttocks whenever else you want. I'm gonna take this chair to a secluded area and sleep." I was tired after all.

Dealing with Kouenji, coming up with backup plans for events I don't even participate in, it drained my brain.

"Fufu, very well. I'll keep an eye on things for you." Arisu said with a smug grin.

By keep an eye on things, I feel like she's gonna undo all my work by destroying any influence Katsuragi had left in her class.

Ayanokouji POV

The first round went as predicted by Sakayanagi-kun. I must say, for someone who hated sports festivals he was surprisingly cooperative. Then again, he said he'd stop helping from here on.

"Alright second round. I'll take up the front now." Sudou said.

"Keep your guards up, they changed formation too." Katsuragi said.

Ryuuen had ordered his class earlier that the shortest should be up front.

The signal went off. No one moved.

"Kukukuku! I see! How very interesting there Baldy!"

Five seconds passed, then ten, then fifteen.

"Oi idiots, its time to pull." Ryuuen said with a serious face.

With that one order, we felt a sudden surge of power from the enemy team.

"Use your legs! Hold your ground dammit!!" Sudou said, struggling to keep his feet planted on the ground.

The force was terrifying, the Class A/D coalition's power was simply too much to fight forever. The rope started to go over to the enemy side, slowly but surely. Now, we lost.

"Agh, damn it all. That was really sudden." grumbled Sudou.

"Relax Sudou-kun, Sakayanagi-kun told us this would happen." Hirata said.

Mentioning his name, I looked toward the tent he went to after he told us what to do. He was gone, the only one there was his step-sister, who was grinning happily at the sight of us.

"Alright everyone, one more time." Hirata said, getting hold of the rope.

"Kukuku! Alright you lot, show 'em what we got!" Ryuuen said with a sadistic grin.

The signal went off and the round started, no one moved again.

"Come on! What, you pieces of ass scared or something? Kukukuku."

"Tch." Sudou started to get irritated.

"Well whatever then. Pull you lowlives!"

Like the second round, the enemy team suddenly pulled with all their strength, while we just held our ground.

"Don't even try to pull! Just keep your legs placed in the same area!" Katsuragi shouted.

After a few seconds, some of us started getting overconfident, slowly pulling the rope towards us.

"They're doing something! Stop pulling you dweebs!"

Sudou, noticing a commotion amongst Class D, told everyone to stop pulling and continue holding our ground.

"Come on man its an easy win! Who cares what Sakayanagi said?" Ike said.

"I do! So shut up and keep your ground! Stop pulling you idiot!"

Ike clearly doesn't see the bigger picture, until Class A suddenly tumbled over and the pressure from the rope disappeared.

"Ha! I knew it!"

Class D had let go off the rope, but it had a reversed effect since not many of us tumbled over, except their own teammates.

"Ryuuen! Why'd you do that!?" Someone from Class A said.

"Oh, I just wanted to take a break. Besides, their resistance was so intense that I didn't think we'd win. Congrats on the worthless win shmucks." Ryuuen said, taking his leave.

"I wanna punch that guy so badly!" Sudou said.

At least we got the win.

After finishing my race in the obstacle course race, I tried finding Sakayanagi-kun. He was nowhere inside the tent, his step-sister disappeared as well. No other place to check but the back of the tent.

When I looked, he was there, or should I say they.

"Hm? Do you need something Ayanokouji-kun?" Sakayangi Arisu asked.

She had her head resting on Sakayanagi-kun's shoulder, who himself was asleep.

"How could he sleep at a time like this?" I asked.

"Fufu, who knows? I for one find it cute for him to leave the work to others. He needs a rest after all he's done for both this festival and for you."

She kept her voice quiet, but I was still able to hear her regardless. After all, it'd be extremely awkward if he suddenly woke up.

"What do you want out of him?"

"What do you mean? I'm just looking out for my step-brother."

I hadn't known Sakayanagi-san for long, not long enough to try and guess what she's thinking, so I didn't know.

"Please do not disturb his rest Ayanokouji-kun. Besides, you have the three-legged race to prepare for."

I couldn't argue with that statement, so I decided to leave it at that.

I got back, meanwhile, it looked as though things were getting rocky for the first-year girls on the obstacle course. Horikita was doing her best, but the two Class C students had put some distance between themselves and her right at the start of the race.

"I've seen this happen before."

"Looks like she's in the same group as Yajima-san and Kinoshita-san again."

Horikita was gifted at both athletics and academics, but trying to beat someone who specialized in one of those two wasn't an easy task. When the race started, Kinoshita had dashed forward, bolting straight toward the balance beam. She made it there first and put a lot of distance between herself and those behind her. Yajima was now in second place. Horikita followed in third.

Unlike the 100-meter dash or the hurdle race, both of which relied purely on speed and stamina, there were numerous unknown variables in the obstacle course. After the girls passed the balance beam, the distance between them shrank until they were practically all neck and neck.

"Looks like she's got a chance."

Sudou cheered Horikita on, his handstightly balled into fists. By the time the girls started crawling through the net, Horikita had taken the lead. However, Kinoshita was fast. In between obstacles, she closed and shortened the distance between herself and Horikita. She managed to stay in second place.

Yajima wasn't about to be thrown out of first. Horikita sprinted forward with everything she had to try and steal second place. When Kinoshita was thrown off balance during the obstacle course's final leg, the sack race, Horikita closed the distance between them. When she passed the girl, Horikita raced forward as quickly as possible. The distance between herself and Kinoshita could only have been one or two seconds.

Horikitaran at top speed for the final fifty meters of the race. However, she must have been concerned about Kinoshita closing in on her, because she repeatedly glanced over her shoulder. That caused her speed to drop, and soon the two were once again side by side.

Suddenly Horikita, who'd been trying to slip past Kinoshita, and Kinoshita, who was trying to catch up, became entangled and fell down.

"Whoa! Hey, something big just happened!"

I was too far away, so I couldn't tell who had run into whom. While they got back up, other students passed them by, and Horikita and Kinoshita plummeted to the bottom of the rankings. They both desperately struggled to get back on their feet amid a cloud of dust.

Although they kept going, the incident affected them. In the end, Horikita finished in an unbelievable seventh place. Kinoshita ended up getting last place due to significant pain in her leg, which rendered her unable to continue to run.

Horikita had placed first, then third, and now seventh. We had no choice but to say that it'd been an unfortunate accident.

"What's the matter Ayanokouji-kun?"

"If an 'accident' were to happen again, that might be too much to believe." I answered.

"You think so, too? I'd say the others are also starting to realize that. This doesn't bode well." Hirata replied.

Unfortunately, he was right on the money.

"Can I leave you to take care of everyone?" I asked.

"Of course. That's my role, after all. But isn't there something we can do?"

"I wish." I answered.

It was a relief to see Hirata accept the task without even a hint of disgust, since the Sakayanagi siblings are out of commission at the moment. I headed over to Horikita, who had a sullen look on her face.

"Does it hurt?" I asked her.

"A little. But it won't affect the competition. If I rest, I'll be okay."

She tried to look tough, but she was having a difficult time just sitting down. Preparing myself to be pummeled, I lightly touched her injury.

"Ow!"

"This isn't going to affect the competition, huh?"

"Don't just go touching me. Leave me alone. I'll grin and bear it." said Horikita.

To be in a position of so much responsibility could be hard. Especially for people like Horikita, who took pride in their ability to produce results.

"Well, I suppose you won't get any points if you withdraw. I understand your desire to hang on."

I expected her to glare at me for poking her, but she changed the topic.

"That girl's a sneak. It's like she was looking to hurt me." said Horikita.

"What do you mean?"

"While she was running behind me, she called my name over and over."

So, that was why Horikita had looked behind so many times during the race.

"As soon as I turned back to see her, we ran into each other. It looked like an accident, but if so, then why was she calling my name? Honestly, I can't keep up with this. To think that we're still in the middle..." said Horikita.

She was the third student to be injured. One second-year had fallen during the race, and had to withdraw because of the pain, but that at least had seemed to be an isolated incident among the upperclassmen.

"Anyway, don't worry about me. Worry about yourself. Your results are worse than mine, aren't they?" She currently had thirty points. I had twenty-seven.

"I'll do everything I can. But don't push yourself, all right?"

"I'll participate, even if I have to crawl." said Horikita.

I left her and started preparing for the next competition, the three-legged race.

"How's Horikita-san doing?" asked Hirata. He sounded worried.

"It's pretty serious. It'll probably affect other events," I replied.

"This is bad, especially since Sakayanagi-kun isn't here to talk sense into her too." he responded.

Hirata and I continued talking while he tied our legs together for the first-year boys' three-legged race. The races followed right on one another's heels. It was incredible execution on the school's part, structured as effectively as a live television program.

Because a three-legged race meant two people per team, only a scant four teams could run at once. Sudou, who was one group ahead of us, was starting the race. He was partnered with Ike, and clearly still suppressing a lot of bottled-up rage.

Sudou bolted down the track with all his strength, practically carrying Ike with him.

"Aaahhh!" Ike cried in agony.

It came close to foul play, but still just barely counted. They successfully nabbed first place, Sudou forcibly supporting Ike so that he wouldn't collapse.

"Sudou-kun can be incredibly reliable, can't he?" asked Hirata.

"Yeah. But if we want to win, then Sudou alone isn't enough." I replied.

If Sudou was uncontrollable, he could very well be a double-edged sword that would hurt us. Neither of the ones that could control him are able to at the moment.

"All right, we're up next." said Hirata.

We started the race. Fortunately, no other notable people were running with us. Since we were highly compatible partners, we ended up finishing in first place. No one could complain about that.

"Whooo! Hirata-kun's so cool!"

I felt a disturbance in me for some reason. Although I liked to hide my achievements, I'm here in the open you know?

Next came the first-year girls' three-legged race. Horikita, who was learning to compromise, and Kushida, always willing to compromise, were paired and set to go for the second round. Their relationship was especially awful, but maybe a desire to win would bridge that gap. To me, they were a truly bizarre pair. But to the rest of Class D, they probably looked like a safe, reliable team.

They got off to a good start, taking second place. Not bad. Cheers came from the onlookers.

"Go, Suzune!" Sudou got a little carried away and called out Horikita's still-forbidden first name. His voice probably didn't reach her, though, so he was likely safe.

However, Horikita and Kushida slowed down, and their ranking dropped. Before we knew it, two girls from Class B took first place. They were beautiful young women with the same haughty aura as Horikita. The Class D team, which included Yajima, came second.

"Something seems off." I muttered.

"Huh? What does?" asked Sudou.

"Well, Horikita's movements look stiff." I replied.

"Now that you mention it, yeah. They do." said Sudou.

During practice, Horikita had always pulled her partner along, but in the actual event, Kushida was taking the lead. Just as I'd expected, Horikita's leg pain was affecting her.

She was desperately pushing herself to keep up, but her body just couldn't handle it. The gap between the first and second place teams began to widen, rather than shrink. In last place came the Class B pair. Horikita and Kushida shifted into the next lane so that they wouldn't lose. Were they trying to obstruct Class B?

Class B doggedly tried to slip past, but couldn't, since they were moving at the same speed as Horikita and Kushida. The audience cheered at this struggle for third place. Focusing too much on obstructing Class B meant that Horikita and Kushida let their guard down for a moment, which gave Class B a chance to turn things around

"Awww, that's so disappointing!"

Sorry not sorry Horikita, but you're getting targeted by three different parties.

Ten minute break. We were given time to go to the bathroom and such. Horikita said she wanted to go to the nurse's office, so she went to the school building. I on the other hand, went to the Sakayanagi siblings' hideaway again.

Although I wanted to observe the other classes, I already have a firm grasp on everyone's mood thanks to info from Kushida and Karuizawa.

"Oh, Ayanokouji-kun, do you know where Sakayanagi-kun is?" Hirata approached me.

"Yeah, why ask?"

"Well I wanted to see how he was doing. I haven't seen him since the tug-of-war."

To Hirata it really has been a little while since we saw him, but I guess I'll give this to him.

"Follow me then, they're over here."

"They?"

I went to the back of the White Team's tent, then saw them. They were still here, and for some reason Sakayanagi-kun was still asleep. His step-sister saw us, then gave a look that said "Wake him up and I'll kill you."

"Um, I'll leave him to you then, Sakayanagi-san." Hirata gave a concerned smile

Sakayanagi-san only smiled back, but it was a smug one. We talked it over while we went back.

"Sakayanagi-san seems very overprotective of Sakayanagi-kun, but I've heard she can be ruthless sometimes."

"Where did you hear that?"

"Her faction in Class B. They say they'll be able to get back up under her leadership, but her behavior around Sakayanagi-kun seems...different."

"I feel the same way. She's polite and mature, but when I often try to talk to Sakayanagi-kun with her around, I can't seem to keep a conversation with her constant glaring."

"Ahaha, it seems she must have a soft spot for Sakayanagi-kun." Hirata said.

"Perhaps."

Once we got back, the break was almost over. After the short break, the contests ran in reverse order. It was time for the first-year girls' cavalry battle. This would be yet another showdown between the D/A and B/C coalitions.

The cavalry battle ran on a time limit, and the rules were the same for boys and girls. They dictated that points would be awarded based on the number of enemy units your team defeated in a three-minute period, and how many allied units you had remaining. There were four horsemen to every cavalry unit.

Four students from each class were horsemen, which meant it was an eight-versus-eight battle. Extra students were kept as reserve units, to be substituted as needed. Each horseman was worth fifty points. One horseman in each class was designated the "general," and they were worth 100 points. You could still get points, even if your opponent was left standing, so long as you stole their headband.

Horikita had been chosen to jockey for Class C. Ishizaki, Komiya, and Kondou were supporting her. They weren't bad at all. Mori, Kushida, and Karuizawa were the other jockeys.

The problem was that Mori's unit was filled with unathletic students. There was a good chance that they'd go down first. Their strategy was to make a weak horseman the general, which meant that the weakest link could stay out of the fight, and the three remaining horsemen could protect them.

Once the signal went off, the Class A and D horsemen quietly began to close the distance to Classes B and C. Unsurprisingly, Ibuki was out for blood. A jockey herself, she issued an order and headed right for Horikita. However, Ibuki wasn't the only one.

"H-hey, what the hell?" shouted Ike as he watched the match. Sudou clenched his teeth.

Class D didn't bother attacking Class A at all. They didn't even pay attention to Class C's general or other horsemen. Horikita was their sole target.

Four horsemen attacked her. Ryuuen in command, would definitely have done this since he promised to target her. The Class C horsemen were outnumbered, but Class B showed no sign of even trying to help. Perhaps they intended to use us as bait, and swoop in to get the points after we were done.

"They're just going after Horikita, aren't they, dude?!"

"Damn. Ryuuen probably ordered that. Scumbag!" Sudou growled.

"There's nothing we can do about it. Everyone knows that Horikita is Class C's best player on this field."

Ryuuen's tactics weren't bad. Whether in war or competition, the best bet was taking out the opposing side's leader.

Karuizawa and her horsemen rushed to Horikita's rescue first. Shinohara hurried over to support Karuizawa. However, Class A's general, Ichinose, blocked their path. Unlike Class B, Class A was actively supporting their ally team. Now they were on a collision course: Karuizawa versus Ichinose.

Unfortunately, the three girls supporting Karuizawa weren't exactly athletic. Their unit had formed so that they could hang out with their friends. Bad tactics. Meanwhile, Ichinose's unit contained some of the best and most capable people in Class A. Showing no fear, Class A dodged the attack.

Ichinose went for a direct attack, but her movements weren't sharp. Karuizawa managed to react well and launch a counterattack. It was a contest of unity versus maneuverability, and looked as though it would drag on for a while.

"Dude, this is an awesome game!"

The audience cheered. As Karuizawa's group made their move, a horseman's headband was snatched off. Horikita's, as I'd expected.

Four horsemen had attacked her simultaneously. She fell off her unit quite dramatically, collapsed to the ground, and tried to get up, looking frustrated. However, she had nothing to be ashamed of. In a situation like this, even someone like Sudou couldn't have won. Class B and their lack of defense were responsible for her defeat.

In any case, that was that. Horikita's loss triggered an all-out melee. Class C, now down a horseman and pursued by Class A, lost any semblance of coordination in the blink of an eye. Some players fell off their horses, while others had their headbands snatched.

The two horsemen other than Karuizawa tried to resist, but in vain. Karuizawa, who was locked in a fierce battle with Ichinose, found herself in an eight-to-one fight for a moment. Then, at the very end, she managed to snatch a headband from a Class A horseman thanks to her near-suicidal resolve.

Even though they'd lost a horseman, Classes A and D attacked the remaining Class B units and completely wiped them out. Our opponents had only lost a total of two horsemen, but the B/C coalition had suffered a great loss.

Horikita returned to camp grinding her teeth in frustration. Sudou called to her right away.

"Hey, don't worry 'bout it. It was hopeless. Besides, it's the others' fault for being so slow," said Sudou.

"That doesn't change the fact that I lost. Their momentum completely overwhelmed me." replied Horikita.

Class D had primarily targeted Horikita, though. Under those circumstances, no horsemen could've stood a chance.

"Leave it to me. I'll get 'em back for you." said Sudou, trying to sound cool.

Normally, his words wouldn't have reached Horikita at all. However, in her weakened condition, they seemed to resonate.

"I'd expect no less of you." she replied.

"All right! Let's go, you guys!" shouted Sudou.

The boy's cavalry battle began. I took the role of a horse on the right of my unit. Sudou was squarely in the middle, and Miyake was on the left. Hirata was our jockey. Thus, our class's strongest unit was born, a warrior without peer, capable of achieving victory even if our allied horsemen were defeated.

"Hey, Hirata. Focus on not getting your headband stolen, and don't get knocked down. Okay?" said Sudou.

"So, we're using that strategy, huh?" asked Hirata.

"Well, it's 'cause of what Sakayanagi said. Its best if we play defense for now. We're gonna show 'em no mercy." said Sudou.

"I have an idea, if it's okay with you guys. While I was watching the girls' match earlier, I thought of a way to win. I already told Katsuragi-kun about it. We can't keep losing at this speed." said Hirata.

When the signal went off, Hirata gave the order. Class C's horsemen joined Class B's. We became one large mass of people, the two classes indistinguishable from each other. Though Class B had basically abandoned Class C entirely during the girls' match, they weren't rooting for us to lose or anything.

Class D's general, Ryuuen, laughed fearlessly as, on Katsuragi's orders, eight horsemen from the B/C coalition rushed at the enemy.

"Aim for that shitty Ryuuen's head! Raaah! Send him packing!"

In the blink of an eye, Hirata's horse, Sudou, bolted ahead at top speed. A horseman from Class A tried to get in the way.

However, Sudou slammed into the enemy with full force, knocking them off-balance.

"Get outta my way!" he roared.

"Uwahh!"

The enemy, lacking Sudou's superior physique and ability to fight back, could only collapse, jockey and all.

"Yeah, how about them apples?!"

Like a wild beast, Sudou looked down at the defeated enemy, then turned toward his next prey. Normally, hitting someone would be considered foul play. However, the school had already said that this battle's rules were a bit different. Our strong opening salvo instilled fear in the other team, making them flinch.

However, this strategy did have its drawbacks. If we knocked down a jockey, it would count as a self-KO, not stealing a headband. Those fifty points would vanish into the ether. Still, if we focused solely on stealing headbands, it would be risky.

Sudou clearly relished this strategy, but we couldn't drop our guard. There was a good Class A general whose unit consisted of Kanzaki and Shibata. There was also Ryuuen, and he was riding guys with a lot of power and muscle mass.

The B/C coalition couldn't win unless we took those two out, but it was so hard to read Ryuuen.

"Sudou-kun, let's defeat the opponents around us first and leave Ryuuen-kun for last."

"Huh? C'mon, don't be boring, man. Let's aim right for the general's head!" said Sudou.

"If we get emotional, we'll play into his hands. Let's do what's necessary to win." said Hirata.

"Tch!"

Two Class D horsemen launched their attack at us. Sudou, despite his grudge against Ryuuen, listened to Hirata.

"All right, all right. Let's kick the crap outta these guys!"

We needed focus, and our wits about us. During capture the flag, the enemy's power had overwhelmed us, but things were different this time around.

Sudou defeated three enemy horsemen with ease. Keeping the momentum going, Katsuragi and other Class B students successfully took down Shibata and Kanzaki's unit, despite losing three of their own players. Ryuuen was the sole remaining enemy. Both Hirata and Katsuragi's units had survived, and one additional Class C horseman remained. We had a chance.

"Yeah! Yeah!! It's three on one now, right? We got this!"

As we surrounded Ryuuen, Katsuragi and Hirata exchanged looks. The other horsemen kept their distance, but still targeted Ryuuen. Since he'd been able to steal a headband, I realized just how powerful Ryuuen's unit was. But, even so, we outnumbered him.

However, Ryuuen didn't panic. In fact, it was the opposite; he looked as though he was actually enjoying this.

If Hirata and Katsuragi attacked him at the same time, one of them could snatch Ryuuen's headband, even if that meant sacrificing the other. In that case, our victory would be practically guaranteed. This was the moment to go for the kill.

"Oh, I remember your name. Sudou. When I stepped on you earlier, it looked quite painful." Ryuuen sneered.

"Yeah, keep talkin'. I'm gonna return the favor." replied Sudou.

"You talk a pretty big game for a simple beast of burden. I have to say, it feels good to look down on you." said Ryuuen.

"Heh. Just because you're ridin' on top don't mean you're a big deal yourself." snapped Sudou.

"Oh? I guess this is all meaningless, unless we settle things one-on-one." said Ryuuen.

"Huh?"

"If you can only beat me when it's two against one, I suppose that's that. However, 'winning' only means something when the playing field is level. But could you handle that?"

"The heck?!"

"Sudou-kun, don't listen. This is a bad idea. Let's cooperate with Katsuragi-kun." said Hirata.

"You just don't get it." Sudou told Ryuuen.

"No, you don't get it, Sudou. You've taken down those who got in your way before, but you used cowardly means to do so. You could never beat my trusted subordinates with a frontal attack." Ryuuen gloated. Some of his unit happened to be members of the basketball club, the ones who'd started a fight with Sudou.

"Stop screwing around. Those dudes are weak garbage who can't even fight." snapped Sudou.

"Tough words, but with nothing to back them up. If you're so very strong, then face me one-on-one. If you can beat me then, I'll kneel before you." said Ryuuen.

"Sudou-kun, remember what Sakayanagi-kun said. You take his bait, we lose this whole match." Hirata said again.

"Sudou, you don't want to disappoint Horikita do you?" I threw in a supposed trump card.

Sudou seemed to flinch at her name. We'd been losing quite a bit for the last few events despite our successes here and there. The losses outweigh the victories at the moment.

"Tch, dammit. I'll kick your ass next time Ryuuen. Katsuragi! Coordinate with us!"

With a nod from him, his unit and the other Class C horsemen formed up again to surround Ryuuen's unit.

"Oh well, worth a try. Now, come at me you pieces of shit." Ryuuen said.

Sudou bashed at Ryuuen's unit, but the horsemen didn't budge. Yamada Albert, the horse protecting Ryuuen, stayed his ground. Katsuragi and the other Class C horsemen hit Ryuuen from behind, getting a grip of his headband and trying to snatch it off.

"The hell!?"

Our Class C horseman had to back off, so did Katsuragi's unit, then Sudou backed off as well.

"What's wrong with all of you? Did you suddenly feel scared?" Ryuuen tried provoking us again.

"Katsuragi-kun! Two of us need to grab his headband at once!" Hirata said.

"Got it, we'll try."

Hirata understood why we couldn't get the headband off and proposed getting the headband from two sides.

All three horsemen once again charged at Ryuuen. Sudou hit Yamada again, while the two units came from behind Ryuuen like last time. Hirata and Katsuragi got hold of Ryuuen's headband, but couldn't snatch it off.

"Kukukuku!"

Ryuuen took off Hirata's headband while he was recovering from the failed attempt. Katsuragi had a firm grip of Ryuuen's headband though.

"I got it!"

Despite how sticky it was, Katsuragi and our other Class C unit got hold of the headband from one angle, untied the knot, then took it off of Ryuuen's head. He himself, showed a shocked face.

"Yeah! Eat it Ryuuen!"

"Agh dammit. Fine you can take this win."

"Ryuuen, what's this fluid like thing on your headband?" Katsuragi asked as he got off from his horse.

"The hell are you talking about? Its probably my hair gel. You can't make natural hair look like this after all, kukuku."

He said while showing off his hairstyle, trying to impress everyone.

"Wow, tough crowd. Anyway I'll be going now."

"OI! That's foul play! You slathered your headband with something!"

"Did you not hear me? I said its hair gel."

Either way, Ryuuen's headband just looked dirty. The evidence was gone.

"Sudou, we're going to cause a scene. Let's head back to our tent." I said.

The referee glared at us. We couldn't prove that Ryuuen had coated his headband in anything. In truth, Ryuuen probably had used hair gel. Anything else would be too risky, bordering on foul play. He wasn't stupid.

"You know what? Fine, we won anyway."

Even after we returned to the tent, Sudou didn't calm down. I kept my distance to let him cool off. Karuizawa called to Hirata and me.

"Isn't this bad news, Kiyotaka?" she asked.

"What is? Wait. Why'd you use my first name?" I asked.

"Why? Well, I call Yousuke-kun by his first name, so I thought I'd try using yours." she replied.

Then why had she dropped the honorific in my case? Was she implying that I was lower than Hirata?

"At any rate, I want to discuss Horikita-san. Hasn't she been struggling for a while now? Even during the cavalry battle, she was in really rough shape." said Karuizawa.

"Yeah." I replied.

Because of our little plot, Horikita had fallen through the ranks ever since she got injured in the obstacle course. Normally we'd want her to withdraw, but Class C would be penalized if she did.

"Anyway Karuizawa, you shouldn't worry about it. Its all according to what I told Kushida."

"That plan you wanted to keep secret from me and Sakayanagi-kun?"

"Yeah, that one."

"Alright then, if you say so."

Now for the problems I'd have to deal with later.

First, Ryuuen intentionally set up his weaker students against our more talented athletes, like Sudou and Hirata. Then he put his more athletic students up against our hopelessly unathletic competitors, like Ike and Yamauchi. That way, he could snag even more wins by beating them.

What's more is that he's been putting the most athletic up against Horikita. Almost all of Horikita's events so far had been up against the most athletic Class D girls. I had expected as much, but Ryuuen actually took advantage of the whole participation table.

Also, I can't get a proper hold on Sakayanagi-kun's help for this. The only one I could truly rely on this time is Kushida, who so far has executed the plan extremely well.

"I'm seriously going to beat the crap out of that jerk!"

Sudou, bristling with all the aggression of a demon, was storming toward Class C. All Ryuuen's provocation, from stepping on Sudou to targeting Horikita, seemed to have finally had its intended effect.

Hirata got in Sudou's way.

"I understand what you're saying, Sudou-kun, but you need to calm down. You know what'll happen if you get violent with Ryuuen-kun."

Sudou shoved him aside.

"Shut it! He's the one who should be sorry! He's done nothing but cheat!"

"Okay, yes, I do think he's been cheating. But isn't that difficult for us to prove?" asked Hirata.

Trampling someone during capture the flag and letting opponents fall over in tug-of-war weren't very sportsmanlike conduct, but they were a gray area. As for Ryuuen using hair gel on his headband during the cavalry battle, that was only speculation. The evidence was gone. Sudou completely losing his temper and confronting Ryuuen wouldn't solve anything. In fact, it would probably have the opposite effect.

"I'm the leader here! So, listen up, Hirata. Let's confront Ryuuen together. " said Sudou.

"I know you're the leader. If we're talking about the sports festival, you're the leader without a doubt. But look around you. What do you think the class wants from you, as their leader?" asked Hirata.

Sudou looked around, starting with Ike and the others, who cowered in fear. Most of the students kept their distance from Sudou now. They didn't want to suffer his wrath. Even Horikita looked at Sudou with worried exasperation.

Currently, Class C was swimming in fear and discomfort.

"But I'm trying my hardest for the class's sake." said Sudou.

"Is that really the case? It seems like you just want to show off how amazing you are. Your emotions are completely out of control, and they're making all your decisions for you. If you're going to pretend you're the leader, then you need to act like it and help all of us." Yukimura argued.

"Shut up."

"I feel the same way, Sudou-kun. It's precisely because we're relying on you that I want you to see the bigger picture, and take all your teammates' feelings into account." said Hirata.

"Shut up!"

"You should be able to do that, Sudou-kun. That's why—"

"I'm tellin' ya to shut up already!"

Sudou was about to hit Hirata.

"Why don't you shut up as well huh!?"

A voice came from the entrance of the tent, loud enough for almost everyone to hear. It was Sakayanagi-kun, and his face was full of anger.

"Stay outta this Sakayanagi! You don't know what we've been going through!"

"Do I look like I give a fuck about what you're going through!?"

His tone of voice even surprised me. Sakayanagi-kun was mad, and this time way angrier than when Ike and the others tried executing Operation Delta.

"I can't leave all of you alone for one second can I? All I wanted was a little time to rest and what happens? You completely disregard my advice of not letting Ryuuen get to your head."

"So you're telling me I just have to take it!?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying you fucking monkey!"

With that insult, even Sudou was taken aback, if not everyone. Sakayanagi-kun wasn't one to openly insult others. Since he did it, its a sign that he's had enough.

"I am tired of dealing with both yours and Ryuuen's crap! So man up and take the hits for now! We'll deal with him later, now if you'll excuse me."

"What's going on here?"

Chabashira-sensei who heard the commotion, came into the tent as well.

"Its nothing sensei, just a little misunderstanding." Hirata said.

"Then what was that about Sakayanagi-kun getting angry?"

"Apologies sensei, I lost my composure. I'm heading back outside to take a breather."

With that, he left the tent, leaving everyone dumbstruck on what just happened.

Thanks to Hirata's and Sakayanagi-kun's calm responses, that was that. Meanwhile, Sudou, unable to contain his anger, kicked a nearby chair and sent it flying.

"Whatever, do what you want. Go ahead and lose for all I care, you scum. This sports festival thing can go to hell." Sudou growled.

He glanced over at Horikita for just an instant, but quickly averted his eyes and started walking back toward the dormitory.

"Things have gotten pretty bad, Ayanokouji." Karuizawa said.

"That has nothing to do with me, though." I replied.

Kouenji was absent, Sakayanagi-kun ran out of patience and is resting, and now Sudou had walked off. Class C's chances looked really bleak.

Yasushi POV

I sat back down on my chair behind the White Team's tent.

" Sigh...I'll never get a proper break, will I?"

"You know all you need to do is say the word and I'll handle everything for you?" Arisu said, was wearing a very serious expression, which wasn't normal.

"No, I'll just let nature run its course. Besides, I've chosen to leave everything to them."

"Fufu, I see."

I closed my eyes again, intending to continue my slumber.

"I suppose I'll have to deal with him myself after all." Those were the last words I heard before drifting to sleep.

Volume 5: Triple Cross

Ayanokouji POV

Currently, the first half of the sports festival had ended, and it was the lunch break.

As people finished eating, Hirata and Karuizawa approached me. With a bunch of classmates around, it wouldn't look odd or unnatural for such a trio to form.

"Looks like Ryuuen-kun's making his move, as expected." said Hirata.

"So, who's the traitor? You know, don't you, Yousuke-kun?" asked Karuizawa.

Hirata just gently shook his head.

"There are several things I don't understand."

"Well, I can't say who the traitor is." I said.

"Huh? Why?" Karuizawa asked.

"Because, right now, we'd only throw the class into even more turmoil by identifying them. We need to deal with the traitor quietly and calmly." I told them.

"Okay. I won't hound you. But why did you submit the participation table to the school when you knew there was a traitor? Couldn't we have adjusted the table ourselves? We could have flipped the script on Class D." Hirata said.

"Probably."

"Also, there seems to be one other problem." He added, looking at a certain direction.

"What?" Karuizawa asked, looking confused.

When we looked toward the direction Hirata was, we saw the Sakayanagi siblings having lunch together. Sakayanagi-san was trying to feed her step-brother, but I could see him continuously decline her.

"I've never seen Sakayanagi-kun that angry before." Hirata said.

"From what I know of him, he just doesn't want our class to fight amongst each other." I said.

"Come to think of it yeah, Sakayanagi-kun is usually the cool-headed quick thinking one."

Even to Karuizawa, who knew that Sakayanagi-kun works for me, has this same impression of him. I guess this time Sudou trying to pick a fight with an ally really got on his nerves.

That or its because he just woke up and wasn't in a good mood at the time. I mean I've seen how Sakayanagi-kun acts when he just woke up, he can act like a delinquent if he's tired.

"I think we should leave him to rest for now." I suggested.

"Good idea, if even Sakayanagi-kun loses it, we're going to be in a huge predicament." Hirata agreed.

"And what about the traitor again?" Karuizawa brought us back to the first topic.

"I've taken stock of the traitor's moral fiber." I said.

"Moral fiber?"

"I think they want to reform without being cornered."

Hirata stared at me intently.

"And this is all on Horikita's orders, right, Ayanokouji-kun?"

If Hirata was already suspicious of me, then he would soon no longer trust me. Even so, I needed him to believe me right now, if only for appearances' sake.

"Yeah. Everything is going according to Horikita's plan."

Hirata didn't question me any further. He seemed convinced.

"So, where is Horikita-san? What's she doing?" asked Karuizawa.

"Something only she can do. At least, I hope that's what she's doing." I said.

"Wait. Are you talking about Sudou-kun?" Hirata glanced around, noticing that Horikita and Sudou were nowhere in sight.

"Without Sudou, it won't be easy for us to win the second half of the sports festival, right?" I asked.

"Yeah. We're relying on Sudou-kun." said Hirata.

Karuizawa looked a little dissatisfied by the prospect, but she understood. The sports festival's outcome now depended on Horikita. If my words hadn't reached her, it was game over.

Yasushi POV

Due to Arisu and I having possible items on our person for the scavenger hunt, we were required to stay by the tent this time. Even so, I actually wanted to watch since the most elite of each class would be competing for the recommended events.

"Are you alright now Yasushi-kun?"

"Yeah, I'll manage."

Because of my outburst with Sudou, my throat hurt a little. I haven't shouted like that in quite a while now.

Anyway, the scavenger hunt's first race was about to start.

"Some items in the scavenger hunt are quite difficult to procure. To pick a new item, you can request a redraw, but there will be a thirty-second waiting period. You must make your redraw request to the referee when you draw your lot during the competition. The game ends when three players reach the goal. That's all." A referee said through a megaphone.

It sounded easy enough to me. However like the referee said, some items would be hard to get. The scavenger hunt would end the second it starts, with the person who has the luckiest draw getting first place.

The signal went off and the runners went up to get their draws.

"Whoooooooa!" Ike struck a victory pose and took off running back toward the starting point.

He was asking something of Ayanokouji. I assume he said no, because now he went towards the tent, more specifically towards me.

"Hey Sakayanagi-kun! Could I borrow your left shoe? That's my item." He said, showing me his paper.

"Oh, sure." I said, taking off then giving him my left shoe.

"Thanks! I'll give it back after the scavenger hunt!" He said, running back to get his result.

Because of that, Ike managed to get first place. Moments later, Class B got second, Class A got third, then Class D wound up in last. The signal came up once again to start the second race.

Ayanokouji rushed to draw out his item, then he hesitated. He took a redraw, the hesitated again.

"The heck's happening to him?" I said allowed.

"It seems he had bad luck with his draws." Arisu answered.

Even a few other people waiting in this tent were confused. Unfortunately, Ayanokouji got last place.

We were in bad shape. Class C lost the four-way-tug-of-war like it wasn't even a challenge for the other classes. From what I know, Hirata got hit the hardest. He'd shouldered the burden of paying for the substitutes, which cost him a lot of points. We were in a desperate situation, and Sudou, our ace, was still absent.

"I don't think Sudou-kun's coming back."

"Hirata, are you going to pay for the next competition, too?"

"Yeah, I am. We need it." he replied.

"No Hirata, I'll pay for them this time." I said, walking up to him and Ayanokouji.

"Are you sure Sakayanagi-kun?"

"Take it as my apology for the outburst before lunch break. I'll transfer you 200,000."

He nodded and we made the exchange, making our expenses a staggering half a million points.

"Thanks for this Sakayanagi-kun, I'll repay you some other time."

"Forget about repaying me, just do what you need to do."

He was about to run off to find substitutes and pay for them, but someone stopped him.

"Um, Hirata-kun, would you mind if I helped, too? I'd like to participate in the three-legged race. Of course, I'll pay the points for it. Is that okay?" Kikyou said, who just arrived.

"Huh?"

"I can't let you bear this burden alone. Besides, I want to try my best for the class, and for Horikita-san and Sudou-kun's sake."

"Since you're pretty good at sports, Kushida-san, your offer is welcome. Also don't worry about the points, Sakayanagi-kun just paid for the fee."

"Thank you, both of you. I'll go tell Chabashira-sensei that I'll participate in Horikita-san's place, then." said Kushida. With that, she ran off.

"Now for a guy. I'll ask around." said Hirata.

"You don't need to, I'll go." Ayanokouji said.

"Well... Yeah, sure. I don't mind, of course, but...are you okay with that?" asked Hirata.

"I don't feel right making you shoulder this alone. Besides, I'm a little anxious about the next test. I'd like to get at least one extra point."

With Hirata's permission granted, he ran to Chabashira-sensei.

"I'm heading back to the tent."

"Oh, sure thing Sakayanagi-kun."

I went back to the tent and sat next to Arisu.

"Are you-"

"Yes I'm sure I wanted to help. Will you please relax oneesan? I won't die by just lending a hand."

"That one time you 'lent a hand' you managed to become like me."

"So you just want me to stay safe?"

She nodded.

"That suggestion is noted. Besides, I fully understand the situation my body is in."

"If you say so Yasushi-kun, I'll believe you for now."

With that, we silently watched the mixed gender three-legged race.

Ayanokouji and Kikyou know each other's different side, so I had hoped they'd work well together. Much to my expectations, they ran at a steady pace, Ayanokouji was probably matching Kikyou's speed.

They had some tough opponents, mainly Shibata and Ichinose since their coordination was really good. In the end, they barely took first place, bumping our class' point total for the sprts festival a little closer to Class D's total.

The final event, the 1200 meter relay was about to start.

"The final event huh? I guess we need substitutes for this one too."

"Huh...! Puh...! Hey, sorry to keep you all waiting! What's going on?" Sudou, completely out of breath, returned with Horikita lagging slightly behind him.

"Sudou-kun, you came back!"

"Yeah, sorry. My bad. It took way longer to take a dump than I thought."

Sudou looked as if he was in a bright, cheerful mood—all smiles. However, many students glared at him icily. He didn't flinch from their stares.

"Sorry. I tried punching Hirata and crashed our morale by losing my temper. Sorry to you as well Sakayanagi." he continued.

Sudou bowed deeply. The Sudou of an hour ago couldn't have done that, even if it were an act. Something must have happened. After a stunned moment, Hirata laughed happily. His cheek was slightly swollen, and looked painful, but he didn't seem to care about that.

"The heck, Ken? This isn't like you." said Ike.

"I gotta admit, I did somethin' wrong after doing somethin' wrong. I want to apologize to you, too, Kanji." Sudou replied.

"It's not like it's your fault I lost or anything. I'm just no good at sports, really. Sorry I wasn't useful." said Ike.

"If you haven't decided on a sub for the relay, please let me run." said Sudou.

"You're the only person we'd want doing this, Sudou-kun. Right, everyone?" said Hirata.

Both guys and girls would run the final 1200-meter relay. Three guys and three girls from each class had to participate.

"Can I ask for a substitute? I wouldn't run very well with my leg like this." Horikita said.

"Are you okay with that, Horikita? You really wanted to be in this relay." Hirata said.

"There's nothing I can do about it. In the state I'm in right now, I'm not sure I could even win against Ike-kun. Sorry." Horikita replied.

She bowed deeply, as Sudou had done earlier. I wondered if she'd ever been that honest before. Ryuuen had crushed Horikita's body and spirit. She'd craved the anchor position, reached for it, because she envisioned herself running alongside her brother. Now—though her hands trembled in apparent frustration—she accepted the reality that, if she forced herself to compete, then Class D would lose the relay.

Hirata nodded, and decided that Kushida would take Horikita's place. Our list included Hirata, Miyake, Maezono, and Onodera, with Sudou at the top. With Kushida as Horikita's replacement, that made six people. There really weren't any other sprinters in Class D who stood a chance.

After confirming the team members, Hirata opened his mouth to speak.

"Um, I apologize for the suddenness of this, but..."

However, someone else cut Hirata off.

"Sorry, but...would you please let me withdraw, too?"

Miyake was speaking. He looked as though he was dragging his right leg a little.

"To tell you the truth, I twisted my ankle before lunch during the 200-meter dash. I thought it would feel better after I rested, but it still hurts."

"In that case, it looks like we'll need a replacement from the boys as well." Hirata looked around, but no volunteers came forward.

"In that case, would it be okay if I ran? I'll pay the points to go in as a substitute, of course." Ayanokouji said.

"You will, Ayanokouji? Wait, though. Are you that fast?" Miyake asked.

"I support him. I've been watching everyone, and I think Ayanokouji will do well." said Hirata.

"Me as well, his results in the speed reliant events are good enough for it." I said, chiming into the conversation.

That was all it took to shut down dissenting voices. Our words had weight.

"However, we can't really say that Class C is putting forward its best runners. That's why getting a head start on the competition should be our strategy. What do you think, Sudou-kun? If you get us off to a good start and overtake the other runners, I think we might be able to put some distance between us and the other classes. I'll maintain that lead and make sure the next student keeps things going."

Lanes couldn't be prepared for each of the twelve competing students, so we had to start side-by-side. The rules stated that you could take an inner lane from an opponent after you overtook them. In other words, your initial position was the most important one. If you could get ahead of the others during the starting dash, you wouldn't end up in a chaotic free-for-all.

"Well, guess we don't got much choice. There ain't any other way for us to win." said Sudou.

He would go first. Hirata, sufficiently speedy himself, was second. After that the three girls—Kushida included—would have their turns, and then Ayanokouji would go last. Class C must have been counting on Ayanokouji more than I expected, to have made him the anchor.

The chosen elites assembled in the middle of the field. Horikita's older brother, and Nagumo-senpai, the vice president of the student council.

"We're leaving it all to you, Sudou-kun!" shouted Hirata.

Kushida and the other runners also cheered. Sudou, looking motivated, got into his lane. The first-year students appeared to be in a slightly advantageous position, since Class D had the innermost lane. They'd arranged it so that the third-year Class A students were in the outermost lane.

Class C didn't have any chance of winning the festival, but if we were victorious here, it might help us down the line. Supportive cheers came roaring from our camp, which I sadly could not tune out.

It looked to me that the runners were having a conversation, but because of the cheers I couldn't exactly hear them.

Ayanokouji POV

The instant the signal sounded, Sudou got off to a strong start. His starting dash had the best time of any I'd seen thus far. He launched himself forward with such momentum that, after his first stride, he managed to pass eleven people.

"Whoa!" the racers shouted.

"Dude, he's so fast!"

The second-year guys and girls were left to struggle desperately for a position, and got caught up in a chaotic free-for-all. Sudou, taking advantage of that opening, continued to leave the others in the dust. When he finished his leg of the relay, he'd secured an advantage of at least fifteen meters.

"It's up to you, Hirata!"

Class C brimmed with excitement. Sudou passed the baton to the next runner, Hirata. As a man who excelled in both studies and sports, he was glorious. The racers chased Hirata, one after another, but they couldn't reduce the gap we'd created. We maintained our lead as we transitioned to the third runner, Onodera.

This was where problems might start. For a girl, Onodera was fast, but the guys chasing her were starting to close in. A guy from the second-year Class A overtook her as she ran.

New students ran one after another. One third-year Class A guy also passed Onodera, and other third- and second-year Class A students after that. By the time Onodera passed the baton to our fourth runner, Maezono, our lead was almost gone.

However, the race was full of surprises. A girl from the third-year Class A, who was her team's fourth runner, took a spill and fell about fifty meters behind the runner she was supposed to pass the baton to. Panicking, the girl tried to get back in the race, but a Class A second year took advantage of that opening and created a significant gap.

By the time Maezono passed the baton to Kushida, our fifth runner, Class A had overtaken Class D, and we'd fallen to seventh place.

The first-year students just couldn't compete at the same level as the seniors. Only Class B's first-year students had managed to get into third place, and their ace, Shibata, had apparently received the role of anchor. He was waiting his turn, just like me.

As the fourth runner from the third-year Class A tumbled, the situation between the guys in the anchor positions changed.

"Looks like victory is ours this time, President Horikita. I would've liked to run against you directly, if possible." Nagumo laughed as the second-year Class A's top runner approached him. There was a thirty-meter gap between him and the third-year Class A student in second place.

"Looks like we're going to win in overall points, too. Guess this is the dawn of a new era, eh?"

"Do you seriously plan to change this school?" the student council president asked.

"You're too traditional. And even though you're strict, you're weak. Your rules are too generous, and they stop people from getting expelled. All I'm going to do is help make this school the ultimate meritocracy. Besides, I'm looking forward to crushing those disabled kouhais of yours." said Nagumo.

He walked forward as he spoke, getting in position to receive the baton as it came his way. Not too long after Nagumo nabbed it, Shibata also received his baton.

"All right! Nice! Leave the rest to me!"

Fire blazing in his eyes, Shibata chased down Nagumo. My eyes met Horikita's brother's for an instant. I could tell this man was fighting some internal struggle.

"To think that you're the anchor." he said.

"I'm just a substitute. Originally, your sister planned to be in this position." I replied.

"I see. I suppose she's struggling to make it through." he responded.

Horikita had probably dreamed of having a conversation with him, or at least telling him what she felt.

"I've observed your class. Up until a short while ago, I thought there was no hope for you. However, I don't get that impression from you at all in this relay. What happened?"

"You don't really need to pay attention to first-year Class C, though. Right?"

"I keep an eye on every class. No exceptions, besides, two of the most interesting first-years are in that class." he replied.

"I suppose, if anything's changed, it would be your sister."

"I see." No look of surprise. He looked as composed as always.

"What about you? I can't feel any excitement from you."

"I'm not interested in the sports festival. I already know the outcome."

The class's feelings, Sudou's feelings, Horikita's feelings. I had no interest in any of those, not even the feelings of my pawns. All I had was a single premonition.

"You probably won't be around to see this, but our class will become stronger." I told him.

"I'm not interested in such a fanciful future." Horikita's older brother replied.

As he shifted his gaze toward his teammate, I spoke.

"In that case, would you be interested in learning exactly what kind of person I am?"

"What?"

"If you'd like, I'll race against you seriously." I added.

"You really say some interesting things. I thought you hated standing out or getting involved. Why change that now?" he asked.

"If you give up your chance at second place in order to race me, I'll accept your challenge. It's not often that a first-year and third-year have the opportunity to compete like this, is it?"

Horikita's brother stood still and turned to face me.

"Interesting."

He didn't seem as though he was going to move at all. His team's fifth runner passed him the baton, looking perplexed, but the older Horikita took it and stood still.

"You did well. Great work." he said.

"Uh, thanks. Hah..." The third-year student left in a mild state of shock.

Everyone in the audience noticed this bizarre spectacle. One after another, other runners passed the third-year Class A, and Horikita just stood there. Finally, Kushida approached me at full speed. She'd be here in seconds.

"I'll say one thing to you before we race."

"What?" Horikita's brother asked.

As the two of us got ready, then I said.

"Run as fast as you can."

I got the feeling that the older Horikita, whose face was in my peripheral vision, wore a slight smile. Finally, the baton passed to me.

"Ayanokouji-kun!" Kushida cried.

I bolted down the track at full throttle.

I'd never, ever run seriously in my entire life. Until then. It was as different as could be from all the times I'd run in that cold, sterile room. It was still only the beginning of October, but the cold wind washed over me. I didn't really care about overtaking the runner in front of me. All that mattered right now was competing against the man next to me.

We ran at full speed, almost as though we were cutting through the wind, and closed the distance between us and the frontrunners.

"Whoa! No way!"

We passed a shocked student and left him in our dust. I could no longer hear the cheers. Strategies and resourcefulness were irrelevant. There was only this one-on-one battle against Horikita Manabu, who ran next to me. Beyond the first curve, beyond the straight line that followed, and then to the last curve.

All right. I'm going to go even faster.

Cheers that sounded like angry bellows resounded across the grounds.

"You were super fast." Karuizawa averted her eyes as she spoke to me.

"Wasn't it just that my opponent was slow?"

"No, no. No way! Can you really say that after seeing everyone's reactions?"

"Jokes aside, I still didn't beat the student council president in the end, did I?"

"Well, there wasn't really anything you could've done about that. The runner in front of you fell down, after all."

True. That runner ended up blocking my path. I'd avoided hitting him, but the slight delay was a significant loss, and Horikita's older brother had pulled ahead. I didn't know what would've happened without that accident, but I didn't really care.

At the very least, I was certain that I'd probably gathered the whole school's attention during the final competition. Many students looked at me with puzzled expressions.

"Ayanokouji! You really are super fast, dude. Whoa! Have you been holding back until now?!"

As he came running up, Sudou slapped me on the back with all his might. It really hurt.

"Running's pretty much my only specialty, but I overdid it. That's the power of being fired up, huh?" I replied.

"That still doesn't explain it, though. That speed. You liar." Horikita walked up to me, still dragging her leg slightly.

"You guys, this isn't how you should treat a soldier who fought with everything he had." I whined.

Horikita jabbed my abdomen.

"Ow, that hurts!"

" Sigh...You'll never cease to amaze me." I heard Sakayanagi-kun say mutter in the background.

Karuizawa moved out of the way, so as not to get between Horikita and I. Sakura was also looking at me from afar, but because there was a big crowd around me at this point, she didn't get close.

"If you'd run like that from the very beginning, this situation would've been different. But now you're going to be basking in lots of attention." said Horikita.

She was right. Unlike Hirata, Shibata, or Sudou, I'd held back until now. Still, it shouldn't have been too hard to plausibly claim that I'd done that as part of Hirata and Horikita's strategy, masterminded behind the scenes. That tactic was particularly effectively against someone like Ryuuen, who tried to outsmart his opponents.

"Looks like they'll announce the results soon. Let's get going."

The results would be announced during the sports festival's closing ceremonies. All the students looked toward the gigantic electronic scoreboard.

"We'll now announce the results of this year's sports festival!"

"Red Team" and "White Team" were displayed as separate entries on the scoreboard. The tallied numbers started to rise, showing the total points the teams had acquired from all thirteen events. The winning team was...

The words "White Team Wins" appeared on the board along with the team's score. The competition had been incredibly arduous, but the White Team B/C coalition appeared to be victorious.

"Next, we will announce each class's overall points."

The board divided the twelve classes into three categories, and it displayed the overall points for each class all at once. We didn't really care about the details of the second- and third-year scores. What was crucial for us was Class C's position.

1st Place: First Year, A Class
2nd Place: First Year, D Class
3rd place: First Year, C Class
4th place: First Year, B Class

"Ugggh! Damn it!"

"Well, I thought things would end this way."

We were overjoyed that White Team won, and now we only managed to get third place in the overall for our grade. Us first years had dragged the team down significantly. That was probably inevitable, though. Three absentees, Kouenji and the Sakayanagi siblings, had factored majorly into that.

Unfortunately, the first-year Class B placed last in terms of overall points. That meant they'd be hit with a hundred-point penalty. Because Class C had come in third place, we faced a fifty-point penalty. Since the White Team won, we'd gain 100 points, nullifying Class B's punishment. Class A had won first place in terms of overall score, and so gained fifty points. None of the classes actually won.

In fact, the gap between Red Team and White Team was legitimately 10 points.I was surprised by how close it was.

Everyone was thoroughly exhausted and overwhelmed. Even though we'd tried our best, our class points had decreased. Of course, the students who had won individual competitions would have an advantage on future tests, so the sports festival wasn't completely pointless.

"Lastly, we will announce the MVP for each school year."

This was probably the part that Sudou was most looking forward to. If he could take first place, Sudou would likely be all smiles, since he would get permission to call Horikita by her first name.

However, the words "First Year MVP: Shibata Sou" appeared on the electronic scoreboard.

"Gaaahh! I knew it!" Sudou let out an agonized cry.

Shibata had consistently taken first or second place in each of the events. Sudou placed first in all his individual competitions, but being absent must have had a major influence on the results. The fact that we lost a heavily-weighted event like the relay was probably a big part of it, too.

Sudou continued staring at the scoreboard in apparent frustration even after the closing ceremonies ended.

"You didn't take the top spot for our school year, Sudou-kun. You remember our promise, right?" Horikita asked.

"Yeah, it's unfortunate. But a promise is a promise. I'll call you Horikita from now on."

"Your dedication is impressive. I forgot to tell you one thing, though. You pushed those conditions on me, so they were rather one-sided. I never mentioned whether I had any conditions of my own."

"Whaddya mean?"

"If you took first place, you could have used my first name. Isn't it only natural that I make a request of you in return?"

"Well, yeah. I guess so."

"So, I'm going to give you a penalty for not achieving your goal. You are forbidden from ever using violence without a justifiable reason ever again. Can you promise me that?" asked Horikita.

"It's my punishment, right? I promise." said Sudou.

"Of course, you're not the one who gets to decide what a 'justifiable reason' is. That's up to me or a third party."

Sudou obediently accepted that condition as well. He might have realized his own foolishness and decided to act more mature.

Horikita slowly turned and started to walk away, then stopped.

"Oh, that reminds me. During the festival, I wasn't able to live up to everyone's expectations, either." she added.

"Huh? That's just 'cause you were injured, though. Nothing you could've done about that." replied Sudou.

"Be that as it may, I can't forgive myself. I need to be punished, too. So, if you want to call me by my first name, I don't mind giving you permission."

"Huh? H-hey!"

"That's my punishment."

That was Horikita's compromise.

"Even though we did get last place, I have hope for the battles to come, thanks to you. I'm truly grateful." said Horikita.

Sudou bashfully rubbed his nose, as if he blamed the setting sun for the redness of his cheeks. With an impressive shout, he raised both arms to the sky.

"The sports festival is the best! It's the best, Suzune!"

"I'm happy for you, Sudou."

"Yeah!"

"Sorry about cutting in while you're celebrating, but do you have a minute?" someone asked as we headed back toward the school.

She was a calm, composed girl. I didn't know her name, but she was a Class B student I'd seen back in the cavalry battle.

"Would you mind coming with me after you finish changing?"

"Why me?" I asked.

"Because I have something to talk to you about. At five o'clock, go to the front gate." She said.

"H-hey, Ayanokouji. Wh-what's going on, dude? What's this!?" Sudou said.

For a moment, I imagined that the request would lead to something like a romantic confession. However, I didn't get that kind of impression at all from this girl.

"Hey, what do you mean?" I asked. But the girl left without paying me any more attention.

"What was that? Has springtime come for you, too?" Sudou asked.

"It doesn't look that way to me."

"I mean, there's a chance that girl fell in love with you after she saw you run as the anchor."

"For crying out loud." I huffed.

"I can help you with this Ayanokouji."

Sakayanagi-kun approached me as everyone was leaving.

"That was Kamuro Masumi, oneesan's helper. Expect the unexpected." He said, then going back as well.

After I changed into my uniform in the locker room, I returned to the classroom. Horikita, now also clad in her uniform, entered the classroom slightly later than I did and sat next to me.

"This time, we were defeated soundly. Completely." Yet, as Horikita said that, she didn't appear depressed.

"But I feel like I grew today. I never imagined a day would come when failure would nourish me but...that's really how I feel."

"I see. That's good, right?" I asked.

"This class is going to get stronger. Then we'll definitely climb the ranks to the upper classes." replied Horikita.

"Honestly, this optimism is kind of freaking me out. It's not like you." I told her.

"I suppose not. It's different, isn't it? We're facing a ton of challenges. There are also problems I need to take care of. But I suppose, first of all, I have to get down on my knees."

"On your knees?"

The phrase concerned me, but Horikita didn't expand any further.

"It doesn't involve you. Thank you for today." She added.

It was then that I realized it was part of Kushida's little plot.

First Year Class Standings:

Class A(Ichinose)- 1018 (106850-100)

Class B(Sakayanagi)- 874 (No change)

Class C(Horikita)- 879 (82950)

Class D(Ryuuen)- 492 (592-100)

(I wanted for White Team to win because the point gap is way too funny for me if Red Team won. Look at this)

Class Standings if Red Team won:

Class A(Ichinose)- 1218

Class B(Sakayanagi)- 674

Class C(Horikita)- 679

Class D(Ryuuen)- 692

(The three classes would literally be killing each other for second place while Ichinose's class would be swimming in paradise with almost double the point value of Class B. I wanted for the point gap to be a bit closer to each other. By closer I mean have Ryuuen's class cry a bit because I still have to have a little sense of realism.)

Kushida POV

"So, you didn't run away, Suzune. You came." said Ryuuen.

"If I had run away, I truly would've been hopeless. I'm going to face my problems." She told him.

"You've got a good heart. You've become a finer woman than before." said Ryuuen.

"Before we talk, why don't we put an end to this ridiculous charade, Kushida-san?" She asked me.

"Huh? Charade? What in the world do you mean?" I replied.

As the setting sun colored the school building, she stared directly at me.

"If you want to pretend to be a good person, I don't particularly care. But you're not, are you? You leaked the information. That's how Class D was able to pull off what they did. That's why I'm here right now, like this, with Ryuuen-kun. Am I wrong?"

"Come on, now. Who did you hear that from? Hirata-kun? Ayanokouji-kun?"

"Neither. These are my own feelings on the matter. I couldn't shake off my uneasiness. Ryuuen-kun's the only one here right now. Don't you think it's time we cut to the chase and confront each other?" She asked.

"Confront each other? What do you mean?"

"Way back at the start of our first semester, I saw you trying to convince Kouenji-kun to give up his seat on the bus. To be completely honest, I didn't recognize you. But immediately afterward, I remembered."

She looked at me in the eye.

"Kushida Kikyou-san, you attended my junior high." She said.

My expression changed, from the smile of an innocent bystander to the smile of some sort of guilty criminal.

"Of course you remember. I was quite the problem child, I suppose." I replied, lowering my eyes in silence.

"I don't think that's entirely accurate. You weren't a problem child. Everyone trusted you, just like everyone in Class Cnow trusts you. But—"

"Can you please stop? Stop bringing up the past."

"I suppose. It's meaningless to talk about what's already been done." She replied.

Ryuuen-kun smiled while he listened to our conversation, looking as though he was enjoying himself.

"Well then, you understand what I'm after, right? You know what I want to do?" I said, I waited for this moment.

"Yes. I've already realized what you want. You want to chase me out of this school. Aren't you taking quite a large risk, though? If I exposed the truth, you'd lose your popularity."

"Me or Horikita-san? It's obvious which of us is more loved. I suppose you could say I'm someone who hedges her bets." I replied.

"Even if no one believed what I said, there'd still be lingering doubts. You can't deny the fact that we attended the same junior high." She said.

"I suppose you're right. But if you do happen to tell anyone about me, I will drag the brother you so love and respect into this." she said.

We couldn't touch each other's defenses, I'm sure she knows that as well. As much as I wanted her expelled, I had to follow Ayanokouji-kun's and Yasushi-kun's orders.

"Can't you simply ignore me? You know I don't involve myself with other people or stick my nose where it doesn't belong, right?" She asked.

"For now. But there's no guarantee for the future. I want anyone who knows about my past to disappear, so that I can be me. Otherwise, I'll be in trouble." I replied.

"Since Ryuuen's seen your true face, does that make him your prey, too?" Horikita asked and asked and asked, question after question.

"Yes, I suppose so, depending on the circumstances." I said.

"Heh heh. What a shrewd woman. Well, I guess I decided to work with you because I like this side of your personality." Ryuuen-kun snickered.

"Let me tell you one thing, Horikita-san. I will have the school expel you. If I need to make a deal with the devil to do so, so be it." I walked past her, then stood next to Ryuuen-kun.

Those words were true, but I actually made a deal with two devils now.

"That's really a shame, Suzune. Betrayed by such a trustworthy ally." Ryuuen-kun said.

"You were a step ahead of methis time, Ryuuen-kun. No...I suppose you've been a step ahead for a while. The test on the cruise ship, the one on the island, and the incident with Sudou-kun... I've just kept on losing and losing." She told us.

"Then I think the time for talk is over. I'll tell you this, though: Kinoshita running into you earlier was a total accident. She didn't have any ulterior motive or ill intent. That's just the way the world is." Ryuuen-kun explained.

"Perhaps so. There's no evidence, so it was obvious that I'd be framed as the aggressor. But let me say this, in turn. You were behind that incident. You ordered Kinoshita-san to make sure I took a fall. I'm sure of it."

"You're delusional." he answered.

"I don't care if I'm being delusional. But I'd like to ask you why you did it."

"It's quite a long process just to get you to kneel. Before the sports festival, I had Kushida get her hands on Class C's complete participation table. I put the right people in the right places to ensure good match-ups, and took the wins. Of course, that's not all. I thoroughly researched Class B as well." he added.

"Brilliant leadership. You beat us both, but couldn't you have won more effectively? To crush me, you pitted two of your aces against me, and even had one of them withdraw after she was injured. That's incomprehensible."

"I wanted to crush you. That was reason enough. I had no interest in winning the sports festival." he replied.

"But your strategy also relied on luck. Good for you. When you ordered Kinoshita-san to knock me over, two coincidences saved you. One, that I just so happened to be unable to continue participating, and two, that Kinoshita-san injured herself. You couldn't plan for either of those factors." Horikita told him.

"Your injury was coincidental, yes. If Kinoshita deliberately aimed to injure you, that would've been obvious. That's why I had her carefully practice hitting an opponent and making the fall look completely natural." said Ryuuen-kun.

What had he done to make her obey him to that extent?

"Actually, about Kinoshita's injury. Do you really think it was an accident?"

"Huh?"

"She certainly did fall, yes. But injuries that serious don't just happen at the drop of a hat. That's why I had her pretend to be in pain and then drop out of the sports festival. Before she got medical treatment, I injured her myself. Like this."

He stomped on the floor with all his strength. BAM! The sound echoed unnervingly through the hall.

"You injured...her?" Horikita asked.

"She agreed when I told her that I'd pay her 500,000 points. Man, the power of money is a terrifying thing, isn't it?"

So, he'd decided from the very beginning that Kinoshita-san would sustain a serious injury. His schemes, and his ability to execute them, were both terrifying. He'd do anything for the sake of winning, but I was shocked that he'd speak of that so openly.

"Is it really okay for you to just blab on and on?" She asked him.

"What?"

"If I happened to be recording your confession, what would you do?" She pulled out her phone.

"Did you come up with that bluff just now?"

"I bet everything on it. Still, I'm surprised you told me so much." She pushed a button on her phone.

"Before the sports festival, I had Kushida get her hands on Class D's complete—"

"If you complain about me, or demand that I pay you points or bow before you, I'll use the evidence I now hold in my hands. If I do, which of us will be in trouble?" She asked.

"Wha—?!" Ryuuen-kun's smile disappeared for the first time. His words failed him.

"Suzune...you..."

"I don't want to cause any panic. That's why I'd like to settle things."

"Heh heh! Ha ha ha ha! You really are an entertaining woman, you know that? I said so from the very beginning, didn't I? The contents of our current conversation are, at best, complete fiction. I was just humoring your delusions. All I did was anticipate the story you conjured up inside your own head" he replied.

"I could delete the part where you said it was a delusion and edit the recording, couldn't I?" She asked.

"Well, in that case, I'd just have to hand over the original recording. Then there would be no problem at all." Ryuuen, smiling boldly, took his own phone from his pocket.

"Do you know what this is? The full audio recording, from beginning to end. In fact, I actually took video."

He did the same thing Yasushi-kun did to me.

As he said that, he aimed his phone camera at Horikita-san. It was a kind of insurance more reliable than audio. Ryuuen-kun had already imagined that Horikita-san would try something like this. She was trapped.

"So, do you admit it, Suzune? The reality of your defeat, I mean."

I smiled boldly.

"Abandon your pride and get on your knees, Suzune."

"I understand... I admit..."

Ding! A strange sound came from Ryuuen-kun's phone, which was right in front of me. I thought he wouldn't pay much attention, but for some reason, he looked at the screen.

Ryuuen-kun's face stiffened for a moment. He started fiddling with his phone without even so much as glancing at me. Mixed together with a variety of other sounds, I heard a recording.

"Listen up, you guys. We're going to set a trap for Horikita Suzune. I don't care what it takes to completely crush her. I have a plan in mind. I'll show you something interesting."

That was Ryuuen-kun's voice.

I heard Ibuki-san's voice. It sounded like she interrupted Ryuuen-kun.

"Look, I'm not discounting your strategy or whatever, but give me a chance to fight Horikita."

Ryuuen-kun's voice again.

"Run against Suzune during the obstacle course, and collide with her. Do whatever it takes to knock her over. Afterward, I'll injure you myself and get you some money from her."

"What's going on, Ryuuen-kun? What's with that recording?" I asked, acting puzzled.

"I see. I see, I see. I see now! Heh heh! Isn't that interesting? Do you know what this means, Kikyou? There's a traitor in Class C, too. They made not just you and Suzune dance in the palm of their hand, but me as well. This person predicted everything, including your betrayal and Suzune's debasement. Ha ha ha ha! Interesting! So interesting! The person pulling the strings is incredible! The best!"

Ryuuen-kun swept his hair back, giving a deep belly laugh.

"You were used, Kikyou. They predicted that you'd betray your class and leak the participation table. They read us like a book"

"Who could be responsible for this? Could it be Ayanokouji-kun? I mean, I didn't think he was that fast, either." I said.

I kno that I really was used, because Ayanokouji-kun had planned this. I was supposed to act as the traitor within Class C and work with Ryuuen-kun for three reasons.

Reason 1: My hatred for Horikita-san. I wanted to attack her and Ayanokouji-kun noticed that, then took advantage of it to make a plan.

Reason 2: Horikita-san was being a bitch. Ayanokouji-kun noticed that Horikita-san's ego had stayed the same ever since the Zodiac exam and wanted to change that. He wanted for her to learn what it means to lose, what it means to feel despair.

Reason 3: Ryuuen-kun wanting to target Horikita-san in the first place. Since they had a common goal for wanting to let Horikita-san taste defeat, Ayanokouji-kun wanted me to work with Ryuuen-kun in doing so.

It was all his plan. It was all Ayanokouji Kiyotaka-kun's plan.

"Well, he's one candidate, but I'm not drawing any conclusions yet. Someone managed to get this recording without leaving a trace behind. Suzune, Ayanokouji, and—depending on the circumstances—even Hirata might have been positioned where they were because someone was puppeteering them. I'm going to investigate this thoroughly. I've failed to get points from Suzune or have her kneel, but I'm happy with all that I procured." said Ryuuen-kun.

"Well, this is over for now. Whoever sent this email probably won't hound me further." Ryuuen-kun continued.

"Is that really okay, though? What if they threaten you with the recording?" I asked, trying to stay on his side.

"If they intended to submit it to the school, they already would've. I couldn't get Suzune on her knees, but I accomplished half of what I wanted to. A good show."

Ayanokouji POV

After I changed into my uniform, I went to the front gate as promised. Right about now, Horikita and Kushida must be having a talk with Ryuuen.

Just as she'd said, the girl Kamuro Masumi as Sakayanagi-kun said she was, was waiting for me.

"You wanted to talk to me about something?" I asked.

"Follow me." she said.

"Follow you where?"

"The special building."

Kamuro started walking without any further explanation. We arrived at the special building's third floor, one of the few places where no surveillances cameras were installed.

"What exactly—"

Kamuro just told me to wait and walked off on her own. She headed around the corner and quietly whispered

"Can I go back now?"

"Yes. Excellent work, Masumi-san. I'll count on you again in future." So it really was her again.

"Yes." Kamuro quietly nodded and left. The voice's owner slowly came into view. Carrying a cane in one hand, she looked at me with a cold smile.

First-year Class B Sakayanagi Arisu

"You wanted to see me?"

She had an open book in her free hand, but then she closed it.

"I've taken an interest in this author recently, I'll have to thank Shiina-san later."

I didn't know who she was talking about, so I stayed quiet.

"When I looked into this writer, he had a few interesting quotes. One being that 'The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.' Do you agree with this Ayanokouji-kun?"

"I don't know much about society, but that author is probably correct. Isn't that Isaac Asimov who said it?"

"Yes, I'm glad you know of him. Anyway, I called you for something that otouto isn't allowed to hear."

"Oh before we begin, can I send one little message to someone?"

"Please, go ahead." She said, her grin staying on her face.

After I sent the message, I put away my phone.

"Alright, you can continue now."

Her cane tapped on the floor as she drew closer to me.

"I have a selfish request to make."

Now this was starting to get interesting. Sakayanagi-san's expression turned serious.

"What is it?"

"Regarding Yasushi-kun, our match and knowledge of that place. I would like for you to let him stay out of it."

"Hmm? I can understand leaving him out of the know about that place, but why let him stay out of our supposed match?"

"Ayanokouji-kun, I believe Yasushi-kun should do as he pleases. Like you, he came to this school to seek asylum for three years, running way from something."

"Yes, that I'm aware of since he told me about it."

"Good, this'll be much easier to explain. I want Yasushi-kun to live how he wants to, so I'd like for you to minimize his workload. I know he works for you as a pawn Ayanokouji-kun."

"It was his choice to work for me, so why should I?"

"That place really did rob you of your emotions, including your empathy. You see, Yasushi-kun isn't really in optimal working condition, both physically and mentally, as you saw and heard when he openly insulted your classmate." She said.

That much I understood.

"And to bring up me keeping him away from you, that was just so he could get his rest."

She dropped the book she was holding then forcibly took my hand into hers.

"Please Ayanokouji-kun, I don't want to see him hurt both inside and out. At some point I think he'll lose ambition completely. I'm telling you this not just as his new older sister, but as his old friend and someone that genuinely cares for him, as well as your rival." She said with a concerned look on her face.

Sakayanagi Yasushi had a lot of potential within him, like Horikita did. Unlike her though, he is fully aware of all his faults and tries to correct them by himself. I've been noticing it as well, his despair, his self-hatred. He's been blaming himself lately.

I suppose if its to keep him sharp and available...

"Okay then, I'll minimize his work. I won't ask you of anything either, nor will I hound you for making me lose our future match for not being able to use him. If your step-brother breaks down, I'll help him back up. "

"Thank you Ayanokouji-kun, I was afraid I had to get him to transfer to my class just so I could protect him."

She picked up the book she dropped, then she looked at me once more.

"Yasushi-kun has become incredibly special to me. As his family, my father and I will do our best to make sure he regains all of his ambition again, and give him back the love he once lost."

Family huh...that sounded nice. I'm a little envious of Sakayanagi-kun now.

"If you say he's worth protecting, then I'll protect him while I can."

"I'm truly sorry to have made such a selfish request."

"Its fine, in fact I've grown quite fond of how he acts and am interested in how he thinks. His little inferiority complex intrigues me, because he doesn't see himself as the lowest of the low, but only below average."

"Yes, he's a genius of his own. Neither sticks to the books of science nor the wisdom of open society, he deals with problems the way he knows how."

The way he knows how is pretty self explanatory. Even I can't make full sense of why he does what he does. He's that interesting of a person.

If you really think about it, he's just trying to feel useful, while trying to survive.

Volume 6: Class Roulette

Yasushi POV

Mid-October.

It was finally over. The annoying sports festival was finally over.

The student council held an election, complete with a ceremony to honor the outgoing members and swear in the new ones afterward. That event was significant, with the entire student body assembled in the gymnasium, but most first-year students couldn't have cared less. They nearly fell asleep during the ceremony, quieting their breathing so that the teachers and upperclassmen wouldn't notice them.

"President Horikita has some final remarks he'd like to share with you all."

The moderator stood aside as Horikita Manabu slowly took the stage and approached the microphone. Once, the younger Horikita would have shrunk back in fear at the sight of her brother. Now, she remained steadfast as she watched him leave his position so that the new president could be sworn in.

"I'm very proud to have led the student council for nearly two years. I'm also quite grateful. Thank you all very much." Horikita's older brother said to the crowd.

His address was brief and unemotional, delivered with the air of a solemn obligation, and he retreated to his original position once it was done.

The ceremony didn't end there. The other student council officers remained on the stage.

"President Horikita, thank you for all your hard work. Now then, we'd like to welcome Nagumo Miyabi, a second-year Class A and the next student council president, to say a few words."

Nagumo walked onstage and stood in front of the microphone. Ichinose, a first year, was among the student council members who watched him attentively.

"Hello. I'm Nagumo, second-year Class A. Student Council President Horikita, I sincerely appreciate the strict yet kind guidance you've shown me. I'd like to express my respect for you, while also emphasizing what an honor it's been to serve alongside the most capable president in this school's history. You've exhibited the strongest leadership possible."

Nagumo bowed his head deeply toward Horikita's brother. Then he faced the student body once more.

"Allow me to introduce myself again. My name is Nagumo Miyabi, and I will be assuming the position of student council president at the Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School. I sincerely look forward to working with all of you."

Nagumo had behaved enigmatically during the sports festival. Now, he was the picture of politeness. However, that courtesy didn't last long. He donned a small, thin smile, and the atmosphere changed almost immediately.

"This may be sudden, but for my first order of business, I pledge to change the term length for student council members, as well as the general election method. The previous student council president held the general election in October instead of December each year. This arrangement, which saw the next generation of leaders move into their roles early, yielded mixed results. Therefore, the new student council has determined that it's time to take things a step further. From now on, the student council president and officers will have indefinite terms while attending school, so that they may serve continuously until graduation. At the same time, we'll annul both the current general-election system, and any restrictions on the student council's size. The council will constantly accept new officers. In other words, an excellent candidate may join the student council no matter how many people are currently on it. Also, if someone is determined to be unfit for office, they can be removed by a majority vote. Please allow me to confirm this to all students, teachers, and student council members who served under the previous president. To bring this school into the future, I intend to thoroughly destroy the past."

Nagumo spoke forcefully, as if he meant his remarks to deny the achievements of the previous student council president, who still stood right behind him.

"I wanted to implement these changes at once. Unfortunately, a newly elected president must deal with many obligations and restrictions first." Nagumo glanced at Horikita, then immediately turned back to the student body. "A revolution is coming. Students with real ability will rise to the top, and students without any will fall. I intend to turn this school into a true meritocracy, so please, give me everything you've got. I look forward to seeing what you can do."

The entire gymnasium had been silent during his announcement, but as soon as he finished speaking, almost every second-year student shouted with sheer delight. Apparently, there was some kind of tension between the second and third-year students that we first years didn't know about.

Well, all I know is that with Nagumo-senpai as SCP, things will be way more annoying.

The second semester continued.

At last, I begun to see change in the people whom I was obligated to call classmates. Aside Hirata and our little group with Ayanokouji, everyone started changing for the better. Even Sudou, our supposed problem child, was taking class seriously. I guess my insults didn't go to waste.

As for the four of us, it was still the usual, which was carrying out Ayanokouji's plans. Although there is one thing I didn't like...

"Come on Yasushi-kun, we really need to get you some new clothing!"

"If that's all then he can do that with me."

A lot of times where Kikyou and Arisu meet up with me, they use me like a rope in a tug-of-war game.

"You two do know we can either all go together or not go at all right?"

"Shut up." They both said.

I don't even have a say in these things?

They continued to argue for a little while, until I saw Ayanokouji with someone, walking back to the building. Managing to sneak away, I went up to him, as the girl left with a happy expression. Coincidentally though, Katsuragi and someone else were also here.

I hope Arisu and Kikyou's argument lasts for a little longer. She sees Katsuragi here then the insults won't stop.

"You go on ahead Yahiko, I have some business with these two."

Yahiko nodded and left the scene.

"Horikita isn't with you." Katsuragi said, directing the statement at Ayanokouji.

"It's not like we're joined at the hip." He replied.

"I suppose that's true. I just wanted to say that I was surprised by your performance in the sports festival's final relay. I doubt anyone could've expected it." Katsuragi stated.

"We won't always be the losers." Ayanokouji replied.

"Perhaps. But most of your own classmates looked shocked, too. Unless everyone in your class is a talented actor, it appears few of them knew how fast you are. One of the few being you." Katsuragi said, now looking at me.

"Horikita-san isn't the only one acquainted with Ayanokouji-kun you see." I said in defense.

"You can imagine whatever you like." Ayanokouji said.

"No matter, I didn't think I'd get anything from the both of you."

"Oh? Don't you have enough problems in your own class Katsuragi-kun?" I asked.

"I'm afraid so. Which means I no longer have time to focus on the other classes."

"You told Horikita to be wary of Ryuuen though." Ayanokouji said.

"Don't get me wrong but despite his class' position he'd do anything for the sake of winning. If that means blackmail and violence then he'd resort to it."

Katsuragi didn't just fear Ryuuen, but also oneesan. After all, his class dropped to Class C because of his incompetence, and now Arisu held more power within that class. If he made even another mistake, his position in the class would dissipate.

"Blackmail and violence, huh? Sounds like Ryuuen would be in trouble if the school found out." Ayanokouji said.

"He's a clever person. Please warn Horikita not to underestimate him. I understand why you may not trust me, but Ryuuen is everyone's enemy. You should be wary of him too Sakayanagi-kun."

Sure he was persuasive, but there was evidence that he teamed up with Ryuuen not once on the island exam, but twice on the zodiac exam, at least according to what I've heard.

"You don't believe me?" Katsuragi said, apparently sensing our feelings.

"To be honest, I'm not sure I do. I can't tell you my source, but there are rumors that you worked with Ryuuen. Is that wrong?" Ayanokouji asked.

"Katsuragi-kun, I wasn't there for all of it but what Ayanokouji-kun is saying overlaps with what I heard." I said, backing him up.

"Where did you hear that? Well, I suppose that doesn't matter. I regret it. Even though I felt that I had no other options at the time, I should never have gotten involved with Ryuuen. That's precisely why I'm warning you. I should've known the risks of teaming up with him." Katsuragi said.

"You want us to gang up on him then?" I asked.

Katsuragi chuckled to himself, but we could sense him tensing up. Ayanokouji seemed to want to ask something else, but he got interrupted.

"Please do not bother him Yasushi-kun, he isn't worth your time."

Arisu and Kikyou came from behind us. I guess their argument finally ended.

"Hello Katsuragi-kun!" Kikyou greeted, receiving a nod from him.

"Back to the point, please warn Horikita about Ryuuen. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Not wanting to deal with Arisu, Katsuragi walked passed us and went to the building.

After a few days, the class seemed to be under a heavy atmosphere. Because of this, I instinctively thought we were about to hear of a new special exam. That was until I remembered today was the reveal of our new midterm results.

Chabashira-sensei entered the room.

"Take your seats. It seems you prepared quite a bit in advance for this." she remarked.

The moment Chabashira-sensei walked in, everyone went quiet and a bit stiff. We should've behaved like that originally. It was the natural way for a class to be, but Chabashira-sensei didn't hide her surprise at our mature conduct.

"My, my. You all look so serious. What's the matter with all of you?" She said.

"It's because today's the day you announce the midterm results, right?" Ike looked slightly nervous.

Chabashira-sensei grinned in response.

"That's exactly right. The school will expel you immediately if you fail the midterm or final exam. I told you as much before, so I imagine it's fresh in your memory. I'm happy to see that you've matured, but results are results. If you received a failing grade, you'll need to prepare for the consequences. So, without further ado, I'll now post the results. Read them carefully."

Her warning was genuine. The classroom's surveillance cameras always had their lenses trained on the students, observing everything. If someone acted out after seeing their test scores, the school would undoubtedly respond with draconian measures.

"So, we can see everyone's test scores?"

"Of course. It's allowed by the school's rules."

There was absolutely no privacy, nothing concealed. Just like a company might post up every salesman's profits, our chart exposed the capable and the incapable alike.

The threshold for failing hadn't changed from the previous test, but the situation was a little different.

"A score of forty or higher is considered a passing grade for all subjects. Anyone with a score under forty will face expulsion. These scores also reflect your results from the sports festival. If anyone achieved a score of over one hundred points on this test because of their sports festival results, the school will treat them as having received a perfect score."

Meanwhile, the school would deduct ten points from the midterm scores of the ten students with the lowest sports festival results. Sotomura was one of the worst-scoring students in the sports festival from any grade, so he needed to score ten points higher in every subject to compensate.

Ike and Sudou wore stiff expressions. Many students waited with bated breath as Chabashira-sensei slowly posted the scores on the blackboard. However, Horikita didn't seem nervous at all.

"Wh-what?! No way!"

The results started with those students who scored lowest and went up. Many students naturally expected to see Sudou's name at the bottom of the list, because he'd scored lowest on the midterm and the final exam. However, the first name to come up was "Haruki Yamauchi." Next was "Ike Kanji."

Following that came Inogashira, Satou, and Sotomura. Sotomura always had middling scores, but I imagined that the penalties he'd incurred from the sports festival resulted in him ranking this low.

"Oh no! Dude, did I seriously get the lowest score?!" wailed Yamauchi.

Fortunately, he'd scored over forty points in every subject, his lowest grade being a forty-three in English. He barely passed overall, with an average just slightly below fifty points. Yamauchi probably felt as if his life flashed before his eyes for a moment. He broke out in a cold sweat.

For me though, I managed to get into the top 10, despite me not participating in the sports festival to get those bonus points. I got really lucky with my score in Math, which was my lowest.

Sudou's results were more surprising. Until today, he'd always ranked at the very bottom of the class, but now he'd moved up significantly, going to twelfth from the bottom. Even if you took away his sports festival points, his results were still incredible. Everyone looked shocked; he had an average score of fifty-seven points.

"I just obliterated a personal best! Dude, I almost got an average score of sixty!" Sudou shouted. He shot up and began literally dancing with joy which made me chuckle a bit.

"That's not good enough to merit such a fuss. Especially since your sports festival points helped."

"Guh! Y-yeah..." Sudou sat back down, looking despondent at Horikita's rebuke. He was just like a faithful dog responding to his master's orders.

"Sudou got an average of fifty-seven points. Study group gets results." I heard Ayanokouji saying.

Even in his worst subject, English, Sudou had remarkably managed to score fifty-two points. Apparently, Horikita had tutored Sudou and the other failing students. I was also invited to tutor since my scores were a bit over average.

"The study group had an impact, yes. However, other significant factors helped. Sudou was lucky that this midterm test was made up of relatively simple problems." Horikita said.

"That might be true." This midterm had been, without a doubt, a bit easier than usual. Some questions were so easy I thought the school might've included them by mistake. That said, Sudou's hard work definitely paid off. Horikita tutored all her students equally, but Sudou had taken things a step further, giving up his free days to study one-on-one with her. The power of love really was a terrifying thing.

"You have an average of sixty-four points. That's so mediocre. Why don't you stop fooling around and get serious?" Horikita asked me.

"That was the absolute best I could do."

"You can't get anything out of him Horikita." I said, joining their conversation.

"See, even Sakayanagi-kun thinks I'm incompetent."

Why did you have to word it like that?

"It's so insipid that you're still playing the clown. Honestly, I can't listen to you anymore."

"You've never listened to him Horikita-san. Heck I don't think you've listened to anyone aside him." I said.

"I suppose that's true." She said.

At any rate, because the test problems had been simple, there were a few perfect scores among those students at the top of the class. Chabashira-sensei even gave us a genuine compliment.

"As you can see, no one has to drop out of school due to their midterm scores this time. All of you managed to pass."

"Obviously. I'm looking forward to next month's private points, sensei!" said Sudou, his elbows propped up on his desk.

Chabashira-sensei responded with an unchanging smile.

"That's right. It would be reasonable to expect a private point increase in November. I must say, in the three years I've taught at this school, no other Class D has held on this long without any students dropping out. Well done."

Chabashira-sensei had never shown us this side of her personality until today. Quite a few students seemed hesitant to believe that it was genuine.

"You praising us feels weird." Horikita said.

"I'm inclined to agree with her sensei." I said.

Horikita was hard to fool. Although it was wonderful that no one had failed, she understood that Chabashira-sensei wasn't the type to end on a positive note. The gentler Chabashira-sensei acted, the creepier we all felt.

Our teacher's hair, tied up into a ponytail, swayed bewitchingly. Chabashira-sensei slowly passed between the rows of desks, as if intending to make a trip around the classroom. When she arrived at Ike's desk, she stopped.

"You managed to pass, but I want to ask you something. What do you think of this school? I'd like to hear your honest evaluation."

"Well, I guess...it's a good school. If you do well, you can get tons of spending money. The food's tasty, and the rooms are nice and clean You can buy games and stuff. Plus, there're movies to see and karaoke. And the girls are cute." Ike stated.

That last part wasn't really the school's doing, of course.

"Um...d-did I say something wrong?" He asked, looking fearfully at Chabashira-sensei.

"No. From a student's perspective, this is quite a paradise. Even as a teacher, I feel that this school is almost excessively lavish. It treats the students here so well that it almost defies common sense." she replied.

That common sense she's talking about is why the world is so flawed in the first place. Everything has a reason, even the smallest bit of malice has its good reasons behind it.

Chabashira-sensei began to walk once more, heading for our side of the classroom. She stopped next to Hirata's desk this time.

"Hirata, do you like this school?" she asked

"Yes. I've made lots of friends, and I'm enjoying a fulfilling life." Hirata's response was exemplary.

"Don't you feel anxious, knowing that you could be expelled if you happen to make a single mistake?"

"Whenever I'm nervous, I work harder with everyone else." he replied.

Chabashira-sensei returned to the podium. It seemed as though she was trying to confirm something, but I didn't understand what. Maybe she wanted a better sense of our class's morale. Was she gauging our stamina, to see whether we could handle what was to come?

"Next week, in preparation for the second semester's final exam, there will be a short test with problems from eight subjects. I'm sure that some of you have already started studying, but I just wanted to remind you." said Chabashira-sensei.

"Geh! And I was just recovering from the midterm! Another test?! That means there's only a week left until the next short quiz! I haven't heard about this at all!" Ike whined.

Actually, the teachers constantly reminded us about the upcoming quiz. Ike's response made my head hurt.

"Saying that you haven't heard about it won't do. Don't worry, though, Ike." Chabashira-sensei smiled as if she were throwing Ike a lifeline, but she did nothing purely out of the kindness of her heart. We knew her better than that.

Well, most of us did.

"Really, sensei? So, I can relax and take it easy? Woo!" shouted Ike.

Chabashira-sensei looked away from him.

"There will be one hundred questions on the test, making for a total of one hundred possible points. However, the questions will be on a third-year junior high school level. This test is meant to confirm that you remember your fundamentals. Furthermore, much like the mock test you took in the first semester, it won't affect your grades."

"R-really? Good!"

"However—this test's results will have an enormous impact on your next final exam." she added.

Of course, nothing could be simple at this school. Our next challenge was about to begin it seemed.

"Wait, what kind of impact? Can you tell us?" Sudou asked. I understood his frustration. Chabashira-sensei had purposefully drawn things out to exacerbate the class's anxieties.

"I would love to help you understand, Sudou. The school has decided that this next quiz's results will help determine which students to partner in class." said Chabashira-sensei.

"Partner?" Hirata sounded suspicious.

Now this was getting incredibly interesting.

"That's right. Pairs decided based on this test will go on to take the final exam together. There will be eight subjects on that exam, each worth a total of one hundred points. Four hundred test questions, fifty for each subject. There are also two possible ways for you to fail that exam. If your pair scores under sixty in even one subject, then the school will expel both students. The sixty-point total, by the way, refers to the partners' combined score. For example, let's say Ike and Hirata were partners. Even if Ike scored zero points, they'd both be safe as long as Hirata scored sixty points."

Everyone gasped. With an excellent partner, this would be an easy test.

However, this still left the second method of failing.

"There's one additional hurdle to overcome. The school has decided that you must secure a certain overall score to avoid failing. Even if you get sixty points or more in each of the eight individual subjects, failing to meet this overall score requirement will mean expulsion."

"So, the overall requirement represents both partners' combined score?"

"Yes, exactly. The school hasn't yet determined the exact score required, but in years past, it's been around seven hundred points." said Chabashira-sensei.

Seven hundred points. With two people working together across eight subjects—sixteen scores in total, two for each subject—you'd need a minimum average of 43.75 points in every subject. Even excellent students like Horikita or Yukimura would be at risk.

"You mentioned that the overall required score is still unclear. Why?" asked Hirata.

"Don't be so hasty. I'll explain the overall requirements in more detail later. The final exam will be held over two days with four subjects per day, and I'll let you know the order of the subjects. In the event that someone is absent due to poor health, the school will investigate the absence's legitimacy. If it's confirmed to be unavoidable, the student will receive points based on a rough estimate of what they would've earned given past test results. However, should the school find that an absent student didn't have sufficient reason to miss class, they will receive a score of zero points for all tests missed." Chabashira-sensei replied.

We can't avoid taking the test then. The school is saying that if you are absent, you're basically expelled if your absence doesn't have the credible grounds.

"At any rate, you're starting to behave like proper students. If this announcement were earlier in the year, you'd probably all be wailing by now."

"Well, we've gotten used to it." Ike responded.

"Well said, Ike. Many of you probably think the same thing, which is why I'm going to give you just one piece of advice. Don't assume that you understand how this school works just because you've finished the first semester of your first year. In the future, you'll face countless exams far more difficult than those you face now." Chabashira-sensei replied.

"P-please don't say such terrifying things, sensei." said one of the girls.

"Well, it's the truth. In years past... We call it the 'Paper Shuffle,' but one or two pairs are usually expelled due to this test. Most of them are from Class D. This is by no means a threat; I'm just telling you the facts."

The class's optimism rapidly faded. But what did Chabashira-sensei mean by "Paper Shuffle" exactly?

"The school will expel any failed partners without exception. If you think this is a mere threat, then it might be good for you to talk to an upperclassman. You should've started building connections with them, after all. Lastly, although this is obvious, cheating is forbidden. Anyone who cheats will immediately be disqualified and expelled, along with their partner. The same applies to all midterm and final examinations."

If this were an ordinary high school, the punishment for cheating would probably be an automatic zero in all subjects, a stern warning, or suspension at the very most. Chabashira-sensei was giving us ample warning to prevent students from panicking and making mistakes. However, the pair system was still a real problem.

"After I get the short test's results, I'll tell you how the all-too-important partners will be decided." Chabashira-sensei added.

She said the partners would be decided based on the short test right? If so then I've basically figured it out. It's something I'd like to call "power balance".

"If you get partnered with the student at the bottom, won't you be in deep trouble?" Sudou asked.

No that's not it Sudou.

"Ugh! Ken's humiliating me! I'm going to study hard and turn things around!" Yamauchi cried.

"Don't push yourself. You're all talk. You haven't seen anything yet; I've been studying a lot." said Sudou.

Yamauchi slumped, looking as though he were writhing in agony. Sudou's words weren't empty; as long as Horikita kept helping him, he really would work hard.

"One more aspect of this final exam will challenge you." said Chabashira-sensei.

While the rest of the class was slightly agitated by this, Horikita appeared mildly exasperated.

"So, there's another thing we have to do?"

"Yes. First, the school will ask you to create your own questions to appear on the final exam. They'll use the questions you come up with for one of the other three classes. That means classes will be able to attack one another, so to speak. The school will compare your class's overall score to the overall score for the class that received your test questions. The class that scores higher will take points from the losing class. Fifty class points, specifically." said Chabashira-sensei.

To sum up, pairs needed to score above seven hundred points in aggregate or be expelled. Meanwhile, we also needed to score sixty points or higher for each individual subject or be expelled. Furthermore, our entire class's overall score had to exceed the overall score of the class whose test questions we set.

No wonder its called Paper Shuffle.

"But let's say Class A attacks Class B, and Class D attacks Class A. If Class A successfully carries out their attack on Class B while simultaneously defending against Class D, they'll gain a total of one hundred points. However, if Class A attacks Class D and Class D attacks Class A, won't things just cancel each other out?"

From what I understood it would either go up or down by a hundred points, or in the unlikely event of a tie, it wouldn't move at all.

"In the event of a one-on-one confrontation of thatkind, class scores may go up or down by a hundred points at a time. Don't worry. Although this is unlikely, if the overall scores are tied, then the matchup will end in a draw, and no class will lose or gain points." said Chabashira-sensei.

I guessed it, I suppose.

"So, we have to come up with problems for the other classes to solve. I've never heard of anything like this. How will this be executed? If someone devises absurdly hard questions..."

"Yeah, yeah! That's right! They could pick stuff we haven't learned yet! This is impossible!" Ike and some other students threw up their hands in frustration.

"Teachers will evaluate the questions you create. If they exceed what you have been taught, or cannot be answered with the information provided, they will be revised. We'll ensure that each class submits fair questions and answers. Do you understand, Ike?" asked Chabashira-sensei.

"Uh, yeah, I guess." he replied. It sounded deceptively easy, but probably wasn't that simple.

"Creating four hundred questions, huh? That'll make for a pretty tight schedule." said Hirata.

I hope I won't be included in the creation of those questions.

We had about a month left until the test. A single person would have to come up with ten to fifteen questions per day to get them done in time. Although we could put several people to work devising questions, that would cause some variation in quality. If we had to make any revisions after submitting the problems to the school, we'd need to work quickly. If you also took Class C's flaws into account, finishing the questions would come down to the wire. Hirata must have understood that, because he looked flustered.

"If you don't complete the questions in time, certain measures are in place to help you. After the submission deadline passes, the school will utilize its own premade questions. However, please keep in mind that those questions will be easier." said Chabashira-sensei.

Only a mixed blessing, then. We had to create our own questions, no matter what, which meant someone would have to do the lion's share of that work in addition to managing their own studies. This test would be brutal.

"You may consult teachers and students from other classes, and you can use the internet. There are few restrictions. As long as the school accepts the questions, we don't care about much else." said Chabashira-sensei.

"So, our final test will obviously include questions from another class, right?"

"Exactly. Each class will choose another class to compete against, and I will report that request to my superiors. If another class makes the same choice, representatives will draw lots. However, if there are no duplicate nominations, your choice of class will be honored. I'll accept your nomination for the class you'd like to go up against next week, the day before the short test. You should think very carefully." she added.

The final exam was us against the school—but this time, it was a street fight. Who we'd be paired with was the least of our worries right now.

"That's all for the preliminary explanation. The rest is up to you." said Chabashira-sensei.

With that, our classes ended for the day.

"Sakayanagi-kun, come with me. Ayanokouji-kun, we're holding a meeting so could you get Hirata-kun for me?" Horikita asked.

"Roger." Ayanokouji replied.

I followed Horikita while Ayanokouji talked to Hirata. The three of us along with Kikyou, gradually became the primary movers and shakers of the class. As unfortunate as it is Ayanokouji can't stay in the shadows anymore, the three of us who work for him fully knew that.

While our list of enemies grew, our list of reliable allies haven't moved much. We need more help, and we need it as soon as possible. The three of us are no longer enough to keep helping Ayanokouji with his plans, especially since he ran so fast in the relay race. Ichinose, Ryuuen and probably even Katsuragi, wanted to know who was pulling Horikita's strings, and Ayanokouji was in the open.

If Ayanokouji lost his control of the class, we're all basically lambs to the slaughter.

"Hirata's on his way, same with Sudou." Ayanokouji said, coming up to us.

"So, what do you two think?" Horikita asked.

"It's just like Chabashira-sensei said. This exam will be difficult. The bar is high, and the partner system makes it worse. To top it off, if another class comes up with the problems we have to solve, the test could get extremely tough. Depending on how the question's worded, even something straightforward could appear unsolvable." Ayanokouji answered the question.

Horikita then turned to me.

"I agree with Ayanokouji-kun but I still have my own verdict to make. The test itself isn't necessarily hard, the opponents are the ones that'll make it difficult."

"That's true. This time, it's not just about studying. We have to be creative." Horikita said.

We can't go by with just tutoring the weaker students like in a normal test. In this one, we need to understand the other classes and how they would tackle this. For Arisu, she'd probably prioritize attacking us or letting everything happen. Ichinose would just let her class study, leaving not much care on the enemy she'll face. Ryuuen would most probably use underhanded tricks like bribing someone from the enemy class to give him the test questions, in short, cheating.

Compared to other exams and the sports festival, this test is way easier. It's just a war of information this time.

"I feel as if Chabashira-sensei was hinting at something." Ayanokouji told Horikita.

"Yes, I noticed. The school packs hints into everything. The three key points Chabashira-sensei made were that the short test won't affect our grades, that the criteria for the combined scores hadn't been decided yet, and that they'd determine our partners after the short test."

"To me, the only thing not as clear is the criteria for the combined scores." I said.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting. You wanted to discuss plans, right?" Hirata said, joining us.

He called to Karuizawa to join us. Though she glared at us as if it was a huge bother, she came.

"Sorry. I thought that we should talk things over right away, I'd like to start right away."

"Huh? Wait, right here? No way. If we're talking things over, we might as well go to Pallet. Right, Yousuke-kun?" asked Karuizawa.

Karuizawa tightly hugged Hirata's arm, snuggling close to him. It was her usual method of getting what she wanted. Pallet was a café on school grounds, one that mostly catered to girls. During lunch breaks and after class, it often overflowed with people.

For some reason, she let go of Hirata's arm.

"We don't know where the enemy might be watching us from, but... Well, it's fine, I suppose." replied Horikita.

She probably understood that it would be unwise to antagonize Karuizawa right now. I still can't believe it but Horikita is actually maturing.

"Excuse me, but would it be all right if I joined you, too? Is that okay...?" Kikyou asked, coming up to our little group.

"I'm fine with you joining us Kikyou. Besides, you understand this class extremely well right?" I asked, earning a nod from her.

"Of course, Kushida-san. I planned on inviting you, anyway. Could you three head over to Pallet first? I have a few things to take care of." Horikita said.

Kushida, Karuizawa, and Hirata agreed and left without any particular objections. Now the three of us were left once again.

"Sakayanagi-kun, you have a great degree of understanding of Kushida-san right?" She asked me.

"I mean, I don't know how close we are in her eyes but I suppose so." I said.

"Sorry to make you wait Suzune." Sudou said, coming to us. We couldn't continue this important conversation unless it was just the three of us.

"It's alright, Hirata-kun and the others are meeting us at Pallet anyway."

"Okay, sure. Hey, uh, sorry about this...but, um, would it be okay if I peeked in on my club? The upperclassmen asked for me to be there. It should be over in, like, twenty or thirty minutes." said Sudou.

"I don't mind. Come join us as soon as you finish." replied Horikita.

Sudou flashed a smile, grabbed his bag, and hurried out of the classroom. Horikita picked up her own bag and headed to the door.

"I think I'm gonna head back to my dorm. Give it your best." Ayanokouji told her.

"Wait a minute. You were invited, too. You're absolutely indispensable as the intermediary between Hirata-kun and Karuizawa-san. I still can't control either of them," said Horikita.

"You aren't gonna get out of the situation this time Ayanokouji-kun." I said.

"You say that, but I think you're a capable leader. Besides, the final exam will test everything we've learned. You and your study group handled the midterm without my help."

"That might be true. But if Kushida-san is in the group, it's a different story. Can you at least participate in today's discussion? Or don't you want the rundown of Kushida-san's past?"

Actually, Ayanokouji and I were already fully aware of her past, but we had to play along.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't." He said.

You lie as easy as you breathe Mr. Vague.

"What do you mean past?" I asked.

Well I guess we're the same in this scenario.

"It seems you, who are supposedly one of the closest to Kushida-san, don't know about her second face." You just had to say 'supposedly' so as to insult me huh?

"I'll tell you everything I know about her. Honestly, I don't want to go around spreading rumors, but I think informing you is necessary."

"I wonder why you're so interested in talking to us about Kushida."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you kept quiet about her until now. When did you two start fighting?"

"I can't talk to you about it here. Understand?"

"I understand. I suppose I'll come along with you."

"If it means fixing whatever's going on between you two, I'll go as well." I said, acting oblivious.

Volume 6: Shuffle Preparations

Yasushi POV

After homeroom began at 6 p.m. Chabashira-sensei left the classroom. Hirata, glancing sideways at the perplexed students, stood and went up to the podium. No more time for games. We were about to have a serious discussion.

"During homeroom today, I'd like to discuss our strategy for the short quiz tomorrow. I've received Chabashira-sensei's permission. First, Horikita-san, Sakayanagi-kun, would you please come up?"

Horikita and I stood and went to Hirata.

After taking my place beside Hirata near the podium, I thought Horikita would immediately start discussing the final exam, but she didn't.

"First, there's something I'd like to say. Please allow me to apologize."

Something appeared to have festered inside her heart for several weeks now.

"My performance during the sports festival was disappointing. Though I act tough in front of you all, in the end, I didn't do anything for Class B. For that, I apologize."

Horikita bowed her head deeply. Naturally, this display shook many students. Onodera, who had become a little distant with Horikita after the three-legged race, spoke up in response.

"B-but it's not like it's only your fault we lost, Horikita-san. Please, don't bow to us. You don't have to." she said.

"That's right, Suzune. I mean, Haruki and the Professor weren't really much help, either. Sudou's words were sad but true. Yamauchi and Sotomura shot vexed glares at him.

"Regardless of whether you win or lose, a humble attitude makes it easier to move on. But that's not what I'm talking about here. I contributed almost nothing to any area of the festival." said Horikita.

She looked over at Sudou for an instant. By giving him that look, she implied that the one thing she'd gained was becoming Sudou's ally. Sudou couldn't have missed that message. While he scratched his cheek in embarrassment, he smiled quietly.

"But now, I'm finished apologizing. Next, I'd like to use my energy to take on the upcoming short quiz. Unless we all come together as a class, we won't get through this challenge."

"I can understand that, but do you have a plan? Like, we don't even know how they choose the pairs yet."

"Actually, the partner selection process has already been made clear. If we handle things right, each student could feasibly end up with theirideal partner. Hirata-kun, if you would."

On Horikita's instructions, Hirata started writing on the board.

Deciding How Pairs Are Formed:

After the school looks at the class as a whole, it will pair the highest-scoring and lowest-scoring students.

This process will continue with the second-highest and second-lowest-scoring students pairing up, and then the third-highest and lowest, and so on.

For example, the student with one hundred points will pair with the student with zero points. The student with ninety-nine points will pair with the student with one point.

"Simple, right?" Horikita said

"It actually balances out the academic level of everyone here." I said.

"Wh-whoa! You cracked the code, Horikita! Awesome!"

"It's fairly obvious. However, remember this: though students who earn lower grades will almost automatically partner with students with higher grades, there are always exceptions. I'm going to explain a strategy that we can use to end up with reliable, appropriate pairs." said Horikita.

She walked to Hirata and faced the classroom. Horikita was shy about public speaking; it had to be taking all she had to keep facing forward.

"I'd like to have the students who worry about their grades partner up with high scorers. However, looking at our grades so far, the truth of the matter is that we can't cover everyone." said Horikita.

While Hirata listed the top ten and bottom ten, I continued the explanation.

"Those listed here in the bottom ten should score zero points, it's fine for you to do so. That way, those here in the top ten can score 90 and above to get randomly paired with them. However, there is a problem, which we'll deal with later."

"We'll divide the remaining twenty students in the class into two groups of ten. The higher-scoring of those two groups should aim to score a maximum of eighty points, while the lower-scoring group only needs to score one point. By doing things this way, we automatically achieve a good balance in our pairings." Horikita said, finishing off for me.

The important thing was to ensure that the students who scored zero points and those who scored one point weren't paired. We needed to ensure that the school partnered the students with the most significant differences in academic ability.

"I think this is a great plan." Hirata didn't dissent. He wanted to create a harmonious atmosphere.

"Do you have any objections, Kouenji-kun?"

"No. What a nonsensical question. Naturally, I fully grasp the situation." He rested his long legs across his desk and started combing his hair, like always.

"Then would it be appropriate for me to expect you to score eighty points or higher?"

"Well, I'm not too sure about that. Wouldn't that depend on the test's contents?"

"If you intentionally scored a zero, and got matched with one of the higher-scoring students, you'd destroy the balance we're trying to achieve. Do you understand that?"

The only thing to fear from this test was someone getting an irregular score. If an academically gifted student like Kouenji deliberately held back, he could throw off the class's balance. We needed to avoid having highly gifted students like Horikita and Kouenji paired together.

"I will consider the matter carefully, girl."

Even though Kouenji's response was suspicious, Horikita couldn't pursue the matter any further.

The day of the short quiz arrived, and though I expected us to start immediately, Chabashira-sensei had something to discuss first.

"We will begin shortly, but I'd like to say something. You nominated Class D as the class you wanted to attack for this test. Since there was no conflict with any other class, your nomination was approved." said Chabashira-sensei.

"Did Classes A and C both nominate Class B, then?" It seemed we'd managed to overcome our first obstacle, and Horikita was relieved.

"Class D will attack Class B. They also had no competing nominations that conflicted with that decision."

So, the battle was going to be Class D versus Class B, and Class C versus Class A. Which means Ryuuen will likely use her, and it'd be a sure win for us.

"That's an ideal match-up." said Horikita.

You may not know of it Horikita, but it's so ideal that it's not even a competition.

At any rate its fairly obvious that Arisu chose Class C's nomination, since someone like Katsuragi would choose Class D. Since we chose Class D as Horikita had hoped, it gave us an incredible amount of opportunities, one of which was to get Horikita herself expelled if she managed to piss off Ayanokouji.

This whole special exam is being used by Ayanokouji to put Horikita on trial. He'll decide whether keeping her is a benefit or not. If we were to expel her, it would fulfill Kikyou's wish and establish her and I as the remaining leaders, since if Hirata's nature was to protect everyone and when he couldn't, he'd probably fade out of existence. If she passes the trial, Ayanokouji would keep her as our cover since their goals would sync from time to time.

Now for another opportunity, Ryuuen. His schemes would most probably revolve around Kikyou stealing our questions, so that left us with two options. When it is revealed to him that Kikyou doesn't give him the actual questions, we could either make Kikyou look like she was working for herself, or reveal that this was a scheme of ours from the very start.

Whichever one is chosen, its not going to be a good exam for Ryuuen's class. Also, the only thing I can confirm would really happen is Horikita's trial. Whether Ayanokouji chooses to literally crush Ryuuen here and now is another matter entirely.

"At any rate, you look like you're doing quite well, Ike. Yamauchi, you usually have dark circles under your eyes right before you take a test. Did you happen to come up with some secret strategy?"

"Heh heh heh. Watch and learn, sensei." Ike was completely self-confident, as expected.

He hadn't needed to study at all. He could just write down his name and turn in a blank sheet of paper. If he seriously tried to take this unique exam, it would only increase the risks we'd face.

Chabashira-sensei had to see what was happening.

"Don't do something you'll regret later. It would be better if you took this quiz seriously."

"Wh-what do you mean? This isn't going to have an effect on my grades, right?"

"Right. Your final grade won't reflect your score on this at all."

"In that case, I don't need a good score." said Ike.

"Sure. If things go the way you expect them to go, that is."

What Chabashira-sensei said stirred our class's anxiety.

"Should we try to get good scores after all?" muttered Sudou.

"Don't get flustered. There are no problems with our plan." said Horikita.

Her calm, collected response managed to settle the students. Sudou regained his composure instantly. "Yeah. All I have to do is believe in Suzune."

Chabashira-sensei produced the quiz papers.

"Well then, let's begin. I needn't remind you that no form of cheating is allowed. If someone gets caught cheating, then there will be no mercy."

The teacher handed stacks of paper to the students in the front row and had them pass the tests back. Because we had to keep the paper facedown until the test started, I immediately flipped mine upside down when I received it.

"Aren't you worried that you're wrong about how the pairs are selected?" asked Chabashira-sensei.

"Not at all. I'm confident that I'm right." said Horikita.

She was unfazed by what Chabashira-sensei said. Ike and the others could stand tall because of their leader's confidence.

We were finally changing.

"Begin." Chabashira-sensei gave the signal, and the test started.

I slowly turned the papers over.

I had to keep myself from making a big noise, because this test was extremely easy. From my environment, a lot of people made small noises like "oh" or just smirked a bit.

How very tempting, but not tempting enough.

The next day, the results and the partnering were immediately announced.

The results were as follows: Horikita Suzune and Sudou Ken, Hirata Yousuke and Yamauchi Haruki, Kushida Kikyou and Ike Kanji, Yukimura Teruhiko and Inogashira Kokoro.

It was as we predicted. Since I was told to score around 80, I was wondering who my partner was...

Sakayanagi Yasushi and Matsushita Chiaki

Who was this girl again? I think she's a friend of Karuizawa.

Looking around the room, I saw a girl looking at me while waving. I assume that's Matsushita then, so I waved back. This was when I remembered that Matsushita was in the lower average group, the ones that scored 1 and 0.

"God really does have a bad sense of humor." I hear Ayanokouji saying behind me.

"Why though?" I asked.

"Nothing, don't worry about it."

I looked at his partner and saw that it was Satou Maya. What's the problem with that?

"It looks like Kouenji-kun acted just as we hoped he would this time." Horikita said, joining our conversation.

"Well, he only gives a damn whenever its a written exam, so we can at least expect him to do at most second best during those times." I said.

"I suppose that's true, after all he's excelled in every other written exam so far." She replied.

"The results indicate that some among you understood this short quiz's purpose. Students were to be paired based on the difference in points, with the highest scorer partnered with the lowest, and so on. If students had the same scores, the pairings would have been determined at random. It's probably not necessary for me to explain the system, but I thought I would anyway." Chabashra-sensei said with a proud tone.

"There don't appear to be any blatant problems with the pairings." Ayanokouji said.

"Yeah. Everything's been going so smoothly it's almost scary. But the real challenge starts now. How will we come up with our exam questions, and how will we overcome the final? You're paired up with Satou-san. You should be fine. You as well Sakayanagi-kun, since Matsushita-san is fairly decent."

From what I remembered in past exams when the scores are posted, Matsushita was fairly smart. During the first semester final exam, which we didn't get any help from a cheat sheet, she scored around the 70s. In the second semester midterm, she scored an average of 68. It makes me wonder why she was chosen to be in the lower average group though.

"I'll hold study groups until the final exam to raise our class's average scores. If Hirata-kun and Kushida-san agree, I'd like to hold two study sessions per day. There will be a two-hour session beginning at 4 p.m., right after classes end, until 6 p.m. The other two-hour session will be held from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. We'll each lead a session in turn. I'll be counting on you, Hirata-kun. Sakayanagi-kun I'll also have to ask you to attend from time to time." said Horikita.

"Because of my club activities, I'll take the second study group. Let's all work together and do our best." Hirata replied.

"I'll join whenever I can, besides we need all the tutors we can get." I said.

Things were certainly moving forward.

Horikita and Hirata discussed the study sessions' format until they nailed down the finer details. Kikyou and I would attend both sessions and adopt a unique role, tutoring the students who were worried about whether they could reach fifty points.

That being said, this plan wasn't free of problems. Compared to the first-semester study group, significantly more students wanted a tutor, and only four could handle being tutors. Naturally, the more students there were per teacher, the lower the quality of instruction would be. When lunch came, Horikita met with me, Hirata and Sudou.

"Dang it! Suzune's not leading the second group? There goes my motivation, man." Sudou couldn't attend the first session due to his club activities, and was clearly unhappy to miss Horikita. Then again, the old Sudou probably would've lashed out by now.

"No matter who's teaching, it'll bother me if you don't try. Okay?" said Horikita.

"Okay. We're a team, after all." he replied. Horikita had excellent control over the untamed stallion that is Sudou.

"Your efforts reflect on me. I'd appreciate it if you understand that. Besides, I'll try to make appearances at the evening sessions as often as I can."

"Yeah! All right, I'm ready for this! I'm countin' on you, Hirata."

"Likewise. Let's do our best together, Sudou-kun."

"Excuse me, may I talk to you?" Miyake Akito asked, approaching Horikita.

"Oh hey Miyake-kun, how's your sprained ankle?" I asked before we go onto the topic he wanted to bring up.

"Its doing fine now, thank you for asking."

"Anyway Miyake-kun, what do you need from us?" Horikita asked.

Miyake was with Hasebe, a beautiful girl who was a frequent topic of discussion amongst the boys. These two normally kept quiet and rarely interacted with anyone. It was unexpected for them to approach Horikita.

"Wait, you two are paired together for the final exam, right?" asked Hirata.

"Well, yes. We're partners, but we're equally good and bad at all the same subjects. We're a little nervous about how we'll perform in the final, so we wanted to ask for your advice."

Miyake handed Hirata their completed answer sheets for both the short test and the midterm. Their scores on the short test stood in stark contrast, with Miyake getting seventy-nine points and Hasebe getting one point, as intended. However, their midterm scores were sixty-five and sixty-three, respectively. There was almost no difference in academic ability between them. They were both exceptionally average, but they'd still been split between the upper and lower groups.

At first glance, it looked as though they could probably score high enough to pass the final, but there was a problem. Miyaki and Hasebe got the exact same kinds of questions wrong. To pass, they needed a score of at least sixty points for every subject. This would be a perilous bridge to cross.

"I see, this is a little unexpected. Let's make sure to check the other pairs later."

"What are these scores? Its like you two are one person." I commented.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Hirata, really. I'm always causing trouble for you, between the cruise ship and the sports festival."

"Don't worry about that Miyake-kun, I wasn't even able to properly participate in those." I said, trying to comfort him.

"Please, don't apologize, if I had trouble, I'm sure you'd do the same for me."

The answers that Miyake and Hasebe got right and wrong on their sheets were extraordinarily similar. In fact, they were so similar you might think the same person took both tests.

"This is really unfortunate. I don't want to complicate your plans or mess up the study groups." Miyake said.

You could tell that the two were by no means unintelligent. The problem was that they were too similar. Because of that, group tutoring was going to be insufficient. One-on-one tutoring was necessary.

"Kushida-san, could I ask you to take on additional students? These two should have a pretty strong foundation that won't bring down the group's overall cohesion." said Horikita.

"Sure. If you're all right with that, Miyake-kun and Hasebe-san, I'll do it."

"No Kikyou, we need these two to be tutored separately. We need to find them their own tutor because their strengths and weaknesses are way too similar."

Miyake didn't appear to accept or reject Kikyou's offer and my statement, but Hasebe spoke up.

"I'm going to pass, I think. I don't get along too well with Ichihashi-san and the others. Besides, I'm not really good at studying in a group with a lot of people."

It seemed Miyake was the one who had wanted to come to Hirata for help, while Hasebe hadn't been too keen on it.

"But if you take the final exam as is, even if you clear the overall score requirement, you might score under sixty points somewhere." Horikita said.

"Yeah, I know." replied Hasebe. She averted her eyes from Horikita and started walking away.

"Where are you going?"

"Miyacchi, I'm sorry to have wasted your time, but I guess this just isn't the right fit for me." said Hasebe. With that, she left the classroom.

"Sorry, Horikita." Miyake muttered.

"I don't mind. Well, even if it's just you, would you mind studying with Kushida-san?" asked Horikita. If Miyake improved his weakest subjects, he could effectively cover for Hasebe, too.

"I'll pass. I don't really feel like I could study with a group of just girls. I'll try and do it on my own."" he replied. He got up, grabbed his bag, and left.

Horikita couldn't force anyone to study. If a student didn't participate of their own free will, it would be nearly impossible to get any results. It would probably lower the serious students' morale to boot.

"What now?" asked Hirata. "I think we should follow up with those two."

"Yeah. If only we had another tutor." said Horikita.

Horikita glanced at me.

"I can't. If I'm going to help out in the other two study groups while also studying for my own test, then I can't make extra time for those two. I have other pressing matters as well, if you know what I mean."

Horikita knew who and what I was talking about.

She then gave a brief glance at Ayanokouji, before looking back at us.

"I'll see if I can make time." She muttered.

"No, you can't do it either Horikita-san. Aside handling one of the study groups, you have to make the bulk if not all the questions for Class D." I said.

"He's right Horikita-san, you'll overwork yourself." Hirata took my side.

"But what other choice do I have?"

"In that case, I'll take care of tutoring them." said Yukimura, inserting himself casually into our conversation.

"We'd be glad to have you aboard, Yukimura-kun. You're diligent and academically gifted. But are you all right with this? I thought you didn't really like this kind of thing?"

"If I don't help out where I can, we won't be able to pass the test. Same goes for you, Horikita. You can't do everything yourself. There's just one problem. I can teach Miyake and Hasebe how to study, but I'm not friendly with them. After seeing what happened here earlier, I get the feeling that talking to them will be tricky. I was hoping you could do the work of convincing them to study with me."

That was a small price to pay, under the circumstances. Horikita was overjoyed. Yukimura was like the cavalry in a movie—the sort who arrives in the nick of time, charging over the hill to save the cornered protagonists.

"I'll think of something." Horikita promised.

Yukimura left the classroom, and she turned to Ayanokouji.

"Is it okay to be optimistic for now?"

"Not necessarily. You don't know how to talk to those two either." He said.

"I'm not sure. All three of them are loners." said Hirata.

Horikita turned to Ayanokouji after a moment of thought.

"Hey, Ayanokouji-kun. Would you manage Yukimura-kun and the others?"

"Manage?"

"You were Yukimura-kun's roommate on the cruise ship, so I thought you might have broken the ice with him. Miyake-kun and Hasebe-san could be difficult, but with you as the middleman, I think it'll be easier for us to communicate with them." said Horikita.

How does Ayanokouji being Yukimura's old roommate connect to him being able to manage them? Is Horikita just trying to make him work?

"All you need to do is help corral them into studying with Yukimura. I didn't say I wanted you to teach them. Can I count on you?" Horikita asked.

Now its turning into a threat.

"I'll do what I can." Ayanokouji said.

"Need me to help with Miyake, Hasebe and Yukimura?"

"No need, your job is with Kushida and Karuizawa here. Also, whatever Horikita does pertaining to the exam, report it to me." He said.

"Alright then, best of luck." I said.

"Same to you."

With that, Ayanokouji left to talk with Yukimura, while I also prepared for what I was going to do.

While his job was to manage Yukimura and the other two, my job was to help out in the first group study session led by Horikita.

"Ready Yasushi-kun?" Kikyou said, walking up to me.

"Yeah, where will we be holding this session Horikita-san?"

"We'll be holding it at the library, almost everyone should be there by now. Let's head out, we don't want to keep them waiting."

Kikyou and I followed Horikita to the library, where most of the study group members for the first session should be. The walk wasn't uneventful however, as Horikita tried to get information out of us.

"How have things been for you two?" She asked.

"Care to clarify? If you asked that to a boy and a girl they might misinterpret it." With my remark, Kikyou turned a bit red.

"Oh my apologies. What I meant was how have things been with your school life?"

"I've been doing fine I guess. The accident on the island didn't help me though."

"Yasushi-kun, no need to feel so down. It was an accident after all." Kikyou said.

Well...only Ayanokouji and Ryuuen know what had truly happened. Not even Arisu knows that I did this to myself.

"I suppose that was my fault. If only I had been-"

"Horikita-san please shut up about that incident. It's in the past and we can't change that. I should be the one apologizing since our walks would be much slower because of me."

If my initial walking speed was like ten kilometers per hour, it was now around four or five. This is a handicap that I need to get used to.

"Okay then, if you say so. What about you Kushida-san? How has your school life been?"

"Its been pretty great! Although, most of my friends have been getting more tense lately..."

"We can't really blame them, right Horikita-san?"

"Indeed. After the events of the summer break we immediately jumped into the preparations for the Sports Festival, and now we're doing the Paper Shuffle."

"Its due to these events that time really flies. I can't believe its already been two months since the island exam."

I also know that tomorrow is Ayanokouji's birthday. As much as I'd like to throw a party like what Arisu did for me, I think he wouldn't like that. Instead, the few of us that cared about him or know about his birthday decided to give him gifts, all of them were currently in my room.

"Here we are."

We eventually arrived at the library, where as expected, most of the members were already here.

"I assume everyone's ready? Then let us begin."

I took a seat beside Kikyou then brought out my study materials. As one of the available tutors, although handicapped, I was supposed to help everyone out. Instead of me coming to them, they came to me.

Turns out, a lot more students needed my help than I first expected. While Horikita and Kikyou helped out the weakest students like Ike and Yamauchi, I was supposed to handle the bulk of the study group, those in the average range. One of them being my partner.

"Hello Matsushita-san, need help too?" I asked.

"Yeah, I need some help in English. You're really good at the subject right?"

My scores are fairly high in English. I got a 95 in the last midterm, which was my highest out of all the subjects.

"Sure, just show me where you're having a hard time in."

"Great! Thanks in advance!"

Matsushita sat down next to me in which was supposed to be Kikyou's seat, but she was with some of our other classmates helping with their weakpoints.

I explained in an easy to understand manner on the things Matsushita was pointing out. While I was at it, I tried remembering what Matsushita's old scores were. Of course, I came out with close to nothing since I've never focused on Matsushita in the past. From the way she's asking questions though, I feel like something is off.

Sometimes in an effort to catch me off guard, she asks me questions like "What do you usually do with Sakayanagi-san" and stuff. Its like she's trying to step into my personal space just to learn what she can. She's either trying to get along with me or dig through my information to find dirt.

Either way, I'm not gonna let some wannabe spy get the best of me.

"That should cover everything you've pointed out. Do you need help with anything else?"

"I don't know...Hold up let me look."

She glanced at her papers, seemingly focused as she tries to find any other fields to which she needs help in.

"From my scores here it looks like I'm having a bit of trouble in Science too."

"Let me see...Hmm, looks like you do. I'll look into it some other time. I need to help the others too you see."

"Oh, alright then! Sorry for taking up too much time. I'll see you around."

Well she backed down fast.

Matsushita went back to her usual seat, then I started helping out everyone else once again. On occasion though, I snuck a few glances at her and saw that she was staring at me back. This made me not trust her even more, she's been acting way too suspiciously around me. What does she want I wonder?

I attended the second session of study groups as well. Unfortunately, we held this one in Hirata's room for the boys, then Kikyou's room for the girls. Since the main building was closed for the day, we had to make do like this. It wasn't as eventful other than me helping out Sudou specifically. Hirata and Kikyou insisted that they help everyone else, while I kept Sudou going.

"Geez man! This one's really hard."

Sudou was currently engrossed in a math problem. To me it was one of the more medium level problems for a normal high schooler. Compared to those three problems in the Math midterm of the first semester, this was nothing. Although I get where he's coming from, this is algebra after all.

"Here use this formula instead. the teachers never really said having to use a specific formula anyway."

"Huh? You sure dude?"

"Yeah, I use this one on occasion when the problems get tough. I usually use more simpler ones though."

"Thanks! I'll try it right now."

While focusing on helping Sudou, someone knocked on Hirata's door.

"Hm? I wonder who is visiting at this hour?"

I can't blame him for questioning it, it was almost 10pm after all.

Hirata opened the door, only to find Horikita standing at the entrance.

"Oh Horikita-san. What brings you here?" He asked

"I was just checking up on you guys. I already visited the girls in Kushida-san's room, they're doing fine. How are things?" She responded

"Going pretty well. I'm handling everyone else while Sakayanagi-kun is personally tutoring Sudou-kun."

She stepped into the dorm room then went straight for us.

"Sudou-kun, how have your studies been?"

"Been pretty great! Sakayangi is a really big help!"

Horikita then glanced at me. I just nodded.

"Okay then, keep up the good work. I'll be leaving now since I still have to make a few more questions for today."

"How many have you made already?" I asked.

"I've made 50 already, along with Hirata-kun and Yukimura-kun's help, but I want to make a few more then stop for the day."

She was making steady progress. I'm impressed they've made 50 on the first day of the preparations.

As Horikita left, I got a text from Ayanokouji, telling me to meet him.

"I have to call it in for the day Hirata-kun."

"Oh sure, I'll keep everyone here till 10pm so that they can keep focusing for a while."

"Thanks. Sudou-kun, keep your head high, we still have a lot of time for you to study."

"Yeah! I'll ace this exam just you wait. Then Suzune will acknowledge my academic ability!"

He was confident that's for sure. Its a good trait to have though.

I left Hirata's room then went towards 401, Ayanokouji's room. When I arrived to knock, I noticed the door was slightly open, which weirded me out.

"Ayanokouji? You in here?"

I decided to open the door and go in. It was pretty dark, my cane tapping on the ground was the only sound I was listening to.

The lights suddenly turned on, which blinded me for a little while. I felt my cane get swiped out of my left hand, so I instinctively put all my weight into my right leg. When my vision returned, I saw a fist getting hurled straight at my face.

I dodged towards the right, then aimed a low sweep with my weaker left leg. It didn't connect to anything, then I felt a force on my back, getting shoved into the main room of the dorm. I heard the door closing as I tried getting up.

"Well at least you're instincts haven't been getting worse." I heard Ayanokouji say.

"What was that for any-"

I couldn't finish my sentence since a leg was aimed at my face. I dodged it then tried landing a hit on Ayanokouji's abdomen. He blocked with his free hand and tried grabbing onto my left leg. In a spur of my body trying to do everything to keep itself safe, I put my hands on the ground then lifted up my legs using the force, I was upside down now. I moved my hands around in a spinning motion and my body followd, using my legs to move in some sort of hip hop dance, but instead trying to hit Ayanokouji.

My attempt failed when Ayanokouji swept my hands off the ground, making me lose all control of my balance. Before I fell flat on my face, he grabbed the back of my collar.

"Not bad, despite your handicap you can still fight to an extent." He said.

"Why did you do that anyway?"

"Just so I could test if you can defend yourself to a degree. Anyway this isn't the main reason for calling you."

He held out his hand to help me up. Giving me my cane back, he pulled out his phone to show me a message.

[What are you?]

"This was from Ryuuen." Ayanokouji said.

"Does he know its you? As in your identity?"

"No, this email should be anonymous to him. However, now that he sent this its obvious he's trying to find the mastermind in our class."

"So will this constrict your movement a bit?"

"Naturally, although I didn't plan to do much in this exam in the first place, Kushida's part of the plan needs to be implemented by her and her alone."

"So we make it seem like she's working without an help from us?"

"Yes, its actually better this way because of the match she'll have with Horikita. Though Horikita herself doesn't know yet, I expect her to win. If she loses then I'll expel her myself."

It seems Ayanokouji's patience is running out. Ryuuen would be working with Kushida to get our test questions so Horikita has to act before that. If she fails this, it'll spell her end at this school. Three parties would be attacking her all at once, and she doesn't even have the power of Class C's strongest cards, us.

Volume 6: Horikita Suzune's Trial

Updates will be way slower cause I'm starting a new book soon.

Yasushi POV

The days went by, and honestly things were going pretty well.

Right now, we just arrived at the library to start Horikita's study group for the day.

"Wow. Everyone looks so serious, they're really studying." Satou Maya said.

"The library's a pretty normal place to study, actually." Horikita replied.

Well its routine time, I was asked to focus on the more average students again. This time however, we have backup.

"Okay, you guys, no commotion tonight, okay? Next time you make a scene, there's a chance they'll kick you out of the library." Horikita said, directing it at Ike and Yamauchi.

"Y-yeah, we know already. Sheesh."

Horikita went to secure us seats.Even though more than half the chairs were vacant, that didn't necessarily mean that they were free. It was an unspoken rule that the seats near the café window and next to the library drinks station were for senior students only. In this territorial division, first-year students were only allowed to use the noisy area near the entrance.

However, we had an additional concern this time. We wanted to avoid being near Class C students as much as possible.

"What are you doing, Horikita?" Ayanokouji asked.

"If it's the thing you're concerned about, Ayanokouji-kun, don't worry. I'm already dealing with it."

We had decided helping Horikita a little so as she doesn't get suspicious of us working with Kikyou. I even had to put a little distance between Kikyou and I so that Horikita would believe I'm being cautious. Whenever I met with Kikyou in secret though, she kept pouting so I had no choice but to use the magic of headpats.

Directly ahead of us, Ichinose Honami—a Class A girl—entered the first-year students' area. She waved, inviting us to come talk to her. Eight other Class A students, four guys and four girls, hung around Ichinose. I glanced over at Horikita. Judging by her expression, she wasn't perturbed by this. Ichinose approached us.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." said Horikita.

"Oh no, not at all. We just got here ourselves." said Ichinose.

"I met with Ichinose-san yesterday and suggested we form a joint study group. Since we aren't competing against Class A in this exam, I thought we could help each other." said Horikita.

Well. Every silver lining has a cloud, as they say. Ike and Yamauchi, who'd managed to keep calm up until now, suddenly jumped.

"Ike-kun, I warned you, didn't I?" Horikita grabbed Ike's arm.

He locked up in terror, like a frog being glared at by a snake. Why had he and Yamauchi suddenly become so excited? I supposed getting together with Class A girls was appropriately stimulating. Anyway, it serves them right.

"Ayanokouji-kun, you came, too!" said Ichinose.

"I was pretty close to failing. I might need your help." Ayanokouji replied.

"Oh no, I'm sure I'm the one who needs help. What about you Sakayanagi-kun? Having troubles with your studies too?" She asked me.

"No, in fact I was asked to handle tutoring. Would you mind if we all split up the people that need help?"

"Of course! We'll handle it."

To think Horikita had actuallyformed a joint study group. Assuming that we were able to work together with Class A, this would likely help us. The more varied perspectives, the more creative test questions.

However, we were also taking certain risks. If any Class B students had ties to Class C, our information might leak. Of course, Horikita already understood that. She probably chose to bring us together because the benefits outweighed the risks.

"Sit here, Ayanokouji-kun." I heard Satou saying as I got my study materials out.

"Yeah, sure."

"What's going on, Satou? You're sitting awfully close to Ayanokouji-kun."

"It's only natural, isn't it? Since we're partners."

"Hey, Ayanokouji-kun, what would be the best way for me to prepare?" asked Satou.

"You should ask Horikita or Sakayanagi-kun." I replied.

"But this is a good opportunity, isn't it? You're partners, after all. Why don't you take care of Satou-san, Ayanokouji-kun?" drawled Horikita.

"You got this man, we have to handle a lot of other people so one person out of my hands is a weight off our shoulders." I said, giving a thumbs up. I could barely keep myself from laughing.

"My test scores are only slightly different from Satou's, so there's probably not that much I can teach her. Besides, I wanted to get some tutoring myself."

"I see. In that case, I'll tutor you both." said Ichinose.

"Let's do our best together, Ayanokouji-kun." said Satou.

"Y-yeah."

While I tuned them out so I could focus on my work, a demon arrived.

"Hey Sakayanagi-kun!"

Matsushita Chiaki came up to me with study materials like in last session.

"More help needed? Where are you struggling this time?"

"Yeah, I don't get these equations here."

She needed help in Math? Oh hell no.

"Ah, well unfortunately I don't think I can help this time around. I also had a hard time on those equations and am still figuring them out myself. I suggest you talk to Kikyou or Horikita-san about it. They're really good at this sort of thing."

"Oh...I see then, thanks for indulging me anyway." She said, in a rather sad tone.

No thanks, I'm not falling for that and be like "we could learn together" or something. I'm not that sort of person.

Turns out I was right to keep my mouth shut and continue to look over material. Matsushita stood near me for a good half a minute before eventually taking a seat. Now I can focus on helping out the others.

The study session ended without any other incidents and everyone was now heading back to the dorms.

"Aw, I'm beat!" Ike whined.

For people like Ike and Yamauchi, who couldn't even concentrate during normal school hours, an after-school study session was the very definition of hell. They beamed with delight at being finally free, but Horikita glared icily at them.

"Today's not the end. We have another session tomorrow." she said.

"C-come on, I know that. Isn't it okay for me to be at least a little happy? I worked hard!" Ike shot back as the two idiots raced out of the library.

"Wow, Class C sure is lively. I almost wish you'd share some of that energy with us!" said Ichinose.

"Yeah, but they're lively about all the wrong things. To be honest, I envy Class B." replied Horikita.

"You guys heading out too Horikita-san?" I asked, finishing up packing my things.

"No, not yet. I need to discuss something with Ichinose-san first."

"Okay then, have a safe trip back."

I walked out of the library separately from Kikyou's group. This'll be our first major push into the plan we had set in motion, as Kikyou would confront Horikita and Ayanokouji later. I on the other hand, had to help in some other way.

"There you are! Come on, we need to go do our part."

Karuizawa waited for me in a secluded hallway, then we started heading to a direction away from the library.

Our task was too make sure Kikyou's friends actually leave without her, as well as to make sure other spectators weren't around.

While waiting around in a hallway, Kikyou's friends passed us without noticing we were there. Kikyou herself wasn't included in the group, so she must've already gone back to wait for Horikita to finish.

While Karuizawa sighed out of boredom, a problem arose. Ryuuen, Albert, Ishizaki and Ibuki were heading towards the library. Shiina was coming from the direction of the library, seemingly en route to bump into them.

"Karuizawa, you stay here and don't get noticed." I said in a demanding tone.

"Huh? Why do-" She stopped herself because she saw why.

I went out of my hiding spot, showing myself Shiina.

"Oh? Hello Sakayanagi-kun." She said with an angelic smile.

"Shiina-san, good to see you. Thanks again for the second book I borrowed."

I had borrowed the book by Lawrence Block after returning the one by William Irish. Arisu also returned the book she borrowed but decided to go for the mystery novels in the library instead of Shiina's collection afterwards.

"Please don't mention it. I'd happily let you borrow them so long as you returned it."

"And what's this about a book Sakayanagi?"

Just in time Magenta-kun. I turned around to see Ryuuen with a smirk, his gang right behind him.

"What are you doing here Ryuuen-kun?"

"I should be asking you that. Has this guy been causing you trouble Hiyori?"

"Not at all, we just bumped into each other." Shiina's expression turned neutral and apathetic.

Ryuuen then eyed me.

"How's the leg?"

"Just fine thank you."

"Why so cold? You're usually pretty upbeat and relaxed despite talking to me. Do you resent me for what happened back then?"

"No, that was my fault so I hold no grudge on you. As for my tone, I hope you don't mind but you are an enemy and I'll treat you as such."

"Oh? Then wouldn't that make Hiyori your enemy too?"

"There's a difference between enemies and rivals Ryuuen-kun. I doubt you would treat us with respect because you think we're all lambs to the slaughter."

"Watch your tongue you crippled son of a-"

Before he could swear, Yamada grabbed his shoulder.

"NO." He said in English.

Ryuuen looked confused for a moment then realized why he shouldn't swear.

"Ah, my bad, my bad. Anyway, you better watch yourself Sakayanagi. I'll be coming for you next."

"And which one of us are you giving the warning to, Ryuuen-kun."

What a coincidence that you're here, or is it that you were tracking me using the GPS?

Arisu was coming towards us, with Kamuro and Hashimoto in tow.

"Well well, if it isn't the other cripple among the first years. How are your legs doing?"

Arisu approached Ryuuen with a smug grin. On instinct, the rest of us, including Ibuki and Yamada, backed away a little.

"Shiina-san, I think you should leave first."

"Hm? Why is that Sakayanagi-kun?"

"It'd be better for all of us if your innocence is protected."

Shiina looked confused so she looked to her classmates. Yamada gave her a thumbs up and Ibuki was nodding.

"O-Okay then, please don't cause too much trouble Ryuuen-kun."

To think Shiina has the audacity to warn Ryuuen of all people.

She promptly left if not begrudgingly and now Ryuuen can let his words run wild.

"So, has this boy been causing trouble for you Yasushi-kun?"

"I really wasn't, trust me. We were just having a little talk, am I right buddy?"

Ryuuen took his arm over my back and placed it on my other shoulder, as if to make it look like we were friends.

"You realize that shitty smile of yours says otherwise, right?" I said with an annoyed tone.

"Ah, so he is causing trouble. Worry not then, for neesan will handle everything."

She stepped towards Ryuuen, no one stopped her, not even Ryuuen's little gang.

"Fufu. Shall we have a little talk, Ryuuen-kun?"

"Kukuku. Alright then loli, let's talk."

Ayanokouji POV

"Are you sure about this? Kushida's involved with Ryuuen."

"If you knew it was dangerous, why did you join? Because you believe I won't lose?" Horikita countered.

"Well, yeah."

Kushida had just left to go back to her dorm, leaving Horikita and me alone. She ad told us her whole past, the one I already knew beforehand, but we both had to keep up the act so that Horikita doesn't get suspicious.

"Even though Kushida might be able to help Ryuuen-kun, I really have to wonder whether it'll come to that." Horikita said.

"What do you mean?"

"Do you think that Ryuuen-kun really wants me to drop out?" She asked.

"It's doubtful."

From what I know of Ryuuen, once he's finished with Horikita, Sakayanagi-kun was next. That wasn't going to happen though because of the measures I'm taking. Even so, Ryuuen only wanted to use Horikita as a plaything so that he could entertain himself. I must say though, he's been busy with us ever since summer break ended.

"But what if Kushida lies to get the questions from him? She might say that she wants to improve her personal score, and keep our bet's details secret." I said.

"Ryuuen-kun would see through something like that. If Kushida-san asked for the math answers, he'd want to know why." Horikita said.

"You're probably right. But this is dangerous."

"There'll always be danger. It helps to have things you're willing to put on the line."

"There's no turning back from this. We definitely need to win."

"Of course."

Just after we finished our back and forth, my phone rang.

"You better answer that." Horikita said.

I pulled out my phone and saw that Sakayanagi-kun was calling. When I answered, before I could even say anything, someone were already speaking. I put it on speaker so that Horikita could hear.

" What's the matter? Could you not keep up with insults? Fufufu."

"That's...Sakayanagi-san." Horikita commented.

" You better wipe that stupid grin off your face before I make you, you little crippled loli."

"And this is Ryuuen. What are these two doing with our Sakayanagi?" I said.

"Whatever it is, he probably deemed it important to record their conversation." Horikita said.

" Fufufu! To think you get agitated this easily when you annoy others just as much."

" One more word out of your mouth and I'm gonna stick your brother's-"

" That's enough you asshole. Both of you shut up. What is even the purpose of this back and forth?" Sakayanagi-kun said, apparently needing to stop them.

" Oh? You're joining in? Well I've got some things to say to you too, kukukuku."

" You're mouth is as disgusting as the dirt that we walk on."

" And your face looks like the devil's ass."

" Would you care to repeat that, Ryuuen-kun?"

"Uh oh..." I muttered.

"Uh oh what?" Horikita asked.

"You'll find out."

" I said, you're face looks like the devil's ass."

" That's rich coming from a guy who tries to act like a dragon hunting it's prey, Dragon-boy."

" What did you just say you tall crippled bitch?"

" You fucking heard me."

" Fufufufu. Dragon-boy."

" You stay out of this crippled loli."

" Unfortunately for you, Dragon-boy, I'm inclined to help him in this war of insults. It seems that you're lackeys aren't as loyal as you thought though, they aren't helping you with anything."

" Looks like you really aren't much of a tyrant as we thought, Wannabe-kun."

I've never heard him call someone else with nicknames. This is a new one for me.

" Oi! Would you fucks finish up already!? You've been at it for the last five minutes. Not to mention you're creepy laugh contest with this loli here Ryuuen."

Creepy...laugh contest?

" Hm? Is Ibuki-san joining in too?"

" No! I'm telling you idiots to stop!"

" You heard her Dragon-boy, its time to stop."

" Fine, you win this round. Also, fuck you for ganging up on me like some sort of partners in crime. You better be ready for your class' downfall you tall cripple. You'd never expect it coming. Kukukuku. Kukukuku!"

We could hear Ryuuen coughing a little.

" Ara? Does Dragon-boy have a little problem with his throat? Spew out too much fire and you start burning yourself."

" Stop using that nickname you crippled loli! I'll get you next time."

Sakayanagi-kun ended the call after that.

"That was...something." I commented.

"The only thing that was useful was the last part. Ryuuen-kun said that we'd never see it coming." Horikita said.

"Yeah, we better keep an even closer eye on Kushida for that. She might make a copy of the four hundred questions and give it to Ryuuen."

Time flew by, and soon it was time for Yukimura's fifth study session with Miyake and Hasebe. We'd held the prior sessions at Pallet, but we decided to gather at the café inside Keyaki Mall today. We anticipated that Pallet would be exceptionally crowded, since all the clubs had ceased activities in order for the students to focus on the final.

"Wow, it's even noisier than I imagined." Yuimura said.

He looked overwhelmed by the number of students in the café. We managed to secure seats, but Pallet was practically at full capacity. It was packed with students from all grades sitting in their own study groups. Despite how focused everyone was on cramming, the library would definitely have been quieter.

"We should've met in the library. Or in my room."

"No way. It's easier to do it here. Right, Miyacchi?" asked Hasebe.

"Yeah. Archery club is already quiet and tense enough." replied Miyake.

No one wanted to be stuck in a stuffy room. The modern method was to study while chatting with friends. Degenerative evolution.

"Well, you're the ones who'll be studying. If you say that you can concentrate, then I believe you. Here, I prepared some material." said Yukimura.

He handed Hasebe and Miyake notebooks full of questions on the humanities. The two accepted the material indifferently. The questions were lined up closely, like food stalls packed together at a festival with a fireworks display. Yukimura looked all keyed up. These problems he'd created wouldn't be easy to solve.

"Whoa. You really went overboard. You're merciless, Yukimuu!" said Hasebe. Since she didn't exactly like studying, let alone studying her weakest subject, I was sure this was torture for her. Miyake, meanwhile, looked as though he was about to vomit. He kept his hands over his stomach while he perused the notebook.

"How can you be so terrified before you even start?" asked Yukimura.

"It's just... There are clearly way more questions here than last time, and they look harder."

"That's a mediocre student's mindset. Think about what you can do first, and challenge yourself." said Yukimura.

"In that case, are the questions simpler than last time?" Hasebe asked.

"Of course not."

"Yeah, I knew they'd be tough."

Honestly, the problems Yukimura had come up with really were brilliant. He could probably become a real teacher someday if he tried. He chided students, but never gave up on them, and never raised his voice or lost his patience when they didn't understand something. Had Yukimura, like Horikita, matured? It was incredible.

In the first semester, Horikita and Yukimura had both insisted they were placed in Class D by mistake, as both were superior students. That felt like such a long time ago.

"Come on, Hasebe." Miyake understood that there was no point in grumbling.

"Wow, you're getting pretty gung-ho there, Miyacchi. What's up with you? Is your blood boiling?" she asked.

"I finally got a break from club stuff, but I don't want to spend all my free time studying. Can I head back after I finish?" Miyake asked Yukimura.

"Of course."

Yukimura and Horikita had different teaching methods. While Horikita designated a fixed amount of time for studying, Yukimura was more flexible. His sessions lasted until the students got through all the material, and could therefore finish earlier or later than expected. The method's effectiveness depended on who Yukimura tutored—if he tried this with lackadaisical students like Ike, for instance, it would be a bust. They'd probably just answer without thinking so they could finish early and escape.

"If you don't have any free time, why not quit the club?" asked Hasebe.

"I want to be in the club. I just also want free time." replied Miyake

"Wow, selfish."

It seemed that Yukimura really had a positive impact on them both. I didn't think they had any remaining doubts about his method's effectiveness.

"Alright, Ayanokouji. Starting today, I'll have you do these, too."

"Huh...?"

"You get good enough grades, but your partner is Satou. You'll need to prepare and review thoroughly so you don't both get kicked out." said Yukimura.

"No, I—"

"Just do it, Ayanokouji-kun. Let's all die together." said Hasebe, dipping her head low so her hair hung down.

She grabbed my hand, as if she were a vengeful spirit trying to drag me into a well.

"Welcoooome." she moaned.

A shiver ran up my spineas I was swallowed by the terrible darkness of the humanities questions.

Yasushi POV

I was able to detach myself from the study groups for today, so I decided to walk around Keyaki Mall for some fresh air. Walking around reminded me that Ayanokouji's study group should be in one of these cafes. I think they decided to hold them in Pallet from what I've heard.

Since I was in the area anyway, I decided to actually visit Pallet. On the way there, I ran into Ryuuen's gang...again. This time though, it was Ishizaki, Komiya and Kondou, but Shiina was also apparently with them.

"Kukuku, you want another round?" Ryuuen said, daring me to insult him.

"Fortunately for you, we're out in public. Just watch your tongue a little, Dragon-boy."

His eye twitched at that last part.

"Why I oughta-"

"Ryuuen-san." Ishizaki said.

Ryuuen looked at him with a menacing face, to which he flinched. Ishizaki was gesturing his head and turning it to Shiina, who looked a little confused."

"Tch, get outta my way tall cripple."

I stepped aside while waving to Shiina, to which she waved back with one of the smallest smiles I've seen. They went in the direction of Pallet, I didn't know why until I saw Ayanokouji's little study group. There was no other reason, Ryuuen was hunting down the mastermind.

I followed them at a safe distance. Once I arrived, they were already causing a commotion with the study group in question.

"Bastard!" I heard Ishizaki saying as I entered the cafe.

Ryuuen briefly looked at me, then at Ishizaki.

"Shut up. Are you really trying to throw down, Ishizaki?"

"S-sorry. Miyake was getting full of himself, so I—"

"Reckless idiots amuse me, but I need you to behave yourself for now."

"Yes..."

Ryuuen was right to rein in Ishizaki. Senior students, store clerks, and several surveillance cameras surrounded us. Nothing went unseen here, and if Class D started trouble, they would pay for it.

"I have no business with you. I'm interested in those two." said Ryuuen to Miyake, glancing at Yukimura and Ayanokouji.

"Did you receive my gift?"

Naturally, Yukimura was bewildered.

"What in the world are you talking about?"

I assume he's talking about the message he sent to Ayanokouji.

"Who knows?"

I know you love that line Ayanokouji but do you want to get caught? If so I can just say you're the mastermind here and now.

"So, how about it? Did you catch something, Hiyori?" Ryuuen glanced Shiina.

"I can't say anything at this stage." she replied.

A lot of the students working under Ryuuen were terrified of him, but this Hiyori was completely calm. She kept looking back and forth between Yukimura and me. What in the world was Ryuuen planning?

"Both their faces are weak. I'll probably forget them immediately."

Ouch Shiina. Ouch.

"Yukimura-san, Ayanokouji-kun, Kouenji-kun. Who was the other guy?" she asked.

"It was Hirata."

"Yes, that's right. Hirata-san. Why are faces and names so hard to remember? Sakayanagi-kun is easy to remember though." Hiyori was a complete mystery. I just realized Ishizaki is very polite around her. He's usually hot headed. Is Shiina placed high in the Class D hierarchy?

"It looks like the only one you'll remember is Kouenji and him."

"Well, Kouenji-kun's unique, but I've already hung out with Sakayanagi-kun." she replied.

So, Ryuuen suspected Hirata and Kouenji as well. Since I wasn't participating in the main events of the sports festival, Ryuuen also suspected me. I think its also because of our talks so far.

"What the hell do you want, Ryuuen? We're busy. If you've got something to say, say it." Miyake said.

"Nothing. I just came to say hello. But I'll tell you something. We'll be seeing you again real soon." said Ryuuen.

"What does that mean?"

Ignoring Miyake, Ryuuen left with his lackeys in tow. Before he did though, he grabbed my shoulder and said something to me.

"Good luck hiding X, you crippled asshole."

So he knows it isn't me, but decided to keep me under his list just in case. At any rate, we're probably in trouble because of Ayanokouji's reply.

Ryuuen then finally left the place, then the cafe started getting lively again. Shiina however, stayed behind and watched Ayanokouji's study group. And since I was here anyway.

"Coffee, black."

"Coming right up."

My coffee came soon after, then I proceeded to head to Ayanokouji's table.

"You guys mind if I join in for a while?" I asked.

They all looked at me. I apparently interrupted a talk between them and Shiina.

"Ah, hello again Sakayanagi-kun."

"You know this girl Sakayanagi?" Hasebe asked.

"Yeah, we're friends. Did I interrupt something important?"

"No, I was just telling them how interesting your class is."

The study group tilted their heads at what she said, including Ayanokouji.

"You talking about how Ryuuen-kun is obsessed in finding a mastermind in Class C?" I asked.

"Mn, that's the one." Shiina was, for some reason, no longer smiling.

The study group just kept their heads tilted, Shiina noticed this.

"You don't know? It's all anyone in Class D talks about right now. They say a master tactician's hiding in Class B, disguising his or her true identity. Apparently, this tactician has contributed significantly to Class B's successes, from the island test to the cruise ship and sports festival. You really don't know?"

"I honestly have no clue what you're talking about. Do you mean Horikita?"

"Yeah. The only person I can think of is Horikita-san." Miyake agreed.

"It's not Horikita Suzune-san. Ayanokouji-san, you spend a great deal of time with Horikita-san, right? Also you Sakayanagi-kun."

"Not so much recently, but I've probably spent more time with her than with others." Ayanokouji replied.

"You do sit right next to her, don't you?"

"Then maybe its you Sakayanagi?"

"No, I come up with plans here and there and have contributed at least since the Sudou incident, but I don't think its me. Besides, I've been pretty open with how I work, haven't I?"

I'm betting Ryuuen knows its not me because of our confrontation on the island and our recent conversations.

"Well, that's pretty true." Yukimura said.

"Yeah now that I think about it, no one's smarter than Horikita. Not even Hirata or Sakayanagi. No offense man."

"None taken, honestly Horikita-san most likely is smarter than me."

"I see. You all feel the same, is that it?" Shiina asked

"Can you please stop interrupting our study session?" muttered Yukimura.

"I apologize. I'm disturbing your studies, aren't I?"

"Yes, you're exactly right. You are." said Yukimura.

"You don't have to be so harsh, Yukimuu." Hasebe said.

"If you're fine with failing and getting kicked out of school, go ahead and chat with her. I'll head back." said Yukimura.

"I-I'm sorry, really. Please forgive me. I'd like you to keep tutoring me." said Hasebe. She bowed her head.

Shiina was somewhat unusual, but that's because she spends most of her time reading books. She's like the old me, who spends their time alone because I have my interests in being alone.

"Let's talk about that stuff after the final exam's over."

Shiina picked up her cup and was ready to go.

"Let's hang out again once we're finished with this exam Sakayanagi-kun." She said, her smile showed.

"Sure."

With that, she left the cafe.

"Can she be trusted, Sakayanagi?" Miyake asked.

"The only thing we can trust is 1; that she really is putting distance from Ryuuen-kun and 2; that she has no intention to be hostile towards us. Her behavior is due to being a bookworm is all."

"I see then. I guess we should still tell this to Horikita though." Ayanokouji said.

"Enough chit-chat, we need to continue. Also Sakayanagi since you're here anyway, I need your help grading these three."

"Okay then." I said, taking a sip of my coffee.

"Ahh, that's the good stuff."

"You drink your coffee black?" Hasebe asked.

"Yeah, I usually stay up till around midnight, so I have to drink black coffee to keep myself up.

"But you don't have any eyebags." Miyake commented.

"I still take care of my body."

"I said enough chit-chat. Sakayanagi, take this paper and help me grade them."

I sat down as Yukimura gave me a test paper that had answers.

"Oh boy, looks like we'll be here a while." I said.

Volume 6: "Friends"

So I'm an idiot and thought that Ayanokouji's class was still Class C. I had to rewrite a little of each part in Volume 6 to maintain proper class referencing.

Here's a little update on the class standings

Class A (Ichinose)

Class B (Horikita)

Class C (Sakayanagi)

Class D (Ryuuen)

Yasushi POV

After finishing up the study group session, I decided to tag along with the group heading back to the dorms.

"Your grades are no joke Sakayanagi."

While I was helping out with grading Miyake and Hasebe, Yukimura let me do a set of questions as well. Humanities wasn't really my forte but I still got a perfect score.

"How do you do that anyway." Hasebe said, sounding exhausted.

"Sakayanagi is just smart Hasebe." Miyake said.

"Well he doesn't get top marks for such reasons as not studying. You don't cheat do you?" Yukimura eyed me.

"Of course I don't, what kind of accusation is that?"

"I was just making sure, so don't mind me. You two though, I expect much more improvement in the upcoming sessions. We need to fix up your humanities so we can move on to other subjects."

"I get it, I get it. Studying is so hard, I don't think I've done that for two hours straight before. Does anyone do that?"

I used to study for six hours back in junior high when it's the weekends.

"You've got to be joking. When university entrance exams begin, you'll need to study for at least three hours after class. Four hours, if you can manage it. And I mean every day. When exams are close, you'll want to study ten hours a day on your own." Yukimura said, an irritated look on his face.

"Huuuh? No way, no way! There's no way I can study like that. Come on, you know that, Yukimuu." said Hasebe.

"My older sister is a teacher. She always studied that much before an exam as her usual routine."

"Well, maybe you just come from a really elite lineage! Yukimuu, are you thinking of becoming a teacher?"

"There's nothing particularly 'elite' about becoming a teacher. If I wanted that, why would I come to a school like this, one unlike any others in the world?"

Yukimura had a point. If you wanted to be a teacher, there wasn't any particular benefit in specifically choosing this school. Besides, he's probably aiming for something way higher than that.

"So why did you come here?"

"It doesn't really matter. Do you want to ask everyone why they decided to enroll? If you had someone trying to pry into your business, you'd understand how it feels." said Yukimura.

He was clearly trying to shoot Hasebe down, but unfortunately, his response appeared to have the opposite effect. Hasebe didn't look particularly upset. Rather, she volunteered her own life story.

"I got interested in the school because of the promotional advertising they ran, you know? I mean, advancing to higher education or getting a good job just because you graduated from here? Who wouldn't choose this place? Isn't that good enough for most people?" She said.

"A lot of people also enroll here because it's free. We don't even have to pay for our dorms, and the campus is set up so that we can survive without using any points. Right now, I appreciate that more than any guarantees after graduation." Miyake said.

"Don't you think that's kind of lame? I mean, being able to go to university or get a job anywhere is incredible." Hasebe said.

"Look, talk about your dreams after we're done with the final exam. The system you expect great things from won't do anything for you if you don't graduate from Class A, Hasebe." Yukimura said.

"There's gotta be some kind of bonus, though, right? Like, maybe the school lied about how only Class A wins. If we manage to graduate, who's to say we can't do whatever we want?"

"That's not very likely. If that were the case, we'd have heard about it, and I've heard nothing of the sort, not even during club activities. Besides, the second and third-year Class D students seem pretty miserable." said Miyake.

I've noticed the same thing from the second and third-year Class D. They all looked like there was no more hope. Compared to Ryuuen's class, they basically have no ambition.

"Well it makes sense, this school basically has its own class hierarchy." I commented.

"If we don't make it to Class A, graduating from this school could even have a negative impact on our careers. That's why I absolutely must graduate from Class A." Yukimura said.

"That'd be true, colleges and companies might be like 'this guy doesn't have the recognition despite going to ANHS just reject him.' Or something along those lines." I said.

"Ah, wow. That'd be the worst." Hasebe said.

Good colleges looked for people who'd attended prestigious schools and boasted impressive personal accomplishments. However, as far as the Advanced Nurturing High School was concerned, you were a defective product if you graduated from anything other than Class A. Universities and corporations had to know that about our school.

"Miyacchi, you've really committed to this study group, huh? And here I thought you'd quit right away." said Hasebe.

"Well, don't you think it's odd that you're still here? You usually don't want anything to do with anyone."

"Well, sure. But if it's a study group with you three, it's all right." She replied.

"Hasebe, do you mind if I ask you a question?" Ayanokouji said.

"Hmm?"

"Are you and Satou close?"

"Satou-san? No, not especially. I don't really like big groups, anyway. If you're curious about her, shouldn't you ask Karuizawa-san?"

"Well..."

Ahhh, I see where this is going.

"I understand why you're concerned. She's your partner. Not knowing her strengths and weaknesses has to be nerve-racking."

Well that wasn't what I was thinking.

"Ah, yeah. That's right, you did say you guys were paired together."

"Satou and I don't have anything in common, so I can't just talk to her." Ayanokouji replied.

Hasebe put her hands together, as if offering condolences. However, she seemed to have a new idea.

"If it's hard to ask Karuizawa-san, why not try asking Kyo-chan? She and Satou-san are close."

"Huh? Kyo-chan?" Ayanokouji seemed confused and so was I.

"I'm talking about Kikyou-chan. You hang out with her a lot, don't you, Ayanokouji-kun? Sakayanagi-kun?"

"You didn't even consider her did you?" I asked.

"...No?"

I tried suppressing a chuckle but ultimately failed. Even Hasebe let out a giggle at Ayanokouji's lack of thought to the situation.

"Yeah. Asking Karuizawa might be one thing, but Kushida should be good, right? She gets along with everyone, doesn't she, Hasebe?"

"Mm-hmm. There're a lot of girls I hate, but I like Kyo-chan. She does so much for the class without even batting an eye, and she's always cheerful. Normally, I don't like talking to other people, but Kyo-chan is special. She actually listens to you, and she'd never ever go around telling others what you said."

"Even you need some girl talk, huh?" said Miyake.

"Rude, Miyacchi. Young maidens have lots of things to talk about." Hasebe said.

"What kinds of things?"

"You don't need to know Miyake."

"Oh? So you know Sakayanagi-kun?" Hasebe asked.

"Let's just say Kikyou and Arisu talk about some of those things with me."

"Ah, you have my condolences then."

Thanks for the consent Hasebe but I'm basically a corpse whenever those two start about such things. Heck I don't even know how they're comfortable with telling me.

"If you're worried about anything Ayanokouji, it's probably best to discuss it with Kushida." Yukimura said.

"Right? I don't know whether you like Satou-san or not, but if you told Kushida-san, she definitely wouldn't let it slip."

"What? You like Satou, Ayanokouji?" Miyake asked.

No Miyake, its the other way around. Just by the way Satou acts its obvious.

"I didn't say anything like that. I just asked whether Hasebe was close to Satou, that's all." Ayanokouji said.

"Isn't that kind of suspicious, though? You haven't exactly been tight with Satou-san until now, right?"

"Ayanokouji said that he was worried about Satou because they're partners. Did you already forget that?" Miyake asked.

"Because of the way he asked, it just feels like there's more to it, y'know?"

I still can't understand how girls have such a powerful radar for secrets. I'm getting flashbacks of how Arisu always caught me hiding something.

"That reminds me. Is it okay if we swing by the convenience store real quick?" Miyake's proposal derailed the conversation.

"Ah, yeah. I need to make a stop for some treats, too. Come on, guys." Hasebe said.

"You're such a child." Yukimura said.

"You guys go on ahead, I need to head on home." I said.

"Okay then, see you later Sakayanagi."

Ayanokouji and I nodded to each other, then we went our separate ways.

Ayanokouji POV

The four of us stood outside the convenience store, eating ice cream.

"Whew, having ice cream when it's slightly chilly outside is a trip." Hasebe said, bringing a spoonful of vanilla ice cream to her mouth.

Yukimura must not have eaten ice cream much, because he was reading the ingredients.

"This is just a smorgasbord of preservatives and food coloring."

"How do you enjoy anything if you're that worried about every single detail?" Hasebe said.

"I'm particular about what I eat. I've been thinking about how I was in such poor shape when we were on the island. Now, I buy my food from the organic section in the supermarket."

"You sure are serious."

"Besides, convenience store food is expensive. If you just make the short trip over to the mall, you can get the same things at a lower price. Why not buy your groceries more efficiently?" asked Yukimura, pointing to the grocery bags that Hasebe carried.

"Yukimuu, you're not one of those penny-pinching misers, are you?"

"I'm just conscientious about money. Also...what's with calling me 'Yukimuu'?"

"You're Yukimura-kun, so, Yukimuu. When I make friends with someone, I give them a nickname. Miyacchi, Yukimuu, and Ayanon. Hmm...for some reason, Ayanon doesn't really roll off the tongue." Hasebe said.

There it was. My first iffy nickname. I'm pretty sure Kushida, Karuizawa and Sakayanagi-kun would cringe at that.

"Quit calling me Yukimuu. It's embarrassing."

"You don't like it?"

"I didn't say that. I said it's embarrassing."

"Come on, it's not a big deal."

"It's just that calling me Y-Yukimuu in front of other people is a little..." Yukimura trailed off.

"You know, I think our friendship is coming along nicely." Hasebe said.

Friendship huh?

"A friendship where we can use nicknames, you mean?"

"Well, you and Ayanon are like me and Miyacchi. We're all loners, right?" Hasebe said.

"Hmm. I suppose so."

"Now that I've actually tried becoming a member of this group, I feel more comfortable than I expected. Also, Yukimuu and Ayanon, you don't have many friends, right? We're more than halfway through the second semester, so I thought I'd like to be friends with a new group. It's not like I'm trying to make up for lost time or anything. I just wanted to give you guys nicknames so that we could open up to each other. What do you two think?" Hasebe asked.

Miyake spoke up.

"Yeah. This isn't too bad. I feel like I've gotten used to being in a group. I don't get along well with Sudou and those guys, and I think Hirata's kinda in another league. He's always surrounded by girls."

"Right? So, what do you two think?" Hasebe repeated.

Both Hasebe and Miyake seemed to want the four of us to be friends. Would Yukimura turn them down?

"I just wanted to oversee your studies. When the test is done, this study group will end. But...I suppose there will be more tests. So, I don't mind forming a group for the sake of efficiency." said Yukimura.

"Okay, that was a little insulting. But...thanks." said Hasebe.

"Well, y-yeah. We want to keep the school from expelling anyone, after all." Yukimura replied.

That just leaves Ayanon. Oh, but Ayanon, since you're already in a group with Horikita-san, will this be difficult for you? You hang out with Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun, too. Oh, with Sakayanagi-kun and Kyo-chan as well."

Actually that last part wasn't even valid. I don't hang out with either of them anymore.

"Well, I'm not better or worse than any of our classmates, but I think I'm a little different. There are lots of ways Ike, Horikita, and I aren't compatible. The only group that I act like myself in is with Salayanagi and Kushida. Horikita and I just sit next to each other in class. It's not like we're in a clique or anything."

"I see. Well then, it's decided. From now on, we'll be known as the Ayanokouji Group. Nice to meet all you group members!"

"Wait. Why'd you name the group after me?"

"Well, you brought us together, more or less. Isn't that enough?"

"I don't object. Besides, it'd be weird if we called ourselves the Yukimura Group." said Yukimura.

"One more thing. From here on out, let's ban the use of formal surnames in the Ayanokouji Group." Hasebe said.

"You can go ahead and ban whatever, but I won't say M-Miyacchi, or...A-Ayanon, or anything like that. It's embarrassing." said Yukimura.

It would definitely feel really weird for Yukimura or me to call Miyake something like "Miyacchi." I was relieved that Yukimura felt the same.

"Well, let's at least use first names. My name's Haruka. You can call me whatever you want. What's your first name again, Miyacchi?" said Hasebe.

"It's Akito."

Hasebe looked expectantly at Yukimura and me.

"Akito, huh? Easy enough. Ayanokouji, your first name's Kiyotaka, isn't it?" said Yukimura. We'd been roommates during the cruise.

"And your first name's Teruhiko, right, Yukimura?" I replied.

Yukimura's expression darkened for some reason.

"You remembered?" He asked.

"So, Yukimuu's first name is Teruhiko, huh? Wonder if I should think of another nickname." said Hasebe.

"Knock it off." snapped Yukimura. Hasebe shrank back.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"I'm okay with calling you all by your first names. I accept that much. But will you please stop calling me Teruhiko?" He replied.

"So, you're fine calling us by our first names, but you hate being called by your first name?!" asked Hasebe.

"It's not that I don't like any of you. It's just that I hate my name. I never really had to worry about it before, because no one called me by it." Tukimura said.

"It's not especially unconventional. Isn't it actually pretty common? Is there any particular reason why you hate it?" Miyake said.

"Yes. My mother named me Teruhiko. She's a contemptible woman who left the family when I was little, so I reject the name she gave me. Sorry, I made you uncomfortable." He noticed the reactions of Hasebe and Miyake.

"No, no, I'm sorry. I just blurted out your name without permission, after all" Hasebe said.

"You don't need to apologize. You didn't know. Most people like using their first name, after all. I'd prefer not to ruin the mood, so why don't you call me Keisei from now on? It's the name I've used since I was a child." Yukimura said.

"Keisei? So, you have two first names, Yukimuu? This is crazy complicated."

"Keisei isn't my real name. It's the name my father wanted to give me, so I made it my own after my mother left. You could call me Keisei or Yukimura" He replied.

If that was what he wanted, that was what we would do. Besides, it wasn't weird for someone to have two different names. Ordinary people made a habit of it, as did celebrities.

Now that we were on this topic, I'm starting to consider asking the two girls and Sakayanagi-kun if we could go onto the first name basis. It'd actually be more convenient, especially in Sakayanagi-kun's case.

"Well, I didn't mean to use a name you didn't like. Right, Miyacchi?"

"Yeah. Nice to meet you, Keisei."

"Sorry for being so selfish about that...Kiyotaka, Akito, and Haruka." Yukimura replied.

"No worries. Everyone's got their own issues." I said.

Just like I had a past that I didn't want exposed, Yukimura...no, Keisei...also had a past he wanted to hide.

I tried saying everyone else's names just like Keisei had done.

"Akito, Keisei, and...Haruka, right? I'll remember those." I told them. It was even more stressful to call a girl by her first name, so it'd be pretty weird to suddenly ask Kushida and Karuizawa to agree with it.

"Anyway, Kiyotaka? We won't call you 'Ayanon,' but what about 'Kiyopon'? Yeah, that one definitely rolls off the tongue better. Yukimuu, do you want to call him that, too?"

Whoa. I'd gotten an even more embarrassing nickname. Just thinking about Hasebe calling me "Kiyopon" in front of people gave me goosebumps.

"I won't call him that. It's embarrassing. I already decided to call him Kiyotaka." Yukimura said.

In the end, we decided to call one another by our given names. Before long, it felt completely natural.

I looked behind me to check on the person following us. Were you okay with just listening in, Sakura?

Every time we'd held a study session, Sakura had tailed us. Today, she watched from a slight distance. She probably couldn't hear everything we said, maybe enough to just barely get the gist of our conversation. The moment this new group formed was probably her last chance to join.

If she didn't assert herself, then...

"Well, now that we've all learned one another's names, let's start over. From here on, the four of us will be known as—"

"U-u-um, excuse me!"

CRASH! The trash can next to us rattled. Sakura clambered back to her feet and walked over, tense and nervous.

"Sakura?" The others said her name simultaneously.

"I-I also want to join Ayanokouji-kun's group!"

Sakura summoned up every last bit of courage she could to force those words out. She was incredibly nervous, her face turning a deep shade of red. She was so flustered that she didn't notice that her glasses were crooked.

"Do you want to join the group because you're anxious about the exam? I mean, when you consider your own scores and your partner, it'd be understandable if you were worried, Sakura. Personally, I think you should join Horikita's group. I'm not sure I can tutor too many people. Besides, your situation's different. You probably need to work on other subjects."

"N-no, it's not that. I just... I genuinely want to join the group!" She answered.

As the saying went, shame committed on a journey could be left behind. Or, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

"Come on. It's fine if Sakura participates. She kinda fits in with the group." Akito said.

"Is letting me join really all right?" she asked.

"I mean, adding one person's not a big deal. Besides, it isn't like you need any qualifications to take part. We're all loners, so I think it's appropriate. Am I wrong?"

"Loners, huh? Well, I guess you're right. Keisei, is it okay with you?" I asked.

"I have no objections. But I don't want our group to grow any larger than this. Sakura is easy to accept, but if someone annoying joins, I'm done," said Keisei.

"Th-thank you, Miyake-kun... Yukimura-kun..."

The only person left was Haruka. She was usually welcoming, but this time, she didn't have a smile on her face.

"Sorry, Sakura-san, but you haven't convinced me yet." said Haruka.

"Ah...so I-I, uh, I can't...?"

"Well, look. I'm really looking forward to being part of this group. Or, rather, I get the feeling I'm going to enjoy it. So..." Haruka pointed at Sakura. "If you want to join, you have to follow our one big rule. We call each other by our first names, or by nicknames. So, Sakura-san, uh...Wait, what's her first name again?" Haruka looked at me.

"Airi." I replied without missing a beat.

"We'll all call you Airi, and you'll use all of our first names. Are you okay with that?"

Sakura wasn't good at dealing with interpersonal relationships. We all knew that, which was why Haruka was testing to see whether she could manage this.

"U-um..."

I tried to help the bewildered Sakura.

"Keisei, Akito, and Haruka."

"K-Keisei-kun, Akito-kun, Haruka...san... Whew..." Sakura said, barely whispering the words.

"There's no need to use honorifics, right?" Akito said.

"Yeah. As long as you use our first names, that's good enough. Now, all that's left is using Kiyopon's nickname."

Sakura's face reddened. A mysterious sound escaped her lips.

"Ah-hyuu!"

"You've seemed pretty close to Kiyopon for a while now, so calling him that shouldn't be a stretch, right?" said Haruka. She was merciless.

"Kiyotaka is fine." I said. Kiyopon was a bridge too far. It was embarrassing even in my head.

"Ki-Kiyo-Kiyo...pyo!"

Everyone focused on Sakura. She hated attention, which made her stammer, which made them pay more attention. It was turning into a vicious cycle.

"I don't know what kind of effect this group will have on you, but I think it's good that you're joining, Sakura. You've taken a big step forward. Just one more step can't hurt," I told her gently.

"Yeah...K-Kiyotaka-kun. I look forward to studying with you all." Sakura looked me square in the eye.

"Okay, you passed. I'm in favor of Airi joining us." said Haruka. With that, Sakura became part of the group.

"Come on, Kiyopon, try calling Airi by her first name."

"Uh...hi, Airi."

"H-hello!"

Even though we were stiff and nervous, we both managed.

"From now on, we five are the Ayanokouji Group. Looking forward to it!" Haruka said.

Apparently, the group would be named after me whether I liked it or not.

3rd Person POV

While the Ayanokouji Group were talking outside the store, from afar, two people were watching them mingle.

"You really stalk him like this sometimes?"

"But of ofcourse I do. Emphasis on 'sometimes'. Reason being is like that one right over there."

One of them pointed towards another corner, where one other person was watching them.

"And yet you do nothing about these things. But why invite me today?"

"Who knows? Perhaps I'm just lonely."

"Knock it off. Also, you do know you're acting like his parent right now?"

"I need to see if Ayanokouji-kun can trust such individuals. Though I'm sure he can handle himself if betrayed, I'm more concerned for the people trying to make friends with him."

"...You're afraid he might expel them out of spite?"

"Yes, I'm protecting him from the students and the students from him."

"But like I said, you do nothing about it."

"Only you have been saying that. I have been dealing with it, such as the case with that girl that's trying to hit on him."

"What did you do?"

"Nothing that concerns you...for now."

" Sigh...You can be very troublesome sometimes."

"Then you already know how to deal with me when we become opponents. All the more fun for the competition."

"You know I can't beat you."

"That may be true on the board, but what about in other means?"

"...We'll see."

Whilst the two have their conversation, the Ayanokouji Group was now leaving the area, heading back to the dormitory. The other stalker started following them, not aware that the two were present.

"It seems they've left. Shall we go on our way as well?"

"I'm pretty beat for the day so yeah, let's head home."

Yasushi POV

I had to decline Ayanokouji's invitation to the movies due to an urgent matter with Arisu. Now though, I had no choice but to attend this class meeting inside one of the rentable karaoke rooms.

We could hold meetings here since the place is sound proof. Because it was past 8pm and no one wanted to do a meeting in their rooms, we resorted to this.

"Hey, is it okay if I sing?"

"Wait, Karuizawa-san. We didn't meet here to have fun." Hirata said.

"Even though we came all this way, and there's karaoke right here?"

"We came because you said that you didn't want to use the dorms to study."

"Yeah, fine. But, come on, isn't it kinda stupid to go all the way out to a place that has karaoke and not sing?"

"Just enjoy the food and drinks and deal with it." said Horikita.

Karuizawa had already put in an order. There was a bunch of junk food on the table, plus the drink she'd gotten for herself.

"Then let's sing a duet together after the meeting's over, Yousuke-kun."

"Sure. It'll be nice to relax afterward." Hirata said.

"I agree. I do want to make sure we discuss this test, but it's been quite a while since I could do karaoke."

"Okay, I'm going to start. First, our study sessions. To be perfectly honest, I think the results have been fantastic. The boys were imbeciles at first, so I was worried, but fortunately, they studied hard."

"It's like an English dictionary is just flying out of my mouth all the time, dude! Thanks for the help Sakayanagi!"said Sudou.

During Hirata's study sessions, I had been solely focused on helping Sudou improve. His English was a lot better now with someone like me as his tutor.

"Sudou-kun has improved significantly compared to where he started. His concentration, in particular, got better by leaps and bounds. However, Sudou, don't forget that your basic abilities are still inferior to a first-year junior high school student's." Horikita said.

"I studied this hard, and I'm still only at a first-year junior high level?" replied Sudou despairingly.

"Considering that you began at an elementary school level, that's amazing. Don't you agree Sakayanagi-kun?" Horikita said.

"H-Horikita-san, don't you think that's going a little too far?"

"About that Hirata-kun, Sudou-kun didn't even know what the mathematical constant pi was." I said.

In fact I almost burst out of laughter when he said "The hell is pi?" during one of our sessions when we focused on math. It was pretty hilarious.

"Huh? That's so stupid!" said Karuizawa.

Even though Karuizawa wasn't very studious herself, she was certainly better than that.

"Shut up, Karuizawa. You probably don't even know it either." Sudou said.

"No, no, no, I do. Even I know pi is 3.14." said Karuizawa. Our conversation was rapidly devolving. Everyone involved would end up with a headache.

"Please stop you two. Horikita, is Sudou going to be okay?" Yukimura said.

"Like I said, his fundamental scholastic abilities are low. But if we just focus on the things a first-year, second-semester high school student needs to know, then I think so. He definitely shouldn't expect to fail this exam. What about you, Yukimura-kun? Did you manage to resolve Hasebe-san and Miyake-kun's issues?" Horikita asked.

"Of course. Ayanokouji watched everything closely, so he can back me up on that. Right?" Keisei asked Ayanokouji.

"I don't think there was a better method we could've gone with. I'm not worried about anyone." He replied.

"All of the other average and low scorers have been covered as well, Hirata-kun, Kikyou and I made sure of that." I said.

"I'm glad. I'd absolutely hate to lose anybody from Class C." Kikyou said.

"Yeah. But are we really going to do okay? Look, I hate the idea of having fewer classmates. But this test always gets someone kicked out, right? So, like, there's no guarantee Sudou-kun and I won't fail, right?"

"Well, I can't guarantee that, but..."

"Then don't act like it's a done deal."

The somewhat relaxed atmosphere became tense.

"You know, Kushida-san, I kinda feel as if you've been paying us lip service for a while now." said Karuizawa.

That was certainly true. Kikyou had been pretty reserved up until now, but that's just because Ayanokouji asked her to operate on her own in her battle against Horikita.

"R-really? But I just want everyone to pass." Kikyou said.

"Man, it sure must be nice. Being smart, I mean. You don't have any idea what's gonna happen to me." snapped Karuizawa.

"It's okay, Karuizawa-san. You studied hard in your group." Hirata said.

Heck, even Ayanokouji and I were giving her private lessons, she'll do fine.

"Kushida-san, I've wanted to say this to you for a while now. Don't you think you're taking this goody two-shoes act a bit too far?"

"Uh...r-really?" Kikyou started stammering.

"That is enough Karuizawa-san." I said, standing up.

Most of my classmates, due to the scene I caused in the tent back during the Sports Festival know that I might snap here.

"Can you please calm down, Karuizawa-san? We're in the middle of discussing our final exam. Don't waste our time."

"Be quiet, Horikita-san. Hey, Kushida-san. Are you making fun of me in your head right now? Thinking about how stupid I am?" asked Karuizawa.

"I wouldn't do something like that..." Kikyou said.

"Then don't patronize me. Tests are always hard for me, no matter how many I take. Are you going to be responsible if I fail?" Karuizawa asked.

"Karuizawa-san, do I need to repeat myself?" I said in a menacing tone.

The class felt how dangerously close I was to snpping, so Hirata tried to calm the situation down.

"Please, let's just all relax now. Sakayanagi-kun sit back down and cool off."

Actually this is all a facade, I'm perfectly fine. I'm more impressed of Karuizawa's and Kikyou's acting skills than my own.

"B-But, are you saying I'm in the wrong?" Karuizawa asked.

"Yes Karuizawa-san, Kushida-san hasn't done anything to you." Horikita said.

"Your entire reason for complaining to Kikyou is illogical." I followed.

"It's fine, please don't worry about it. I don't mind. Please don't blame Karuizawa-san, okay?"

"No Karuizawa is at fault here." Yukimura said.

"I can't let it slide this time because of the lack of logic in her rant." I said.

"Oh sure, I'm the bad guy. Kushida-san is the class's favorite after all."

Karuizawa then turned to Ayanokouji, as if for a last hope.

"Hey Ayanokouji-kun, whose side are you on?" She asked.

"Whose side am I on? There are no sides. You're in the wrong, Karuizawa." Ayanokouji replied.

"I knew it. Everyone is my enemy." said Karuizawa. She got up and grabbed her bag.

"Karuizawa-san. If you leave now, you'll regret it later. I don't want that." Hirata said.

"So, what do you want me to do, then?" Karuizawa said.

"First, apologize to Kushida-san. That's the most important thing." Hirata said.

Karuizawa wouldn't even listen to her supposed boyfriend. She stood her ground.

"So, even though I don't think I did anything wrong, I have to apologize?" She asked.

"You have to talk to her." Hirata said.

Karuizawa stood completely still and silent for a moment. Then, slowly, she spoke.

"Sorry."

"No, it's completely all right. I should've been more understanding of how you felt, Karuizawa-san." Kikyou said.

She could have been angry, under the circumstances, but forgiveness came easily from her lips.

Karuizawa looked guilty as she sat back down next to Hirata.

"I guess I lost my cool. Sorry." She said again. Kikyou responded with a gracious smile.

"Thank you." Hirata patted his chest and let out a sigh of relief. However, this didn't necessarily mean that everything was settled.

I sat back down, seeing that our little act was over.

While no one was looking, Ayanokouji, Karuizawa, Kikyou and I went back to the dorms together. On our way back, we came across Katsuragi who was near the water fountain. He seemed to be alone, not waiting for anyone, so Ayanokouji decided to approach him.

"What are you doing?" Ayanokouji asked.

"Ayanokouji? Oh, nothing. Just thinking a little about the final exam next week. Also, I must say, what a bizarre group you are in." He replied.

He wasn't exactly wrong to say that. The three of us were all important figures in Class C, while Ayanokouji just seemed to be Horikita's little helper.

"Forget about our group. You're thinking about that in a place like this?" I asked.

"I wanted some time alone to think in peace and quiet. Do you all feel like the exam will go well?"

"Dunno. But everyone's studying really hard." Ayanokouji replied.

"We've been working our butts off." Karuizawa said.

"Everyone's been working really hard!" Kikyou said.

"It'd be nice if no one was expelled." I said.

"Is that so? I feel the same way Sakayanagi-kun." Katsuragi said.

Katsuragi doesn't seem concerned for his classmates though.

"Did something happen?" Ayanokouji asked, sensing my feelings.

"When any of you were in junior high, were you ever class representative or on the student council?"

"No, wasn't interested at all." Ayanokouji said, the three of us just nodded in agreement.

"I've been a student council member since elementary school. I even served as student council president in both elementary and junior high. But, after coming to this school, I had to make some significant course corrections." Katsuragi said.

"Why share this info on you with this many people?" I asked.

"I'm comfortable with it for now. Besides, my experience as a member doesn't sound like information that can be exploited."

He was right, but Arisu can use his attempt to join the council a few months back as leverage.

"Come to think of it, you didn't join the student council here." Ayanokouji said.

"I wanted to, but I couldn't get Student Council President Horikita's attention."

Then he'd be envious if he knew both me and Ayanokouji received an invitation to join, but declined it. All that aside, so far this had nothing to do with the exam.

"At first glance, the student council president and class representatives don't appear to have much authority. Most students think that participating is nothing more than a waste of time and effort. That's why only a few people want to join the council."

I had the same feelings. I didn't like overwhelming responsibility put on my back.

"However, thoseroles come with certain privileges. There's a divide between people who hold the positions and people who don't—one that can't be crossed. I've lost those privileges." Katsuragi said.

"Because you're losing to Arisu?" I asked, he just nodded.

"But isn't your position in the class still high Katsuragi-kun?" Kikyou asked.

"If that were the case, we absolutely wouldn't have chosen Class A as our option."

Yeah that was the reality of it. I knew ever since the pickings were announced that Arisu picked Class C's target.

"Katsuragi-kun I've been meaning to ask. Why talk about your class's internal politics with your opponents?" Karuizawa asked.

"Well Ayanokouji and Sakayangi-kun understand what its like, and you two were coincidentally with them."

"You know, you should cut yourself some slack. You're trying to singlehandedly carry Class B, but I bet if you relaxed a little, they'd still be fine. The important thing right now is to maintain your position." Ayanokouji said.

"I suppose. Hmm...to be told to maintain my position by an opponent who should be doing their best to hold their ground." Katsuragi responded, clearly amused.

"The gap between us and your class isn't very wide. However, the gap between our class and Class A is quite the big one." I said.

"That's very true, somehow Ichinose's class as pulled through everything."

Actually, that was my doing. The only reason they were Class A with a big lead is because of what I did back on the island.

The five of us all decided to head into the dormitory building, only to find quite the ruckus inside.

"It's pretty noisy in here. Did something happen?" Katsuragi asked.

"Dunno. Should we try asking around?" Ayanokouji caught sight of the Professor and called to him.

"What happened?"

"Oh, Ayanokouji, is that you? It seems that all us first years somehow received the same missive in our mailboxes."

"The same letter?"

We went our separate ways to check our mailboxes. I opened mine to find one single letter.

Ayanokouji and I walked back towards Sotomura.

"Is this...?"

"Yes, it would seem so!"

A few moments later, Katsuragi and the girls returned with letters in hand as well. The letters all said:

First-year Class A student Ichinose Honami may be collecting points illegally. —Ryuuen Kakeru

Well this is interesting.

Sotomura showed us that his letter had the same thing written down.

"What is that guy planning by signing his name to this? If this claim is baseless, the school will take disciplinary action against him." Katsuragi mumbled.

"This has to be false, right?" Kikyou asked.

"Ryuuen-kun has really done it now." Karuizawa said.

"If he's risking that, does that mean his claim is true?" Ayanokouji said.

"Well, I suppose that this is something I could see Ryuuen doing. If people start to suspect Ichinose of fraud, it'll make her life difficult, regardless of whether it's true. What Ryuuen is doing could be considered defamation, but he wouldn't care about something like that." Katsuragi explained.

It was true. Ryuuen had no reputation to lose.

"Hey, Ryuuen's back!" said one student as Ryuuen entered the building. I wondered whether he knew what had caused all the commotion.

"Hey, Ryuuen. What're you trying to pull?!" One of the Class A guys grabbed him.

"Hmm? What in the world are you talking about?"

"This! Your letter! This nonsense you handed everyone!"

"Oh, that. Pretty interesting stuff, huh? Don't you agree? Tall cripple? Baldy?" said Ryuuen.

"Please stop using me as a mediator to whatever you're doing." I said, Katsuragi nodded.

"What's so interesting about it?! Look, this is going too far!"

"Fine then, let's see some proof that Ichinose isn't collecting points illegally." Ryuuen replied.

"That's—"

"How about it, Ichinose?" Ryuuen asked, still holding the letter. He looked at Ichinose, who'd just arrived.

"No matter what I say to you right now, you probably won't believe me, will you, Ryuuen-kun?"

"That's right. Besides, it's up to the school to decide whether you're doing something wrong."

"I suppose so. Sorry, everyone. But please don't worry. I'll report to the teachers tomorrow and prove that this is just a misunderstanding on Ryuuen-kun's part." Ichinose said proudly.

"How exactly do you plan on proving that, Ichinose?" Ryuuen asked.

"I'll explain everything in detail. I'll tell them how many points I have, and how I acquired them. If I do that, will you be satisfied?"

"Report it to the school? Why don't you prove it right now, in front of all of us?"

"Will you believe me if I just explain it to you, Ryuuen-kun?" Ichinose countered.

"No, I won't. Spewing lies is probably as easy for you as breathing." Ryuuen taunted.

"Then it stands to reason that, if I report my total points to the school, there shouldn't be any room for fraud, right?"

"Heh. I see. I suppose you have a point." said Ryuuen.

"Are you convinced?!" shouted a Class B student.

"Humans are nasty, lying creatures. Isn't it possible that Ichinose is coming up with some kind of scheme to hide the evidence right now?" said Ryuuen.

"What is that guy plotting? Even if Ichinose has lots of points, she's far from the kind of person who'd steal them. Ryuuen has absolutely no chance of succeeding," said Katsuragi. His expression grew even sterner.

"In that case, what can I do to make you believe me?" Ichinose asked Ryuuen.

"First off, say how many points you have right here and now. Second, explain how you acquired those points. I'll report that information to the school tomorrow. If you do that, you'll convince the students who distrust you, right?" said Ryuuen.

"I can't accept, Ryuuen-kun."

"So, you admit that you committed fraud?"

"That's not what I'm saying. It's precisely because I didn't obtain my points illegally that I can't just show you all my cards. If I explain everything to the school tomorrow, they should investigate. On top of that, if I did commit fraud, they'd make everything public anyway, right?"

"There's no guarantee that you'll report your total points to the school like you say you will."

"Then go yourself, Ryuuen-kun. Tell them just what you wrote down in this letter." Ichinose said.

"Really? Heh. Seems like you're pretty confident." Ryuuen snickered.

It was true. A guilty person might have been nervous, yet Ichinose remained as calm as ever.

"Well, I'll be looking forward to tomorrow."

Ichinose watched Ryuuen board the elevator with a bold smile on his face.

"Once the seed of doubt is planted, that doubt will grow until it's eradicated. Even an exemplary student like Ichinose isn't exempt. The deeper the doubt, the greater the loss of trust."

"I've actually figured it out on why Ryuuen actually did that." I said.

"You did?"

"Its as you said Katsuragi, the seed of doubt. He's trying to turn the first-years against Ichinose. What I don't understand is why he actually signed his name onto the letter."

"Its just Ryuuen being Ryuuen." Katsuragi said.

The next day, Ichinose did what she said she would do. she reported her point count and the way she acquired them.

Now comes the fun part of the exam. Horikita versus Kikyou and Ryuuen.

Volume 6: He's Just a Toy

Ayanokouji POV

After the final few days of preparations, it seemed that everyone should be well prepared for the test. The exam was three days from now, the two days being weekends and the exam itself waiting on Monday.

Horikita and I were now heading to the faculty room to submit the four hundred test questions Class D would be answering.

"Did you study well?"

"I should do fine, rather its better if you worry about yourself. You have that battle with Kushida in the Mathematics exam."

"I'm confident I can win against her. Do you think you can handle carrying Satou-san if it comes to show?"

"I'll score a bit above average just in case."

According to Sakayanagi-kun, Satou had been studying during the sessions. He even helped her in math, where both of them were at their weakest. Despite that, he was a natural teacher, capable of helping out while not being too empathetic or apathetic.

Ryuuen's two goals were to beat Class B, and to smoke out the puppet master hiding behind Horikita. If he wanted to win in overall points, that limited his tactics. The best he could do was get Class D to study extra hard, or come up with extremely difficult test problems, both of which were relatively ordinary strategies.

With Sakayanagi-kun's help, Ryuuen had managed to resort to making his class study. The plan had worked flawlessly, and Horikita would be somewhat backed into a corner. Its not that she'd lose the bet with Kushida, but rather the class might lose in the actual exam.

"Thinking about something?" Horikita asked.

"Oh, sorry." I replied.

Horikita looked up at me from the base of the stairs. I hurried down after her. She held a large manila envelope stuffed full of the questions she, Sakayanagi-kun and Hirata had slaved over for the past month. That envelope held Class B's fate, which was exactly why Horikita kept it as confidential as possible. She wouldn't even let me see the questions. Only she knew the final output, but Hirata and Sakayanagi-kun still held a grasp of the idea in he questions.

"What are our chances?" I asked.

"Hard to say. Don't expect too much. The school made many adjustments. However, there's no doubt that we've completed the most difficult part of the exam so far." Horikita said.

She exuded confidence, so she'd probably done a solid job. The issue was what came next. How would we protect these questions?

While making our way to the staff room, Horikita and I bumped into Ryuuen in the hallway.

"Yo, Suzune." Ryuuen wore a bold smile on his face. He also held a manila envelope.

"Is this a coincidence? Or an ambush, perhaps?" Horikita asked.

"It's inevitable. I was waiting for you."

"An ambush, then." Horikita let out an exasperated sigh and walked past Ryuuen.

"You're submitting your test problems at the last minute too, huh? Let's go together." Ryuuen said, holding out his manila envelope.

"Anyone might try and sneak a peek at this, so I understand your caution."

"You're not worried about any traitors in your own class?" Horikita asked, somewhat mockingly.

"Ha. There's no way anyone would be stupid enough to betray me." Ryuuen said.

"Yet you waited until the last minute to submit your questions" Horikita said.

Ryuuen probably couldn't help but enjoy her ire. Horikita and I walked on, and he followed us.

"I really hope that whatever intelligence you squeezed out of those defective pieces of garbage in your class works in Class D's favor." He said.

Horikita ignored him.

"I'm sure we can handle whatever Class D throws at us, right Ayanokouji-kun?" She asked me, I just nodded.

"Oh! Is that arrogance I'm hearing? What a very interesting remark." Ryuuen said.

"Hmm, who knows? Maybe it was simply cheap provocation? Just your style." Horikita said.

"Maybe so." Ryuuen replied.

As soon as we arrived at the staff room, Horikita called Chabashira-sensei. Similarly, Ryuuen called Sakagami-sensei, who appeared first and took the manila envelope from Ryuuen.

Moments later, Chabashira-sensei showed up and took Sakagami-sensei's place. She already seemed to know what we were there for, and her gaze focused only on the manila envelope. She paid no attention to Ryuuen, off to the side.

"These are the final questions, Chabashira-sensei."

"I'll hold on to them." Chabashira-sensei said.

Ryuuen watched with a creepy smile. As Chabashira-sensei reached for the envelope, Horikita paused.

"I'd like to ask you one thing, if I may." Horikita said to Chabashira-sensei.

"Yes?"

"These questions are linked to either Class B's victory or defeat. They're two sides of the same coin. We must avoid a leak at all costs. After I hand these papers over to you, could you please not show them to anyone else? Myself included."

"You want me to turn down absolutely anyone who asks to see them?" Chabashira-sensei asked.

"Would that be a problem?"

"That's not the issue. I understand that you're afraid of information leaking, and the school has no right to refuse your request. However, there are conditions." Chabashira-sensei said.

"Conditions, you say?"

"The entire class needs to agree to this. Has everyone approved this measure?"

"I didn't receive permission from every individual student, but...I don't think they'd object. No one wants their class to lose." Horikita said.

"You can't say that for sure. Some students might very well want to lose." Chabashira-sensei said.

"That's—"

Chabashira-sensei continued.

"On that note, can you guarantee that these are the exam questions your class wishes to use? Not everyone in class saw and agreed to all of them, right?"

"Are you asking me to prove that? You want me to show the questions to everyone in class and confirm that they're okay with them?"

"I'm saying that it's not that simple. I can't be entirely sure that you, Horikita Suzune, are acting for your class's sake. That said, I'll honor your request. If any student asks, I absolutely won't disclose the questions and answers you created." Chabashira sensei said.

"Thank you very much. Now I can face the exam in peace."

"However, I will say this—generally, it's not ideal to restrict information in this manner. It proves that the class isn't united."

"A painful lesson to learn. I'll work harder to bring the class together." Horikita answered confidently.

Chabashira-sensei smiled a bit.

"You've changed, Horikita."

"Some things can't stay the same."

"As I said, I'll honor your request. Incase of unforeseen circumstances, though, I'd like to add one provision to our arrangement. As long as they have your permission, Horikita, I'll disclose information to those asking to see the questions. Is that okay?" Chabashira-sensei asked.

"Yes, as long as I'm present at the time," said Horikita.

"Of course. Someone might lie about having your permission, after all. In the event that someone comes looking for the questions, well, I'll tell them everything you said. As a teacher, I can't lie." Chabashira-sensei said.

Horikita breathed a sigh of relief. Something had finally gone right. This plan was foolproof, and should've precluded all the underhanded tricks like what we saw in the sports festival. Even if someone tried to pay to see the questions, it wouldn't be allowed.

Unfortunately for Horikita, we intervened.

Everything was going smoothly. The test questions that Horikita, Sakayanagi-kun and Hirata had devised were undoubtedly very difficult, and Horikita had put preventative measures in place to ensure that they didn't leak. Even if Kushida tried to obtain the answers for Ryuuen, she'd need Horikita's presence and approval. Everything was rock solid. No holes anywhere.

Chabashira-sensei solemnly accepted the test questions and motioned for us to leave. Still, Ryuuen's resolute attitude felt off—something about the fact that he didn't seem flustered at all.

"Let's head on back, Ayanokouji-kun. Our business here is finished."

I ignored Horikita and looked into Chabashira-sensei's eyes instead. She stared at me in return.

You should see it Horikita, or else your expulsion is pretty much guaranteed.

I couldn't say anything in front of Ryuuen. Horikita started to walk away, then immediately stopped dead in her tracks.

"Chabashira-sensei. You said that you wouldn't lie, didn't you?"

"That's right. That's required of me, as a teacher." She replied.

"In that case, will the school accept the questions I just submitted to you?"

Horikita had noticed. She'd figured it out herself.

"Not until we confirm that there isn't anything abnormal about them." Chabashira-sensei replied.

"What's the matter, Horikita?" I asked.

Horikita didn't pay any attention to me.

"Let me rephrase that. Have you already accepted other test questions?"

Our teacher became quiet.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I'd like to hear the answer from your own lips, Chabashira-sensei."

"My response is that the school already accepted and finished reviewing questions from Class B."

I held myself back from judging. For all I know, Horikita is a great actress.

"So...does that mean someone else already submitted test questions and answers?" Horikita asked.

"Correct. The school won't use the questions you just handed me." Chabashira-sensei said.

"Please cancel acceptance of the previously submitted test questions. I have the correct ones here." Horikita said, pointing to the manila envelope.

"Unfortunately, Horikita, I already finished reviewing another student's questions. That student shared similar concerns. They wanted me to keep the questions secret, too. This student said that, in the event that another student selfishly showed up and asked to change the problems, I should merely accept the new questions and hold on to them. They also wanted me to tell them who asked to swap those questions afterward." Chabashira-sensei said.""

"What in the world? What sttudent? Please tell me." Horikita said, slumping over.

"Kushida Kikyou."

The answer was obvious. Horikita had thought that she would prevent Kushida's betrayal. However, Kushida had struck first. She struck boldy under my orders of doing what she thought

"But under the right circumstances, Class B can change the questions the school already accepted, yes?"

"Yes. However, the deadline is the end of today. If you wish to change the test questions, please bring Kushida here." Chabashira-sensei said.

"That..."

It was hopeless. Kushida wouldn't agree to that. Even if we started looking for her now, there was a 100 percent chance she turned off her phone and holed up in her dorm room.

"I can only speculate about which one of you is lying, Horikita. I don't know the truth. I also acknowledge that an unknown third party might be pulling the strings here. If you don't resolve this dispute within your class, it'll be bad." Chabashira-sensei said.

"How much time do we have left to correct the questions?"

"Until 6 p.m."

I checked my phone. It was a little before four. We only had about two hours left.

"Ha ha ha ha ha! What are you even doing, Suzune? This is already checkmate, don't you see? The questions that you struggled so hard to come up with are completely meaningless!"

"Were you behind this? Did you instruct Kushida-san to do this?" Horikita asked.

"Hmm, who can say? I mean, it's not like I know anything about Class B, right?"

Horikita raised her voice.

"I'm not going to tolerate this outsider eavesdropping on the conversation any further!"

"Oh ho, how scary. Guess I'll just head back to my dorm like a good boy. I sure am looking forward to the exam's results." Ryuuen said.

"Aren't you going to look for Kushida, Horikita?" Chabashira-sensei asked.

"I dislike futile gestures. Did Kushida-san instruct you not to show the questions to anyone?"

"No, I received no such instructions." Chabashira-sensei said.

"Please show them to me, then."

Chabashira-sensei showed Horikita the test questions that Kushida submitted. After only a brief glance, one thing became apparent.

"These are incredibly difficult."Horikita said.

"Yeah. They definitely are." I replied.

Kushida's questions didn't appear any easier than those Horikita and Hirata had prepared. These were excellently constructed problems. In fact, they were so well-structured that you'd never guess that Horikita herself didn't come up with them. Since Ryuuen was involved, chances were high that Kaneda made them.

If Kushida's problems had been so easy that even Sudou could have solved them, she would have been suspected of sabotage. These questions made things much, much more complicated. If you knew the answers ahead of time, it didn't matter how difficult the problems were. As long as all of Class D shared the answers with one another, they would get high scores.

Horikita had promised that she wouldn't expose Kushida's past. Hirata, afraid of internal class conflict, probably wouldn't say anything. That meant that the student who struck first won the day. If Class D lost, Horikita, who'd assumed leadership, would unavoidably take the blame. Kushida would siphon away Horikita's power while simultaneously using Ryuuen to drive her into a corner.

None of this was as dire, however, as Horikita's bet with Kushida. If Kushida and Ryuuen had colluded, there was no doubt that Kushida received Class D's test questions in exchange for her cooperation. If that had happened, Kushida would most likely score a perfect one hundred points on her math exam. If Horikita answered even one question incorrectly, she would have to drop out of school.

"So, is there nothing more to be done?" Horikita asked.

It looked as if she was out of options. But there was still the one possibility that...

"It's all right, Horikita. Ryuuen left." Chabashira-sensei said to Horikita, who still hung her head.

So she was acting. How impressive.

"Sorry. I wanted to take extra precautions just in case, so I kept up the act." Horikita said, lifting her head. She didn't look depressed at all.

"You knew this was coming?" I asked, showing to her that even I didn't realize what was happening.

"Yes. I couldn't allow myself to be defeated the same way I was at the sports festival. When the final exam's details were announced, I immediately consulted Chabashira-sensei. I had two requests. One, that I alone submit Class D's usable test questions, and two, that Chabashira-sensei pretend to accept any other questions submitted." Horikita said,

In other words, Horikita had tricked Kushida into thinking that her test questions were accepted.

"Now that theydefinitely believe that Kushida's test problems were used, if any Class C students aren't studying for the test, they may just fail." Horikita said. Her counterattack was quite incredible. Defending from both Kushida and Ryuuen, while attacking Kushida by being one step ahead.

Ryuuen probably doesn't know the damage Horikita was about to do.

"At any rate, this is a difficult situation. I've never had a request like this in all the time I've managed Class D. I didn't expect such caution and deception. However, you won't always take the day, Horikita. If there are traitors like this among your classmates, you're doomed to fail." Chabashira-sensei said, with a rare look of concern on her face.

Chabashira-sensei was right. Even Class A, who was united as one unit under Ichinose, wouldn't have done something like this.

"I understand. However, this ends with the final exam." I felt Horikita's determination.

"Really? In that case, I look forward to it."

Horikita sighed in relief as she watched Chabashira-sensei go back inside with the manila envelope. Once the two of us were alone, she bowed her head and apologized to me.

"Sorry for keeping quiet about this."

"Its fine, rather that just goes to show how much you've grown in the past few months." I said.

"That's true. I doubt the old me would've thought of this."

She then lifted her head up, her determination unwavering.

"All that's left now is to beat Kushida-san's test score."

Well, that and what we're currently doing. I ended the call on my phone, it was now Sakayanagi-kun's turn.

Yasushi POV

As Ayanokouji ended our call, I found Ryuuen walking through one of the halls.

"There you are." I called to him.

"Huh? The hell are you doing here tall cripple?"

"Do you think you can win?"

"Of course I do. This exam is as good of a victory as ever, kukukuku."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that. I have a message from X."

I went closer to Ryuuen and showed him my phone.

"What's this for?"

"Horikita got you, she made a request to Chabashira-sensei to not accept any questions from Class B other than from her as the final ones. The ones Kikyou gave to sensei are useless." I said.

"And what makes you think that? You think I'll believe you?"

"You already know the way X operates, I'm just a mediator for them. The scene you saw in the faculty room was all an act. Horikita's despair was fake, she had you."

Ryuuen's face began to distort into panic as his eyes widened. He finally realized what was going on.

"Switch out your questions, there's still time to do so. In exchange, I'll give you an outline of what to expect from our test questions."

Horikita didn't show any of us the final output, the one the teachers had revised I mean. I only have a raw copy with me, of all four hundred questions.

"What makes you think I'll accept this deal?"

"Your class would be gone if you don't. Multiple of your classmates will fail and get expelled, because Horikita made damn sure the questions we have created are difficult."

I pulled out an envelope.

"Under X's instructions, I am supposed to give this to you, a raw copy of the four hundred questions. Not the final output since the teachers obviously revised some of them."

"Are you an idiot? I can just snatch them from you right now and run away."

"But you're not. Why is that I wonder?"

Ryuuen's face slowly began to show his signature smirk.

"Hmph, you and X know me so well."

He took the envelope from me.

"I'll have Kaneda use our extra set of four hundred questions instead of the ones I gave to old man Sakagami."

"Oh? So you did come prepared?"

"Kukuku, you can never be too careful. Like what's happening now, I never imagined Suzune of all people would resort to such a tactic. Its amazing because X didn't do shit."

"I don't recommend memorizing the answers, rather stud the questions themselves. Like I said that's just a raw copy."

"Yeah yeah yeah, thanks I guess. Give my gratitude to X as well, and I'll be looking forward to crushing you two next time. Kukukuku, kukuku-"

He suddenly coughed.

"Pfft, watch your throat Dragon-boy."

"I'd break your other leg for that if it weren't for all the cameras. See ya tall cripple."

He started to walk away, waving the envelope to me.

Ryuuen expects to crush the both of us huh? Too bad, but there's actually two more. This is actually four-way chess Dragon-boy.

The first part of the final exam was here. The minimum overall score each pair needed to pass was 692 points, which was lower than expected, but we couldn't afford to be careless. The first day covered four subjects: social studies, English, Japanese, and mathematics. That meant that the outcome of Horikita and Kikyou's battle would be revealed very soon.

Arriving at the doors to the classroom with Ayanokouji, we saw two girls. Our respective partners, Matsushita and Satou were chatting by the doorway, until they saw us.

"Good morning Ayanokouji-kun. It's almost time for the test isn't it?" Satou said.

"Yeah. Did you sleep well?" He replied

"I studied until about one o'clock. I feel a bit nervous."

"I'm sure you'll do fine Satou-san. Matsushita-san, you ready?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm confident I can score pretty high, especially with all your help." Matsushita replied.

"Well, I can't say it's going to be easy, but let's all do our best. You should do well if you just apply everything you've learned." Ayanokouji told Satou.

"We can do this, we'll give it all we have." I said.

"Okay!" Satou said enthusiastically.

"We got this Sakayanagi-kun!" Matsushita said.

No matter what happens, we had our respective partners. Ayanokouji and I nodded to each other.

"Good morning, Satou-san, Matsushita-san."

"Oh, good morning, Karuizawa-san."

"Did you two already have plans with Ayanokouji-kun and Sakayanagi-kun? I've noticed you two hanging out with them sometimes."

"N-no, we met up by chance. Right Matsushita-san?" Satou said.

"Yes, by chance." Matsushita replied.

"Is that so? Well, how about we go get a drink at Pallet before class?." Karuizawa asked.

"Okay. Well, see you later, Ayanokouji-kun." Satou said, turning away bashfully.

Matsushita followed the both of them. Karuizawa looked at Ayanokouji for an instant before heading away.

"Those two are close, huh?" Ayanokouji muttered.

"I think Karuizawa-san is a surprisingly jealous person." Hirata said, walking over.

"Huh?"

"Good morning."

"Good morning. What did you mean?"

"I've pretended to be Karuizawa-san's boyfriend for a while now. I noticed that she's been paying more attention to you lately, Ayanokouji-kun."

"I have to agree with him Ayanokouji." I said.

"I don't think that's right." He replied.

According to him, Karuizawa attached herself to Ayanokouji like a parasite so as to protect herself. Even Kikyou and I didn't know why she did it, all we can suspect is that its either blackmail or Ayanokouji knew her past and...Wait that's also blackmail.

"Really? Well, I'm glad. I don't think it's healthy to be in a fake relationship. That's probably selfish of me to say, though." Hirata replied.

The three of us then made our way to the classroom.

"Horikita-san's questions will definitely sting Class D. I don't think it should be that difficult for Class D to win, provided that everyone handles the exam well."

Hirata overflowed with self-confidence. Despite one unforeseen matchup, everything else had gone according to plan.

"To tell you the truth, there was something I wanted to talk to you about, Ayanokouji-kun, Sakayanagi-kun." Hirata added.

"Do you know Shiina Hiyori-san?"

"She's in Class D. We met the other day when she showed up at Keisei's study group." Ayanokouji replied.

"I'm friends with her, what about it?" I asked.

"She came by my study group, too. It seems that Class C is looking for the mastermind hiding in Horikita-san's shadow."

"Seems like it."

"You're the one pulling Horikita's strings, Ayanokouji-kun. I wouldn't tell anyone else, of course, just like Sakayanagi-kun here. I'm sure that you have something planned. Besides, you've saved Class B many times over."

"I see. I'm grateful to hear you say that."

"So, you don't deny it?"

"Even if I did, you wouldn't believe me."

"I suppose I wouldn't."

"The only thing you can expect out of him when you ask a question is all put into one word; Vagueness."

"Ahahaha, that's pretty true." Hirata said, amused.

"I'm not some kind of hero. I just don't want to draw attention." Ayanokouji said.

"I assume that you had a reason for what you did at the sports festival. Still, are you okay? Class D is on the offense. If required, I've got your back."

"So do I." I said.

"I'm good. I'll come to you if I need to, though."

"I understand."

We arrived at the classroom. Sudou and the other guys seemed to be doing some last minute look over the material before the exams actually started.

"Quite a difference, huh?" Hirata said.

"Definitely."

"I wouldn't believe anyone from a few months ago if they said this'd be how our class is now." I commented.

Horikita was reading a book instead of studying.

"Are you two prepared?"

"You're reading just before the test? What're you reading?" Ayanokouji asked.

"And Then There Were None." Horikita replied.

"Agatha Christie huh? Well let's hope there's more than 'none' left after this is over." He joked.

"...That's a bad joke, despite me liking dark humor." I said.

Horikita closed her book and looked at the two of us.

"Nobody is leaving the school. It goes without saying that neither Ayanokouji-kun nor I will disappear, either."

"The look on your face says that you're going to win no matter what." I told her.

"Of course. That's because I prepared to take first place in our grade this time around." She replied.

"Such confidence. You better not go easy on her, because of what you said, I doubt I could properly trust Kikyou again." Of course, that was just a facade.

"If the questions Class D set turn out to be really simple, that's going to be tricky." Ayanokouji said.

"Even so, I'll win. That'll only motivate me more." Horikita said proudly.

"Then we look forward to the results of your battle." I said.

Ayanokouji POV

"Whew." Horikita sighed and quickly glanced up at the classroom ceiling.

"Looks like you're all finished." I said.

"I've never considered studying particularly stressful, but I studied harder for this exam than ever before in my life." She replied.

"Sounds like you took the bet incredibly seriously. What score do you think you got on the math portion?"

"A hundred. Or, at least, that's what I'd like to say. Since there was one part where the question seemed ambiguous, I can probably only say I got ninety-eight points for certain. A few reasonably difficult questions were mixed in."

"It's possible that you might've written something incorrectly or missed an answer, though. Is there a chance that your score is any lower than ninety-eight?" I asked.

"None. I'm certain that I overcame this test. I think I managed to get near-perfect scores in the other three areas as well."

"Well, that's amazing."

"I made this bet with Kushida-san assuming that she'd score a hundred points. I was incredibly thorough in my preparations so I wouldn't suffer even a trivial mistake. Still, it's a shame that I might've missed two points in the end." Horikita continued.

The questions Kaneda had set were by no means easy. I didn't know whether even someone like Keisei had managed to score above ninety. If Horikita had truly gotten ninety-eight points or more, the top spot in our class was hers. Despite tutoring so many students, she'd pushed through thanks to her own willpower and spirit.

"Suzune, there's something I want to tell you. Can I head back to the dorm with you?" Sudou said, approaching us with quite the drained face.

"Something you want to tell me? Sorry, but can't you just tell me here?"

"About today's test... I'm not sure if I hit the forty-point mark in every subject. I wanted to apologize. I'm sorry." He said, sounding sincere.

"That's not terrible. Considering what was on the test, you did well." Horikita said.

"She's right Sudou, Kaneda really pulled a number on us. Good thing we did those study sessions." Sakayanagi-kun said, joining the conversation.

They were correct, the exams did have some high level questions on them.

"I have a little something to take care of, so head on back with your friends." Horikita said.

"You're staying, Ayanokouji? Or are you two going back together?" Sudou gave me a skeptical look.

"My business has nothing to do with him. I'm meeting Kushida-san. Is there a problem?" Horikita said.

"Kushida? Then no, none. Well then, I'm gonna head back and study." Sudou said.

"All right. But, considering what's coming tomorrow, make sure to go to bed early." Horikita said.

"I know. Come on, Kanji, Haruki. Let's go back."

He didn't sound perturbed in the least.

"I'm leaving too, Arisu wants to meet up with me at the library." Sakayanagi-kun said, leaving the classroom.

"By the way, what's your business with Kushida?" I asked her.

"It's not a big deal. Since we can estimate our respective scores, I just want to confirm something with her." Horikita replied.

It would be some time until we received our test results, but I was convinced Horikita Suzune won. That was clear just from looking at Kushida, who got up and quickly left the classroom.

"What's the matter with her, I wonder?" Horikita said.

"She probably assumes that her score is lower than she expected, don't you think?"

"I hope so. Ryuuen can be rather tenacious."

"Are you worried about him?" I asked.

"If he gave her the answers, she likely would've gotten a perfect score. If that happened, then you and I would've had to drop out."

"So, if that time came, would you have prostrated yourself before Kushida and begged for forgiveness?" I asked.

"Was that sarcasm?"

"What?"

"Nothing, forget it."

Horikita pursued Kushida. I decided to follow.

She walked into the hallway and called Kushida's name.

"Kushida-san."

Kushida slowly came to a stop.

"What is it, Horikita-san?" She asked. Fatigue and exhaustion were written on her face, this time I don't think its an act.

"Do you have a moment? I'd like to confirm something with you. But there are people around, so how about we go somewhere else?" Horikita asked.

"That depends on what you want to talk about."

"Ayanokouji-kun will come along, since he's involved in this matter. You don't mind, do you?" asked Horikita.

Kushida didn't answer, but she didn't refuse, either. She checked the time on her phone and nodded. She had probably arranged to meet someone else afterward.

Since there were still quite a few students left in the school, we decided to head to the special building.

"You want to discuss our bet on the final exam. Right?"

"Yes. Though the results haven't been announced yet, we should be able to estimate our scores well enough ourselves. I'm confident that I scored a ninety-eight or higher. What about you?"

Kushida didn't look surprised to hear this. Rather, it was like she already knew.

"We don't have to wait for the official results, I couldn't have scored any higher than eighty. No, I probably didn't even get eighty. You won the bet, Horikita-san."

"I see. I thought you would have scored higher."

"This is what I am." Kushida said, sounding disappointed.

"I wonder how Sakayanagi-kun would react to you like this."

"Don't you dare bring him into this." She started to sound mad as she tightened her fist.

"So, can I trust that you won't get in my way from this point on?"

"I'll keep my promise, no matter how much I hate it. Do you want that in writing?"

"No need. Let's just start by trusting each other." Horikita held out her hand.

Kushida stared at Horikita's outstretched hand, her eyes blank.

"I hate you, Horikita-san."

"I know. But I think I can work hard to change that." Horikita said.

"I feel like I'm growing to hate you more and more."

She walked right past Horikita without taking her hand.

"I won't do anything to impede you. But I'll never cooperate with you. Don't forget that." Kushida said.

"I see, that's a shame. I wonder if..."

"If you use Sakayanagi-kun against me then I'll never forgive you. It just goes o show how shitty you are." She continued to walk away.

"Remember, Horikita-san, the terms of the bet were that I wouldn't get in your way. That's all." Kushida said. This wasn't under my orders, this was her darkness seeping out through hatred.

"That's—"

Kushida left immediately. It was as if she didn't want to face Horikita for even one more second. She no longer had her sights on Horikita, but it might be my turn next. There hadn't been anything in the bet's terms about leaving me alone.

"I should've thought this through more carefully."

This'll only be a temporary ceasefire between Horikita and Kushida. I'll give her another chance to fight Horikita one on one, but that'll be it.

After Horikita headed back to the dorm, I thought about what was to come. Ryuuen Kakeru wasn't the type to leave unfinished business. Horikita had certainly handled things well this time around, containing Ryuuen and manipulating Kushida with a preemptive strike. In a healthy class, her strategy probably wouldn't have been very useful, but it was effective for dealing with a supposed traitor.

My phone vibrated.

[What are you planning?] 6:32pm

I wasn't the only schemer here.

[You're planning something too, aren't you, Ryuuen?] 6:32pm

[I'm definitely going to make you pay.] 6:33pm

An image file was attached to the last message. When I opened it, I found a single photograph that spoke a thousand words.

"So, Manabe and her friends spilled the beans, huh?"

Of course, I'd known that when I ran into Ryuuen and Hiyori. Ryuuen had probably threatened the girls to reveal who might've seen them attack Karuizawa, and now my name and Keisei's name were running through his mind. However, he had no evidence. That was why he was trying to corner me. That was what he was thinking by sending me this photograph.

The fact that Ryuuen had the photo meant that he knew the circumstances surrounding it. Depending how things played out, Ryuuen would probably go after the person in the picture. If anything, this was a declaration of war.

Did he enjoy the hunt that much? Enough. I was fed up with his obsessive persistence.

I closed my phone and steeled myself. Half-measures wouldn't do here. If Ryuuen was dead serious about picking a fight, I'd return the favor in kind.

Still, I hope he likes my little gift I sent.

Yasushi POV

"I thought I told you to come alone Kikyou."

"I heard nothing of the sort Ryuuen-kun."

Currently, we were on an isolated rooftop, face to face with Ryuuen.

"I'm here to keep things clean." I said.

"Like hell a dude with a crippled leg can keep things clean." Ryuuen said with a smirk.

"Hmm, and here I thought you'd actually be grateful for our help."

"You lot won this round, but I'' be sure to crush you in the next one."

"You keep saying such things, and yet you've lost quite a few times now."

"Don't give me that shit. And how is Kikyou okay with you being here?"

"Oh? It seems you haven't figured it ou yet Ryuuen-kun. Here I thought that you were a smart devil."

Kikyou walked back towards me, then faced him, now alongside me.

"I've been working for X this whole time." Kikyou said with a devilish smirk.

"What!? The fuck are you saying!?" Ryuuen said.

"Sure my hatred for Horikita-san was true, but my deal with you was all an act. In fact, X planned this ever since we got back from the cruise ship."

"I oughta pummel you for even saying that!" Ryuuen was mad now.

"You should still be grateful Ryuuen. If it weren't for X telling me to do that, you're class would be six feet under right now." I said.

He'd have faced multiple expulsions in the same exam.

"However, I do have another message from him."

I showed him my phone, revealing the Karuizawa incident.

"We're at each other's throats now, so you best be careful. Manabe and her friends are at our mercy, while Karuizawa is at yours."

Ryuuen's smirk returned, then he showed us his own phone, revealing an image of Karuizawa.

"Kukuku, X really understands me huh? They know that we can't go into an open war, so you're resorting to this. How shrewd."

"It's okay Ryuuen-kun, you also have your own team after all." Kikyou said.

"Remember this, you aren't facing them like they're alone. They have allies, us." I said.

"You face Team X of Class 1-B, Ryuuen-kun."

"Kukukuku! What an interesting turn of events. Then next time we meet, it'll be a fight." Ryuuen said.

"And its a fight you'll get." I said.

"I'll crush all of you, mark my words." He added.

"Give it your best shot." Kikyou countered.

First Year Class Standings:

Class A(Ichinose)- 918 (1018-100)

Class B(Horikita)- 779 (879-100)

Class C(Sakayanagi)- 974 (874100)

Class D(Ryuuen)- 592 (492100)

So here's the thing. Ryuuen received a raw copy of the test questions and succeeded in winning against Class B(Horikita) by a very slim margin. Despite power players like Horikita, Hirata, Yukimura, Kouenji and the OC, the raw questions were accurate to the final output so they were able to memorize the answers. Also, I'm doing this because I don't want the class to be Class A just yet.

If Class B won, they'd be the new Class A and I don't want that to happen for now. I feel like if I were to describe it, the defective students there would get all cocky and I hate it when I have to write arrogant behavior without at least some backup unto it.

Their achievements were mostly under Team X's banner after all. I'll refer to them as that (Ayanokouji, Yasushi, Kushida and Karuizawa) so as to lessen the words by just a little bit.

Volume 7: Calm

Finally finished the last of my exams. Updates should be a bit more frequent for both of my books.

Yasushi POV

Ryuuen is now fully aware of our existence. After informing Ayanokouji, he officially recognized our little group as Team X, mostly because we already told Ryuuen that was what we were called.

Right now, I was sitting with Arisu, Kamuro and Hashimoto, talking about random things.

"So dude, how's that affair with Kushida?" Hashimoto asked.

"What are you on about?"

"Well, you two have been hanging out a lot at least since the island exam, so are you guys da-OUCH!"

"The heck did you just scream for?" I asked.

"Blame your crazy- I mean uh, our ever so kind princess over here." He replied with a nervous smile.

"What are we gonna do with you Hashimoto-kun." Arisu said with a smug grin.

"Every single one of you are weird." Kamuro said.

"...Anyway, what do you plan for Christmas guys?"

"Nothin' much, just running around Keyaki Mall and indulging myself." Hashimoto said.

"None of your business." Kamuro said.

"Do you not plan on spending Christmas with me Yasushi-kun?"

"On Christmas Eve and Christmas day I can hang out with you. However, there is a little issue that me and my classmates need to deal with so I don't know if I can hang out with you in the few days before that."

"Ryuuen-kun I presume?"

"Yes, we're making our move against him."

"It better be one hell of a move dude. No matter the process, the result better be exciting." Hashimoto said.

"Depends, the result would either be victory or defeat though, so don't expect much."

"If you need our help, I'm always happy to-"

"No Arisu."

She stopped dead in her tracks.

"This is a matter between us and Ryuuen. I'm not involving Class A or Class B in this. This is between Class C and D."

"Fufu, I see. So you've made you're choice yes? I'm pleased to see that you've found some of your ambition again." She said with a smile.

"Woah, hey Sakayanagi-kun keep doing that. Its better than her normal smug grins." Kamuro said.

"Care to say that again Masumi-san?" Arisu said to her, cane held up like a bat.

"Tch." That was all Kamuro said back.

My phone rang, but it wasn't a message, it was a call. I decided to answer it in front of them.

"Need something?" I said, the other three listening curiously.

" Get on over to Keyaki Mall, I'll meet you at the entrance."

"I'm already here but I'll see you at that part of the mall anyway."

I said so, ending the call. I then stood up and got ready to leave.

"Going somewhere Yasushi-kun?" Arisu asked.

"Yes, an issue came up and I need to take care of it. See you all later."

With my cane in hand, I left the table and towards the mall's main entrance. I wonder why Ayanokouji called me out? Its probably useful information for what's to come. After all, our confrontation with Ryuuen is inevitable.

It took me around fifteen minutes, but I arrived at the entrance. Ayanokouji was looking at something on his phone, until he saw me.

"There you are." He said.

"What's so important that you asked to meet somewhere that isn't your room?" I asked.

"The Ayanokouji Group just left the mall about half an hour ago. I told them I'd stay behind because I had some more business to attend to."

"And that business is?"

"I'm going to make you my mediator with Sakayanagi Arisu."

"Its because of Kamuro isn't it?"

Lately, whenever I hang out with Ayanokouji, I just see Kamuro tailing us. He probably confronted her already, so now he's telling me this.

"Yes. Your step-sister is starting to get interested in me again, so I need you to deliver messages to her from me every so often."

"What on earth are you talking about? I don't think Arisu should've noticed you yet. Unless you aren't telling me something?"

"She and I have promised to keep our mouths shut. You aren't allowed to know a thing."

Well that's just perfect. So how am I supposed to convey messages if I don't know what I'm conveying?

"Then why am I the messanger? If I'm not allowed to know anything wouldn't someone like Kikyou be a better choice?"

"Kushida and Karuizawa are out of the question. Kushida has talked with your step-sister before, but only on occasion, while Karuizawa has not talked with her yet. You're the best choice because no one will suspect your usual banter."

"How do I send messages if I don't know what I'll be telling her?"

"She'll understand."

Ayanokouji showed me his phone, an image was displayed.

"The color white?"

"Tell her this; Challenge accepted."

I had no idea what he said by what I should tell Arisu, but she replied by saying "in the next exam". I assume they wanted to fight each other, which I myself have been looking forward to seeing. Be it a chess match, a written test, or any other sort of fair play from both of them, I wanted to see a battle between Ayanokouji Kiyotaka and Sakayanagi Arisu ever since the island exam.

"What's up with those guys?!" Sudou grumbled irritably as he walked into our classroom, bypassing his seat and approaching Horikita.

"Hey. You got a sec, Suzune?"

"What's the matter?" Horikita couldn't exactly ignore him when he cornered her at her desk.

"Those jerks from Class D! That Ryuuen guy and his lackeys. They've been followin' me since this mornin', trying to pick a fight. They even blocked my way in the hall. They're seriously getting on my nerves!"

"You haven't shouted insults or taken swings at them, have you?" Horikita asked. She gave Sudou a slight glare, prompting his immediate answer.

"I didn't, no way. I completely ignored 'em."

"I see. It seems you followed my instructions perfectly, then."

"What's she talking about? What instructions?" Ayanokouji asked Sudou as I approached them.

"Oh, Suzune told me that whenever I run into something I can't deal with properly, I should just ignore it." Sudou said.

Pretty good advice especially for someone like Sudou. After all, if he did hit them, it'd be a repeat of the incident from a few months ago.

"Well, I guess I did bump their shoulders a little when I forced my way through. The students from the other classes knew I was boxed in, so there shouldn't be any problems right?" He added.

"I don't think they'd try anything, no." Horikita said.

"It'd be a desperate move on Ryuuen's part." I said.

"He's probably just provoking our class again to get a reaction like the one a few months back. Well no worries, it won't happen twice."

Horikita wasn't too far off the mark. Ryuuen really is trying to force a reaction from our class, but instead of all of us its to pinpoint X. If another incident occurred, he must think that X would have no choice but to act.

Its a pretty open way of doing so but to each their own I suppose. Besides, this is just how Ryuuen is, he does things while entertaining himself in the process.

"So what did he say to you?" Horikita asked.

"They called me a monkey, an idiot, childish stuff like that. They were tryin' to start a fight." Sudou pounded his fist into his palm.

"Some Class D guys also tailed Akito—I mean, Miyake." Ayanokuji told us.

"Miyake-kun? It seems Class D's quite active these days." Horikita replied.

"Do you think they're plannin' on staging another fight, like that time they tried to get me in trouble?" Sudou asked.

"Who knows? I can't say at this point. But I'll consider countermeasures, just in case. If they happen to approach you again, make sure you don't get physical." Horikita said.

"I understand. I ain't gonna break my promise to you. Even if they start throwin' punches, I'll stay calm." Sudou said.

He sounded much more mature now, and Horikita seemed to believe what he said. After Sudou finished giving his report, he returned satisfied to his seat and casually started a conversation with Ike and Yamauchi.

"I wonder if Sudou-kun's finally become a normal, well-adjusted person."

"Yeah, his speech is still a little crude, but that's fine." Ayanokouji said.

"His growth is most impressive. Aside his speech like Ayanokouji said, Sudou looks to have adjusted with us well." I said.

"It looks like it's time for him to take the next step." With that cryptic comment, Horikita got a notebook and started scribbling something down.

"What are you talking about? What next step?" Ayanokouji asked, trying to sneak a peek at Horikita's notebook, but she quickly closed it.

"That's a topic for another time. Besides, we have more problems than just Sudou-kun right now."

Right, Ryuuen is problem number one, for both Team X and the rest of the class. With Horikita frequently communicating with me, Hirata and other important members of Class C, we have been establishing a proper plan to hold our ground.

We did lose the last exam after all, but that was because we were preoccupied with something way more important than a hundred class points.

"At any rate, Ryuuen-kun's been a busy bee—we only just got done with the Paper Shuffle. I wonder what he's plotting now?" Horikita said.

"There aren't any exams in the immediate future." Ayanokouji said.

"We can't say for sure now can we?" I said.

"Right, the school might do something like what happened in summer break. We can't let our guard down." Horikita agreed.

"I wonder what he's after this time?"

"Do you really not know? Or are you just pretending?" Horikita asked.

"What do you mean?"

"He's looking for the person controlling Class C from behind the scenes."

"In other words, he's looking for you?"

I facepalmed and sighed.

"You can't use me to hide from Ryuuen anymore." Horikita said while glaring at Ayanokouji.

"What makes you say that?"

"If he thought I was the puppet master, so to speak, he would approach me directly. But he hasn't done anything of the sort." Horikita said.

"Perhaps your strategy during the Paper Shuffle was more effective than he expected? He might be moving more carefully this time. Taking a while to remove the obstacles in his way first."

"Hate to remind you two so early after what happened but we lost the Paper Shuffle." I said.

"Aside that fact, its like Ryuuen-kun has lost interest in me." Horikita said.

"Does this mean you miss Ryuuen's attention?" Ayanokouji said jokingly.

"Does that mean you want me to kick you?"

"I do not want to be kicked." Oh but Ayanokouji, she's definitely the type of person to kick you.

"Maybe our class's clandestine leader foolishly called attention to himself? Play dumb if you like, but do you really want to discuss this here and now?"

"We can't talk about that here." I said.

Horikita knew for a fact that talking about it here is risky. All of our classmates were sitting at their desks after all.

"You wouldn't want to risk them hearing us, do you Horikita?" I said in a provoking tone.

"At any rate, I imagine his tricks will only escalate from here." Horkita said, ignoring my provocation.

"That's not my problem. It's yours." Ayanokouji said.

"I know that. Being your decoy seems to be my fate in life."

"You sound surprisingly accepting."

"Because I have no choice but to accept it. It's not like you're going to quit now, are you?"

"Your optimism is much appreciated Horikita." I commented.

"So, what's your plan you two?"

"For what?" Ayanokouji asked.

"Do you have a strategy to counter Ryuuen-kun's hunt to expose you?"

"Nope."

"There you go again. Let's change the topic. Are you still participating in those meetings?"

"Meetings? You mean, with Keisei and the others? Is there some kind of problem?"

"I can't imagine there's much benefit to being in that clique. That study group formed specifically to help Hasebe-san and Miyake-kun in certain subjects, correct? Now that the exam's over, it's no longer necessary.""

"It's not about necessity. I just feel at ease when I'm with them." Ayanokouji answered.

"A guy needs himself some friends every now and then. Its not all about benefits." I said.

This entire time Horikita's been talking to us it was always about class problems. If it were about something else, then maybe we can talk to her as friends.

"Will you cooperate with me?" Horikita asked.

"I will, as much as I can." Ayanokouji said.

"That means what is average of people." I said.

"Hey, you mind if I come with you?"

Ayanokouji approached me as I was about to leave the classroom.

"Sure, what about it?"

"I'm headed to the library, I heard you were too."

"Then let's go. Any particular reason why you're going?" I asked, starting to walk.

"I'm returning Farewell My Lovely for Horikita, then checking it out for myself."

"Raymond Chandler huh? I've actually wanted to read his books myself."

Our pace was slow, so we talked about books along the way. It made me start to wonder if he and Shiina would get along if I introduce him to her.

Arriving at the library, it was empty as usual. After all, not many people go to the library unless there's exams and most of the students are at the cafeteria or in classrooms anyway.

"I'm gonna walk around while you do what you need to."

"Got it, I might as well check out another book." Ayanokouji said.

We went our separate ways, me going into a random aisle. This was supposed to be the academics section, books made for studying for exams or learning new things. Looking through the books, I started thinking of our little situation.

Ryuuen would be openly trying to hunt down Ayanokouji, whilst Karuizawa, Kikyou and I can do nothing but watch. Since all three of us are public figures in the class, we can't defend Ayanokouji when a crowd is present, something Ryuuen is exploiting.

The one being hunted insists on staying oblivious, but that's just normal for us. Ayanokouji is definitely still on Ryuuen's list of suspects, and he knows who's working for him. Us not making moves is a sign of X telling us to not do anything, which goes in our favour.

Now for the internal conflicts. Horikita continues to lose trust in Ayanokouji, which is just fine. Hirata is staying as he is, but he will definitely not help with the matter of Ryuuen. Kikyou is currently out of commission because we have to play out the fact that she really was working alone. Karuizawa is Ryuuen's main target, so she can't do anything either.

That leaves me and Ayanokouji. If things get violent, I can't do much, which will definitely happen since Ryuuen said our next meeting would be a fight. Our resources are either stretched thin or can't be used, so Ayanokouji is mostly fighting alone.

" Sigh...What a mess."

I closed the book that I was reading then put it back on the shelf. Ayanokouji should be done with his business, so I went back to the center of the library. I saw him by the mystery aisle, so I went up to him.

"Ayanokouji, finished yet?" I asked him.

"Hm? Oh, Sakayanagi. Yeah, just rapped up a moment ago."

"Sakayanagi-kun? Hello, good to see you again."

From behind him stood Shiina Hiyori, the girl I just thought would have enjoyed Ayanokouji's company awhile ago.

"Oh Shiina, good to see you too. Anyway, what have you two been doing here?"

"Well, Ayanokouji-kun and I have just decided to head to the cafeteria for lunch."

"Just got the book checked out from the service desk too. Wanna come along?" Ayanokouji asked.

"Sure, I don't have anything to do anyway."

As usual, the cafeteria is packed during the lunch rush. Its been a little while since I last ate here, mostly because I tend to make my own lunches now. Its pretty hard to carry a tray filled with food on one hand, and a cane on the other.

Ayanokouji offered to carry my tray once we get the food, so I gladly accepted. The both of us chose the daily special, but Shiina seemed to have a hard time picking a meal.

"Sorry, sorry..." She said.

We waited another two minutes, until she finally chose the same meal we did..

"Sorry. I'm so indecisive."

"No worries. It's not like there was anyone in line behind us." Ayanokouji said in ressurance.

After we turned in our tickets, three meals were placed on the counter. Shiina struggled to adjust her schoolbag to take her tray.

"Your bag's in the way. Here, let me."

"Oh no, I couldn't bother you with it..."

"Let me take it, I have a free hand after all. Besides you'll be carrying two trays Ayanokouji"

We really were going to get short handed if I don't do something.

"You sure you can take it?" Ayanokouji asked.

"I have two hands you know?"

"Suit yourself."

"Sorry." Shiina said, handing the bag to my free hand.

Upon grabbing it, it was actuallt quite heavy.

"Let me guess, your book collection?" I asked.

"Mn, it's a lot, isn't it? Thank you very much."

We avoided the crowds, found some empty seats, and sat across from each other, me sitting beside Ayanokouji. Then we all tucked into our late lunch.

"Do you usually go to the cafeteria?" Ayanokouji asked.

"No. I usually buy lunch from the convenience store in the morning and then eat in the classroom. Do you come here often, Ayanokouji-kun, Sakayanagi-kun?"

"I used to, but now I make my lunches in the morning before heading to school." I answered.

"Convenience store food isn't my favorite. Food tastes best when it's freshly made."

Shiina used her chopsticks to elegantly raise a morsel of food to her mouth. It was actually pretty impressive. She handled the chopsticks with incredible grace.

"Hmm, I see. The cafeteria food certainly is delicious, isn't it? I'll keep that in mind." She replied.

"This isn't your first time eating at the cafeteria is it?" Ayanokouji asked.

"Shiina? Is that true?"

"Looks like I've been found out." She admitted.

"You've been missing out then." I said, while bringing up some food to eat it.

"I was thinking that that might be the case, since you struggled to choose at the ticket machine." Ayanokouji commented.

Its our second semester. Its actually quite rare to see a student that hasn't visited the cafeteria at least once.

"I've always wanted to try it, but if you miss out on your initial chance to do something, you kind of drag your feet, don't you? I figured this was a good chance to go." Shiina said.

I don't really understand such things. Sure we humans have a natural instinct of pride, but mine is significantly weaker than others. Whenever I don't know how to do something, I just either learn it myself or ask how. What's the shame anyway?

"Does that mean you'll come here again?" Ayanokouji asked.

"Yes."

We all continued to talk about trivial things. All the while, students around us that stayed were either chatting idly, or savoring their food.

Shiina placed her bag on the table with a thunk.

"I think I'll head back to the library. Have you read any of these before, Ayanokouji-kun?"

She showed Ayanokouji her book collection. Since I returned my latest borrow, it was complete once again.

"Wow. You've got good taste."

"You know them?"

"Yeah, I like mystery novels."

"Do forgive me Shiina, but I did want to introduce Ayanokouji to you eventually. I thought you two would get along." I said.

"Is that so?" She replied, clasping her hands together.

"Wait. These aren't from the library, are they?" Ayanokouji said, realizing the situation.

"No, they're not. Shiina showed this to Arisu and I when we started getting along." I said.

"Is that so?"

"Please, don't hold back. Take whichever you'd like." Shiina offered.

"Well... I suppose I'll check out Ellery Queen, since I haven't read any of his."

"Go ahead."

From the slight hesitance of Ayanokouji's hand, I can tell that he finds Shiina suspicious. After all, she was in the same class as Ryuuen, the one who's currently hunting him down. We need to exercise utmost caution when around Class D students, even Shiina.

"Would you like to borrow a book too Sakayanagi-kun?"

"Not this time, I'm indulging myself in the fantasy genre at the moment. Even I need a break from mystery sometimes." I said.

"I see." She replied.

Well, this was just a coincidence on everyone's part. After Ayanokouji took the book from Shiina's collection, we left our trays at the counter and left the cafeteria.

Volume 7: Hunters

Yasushi POV

An unexpected person approached us as Ayanokouji and I were talking by his seat. It was Satou Maya, one of our classmates. Her skirt fluttered as she stopped in front of Ayanokouji.

"Hey, Ayanokouji-kun. Are you free today? If so, would you like to have some tea or something before going back to the dorms?" She twirled her hair on her finger, as if it were pasta on a fork.

This girl was bold, and wanted a date. She must've had her eyes on Ayanokouji since the sports festival ended.

Horikita who was next to us, didn't seem to care in the slightest. After packing up her things, she immediately left the classroom. From where I was standing, I saw quite the crowd interested in what was happening.

The Ayanokouji Group were observing closely, especially Hasebe and Sakura. Hirata had a look of support for some reason. Kikyou looked relieved, and I didn't know why. Karuizawa had the same face she always does, Satou probably told her that she'd do this.

"Well..."

Ayanokouji did get a message from the others about hanging out, but that wasn't mandatory.

"Is this a bad time?" Satou said anxiously.

"Sorry, Satou. Today's not so good for me." Ayanokouji replied.

He must've been pretty conflicted to give a reply that late. It might be due to the people looking at them as they had the conversation.

Sensei was still in the room, doing paperwork. However I get the feeling that she was waiting for the perfect time to approach us, or Ayanokouji in particular.

"I-I see. Well, talk to you later Ayanokouji-kun." Satou said, walking away.

"Hmm, you've got her full attention." I said.

"What do you mean?" Ayanokouji asked.

"She completely ignored me man. You've got her full attention." I said.

"Anyway, don't follow me."

"So sensei does have some business with you?"

"Yeah, so don't follow."

"I got it, I got it."

Ayanokouji left the classroom, then Chabashira-sensei quickly followed him into the hallway.

Whatever it is, its probably really important. Chabashira-sensei looked more serious than normal.

"Hey Sakayanagi-kun, what was that about?" Hasebe and the Ayanokouji Group approached me.

"What was what? Him leaving or the thing with Satou-san?" I asked for the specifics.

"B-Both." Sakura spoke up.

"Well, Ayanokouji had some business elsewhere. As for that thing with Satou...you can get the gist of it right?"

"Ah, I get it." Miyake said.

"A love affair." Yukimura said, covering his forehead with a hand.

Sakura just blushed and looked like her life was being taken away, while Hasebe was smirking.

"Come to think of it Sakayanagi-kun, do you have a thing for Kyo-chan?"

"Kyo who...? Oh Kikyou. No, I just see her as a close friend." I said.

"Close friend eh?"

Miyake grabbed Hasebe's shoulder.

"Knock it off, don't tease the guy."

"Oh come on! You're no fun Miyacchi."

"Well I have some things to take care of, so I'm leaving."

I repositioned myself then slowly left the classroom.

By "things to take care of", I had to meet up with Arisu because she wanted to tell me somehing. It had me wondering ever since she send the text this afternoon. It'd be uncomfortable to meet in her classroom, so we agreed to meet in the library like usual.

She had been acting a little strange ever since I told her what Ayanokouji wanted me to tell her. How should I put it? She's been more reserved than normal, almost like she's ignoring me. I suppose there's an important reason to it.

As for Ayanokouji, he had been acting the same as always, so I don't need to worry about him. What does actually concern me is the war we're gonna have with Ryuuen. He's going to have Karuizawa be his target, but he's been very open with his attacks.

Things like what happened with Sudou when he complained, and maybe even Shiina being used as a bait. I can't trust a single Class D student right now, not even my friend from there. Ryuuen's got eyes and ears everywhere, so I have to put my guard up.

After around ten minutes, I arrived at the entrance to the library. At one of the tables sat Arisu, reading a book rather than playing chess against herself. I decided to approach her immediately.

"Hey, so what did you want to talk about?" I asked.

"Ah Yasushi-kun, good to see you. Have a seat."

I put my cane beside me and sat down across her. Arisu closed the book she was reading, then looked at me with a serious face.

"First, allow me to apologize for blatantly ignoring you." She said, bowing her head slightly.

"I'm sure your reason for doing so is justifiable. Anyhow, what did you want to say?"

"Right."

She looked at me again then opened up her bag to reveal an envelope.

"What's that?"

Without a word from her, she stretched out her hand to give the envelope to me. I took it from her then opened it, revealing a piece of paper with a message.

Dark times are coming, a cruel man has arrived at the school and may forcibly remove me from my position as director from this school. Do not ask how, just know that he is extremely powerful and is actually able to do so. You and Arisu are to protect yourselves and make sure you do not get expelled, at least not yet anyway.

I sent this letter just so you two know how dangerous this school is going to become. Due to the new student council president's rules, expulsion will be more common, and my possible replacement will make it even more common. If Arisu gets expelled she will only be sent back to me. You however, may be held in custody.

Yasushi, my dear step-son, see to it that you protect yourself. Sincerely, Chairman Sakayanagi.

I held the paper tightly and looked at Arisu, her face was still serious.

"So what happens to us?" I asked.

"We're on our own once father gets pushed out of his position. As it is written, your fate may be more brutal if you get expelled."

"What's so special about me that I'd be held in prison?"

"I don't know, but father does. He knows something but he didn't want to tell me. All I know is that this cruel man truly has come to the school, I saw him walking by the school entrance gate. I cannot tell you who he is, or else you'd get involved."

"But how am I supposed to 'protect' myself if I don't know?"

Arisu reached out to caress my hand which was balled into a fist on the table.

"That's exactly how you'll be able to protect yourself. By not knowing, you are keeping yourself safe."

"Not knowing what?" I asked in a slightly irritated tone.

"The truth about your birth parents, and the history behind a certain organization."

Is my life a damn lie or something? All this time I've been lied to? What should I even believe in now? My own father was lying, so how can I trust this!?

"So that's how it is huh?"

I retracted my hand somewhat forcibly, then got up, ready to leave.

"If I can't know the truth, then my initial view of myself has been real all along...Worthless."

I left a shocked and guilty Arisu with those parting words.

I was walking back to the dorms alone. It was a cold winter at dusk, I should probably start using my coat when going out.

Everyone's a damn phony, everyone. I don't think I can trust people that much after this. Not Kikyou, not Arisu, not even Ayanokouji. Whatever the truth is, if I just don't know it, I'll stay safe right? How would I know if I'd stay safe if it might help me?

I just can't be trusted with that kind of information I suppose, figures. Ayanokouji doesn't even trust me to know the full extent of the plans he comes up with. I should've expected something like this, but it still hurts. If what Arisu is saying really is true, then my birth father had been lying to me from the very start.

" Sigh...I'm a worthless human being."

It was really cold to the point that I breathed out white steam. Well since I can't learn the truth what do I do now? Just sit here doing nothing? That is exactly what I've been trying to avoid.

I don't want to feel that choking pain again. I fear the thought of suicide. If I'm going to disappear from this world, I don't want to be a sign of giving up, its disrespectful towards my promise to my birth father.

Without me noticing, I slipped on the pavement then fell down, my cane falling slightly away from me.

"Agh! Dammit all."

I tried reaching for my cane, but someone grabbed it for me. Looking up, it was Horikita Manabu.

"You aren't the sort of person to be clumsy." He said, offering a hand so I could get up.

"I've just been out of it lately, nothing to worry about."

I took his hand then got myself up. He handed me my cane before letting me go.

"So, what brings you near the third-year dormitory?"

"Oh, are we? I guess I just wasn't paying attention."

"Thinking about something important by any chance?"

"Yeah, to me at least. Things have just been pretty hectic for me."

"Has Nagumo been causing you or Ayanokouji any trouble?"

"No, not yet. Is he that bad?"

"This school will see an increase of expulsions. During my period as the student council president, I've tried my best to set rules that would prevent those expulsions. Nagumo want to make the ultimate meritocracy so 'the strong could rise' as he would say."

"I do not see that as something everyone could benefit from. Though I respect the fact that 'the strong' can rise via individuality, his attitude though is why I wouldn't support his faction. If I have to fight the entire second-year just to drill that into his head then so be it."

"You would try and take down Nagumo?" Horikita-senpai seemed curious.

"The second he tries to mess with me or Ayanokouji then I will. I don't like that guy."

"That's an interesting remark. So you're saying that if Nagumo tries something against you two, you would make an effort to make him step down?"

"I'll expel him if I have to. I'll protect myself from expulsion."

That's the only thing I can do now. Try not to get expelled, who cares about Class A.

"If that's how you feel then I can't change that. Although I do suggest that you be careful, Nagumo has told me that he'd try and hit you, Ayanokouji and your step-sister Sakayanagi Arisu."

"Then let him come, I'll be sure that he loses in some way."

"Heh, I expect a good outcome from that sort of battle."

So this 'cruel man' and Nagumo would be after me huh? I'll be sure to give them a great gift once they attack. Its a little something called despair.

Ayanokouji POV

I picked up the damp cloth I'd been using to mop up dirt and dust, and threw it in the garbage bag. After washing my hands, I sat on my bed, listening to the creak of the springs.

Since it was December, I decided to use the weekend for some end-of-year cleaning. I wasn't much of a packrat, so it only took about half a day to finish everything. Had I managed to return my room to the pristine condition it was in when I first moved in?

"A clean room's such a great thing." I muttered.

I turned on my teakettle, thinking that I would take a little breather. I was somewhat hesitant about using the sparkling cup I'd just cleaned, but there was no other option. Deciding to sort out my future while the kettle boiled, I took out my phone and accessed the school app, scrolling aimlessly through things like class points and personal balances.

Let's start at the beginning.

Why had I enrolled at this school in the first place? So, I wouldn't have to return to my old environment. It wasn't that I was particularly dissatisfied with the White Room, though it was quite problematic from a human-rights perspective. Still, you could receive the best possible education there, and it was that education that had shaped my personality and abilities.

However, even after my father praised me as his greatest masterpiece, I'd felt a discontentment that I couldn't put into words. Even if I was the most superior human specimen that existed... was that really something to be proud of?

It was because I'd lived my life believing there was always something more to learn that I considered learning to be meaningful. So, what happened when there was finally nothing left to learn? Life would be horribly boring, wouldn't it?

Well, to tell the truth, I didn't care about all that.

I needed to consider what I should do from here on out. I had always known that my father would contact me someday. With this happening, I need to keep them away from information about that place at all costs. Sakayanagi Arisu should be able to help with that matter. Since I said that I accepted her challenge, she'll do everything it takes to keep me and her step-brother in this school.

Of course, nothing is ever enough to stop that man. Chabashira-sensei couldn't stop him, and neither could Chairman Sakayanagi. Its basically impossible given the circumstances.

If my goal was to spend three ordinary years at this school, whether that be in Class D or Class A, I had no reason to dig myself in deeper by trying to help the class. People like Ichinose had started to take an interest in me, but if I stepped back now, that interest would fade.

The one remaining problem was Ryuuen Kakeru.

If he did figure out that I was Class C's secret mastermind, he might create an uproar by circulating that information. It would have been ideal for my identity to remain completely concealed, though that seemed impossible now. Even if I cut all ties to Karuizawa Kei, we were still bound by an invisible thread. If I left things the way they were now, someday, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Ryuuen would find that thread. Would it take a week? A month? A year?

That uncertainty was what troubled me. If he targetted Karuizawa, he might go for Kushida and Sakayanagi-kun next, then finally find me. Its better if I keep my pawns under a trustworthy belt rather than them betraying me because I didn't help them.

The kettle whistled and shut itself off.

"Guess I'll have some tea."

My cabinets overflowed with teabags, since I used to have all kinds of visitors stopping by. I'd amassed an extensive range of supplies, from coffee to black tea to green and roasted tea. Just as I put a black tea bag into my cup, someone buzzed me from the first floor.

A classmate would just have rung my doorbell. Who could this be? I went to check the screen and found myself looking at a surprising face. I could've pretended not to be home, but I opted for honesty. After all, this was someone I'd been thinking about going to see myself, and he'd come all the way out here.

"I'd like a moment of your time. Or should I come back later?" My visitor asked through the intercom.

"Nah, now's a good time." I replied.

It was Horikita's older brother, who'd been student council president until recently. What an unusual visitor. I buzzed him into the building, and poured boiling water into my cup while I waited.

Soon after, the doorbell rang.

"I'd prefer to speak privately, so please come in." I told him.

"I agree."

If Horikita saw her brother and I chatting in the hallway, she'd cause a fuss. Besides, I wanted to avoid being seen with the former student council president as much as possible. I let Horikita's older brother into my room.

The older Horikita noticed my tea as soon as he entered.

"I just thought I'd make myself something to drink." I told him.

"For a first year, you keep your room quite clean." He said.

"I just don't have that much stuff."

I decided not to tell him that I'd cleaned my room today. Of course, he probably deduced as much from the garbage bag full of damp paper towels.

"To come all the way to the first years' dorm... Do you have business with me, former student council president?"

"The second semester ends next week. My time at this school is running out."

True. He had a little over two months left. It'd be over in the blink of an eye.

"There's something I wanted to tell you before I leave. About Nagumo Miyabi."

Nagumo Miyabi was a second-year Class A, and the current student council president. I'd only exchanged pleasantries with him at the sports festival. According to Sakayanagi-kun, he talked to him during summer break when he was sent back to the school ahead of us. I get that uncomfortable feeling around him of someone you couldn't really trust.

"I can't imagine what you have to say to me. I'm not part of the student council like Ichinose." I said.

"I've discussed this with the adopted Sakayanagi already. Circumstances have changed. I've adhered to this school's traditions because I believe in its system and rules. Nagumo wants to uproot those foundations. Most likely, an unprecedented number of students will be expelled next year."

Nagumo had yet to take any overt actions, but I supposed it was just a matter of time. After all, he did openly challenge Horikita-senpai that he'd crush the Sakayanagi siblings. Its a good thing he hasn't discovered me yet, he just knows I'm quick on my feet.

"You were already student council president when Nagumo was a first year, right? Doesn't that make you responsible for bringing him in?"

"You might say that. I made one mistake after joining the student council.I failed in training my successor. Nagumo was the only one I believed had potential, but his ideologies differed from mine. Now, he's managed to bring almost all the other second-year students under his sway."

That could be a problem. If Nagumo truly wanted to fight the Sakayanagi siblings, I would have to step in, and then he'll see what I'm worth then hunt me down as well.

That said, I can't just abandon my assets, the adopted Sakayanagi has done an incredible job carrying out my plans while his step-sister has been protecting us from Class A's gaze. We've been able to deal with Class D peacefully thanks to her.

"That's odd. I understand Nagumo controlling everyone in the second-year Class A, but to the other classes he'd be an enemy, right?"

"He's already won over the entire school, minus some of you first-years."

Huh. I didn't know what this guy was doing, but apparently it was pretty crazy.

"Two first years applied for student council positions this year: Katsuragi and Ichinose. They're both talented students with a lot of promise, but I decided not to admit them, precisely because of their talent. I was concerned Nagumo would snatch them up. However, Nagumo worked behind my back to establish contact with Ichinose, eventually forcibly adding her to the student council."

"Why are you giving me all this insider information?"

"If you don't want to draw attention to yourself, use Suzune as you've done in the past. It'll be fine. I'll be the bridge between you and the student council." He told me.

"This is a pretty absurd request. If you were on the student council, your little sister would happily join, but she's probably not interested now that you've stepped down. Besides, irrespective of what Horikita does, I have no wish to get involved."

I waited a few moments, then took a sip of my tea.

"Traditions change, even the ones you staunchly uphold. That's just how the passage of time works, isn't it?" I asked.

There was a lot about this conversation that I still couldn't grasp, but a picture was beginning to form. Horikita Manabu, now reduced to an ordinary student, wanted to derail the student council's plans, and he wanted to use me to do it.

"You might be right." He must've known he couldn't cajole me into helping him, but perhaps the elder Horikita was so desperate he'd swallowed his pride and come here. "Forgive me for bothering you."

"Would you mind at least giving me your contact information?" I asked.

"What?"

I unplugged my phone from its charger.

"I'd like time to think about putting your little sister on the student council and manipulating her behind the scenes. The Sakayanagis decision will also consider my opinion, so please wait till then."

"So, you'll consider it?"

"You came here despite the assumption that I'd refuse, huh? It'd be rude if I didn't at least think it over." I said.

My unexpected reversal must've surprised the elder Horikita, but he gave me his phone number without asking for anything in return. That alone was proof of how closely he intended to watch Nagumo Miyabi's student council.

"If I decide to cooperate, I'll contact you." I said.

"I expect nothing, but I'll be waiting."

Horikita's brother left my room without taking tea or even sitting down.

"I really don't think there's any need to be that hung up on the student council, though." I said out loud to myself.

Even if I put myself in the shoes of someone who was about to graduate in a couple months...there wasn't much I could do about the situation, here. Still, this puts a lot of concern onto my plate.

The student council itself doesn't have any power, but the highest seat, the student council president, holds a few merits. That's what Horikita-senpai said anyway. If Nagumo uses those merits to try and crush the Sakayanagis, it'd be bad for me. I wouldn't have any proper allies aside Karuizawa, since Kushida is only working with me through Sakayanagi-kun's connection with her.

Horikita on the other hand, just wanted to reach Class A. She'll definitely stop asking me for help or calling me an ally once that goal has been reached. Basically, the entirety of Class C is at my mercy, since if I decide to stop cooperating, Ryuuen and Sakayanagi Arisu would rush the class, then snatch Sakayanagi Yasushi, and possibly me, by using 20 million points so that we wouldn't be caught up in it.

Still, I have things I need to protect here, so my concern is justified.

One day, shortly before winter vacation, a storm hit Class C. It happened just after the end of homeroom. Our classroom door swung open, and Ryuuen and his fellow Class D students strode inside. The entire class immediately erupted into chaos.

Chabashira-sensei glanced at Ryuuen and the others, but left without a word. It would've been one thing if a brawl broke out right then and there, but there was no issue with students from another class coming to visit.

Ryuuen and his classmates had observed Class C from a distance so far. Since they hadn't gotten the answers they'd been looking for, they'd finally decided to take a direct approach. Or perhaps they were acting on a strategy I couldn't yet understand. In any case, they'd clearly decided to confront us.

Horikita, who was packing up her things to leave, stopped and stared at the Class D group consisting of Ryuuen, Ishizaki, and Yamada Albert. Komiya and Kondou were there, too.

Sakayanagi-kun, Kushida and Karuizawa, all had pretty concerned looks on their faces. Sakayanagi-kun in particular, looked more like he was angry.

With all these opponents gathered together in force, the mood was tense.

"Hey, what's goin' on? This is Class C." Sudou was the first to react. He was usually quick to pick a fight, but seemed more defensive this time. More importantly, he probably felt he needed to protect Horikita.

He stood and approached Ryuuen; Hirata panicked and hurried to stand between them, probably afraid that they were about to get violent.

"Do you have some business with our class, Ryuuen-kun?" Hirata asked.

In response, Ryuuen exaggeratedly raised his hands.

"Is there any reason I can't visit my schoolmates? That does happen at this school, doesn't it? Visiting a pal. Why're you all shaking?"

The statement sounded like a provocation, but Hirata remained cool and composed.

"That's normally true, yes. But this school isn't normal, is it? Besides, you've never visited Class C before."

"We've been too estranged. I thought we should be a little more assertive about buddying up." Ryuuen said.

He placed his hand on a nearby girl's desk, showing off his white teeth in a grin.

"Man, you guys sure did great in the Paper Shuffle. Though all of you lost, it was actually a pretty good fight. I heard the difference between our class totals wasn't even a hundred points, hell it wasn't even fifty."

That was true. The class total score difference between our two classes was 38 points. Horikita looked a bit disappointed in herself, but the class encouraged her since the difference was so slim.

"Tch, a loss is a loss sure, but we aren't letting that get to us." Sudou said.

"It's because we've been working hard."

"Working hard, huh? I mean, the concept of hard work seems completely foreign to Sudou, yet he's still here. I thought he'd be the first to get kicked out." Ryuuen said.

"So, you do remember my name." Sudou said.

Ryuuen and Sudou stared each other down. The air between them was electric. Several classmates who'd been heading out stood frozen in place.

"Could you tell us why you're really here?" Hirata asked.

"Yes, please just ask us what you want so you can leave. You're making our classmates quite tense." Sakayanagi-kun said, slowly walking toward Ryuuen.

"I'm giving you a fair warning, Class C." Ryuuen said.

"Warning? What do you mean?"

"I have no intention of explaining things to an idiot. Or are you just pretending not to understand?"

It might've seemed as if he was trying to provoke Hirata, but in fact, Ryuuen barely even looked at him. He was busy scanning the entire classroom. He might have aimed his statement at me, Keisei, Akito, or even Sakayanagi-kun.

Ultimately, his gaze landed on a rather unexpected person. The individual in question didn't even realize Ryuuen was staring at him—or perhaps he just didn't care. In fact, he was heading back to the dorms.

Kouenji got up and nonchalantly left the classroom, apparently unaffected by Ryuuen's presence. Ryuuen gave a quiet chuckle and signaled his comrades to follow him. They left immediately, and as the door closed behind them, the tension in our classroom dissipated at once and was replaced by an uproar.

"Hey, hey, that Ryuuen dude looked like he was gonna do something crazy! This is unreal!" Ike exclaimed.

"They're plannin' to do something to Kouenji. Right?" Yamauchi said.

Indeed. Kouenji Rokusuke, Class C's resident enfant terrible. Conspiracy theories flew every which way, starting with Ike and Yamauchi. Though he helped in the island and zodiac tests, that was due to a contract with Sakayanagi-kun. That contract has long expired.

Unusually, Kushida stayed out of it. She'd stopped getting as actively involved with class issues, perhaps due to her defeat at Horikita's hand. Even now, though she was murmuring to some other girls about Ryuuen and his crew, she wasn't actively contributing to the conversation.

"This is really bad, isn't it?" Horikita asked, while I was deep in thought. Even she, who wanted to avoid entanglement with Class D as far as possible, couldn't leave this situation alone.

"Maybe." I said.

It did seem as though Ryuuen had some business with Kouenji, but that puzzled me. Kouenji was weird, sure, but even to an outside observer, the possibility of him being a big mover and shaker in Class C had to be low. There had to be a reason why Ryuuen was trying to make contact with him in such a blatant way, while simultaneously scoping out a number of other people.

He should be acting against active contributors like Sakayanagi-kun or Hirata, since Horikita was outside his list.

"Should we go check it out, Kiyotaka?" Akito asked.

"So many people are around, though. There's not much Class D can try."

"They may have something planned."

"I suppose... I guess even though lots of people are watching, that's no guarantee Ryuuen won't try something."

This was odd. Even from an outside perspective, the probability that Kouenji was Class C's secret savior was low. In the unlikely event that Class C assaulted Kouenji, other members of Class D might get in trouble for jumping into the fray. Then again, if we held back when we could've helped, we'd regret it.

"I'll leave things to you guys Ayanokouji, I'm too slow to catch up with them." Sakayanagi-kun said, sitting down at his seat.

When I went into the hallway with Akito, Keisei trailed me.

"I'll come, too. Safety in numbers." He reasoned.

Horikita lagged slightly behind us, and Sudou followed her. Hirata also came along, looking worried. This was shaping up to be a real storm. I asked Keisei and Akito to wait, then went to talk to Hirata.

"Wouldn't it be better if you stayed behind, Hirata? If you come, other students might follow. If people like Ike and Yamauchi join in, it'll add fuel to the fire." I said.

"That's true...but will Kouenji-kun be all right?"

"Horikita's coming. Keisei and Akito are too. In the worst-case scenario, if it looks like things are getting violent, I'll call you."

"Keisei? Huh. Okay. Just don't do anything rash, sound good?" Hirata looked puzzled at the way I referred to Yukimura, but went back inside the classroom.

"That was the right decision, Kiyotaka. Besides, Hirata's better suited to calming the rest of the class down." Yes, he and Sakayanagi-kun should be able to hold the fort.

The next problem was figuring out where Kouenji and the others went. Even Ryuuen and his goons couldn't start trouble in the school building. If they were going to try something, it would probably be outside, but I had no idea where Kouenji might've gone.

"Where does Kouenji normally go after class?" I asked.

"No idea."

"I don't know, either." Akito and Keisei tilted their heads to the side, apparently clueless.

"Does anyone know anything about Kouenji?" Practically none of us ever spoke to him at length.

"He usually heads straight back to the dorms."

"How do you know?"

"I see him fairly often. Let's head to the entrance for now."

If his shoes were still there, we could confirm that he was still in the school building. In that case, we probablystill had enough time to deal with this. We hurried there, keeping pace with one another.

"Could be a serious fight." Sudou said to Horikita, clenching his fists.

"Don't be funny. Violence between Classes D and C is nothing to laugh about. More importantly, why are you following me?"

"Well, 'cuz I'm worried about you, Suzune, you know? There are rumors that Ryuuen will even hit girls."

"I'm not so soft that I need your protection." Horikita said.

"Don't say that."

Horikita was as bullish as ever, and Sudou's chivalry was misguided. A girl could easily take down a boy if she had the requisite martial arts skill. However, Sudou was Sudou, and the idea that Horikita was strong enough to hold her own probably hadn't occurred to him.

"Besides, though I may be worrying needlessly, what about your club?" Horikita asked.

"Not to worry. Still got a little time left until practice. Let's hurry up and find Kouenji." Sudou was going nowhere.

"For crying out loud. I don't want a troublemaker tailing me around." She muttered.

Still, if Horikita got hurt taking these Class D guys on by herself, Sudou would go nuclear. If the school caught him picking fights again, he was done for. Letting him come along might've been the best way for us to keep an eye on him.

Volume 7: Rumbling Storm

Yasushi POV

How unbelievable.

I was supposed to just stay in the classroom and take it easy, but somehow Arisu and her entourage showed up a few minutes after Ayanokouji and the others left. Now, we were walking in the direction they went to, the dormitory.

"Why was I supposed to come again?" I asked.

"Come now Yasushi-kun, you need to enjoy a show every once in a while." She said.

"Yeah man, it'll be fun to watch." Hashimoto said.

Arisu discretely gestured for me to lower my head so she could whisper something.

"Besides, I need to apologize for what happened at the library." She muttered.

I held quite the grudge towards everyone at the moment, especially on myself. Apparently, Arisu was actually feeling guilty for that fact. I did also get the feeling that I was being tailed again this past week, but I just didn't care at the time.

It was probably Kamuro or Hashimoto, and they must've reported my "lack of ambition" to her, so she's trying to get it back. Well try as she might, I don't think I'll ever take things seriously ever again.

If your entire life turned out to be a lie, what other feeling is there other than despair?

"Fair enough I suppose."

The area was quite close by now. I could hear the banter from where we were. Ryuuen and his gang, Ayanokouji and Horikita's group, then Kouenji.

"My this is quite an interesting collection of people, isn't it?" Arisu said as they all came into view.

"Sakayanagi, huh? Or should I say Sakayanagis. What suspiciously perfect timing."

She stopped walking which cued the rest of us to stop along with her.

"I'm here purely by coincidence." Arisu said.

"Don't make me laugh." Ryuuen said.

"To think I'd stumble on Class D's major players having it out with some Class C students. Are you planning a Christmas party?"

"Back off. I don't have any business with you."

"Come now, there's no need to say that. If you're party-planning, the more the merrier. Wouldn't you agree? May I join you?"

"If you plan on sticking around, don't get in my way."

"Of course. I wouldn't dream of embarrassing the party organizer." Arisu said.

She took a seat on a nearby bench. The rest of us sat around her, with Kitou standing to the side since there was no more room. There may not be any cameras, but students were walking back to the dorms, able to see.

"Sakayanagi-kun, what are you doing here?" Horikita cut in.

"Don't ask me, I was quite literally dragged here."

I had no choice but to come since our classmates would turn into screeching monkeys because Class A's leader was visiting.

"I don't mind that our audience has grown, but isn't it about time that we end this? If we aren't going to talk, I'll be on my way." Kouenji said with his unchanging fearless smile.

"Wait, Kouenji. Ryuuen-san said not to let you run away this time."

Kouenji wore a thin smile.

"My apologies that our conversation was delayed. I think we should get to the heart of the matter. I surmise that you're fixated on defeating whomever gets in Class D's way, or whomever forms an alliance with another class to do exactly that. Am I wrong?"

"I'll crush every such insect in my way, yeah." Ryuuen said.

"And now, such an obstreperous person has appeared within Class C. So, you're searching for this hindrance." Kouenji said. He understood what was happening very well despite being uninterested.

"In that case, I'm afraid I don't fit the profile. I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in Class C's future, nor in any of the other classes. Although I contributed quite a bit during the island and zodiac exam, I've been doing nothing else in any other ones. Tell me, are you truly fixated on making such a person your enemy?"

Ryuuen knew fully well how he lost in the island exam, and the zodiac exam didn't even count since he targeted Class A. He knew he lost the island exam because of me, but he also knew that I wasn't X, which puts him in a pinch.

"What about those exams in and of themselves? Your class went up by leaps and bounds because of the island exam, and in the zodiac exam you were the one that initiated that attack on Katsuragi." Ryuuen said.

"Oh ho, you've done your research."

Even Ryuuen had to admit that Kouenji really did start the sequence of messages during the zodiac exam. In the island exam too, I heard he stayed till the very end, dramatically showing himself during the final roll call.

"We can't rule out the possibility that you helped with other tests. That means there's no guarantee that you aren't controlling Class C." Ryuuen said.

"I suppose that's possible. But if it's the conclusion you've settled on, it must mean you're a moron with a paltry intellect." Kouenji said.

Ishizaki looked ready to charge, but Ryuuen smiled and stopped him. I had to admit that I admired Kouenji's comeback. If Ryuuen was harassing the wrong person, he'd come off looking pretty stupid.

"Heh, you're certainly right. If you are telling the truth, then you're completely and utterly harmless."

"Yes. You're quite perceptive Dragon Boy."

That got me chuckling, while Arisu outright laughed.

"Fufufu! It seems Kouenji-kun has some good taste in humor, Dragon Boy."

"That damn nickname again huh?" Ryuuen looked visibly irritated.

"Ah so that was already taken? I apologize for trying to steal your thunder Sakayanagi-boy." Kouenji said, looking at me.

"No no, its alright. Please continue using it." I said, incredibly amused.

Ryuuen regained his composure and changed the topic entirely.

"What if I tell these guys to pummel you unconscious as payback for the zodiac exam? What'll you do if I come at you with senseless violence?"

Horikita tried to reply to that disturbing question, but Kouenji cut her off with a laugh.

"Now that's just nonsensical. You wouldn't do that here, with this large of an audience. It wouldn't benefit you at all."

That's true. Aside all of us, there were lots of students walking by.

"I'm quite capable of going on a rampage even in this rather inconvenient place, benefits aside." Ryuuen said.

"I see. I suppose that if you did choose that option, I'd defend by pride and knock down everyone who came at me." Kouenji said.

"You could do that by yourself?"

"I find it harder to imagine why I couldn't."

Arisu who continued to listen, with a smug grin on her face.

"Looks like my reasoning was off. Kouenji doesn't seem to be X. He is completely nuts, though in a different way from me. Seems that's all there is to it." Ryuuen said.

"So glad to have cleared up this misunderstanding." Kouenji replied.

"But let me ask you one thing, Kouenji. Class C's points are steadily increasing. Someone has to be responsible for that. If it's not you, who is it? One of the people who followed us here like a flock of slack-jawed sheep?" Ryuuen asked.

For the first time, Kouenji glanced at Ayanokouji's group. Then he sneered and shrugged, having immediately lost interest.

"I'm happy to tell you, but—"

"May I have a moment?" Arisu said, as if trying to keep Kouenji from speaking.

"This is a fascinatingconversation. Someone in Class C is getting in Class D's way, are they? I heard rumors that Dragon Boy-san was searching for such a person, but is that really true?"

"Tch, stupid nickname. And yes, its true. X themselves gave me the information that they're real, through an event that happened back at the sports festival. Also, call me that again and I'll kill you, got it?" Ryuuen said.

"My, my, you don't like it? I think it's a wonderful nickname. Sorry. Anyway, there's something here that I don't quite understand."

Ryuuen laughed in response, but Arisu paid him no mind.

"Someone in Class C saw through your plans and defeated you. Is that all there is to it? This school is fundamentally designed to pit classes against each other. You and I have clashed numerous times in this manner. I don't know who this Class C student is, but they're employing excellent strategy by remaining anonymous while waging war on you. Are you really going to expend all this energy on interrogating an unrelated student? Honestly, I can't see your actions as anything but rather pathetic."

"I'll admit that X screwed up my plans, but that's not the problem here. I'm doing this to draw out the person acting behind the scenes. I'm going to drag him kicking and screaming to the forefront." Ryuuen replied.

"Oh? What do you think of his reasoning Yasushi-kun?" Arisu turned to me.

"Can't say for sure yet, just that Ryuuen is really eager to crush X." I said.

"I see. So, you intend to resort to extortion and blackmail if you must, Ryuuen-kun?"

"Yep. I'm prepared to use violence, too, if necessary. I rather enjoy my way of doing things."

"If you do that, not only will you appear pathetic, but you'll also reveal your own incompetence. I heard quite a bit already from Masumi-san and Hashimoto-kun about the strategy you used on the island, and how your tricks failed. I heard that Kouenji-kun only helped because of something that Yasushi-kun did. I also heard that the mastermind on that exam was Horikita Suzune-san. Aren't you targeting the wrong person?"

"Are you sure you're not just trying to cover up your own failure, Ryuuen-kun?" Kito muttered.

"That's going too far, Kitou. Ryuuen isn't that much of an idiot." Hashimoto replied.

Ryuuen showed no sign of agitation at Class A's provocations. He understood that type of strategy better than anyone, after all. Rather than argue about what Arisu said, he switched tracks.

"You're the idiot, Sakayanagi. I used Katsuragi. I made him sign a contract with me."

"A contract? Ah. 'In exchange for assistanceprovided to Class A by Class C(of that time), private points will be paid as compensation,' or something to that effect, yes? Specifically, there was a clause that said 'twenty thousand private points will be paid per person per month until graduation,' right?" Arisu ratted.

I was briefly informed of that contract by her around before the sports festival began. She was having the time of her life criticizing her opponent for leadership.

"Huh? What?! Are you really okay with that?" Sudou cried.

"It's not against the rules. It's a contract both classes mutually agreed upon. We'd receive the class points that Class D should've received, and compensate them with private points in exchange."

She wasn't wrong there. Contracts exist for a reason, that reason being that whoever enters a written contract cannot worm their way out of it. Katsuragi was a fool though, not adding a clause that said Ryuuen's class couldn't guess their leader.

"Well, I'm not the one who's gonna be in trouble if those details leak. You will. Other classes will find out we've been getting twenty thousand monthly points from you, won't they?" Ryuuen said.

"If you wanted to tell everyone, you would've done so already. Besides, it was Katsuragi-kun who suggested the contract in the first place." Arisu replied definitively.

She hadn't been present on the island, and could avoid taking responsibility for the decision. It was even possible that she instructed her followers in Class A to let Katsuragi go ahead, but we couldn't know. What mattered was that Katsuragi was keeping a low profile right now, while Arisu appeared to be in control of the class.

"Ugh. So, Class D's basically got a guaranteed monthly allowance?" Sudou grumbled.

"Don't let them fool you, Sudou-kun. Class D could've obtained those class points themselves, but they wasted them. They gained nothing." Horikita said.

"Is that really true, Suzune? It's no different than getting two hundred class points the real way, back on the island. Besides, our private point income is going to continue indefinitely. We'll keep earning those points until Class A loses their standing." Ryuuen stated.

"I have to agree with him Horikita. Private points are incredibly powerful, and I know for a fact that Ryuuen would be able to use them to his benefit." I said.

"See? Even your own classmates understands. We can fight for three years straight to get back class points, but private points are the real deal. Just like 20 million can let you nullify an expulsion or transfer classes, I can use private points to make deals here and there."

"So you'll use them to make people do your bidding?" Horikita asked.

"Who knows? Money has some real power don't you think?" Ryuuen replied.

"Are we finished here? I have no intention of denying you your fun, but I'd like for you to get out of my way. I've wasted enough time listening to your meaningless drivel." Kouenji said.

"Wait, Kouenji. You haven't answered yet."

Kouenji looked at the sky, as if trying to remember.

"Something about a clever person in Class C, was it? To be honest, I hadn't even considered it. At any rate, it's probably better if I don't tell you, right? You're doing whatever it takes to hunt this person down, even if it means putting yourself at risk. I don't wish to rob you of your fun. As for me, I don't care for anyone in this school. I'm simply enjoying the halcyon days of my youth, romancing beautiful women and basking in my own beauty." He said.

"So, you're saying you won't help your own class?"

"It depends now doesn't it? I was hired during the island and zodiac exam for an amount I can't ignore. If I get offered a substantial amount once again, I will help. However, from my perspective, Class A and Class D are the same. All of you people are so dreadfully boring."

"Ryuuen-san, this jerk's looked down on us for the last time! Let's teach him a lesson!"

Ishizaki raised his fists, but the person who spoke up to stop him wasn't Ryuuen. It was Arisu, who had simply sat on the sidelines with me. Kouenji had said something she couldn't overlook.

"There's something you said that interests me. Dragon Boy-san aside—"

"Whoa!"

On instinct, I raised my cane between Arisu and a rushing Ryuuen. He launched a kick, but Hashimoto, in a panic, hurried between us and caught the kick with his left fist, sending him flying. Kitou got in front of us and got into a fighting stance soon after.

"Oh, did I hurt your feelings?" Arisu asked.

"I told you I'd kill you if you called me that again."

"Stop this at once. What you just did is horrible." Horikita started, but Arisu stopped her.

"Is there a problem with what just happened, Hashimoto-kun?"

"No. I fell over." Hashimoto slowly got back up, dusting himself off.

"There you have it, Horikita-san."

"Sakayanagi-kun, did you not see what just happened? It was right in front of you." Horikia then turned to me.

I simply shook my head, earning an understanding look from Ayanokouji.

"Tch, all three of you are lunatics." Horikita said.

"Lunacy is a power that you just can't understand Horikita." I said.

"I'm sorry, Ryuuen-kun. I've teased you too much. To return to my original question—what do you mean when you say that everyone here, myself included, is boring?"

"For crying out loud..." Horikita muttered.

"Did I really hurt your feelings that much, little girl?" Kouenji pointed at Arisu, approaching the bench where we sat.

"Tsk. Little girl, hmm? That's a wonderful nickname." Arisu replied.

Ryuuen snorted in amusement, as if that was payback for Kouenji calling him Dragon Boy.

"Kouenji-san, was it? Your English could use some work. I'm not a little girl."

"That's not for you to decide. Calling you a little girl is appropriate, considering your age and physique. Unlike your step-brother over here." Kouenji said.

"That is precisely where you're mistaken. The appropriate usage of the words 'little girl' would be to describe girls of elementary school age. You cannot alter the rules of the world at will" Arisu said.

"Being a slave to common practice isn't my style." Kouenji said. He brushed his fingers through his hair.

"Knock it off, Kouenji." Kitou said, stepping forward. He motioned as if to remove his white gloves.

Sudou was muttering something in the background, which to me looked like it caught Ayanokouji off guard.

"I have no business with Class A. Leave now." Kouenji commanded.

"Allow me to correct this boy's behavior." Kitou said to Arisu.

"Ha ha! Well, I don't mind you fighting over me. Unfortunately, my tastes in both men and women run toward older people." Kouenji said, as if toying with the leaders of their respective classes.

"We've concluded our business. Now get lost." Ryuuen said.. Dealing with something like Kouenji had to be exhausting, even for him.

"Very well, then. See you." Kouenji said. He turned on his heel and walked away.

The storm we'd feared would break might just have been Kouenji, not Ryuuen.

With that source of controversy gone, everyone grew quiet. Sudou had collected most of the broken mirror's shards, and it seemed that the tension had dissipated for now.

"Well, show's over. Shall we head back?"

"Better be on your guard for the third semester crippled loli, or should I call you little girl from now on instead?" Ryuuen said to provoke her.

"Do you wish for another war of insults Ryuuen-kun? Otouto is right here, another round wouldn't hurt." Arisu said back.

"Tch, I'm too tired 'cuz of that Kouenji guy. His lunacy is on a different level from mine."

"But of course, returning to your warning. If you're sure you thoroughly beat Class C, I'll be your opponent anytime. Though I don't really think that's the case." Arisu said, looking at me.

"This guy really did do some damage to me I'll admit, but it was real fun fighting him. I expect X to be more entertaining than he is."

Arisu got up to leave, asking me if I'd follow. I shook my head, then she left with her entourage in tow.

"Should we head back too, Horikita?" Ayanokouji asked her.

"Yeah. I can't stand being here a moment longer. Although...I must say, Ryuuen-kun seemed less interested in Kouenji-kun than I anticipated." Horikita mused.

Ryuuen's actions clearly still puzzled her, and it seemed Class D shared some of the same doubts.

"Should we really let him go that easily?" asked one of Ryuuen's flunkies.

"If he were the one, I wouldn't have let him leave." Ryuuen answered.

"He seems super suspicious to me, though. He could've been lying."

"His way of thinking doesn't match mine. Whoever X is, he and I think the same way. Besides, does he even look like the type to join forces with Horikita?"

"It's hard to imagine, true. But then why'd you target Kouenji?"

Ryuuen stopped watching Kouenji's retreating back and turned a creepy grin on us.

"Yo. What do you guys think about Kouenji?"

"You've been muttering a bunch of crap for a while now. I don't get what you're sayin' at all." Sudou grumbled.

"Idiots should stay out of this." Ryuuen said.

"What-!?"

Horikita stopped Sudou in his tracks with a look and a wave of her hand.

"Your actions are bizarre and incomprehensible, Ryuuen-kun." She said.

Ryuuen seemed to take that as a compliment.

"In that case, I must be doing something right. I narrowed down my suspect list quite a bit today, Suzune. Down to that weird creep lurking behind you."

"I'm not listening to anything you have to say. This is a waste of time. In future, stop approaching my classmates." Horikita said.

"I'm free to approach or not approach whomever I want. It's not against the rules. Anyway, the show will be over soon. Can't wait for the grand finale."

He then looked at me.

"X should expect a little surprise."

Ryuuen glanced briefly at Arisu's retreating form in the distance, then left.

"Finally. Let's go. We should tell Hirata-kun about this." Horikita said.

"What's Ryuuen's deal? You think he's up to something?" Sudou groused.

"Who knows? I doubt anyone truly understands how his mind works."

Ayanokouji and I looked at each other, confirming that we had to talk about this in private.

Chabashira-sensei lectured us about important things to remember during the upcoming winter vacation.

"Parts of the school will undergo renovations, so those areas will be off-limits. Also, all clubs will take the day off after the closing ceremony. Be sure to head back as soon as you can."

For some reason, our teacher gazed soundlessly around the classroom after she was done speaking. We waited, but she showed no sign of dismissing us.

Ike, clearly itching to leave, raised his hand.

"What's the matter, Sensei?"

"Its nothing, just don't get sloppy. If you get in trouble over the break, it might affect your class points. Don't forget, even during the holidays, you represent this school." With that, Chabashira-sensei dismissed us, bringing the second semester to a close.

"This really is unusual. Chabashira-sensei being nice and giving us a warning, I mean."

Karuizawa had messaged Ayanokouji this morning, he told me after walking to school together. We had told Kikyou to stay put and not get involved in the possible fight, and she reluctantly agreed to it.

I couldn't participate in a possible fight either, so I'd probaby just be standing guard outside the area that Ryuuen called us to. Ayanokouji had no choice but to take the bait, however I'm absolutely sure he can handle himself.

"Yasushi-kun, let's go already!"

Kikyou ran up to my table and grabbed my arm.

"I'm coming, I'm coming."

She basically dragged me out of the room and into the hallway. Looking back, I saw the Ayanokouji Group looking at me. Hasebe for some reason gave me a thumbs up, Miyake did the same. The heck are those two thinking about?

"Kikyou, about the plan later-"

"I already know, I'll stay out of it."

Her pace was getting faster and we somehow ended up in a secluded hallway. I couldn't exactly catch up, so I slowly made my way to the corner she turned to.

"Kikyou, would you slow down please? I won't be able to-"

When I looked, Kikyou was bowing with her arms up, a paper bag grasped with them. She then looked up with a face that I rarely see, a face of pure happiness.

"I really love you, Yasushi-kun." She said with a proud tone.

...

"Eh?"

It took me a while to process what she just said.

"Sorry, could you please repeat that?"

"Hmph, you're a really mean guy aren't you?" Kikyou said, but her face didn't change.

She went up to me then presented me with the paper bag, opened it, then revealed a beautifully wrapped gift box.

"This is a Christmas gift for you. You can open it later at your room."

I accepted the gift box and put it inside my bag.

"Now, I wanna ask you a question Yasushi-kun."

I can already guess what she was about to ask, but I'll let her ask either way.

"Would you please go out with me?"

A little word from the author

Due to me travelling, I'm going to put my two books on hiatus. I won't be able to write for a whole month. Another bad thing is that I'm finishing up this book at Volume 7.5, since I don't really want to write from Volume 8 and so on, the same thing with my second book, I'll only write till Volume 7.5.

Again, these books are on hiatus and will be discontinued once I finish Volume 7.5. Have a good day/afternoon/night.

Volume 7: Team X

I've returned home. Thanks for your patience dear reader.This is a long chapter.

Also may I remind you all again that I will be writing up until Volume 7.5. However, over the course of my vacation I've made up my mind of writing scenes from the future volumes like the event selection exam and class vote, but not the full on volume altogether. This book has grown a lot in the past month and I don't want to discontinue it just yet.

Once again, thank you for your patience and continued support.

Yasushi POV

According to Ayanokouji, Karuizawa was already at the rooftop. That said, Kikyou and I were currently at Keyaki Mall, hanging out after what she had just done.

She was basically gleaming with joy after I had said yes. We almost tumbled onto each other after the sudden hug. Now though, we were just buying ourselves some milkshakes to celebrate.

"Cheers." We both said to each other.

"So, what do you think is a good time for our first date?" Kikyou asked, taking a sip from her milkshake.

"How about Christmas Day? I don't have any plans at that time, not even with Arisu."

"Sounds good to me! I'll just tell my friends that I have some other business to attend to."

Please let her excuse not be "I got myself a boyfriend", it'll actually be embarrassing.

"Right then, so now about this current situation. Karuizawa is on the roof right now and Ayanokouji wants us on standby."

"Mn, where should we wait?" She asked.

"After this? In the school building, the floor below the rooftop. Though if it weren't for my handicap we could wait wherever."

"So we won't be doing much this time?"

"No, we're just backup. Ayanokouji has some...'friends', that he called for."

"Which means that we actually have nothing to do."

"...Frankly, yes. We've got nothing to do. I will say though is that Ryuuen is done for whether we help or not. And besides, it'll give me more time to think about our plans."

"I mean..." Kikyou suddenly got all shy.

"What is it? Let me remind you that you were the one to confess, I should at least plan the first date."

"Don't say such a thing when you didn't even react that much to what I said!"

"Firstly, I wasn't expecting such a thing. And second, I have no experience in romance, which is why I just kept my cool instead."

"*Sigh*...Idiot, that's so like you."

"Never thought that was a likeable quality of me."

I finished my milkshake then looked at my phone. Arisu had messaged me a GIF that said "Congratulations" followed by by celebrating emojis, then came an ominous message.

[I suggest you do not mess up Yasushi-kun~]

"Question for you Kikyou. Did you tell Arisu about what you did?"

Once I said that, Kikyou had widened eyes then looked away.

"W-What are you talking about I wonder?"

"Now that is one very fake smile. What did you two talk about?"

"Umm..."

"By your body language you are desperately trying to find an excuse. Just tell me the truth, you can't fool me."

"Okay okay, so it went like this..."

She put down her milkshake then looked at me with a defeated face.

"I've told Arisu-san that I'd confess to you since I know she wouldn't approve if I did it without her knowledge. Much to my expectation she rejected my plan at first."

(From here on out, this conversation is happening at the exact same time as Ayanokouji's chat with Chabashira-sensei and Horikita-senpai's arrival.)

"You're calling her by her first name now? That's interesting in its own right."

"Yes well, that came with what happened."

Flashback

3rd Person POV

Kushida Kikyou and Sakayanagi Arisu were currently face to face in Sakayanagi's dorm room.

The tension could be felt just by looking at Sakayanagi's smile. Since Kushida had just told her she's confess to her brother-in-law.

"Kushida-san, do you perhaps have a death wish?" Sakayanagi said with the most menacing smile on her face.

"N-No, which is exactly why I'm telling you this now."

"Because I might come after you if you've already confessed?"

"Yes, I was hoping you would accept it since Yasushi-kun is-"

"No."

Kushida flinched at Sakayanagi's instant rejection. Sakayanagi herself, just took a sip of her tea.

"Tell me something Kushida-san, who is Yasushi-kun to you?"

"Well, I see him as the guy that changed me I guess. If it weren't for him...actually I'd rather not think of what would happen if it weren't for what he did for me."

"I'll respect your privacy by not asking what he did, now continue."

"Yasushi-kun's been helping me a lot ever since we got to this school. I can't deny my feelings for him anymore. He's a good guy, but I understand that he's become more and more tired recently. I want to be someone that can help him at any moment."

Sakayanagi listened in silence as Kushida revealed what she truly felt about her brother-in-law.

"Back in the island exam, I didn't keep a close eye on him. Even though I understood that he was sick at the time, I still didn't keep a close eye on him. I personally think I'm at fault for that, even if him getting hurt was an accident. I've been trying to help him as much as I can ever since."

"So what you want to do is just you taking responsibility?"

"That and I just can't keep my feelings for him bottled up any longer. If I did, it might influence how I act around others as well."

"Hmm."

Sakayanagi was in thought. To her, she just found a new person that truly cares for the man that she had been trying to protect. A person who, like her, wanted to be by his side for as long as they could.

It was an interesting turn of events. She knew that something between him and Kushida, but she wasn't sure whether it was love or something else, so she held off. Though they argued a lot in the past, she can see now that they might be able to get along.

"Answer me this. Do you love my dear little otouto?" Sakayanagi asked.

"With everything I have. I'm sure of it now."

"Then in the event where he can't defend himself, would you defend him?"

"I will."

"Fufufu, then I have no further questions."

She picked up her cane then stood up from the chair. Sakayanagi walked in front of Kushida and looked her straight in the eye.

"Do not make me regret this decision. You have my consent, however you must promise that we share him." She said with a smug grin."

"Eh? Share?"

"Do you not approve of my humble request?"

"No no, its just that it caught me by surprise. Sure, we can share him."

"Then go to him Kikyou-san. Make him yours."

"Uhm..."

"Oh I must've forgotten to ask if we could move to the first name basis. Could we?"

"Of course, after all it'd be pretty weird from here on out. Let's get along Arisu-san, for Yasushi-kun's sake if nothing else."

"Indeed, I'm sure we'll get along well."

They shook hands.

End of flashback

Yasushi POV

"Share?"

What in fresh hell did Arisu mean by share me?

"Well uhm, I didn't really know what it meant either at first."

"And I don't even want to know in the first place. The hell? Share? What is she thinking?"

"Ehehe, to each their own I suppose. Anyway shall we go to the school building now?"

"Fine, we'll save this topic for later. Ayanokouji messaged me that he was going in a few minutes ago."

Kikyou stood up then took both of our empty milkshakes to throw them into the trash bin. We now made our way to the exit of the cafe and towards the school building.

Let's hope it all ends here.

Ayanokouji POV

After messaging Sakayanagi-kun, I climbed up the stairs step by step. A shadow loomed in front of me, blocking the path to the roof. It was Yamada Albert, the perfect gatekeeper for the task. I didn't know much about him, other than the fact that he was one of Ryuuen's underlings.

He looked me over as if sizing me up.

"May I pass?" I asked.

He continued watching me, not moving a muscle. Did his silence imply refusal, or did he not understand? His large hands swiftly withdrew his phone.

"Don't panic. I'm the one you want." I said to him in English.

Albert stopped moving, but said nothing,

"I'm ending this today. No one else will interfere." I added.

Albert seemed to give this some thought. He stood aside and silently signaled me to pass, apparently having acknowledged me, but I needed him on the roof for what was to come.

"I intend to crush Ryuuen. He doesn't stand a chance without your help." I told him, switching back to Japanese.

Albert looked downstairs once more. After he confirmed that there wasn't anyone else around, he followed me to the roof, stopping by the door and watching me from behind.

The gray clouds hanging in the sky threatened rain. I saw Karuizawa near the fence, cowering away from the door. Having noticed the door open and close, Ishizaki and Ibuki looked over at me, as did Ryuuen. I checked the area for surveillance cameras, noting that the sole camera's lens was painted black. He'd covered it with spray paint, huh?

I turned my gaze back toward Ryuuen.

"Ayanokouji?" Ibuki asked. She was the first to speak.

Karuizawa had noticed me. She said nothing, but I could tell that she was shocked and wondering why I'd come.

"Sorry I'm late." I told her.

"Why...Why did you come?" Karuizawa asked, barely squeezing out the words.

"What do you mean, 'why'? I made a promise, didn't I? I promised that I'd save you."

"R-Ryuuen-san, does this mean Ayanokouji is X?!" Ishizaki panicked.

"Ryuuen, he might just be like Sakayanagi like you said. X might be using Ayanokouji."

"Quiet Ibuki."

Ryuuen laughed, putting distance between himself and Karuizawa as he drew closer to me. He stopped about five meters away, clearly wary.

"Well, well. Who do we have here? It's that guy who clings to Suzune all the time. Ayanokouji, huh? I gotta say I thought you'd send Sakayanagi or someone else up here. What brings you all alone to the rooftop on this fine first day of winter vacation?"

"Karuizawa emailed me. She said she wanted me to save her." I deliberately failed to mention that Ryuuen himself also contacted me. As for why I was here, it was because Ryuuen, thinking himself the hunter, had foolishly invited me to the hunting ground to turn him into prey instead.

Even when I told Sakayanagi-kun and Kushida to tell him of my involvement, he still thought he was hunting me down. Rather, it was all to lure him into my trap.

"Oh?"

Do you believe it Ryuuen-san? That Ayanokouji is X?" Ishizaki asked him.

"I've had an eye for him since the start. He clings to Horikita, who's reputed to be quite exceptional herself. Him being X was reinforced with Hiyori saying that he hangs out with Sakayanagi a lot."

"But that's so obvious... isn't that way too out in the open for someone trying to hide their identity?"

"Certainly. I understand what you're trying to say, Ishizaki. That's why I made sure to very carefully narrow down my list of suspects. After I learned about the incident with Manabe and her friends, certain candidates resurfaced as my primary suspects. When I considered the speed and means by which Karuizawa's bullying incident had been dealt with, I thought it had to be either Ayanokouji or Hirata."

"Stop trying to make yourself look cool. You didn't even target Ayanokouji or Hirata until well after that, did you?" Ibuki demanded.

Well, this was a strange situation. I'd admitted to being X, but Class C was divided on whether they believed me.

"It's precisely because I was the most suspicious that I did things that way. Or perhaps it was because I had no other method available to me other than using Horikita?" I told them.

"But—!"

I decided to throw out a vague yet helpful statement to stir them up.

"I'm the person you've been searching for."

"Hah! Isn't that suspicious? Would X really just come right out and say that?" Ibuki added.

An understandable response. It made sense they wouldn't jump to believe me, considering that I had been keeping my identity hidden until now.

"I think this is fishy, too. He might've been told to step forward and claim he's the mastermind as part of a ploy." Ishizaki said.

"You predicted that X wouldn't show up, right?" Ibuki continued, joining Ishizaki in urging Ryuuen to question the certainty he exhibited moments ago.

"Yes, I certainly did. This looks like a bad move on your part, Ayanokouji. Your best option would've been to abandon Karuizawa Kei or send Sakayanagi and Kushida up here, not walk into an obvious trap. I suppose I understand why Ibuki and Ishizaki don't believe you. If you're really X, tell me how you plan on getting out of this dilemma."

"Am I really in a dilemma?" I asked.

Ryuuen and his lackeys looked completely unamused by my foolish question.

"I only came here because Karuizawa asked for help. If you want proof that I'm X, you could just wait until the next exam and see what I do." I added.

"That's not true. We know your identity. We also know Karuizawa's secret. Awful things will happen tomorrow if you leave here without doing as we say." Ryuuen said.

"Awful things?"

"Enough already. Stop playing dumb and show me what you'll do."

"What I'll do? There's nothing I can do in the first place. The reason for me not sending Sakayanagi-kun and Kushida instead of coming here myself was because I didn't want them involved in a fight. However, here I am now."

"I bet Sudou and those other guys are waiting nearby, or maybe Sakayanagi and Kushida really are here, by the stairs." Ishizaki said., glancing at the half-open door.

"Nope." Ryuuen said flatly.

"I-Is that so?" Ishizaki asked.

"If her classmates knew about Karuizawa's miserable past, her social life would be dead without me having to say a word. As for Sakayanagi and Kushida, one can't fight to save his life and the other can barely hold up against us anyway. Try using your head a little."

"I-I see."

"Still, I gotta say, you must think you're a real big deal if you're still trying to play dumb."

"That's enough, Ryuuen. There's absolutely no way X would just stroll up here alone." Ibuki said.

"Man, oh man. Now this is a problem. Ibuki and Ishizaki don't seem to believe that you're X." Ryuuen said.

He shrugged, appearing exasperated, as he looked over at Ibuki and Ishizaki.

"You say there's nothing you can do, Ayanokouji? But I need to ascertain the truth of the matter here. For that to happen, I think you need to let these two know what's going on and make everything clear. Is that all right with you?" He asked, looking over at me with a broad smile on his face.

"I've already admitted to it. But if you won't believe me, then allow me to explain Ibuki." I said, turning to the person that wouldn't stop doubting me.

"During the island exam, Sakayanagi, formerly Maida, was going around making sure that our class wouldn't have any spies. He took you out of the cave then knocked you out, sending you back to the cruise ship. Though it was on his decision, it was under my orders. You could even ask Kaneda, who got knocked out as well."

"How did you...What!?"

"You wouldn't know much since you retired early on, but I've purposefully been letting them do the work that way there was less suspicion on me. However by the sports festival, I realized I had to get Ryuuen's attention somehow to end his obsession on my class. Sakayanagi has done a really great job of doing just that."

"You have to admit it now, Ibuki. Ayanokouji is X." Ryuuen said.

"Wait—wait a second. Yeah, he might be really clever, but that isn't enough to say for sure that he's X, right?"

"Seriously, is there any reason to debate this further?" Ryuuen looked even more exasperated than before.

"It just doesn't make sense! If Ayanokouji really is X, the mastermind, why would he just show up here?! He wrecked all your plans so far, didn't he?!"

"He probably has a trick up his sleeve. A miracle beyond our imagination. If he doesn't, then...well, he's an idiot."

"Trick? There's no trick I can pull in a situation like this. You already know Karuizawa's big secret. I understand what'll happen if I get careless here. You took plenty of precautions to corner me. Right?" I said.

"Exactly. So, what're you gonna do about it? I can reveal your identity whenever I want. And I still have the threat of exposing Karuizawa's past to use against you. You're powerless."

"Indeed. I can't exactly report what you just did to Karuizawa to the school, either." I said.

Instances of violence between students during exams were punished by expulsion, but the same wasn't necessarily true of spats that occurred at other times. Even if I could give the school real proof of what they'd done, it was unlikely I'd be able to deal Ryuuen and Class C any real damage.

"And if you try to tell the school what we did up here, we'll leave Karuizawa high and dry in retaliation."

So, we'd both go down in flames if I tried anything, and Class C would probably be the one going down hardest. Ryuuen had switched from using his knowledge of Karuizawa's past to attack her, to using it to defend against me.

"No matter how you slice it, I win." He said.

Actually there was one place where you slice it, and you lose, from the very second the knife made contact with the cake.

"Okay. Well, are you satisfied? If so, I'll be taking Karuizawa back with me." I said.

"Come now, don't be so anticlimactic. You came all the way here. We might as well take our time." Ryuuen grabbed Karuizawa's arm and yanked her up.

"Ack!" She squealed.

"You wouldn't expose your identity without a reason. What're you planning?" Ryuuen extended his hand to me, as if challenging me.

"Sorry, Ryuuen. I can't fulfil your expectations."

"Huh?"

"I was just dancing in the palm of your hand. That's all."

No one present could've imagined that X would say something like that. They'd anticipated either a cruel man who would abandon Karuizawa to protect his identity, or a clever student who would swoop in and save her while keeping his identity secret.

For the first time since I stepped onto the rooftop, Ryuuen's smile began to fade.

"All this time spent hyping up the mysterious 'X,' and he's nothing but talk. What a disappointment." Ibuki said.

Even though they were allies, Ibuki had always distrusted Ryuuen, which was precisely why she dared question him so openly. Seeing an opportunity, I made my next move.

"I may have revealed myself to you, but that doesn't mean I'm in trouble. Only Sakayanagi-kun, Kushida, Horikita and Karuizawa from Class C know who I am, so if this information makes its way to other classes, I'll know one of you leaked it."

"So what?" Ibuki demanded.

"If you spread word of my actions, I'll report everything that happened here to the school." I said.

"We just established that we have you cornered because you can't do that."

"I can. All I have to do is sacrifice Karuizawa." I said.

"Huh?"

"You assumed from the start that I'd abandon Karuizawa. But when I showed up here, you started talking as though you thought I wasn't going to. Am I wrong?" I asked.

"Now, hold on, that doesn't make sense. You could've kept yourself hidden if you sacrificed her to start with. You came all the way here precisely because you couldn't sacrifice her. Don't try to trick me." Ryuuen said.

"Fine. If they already know about you, Kiyotaka, they can go ahead and tell everyone they like about my past." Karuizawa said, looking over at me as she slowly picked herself off the floor.

I kept my eyes fixed on Ryuuen.

"You heard her. Believe what you like, but if you spill the beans about me to the other classes, it'll be war." I said.

"Um...Well, we know X's identity now. Maybe that's enough?" Ishizaki said, stuttering.

"I agree. Ayanokouji might actually sacrifice her." Ibuki said. Clearly, neither of them wanted to pursue things any further. They'd smoked X out, and were content with that.

"Heh heh heh! Well, you've got that right. If either side spills the beans, it'll be open war." Ryuuen said, seemingly very amused.

Both classes would be wounded in the ensuing conflict, whether those wounds were shallow or deep. Further, there was no guarantee Karuizawa would be destroyed by it. The image of a girl who held her head high despite being bullied was a compelling one.

If Ryuuen declared this to be the end, we'd be done. But he'd never choose that option.

"Man, this is anticlimactic. Not only did you give up your identity so easily, but you have no choice but to leave the decision up to me, your opponent! Even then, there's no doubt in my mind that Ayanokouji is X, the one who's been keeping me entertained. Which means I'd be missing out if I don't have you entertain me to the very end. Isn't that right, Ishizaki?"

"Y-yes."

"See, everything is a game to me. Not just getting to Class A, but crushing Ichinose, crushing Suzune, crushing classes C and B, even finally crushing the crippled loli, whom I've been saving as a special treat for last... It's all just my way of staving off boredom."

Still chuckling, Ryuuen grabbed Karuizawa's hair. Her face twisted in agony, but there was no fear in her eyes.

"Heh. You were so full of despair moments ago, but now your eyes tell me that you have absolute faith in Ayanokouji. I bet you'd tell everyone about your past yourself if it'd protect him, wouldn't you? Relax. Your role here has ended." Ryuuen said.

Seeming to lose interest in Karuizawa, he let go of her hair and shoved her away.

"You really have entertained me, Ayanokouji. You might just be another defect, but you and your minions saw through my plans time and time again. Even more than that, you think like me. How could I help but want to draw you out of hiding? I didn't think about what would come next. I thought I'd choose that once I met you. Now I've decided."

"...What are you planning to do, Ayanokouji?" Ibuki asked.

"Why do you sound so irritated, Ibuki?"

Ibuki drew level with Ryuuen, and looked him right in the eyes, without fear.

"What you're about to do puts Class D at risk." She said.

"Heh. You, the eternal lone wolf who never tried to cooperate with her classmates, talking about risk to Class D? Don't make me laugh." Ryuuen said.

"I cooperated with you because I thought you were acting for the class's sake. But this is a step too far. Ayanokouji clearly has nothing up his sleeve. I won't be a part of what you're about to do."

"You think you know what I'm going to do?" Ryuuen asked.

"Yes, because I've watched you since April. You're going to hurt him, aren't you?"

As Ibuki said those words, Ishizaki's body went rigid.

"Ishizaki. Komiya. Kondou. Even Albert. You beat every single one of them until they were ready to obey you at all times. Hell, even on the island you almost beat the crap out of Sakayanagi's brother." Ibuki continued.

"Violence best demonstrates the power difference between us."

"Isn't that difference already plain to see?"

"Ayanokouji has been a thorn in our side. We have to return the favor."

"I'm telling you, that kind of thinking is going to endanger our class!" Ibuki cried.

Smack!

Ryuuen struck her across the face, and she fell silent immediately.

"As long as I'm having fun, I don't care. Violence is easy to understand." He said.

As illustrated by what he'd just done. So, that was his answer, huh? I supposed the outcome was inevitable once we passed the point where we could continue to delude ourselves.

"Listen, what matters right now is what each side will do with the information they've gained. Ayanokouji wants to wrap things up here without anyone else finding out what happened, including his identity and Karuizawa's past. It's also true that we blackmailed Karuizawa and dumped freezing water on her. If that gets out, we'll be punished. To put it simply, as long as both sides keep what happened here secret, no one needs to know."

A logical conclusion, considering what had happened so far.

"No matter what happens, both sides have no choice but to grit our teeth and accept it."

And yet, not everyone D Class thought so.

"I think I understand why you revealed your identity so late in the game. It's so we can't take this fight somewhere else. Shut the door, Albert."

At Ryuuen's command, Albert moved to close the door, reaching for the knob.

Bam! Crash!

As he reached the knob, someone plowed straight through the door, landing on top of Albert, who was now on the ground.

"The fuck?" Ryuuen said in confusion.

"How's it going ladies and gents? Did I miss anything?"

Well it was his request, so I let him come up here. Sakayanagi Yasushi just made his entrance, shocking everyone but me.

"Oi oi, what are you doing here tall cripple?"

"I came to settle things to you know? You still owe me for what happened on the island." Sakayanagi-kun said.

"Do I now? Wow I can't seem to remember." Ryuuen replied.

He snapped his fingers, then Albert grabbed him by the collar, slowly standing up in the process. Sakayanagi-kun was now off the ground, holding onto his cane for dear life.

"Apologies." Albert said in English.

Albert threw Sakayanagi-kun to the ground, landing near Karuizawa. He seemed to have been knocked unconscious, but he looked back up at us.

"Sakayanagi-kun! Are you okay?" Karuizawa asked, moving towards him.

"Yeah, just fine." Sakayanagi-kun replied in a strained voice.

"Why did you make him come up here huh? You know he can't fight Ayanokouji." Ibuki asked me.

"Did you want some sort of meat shield? Kukuku, you're more cruel than I thought." Ryuuen concluded.

"It was his request. Though I did think of making him stay out of it, he's here right now right?"

Sakayanagi-kun slowly stood up, using his cane as a support.

"You know Ryuuen, you're pretty sure of yourself when you said that violence defines the power difference between humans."

"Yeah I was, so what?"

"Then why don't we find out huh? I'm sure Ayanokouji can take you all on at once, but I'll take my cut out of the fight."

It's true, I can take these guys on all on my own, no backup needed. However, from Sakayanagi-kun's determined look. he seemed like he wanted to finish something with Ryuuen, so I allowed him to come up here, despite his physical handicap.

Sakayanagi-kun stood on his good leg, making sure the other one isn't touching the ground, then held his cane like a weapon.

"Ever heard of one legged martial arts techniques?" He asked.

"So you plan to fight eh? Fine. I'll pummel you then take on Ayanokouji. You three keep him entertained while we're at it." Ryuuen said, looking incredibly amused.

"Hey wait! You have nothing to gain by beating up the two of them!" Karuizawa cried.

"Stay out of this Karuizawa. Right now, business is business." Sakayanagi-kun said.

"Are you sure about this Ryuuen-san?" Ishizaki said, stuttering again.

"If we give Ayanokouji a thorough beating, there won't be anything more to worry about. Now take him down." Ryuuen replied.

"Alright then...um. Okay, sorry Ayanokouji. I'm not a bad guy, I'm just following Ryuuen-san's orders."

"I don't really care." I said.

"You ready for round two tall cripple?" Ryuuen asked, approaching Sakayanagi-kun while cracking his knuckles.

"Ever since I've finished recovering, Dragon-boy."

"Oh you're in for it now."

Ishizaki casually threw a punch at me—no, it was more like the swat you might give a naughty child. A slow, monotonous motion that even a junior high or elementary school student could have avoided. His right fist came at me in a wide arc, and I caught it with my hand.

"Huh...?"

"If you're going to do this, you better take it seriously." I warned him.

He didn't seem to take the hint, even though I'd completely blocked his blow, perhaps because it had been such a lazy blow to start. So, I squeezed his fist. My right hand still clamped down on his, I applied more and more pressure.

"Huh? Ah...ugh...huh?!" Ishizaki's face went taut, and his knees trembled.

"What's the matter, Ishizaki?" Ibuki asked., sensing something was wrong.

"Ah...ngh...ah! T-time out... Stop!" Ishizaki buckled at the knees and fell. Unable to take it any longer, he grabbed my arm and tried to free himself, but it was futile.

Albert was the first to grasp the reality of the situation. He didn't wait for Ryuuen's order, but swung at me with his thick arm, which was the width of an electrical pole. He attacked from my left even though I was free on that side, probably anticipating that I would take a defensive stance after Ishizaki freed himself. He was wrong. I could've dodged the attack, but instead, I steeled myself and caught Albert's punch with my left hand, prepared to take a little damage.

SMACK!

An almost-electric jolt traveled from my elbow all the way to my shoulder.

"Just as I thought. That hurts." I mumbled.

It was difficult to read Albert's expression behind his sunglasses, but he was probably catching on.

"No way. Y-you're not messing around, are you? Albert? Ishizaki?" Ibuki asked incredulously.

Maybe she couldn't tell Albert really had swung at me with all his might, or that Ishizaki was in pain. Or maybe she just didn't want to believe her eyes. I released Ishizaki, who crouched and clutched his arm.

"Do it Albert!" Ryuuen, who was currently trying to land punches on Sakayanagi-kun, ordered.

Albert charged at me, his powerful fists swinging. I'd intentionally let him land the first blow, but I couldn't take too many more hits of that caliber, so I dodged under his swing and went in for a frontal attack, punching him in the gut. I didn't hold back, either. It wouldn't be wise to underestimate an opponent whose abilities were still largely unknown to me.

Based on the slight change in Albert's flat expression, and how hard his body had felt against my fist, I judged that I'd dealt minimal damage. He'd clearly trained his body well—but it still had all the weaknesses human bodies did. All this meant was that I would have to work a bit harder to crush him. The human body had numerous weaknesses—the solar plexus, for instance, was a part you couldn't strengthen through training. At best, you could accustom yourself to pain so it was easier to endure.

He must've realized that I was going for his solar plexus with my next strike, because he twisted away to evade it. However, I'd been feinting in anticipation of just that, and quickly jabbed his throat with my palm like a sword.

"Ghh!" Albert gurgled in pain.

"Ayanokouji!" Ishizaki shouted.

At least he'd saved me some trouble. I kicked Ishizaki's left knee, sending him to the ground. He was so easy to read. Albert had also fallen to his knees, so I spun and delivered a kick to his face, using my momentum to punch Ishizaki in the jaw on the return. He collapsed.

Yasushi POV

"Hyah!"

I swung my cane at Ryuuen, making him jump backwards. By using the force of the swing, I smacked the tip of my cane onto the ground, getting enough momentum to launch myself and kick his abdomen.

"Ack!"

Ryuuen fell to the ground, my foot by his neck. Raising my cane, I swung it down towards his face, but he caught it with his free arm.

"You're pretty good, despite everything!"

He stole my cane away from me, then swung it toward my temple. I blocked it with both hands as Ryuuen stood up, making me lose my balance. It was just like back on the island, we were in a dirty brawl.

Ryuuen got on top of me, then started launching punches. I dodged by turning away from the areas he hit. I kicked his abdomen, making him get off, now it was my turn. I turned us around, making me the one on top of him, then launched punches like he did. Ryuuen dodged most of them, but blocked a few.

He managed to find an opening, then grabbed my neck with both hands.

"Get off of me asshole."

Struggling, I tried reaching for my cane as Ryuuen tried to choke me. Realizing what I was doing, he just used his strength to toss me onto the ground.

"*Cough cough*!"

Dammit, why now!? My arrhythmia is acting up again. This was the worst possible time for it to catch up with me.

Ryuuen got up to approach me as I tried getting myself to sit up straight.

"Looks like you lost once again you little-"

Bam!

As he was about to kick me, Ayanokouji ran at him and shoulder bashed Ryuuen to get out of the way.

"*Cough*...Cutting it kind of close eh?" I said, my voice strained and tired from the hits Ryuuen landed.

"I'll commend you for surviving for so long. Are you satisfied?"

"Yeah, I'll admit it. Ryuuen's stronger than me. I'm just gonna rest...over here."

My body suddenly got extremely tired the second I started coughing again. It seemed like I really wasn't allowed to participate in physically stimulating activities. Then again, I did good against a violence wielding warmonger like Ryuuen for so long. I'm satisfied with the result.

"Karuizawa, make sure he doesn't get himself hurt."

Despite her current state, Karuizawa complied and ran up to me so she could check my condition.

"Why did you even come up here Sakayanagi-kun?"

"I could say the same thing. Though, this was all Ayanokouji's plan. Me coming up here was my own wish, I just wanted to settle things."

As Ayanokouji and Ryuuen started their fight, Karuizawa and I just sat there, watching.

"He's really great, isn't he?" Karuizawa muttered.

"He sure is. Ten times better than me at the very least."

"You don't think you could beat him?"

"Of course I can't. Be it a fight of fists, knowledge, or any other field, I'm sure I'd lose to him. Why do you think I was the first one to work for him?"

"To be honest I thought he also blackmailed you." A logical conclusion considering what Ayanokouji did to her.

"No. I worked for him out of my own free will. I was hoping to feel useful since I don't think I'm cut out to lead others with confidence. Now here we are, in this very fight."

Ayanokouji delivered a very painful looking right hook to Ryuuen's face, making him cry in pain. Ryuuen was sent flying to the ground, and Ayanokouji was now raining punches on his torso.

"See that? Even without my handicap, Ayanokouji would be too fast for me to beat. He's also too smart for me, I know since we've exchanged ideas before."

"So you have the same impression as me?"

"Maybe. To be honest I see him as a role model, since I know I can't beat him,I'll just do my best so that I can improve myself."

"Sounds pretty ambitious."

Ambitious huh...

"I guess you could say that. Come on, let's get up. I'd rather he don't get mad that neither of us got up yet."

Karuizawa nodded then got on her feet extending a hand to help me up.

"Do you want to win? Do you want to lose? What are you feeling, Ayanokouji?"

Ryuuen was shouting, enough for us to hear.

"Are you laughing at me now that you're on top? Are you angry? Excited, overjoyed? Maybe frustrated? Tell me!"

I took Karuizawa's hand to get up, then walked towards them.

Smack!

Ayanokouji hit Ryuuen square in the face as I arrived behind him.

"You done here man?"

"Yeah."

He got off Ryuuen then turned to face Karuizawa and I.

"Karuizawa, I apologize. I put you in a difficult situation. Are you hurt?"

"Just cold. Actually I'm way more worried about Sakayanagi-kun here."

"Got hit a few times but I'll be fine, all I need will be rest."

"Did your heart problems act up?" Ayanokouji asked.

"So you noticed? Yeah it acted up a bit, but nothing too serious. It just goes to show that I can't participate in stamina draining activities."

"That's good to know then."

Before we all knew it, Karuizawa collapsed in Ayanokouji's arms.

"Woah! You sure you're okay Karuizawa?" I asked her.

"I was scared! I was so scared!" She cried.

Ah, so her adrenaline just left her body. What a relief.

"Don't think about it anymore. What happened today, what's happened so far. You can think about that stuff later. The only thing that's for certain right now, in this moment, is that your curse has been lifted. Manabe...no, no one will dig up your past again. As for what's to come, well, you can just keep going the way you always have." Ayanokouji told her.

"I'm actually quite impressed you haven't fallen apart by now Karuizawa." I commented.

The only person I can think is similar to her is probably Kikyou. In terms of their pasts and how they cover it up I mean.

"You've managed to overcome your past and create an identity as the person you are now. Starting tomorrow, you can just pick up where you left off."

This was Karuizawa Kei we were talking about. And just like Kikyou, she can act like her public self again without any problems.

"I hurt you. I won't ask you to forgive me. But please remember just one thing. If something like what happened today happens again, I will come save you." Ayanokouji said.

"Kiyo...taka..."

"Ehem...I'm here too. Go flirt somewhere else." I said.

Ayanokouji gave me an uninterested look, all while Karuizawa cried in his arms.

"Anyways...Karuizawa, below us the former student council president is waiting, followed by Chabashira-sensei. They know the circumstances enough to handle the situation well, including your uniform." I continued.

"O-Okay, what about you two?"

"All three of us don't want to be seen together. And besides I'm sure Sakayanagi-kun has a few words for Ryuuen while I tidy up." Ayanokouji said.

He pushed her back, then Karuizawa left the rooftop.

Ayanokouji and I gazed at the four unconscious students in front of us. We then looked at each other. Ayanokouji walked around lightly slapping their cheeks while I stood and wait.

"Tch..."

"Awake, huh?" Ayanokouji said.

"Had a good nap Ryuuen?" I asked sarcastically.

"Do you think this...is over, Ayanokouji?"

"It's over. Surely you're not about to say you want to keep going?" He replied.

"I'll use any means necessary...to win. Even if it means...all-out war." Ryuuen said, slowly sitting up.

"Are you going to report me to the school?"

"Heh. That would be really, really lame...but it is an option. What if I made it look like you set a trap for us?" He asked.

I stretched a hand to Ryuuen to help him up, but he buzzed it off.

"Let me give you some advice. I don't recommend it. The former student council president is waiting on the stairs as we speak. He may not know all the details of what happened here, but it's obvious you were the one setting a trap, Ryuuen...especially since you were caught on video spray-painting the surveillance camera. I, on the other hand, was at Keyaki Mall when you did that. I can produce many alibis as I need to prove it."

It was the same for me before Kikyou and I arrived at the school building earlier.

"So, you could've had a third-party witness everything...but you didn't?" Ryuuen demanded.

"Yes. I knew you wouldn't stop attacking me until I struck you at least once."

"You seriously think I'm just gonna lay down and accept defeat?"

"Yeah, I do. There's a reason I defeated you, Ryuuen. You made a mistake choosing the order of your foes. If you'd cut your teeth fighting Ichinose, and then Katsuragi and Sakayanagi-san, you might've been closer to my level by the time you chose to challenge me. But your curiosity got the better of you. You overplayed your hand."

Ryuuen wore a bitter smile.

"You sure are direct."

"That's a different expression than your usual Dragon-boy. Come on let me help you up."

I extended my hand again, this time he took it so that he'd stand up straight.

"So you're just gonna keep that card in play for the future. Your plans foiled me once again."

"Finally accepting things?" I asked him.

"I have no more reason not to. I've been beaten after all. And besides, you entertained me till the very end like I requested, I'm satisfied for now." Ryuuen replied.

He seems to have changed somehow. Did he finally learn fear during his fight with Ayanokouji?

"What are you gonna do now Ryuuen? You can't undo what happened." Ayanokouji asked him.

"Shut up. My fight with you is finished. My own battle's over, too."

Ryuuen looked at Ibuki and the others, then took out his phone and typed something. He slid the phone across the roof, where it stopped by Ibuki's feet.

"What?" Ibuki, who had been listening quietly to our conversation, glared at both of us.

"I take responsibility for everything. Before I do, I'm giving all my points to you."

Well I'll be damned.

"Huh? Ryuuen, what are you saying? Are you nuts?" Ibuki cried.

"Y-Yeah, Ryuuen-san! It's not like anyone's gonna blab about this. You don't have to take responsibility!" Ishizaki babbled.

Neither side could talk publicly about what'd happened here today, but Class C held an overwhelmingly advantageous position. Ryuuen realized that. There was only one way to cut his losses.

"Ayanokouji, I'm the sole perpetrator of this incident. My expulsion should be enough, don't you think?"

"Your expulsion eh?" I said.

"That sounds serious. Taking responsibility and all." Ayanokouji said.

"Don't be dumb. A tyrant can only reign as long as his power holds meaning. If I've lost after coming this far, no one's gonna follow me anymore." Ryuuen said.

"At least you know full well the disadvantages of a dictatorship Ryuuen. However, these three over here are your most trusted confidants, and even they don't want you getting expelled, even Ibuki." I explained.

"Oi, what's that supposed to mean? Why rule me out!?" She asked.

Class D has indeed allow him to rule like a tyrant because he produced results. But now, seeing as he was defeated over and over by the all powerful X of Class C, they would most definitely rebel.

"Stop screwing around! Why would you entrust your points to me?!" Ibuki demanded.

"Because you hate me. Divide the remaining points among everyone. Once the school expels me, I bet Katsuragi and Sakayanagi will void our contract, but there's nothing to be done about that." Ryuuen replied. If the person named in the contract dropped out of school, that was probably exactly what would happen, too.

"Ryuuen-san, are you serious?!" Ishizaki exclaimed sorrowfully.

"Shut it. No need to shout, I can hear you just fine. I'll leave the rest to you. Later." Ryuuen said.

It seemed his mind was made up. He stood, and approached the stairs, deaf to both Ibuki and Ishizaki's final words to him.

"Are you sure? I think you'll come to regret this." Ayanokouji said, stopping him in his tracks.

"Why do you care?"

"I'm with Ayanokouji on this one. You don't know why you lost yet Ryuuen, which means you won't grow." I said.

"So what? I'm the enemy remember? Why would you care for the enemy's growth?"

"There is a difference between 'enemy', 'rival', and 'opponent'. Right now you are our opponent. Where is the fun in fighting an opponent or rival that doesn't grow. It'd get boring right?" I continued.

"Are you really fine with not knowing how you lost to us?" Ayanokouji asked him.

"Let it go. There's no point trying to save me. You've got nothing to gain by sparing me now that I know about you and Karuizawa. I could expose you at any time." Ryuuen said.

"True enough. If I must name a reason for sparing you...it'll work to Class C's advantage to have you crush Sakayanagi-san and Ichinose for us. Besides, if your contract with Katsuragi remains in place, Class A will continue to hemorrhage points. Most importantly, though, if you suddenly drop out of school, Sakayanagi-san and Ichinose will assume that X beat you. That spells trouble for me down the line. So, trust me, this is to my benefit. Even if word of what happened up here gets out, I took no noticeable injuries. It would just look like you guys fought among yourselves, wouldn't it?" Ayanokouji told him.

Ryuuen just ignored what he said.

"This is what happened here. I tried to punish the four of you for your failings, but you turned the tables and beat me up instead, then forced me to withdraw. I'll leave it at that." Ryuuen told Ibuki.

"Allow me to add just one thing. You are free to drop out of school of your own volition and you're free to doubt me. But I have absolutely no intention of telling anyone about today unless you force my hand. The former student council president has similarly promised to keep it to himself. Nothing about this situation is forcing you to withdraw—but if you do, I won't stop you." Ayanokouji said.

"Then don't stop me. I don't trust you." Ryuuen said.

He opened the door, but before he could leave, I also said my piece.

"Make the right choice Ryuuen. Will you abandon everything after one loss? Or will you get back up and become stronger? Make sure you don't regret anything."

"Heh. Just leave me alone tall cripple." Ryuuen replied.

With that, he vanished from sight, leaving his three underlings with us on the rooftop.

"So what are all of you planning?" I asked them.

"I don't agree with Ryuuen-san, we'll stop him somehow." Ishizaki said.

"As much as I hate him, he's probably the only person that can properly lead our class." Ibuki agreed.

"Its your choice. Come on Sakayanagi-kun, let's get you to a bed."

"What? No I'm fine."

He lightly tapped my back, and for some reason I felt a strong surge of pain.

"Ow, you know what yeah. I need a bed."

"You're just soar is all. You need rest, now come on."

He helped me stand up straight, and we left the rooftop together.

Volume 7.5: What Humanity is Like

Shameless advertisement here. If you have time, please kindly take a look at my other book "COTE: Mysterious Siblings". I'm about to begin Volume 3 there. Also the Volume 7.5 chapters are gonna be a little shorter than normal (Except for the big date). Thank you for reading this text:)

Yasushi POV

(Ayanokouji and Arisu met up in the morning, and it is currently right after the movie malfunctions in Ayanokouji's end, so the timing doesn't contradict.)

December 23rd.

I was hanging out with Arisu today and tomorrow. She had agreed to helping me with plans for my date with Kikyou. I still thought it was pretty suspicious, but I welcomed her nonetheless.

We were at a cafe on a table together, hot cocoa on our respective sides of the table, and a chess board in the middle.

"I am quite curious as to why you agreed, Arisu." I said, moving my knight to take her pawn.

"Is it that strange for someone like me?" She said, moving to take my knight.

"Quite frankly, yes. You want something out of this, don't you?"

"Its a good thing you know me by now, after all that's happened."

After a few more moves, she finally brought me to checkmate with her queen and two rooks.

"Another fine match. However, you still can't seem to beat me."

"*Sigh*...Well, what do you want out of helping me with dating plans?"

"Nothing."

"Like I'd believe that."

We just stared at each other for around a few minutes, waiting for the other to react. Arisu was the first to give in, sighing.

"I just want to see you happy is all."

"...I'm still not buying it."

I always think that people would want favors. This is just want of those scenarios again. No matter what relationship I have with her, I'm not buying the fact that she wants nothing. Besides, this is Arisu we're talking about.

"What would you have me do so you would believe me?"

"Ask me for a favor maybe? I don't really know."

"Hm? Then how about this?"

She showed me a slip of paper.

Meet at noon / Movie of your choice at the theatre/ Lunch at a reservation / Shopping / Cafe before heading home

(Totally not almost the same exact plan Satou has for plot reasons. Nothing suspicious at all.)

"I'm obviously no expert on dates, but this looks decent. Have you perhaps thought this out for a while now?" I asked.

"I had Hashimoto-kun and Masumi-san make a draft, then I made my own with a combination of their ideas and an idea from me. So yes, you could say that."

"Those two? Huh. That's incredibly interesting."

"Enough about them. I'll leave the movie and restaurant reservations to you. Pick anything Kik...Kushida-san likes. As for the shopping, its in your best interest to go wild, maybe buy a gift for her in the process."

Actually I already had a gift for her, as thanks for the gift she gave me when she confessed. I suppose another one wouldn't hurt.

"That still doesn't undermine my question. What do you want out of this?"

"Haven't I already said it? I would like to see you happy."

I am still not buying it, but from here on out I feel like she'll just shoot down my suspicions over and over.

"*Sigh*...Fine, not like I can get the truth from you anyway."

At that, Arisu looked offended.

"Hmph, you give up too easily." She said.

"I'm way too far down from your league, so please accept that."

"I will not accept it."

She grabbed her cane then pointed its tip toward me, inches from my face.

"You are my brother, adopted or not. My brother should be every bit as amazing as me, if not better."

"Did you just compliment yourself while lecturing me. How very sly of you."

Arisu made a move as if to slice my neck with her cane, but I blocked it with mine.

"I have a cane too, you know?"

"Fufufu, it was just a test."

I looked at the paper once again as we both laid down our canes. It was a decent enough plan, though I'd have to pick out a movie, a restaurant and another gift that Kikyou would like.

"I'll gladly accept your plan, but I still really want you to make me owe a fa-"

I felt something getting shoved into my mouth. Something...sweet? Followed by something metallic? I looked up and saw that Arisu literally fed me a slice of the pastry she bought.

"Then my favor would be for you to have fun on this date. I will not have any complaints from you, you understand?" It sounded like she wasn't asking me to understand, but rather to understand at all costs.

I felt the fork getting pulled back as I swallowed the food.

"Fine fine. Anyway, was there any other business you wanted to do today aside plan this date?"

"I wanted to ask you a few questions, things about us humans and all that."

So she wanted to pick my brain with some deep questions, huh?

"What did you want to ask me about?" I asked, taking a sip of my hot cocoa.

"In your opinion, what do you think would make a person...truly remarkable?"

"Remarkability is too wide of a topic. People can be remarkable in their own right, like in sports, academics, games and etc. Could you please rephrase that question?"

"My apologies, but it seems I couldn't put my finger on the word. How about, what do you think makes a person a perfect existence?"

"...Did Kouenji's provocations get to you or something?"

"I am curious as to your view on what perfection is, that's all."

"Perfection huh?"

Well perfection in and of itself is impossible. If it were to be a product, it would be something priceless. However, like humans are, we always try to put a price on the priceless, just because some have pots and pots of money.

"There is no such thing as a perfect existence among humans." I said flatly.

Arisu's smile disappeared.

"Would you please care to elaborate?"

"We humans live, die, steal, kill, lie. Those actions are because of our own selfish interests, which leads me to believe that there are no heroes or villains, good or evil. Take Ryuuen for example. He may be a tyrant, but his actions are because he wants his class to reach Class A, and being a dictator is his way of doing it. He may look like a villain to other classes, but to his class, he's just doing them a favor."

"Because all classes wish to reach Class A, yes I understand that."

"Now let's take my class, your class, and Ichinose's class into account. We are doing what we think is best for our individual classes. For my class, its trying to unite everyone under more than one leader and holding our ground as best as we can. For your class, its attacking while simultaneously defending from other classes. For Ichinose, its making some sort of wonderland with smiles and cheers so they can do it together."

"And how does this connect with the question?"

"That not a single one of our methods are perfect. Greats example would be Kouenji and you. Kouenji has a narcissistic attitude backed by his incredible abilities. You on the other hand, are pretty sly, using underhanded tactics here and there like Ryuuen, just to keep your dominance in your own class."

I stopped for a little to take another sip of hot cocoa. I then grabbed my black king, which was under checkmate from our chess match.

"Every ruler has their very own way to command a kingdom. Like today's society, where we are separated into different types of hierarchies. Democracy, Communism, Monarchy, etcetera etcetera. The fact that countries exist in and of themselves means one. Single. Thing.

I placed my black king in front of the white king, then knocked it down.

"We're humans, that don't acknowledge each other as humans. Which means perfect existences have no way of being real in the first place."

I looked up, seeing that Arisu went pale. It seems my answer was a bit too dark.

"How incredibly...realistic. And perhaps a bit of self criticism." She said.

"Before we continue on your questions, I'm going to the restroom."

I took my cane then slowly got up from my seat. I walked out of the cafe and went to the nearest restrooms.

Ayanokouji POV

After seeing him leave the cafe, I went inside. Sakayanagi-san looked rather deep in thought when I arrived.

"Are you satisfied, Ayanokouji-kun? That seems like what he really thinks." She said, her back turned against me.

"Yes I am. Though it sounded like he held back a few words near the end."

"I noticed it too. His mouth hung open as if he wanted to say something else, but quickly stopped himself."

Sakayanagi Yasushi had an interesting view on things like this. After my coincidental meeting with his adopted sister, I asked a favor to see what he thought. They wanted to hang out together, and since I had free time after the movie I watched and the confrontation with Ibuki, I had her text me where they were meeting.

Luckily for me, I arrived just in time for the good part.

"Anyhow, this just solidifies our agreement about him." I said, trying to stir the conversation away.

"Yes, please do not use him for our match."

"Actually I had something else in mind. I won't use him any longer."

Sakayanagi-san's head suddenly sprang upward, then turned to look at me.

"Define 'won't use him any longer'." She said.

"Don't get me wrong, I'll let him help out in making my strategies, but I won't make him do any more on-field work. That is if it wasn't under his request."

I'll let him do so whenever he asks to. After all, if I decline his requests, he'll get suspicious of both of us, leading him to suspect an agreement between his sister and I.

"What brought you to this decision, masterpiece with no emotion?" Sakayanagi-san asked.

"Just from his voice while explaining his thoughts, he sounded tired, tired of humans, tired of living. He wants to feel useful, but there's one large loophole to that term, which is being useful behind the scenes or doing grunt work."

"Are you saying that you want to void the agreement we first had then make an entirely new one?"

"Yes, I am. Instead of just in our match, I won't use him to do any on-field work at all unless he really wants to. He's pretty sharp if you ask me, so we need to be extra careful."

"Very well then, and thank you. Perhaps even you could change, Ayanokouji-kun."

She was indeed correct. I really have changed over the course of my stay in this school.

I quickly left the cafe, just in time for Sakayanagi-kun to appear out of the restroom nearby. Since I no longer had any business with them, I left the area entirely, continuing my return to the dorms.

3rd Person POV

Sakayanagi Arisu ate the last bit of her pastry as Sakayanagi Yasushi returned to their table.

"Right, what other questions did you want to ask?" He said, taking his seat.

"I only had ne more question, but after thinking it over, it turned into three separate questions."

Arisu played around with her fork, trying to figure out how to word her questions properly.

"Lets make it a challenge shall we? You've always answered my questions in the past with lengthy explanations, so this time around...Answer them with one single word."

"Well, that would depend on the question, wouldn't it?"

"Of course, which is why I've simplified my questions for you. First one..."

Arisu looked at her adopted brother, eager to listen to his answers.

"In one word, describe today's society."

Since he was being challenged, Yasushi stayed silent for a few seconds before answering.

"Chaotic." He said.

"Mn, next one. In one word, describe yourself."

It was an obvious trap. Yasushi had no choice but tell the truth or else Arisu would tell him off again, just like every other time she asked him about what he thought of himself.

"I think I'm-"

"One word only, Yasushi-kun." Arisu re-implied.

"*Sigh*...Incompetent."

Yasushi's self criticizing side has resurfaced. A bad trait to have, but it was built up from all his grief accumulated in the past.

"Hmm, you're underestimating yourself once again. Last question. In one word, describe all humans, no matter the religion, nationality, social standing, and intellect. That includes both you and me of course."

This was the one question, ever since his father died, that Yasushi knew he could answer with confidence. Under all the sugarcoating, what really are humans? Yasushi laughed at his own dark jokes, then answered in a very low voice.

"Savages."

There was not another word from them for a few minutes. All that could be heard was the constant chatter in the cafe and the area outside. Sakayanagi Arisu took one last sip of her hot cocoa, then got up from her seat, cane in hand. She slowly made her way to the other side of the table, eyeing her adopted brother, who was now filled with dread.

Arisu put a hand on his shoulder.

"Do you understand now Yasushi-kun? This is exactly why I would like to help, free of charge. What you need are memories, good ones. If Kushida-san is willing to be your light, then I will gladly support the both of you."

Yasushi slowly turned his head to look at her, eyes filled with nothingness, it was all foggy to him.

"Wouldn't your real father want you to be happy as well?"

"...How did you-"

Arisu put a finger to Yasushi's mouth before he could say anything else.

"I have my ways. Your father told you to live, but he also meant for you to be happy. You haven't been doing a good job of being happy, and yet an opportunity is right before you."

She moved her finger toward Yasushi's forehead.

"Remember this. That little head of yours is unique, just as is every human being. There are idiots, so called normies, loners, and geniuses. You do not get to decide which of those you are in, because your actions define where you are without you knowing it."

Then, she moved her finger towards his chest.

"And this little heart, which you have frozen, is slowly thawing out. Have you not noticed that, otouto?"

"I needed to stop feeling so that I can survive. It was hard being alone."

"Then let me remind you, one more time."

Arisu slowly motioned herself, then hugged Yasushi.

"You're no longer alone, nor will you ever be alone again." She said in a much softer tone than usual.

Update

So I have to postpone any further updates to both of my fics. The big problem is that the place I'm staying at has been compromised. The relatives I'm with have caught a bad flu and they think they might've been hit by "it" (you know what I'm talking about)

I myself have a dry cough and a little cold, so we're all gonna focus on feeling better for now. I can't write while feeling grogy all the time, so please wait till I can get better.

I was planning on actually writing at the start of the month, but then I heard the news of one of my favorite youtubers dying from cancer. Then, I'm this mess.

I apologize for any and all inconveniences. I only managed to write two parts for my other fic and the first part of Volume 7.5 here. If I can, ai'll try to write a little during my recovery.

Till then, dear reader. For now I recommend you just watch the first episode of the second season.

Volume 7.5: A Chat in the Snowy Morning

I am feeling much better now and finally managed to finish this long chapter. It was honestly longer than I thought it'd be. Anyways here you go.

Yasushi POV

It was December 24th, also known as Christmas Eve.

Admittedly my scheduled meetup with Arisu was around before lunch, but here I am outside, in the very early morning. The reason for this was because Ayanokouji had called me over. He said it was for something about the rooftop, apparently our business wasn't done.

It wasn't even 7am yet, but I had to go here extra early because of how slow I walked. Not that I mind, it would be good for me to exercise in the morning.

Despite that, I feel quite terrible today. As if my body wasn't cold enough, the whole place was white with snow. I was currently wearing the exotic black coat that Arisu gave me on my birthday, as well as the beanie that Kikyou gave for the same occasion.

" W hat you need are memories, good ones."

It was a good time for me to put some thought onto what Arisu said yesterday.

She had revealed to me that my view of the world was too bad that I wouldn't be able to join the work force properly. In other words, I'm not fit to keep myself on my feet in the future.

I needed to trust people, like really trust them. Not something like my relationship with Ayanokouji or how I blackmail people into helping me with stuff.

"If Kushida-san is willing to be your light, I'll gladly support the both of you."

Kikyou...

It's true that I do have feelings for her, albeit not as much as she did for me. The deepest I can go is that I see her as a close friend, not a lover. But now that I've said yes, I'm willing to give us a try. Besides, it would also benefit Kikyou's hidden side, which may disappear altogether if this works.

Since Arisu is also being so insistent, which isn't how she usually acts, I can't just let her down. Besides, she's Arisu, who knows what she can do to me if I screw up here.

"The hell are you doing out here at such an early hour?"

My thoughts were halted as someone called out. I turned around to see the figure of Ryuuen Kakeru, his face still patched up from the events of the rooftop.

"Had something to do. You?"

"What a coincidence, I also had something to do. Or maybe it's fate. Did the monster call you over too?"

The monster? That's a new nickname. Nonetheless, he was probably talking about Ayanokouji.

"If you're referring to him, then yes. I suppose he called you out as well."

Then he said something that surprised even me.

"Wanna walk together there?"

I was so taken aback that my eyes widened quite a bit, which he noticed.

"Oh please, it's not that weird. Besides, the business between you and me is over and done with. Our score is settled, but my score with Ayanokouji isn't. You just so happened to be involved."

He had a point. My rivalry with Ryuuen is over, and I lost. I'm quite satisfied with how I held my ground though, despite all odds. Well, that and I expected that I'd lose anyway.

Ryuuen went a few meters ahead, but still matched my pace and was close enough for us to talk.

"Will you really take the loss like this, Ryuuen?"

"First of all you tall cripple, I have no choice but to do that. Second, I at least won against you, kukuku."

"Quite the shameless win since I had an obvious handicap."

"Tch, a win is a win, and I'll judge whether I'd be satisfied with it."

"Ain't that the truth. Still, it's a pretty shameless act."

"So what if I'm shameless?"

"You don't run around buck naked in public or proclaim that a piece of land is yours without solid evidence. You have evidence of your win against me, but what's your evidence of your loss against Ayanokouji?"

Ryuuen stopped in his tracks, then slowly turned around to look at me.

"I lost because I wasn't ready. As he himself said, my curiosity got the best of me, and that ended my reign."

That was surprisingly reflecting of him.

"Not just that. I know that the way you fight in the class battles is for the sake of entertainment, so I won't question that part. What I will question is the fact that you were a bit too arrogant about it."

"I was a tyrant in my class. Even before coming to this school I had my own gang with me as the boss. So yeah, I was arrogant, it's in my nature."

"You need to learn how to change."

I slowly made my way past him.

"We're only teenagers. We need to change one day so that we can survive in the real world. That's one of the things this school is for, change. Change in the mindset of students, to produce leaders, connoisseurs, workers. Japan's elites. If you can't change, then use your nature to your advantage. Like what you were doing since the start of the year, your arrogance made you hard to read."

I turned around to face him, then held out my free hand.

"What I'm trying to say is, change or not, you'd still be you. Well played."

Ryuuen eyed me, but I can't read his thoughts. Well, that was until his face turned into a smirk then forcefully slapped his hand into mine.

"Kukukuku, I'm starting to like you. Now come on, we don't want to keep that monster waiting."

Ryuuen and I made our way to the location Ayanokouji told us to go. Sure enough, since we were going at a slow pace, he was already there, waiting.

"Right then, what the hell did you want this early in the morning?" Ryuuen asked, his mood completely turned sour compared to my talk with him.

"What if I told you I just wanted to have some small talk?" Ayanokouji countered.

"Like hell. Since he's here, I doubt that was what you wanted." Ryuuen said, pointing to me.

"What did you really want Ayanokouji? You never told me either." I said.

Though we all understood the risk of meeting Ryuuen like this, it had to be for something important. Besides, we're still technically opponents.

"Speaking of which, I saw you yesterday. Even elsewhere, I saw Ishizaki and the others." Ayanokouji said to Ryuuen.

If he meant alone, it would serve as evidence that Ryuuen indeed resigned as leader. If it were the normal Ryuuen, he'd have at least two other classmates with him, even in a vacation like this.

"Are you happy that you were able to prevent me from dropping out of school like you intended?" Ryuuen asked.

"I was impressed. Even though you're alone now, you didn't end up secluding yourself inside your room."

"I'm free to do what I want, wherever I want. Or is it that you succumb to anxiety whenever you see me? Because you don't know when, with what timing, I'd decide on revenge."

"And I'll regret it then, huh? That I didn't expel you."

Ryuuen placed a leg on the other side of the bench Ayanokouji was sitting on, then swept the snow off of it. Then he firmly sat down.

Oh sure, let the one with a crippled leg stand why don't you?

"If possible, I would like you to hold on off on that. It's for the sake of a peaceful school life too, but it's also a bother to fight against you."

"Are you perhaps getting obsessed again Ryuuen?" I asked.

"Tch, then don't call me out like this. It's not exactly easy to stay away if you keep doing so." Ryuuen said.

Ryuuen's patience seemed to be running thin. If there was a time to get to the main topic, it was now. But I didn't know what the main topic really was.

"Regarding the rooftop incident at the start of winter vacation, I was thinking I'd like to add something."

"Add?" Ryuuen and I said at the same time.

"That was where the decisive judgement occured. Probably if you had been alone there, even now you'd be obsessing over the rooftop incident and might be able to fight me again." Ayanokouji said.

I think I'm seeing it now. Since Ibuki, Yamada and Ishizaki were all there, it made Ryuuen have to act fast. Faster than he would have expected himself since he didn't want them getting too injured. It was probably a main factor of his defeat. It's not necessarily being held back, more like needing to act for the sake of everyone on his side.

"Truly, you're a bastard that's screwing around. I'm amazed at the lengths you go to in taking that attitude of condescension towards your opponents. I thought that was my thing, but if you keep doing it I'm gonna run out of business."

I scoffed at that remark. Ryuuen was right about one thing. It's that he and Ayanokouji did think alike to a degree.

"I was only telling you the truth." Ayanokouji said flatly.

"I don't even have to think about how you saying that benefits you. It means it has something to do with the fact that you even used Ishizaki and the others to stop me from dropping out, right?"

The entire scenario was probably Ayanokouji's doing at this point. He was even able to factor Ryuuen's allies into the grand scheme of things, truly amazing.

"You and your craftiness. Do you think I'll still make a move?" Ryuuen asked.

"Move? What do you mean?"

"Don't play dumb. I'm talking about you trying to make me strike at other classes. If not, there is no reason to keep me around in this school."

"Is your motivation not coming back? Aren't you the type of man that enjoys conflict?"

"Even if I take down Class B and Class A, it's meaningless while you're here." Ryuuen said.

"Ryuuen, does one major loss crack you so much as to self destruct like that? Here I thought you were mentally strong." I said.

"Kuku, you aren't getting me pissed so easily, tall cripple."

"And yet you do get pissed easily when it's Ayanokouji. What if he said what I said just now? I wonder what he has that I don't?"

"A leg? Kukukuku."

"I still have my leg, I just can't use it."

There was practically lightning between the us as Ayanokouji watched us talk down on each other.

"How about another brawl huh? Round three decides it all?"

"This early in the morning? Sorry Dragon-boy but my body is still a bit groggy from sleep."

"You're just acting like a coward is all."

"Interpret it however you wish, but our rivalry is practically over. What's not over is your rivalry with Ayanokouji, since you still refuse to accept defeat."

Him refusing was actually pretty good for us. Since the oath I'm seeing was quite the boring one, it would be better if we kept our enemies within arm's reach.

"What he's saying is true. These simple battles are bound to get boring if they continue endlessly." Ayanokouji said.

"Simple battles, huh?"

"After beating you, Class C asserted dominance through this rooftop incident. Then we go on to beat Class B, and then Class A. Finally, Horikita and the others would joyously be Class A. Like I said, simple."

"And boring. If it were a story, it would be quite predictable." I said.

"And also interestingly enough. At the start of the third semester, Class A would be attacking Class B. While the enemy is focused on Class B, it's possible to take them from behind in a single stroke, collapse Class A entirely."

It sounded impossible. Then again, there were still a few students that supported Katsuragi, like that Totsuka guy. The only problem is that the reason why we've beaten Class A in the past is that all three classes worked together in the Zodiac exam.

"How credible is your information?"

"Around a 50-50."

Ryuuen then looked at me.

"I have no info whatsoever on Class A. Arisu tells me nothing, and I tell her nothing." I said.

I can tell Arisu gave him something that would make him think we can take down Class A. It was probably a conversation they had whilst I was elsewhere.

"If it's reliable, then it can be said it's a good chance. Though I thought you people have a non-aggression pact with Class B. It's good to attack Class A, but Class B will be crushed in the process. Ichinose has no chance against Class A's Sakayanagi."

True enough, we did have a non-aggression pact. However, the alliance itself is basically gone, since we've ascended to Class C. That was a clause that Ichinose, Horikita and I secretly talked about. It went down to a non-aggression pact due to our ascension to Class C. So if Class B got crushed, we would technically have nothing to do with it.

"I don't care about who wins and who loses. I don't plan on getting involved." Ayanokouji said.

"So you're just gonna let her call without helping?" Ryuuen asked.

"If they crush Ichinose for me, it'll save me the trouble. Class C could rise against Class A for that matter. And since it's Sakayanagi-san, she may be able to expel some of them. It's about time I, if not all of us learned, what penalities will be implemented when an expulsion occurs."

"That's such an unjust and yet such a you way of thinking." I said, putting a hand on my forehead.

"There's a lot I don't like about this. You don't have any ambition to rise to the top, and yet here you are, planning your class's ascent. Aren't you acting on the mentality of not wanting to stand out?" Ryuuen said.

"That is true. However, there's no inconvenience forme if my surroundings were to act on their own. If we can automatically rise to Class A, I don't think that's a bad deal."

I can't say it since Ryuuen is here, but Class A isn't even our end goal. Our end goal is survival, so if we were Class D till third year third semester, we'd achieve that. Something must've changed Ayanokouji's way of thinking about class positions.

"So you'll just be observing without doing anything?" Ryuuen asked.

"Yeah, I don't plan on getting involved. That goes for you and the others too Sakayanagi-kun, be sure not to draw too much attention."

Well too late for that last part.

"There are things that I'll be doing for the sake of convenience, but I'll try. And besides, Kikyou will stand out no matter what."

"Woah woah woah, speaking of her, are you two a thing?" Ryuuen asked with the most evil grin I've ever seen.

"None of your business."

"So you are a thing. Kukukuku, what an interesting turn of events. I knew something was off when the three of us talked after the Paper Shuffle."

Little to his knowing, Kikyou is still out for blood. Though I support her, I have to make sure she doesn't actually expel Horikita, or else Horikita-senpai wouldn't forgive us. I'll just let her have a few cat fights with her and all will be good.

"By the way, I have to say this Ryuuen." Ayanokouji interrupted what was supposed to be Ryuuen teasing the hell out of me.

"Huh?"

"Let me give you one advice. Your plan of adhering private points is not a bad one, but it's flawed. Even if one or two people can win it out, trying to raise the whole class is impossible."

"Hold on, are you saying to transfer an entire class? With points? Ryuuen?"

"Heh, that Ibuki spilled the beans, huh?"

Wouldn't forty students be 800 million points? That is absolutely impossible, especially now since we're so late into our first year.

"It's not like she spilled it. She just asked me whether it's possible to save 800 million points."

"This late into the year? It'd be impossible to me." I said.

That got me remembering. Ryuuen gave all his private points to Ibuki on the rooftop. That was probably because he was intent on dropping out. If he was saving private points for his whole class to rise, he'd never make it. Though he acts as a tyrant I have to respect him for trying to give appropriate compensation to his classmates. That said...

"Could it be that you're only pretending, Ryuuen?" I asked.

"If he wasn't, he'd barely even make it before graduation. There is the 800 thousand from Class A per month, then the monthly allowance from school. If he doesn't lust for extensive expenditure, it's a slim chance he'll make it. There are still, in fact, 25 months to go." Ayanokouji explained.

"You're certainly very smart and talented Ayanokouji, but you're far from perfect." Ryuuen replied, as if to make a joke, but it doesn't sound like one.

"You have a secret to raise everyone to Class A, don't you?" I asked.

"The amount of private points being moved around in a year is collosal. Assuming there aren't any expulsions, each school year has 160 students. Combining that, you get 480. If I can extort 100 thousand points from them all, that alone gives me 48 million. If I can get more than 200 thousand, it'll add up to 100 million."

Within eight months, he'll get to 800 million with that method. Since he said that, it doesn't really sound like a dream anymore, getting 800 million I mean. Though it really is just an impractical theory, with an extremely low chance of success. Especially if you take into account people like Nagumo and Arisu, who would figure out what he's doing. Not to mention the school, which keeps track of the private point exchanges. If all 479 students transfer more than 200 thousand to one account a month, the school will strengthen surveillance.

The points sent to that account would be extorted back, then the owner would be punished. It sounded highly illegal, at least according to the explanation on April 1st. We also need to take into account how some people spend points willy-nilly. There's no way all 480 students would have 100 thousand points every single month since people tend to indulge themselves. I myself only currently have half a million, thanks to all the deals I've made.

"There's no way you could reach that, or rather that's not always the case." Ayanokouji said.

This was a strategy from Ryuuen that none of us were able to think about. This is due to the fact that it's theoretically impossible.

"Our methods are similar, but the fundamental thought process is different, it seems." Ayanokouji said.

"It's my policy to avoid the utmost making choices with low probability of success." Ryuuen said.

Wait I just realized something.

"You're strategy which I initially thought had a zero chance of success, has risen to about five percent."

"Ayanokouji." I said.

"Hm? What is it?"

"Wait yeah. Why is snow piling up on your head?" Ryuuen asked.

He became self conscious then had a look at himself.

"Ah, somehow it just ended up like this. The sensation of snow feels really good, is that weird."

"You sure like to screw around. Is he always like this?" Ryuuen asked me.

"He can sometimes act like a little kid, but it's for some reason a good quality of him." I said.

"Now that you've listened to what I have to say, it should lead even further now to an alignment of interests."

"Obviously, this is to good to be true. If you deem it necessary, you'd even casually throw away your allies. How can I team up with you when we're both thinking of ways to backstab each other?"

"It wouldn't necessarily be teaming up. It's more like a...contract of sorts. Like what happened to Class A on the island." I said.

"Even so, you just have to outsmart the outsmarting, it's that simple, right Ryuuen?" Ayanokouji said.

"If so, then I'll be the one laying the groundwork."/

"Laying the groundwork?"

"It'll depend on the trend of the third semester. My class would most likely be led by Kaneda and Hiyori. They will be the ones to decide whether to attack Class A or not, and not lay hands on Class C, I'll persuade them that those are good plans."

Shiina eh? Sounds like she has a way bigger role to play in their class than I thought. Then again, the resident bookworm would prove useful for a class that doesn't have many strategists.

"That doesn't sound too bad."

"However, as a condition for laying the groundwork, I'll be including the matter from earlier as well. When you guys rise to Class A, if you'll accept our request then I'll hear you out."

"So you'll be manipulating Shiina and the others from behind the scenes?"

"Impossible. I already told them I'd be stepping down."

"In other words, you'll be overcharging me just for laying out the groundwork alone."

"Hey, I don't come cheap."

Well this has happened once before. I gave three million for Kouenji to cooperate in two exams, so this sounds quite similar.

"We can't put it on paper. At most, it'll be a verbal promise."

"Kuku, I'm not expecting a written contract from someone who works behind the scenes. However, if you renege on this, I won't forgive you. I'll use whatever means I have to make you regret it."

"I think this may be unnecessary but please let me ask one thing. Even if we settle a secret agreement here, can't imagine a strategy being feasible without Ryuuen."

"I don't know that much. The ones who'll seize the opportunity or kill it will be Kaneda and the others."

"The negotiation is complete then."

Ayanokouji moved to shake Ryuuen's hand. He reluctantly took it.

"That's all you have to say? In your message, you said there was a person you wanted me to meet though. Is it this tall cripple?"

"No. They aren't even amongst the first years."

"What?"

"Someone else is coming then?"

"It's about time."

From afar, I could see a tall figure walking towards us. Ryuuen couldn't hide his surprise, but I remained indifferent. Besides, who else did Ayanokouji know that was outside of the first year? He walked towards us, stopping in between me and the bench that Ayanokouji and Ryuuen sat on.

"Of all the people, him? The one you said you wanted me to meet?"

"I'm sorry it had to be this early in the morning." Ayanokouji said to the person that just arrived.

"I don't mind. This is a good time for a clandestine meeting. Your location of choice isn't bad either."

He turned to look at me, then we nodded at each other.

"Good to see you, Horikita-senpai." I said in greeting.

"Likewise, Sakayanagi Yasushi of Class C." He replied.

"You two seem pretty close to the former student council president. Was Suzune also useful?" Ryuuen said with a light laugh.

Horikita-senpai eyed me and Ryuuen, then spoke again.

"I thought you'd be alone Ayanokouji. I didn't expect the adopted Sakayanagi and Ryuuen would be here."

It sounded like he just wanted to confirm our involvement, so he began to talk.

"I'll be continuing with what I have to say under the assumption that Ryuuen Kakeru and Sakayanagi Yasushi are cooperators. If we go about it leisurely, there's no telling who will spot us."

"Wait a minute. Who are you calling a cooperator?" Ryuuen asked., clearly annoyed

"At the very least I can guarantee Ryuuen's not an external enemy. And you already know the gist with Sakayanagi here."

"Ayanokouji, when you requested for my help, do you remember the promise you made?" Horikita-senpai asked.

"Yeah, it's about helping you to stop Nagumo Miyabi, right?"

"Nagumo? You mean the new student council president?" Ryuuen asked.

"So he's the next opponent?"

"It would seem he doesn't like the way Nagumo is doing things."

"He's literally uprooting all the traditions. Horikita-senpai here is a believer in those traditions, so who wouldn't be dissatisfied in his shoes?" I said.

"I see, so you're asking Ayanokouji to stop Nagumo, huh? Yes famous gossip that the whole second year is ruled by that man after all. To deal with him, the first years are the only ones who'd be able to do it. Tell me something Horikita, when did you start eyeing Ayanokouji?"

Ryuuen, who was as blunt and disrespectful as ever, went straight to just using his name.

"Right after he enrolled. Though it would seem you had a hard time finding him. Sakayanagi here has already been working with Ayanokouji." Horikita-senpai replied.

"Kuku, it's because I enjoy the time of me finding them in the process."

"For all that, you sure got beaten considerably well."

I couldn't hold in my laughter, and let out a small chuckle. Horikita-senpai replied in a manner so as to roast Ryuuen. He also sensed that, so he toughened his gaze.

"If you think my skills are so lacking, would you care to test them right here? Even though I'm injured, I can still take you down." Ryuuen provoked.

"I'll have to decline, I'm not interested in such things." Horikita-senpai replied

"I knew you wouldn't take me up on it."

Ryuuen put his crossed feet on the ground. Right after that, he kicked snow towards Horikita-senpai's face. It was to blind his opponent. After his vision got lost in the snow, Ryuuen launches his right fist at Horikita-senpai. Towards that, he moved as if his vision wasn't obstructed at all, and completely guards against the attack. Horikita-senpai fell towards me, so I caught his back with my free hand, keeping him up straight, then letting go.

Horikita-senpai remained indifferent during that scene, and calmly adjusted his glasses by the bridge.

"I thought you were just an intelligent bastard who only has his craftiness, but you're quite good aren't you?" Ryuuen said.

"I thought I said I declined." Horikita-senpai said.

"What's the matter? If you dislike it you're free to attack me anytime. Or could it be that you can't fight against a first year?"

"Still can't get a read on your mood Ryuuen." I commented.

"Well this isn't about you right now tall cripple, so shut up."

"I believe we just chatted about you and I being cooperators?"

"And I said shut up."

"Hmm, it seems you got yourself a reliable friend Ayanokouji."

Horikita-senpai brushed off all the snow and dirt on his clothes.

"I was thinking the same thing."

Ryuuen's gaze didn't falter.

"Well that's fine. I'll evaluate you as a man who can get things done to an extent, Horikita-'senpai'."

"Likewise. You're not fit for the student council but I'll be giving you a certain amount of value."

"I'm very happy to be praised by the former student council president." Ryuuen said sarcastically, with a hand waving as if to brush it off.

"Now what I want Ayanokouji to do is protect and maintain order in this school. You can remove student council president Nagumo Miyabi from his throne, or you can expose his careless action, or just obstruct him, do with what you wish. Once the next semester begins, his power will rise even more and he'll begin to take real action." Horikita-senpai explained.

"I distinctly remember him wanting to hunt down me and Arisu." I said.

"That's one thing, but he will change the next special exam so as there would be expulsions involved. I hope you and you're step-sister are prepared for it."

"In detail, how would he change it? Does the student council really hold such power?" Ayanokouji asked.

"Unlike in other schools, where the student council is just for decoration, the student council here holds a certain degree of power. Whenever problems occur in the school, the student council takes center stage. All three of you should be aware of that."

Indeed, during the Sudou incident, the student council was the one to resolve that conflict. So that would mean most if not all problems in school have the student council lending a hand.

"And like I mentioned earlier, the student council is able to have a hand in planning the special exams. The uninhabited island exam you first years had was a suggestion from the student council, which was made into reality."

So that's what he meant when Nagumo would change the special exams.

"He's trying to make the shitty, boring school life into an interesting. You should welcome it, kukuku." Ryuuen said.

"That may be true, but I don't like the way he's doing it. My impression of him is that he's an arrogant piece of garbage."

"Sakayanagi has the correct hunch. Nagumo has used methods that led to expulsions already. In the second year, there have been 17 expulsions under Nagumo's reign. During the pre-expulsion interview, you can already deduce that more than half of them had him involved."

17 is no small number when it comes to students being expelled.

"Imagine if he would spread that to the first and third years. So far, our year has zero expulsions." I said.

"Which is way school record. At least one student is expelled during the first semester of every year, and yet you're year has seen none this far. It's also good to consider that it's about to be your third semester. That said, you're no expulsion record would be crushed by Nagumo."

"If he gets that many people expelled, it's not hard to imagine that he does indeed rule over the school year." Ayanokouji said.

He must've been using a trick. Something like "follow me and I might just get you into Class A" or "if you don't follow me, I'll expel you". Those threats and hopes would be enough to sway almost anyone. Almost.

"I'm sure some people resisted him, right Horikita-senpai?" I asked in confirmation.

"Yes, people have resisted, but that was ultimately stopped due to those 17 expulsions."

Can't blame them. After all, no one wanted to get expelled.

"Isn't he just being rational? Wouldn't those 17 students just be worthless?" Ryuuen asked.

"Those who break the rules are expelled, that is natural. However, guiding everyone to graduation without anyone expelled would be ideal for a leader, right."

"That doesn't mean you haven't expelled anyone. Though I do get what you're saying. Even I tyrant like Ryuuen here wouldn't want his potential assets going down in flames."

It may be true that in Ryuuen's class, there are people that resist or don't care, but it's also true that Ryuuen hasn't gotten anyone expelled. This is the same ideal scenario that someone like Ichinose Honami would strive for.

"Of course. And besides, I don't expect as much as that ideal scenario. Just putting a stop to Nagumo is fine with me."

Easier said than done. We're just us after all, and Nagumo had the whole second year under his wing. Team X worked behind the scenes, and Ryuuen was now alone in his class. Though Arisu might be able to help, she'd be busy with both Katsuragi and a potential match against Ayanokouji.

"I'll be taking my leave here, I've become a secret sharer to after all. It's quite a fascinating talk, but any more than this is a waste of time. Later." Ryuuen said, leaving the area.

"From now on, are you planning to be alone?" Ayanokouji called out to him.

"Leave me be. From the start, this is my nature, it fits me."

"If you want, we could always hang out sometime."

Ryuuen stopped in his tracks, then bursted into laughter.

"Kuhahahaha! When you out it like that I might just take you up on it. I'll hold onto that word, tall cripple."

And with that, Ryuuen started walking again, this time without anything else to say.

"Huh. Ayanokouji, the reason you let Ryuuen listen in is to make him an ally?" Horikita-senpai said as I took a sit where Ryuuen once sat.

"That's not entirely wrong. It's better to say that I did it so I could detach myself from being in Ryuuen's interests."

Well that was stye gist of his talk with Ryuuen earlier. After all, Ayanokouji kept insisting that he wouldn't participate in many battles from here on out.

"In any case, from now on an understanding friend will also become necessary to you too. Though you already have Sakayanagi here, you'd need more people you can trust."

"More friends, huh?"

For now though, information on Nagumo-senpai is the best we could hope for. We'll look for more allies on a later date.

"I barely have any information on the senior students. Can I rely on you to offer me that?" Ayanokouji asked, sensing my thoughts.

"Of course. I've already completed the preparations for that."

Horikita-senpai pulled out his phone, then he must've sent a message to Ayanokouji since he pulled out his phone as well. Horikita-senpai began his explanation.

"I'll tell you who to look out for in the student council other than Nagumo himself. The first is the newly appointed vice president, a man named Kiriyama, second year Class B. Then two secretaries, Mizowako and Tonokawa. They were from the former Class B that went through thick and thin with Nagumo since the start. They're also the only ones capable of giving Nagumo suggestions. Then now, the remaining students."

When he said he was prepared, he meant it. He pulled out a formal resume and gave it to Ayanokouji, who spread it out enough so that I could have a look. It had photographic portraits along with complete files of all the people in the student council. Most seemed to be from Class A, with only some like Kiriyama-senpai being from outside of it. Tht jus goes to show how strong Nagumo's power was right now.

This was very valuable information for us to take them on. Now came the question of who we could possibly turn against Nagumo. There at least had to be remnants of a resisting force amongst the second years.

"The only ones who would understand Nagumo's actions would be those in the same year as him. Even though we have a connection through the student council, it's not like I know everything about him."

"You're clearly hinting us at something. You're saying it's possible to turn a second year against Nagumo?" I asked.

"Yes, even now some oppose him."

"Their name is?" Ayanokouji asked.

"Unfortunately I cannot tell you that. I must protect their identity for now since it might trace back to me."

"You intend to somehow connect me and that second year aren't you?"

"If you're up for it, I'd like to name you and the Sakayanagis as students among the first years that can take action."

What? No, not me. I have a crippled leg and everything, while Arisu has her whole class under her wing.

"What action to take is up to you." Horikita-senpai said.

"Understood. I don't mind you telling that second year about me. However, please leave the Sakayanagis out of it for now." Ayanokouji said.

"A good decision, but the right one. I'll make sure to pass along the message."

"Well I'll leave it to you."

"Ever since I met the both of you, you've possessed an unbelievable amount of humility."

"Because I'm in your debt after all." Ayanokouji replied.

"I just like to relax." I said.

After a short pause, Ayanokouji spoke again.

"Do you know what I'm thinking?"

"What happens after I graduate, something like that? Though I didn't expect you to broach the topic yourself. Did you think it more problematic to keep quiet about it?"

"It's because I couldn't see through you and it felt eerie."

"Whatever happens to this school after you've graduated would technically be up to us." I said.

"Indeed. I don't mind if you cooperate only until I graduate, it just means that's it for this school, that's how it is."

I can respect Horikita-senpai for that. He's trying to find a way to protect the traditions even while he's not here. It just means he wants to protect a place that once helped him.

"The problem might come before that. What if we can't stand against Nagumo?" Ayanokouji asked.

"I wouldn't charge someone I believe to be incapable. Besides, the both of you have proved time and again how good you are at what you do."

"I'll try to think of a strategy, but I don't think I'll be able to produce results before you graduate."

"I understand that."

"We'll do what we can, though as of now Nagumo-senpai is an immovable object." I commented.

I am quite hesitant to do what he says though. This could very well lead to my own expulsion, and that wouldi be the end for me. I'd go to prison or be captured, like the chairman said. That said, it's not just Ayanokouji who's indebted to Horikita-senpai

"I'm not expecting you to move exactly as I had hoped just from a single debt alone. From the start, you two should have accepted the anti-Nagumo matter with that intention. Am I wrong?" Horikita-senpai said.

"Even though you're now the former student council president, you still have a degree of authority...no, influence is a better word. I had assessed that you would be useful if I had turned you into an ally. Isn't that natural.

And there he goes again.

"You're free to rely on me if you wish. Though it'll be problematic if you expect too much."

"I have no intention of doing so. At the very least it'd be good if you helped me out in one last try."

What one last try?

"Fine. Defeating Nagumo won't be an easy thing after all."

"By the way, as for the strategy of defeating Nagumo, I'll be slowly developing that starting now. But before that there's something I'd like to confirm. It's about your little sister."

"Whether you use Suzune or not, you're free to decide."

"Not that. We've been in the same class with her for close to a year now, and I think she possesses a certain amount of aptitude."

"Aptitude, huh? What does she have that gives her aptitude? Her success in academics? Or the presence of her athletic abilities?"

"I mean her coordination ability. Horikita does have clumsy aspects to her, but overall her ability is high."

"My sister is incompetent. She's always chasing after my shadow, she's made it her goal to catch up to me."

That was when something in me clicked. I finally understood his disappointment now.

"I think I get it now Horikita-senpai."

"Hm? You do?"

"It's not my place since I've only been siblings with Arisu for less than six months, but I think I get it. You want her to disregard your achievements and make her own."

I can't say it directly, since I want Ayanokouji to figure it out as well.

"You think she's incompetent since her goal is to reach you and only that."

"...You're saying she's short sighted?"

"Not only that but her attitude overall annoys me."

Horikita-senpai eyed me for awhile, then shrugged his shoulders while nodding.

"I'll press on you in that matter at a later date. Now is there anything else you'd like to say Ayanokouji?"

"Oh right. If your sister wanted to join the student council, would you give her that one last push?"

"I'll cooperate to what extent I can."

"Then I don't have anything else to say. I've received the data and managed to grasp the situation. Do you have anything to mention Sakayanagi?"

"Nothing for now. We'll talk again some other day." I said.

"Then all that's left is for you is to take your time and wait, senpai." Ayanokouji said.

"I will be doing that. After all, the future of the livelihood of this school is now in your hands."

That was a lot of last minute pressure. After that, Horikita Manabu left.

"We should head back to the dorms for now. Got any plans today?" Ayanokouji asked me.

"I have plans with Arisu later midday, but that's in a few hours from now. Let's go."

We both got up then slowly made our way back to the dorms.

Volume 7.5: A Dash of Spice

I did something cringe. I read my own work lmao, and not just this I read my second fic too, it felt so weird. Either way it managed to clear my writer's block.

Yasushi POV

I was walking to the agreed spot in Keyaki Mall. It was around midday, just like yesterday when we met. This time though, we would be joined by Hashimoto and Kamuro.

Our plans for the day was to have lunch, roam around then head to a cafe to take a break, ending our hangout with a chess match. Since the plans for my date with Kikyou have been finalized, we could just talk about the trivial as much as we wanted. Ayanokouji was out of the way too, since our meeting with Ryuuen and Horikita Manabu was finished as well.

"Yo! Good to see ya Sakayanagi-kun!"

From a nearby bench, Hashimoto waved at me. He was apparently the first one here. He was wearing a cozy blue coat with a white jacket underneath it. It looked like he was wearing three layers of clothing.

"Hey, good to see you too. How's your vacation been?" I said, slowly walking up to him.

"Been doing well, how 'bout you? I heard from the princess that you and Kushida are gonna get into it." Hashimoto said, putting his arm around me.

Get into it? What's with that phrasing?

"Its going to be the first date. Don't misinterpret what we're doing." I said flatly.

"Oh come on, learn to go with the joke sometimes man."

"I will not."

Hashimoto continued to ramble as I quietly listened to him. Honestly I have no idea how he can be so carefree at times. There's still the fact that we were technically enemies and yet he acts like that wasn't true. I don't think I'll ever understand this guy.

"Seems the boys are here, shall we get going then?"

As if on cue, Arisu and Kamuro arrived. Arisu had her signature white beret hat, wearing a white coat that had a similar design to my black coat, then a red scarf to finish her look. Kamuro had a purple and red coat with a jacket underneath, similar to Hashimoto's style.

"Good day princess, and to you too Kamuro." Hashimoto said.

"A very chilly day you could say." I commented.

Honestly, it was so cold that I was wearing four layers of clothing under my coat.

"Hey Kamuro, say something. Aren't you being a little too quiet?" Hashimot urged.

"I have nothing to say to a pervert like you." She replied coldly.

"Guh! To think you can be just as cold as Christmas on the inside."

"What did you just say?"

"N-Nothing." Hashimoto said, hiding behind me.

"Oi, don't use me as your shield." I said.

"Enough with the banter, we should get going. I suppose some of you are already famished?" Arisu asked.

"Yeah, I'm getting kind of hungry now."

"Same here, let's go!"

Hashimoto led the way as the rest of us just followed.

Ayanokouji POV

It was the afternoon on the 24th. I basically spent my time in my room until I made an appointment with Horikita earlier. Now I was walking to the cafe she told to me, that way we could talk about something I wanted to mention to her.

During my walk, I caught glimpse of multiple familiar faces. Two being the Sakayanagis, who were out and about alongside Hashimoto and Kamuro of Class A. Then there were people from my class like Hirata, who waved me hello as he and some girls passed me by. Keyaki Mall was as busy as ever especially on an occasion like Christmas Eve.

I arrived at my destination. After looking around the store for some time, I finally found Horikita.

"I'm here."

"That was fast."

Right after exchanging greetings, someone beside her called out to me.

"Good morning, Ayanokouji-kun."

Was this really them? This was quite unexpected, especially after what happened.

"I don't mean to stick my nose into this but...who invited the other?"

In response to my question, Kushida gently smiled.

"It was me. I invited Kushida-san out."

Even the answer was unexpected. I wonder what Horikita seeks to gain from talking with her. She even picked a public area to meet so that Kushida had limited options. Well, she still didn't know Kushida worked for me so I guess this is natural enough.

"By the way Horikita-san, how's it going with Sudou-kun recently?" Kushida asked.

"How? What do you mean by that?"

"Aren't you going to spend Christmas together with him--is what I was thinking?"

"There's no way I would do something like that."

She flatly replied like that, rejecting the idea entirely.

"Really? Didn't Sudou-kun ask you out?"

"Isn't that something irrelevant right now?"

Horikita was using her advantage at the moment. After their match, she had won, and now her predominance was being used to keep Kushida in check. However, Kushida herself is an impenetrable fortress when it comes to this. Well, since Sakayanagi -kun isn't here that's how this is right now.

"And also, Ayanokouji-kun. How much longer do you intend to stand around? If you have to say something, would you mind getting on with it?"

Seems she's quite busy talking to Kushida right now. I should probably do as she says.

"Alright then, I'll speak frankly."

"Sure, now tell me."

"Do you have any intention to join the student council?"

I didn't know how Horikita would take it, so I stated it like business as usual.

"... I'm sorry, but I'm not keeping up." She replied.

She tilted her head as if to ask why am I asking it to her.

"Isn't the context deeply lacking? Why did you say that?"

"I wanted to talk more about that as well."

"Very well, continue."

Kushida was looking at me, as if to ask what she should do. I simply nodded my head.

"Is it fine Horikita-san?" She asked.

"Hm? What's fine?"

"It's about the student council, so I think Horikita-san's brother might be involved. Is it ok even if I end up hearing this?"

"Ever since middle school, you've known about my brother. What are you saying after all this time?"

The reason why Horikita used her brother as a witness too is because she was aware that Kushida knows about their relationship as siblings. As long as it wasn't something to hide, she'll be using it effectively.

This isn't something that'll be over quickly, so I took a seat beside the two of them.

"Your brother desires your induction into the student council." I said flatly.

Though strictly speaking, Horikita Manabu requested no such thing. He only told me I was free to choose whether I use Horikita or not. However, to make her take action, I'd have no choice but to mention him.

"Why is he telling me to join the student council? That sounds absurd." Horikita said, dissatisfied.

"It's the truth."

"If it really were the truth, then my brother should have told me this directly. Why did he go through you?"

From that, even Kushida seemed interested now.

"Do you think that he is the type to tell you directly?" I asked.

"I don't. In the first place, he's not one to say things like join the student council."

If it was a relationship that has been frozen to this extent, then it would only be interpreted as a lie.

Once the third semester begins, she'll learn of Ryuuen's downfall and ultimately trace is back to me. That'll make things even more troublesome. Leaving aside that this would inevitably happen, that time doesn't have to be now.

"I have no intention of playing along with your lies. What exactly is your point?"

"It's the truth, if you think I'm lying to you, why don't you directly confirm for yourself?"

"You're acting rather bullishly..."

"Bullish or not, you don't believe me right? Then you can just contact him."

"Then you, umm, know my brother's contact number?"

"I don't know, but since you're his sister isn't it obvious for you to know?"

"I don't know."

Well this just turned awkward.

"If you don't mind, shall we try contacting Tachibana-senpai?" Kushida cut in.

"Tachibana, she's the one that acts as my brother's secretary right?"

"Yep. I've talked to her many times before, I know her contact number."

Same old Kushida. Making friends with the most unexpected people.

"It's ok even if I really confirm it, right Ayanokouji-kun? If it turns out to be a lie, the consequences will be heavy?" Horikita said.

"Do as you wish."

Either way, if the older Horikita realizes my strategy, he'll match it accordingly. Everything she tries to confirm will be rewritten into truth.

"Thank you senpai. Yes, please excuse me."

Having finished the call, Kushida began operating her phone. Soon afterwards, Horikita's phone briefly rings. Apparently she successfully acquired the older Horikita's contact number, then forwarded it to Horikita.

"Thank you, Kushida-san."

"No, you're welcome."

Seeing as I already know about her other self, this must've been hard for her. It was all due to the other people around us, she had to be much friendlier with her archenemy.

Though, it's impressive everytime. Horikita slowly drops her gaze to her phone screen here I thought she'd call immediately, but her hands did not move and kept her grip on the phone.

She took a deep breath. To be this nervous just to call family is not normal.

"If everything turns out to be a lie, you should prepare yourself." She said one final warning.

"No need for caution."

This was Horikita's gamble.

There was absolutely no way her brother would ask her to join the student council. And yet, she was nervous because I was brimming with confidence. Even if she thinks it's a bluff, she also thinks it might be the truth. If she could somehow confirm the truth without directly contacting her brother, that would be ideal for her, but impossible. Horikita didn't trust me, so she firmed her resolve and pressed the call button. For a few seconds, she pressed the phone to the ear.

The person on the other end of the line answered, since this made her even more nervous. Kushida had to look my way so as to hide her smirk from Horikita.

"Ahh, umm, i-it's me. It's Horikita Suzune."

She was speaking in a formal manner. This made Kushida gently slap her face then turn around, facade back on.

"I asked Tachibana-senpai for your contact information, umm, and I called you, niisan."

After showing us the flustered look that usually wouldn't be seen on someone like Horikita, she asked the necessary question.

Then, she was probably told that the induction into the student council I talked about earlier was true.

"Yes, t-thank you very much. Please excuse me."

A pause after ending the call, then she glared at me.

"It was the truth wasn't it? Why are you glaring at me?"

"Why are you taking the role of the bridge? That's baffling to me."

It's a truly easy-to-understand matter. Certainly, no matter who looks at it, it's unnatural.

"Horikita-san, are you going to join the student council?" Kushida asked.

"...no. I won't be joining."

"Hold up, your brother told you to join didn't he?"

"To join would be for my sake...is what he told me. But...I doubt joining would be for my own sake."

Even if it was a wish of an absolute being like her brother, Horikita still wouldn't go with it. There'd be nothing to gain if I persist.

"I wonder. I think it'll just be a waste of time though?"

"Probably."

It seems Horikita also realized I made a move to end this, as she didn't do anything to stop me. What's important right now is to connect to her again. Since I promised not to use Sakayanagi Yasushi as much anymore, I'll have to resort back to her and the others.

"See you later, Ayanokouji-kun"

Kushida gently waved me farewell. However, using her other hand that was concealed from Horikita's vision, she gestured that she would call later.

Yasushi POV

"Man, that was a pretty fun get-together." Hashimoto commented.

"You mean funny. Honestly it's so hilarious watching you make a fool of yourself." Kamuro said.

"Hey come on! I was just trying to keep it lively, you know."

Earlier, we ran into some more of Arisu's classmates. One of them being Kitou, and the leader of the group was a girl named Nishikawa Ryouko. There were five of them in total, which made nine counting us.

They had all decided (without my consent) that they'd rent a karaoke room. We were in there for about three hours or so, and it was quite funny. Hashimoto was forced to sing an anime song he didn't know anything about, and obviously sang out of tune, making almosy everyone laugh at him.

When it came to my turn, I somehow ended up doing a duet with Nishikawa, who was actually a pretty good singer. Fortunately, I managed to match her since the song was one that I knew about. Hashimoto practically had his jaw on the floor since he thought I'd suck.

(Whatever I write about Nishikawa is ooc, there is almost no info on her in the canon.)

"Still, Hashimoto-kun's singing is really something he should work on." Nishikawa said.

"It was funny that even Kitou-kun was smirking." One of the other Class A students said.

"Oi, is that true Kitou!?" Hashimoto asked, looking at him desperately.

Kitou did nothing but shrug, earning a look of devastation from Hashimoto.

"Fufu, did you have fun Yasushi-kun?" Arisu asked.

"Yeah, but please don't make me sing again."

"Nonsense Sakayanagi-kun! You were great in there!" Another Class A student said.

"You and Nishikawa-san pair really well!"

"Well thanks but...I just really don't like singing."

I enjoy listening to songs rather than singing them myself.

"Leave the guy alone. What we should do is let Hashimoto sing more." Kamuro said.

"Hey! You're clearly biased!"

"Ehehe, since Sakayanagi-kun doesn't want to then let's make him do all the singing." Nishikawa said teasingly.

"Leave me be dammit!"

While they were all having their laughs, I saw a familiar face. One that had been trying to stalk me for some time now, or at least whenever I'm out and about with people from Class A. Arisu seems to have noticed it too since she silently tugged my coat, once I looked at her she had that signature smug face.

"You guys can go on ahead of me, I need to go to the bathroom." I said.

"Eh? But aren't we going back to the dorms anyway?" Nishikawa asked.

"It'll take us a while longer before reaching the dorms, so I'd rather go now instead of hold it in along the way."

"We'll be waiting then. Nishikawa-san, you and your group can go on ahead." Arisu said.

"If you say so Sakayanagi-san. Then, see you all next time!"

With that, Nishikawa's group was dismissed while I made my way to the bathroom. I stayed in there for a few minutes then slowly walked back out, heading toward my stalker's hiding place.

"Well hello." I said in greeting.

"Eep!"

My stalker made a sound of surprise before looking at me.

"Did you really think you'd go unnoticed, Matsushita-san?" I asked.

"Eh? W-What are you talking about?"

Feigning ignorance eh? This girl is a troublesome one.

"Just admit it, you were stalking me. And for quite a while now, no less."

"I wasn't stalking you or anything. I was just in the area by coincidence."

"Hm? So it's also a coincidence that your friends aren't here anymore? Did you let them go ahead of you to the dorms?"

"Satsuki-san and Maya-san? They're at the bathroom right now."

"Uh-huh. I just went to the bathroom and I didn't see either of them go in or out."

This has happened before. I'm getting a sense of deja vu from what she tried doing on the island. This was another one of her mind games, but sadly I'm not calling for it.

"Well? You're making Arisu and the others wait a long time. They'll ultimately get suspicious once they found me with you." I threatened.

"Okay okay. Please don't mention this to them." Matsushita said, giving up.

"Why were you following me?"

"Well it's just that...I thought you'd...you know."

"Betray the class? We were just hanging out. Arisu and I don't exchange information on class affairs unless it was an official deal between their class and ours."

"So you weren't planning to transfer classes or anything like that?"

"No, of course not. I have things to protect in our class."

"Eh? Ah you mean Kushida-san."

What?

"Why did you bring up Kikyou?"

"You don't know? The girls have been talking about it this whole time. Kushida-san confessed to you, didn't she?"

Dammit. Who leaked that information?

" Sigh...I suppose there was no hiding it in the first place. Can you all at least give us a peaceful first date?"

Matsushita just stayed silent. Her face slowly distorted into that of guilt.

"Oi, what's with that face? What are the girls planning to do?"

Volume 7.5: Cupid Hits the Target

Yasushi POV

Today was the day. It was morning on the 25th, Christmas Day. It was also the day of my first date with Kikyou.

For some reason, I was feeling quite nervous. I had dressed myself for the occasion accordingly, my outfit concealed by my black coat. The plan was all set as well, and now I just had to go and meet her. I checked everything once more, then I opened the door...only to see Arisu?

"What are you doing here and how long have you been standing there?" I asked the obvious question.

"I stood here for around ten minutes. As for why I'm here, I would like to give you a good luck charm."

She motioned for me to get to her level, so I did. The next thing she did shocked me to the point I almost tripped.

She kissed my cheek.

"Let it be known that I was the first one to kiss you. Fufufu."

"Heh? Why did you even do that in the first place?"

"A good luck charm as I said. Would you like one on the lips this time?"

"Even for step-siblings that is inappropriate behavior. Please don't."

"Fufu, rejected again."

Again? Seriously what is with her today?

"Well, I'll leave you to it. Best of luck on your very first, real date."

"You're gonna kill me with that kind of pressure. Oh and by the way, I have a little request."

"A request? Is that not rude to Kushida-san to make a request for another girl?" Arisu asked, trying to look innocent.

"I know you'll be following me anyway, so do me a favor and keep the other girls from making too much of a ruckus."

Silence. Arisu pulled out her phone and fiddled with it. After a few minutes, someone tapped my shoulder.

"Need backup, prince?"

Prince?

"Well that's a new nickname. What could you be doing here Hashimoto...? Kitou, Kamuro and Nishikawa too?"

They were all behind me. When the hell did all of you get here?

"Princess called us in. So other stalkers are gonna be trying to ruin your little date?"

Kamuro elbowed him hard.

"Stop making it sound like we're gonna be the ones to ruin it." She said afterwards.

"Don't worry about it Sakayanagi-kun! Anyways, what was this about other girls?" Nishikawa inquired.

"Matsushita let it slip to me that the girls in my class are planning to spy on us while we're out and about. Though she didn't say it directly, her face said absolutely everything."

"We're experts on this one! We got this, right guys?" Hashimoto said enthusiastically.

All of them just nodded.

"Just please don't interfere with us too. Anyway, I have to go."

"Have fun out there! We'll be watching." Hashimoto said as I walked away.

I arrived at the meeting spot, just as planned. Since Arisu and her entourage interrupted me, I thought I was a bit late.

"Yasushi-kun! Over here!"

Looking around, I heard someone call out to me. It was none other than Kushida Kikyou herself. Like me, her outfit was hidden under a coat, a coat which had a color pallet of pink and white. I walked up to her.

"Hey, you're looking rather cute this morning." I said.

"Thanks! Did you encounter a problem on your way here?"

"Yeah, I got held up by the dorms. Anyway, shall we go? The movie starts in a bit."

"Mn! Let's go!"

Kikyou looked especially nice today. Well it was quite the special occasion for both her and me. As far as I'm concerned, this is Kikyou's first genuine date, no strings attached, no two faced mask being worn.

As for me, this is obviously going to be a first experience as well. I've never had a girlfriend before, or even friends when I wasn't in this school. This should benefit the both of us greatly. On top of that, I had two gifts for her, which I had a long time to think about. I really hope she will like them.

On our walk to the movie theatres, lots of people, possibly first-years, were looking at us. Well, I knew this would happen since Kikyou's one of the most popular girls in our year. Out with a boy on Christmas day? That'll definitely give them some signs.

"Don't worry Yasushi-kun, I can always tell them off. My schedule today is only open to you." Kikyou said, probably noticing my nervousness.

"Thanks for that. Now, which movie were we registered to..."

I took out my phone to confirm the reservations. Since there were movies in other theaters screening at the same time, I had to check.

"Oh look, it seems Sakayanagi-kun and Kushida-san are also here."

Walking towards the theater, someone called out to us. A few meters away, a little crowd of our classmates were there. It was Hirata Yousuke,Karuizawa Kei, Satou Maya, and Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

"Hey guys! What are al of you doing here?" Kikyou greeted them.

"We were talking about potentially going on a double date." Karuizawa replied.

"Double date? So Ayanokouji-kun and Satou-san are a thing now? Way to make a move!"

"Eh? But aren't you also making moves Kushida-san? Look at you and Sakayanagi-kun here."

While the girls all teased each other, Hirata and Ayanokouji came up to me and greeted me.

"Morning as well. Tell me this is a coincidence."

"Ahahaha. It would seem so." Hirata replied.

"So you and Kushida have finally become a thing." Ayanokouji commented.

"Finally?"

"The whole class, if not most of the first-years have been talking about it for at least two months now. Ever since the sports festival, you two have been getting closer and closer." Hirata explained.

"Isn't that only natural? We've been friends for a long while now." I replied.

"What I mean is that Kushida-san has been...How should I say it? She's been getting bolder and bolder whenever she's with you."

Was that really the case? Well we started out from blackmail, it was probably just a coincidence that we became genuine friends.

"At any rate, are you guys also planning to see a movie?" I asked.

"Yeah, it seemed we had the same screening time." Ayanokouji replied.

"What time?"

Hirata showed me his phone. This reeked of a setup. We all had the same screening time.

"This is such a terrifying coincidence." I said, showing them my phone.

"Looks like it."

"Hey Yasushi-kun! What movie are we seeing again?" Kikyou called out from where the girls were.

"Don't worry, we all have the same screening. The only thing different are the seats."

Which I was totally glad about.

I fiddled with my phone a bit while the girls, Hirata and Ayanokouji continued to chat. I had to confirm something first.

[Genius step-sister, does this look like a setup to you?]

[Why of course it does, but fret not. You would have to take care of that while we are busy with the girls from your class. Do watch out, Hashimoto-kun spotted the student council president coming your way.]

Oh great. Now Nagumo was heading here? This is about to get even more troublesome.

"Shoot, the screening starts in a few minutes, we should probably get going." Karuizawa mentioned.

With that we all walked to the movie theater, with them matching my slow pace.

"Is this really okay you guys? You're going on a double date?" Kikyou tried to start a conversation.

"Ah yeah, that is at least until our plans start to contradict." Satou replied to her.

"Ayanokouji-kun, are you sure you're okay with this?" Hirata asked him.

"Yeah, and besides like I kept saying, I would've declined if I didn't want to."

It seems since they've been together, they kept repeating the same question to him. Then again, with that blank expression? Ayanokouji doesn't look to be interested in anything.

"Well, we'll only be joining all of you for the movie. We'd like some alone time." I said.

"Oooh? Look at you Kushida-san, you caught a really good one."

"Stop it Satou-san, you're emberassing me! And you two Yasushi-kun, stop acting all cool!"

"What are you talking about? Didn't you also want alone time with me?"

"Hmph, sly one are you?" Kikyou muttered.

"Aww, look at them Maya-san! Their first fight as a couple, so memorable!"

(I don't know what I'm doing someone kill me XD)

"By the way, got a question for you Satu, why did you pick Ayanokouji?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation to something else.

"Eh? Well he's smarter than me, also really fast, and he's kind too."

"Hmm."

"You mean his run against the former student council president? Isn't it that his opponent was pretty slow?" Karuizawa inquired.

"No. For them, they were both running extremely fast. Actually I think Ayanokouji-kun would have won if it weren't for him needing to swerve away from that other student."

"Hirata has a point. They were neck and neck until Ayanokouji had to slow down a bit. That was the deciding move of who got the win." I mentioned.

"Hmm, its hard to believe all of a sudden. Ayanokouji-kun seems like he'd be weak at fighting too. And besides, he surprisingly seems like a cold person, or rather, even if someone close to him collapses from a cold, he doesn't seem like the type to even pay a visit."

Well, I kind of agree with her on that part. Then again, during the island exam, he somewhat cared about my health condition. Somewhat.

Also, the way she said that, it was like the rooftop fight didn't even happen. She described it from a third person view. Wait is this supposed double date her payback?

"I don't see it that way. I think Ayanokouji-kun is a kind person." Satou said.

"Eh? Really?"

"I also think Ayanokouji-kun is a kind person." Hirata said.

"Me too!"

"I've hung around him the most, aside Horikita. I can vouch for that." I said.

"Its kinda looking like I'm the villain here." Karuizawa said.

The conversation seemed to dull down as we saw the movie theater come into view.

"Um...Do you...?"

Satou was sounding hesitant. One would think its because of Ayanokouji's lack of talking, but she sounded more nervous than awhile ago.

"Um, hey. Do you have anything to ask me?"

She passed the reigns over to Ayanokouji. I bet he'll ask something logical, I just have to sit here and watch.

"If you enroll in this school, you're not allowed to contact the outside right? Have you ever been troubled by that?"

What did I say?

"That's right...I feel like there were various such troubles..."

Satou made a motion that indicated she was thinking. Now for most people, it would indeed be an inconvenience to not be able to contact the outside, however for some people, like me, its a benefit. Why you ask? Because you either had no one to get back to or you are trying to avoid something.

"During middle school, I had a cat you see. I think my mom is taking care of it for me now but not being able to see my cat might be the hardest thing for me." Satou explained.

"Not seeing it for three years would indeed be tough."

"Did Ayanokouji-kun also buy a pet?" Satou sked him.

"Ah, I wanted to buy a dog and was interested in doing so, but my parents forbade it."

"I see. Speaking of dogs, I saw a puppy on campus the other day."

"What? Students aren't allowed to have pets though." I said.

"Yeah but it looked like someone owned it. It had a collar and everything. It was really cute."

"But like Sakayanagi-kun said, we aren't allowed to keep pets. Maybe a staff member owned it?" Karuizawa suggested.

"A pet sounds great though. I'd be happy if we were allowed to keep them at the dorms."

"I agree too. It'd be nice if there was a pet shop here."

"...What a trifling thought."

"What is, Ayanokouji-kun?" Kikyou asked him.

"Well I'd like to buy a rabbit. They're easy to breed and seem quite docile."

"Most are. However, there are some who wouldn't hesitate to bite someone to protect themselves. I've seen some around in my old neighborhood." I commented.

All of the girls agreed with a smile. Hirata looked somewhat relieved. Maybe because he was worried about Ayanokouji's social awkwardness. Then again, it was natural for a person like him to get worried for another's behalf.

"Hey, you guys over there. Do you have some time?"

As we came close to the movie theater, someone called out to us. We all turned our backs to look at who it was.

"You're Ayanokouji aren't you? And you're the adopted Sakayanagi, formerly Maida, right?"

"...Yes I am."

"Good to see you again Nagumo-senpai." I greeted him.

"You know him Sakayanagi-kun?" Hirata asked.

"We talked for a bit when I was sent back to school early during the cruise in summer vacation."

"Yup, that was about it." Nagumo confirmed.

Alongside him were several male and female students, probably his friends. Some people from the student council were with him as well. People like Secretaries Mizowaki-senpai and Tonokawa-senpai, then Vice President Kiriyama-senpai. The only first-year amongst them, was a Class B student, Ichinose Honami, who got admitted into the student council some time ago.

Most of the students with Nagumo didn't pay attention to us, and continued whatever conversation they were having.

"You guys are first-years right? Miyabi's friends?"

"Well that's pretty hurtful, you don't remember me, Asahina-senpai?"

"Eh...? Oh, its you! The guy that stood up against Miyabi in summer vacation!"

Yeah but you didn't have to shout it.

"You don't remember this other guy? He was the student that fought against Horikita-senpai during the final relay in the sports festival." Nagumo said.

"Ahh, I thought I remembered you from somewhere...So it was from that time." Asahina-senpai said.

"Shall we have a chat then? You have time, don't you?"

At this, the girls were getting worried, minus Kikyou. I'm betting Kikyou is just angry under that slightly worried expression. Seeing that the situation was getting tense, Hirata stepped in.

"Good morning Nagumo-senpai."

"Yo Hirata, how's soccer going?"

Before the student council, I heard that Nagumo used to be in the soccer club. Due to the conditions for joining the student council, he had to leave.

"Everyone's doing their best. Next time, please join in our practice. But senpai, is there anything you need from Ayanokouji-kun and Sakayanagi-kun?"

"Hm? Ah no, that's not the case. There's no way I'd bully my kouhais, right? This is just out of curiosity."

"What business do you have with us?" Ayanokouji asked Nagumo.

"Don't be so cautious. But that's an impossible task, right? Please go on ahead."

He probably thought we were intimidated by his entourage, so he told his friends to go.

"Hurry up and come ok?"

"Got it."

His friends went ahead, but Nagumo didn't have any intention of letting us go.

"We're planning on going to karaoke later, wanna tag along?" Nagumo asked us.

"No thanks."

"Hard pass."

We both refused in a very blunt tone.

"I was joking. If people like you who aren't even my friends were to join us, the atmosphere would get spoiled."

"Then why ask? That's pretty rude you know? And here you were saying you wouldn't bully your kouhais."

"Heh, you're every bit as interesting as Horikita-senpai made you to be. And you, so you really were the person to fight him." Nagumo said, as if sizing us up.

"Senpai, are you talking about the relay?" Hirata interjected.

"Yeah. You were watching too right?"

"Yes, I also knew that Ayanokouji-kun was very fast. But other than that, he shouldn't have any qualities that would attract senpais. That begs the question, why are you also interested in Sakayanagi-kun?"

"Aside how Horikita-senpai pulled up his name a few times, a certain platinum haired girl from our year had been making a big deal out of him. That certain girl has been known to be uninterested in anything we did."

This certain girl sounded a lot like Kouenji. Maybe she's just not interested in the class battles?

"Would you care to tell me her name so as I could have a discussion with her? It would seem she is just bringing me unnecessary attention."

Nagumo slowly made his way toward me, so I backed away a bit. He held his hands up, indicating he wasn't going to do anything. Then he whispered in my ear.

"She doesn't like her name being thrown around in public, so I have to do this. Her name is Kiryuuin Fuuka, 2-B. Though I suggest you watch your words with her, she's like your year's Kouenji."

"I see, duly noted then."

He turned to look at everyone else again.

"Once Horikita-senpai graduates, I'm in for a boring one year, so I hope you and Ayanokouji entertain me."

"We aren't really inclined to do that." Ayanokouji said.

"Maybe so, but you'll see what will happen starting next year. Anyways sorry for interrupting your date, see you around."

Nagumo left in the direction of where his friends went. Most of us made a collective sigh.

"That was quite a happening, was it?" Hirata said, patting his chest.

"As expected of Yasushi-kun! Always so calm." Kikyou said clinging to my arm.

"A-Amazing Ayanokouji-kun! To think the student council president thinks so highly of both you and Sakayanagi-kun!" Satou said.

"Its not really that impressive." He replied nonchalantly.

"I'm not really convinced. I mean, the only thing that Ayanokouji-kun is good at is running right? If so then Yousuke-kun is a hundred times be-"

"Anyway...! We should head in to the theater now, before the screening closes us out." I said, stopping Karuizawa from her not really convincing argument.

I could already see what Karuizawa was planning. They mentioned they were going on a double date, but didn't propose something like that to me and Kikyou. She was probably going to belittle Ayanokouji as much as she could so Satou would lose interest in him.

That said, this isn't the way she should do it. There's a better, more respectable way of doing it.

After that 3D anime movie, we went our separate ways. i insisted on having alone time with Kikyou, so instead of being with everyone else, we were walking towards the restaurant with our lunch reservations.

"More of a C for me."

"Or C-. The animation was pretty good though."

"Yeah, but it being 3D ruined that."

"Yeah yeah! In that one scene where someone's expression got screwed over because of having to turn their 3D head was hilarious!"

The movie became more of a comedy because of all the mistakes with the animation. Even I had a hard time containing my laughter.

"Oh by the way, where are we having lunch?" Kikyou asked.

"Let's see...Its a slightly fancier restaurant than normal. Its called Subterranean Woods."

"Eh? What's with the name?"

(Because I suck at thinking of names Kushida, that's why)

"Don't know. Anyways they serve a variety of food. I could've ordered our food in advanced, but I didn't know what you would have wanted."

"Fair enough, I'm getting really hungry so lets go!"

The location of the restaurant was on the third floor by the main entrance of the mall. We weren't really far away, but Kikyou seemed to be famished, so she picked up the pace.

While we were walking, I got a text message.

[If you look over to your left, you're gonna see quite the commotion.]

This text wasn't from Arisu, it was from Hashimoto.

So I did as told. What the fuck am I looking at?

Ryuuen and Arisu were somehow getting along, giving me thumbs-ups. The Class D girls who were supposed to be reprimanded by them, decided to join them in spying on us. Then there were some Class D boys, specifically Ike and Yamauchi. Sudou was also with them, keeping a close eye on all of them.

Me dating Kikyou was no joke. Word travels fast whenever someone as popular as her gets a boyfriend.

"Yasushi-kun! Hurry up, I'm starving."

"Ah! Coming!"

3rd Person POV

"Kukuku. So it finally happened, eh?"

"Did you think this would happen, Ryuuen-kun?" Sakayanagi Arisu asked the magenta haired boy sitting beside her.

"'Course I did, I've noticed it since the Paper Shuffle. That tall cripple's a bold one ain't he? If it weren't for that whole adoption thing, I bet you would have fallen for him."

"Have you been talking with him recently, Ryuuen? You seem familiar with our prince." Hashimoto said.

"Confronted him a lot. Wait why am I even answering your questions?"

"Looks like he noticed us." Kamuro mentioned.

"Noticed? Nah, I just texted him."

"Huh!? And why the hell would you even do that!?"

"Well these Class C folks joined us, so I figured why not tell him?"

Some Class C girls were hiding by the corner. When Sakayanagi Yasushi turned to look at them, Ryuuen and his step-sister gave him thumbs-ups. Hashimoto saluted to him, and the Class C students hid as if trying not to be noticed, when they already were.

Afterwards, Kushida called out to the man and he slowly walked up to her.

"Kukuku. Go get 'em tiger."

"Fufufu. He's all grown up."

"Oi girls, how long are you just gonna keep spying on them?" Hashimoto regarded the girls hiding by the corner.

"Eh!? Well, we need to keep an eye on them." A girl named Onodera told him.

"And why is that?" Ryuuen posed the question.

Matsushita Chiaki came out from the corner to confront them.

"Well, I bet you guys have noticed them already but...The boys are also spying on him."

"Oh are they now? Kukuku, allow me."

Ryuuen got up from his seat and casually walked up to the boys who were hiding by a different corner while Sakayanagi confronted the girls.

"I believe we have the situation handled. You may all leave if you so wish." She said to Matsushita.

"I'm all for that but, some of the girls here still don't trust your step-brother, for some odd reason."

"And why is that, I wonder? If I remember correctly, he's done quite a lot for your class ever since the start."

"It's just that we're worried about Kushida-chan!"

A few girls came out from the corner as well after what she said.

"Hm? Worried? Kikyou-san has been the one worrying about all of you, if you would accept them."

"Eh? Kikyou-san?" Another girl by the name of Ichihashi asked curiously.

"Of course, I befriended her. After all, she knew full well that she needed my permission, or else they wouldn't even be out here on a date right now."

"Heh, the princess isn't really that kind, you know? Actually its a miracle she's this docile with all of you." Hashimoto said.

"I'm in quite the good mood today, if I may be so bold to say."

"Degenerates ran with their tails between their legs. So, do I need to get rid of some more?"

Ryuuen walked back to them and turned to the girls, who visibly flinched.

"I rather like enjoying a show, so I think all of you should leave before you ruin their moment."

"But-"

Matsushita stopped Ichihashi from saying anything further.

"They're right, we should just leave them alone. Besides, whether it works out for them or not, we'll learn about it next semester, or when Kushida-san tells us." She said.

"That's right. Shoo, shoo, before I make you shoo." Ryuuen warned.

"Let's go girls. Sakayanagi-san, keep an eye on them for us too?"

"Sure, why not? You all should be rooting for them though. Bye bye, fufufufu."

Matsushita led the Class C girls away from the area, leaving Ryuuen and Sakayanagi's entourage by the bench.

"It would seem they'll be in the restaurant for an hour at most. Would you like to have lunch with us, Ryuuen-kun?"

"The hell kind of trap is this?"

"No trap. I'm very generous today after all."

"Oi Hashimoto, what happened to this loli?"

"I don't know dude. Ever since we met up with her step-brother this morning she seemed awfully cheerful."

"I prefer this version of her. Look, her grin isn't even smug." Kamuro commented.

"I'll pass on the offer for lunch, I already ate while he was at the theater. You all go on ahead, I'm gonna go read a book or something."

Ryuuen waved them off and left the area as well.

"Princess, what Ryuuen said just now. Why are you so cheerful?"

"Who knows?"

"You sound like a certain someone I've had to stalk before." Hashimoto muttered in defeat.

Yasushi POV

I paid the bill for the food. Kikyou wasn't joking when she said she was starving. She ordered two medium sized steaks and a strawberry flavored milkshake. I ordered some teriyaki chicken and curry rice, then a hot chocolate because it was so cold outside.

The quality of the food was very good though. Unlike in other restaurants, this one prepared their food thoroughly. I'd say its an A, but then again, I'm a pretty contenpt person.

"Man, we've been in there for a while hour, its almost 3pm now." I said, checkong the time.

"It was worth it! I haven't had that much meat in a long time!"

"Why don't you order those in the cafeteria? I remember they had a meat combo."

"Oh Yasushi-kun, you still have a lot to learn about being popular. I can't do that because I have to keep up the image that I'm not a glutton."

"Wait, you're a glutton?"

"Of course not. But eating large meals like that once in a while isn't bad."

"You could say that again. I've been on a diet recently. Maybe I should learn how to cook some heavier dishes."

Kikyou tturned to me in awe, then clasped my hand with both of hers.

"Please do! I'll look forward to it!" She said enthusiastically.

"Y-Yeah, sure."

Oh, now that we finished the main events of our date, this is a good time to give her one of the gifts.

"Kikyou, before we begin window shopping, I'd like to give something to you."

"Eh?"

I rummaged through my slingbag and pulled out the smaller one of the two gifts. Of course, it was wrapped. I gave it to Kikyou.

"Can I...open it?"

"Sure, go right ahead."

She gently ripped off the tape and carefully opened the wrapping paper. The product I gave her was a notebook, one of the bigger types. It had a rather dull cover though.

'A notebook?"

"If ever I'm not there for you, you can write whatever stress you have in there. You'll have to hide it though, since I think your friends frequent your room often."

She only stayed silent, looking at the notebook with a somewhat curious gaze. I don't know what she's thinking right now, but I hope its not something bad.

"Ehehe, thank you for this. Its very thoughtful of you Yasushi--kun." She said witha soft smile, one that was softer than her usual.

And here I thought she wouldn't like it.

"You're welcome. Now let's go. We have lots of time left, lets look around the mall."

And that was exactly what we did. For the next two hours, we walked around the mall and looked through all the products.

We talked, we argued, we debated, we laughed. Kikyou would often scold me for not thinking about appearances, and I would often tell her off with logic.

People looked at us in a weird, or should I say, curious way. Maybe they were first-years, or maybe they were senpais. Nevertheless, they left us alone like we wanted.

I've never seen Kikyou this happy ever since we met. It was a more genuine happiness, which is why it hits so differently to me whenever I see that smile.

It was a smile that I think was worth protecting. A smile, where after years of fraud, finally came into the light. A smile, that might rub off on me, a guy who lost everything.

I wonder what we'd look like in the future?

"As I was saying, you could be more fashionable than that Yasushi-kun."

"What? I even asked advice about this."

"Then you should have asked Arisu-san, she's a gi-" Kikyou suddenly covered her mouth.

"'Arisu-san', eh? How very interesting."

Kikyou turned all red as she sipped her hot chocolate. I already had one earlier, so this time I just ordered a latte.

I just menacingly stared at her. Then I pulled out my phone to give my step-sister a call.

" You need something~?"

"Yeah, care to explain why Kikyou's all red with embarassment after calling you by your first name. Yes you, I can see you in that book store over there. Why the hell is Ryuuen with you?"

From across the cafe, I could literally see a magenta haired boy and lilac haired girl with books in front of their faces.

" Whatever do you mean I wonder?"

"I meant what I said. 'Fufufufu'."

Kikyou choked on her hot cocoa and tried stifling a laugh. From the other side of the call, I could hear actual cackling, and at the bookstore they were in, Ryuuen looked like he was laughing himself to death.

" Kukukuhahaha! Do that again! That was hilarious!"

" Return my phone at once Dragon boy!"

"Yasushi-kun, please do not joke around like that while I'm drinking." Kikyou said, recovering from the reaction.

I hung up on them as Hashimoto and Kamuro showed up at the book store, then took another sip of my latte. That is some really good coffee.

"Nothing like a hot drink on a cold winter day."

"You could say that again. I made a mistake ordering a strawberry milkshake at lunch, I should have gotten a hot chocolate too."

"It was quite bold of you to do so too. We already had milkshakes before we confronted Ryuuen, and then you ordered another one today."

"Well it can't be helped. I was actually too focused on the food rather than the dessert."

We both gave out a satisfied sigh, finishing our drinks.

"Look at the time. I believe we should head back now." I said, grabbing my cane.

"Mn. Time flies when you hang out."

We left the cafe and passed by the bookstore where Ryuuen and Arisu were apparently having another insult battle. Kikyou and I made our way back home to the dorms.

She was correct about one thing, time flies when you hang out. Though I wonder of this date was successful. Then again, Kikyou will ultimately decide that.

So long as we at least get to stay friends, that's fine with me.

It took a little while, but we arrived by a line of trees that led back to the dorms. The park to our right alongside the sunset was a magnificent view. Then there was the cold winter breeze which made it even more fascinating.

Kikyou suddenly walked faster then turned around to look at me. She had a pretty indifferent expression on her face.

Great, and here I was about to pull out the second gift.

"Something the matter?" I asked her.

"I uh...I had a lot of fun today, Yasushi-kun. Thank you."

"No problem at all. Since we're here I should probably give you the other gift."

"Eh? Another one?"

I pulled it out of my sling bag. Again, it was wrapped with a Christmas themed gift wrap. Kikyou accepted it with a confused look on her face.

"Why would you get me two?"

"Well the other one was a thank you for the one you gave me before asking me out. You could say it was to repay you. This one though was from me alone, no strings attached."

She opened up the wrapping and revealed a beak. Tjis confused her even more, so she opened up the whole thing.

"Ahh! Its so cute!"

It was a stuffed animal, a penguin to be precise. I thought about giving her a necklace but then I also thought about how tacky that would be.

With this and the notebook, it'd be less awkward.

Kikyou hugged the penguin like she was choking it to death. Thankfully it was just a stuffed toy, so she could hug it like that all she wants.

"Like it?"

"Ehehe. I love it."

Before I could even react, Kikyou ran up to me then hugged me with both hands at the back of my neck. Then she pressed our lips together.

"And I love you, Yasushi-kun.

"I love you too, Kikyou."

3rd Person POV

"Atta boy! You're a man now, kukukuku."

Ryuuen and Sakayanagi Arisu's entourage watched the scene unfold.

"Princess, are you crying?"

"No, there is merely something in my eye." She said while taking photos of what was happening.

"Geez, all of you are so weird." Kamuro said.

"Hey Ryuuen, gotta ask. Why are you rooting for him with us?"

"Kukuku. I can respect a guy like him. It still looks like he has a long battle ahead of him." Ryuuen answered, taking pictures too.

"We could sell these pictures for a good amount of points, but I suppose it would be rude of us."

"I'll agree just this once. I'm just gonna send these to him so that he's embarrassed as hell."

Samayanagi Yasushi and Kushida Kikyou were now continuing on their path to the dorms, side by side, hand in hand.

"Looks like the show's over. Now time for the crowd control. Hey degenerates! C'mere so I can beat the living shit out of all of you!"

Ryuuen took off in a run, to which a certain group of boys ran away as well.

"Looks like they didn't learn their lesson. But the girls don't seem to be here though." Hashimoto said.

"Matsushita-san seemed to have kept her word. We should let Dragon boy deal with those boys, let's head back to the dorms."

"Sure thing princess."

While they were all chatting, Sakayanagi Yasushi and Kushida Kikyou arrived by the elevator in the first-years dormitory.

"Thanks a lot for today Yasushi-kun, it was a blast." Kushida said to him, letting go of his hand.

"I had fun too, so no problem at all. Also, does this mean we're officially dating?"

At that, Kushida flinched, then she turned away after pushing the button to her floor.

"Don't make me say it..."

"I dare you to say it." Sakayanagi said, pressing the button to his floor.

There was silence as the elevator went up and Sakayanagi just stared at Kushida. As the elevator dinged at Sakayanagi's floor, Kushida turned to him with an embarrassed look on her face.

"W-We are." She said.

Sakayanagi kissed her cheek then walked off of the elevator.

"Then let them all know...You're mine." He said, and the elevator doors closed.

A Look Into The Future

Yasushi POV

My name is Sakayanagi Yasushi, 22 years old. I was currently walking towards a certain site. My family's grave site.

It had been over four years since I left the Advanced Nurturing High School, and at last, I finished college. It was finally a good time to visit them. My companions also joined me, but they decided to give me alone time with my late parents before coming to the actual shrine.

I pulled the key that the shrine keeper gave me, and unlocked the gate. Swinging it open, I got a clear view of the shrine.

"Looks like they've treated the place well." I commented.

I walked up to the shrine and sat down on one side of the pavement.

"Mother, father, I've returned. Its been seven long years but...I'm back."

I have to thank the chairman again for giving them a private shrine, that way I can always have alone time here.

"There's a lot of things I'd like to tell you about but, I suppose I should start with this. I managed to survive high school and college, and I even got myself a girlfriend, who I promised to marry very soon. It's just a shame my leg never managed to heal."

My cane was still with me, after all these years. After the incident during my first-year of high school, I got into a few more fights. When we took on a guy named Hosen Kazuomi, he bashed his fist against my leg, having me to go to the infirmary again. Then in another island exam, where Arisu and I were by the beach, a girl named Nanase Tsubasa accidentally tripped on me. It was basically a string of bad luck.

Things got a bit hectic in college, but since I graduated in Class A, I managed to get into a good one. Arisu thought it was necessary for me to stay safe against this White Room organization she was talking about.

She insisted that I stay out of it, so I did as I was told and continued with my life in college.

"Once we manage to get on our feet again, I'll visit here every week. But I hope you keep an eye on us. I'll continue to fulfill my promise for as long as I can."

I heard footsteps behind me as I was reminiscing about my time with my father.

"Ah, I'd like both of you to meet someone, and reintroduce a few people."

A hand reached out to my cane, then that person sat down beside me.

"Meet Kushida Kikyou, my soon to be wife." I said, looking at the woman beside me.

"Ehehe, you sound really sure of yourself Yasushi-kun."

Kikyou had changed. She grew her hair out, and grew a little taller. She was more elegant than ever.

"Its nice to meet you both, Mr and Mrs Maida." Kikyou said, bowing.

"Hello again, Takao and Naoki, I hope you're both doing well, wherever you are."

"Greetings to you once again, I thank you for having taken care of Yasushi-kun before we adopted him."

The chairman and his daughter stood behind us, having greeted my biological parents.

"Have you found your closure, Yasushi? I know that's what Takao would have wanted for you." The chairman said to me.

"Yes, I have. I'm glad I did, because I can finally move on with Kikyou."

"Kikyou-san, would you mind living with us? After all, you'll be family soon." Arisu asked.

"I don't mind, but I would like some alone time with Yasushi-kun every once in a while."

"You'll have it. What would the both of you like to do from now on?"

We both looked at the shrine, then at each other.

"How many kids do you want?" Kikyou asked me.

The chairman laughed at the question. Arisu was lightly giggling, and I was just dumbfounded.

"Kids huh? Sounds like a lot of work. But since father was able to do it, I think we can too."

"So this is where all of you were going."

A familiar voice echoed into my ears. With the help of Kikyou, I stood up and took my cane from her, then turned around.

"How'd you end up finding us, Ayanokouji?"

The man by the gates of the shrine was none other than Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. I haven't seen him since ANHS, but he seemed to be doing well. He was wearing a rather casual outfit, and he wasn't alone.

Behind him were two kouhais and an old classmate. Amasawa Ichika, Nanase Tsubasa, and Kouenji Rokusuke.

"I was talking to these three in a cafe, when I saw you get into the chairman's car earlier, so we decided to follow."

"Well, it seems like this is fate after all. How long has it been? Four years?" Arisu said, looking at them.

"For your step-brother its been four years, but you shouldn't lie in his face. We've been in contact very frequently."

"I'm not surprised anymore." I said in defeat.

"Heya old senpais! Glad to see you all again!" Amasawa said cheerfully.

"Greetings everyone." Nanase said while bowing.

"How've all of you been doing lately?" I asked, walking up to them.

"The conglomerate has been doing very well under my leadership. And you look like you've seen better days Sakayanagi-boy."

Kouenji, though still a bit narcissistic, had a much calmer tone than when we were in high school. He's earned my respect when he suddenly switched to Class A with us.

"I just got out of college a week ago, of course I've seen better days."

"How've you been fairing?" Ayanokouji inquired.

He held out his hand, to which I took in mine.

"I'd say I'm doing well. You?"

"I'm free now, so I'd say I'm doing well too."

"Ha ha ha! We must thank you once again for your cooperation Sakayanagis. The demon of the 4th generation and the Kouenji conglomerate could never have taken that place down without you."

"Oi, I'm here too senpai! Don't forget lots of people from the other generations helped too!" Amasawa exclaimed.

"Should we really be talking about this while Sakayanagi-senpai is here? I mean Sakayanagi Yasushi-senpai?"

"No need. Ayanokouji-kun's father can't do anything when he's in prison."

"You imprisoned him?"

"No need to ask for the details Yasushi-kun."

What have they been doing while I was in college?

"Anyway, Sakayanagi-boy. If you ever want a job under me you could always come to the Kouenji conglomerate. You are a pretty interesting and useful individual after all." Kouenji offered.

"Thanks, but I'd rather find a job on my own first."

"If you say so, but my business is always open to you."

"Got any plans for yourself Sakayanagi-kun? This is when you start making your own choices."

"Ayanokouji is correct my boy. I'll support you, but the choice is all yours." The chairman said to me.

The choice is mine, eh? Those were words that have been stuck in my head since high school.

"I'd like to open my own company in the future, but for now, I guess I'll help out with Arisu's work."

"Oh? We could always use the extra assistance. I'll prepare the paperwork to hire you. What about you Kikyou-san?"

"I think I'll do the same. Yasushi-kun can't accomplish much when he's alone after all."

"Hey, tell that to my leg."

"Then I shall establish a partnership with your company in the near future! Everything is always interesting around you people." Kouenji said with a hearty laugh.

"Kiyotaka-senpai, would there be anything you'd like to do with them while we're here?" Amasawa asked Ayanokouji.

"How about we all go visit a few old friends? I remember Horikita, her brother and Tachibana are living together now. Their house should be near here."

"So you kept in contact? What about Karuizawa-senpai?"

"She texted me this morning, she's busy with her salon. But I should be able to contact some of our old classmates."

"A reunion perhaps? Count us in. I owe Ryuuen-kun a few favors, and he should have the day off today." Arisu said.

"What have all of you been doing while I was in college?"

"You don't need to know." They all collectively said.

" Sigh...That said, I kinda want to see everyone again. I wasn't fortunate enough to see any familiar faces in college after all."

"Manabu says its okay. Let's all invite everyone over to their house." Ayanokouji said, fiddling with his phone.

"Then let's go!"

Amasawa and Nanase ran off toward the street, while everyone followed suite. Kikyou stayed with me as I took one last look at my family shrine.

"You two saw it right? I'm happy to be with them."

"We'll take good care of your son, so please rest assured. Come on Yasushi-kun, we don't want to keep everyone waiting."

"Yeah, let's go."

I took her hand in mine and we left the shrine, locking the gate behind me.

"We'll be back soon. Maybe with more good news." I said, then turned my back.

We walked toward the car. Behind it was a black limousine, where Kouenji was talking to who seemed to be the driver.

"Living in luxury huh?" I commented.

"Of course, there is only the best for me. Now let us be off!"

"We should expect a lot of people. Kei may not be able to attend, but a few of her old friends like Matsushita are coming. Then there are Ryuuen and his old gang, Ichinose and Kanzaki, a few people from Sakayanagi-san's old entourage. Then there's-"

"Okay okay, we get it. No need to list everyone." I cut Ayanokouji off, then opened the side door of the car.

"Ordinarily, I would think Horikita-senpai wouldn't allow such a large gathering, but I suppose he's made an exception for you, Ayanokouji-kun." Arisu commented.

"It would seem so."

"Get in the limo already! I wanna see everyone again!" Amasawa said, sticking her head out the open window.

"I don't know where their house is, so we'll be following all of you." The chairman said, getting into the driver's seat of his car.

"Its a bit too late to ask, but are you not busy later, chairman?" Kikyou asked him.

"Actually I'm not. I'm free for the rest of the day, I only had that business meeting earlier and that was it. Now stop worrying and get in the car."

"Yes yes! Entertainment is top priority today! Let us go on!" Kouenji shouted out.

I got inside the car and closed the door, Kikyou sitting beside me and Arisu at the front seat. The limo drove in front of us and we soon followed.

I was in for a brilliant life ahead. Thank you for your guidance, father.

Author's note:

You could tell that I rushed this one. Anyway after this will just be scenes from the different volumes, altered with the help of the OC's existence.

This fanfic will not be ending, I will update it with scenes from time to time. As an example, the Class Poll exam. However, since I'm done with the main story, I'll be focusing on my second fanfic more.

Thank you for reading the main story, dear reader. Yes I suck at these kinds of things but at least I try.

The Sakayanagis are Acting Weird

Yasushi POV

It was early February. The Mixed Training Camp has recently passed by and now it was back to normal school days. Now, early February meant the 14th is nearby. The 14th meant Valentines Day, and that meant I may be absolutely fucked.

Ever since we started officially dating, Kikyou had shown to be...possessive, to say the least. Actually a better word would be that she's trying to hoard me from girls like Arisu, who was my step-sister, Amikura, Ichinose, Shiina and others that I have befriended. She somehow gives off a different vibe whenever we're around other people. In other words, she's changed, a lot.

I mean, boys and girls still love her as another popular figure, but they've become reserved now, thanks to her literally shouting that I was her boyfriend. Honestly I don't like my new found popularity through my relationship with her. In terms of doing work for the class, I'm too conspicuous now, so all the behind the scenes stuff fell on Ayanokouji completely.

I arrived at the classroom, being met by a strange atmosphere. Though the news about Karuizawa dumping Hirata did start circulating, I saw that Horikita and Ayanokouji were chatting. Kikyou on the other hand, was talking to some of her friends about something. You could say that this is the usual in our class, but something felt different, almost as if they were all having conversations about something dark.

"Eh? Hey Yasushi-kun!"

Kikyou noticed me sitting down at my desk and went towards me.

"What's with this atmosphere? It feels less cheerful somehow." I said.

"Oh, about that. The news of Karuizawa-san dumping Hirata-kun is really starting to hit. They're also talking about something that happened in Ichinose-san's class."

"Ichinose? Her of all people?"

"Yeah, I didn't really believe it either."

"Do you know what these rumors are?" I was extremely curious, so I just had to ask.

"I can't really say specifically, since it's all just rumors, but the gist of it is that Ichinose-san has been a really bad girl in the past. She was said to have a history of violence, theft, robbery, and even engaged in paid dating, something like being rented as a girlfriend."

That sounded very unlike the pacifistic angel that I came to know as Ichinose Honami. If someone told me that in the past, I'd never have believed it. However, now that I came to know Kikyou, who had an incident in junior high, and Karuizawa who had been bullied for a long time until she came to ANHS, the rumors are not entirely out of the question.

"Who could've..."

Then it suddenly clicked. I only know four people that would resort to this tactic.

"Well, we can't really know anything for sure until we ask Ichinose herself." I said.

"That's true. And class is about to start anyway. See you at lunch Yasushi-kun."

I nodded as she went back to her seat. After a few more minutes of my classmates gossiping around, Chabashira-sensei arrived to begin class.

Lunch came and went. I urged Kikyou to go back before me, and it took a lot, and I mean a lot, of convincing.

I got out of the bathroom and began to walk back to the classroom. It seemed illogical of me to send Kikyou off without a reason, but I did. I wanted to meet someone, someone I saw in the cafeteria, and fit the description Nagumo gave me back in Christmas. I knew for a fact she was watching, because we made eye contact.

My cane clacked as I used it to keep walking. Now that I was here in a discreet area, she should appear at any moment.

"Well well, look who we have here?"

A voice came from behind me. Turning around, the description fit her perfectly. Platinum colored hair, red eyes, and a rather tall figure. This was the lady that was making a big fuss about me throughout her year, at least according to Nagumo.

"Kiryuuin Fuuka, correct?" I asked to confirm.

"Oh, so you know me? Was it Mr Notice Me that gave my name away?"

"Who the hell? You mean Nagumo-senpai?"

"That's the one. That creep's done all he can to gain attention ever since he got to this school. To answer your question, yes, I'm Kiryuuin Fuuka, Class 2-B. It's a pleasure to finally meet you at last, Maida Yasushi. Oh, or should I say Sakayanagi Yasushi?"

"I heard you were quite the uninterested person, so why set your sights on me? I can recommend a few people that must be more interesting than I am."

For example, people like the former student council president would be more interesting than me. In my year, Ayanokouji, Arisu, and possibly even Ryuuen would be interesting. I don't know what this lady sees in me that she, according to Nagumo, was never interested in that many things since she arrived at this school.

"Wouldn't I be the judge of who I think is interesting? Let me make a guess, you think someone like Horikita-senpai is more interesting than you?"

Damn, so she's already scouted him out?

"I don't understand then. So why me?"

"That's for me to know and for you to find out. If I were to give you hint, let's say I noticed you since your island exam."

That meant she was probably one of the numerous spectators when Arisu and I were talking down on Nagumo and his entourage. Still, Kiryuuin-senpai is such an enigma to me, just like how Kouenji was also an enigma. This woman is even harder to predict than the likes of Ryuuen and Arisu.

(This is probably a very ooc Kiryuuin, so please forgive me)

"At any rate, it would seem that you've been making things...rather difficult, for me. I heard from Nagumo that you've been making a big fuss about me, and now I can no longer do things without gaining attention from people in your year."

"No need to thank me. I was just trying to mess around with Mr Notice Me, that's why I did what I did. Though I won't deny that it has in fact caused trouble for you."

"So would you please kindly stop?"

"Of course not." She replied with a hearty laugh.

" Sigh...What do you even want from me? I'm very low on points, there isn't any exam at the moment, and I have a normal life with my peers. What is it that I have that others don't?"

"I don't want anything directly. Just keep doing interesting things so I don't get bored. My year is filled with boring people already, and the newly appointed student council president is as boring as everyone else."

"You said to keep doing interesting things. My actions can't be helped since I'm trying to support myself, but let me ask you this. I'm not the only person you see as interesting, aren't I? When I mentioned that there are more interesting people than me, I didn't just mean Horikita-senpai, I meant individuals in my year too."

"Hmm, who knows? You'll find out later on who I deem interesting."

She walked passed me, her smile never getting off her face. When she was about to leave, she waved me off.

"Better get moving kouhai, you're slow and you'll definitely be late to class." She said after turning a corner, disappearing from view.

Well she had a point. Now how am I supposed to run all the way to class like this?

Ayanokouji POV

The rumors of Hirata and Kei have yet to die down, but something else happened.

While it was the end of school for the day, Sakayanagi-kun and I were having a nice chat about random topics, which was rare in its own right. In the midst of our classmates leaving for club or heading somewhere else, an unexpected person showed up at our classroom.

"Excuse me. Is Yamauchi Haruki-kun here?"

Everyone who was left in the classroom immediately turned their heads in curiosity. Even Yamauchi looked surprised.

"Oh no..." Sakayanagi-kun muttered.

Yamauchi who was opening up a book about a game strategy guide closed it and spoke.

"Eh, yes that's me. You need something?"

Normally, he'd be excited about being noticed by a cute girl, but this time he seemed extremely scared. He had a good reason to be scared, because this girl was the leader of Class A, and Sakayanagi Yasushi's step sister, Sakayanagi Arisu. To Yamauchi, she would loomk like a ruthless class leader like Ryuuen.

"Would you mind giving me a few moments of your time?" Sakayanagi-san asked him.

"O-Of course, I'm free."

"This isn't quite the right place so I'll be waiting for you at the corridor by the stairs."

Perhapes the stares were making her uncomfortable, even though to people like me and her step brother that was obviously not the case. She disappeared into the corridor with downcast eyes.

"Ten out of ten Arisu, great acting." Sakayanagi-kun muttered, chuckling a little.

"No, no, no, no! This cannot be happening!"

Ike broke the silence in the classroom. Good thing Sudou wasn't here, or else it woudl have been rowdier.

Even the other students, including Yamauchi himself were still shocked at that absurdly bold entry and invitation. Yamauchi then proceeded to grab his bag, as if on instinct.

"Sorry! I've got business to take care of!"

"Y-Yeah..."

"Hold it, Yamauchi-kun."

"W-What is it, Horikita-san?"

Yamauchi who had made a beeline toward the exit, was suddenly blocked off by Horikita. She then proceeded to look at Sakayanagi-kun, who pointed at himself to confirm, to which she nodded. Sakayanagi-kun then made his way to them.

"Maybe she's trying to do something to knock Class C down." Horikita said.

"Why do you think that?"

"The very fact that you're being asked out is abnormal in and of itself. Sakayanagi-kun, out of everyone here, you know her best. What do you think?"

"What's to think about? She's Arisu of all people. You can just assume what plans she'll have."

Now that I'm remembering it, during the Mixed Training Camp, Yamauchi bumped Sakayanagi-san and made her fall. Sakayanagi-kun must be thinking that Yamauchi is dead meat right now.

Even with Horikita's warning and Sakayanagi-kun's vague way of saying "stay away from her", Yamauchi seemed positive.

"Bumping into a transfer student with toast in her mouth on a street corner and falling in love...You ever heard about that sort of plot?"

"Eh? Toast? Street corner...?"

"What on earth are you even talking about?"

Both Horikita and Sakayanagi-kun seemed utterly confused. Even I was confused, but I assume he's talking about the incident at the training camp.

"I'm going because Sakayanagi-chan is waiting for me."

At that remark, Sakayanagi-kun staggered a bit until he used the wall as a support. Horikita saw this and sighed. While that happened, Yamauchi walked off. I decided to go over to them.

"You okay? I asked him, Horikita hearing my question.

Sakayanagi-kun started chuckling, which quickly evolved into a laugh. I haven't seen him like this before, and it was a creepy laugh, not the type of laugh someone would normally make.

"I'm just fine. I just find it funny that Yamauchi doesn't realize how dead he is." He said, still laughing to himself.

"This sounds serious if someone like you is acting out of it." Horikita voiced her concerns.

Where's Kushida when you need her? Wasn't she supposed to be this guy's girlfriend?

"We should go too."

Behind me, Haruka, Keisei and Airi were together, planning to watch the event that was about to unfold. Since I didn't have any reason to decline, I gave a light nod then turned back aroud towards the door, only to see that Sakayanagi-kun was halfway through the hall now.

While we followed him, we immediately spotted a few boys there, including Ike.

"Ahh! Stop, this way, this way!"

I was kind of shocked. The Professor wasn't using his "otaku" way of speaking. Sakayanagi-kun put a hand on the boys' shoulders to make his way through the crowd.

"They are talking over here." The Professor said.

"...Who are you and what did you do to Sotomura?" Sakayanagi-kun remarked while looking at him.

"What's with that speech?" Haruka whispered to us.

"Apparently, he got set straight back in the training camp."

"Please do not worry about me Sakayanagi-kun." Sotomura replied to him.

"...Is this guy really our Sotomura?" Sakayanagi-kun asked the other boys, who all nodded in response.

After that, we all turned our attention to Sakayanagi-san and Yamauchi.

"Ummm, so what did you want to talk about?" Yamauchi asked nervously.

From a psychological perspective, it's a unconscious reflex to make one look more attractive towards the opposite sex. But, this is Yamauchi we're talking about, so I don't think that applies to him.

"Could it be that your step sister is legit into Haruki, dude?" Ike muttered to Sakayanagi-kun.

The guy couldn't even answer him because he was silently laughing at the scene in front of us. Everyone just left him alone.

"That's way too stupid. Sakayanagi-san is cunning, even when I see her with our Sakayanagi she seemed to always plan something in mind." Haruka said.

"I-I think so too." Airi muttered.

"Yamauchi is so fucking dead." Sakayanagi-kun said in a menacing tone.

"Uhh...You okay?" Keisei said, concerned.

"Oh, I'm fine. But Yamauchi is definitely a dead man."

"So that's seriously an act? Shouldn't we stop it?"

"Hello no. Let that guy die."

"Yeah, Sakayanagi-san is definitely acting. But since this guy over here doesn't want us to intervene, we shouldn't." Haruka said.

"Maybe she's trying to gain information on Class C like Horikita-san said?"

"Oh she's gaining info alright. Someone's about to die soon"

We watched as Sakayanagi-san used her left hand to playfully twirl her hair as she spoke.

"The truth is, I've been wanting to talk to you for a while now, Yamauchi-kun."

"R-R-Really?"

At this, our Sakayanagi cringed and just gave up, looking away. I then heard him try to stifle his laughter so as not to get heard by everyone else.

"I don't have time to lie about something like this, you know?"

While I was watching Sakayanagi-kun lose it, a conversation began between the people we were watching.

"I won't be able to calm down here, shall we go elsewhere?"

"T-That's right. Yeah, l-let's do that."

"In that case, please accompany me for a while."

The two of them started walking side by side. Yamauchi was trying to match her slow pace, which was the only gentlemanly thing I've seen him do ever since I saw him on the first day of school.

The others saw the two of them off. I insisted that Haruka, Keisei and Airi head back without me, since I had to talk to Sakayanagi-kun for a while. And speaking of him, he was sitting on the floor, playing an audio recording while laughing to himself.

"You are acting very strange." I commented.

"Can I not? That was the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life."

The audio recording was put to speaker mode, and it replayed the part where Sakayanagi-san said they should go elsewhere.

"'I won't be able to calm down here' she says. Her acting couldn't have been worse, but Yamauchi was dumb enough to fall for it." He said, wiping away tears.

Seriously, what kind of day is this? First the rumors, now this. Sakayanagi-kun was really losing it.

Arisu's Unexpected Soft Spot

Yasushi POV

With all the rumors getting around, I noticed while heading to the faculty room that even the teachers knew about them. If this gets even worse, the school may get involved and issue something like with what happened in the Sudou incident.

Arisu was using a lot of underhanded tactics with this, and I didn't like it one bit. Though I myself was spared from these rumors, my classmates, more specifically my associates, like Ayanokouji and Karuizawa, were not. I should have made a contract with Arisu stating that she wouldn't mess with some of my trusted friends.

Now I'm worried that Kikyou would get exposed. If that happened, I would support her in taking the class down, but I still haven't decided that I'd help her do so. After all, I can't really defend myself properly if an altercation were to occur about Kikyou being this evil witch and me being ousted as someone who was helping her just because I was her boyfriend.

Right now, I was supposed to meet with Arisu, but for the first time ever, she was a no show. Here I was just wanting answers, and she decides to hide from me.

"Hey Sakayanagi-kun, what are you doing here?"

From across the hallway, Nishikawa Ryouko called out to me.

"I wanted to discuss something with Arisu, but I guess she bailed on me." I said as she approached.

"Is that so? Sakayanagi-san is really busy these days though, since most of our classmates are now managed by her.'

"And what about Katsuragi? Did he just become an outcast like Ryuuen in his class?"

"Sort of. I mean he still talks and stuff, but it's obvious he lost all of his influence, save for Totsuka-kun."

Nishikawa's eyes darted around the empty hallway before continuing our chat.

"How are things with the rumors and stuff?"

"Not good. Everyone's criticizing each other like it's doomsday. I may not be a victim of the rumors, but everyone else is really acting differently because of them."

And this is just a fraction of what Kikyou could do, since she has a lot of people's secrets. Hell would break lose if she were the one spreading rumors.

"Well since Arisu is a no show, I think I'll be taking my leave."

"Wait a moment! I wanna ask you a few more questions." Nishikawa said, insisting that I stayed.

" Sigh...What's this about Nishikawa? I haven't known you for long, but that isn't to say I think you're acting weird."

Making you her perfect spy.

"I want to talk to you about what's been happening these days. Every single class has been affected by these rumors, even ours."

"That doesn't concern me in the slightest. I have already decided to stay out of this mess. Horikita and the others can fix it, I believe the class representatives will be meeting up anyway."

Nishikawa doesn't have a valid enough reason for me to stay, so I just walked away from her. But, not without one last warning.

"In the event that you follow me, you'll be confirming all of my suspicions. In the event that you don't, you admit to your guilt, and still confirm my suspicions."

I was walking through a quiet park, aiming to find a moment of peace. Though I have removed myself from the responsibility of combating these rumors, it still weighed on me how I was currently acting like a coward.

I was just too tired to handle a problem as big as this. Arisu has implemented such an annoying strategy that I could get through, but don't want to. Having to deal with it is so much of a hassle that I'd rather let everyone else handle it. My cowardice will lead to my demise one day, but I'd rather not have too many regrets.

I sat down on a bench and sighed, looking upward. With all these problems placed before us, it's really hard to get a moment of rest, even if the responsibility isn't on me.

"Well look at you being all sulky again."

I turned to look at the person who made a comment.

"Kukuku. Last I checked, you were a happy camper with a girlfriend, and yet here you are."

"Ryuuen, come to face me again, eh?"

He sat down on the edge of the bench, a book in one hand, and his school bag in the other.

"So, I assume you're actin' emo because of these rumors, yeah?"

"Ha, acting emo my ass. But you are correct, Arisu has been very ruthless recently."

"That's the way I like it. Opponents like her and the monster are who excite me the most. Would that mean you have a way out of this mess?"

"No, or at least not yet. Actually I'm trying to stay out of all this."

"Kuku, so you know that you can't fight her the way you are right now?" Ryuuen asked.

"I mean, I've known from the start that I can't compare myself to her, let alone fight her."

I thought back to the chess matches we've played over the course of our stay here in this school. At this point, we've played over one hundred matches, and I didn't even win one. That alone, shows how different we are, and who would win in an actual battle of wits. Not every fight is through violence after all.

"So then Ryuuen, what brings you here anyway? I fail to see how you suddenly got here by coincidence."

"Ah, ever since I stepped down, I've just been avoiding the more public areas. I'm alone in my class now after all, but I decided to be alone."

"But still, I find you appearing here quite suspicious."

"And that's how I like you as an opponent. However, you shouldn't read into every little thing, or else you'd go bonkers in no time. But, this time your concerns are true."

"What?"

"I ran into Kikyou a few days ago, and had the guts to ask me for a favor. In a nutshell, she said that if I ever came across you, we should have a chat."

"A chat about what?"

"Whatever. I rather enjoy talking with you, because it isn't a useless back and forth like with the monster. Which is why I didn't mind taking up the favor. Uncharacteristic of me, yeah?"

"Absolutely. Who knew you would change so much after one loss."

"Kukuku. Not even me, that's for sure. Been hanging out with Hiyori at the library every once in a while, and she said that the Sakayanagi siblings and the monster haven't stopped by for around two weeks now."

"Shiina huh...To be honest I kind of forgot to hang out with her because of all the problems currently present. If I do have time, I'll stop by soon enough."

"You fucking better. Hiyori's been out of it lately, even got me of all people worried."

I chuckled a bit.

"You? Ryuuen Kakeru is genuinely worried about someone else? How surprising."

He punched the air in between us, his fist inches from my face.

"Like I said, I've changed. Unless you miss the old me?" Ryuuen asked with a menacing grin.

"Honestly, having a casual chat with you like this is pretty refreshing. Any person can be sociable given the chance. Even you, Kouenji, Yamada or any other oddball in the world."

"Albert's an oddball to you? The hell? You racist?"

" I didn't mean it like that. It's just that Yamada doesn't talk very much, he only ever says a few English words at a time. Things like 'HEY' or 'YES BOSS'."

"Kukukuku! That's Albert for you. Actually, you and him might get along well if you give him a chance. He's a gentle giant as some would say."

We continued to talk about and reminisce all the things we have done thus far. Honestly, I'm starting to take a liking to Ryuuen. Though he has this naturally menacing aura around him, even he can be a nice guy when he wants to. One day, we might be able to see each other as friends.

However, this Ryuuen Kakeru is very different from the Ryuuen Kakeru before Ayanokouji defeated him. That just goes to show how people can change and mature after certain experiences. Me of all people should know that, after what I've been through to get here, I'd say it's worth the struggle.

But I wasn't out of the woods yet.

"Looks like something is happening over there." Ryuuen said, looking over his shoulder.

I looked to where he was, and found a commotion going on. It was what I mentioned to Nishikawa earlier, representatives of all four classes, meeting up to discuss about the current situation.

"So it's finally happening. Well, no matter, I've no intention of intervening." I said, looking away at the scene.

"Heh. Pretty uncharacteristic of you too."

"Like you're one to talk."

"Well, they might see us, so why don't we go on a walk? That leg of yours might regenerate itself soon enough."

Ryuuen stood up, and since I didn't have any reason to refuse, I followed him away from the scene.

"Come on slowpoke. Kukuku."

"Screw off."

"How the hell has that leg not healed itself? From what I remember the teachers saying back on the island, it was crushed by a rock, but your bones didn't break."

"It might have something to do with my heart problems, as well as the fact that my blood vessels may still be clogged. That's what the doctor said anyway."

"I see, so you were fated to lose something one day."

"That's just how life works, things are always unexpected. Like your defeat."

"Tch, my curiosity was what brought me down. I didn't think for a second that that monster was even more challenging than the loli, or the pacifist, or the supremist."

"Since you're still here, would that mean your sole purpose is to battle him?"

"Damn straight. If that monster gets expelled, I'll expel whoever did it, and from the looks of things that loli also has business with him, so we may team up."

With Ayanokouji's influence from behind the scenes, at this point the entire first-year student body was under his control. If he were to get expelled like Ryuuen said, he and Arisu would go to war with whoever did it. Be it against Nagumo or anyone else, I have no doubt that they would do it.

Though I'm quite surprised how Ryuuen noticed that Arisu is also related to all this. Well not all, but she's still in on this. That ruthless girl has been moving with such a strategy that I can't fully counter, and I'm pretty interested in a fight of her and Ayanokouji. Honestly, I wouldn't know who would win.

"Hmph, it's this late already? Whatever, guess I'll see you around."

Ryuuen pocketed his phone and started walking faster and away from me.

"When I'm back in power, you better be ready for my attacks. And I will get back in power one day." He said.

"Oh don't worry, I'll be waiting for round three. But, you should prioritize getting back on your own feet first, Dragon Boy."

"You invented that stupid nickname, and you'll pay for it!"

As Ryuuen walked away, I was obviously alone again. It's probably best if I returned to the dorms, since I've got nothing better to do at this time. While walking back to the dorms, I noticed that someone was following me. Now, I couldn't tell who, since I've had so many stalkers since I got to this school. It could be Matsushita, Kamuro, Hashimoto, students from Ryuuen's class, or whoever else. Either way, I was heading back to the dorms, so their effort would be wasted.

"Here you are."

And look who showed up.

"I was thinking that maybe you were avoiding me, and yet here you stand." I told her.

"I was busy is all. So, would you care to have a chat?"

"Should I leave, Sakayanagi-san?"

I turned around to see my stalker. This time, it was Nishikawa.

"You sent her, didn't you?" I asked Arisu.

"You can leave now, Nishikawa-san."

As Nishikawa nodded, she walked away.

"Don't ignore my question, Arisu."

"...Yes, I did send her."

"For what? Were you not ready to face me earlier, and you are now?"

"I said I was busy, didn't I? Your garbage of a classmate wouldn't leave me alone."

She was talking about Yamauchi.

"That's on your hands. This whole operation has your signatures written on it."

This was my chance to call her out. I would lose the argument, no doubt about that.

But who cares?

"The rumors, it was you, and I must say I'm very impressed with how quickly you switched strategies."

Arisu looked at me indifferently, as if she didn't care about what I had to say.

"Why'd you do it? If you had a target in mind, why involve almost the whole first-year student body? Are we supposed to be a distraction?"

She remained silent.

"I won't blame you for anything. Just tell me why you involved everyone."

"...There is no way I'd be able to tell you right now."

"Is it that man that suddenly showed up?"

Her eyes suddenly widened, and her hands started visually shaking.

"I wonder, how did you know?"

"Did you really think I wouldn't notice a new face? He's been talking with the teachers at the faculty lately, and I've never seen him until now."

It would align with what the chairman tried telling me a while back. He would be kicked out of his position and be replaced. This is it, it was happening. Arisu's demeanor suddenly felt rather...different.

"I cannot tell you."

"To protect me?"

"Yes, that's exactly it."

"Because if I knew, I'd be a dead man, right?"

She slowly nodded.

Since I didn't have any more business with her, I quietly walked past her. But of course, she wasn't done.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"What if I were to say 'to die alone'? Would you care?"

"Of course I would. You're my dear little-"

"Adopted. I'm adopted."

"Even so, it is my duty to protect my family."

"I don't really care for what you're doing, since you're just acting in your best interest. Still, why involve everyone?"

"It is as you said, I am merely acting on my best interest."

"So it would be alright for me to assume your main targets are Ayanokouji and Ichinose?"

No answer.

"I said I wouldn't blame you, and I won't. You're amazing like that."

I continued on my path to the dorms, only to find someone turning a corner. Of course she brings another person.

"Hello Kamuro." I greeted her.

"Sorry, but you're not going anywhere, not yet anyway." She told me.

"And if I tried to?"

"I'd have to hold you down."

Yeah no, I don't feel like fighting right now.

I turned to face Arisu again, but her back was to me.

"What would you gain by keeping me here? I don't see any reason to stay." I told her.

Still no answer.

"Are you perhaps stalling for time?"

And still no answer.

"Maybe trying to rid yourself of guilt by making me stay?"

And still no answer.

"Talk to me Arisu! What would it take for you to just talk!? I won't blame you for anything, you know that."

"...I really didn't want to involve you, in all this."

"And yet you did, albeit by mistake, I assume? The whole first-year student body is in disarray. My classmates ask me for advice every so often just so they could stop quarreling, and there are representatives meeting up as we speak. Was that according to your supposed plot?"

Arisu turned around, her face still indifferent.

"Close enough to the truth, I suppose. Yes, I planned most of this to happen, and I also plan for Ichinose-san to be thoroughly crushed."

Like I've said before, I won't blame her for anything because she's acting on her best interest.

"So everyone else being involved is just to stir themselves up, so that-"

"-That Ichinose-san would feel hopeless and alone, that's exactly it."

"And what did all of this have to do with keeping me in the dark?"

"The man you mentioned is here. As far as I'm aware, he has no clue that you are beginning to be involved in all the madness. I aim to make sure he doesn't know."

"By not telling me anything?"

"...By not telling you anything."

And yet by not telling me anything, I become more and more curious. However, thanks to what has happened to Ryuuen, I know that some doors are better left closed, with lock and key.

"Fine then, if that's how you want it. Just make sure you don't overdo it, yeah?"

"Of course, you know who I am after all."

"A cruel, ruthless and tactical genius. However, you're also pretty arrogant, and I get why you are. Just watch your back. I've experienced first hand how it feels to fly too high, then burn for it."

"Those who fly alone have the strongest wings, you know?" Arisu argued.

"But my biological father always said that those who fly together, have the longest flight."

"So did you want to follow me on my path?" She asked, her lips curling upward.

"Once, but not anymore. Know this, you may be smarter than me by leaps and bounds, but I am not an idiot, Ayanokouji has shown me that. At this point I feel like I'm destined to fail, but I'll do so honorably."

I turned to leave, but Kamuro got in my way. After one look at Arisu, she stepped aside.

"If there came a day that I would have to fight you directly, I'd do it. Even if I know I would lose, I would still do it."

"Even if you know you lost when the battle hasn't even started? You could always avoid the conflict, right?" Arisu asked me.

"Avoiding the inevitable doesn't really suit me. Whatever has happened these past weeks proves that it doesn't suit me."

I turned my head to the side, catching a small glimpse of Arisu's saddened expression.

"Please don't feel bad, this is my choice. So when the time comes, please take me down with everything you have, and bury me six feet under."

It'll be my little apology to my father, that I tried, and failed.

A Sibling Rivalry

I already greeted her on her post a few days ago, but congrats again to AnkitFTWfor reaching 2k followers and counting. If any of you haven't already, please go and check out all her work, they're really good. She's one of the most inspirational writers I've seen in the cote community.

Yasushi POV

After about another week, everything was finally settled. Ichinose came back to her class and she was able to retake her position as class leader. And the best part is, I didn't do a damn thing about the rumors.

When I went back to my room on that day, I basically did nothing else about the situation. I only ever had talks with Ryuuen, who had been getting more and more sociable with me for some odd reason, but I appreciate his company. And while Arisu was still keeping herself busy, he and I would be the ones to keep Shiina company at the library.

And finally, Arisu wanted to meet up again, saying that she wanted to have another chat. It was at an isolated place this time, the special building. I was currently walking there now.

Upon arriving at the entrance, a man was walking out. The same man I kept seeing talk with the teachers in the faculty room. I nodded to him in respect, but then he suddenly stopped in front of me.

"You seem rather familiar. May I inquire as to your name, young man?" He asked me.

"Sakayanagi Yasushi, sir. Just another first-year." I replied.

"Sakayanagi? You're the director's son? And here I thought he had an only child, a daughter."

"I was adopted by the Sakayanagi family, that's all there is to it. However, would it be alright if I asked why you think I'm familiar?"

"Ah, my apologies. To answer your question, I know a man that looks a lot like you. Since you said you were adopted, what was your old last name?"

I don't really think I should tell him, but I'm on the spot here. Then again, maybe the family card would work.

"I'd rather not mention it. My whole biological family is gone now, you see."

"I'm very sorry to hear that. Then I won't look into it any further. It was nice meeting you, Sakayanagi Yasushi."

I nodded to him and he walked away, seemingly finished with his business. Without anything else to do, I decided to walk into the special building.

"Oh, and by the way, I must tell you something before I go." The man shouted to me.

"What would that be, sir?" I asked, not even bothering to turn around.

"You best watch your back. Things will change drastically in the very near future."

Turning around, I saw that the man was already leaving. Who was he? He said I looked familiar, so he must've met my biological father. Also, something seemed off when he said that last part. If things are about to change, how much change would be implemented? He was so kind as to warn me, and yet I felt as if there was another reason for why. I suppose I'll save that thought for later.

I walked into the special building and slowly made my way to the second floor, where Arisu told me to meet her. Upon reaching the hallway, I saw two silhouettes by the other end, at least from where I was. I tapped my cane multiple times to make loud sounds so that I could get their attention, before ultimately walking up to them.

"What are you doing here?"

Ayanokouji was here with Arisu, which seemed rather odd. Though I expected them to meet again eventually, I didn't think it'd be in a place like this. Arisu's cane was on the ground, a little ways from her current position, being slumped on the wall.

"I could ask you the same thing. Did something happen here?" I asked them.

"Nothing of concern. It's just that-"

"Did it have to do with that man I bumped into on the way here?" I said, cutting off Arisu's statement.

She just looked at me, guilt written on her face, until Ayanokouji spoke.

"I suppose we should let him know."

"...Are you sure?"

"It's better if he knows and becomes cautious, rather than not at all and he begins feeling stupid again."

"Know what?" I asked him.

"That man was the new Acting Director. He has already replaced Chairman Sakayanagi as head of the school. A lot of things are about to change." Ayanokouji told me.

Just as that man also said...

"I assume it has to deal with the fact that I can't intervene in any of this."

"I'm not allowing you, Karuizawa, Kushida or any other person to get involved in this. It's a very private manner, so unless they force you to get involved, I won't let you."

"That's fine I guess. If it's so private that even someone like me can't get involved, I suppose I don't mind."

It may involve stuff like Ayanokouji's family matters and the like. After all, I don't recall him saying anything about him being allowed to come here. I can only speculate how powerful someone's family can be, when they could possibly take the chairman out of his position. I've already been informed of this, at least somewhat.

I held out a hand to Arisu, to which she took and then used me as a support to stand up while Ayanokouji gave her the cane that was on the floor.

"That man has plans, obviously. We should all watch out, but for now, we have no choice but to continue keeping our guards up." Arisu said.

"Who knows at this point. For now Sakayanagi-kun, you must act like you saw nothing. There will be a target on my head soon enough, and I hope you don't try exaggerating about."

"You know me, Ayanokouji. I won't exaggerate anything, just be careful."

"I'm always careful."

After returning to the dorms, Arisu still wanted to have our own little chat, without Ayanokouji involved. When he boarded the elevator, he nodded at the both of us as we waited for the other one to get down.

"Let's go to my room." Arisu said.

"...Sorry, what?"

"We'll be holding our discussion in my room, no objections."

"We can always hold it in my-"

"I said no objections, didn't I, Yasushi-kun?" She looked at me with a serious face.

Right, no objections. Got it.

The elevator doors opened, and we both got on while Arisu pressed the button to her floor. It was an uncomfortably quiet and long ride, but I couldn't think of any topic where the conversation would hold. Arisu would probably just cull down every topic I try to throw at her.

Once we reached her floor, she quietly went out of the elevator, and I just followed suite. She walked towards a door, probably of her room's, then pulled out a keycard from her school bag, and swiped it to unlock it.

"Please come in." Arisu said, walking inside.

"Excuse me." I said, taking off my shoes by the entrance.

Arisu's room was well furnished, at least for a girl with a disability living alone. Like in mine, she had a few ledges like a table, low hanging cabinets and some chairs scattered tidily so that she could walk with no problems if she does misplace her cane.

However, the biggest problem is that I've never been to a girl's room before, not even Kikyou's, they always came to mine.

"Have a seat, I'll prepare us some tea."

Seeing as I didn't really have any other choice, I decided to do just that. Knowing Arisu, who was always determined to what she does, she wouldn't let me help out. As I sat down, she walked into her kitchen and opened a cabinet, then began making tea, but not without beginning our discussion.

"With these rumors over and dealt with, everything will return to normal." She said, loud enough for me to hear from the main room.

"Yeah, but aside that another set of problems appeared to replace those rumors. From what both you and Ayanokouji were saying,

"We can handle it, at least for now. With father being thrown out of his position, the whole school is under that man's management now."

And I've already been thoroughly warned that this would happen.

"So I just stay out of it, yeah? Again I mean."

While I was looking at my phone, Arisu set down one mug on the table before going back to get the other.

"If you really must know, upon getting involved, once you get out of this school, your life will be ruined. It isn't as simple as one may think." She said, walking back to the table and sitting across me.

This is the longest I've seen her without putting on a smug grin. New record for everything, I guess.

"What's worse than death, eh?" I said, having a sip of tea. Hm, green tea, good choice.

I heard a sudden loud bang. Looking towards Arisu, her left hand was closed into a fist, she had hit the table.

"Tell me, what do you think is worse than death?"

We're going back to what the old me was thinking of, huh? Whatever then, so be it.

"Something along the lines of...I don't know, being truly forgotten? I've pondered this topic hundreds of times by now, and I've always concluded that it had something to do with recognition."

If there are those who don't want to be recognized exist, an example would be Ayanokouji, that's just fine. However, you must fully understand that if that happens, and you die, no one will remember you, and no one will talk about your legacy. But, if you're fine with truly dying like I once did, then go right ahead. As they say, death is never the end, because there is something more painful than it, and no one, no one, can comprehend the feeling of what that is.

"Recognition, ambition, memory. Yes, those are also what philosophers and other adults say about the topic. What say you though? What does the person Sakayanagi Yasushi-kun, think is the worst thing, if not death?" Arisu asked me.

"Pick your words wisely, I may just dodge your question. But if you really are asking, I think that the worst thing in the world, is the existence of us humans."

Our existence as a whole is absolutely terrifying, and the evidence speaks for itself. The United States of America once dropped two nuclear bombs on our country, and after that followed the Cold War, involving many innocent countries that couldn't do anything about it. That proves that we could go on the path of benevolence, or the path of malice, at any moment in time.

The human mind is very unpredictable. One mind could think of planting a lethal bomb, another mind could think of running to save someone's life, but in the end every single one of us are humans. No, we're just like animals.

"Humans will end themselves one day, through their own insatiable curiosity and pursuit of perfection, We will all die, so we make sure to leave a legacy for our names to be remembered. Knowing that, what's the point of trying to make a legacy in the first place, when eventually the people that you want to be remembered by, die as well?"

Has anyone ever thought about the name of the first human? The incredible works of those unrecognized inventors, the discoveries of those that aren't in the history books.

Do people know about Nannerl Mozart, Wolfgang's sister? What about the names of all the crew mates that followed Ferdinand Magellan on his round the world trip? The names of all the soldiers that fought alongside King Arthur in the Battle of Camlan? The name of the each and every ruler during the times of Mesopotamia? The list goes on, and on, and on.

There are essentially an infinite number of names throughout history, and currently, over four billion names are being used by people that are alive. Which begs the question. What's the point of a legacy, when death is always breathing up that legacy's neck? What if a larger legacy makes a debut and destroys yours?

"If that is the end for Sakayanagi Yasushi, then he's changed. What if Maida Yasushi was talking, hm? What would he say? What would the boy I used to love say about the end?"

The boy she used to love...?

(Ahem childhood friends...What? Something wrong?)

"Why don't you ask him then? I don't really know that guy very well, not anymore at least."

In all honesty, if I had to make a guess, the old me would say that I deserve to die just so I can end the suffering for good. Quite hypocritical of me, I admit, but I wasn't really looking at it holistically. Now, I truly had a reason to stay alive, but no reason to leave a legacy.

"Alright, in all seriousness though. The old me would say that the end will reach all of us, and that trying to strive for a lengthy life is useless. In the end, death is taboo, and hated by everyone, while life isn't, and is loved by everyone. But..."

To me, life is suffering in disguise. A punishment for us humans who oh so love to discover, invent and advance ourselves further.

"Life isn't as much sunshine and rainbows as one would think. I believe you and Ayanokouji-kun both understand that very well. That said, both of you are so different, and yet so alike, but are still trying to learn the essence of human life." Arisu commented.

"And yet it's so difficult to do so, for the sole reason of how we've seen too much at such a young age."

I slumped on the back of the chair, faced the ceiling then closed my eyes. Some would argue that kids deserve love, before they realize the truth of reality, others argue that they should see immediately. While another subset don't even get the choice to accept a parent's love, because of reasons unknown.

"Well, I suppose that's enough about that. Let's get on with why I really wanted to talk with you alone."

Arisu took her cane and stood up to walk towards her school bag. She sat down on her bed, gesturing for me to move to her as she got out a folder from her bag.

"What's that?"

"A contract. I would like to propose a deal."

I stood up and walked towards Arisu, then took the contract from her. She gently tapped the side of her bed, gesturing that I should sit beside her, but I just continued to stand up.

With regards to a wish, this contract is a one time deal between the individuals Sakayanagi Arisu and Sakayanagi Yasushi.

-With the wish of Sakayanagi Yasushi to be thoroughly crushed, Sakayanagi Arisu will fight him during a special exam, abiding by the rules in a fair battle, no underhanded tricks
-Whoever wins and whoever loses, both individuals must pledge tonever touch the topic of being enemies again

It was a very short contract, but it spoke volume. I looked at Arisu straight in the eyes, she was serious about this.

"I won't hold back, just as you wish." She said.

Screw it, no need for any extra thoughts about this. This was the moment I've waited for, and dreaded. An opportunity to find out just how weak I really am.

How weak I am compared to her. How undeserving I am compared to my girlfriend. How worthless I am compared to him. And how invisible I am compared to the rest of society.

"...Then I accept." I said bluntly.

Arisu, for the first time since I've seen her today, finally smiled.

"And with regards to what you said last time...bury you, I shall. Alongside the boy considered as an artificial genius."

Please bury me, and put an end to the worthless existence known as Maida Yasushi, so that Sakayanagi Yasushi could come back anew.

Author's Note:

This was just a short little one-shot, hope none of you expected too much. Anyways, Class Poll is up next, and there would be like...I guess three one-shots about that, or maybe four. Then, I may end this fanfic at the Event Selection Exam, or continue it just so I can make interactions between Yasushi and people like Amasawa.

Withering Worries

Yasushi POV

With the revelation of the Class Poll Exam, problems arose.

I'm sure that I won't get picked, but the real problem is Ayanokouji. There's a chance that Nagumo would do something against us, since we had a hand in preventing the expulsion of Tachibana-senpai during the Mixed Training Camp.

That guy had to be furious that his plan was foiled by two of the three first-years that Horikita-senpai took note of. To me, this was his chance to try and get rid of us. This'll be the hardest, yet simplest exam yet.

"So, are you worried one of us will get picked, Yasushi-kun?"

Kikyou came up to my seat with a look of concern. Oh, with all the jealous boys? I have no doubts they would pick me because why not.

"Even if I did get picked, Arisu would drop her praise votes on me, and I could even tell her to put praise votes on you, Karuizawa and Ayanokouji as well." I said.

"I see, then that's a relief."

Ever since she became my girlfriend, most of the boys in our class looked at me with jealousy obvious in their eyes. Luckily for me, Hirata always reprimanded them, saying this was bound to happen.

"That said, we aren't exactly out of the woods just yet."

"He's right, we're not."

Ayanokouji tapped my shoulder and gestured for us to follow him. From the other side of the classroom, Karuizawa was already heading out the door. I grabbed my bag and cane, then stood up, going towards the door with Ayanokouji and Kikyou in front of me.

Upon exiting the classroom, Karuizawa gestured that she'd go a different way and meet up with us somewhere else. Since classes ended for the day, we had free time till the evening curfew, so we walked towards the library to discuss our countermeasures...Or so I thought we would anyway.

"We'll do absolutely nothing regarding who our classmates pick." Ayanokouji said.

"What?"

"I said it bluntly, didn't I? I'm sure Horikita and Hirata can handle everything."

"Not unless Nagumo does something. He's the student council president, and I'm sure he has a few million points on him." I said.

"Are you saying he might bribe our classmates?" Kikyou asked.

"Yeah, that's exactly what I'm thinking about. I'm not worried about myself since I have connections in the class, but Ayanokouji, do you think you'll be okay?"

"I don't think it, I know it, I'll be fine. Don't worry about a thing, this exam is quite simple so we don't have to pull that many big moves on our part."

"Hey guys, what'd I miss?"

From the entrance of the library, Karuizawa arrived.

"Nothing really, I was just answering Sakayanagi-kun's questions about potential threats." Ayanokouji replied to her.

"Is it like the student council president or something? I mean, he interrupted the date on Christmas and looked really mad when you stepped in during Tachibana-senpai's possible expulsion."

"It's not just Nagumo I'm worried about. Chabashira-sensei said this has never happened before on the whole history of this school. What else hasn't happened that has never happened before? Chairman Sakayanagi getting replaced by an Acting Director."

The girls just looked at me in shock, while Ayanokouji still had the same apathetic expression on his face.

"Are you saying that the Acting Director made this exam just to make things interesting?" Kikyou asked.

"I don't think the Acting Director made it, but instead just approved it. I think Nagumo suggested this to the school, and since Chairman Sakayanagi wasn't in charge, it was approved."

The chairman would never approve such an expulsion based exam. Sure, every exam so far involved expulsion, but this time the only escape route was using 20 million points, which is extremely bad for all the first-year classes.

Since Ayanokouji and I helped out on points to negate Tachibana-senpai's expulsion, we are now running low. I doubt even Arisu's class has enough points since they've been supplying Ryuuen's class with 20 thousand per person. The worst of it would probably be for Class B, since Ichinose would hold herself responsible. After all, they've been playing to negate expulsions, not get to Class A immediately.

"You have a fair point. However, we don't have much of a choice do we? Whatever the reason for this exam to be happening, it is still indeed happening. We should just work on keeping ourselves safe." Ayanokouji said.

"Not what I meant. What I meant was, if Nagumo and the Acting Chairman are working together to make this exam happen, it's obvious they're gonna ue points to bribe students into casting censure votes on one student. What if that one student is one of us?"

"Then we pay them back some day. For now, survival is our top priority."

"If push comes to shove, I'll ask Arisu if she can put her class's praise votes on us." I said.

"It may not be necessary, but it's reassuring that the option is available." Ayanokouji said.

"So we just act natural? Wouldn't that be suspicious to Horikita-san?" Karuizawa asked.

"Not really. I don't think she really cares what I do."

"You're practically her consultant, that's your side job while being the puppet master."

"It can't be helped, but I really doubt she'd care for what I do."

"Whatever. Well, did we have anything else to discuss?" I inquired.

"Not really. I only called this meeting to dispel any concerns from the three of you."

"I mean I didn't have that many concerns. Would anyone remind me who is the pessimist among us?"

"You don't have to look at me while saying that, Karuizawa."

And besides, this time I have a reason for being pessimistic. The Chairman told me that if I get expelled, I basically have no future since people are going to be after me. Arisu wouldn't like me getting expelled either, heck a lot of people here would probably not want me getting expelled, myself included.

I really don't want to leave it to chance. Whether people are after me or not, I'd go back to that suffocating atmosphere either way. If I don't die by any other means, I'd most likely pull the trigger with my own two hands.

"Am I wrong? I saw you at the cafeteria back in the training camp. You were practically trembling while you were sitting there thinking of something."

"Ah that, I was just thinking about what Nagumo would do at the time."

There was no need to think about that particular topic anymore.

"Technically Ayanokouji-kun is also a pessimist. He's just more relaxed than Yasushi-kun." Kikyou commented.

"Thanks...I think?" Ayanokouji said.

"At any rate, since that's about all we were gonna discuss, the other girls wanted to talk to me about this exam too, so I'll see you guys later." Karuizawa said, walking away with a wave.

"You two are also dismissed, I suppose. The Ayanokouji Group also wanted to talk to me."

With that, Ayanokouji also left the library. That left me with Kikyou...Uh oh, that left me with Kikyou.

"So then Yasushi-kun, where do we go now? I've cancelled my plans with the girls for today, so we can do whatever you want." She said.

That's basically saying "make a move, or else" right in my face. What am I supposed to do here?

"Let's see...Well we could always go to Keyaki Mall and do whatever you want. This sort of thing isn't really my style just yet."

Seriously, what the hell do I do here?

"Hmph, do I have to do everything for you?"

"Somehow, yes."

"Luckily for you I already had stuff planned out for the day." She said, pulling out her phone, then winking.

She tapped through the phone then grabbed my free hand, practically dragging me out of the library.

"Come on, let's go!" She urged.

Someone help me.

Ayanokouji POV

After I separated from the Ayanokouji Group, I went to a different section of the mall. It would have been great if I was just wandering around, but sadly I had business to attend to.

I walked into the cafe of which I was called to, and quickly found the person that wanted to talk to me. I sat across this person, waiting for them to start the conversation.

"I assume you thoroughly understand the content of this sudden special exam." Sakayanagi Arisu said.

"Yes." I replied.

"Then I don't need to remind you about it. Since it is so expulsion based, I will not use this for our match, especially since Yasushi-kun also wanted to challenge me."

"Oh? So your step-brother wants to see how weak he is?" I asked her.

"Yes, and I can whole-heartedly understand why. If it comes to it, you have my word that both of you will not get expelled at all, but please do watch out for Nagumo-senpai."

Nagumo Miyabi, the student council president. He certainly had the funds to bribe everyone in the first-year student body and tell them to expel us, but luckily, Sakayanagi-kun and I have that handled.

"He can't do anything to us because of the consequences of doing so. What Nagumo would do would probably be something along the lines of paying the ret of the first-years a hundred thousand points, expel me, then give them another hundred thousand points."

Certainly, our class would easily fall for such a trap, but not while they're under Horikita and Hirata's control. Kushida was the deciding factor of why they wouldn't be able to take such a deal, even if it was discretely. She alone would be able to influence everyone to not expel both her boyfriend and one of her closest friends.

Connections can be powerful, give the correct situation.

"Are you saying everyone wouldn't be able to take such a stupid deal because of Kikyou-san?"

And Sakayanagi-san hit the nail on the head.

"Kushida is an incredibly powerful ally in a situation like this. Everyone knows I'm friends with her boyfriend, and they wouldn't dare move against her, especially knowing that she's been changing recently."

Kushida's two-faced mask morphed into something else. Those two sides of her merged into one and made sure people knew she could be crazy if she wanted to be. Not even the stupidest of our classmates would want to stand against her knowing that fact. If either me or Sakayanagi-kun get expelled, she could wreak havoc at any time, declare war on Nagumo, and have Sakayanagi-san as well as Ryuuen on her side. That's how strong she's become in these past few months.

(Ngl I'm kinda proud of the character development I put into Kushida.)

"If you are so sure, then enough about that, I can trust your word. Now, let's move on to why I truly called you here."

So she had something else in mind then?

"What is it?"

"Two things. First, I wanted to talk about how Yasushi-kun has been doing."

"What's to talk about? He's been himself. What specific details do you want to know?"

"About his demeanor as a whole. Does he sometimes suddenly look pale, suddenly feel down, things that point out that he's thinking about... something."

"There are times like that. Whenever we're talking about casual topics that aren't really important, he goes quiet and stares at something, but then I find that those were random things like the wall, the floor, and other things."

"I see. Then for the last matter, the acting director himself."

"Tsukishiro, huh? Are you worried about how he won't only target me, but you or Sakayanagi-kun as well?"

"I'm not worried about myself. In the event of my own expulsion, I will just be sent back to father. Yasushi-kun is a different case entirely."

"How so?"

"His documents still say that he has no legal guardian, so he would first have to return to whatever house or apartment he lives in, get the original copies, and then go to father from there. However, that is where that place comes in."

...Right. His existence is harmful to that man. The fact that he is now involved in all this would pose so many problems for him, to the point that the only way to fix it is by taking him out like he did Matsuo.

But that's all the more reason we should keep him here, where he is protected. That man is losing influence after all, so we should do our best to make it go down even further. His investors and employees would be shocked to learn that he's losing in the overall battle because of a random kid that was adopted by the Sakayanagi family. What's worse is that he's not even the biggest problem, I am.

"You're saying that once he leaves this school, they're free to try and kill him."

"Yes."

"Sakayanagi, isn't it clear that he has his own influence circle now? He has Kushida, and then his own influence circle amongst the senpais and our own year. Whether Nagumo tries to bribe our year mates or not, the point still stands that him getting expelled in an exam like this is unlikely."

"Nagumo-senpai isn't who I'm worried about, it's his mental state?"

"Care to elaborate on that?"

"I said he wanted to challenge me, yes? We are currently bounded by a contract that states in a special exam, we would battle each other fair and square. I made it clear to him that I will not use this special exam for that contract."

"So where's your concern? What happens after the fight, perhaps?"

"Yes, if he loses, I have a suspicious feeling that he would willingly drop out of this school, knowing full well that there are people out to kill him. He's already been informed about people from that place being the ones that want to do so, and that he is only safe while in this campus."

"That's basically his means of suicide then."

Sakayanagi-kun has probably been thinking about his upcoming match then, which is why he tends to zone out from time to time. This was unexpected, but I had to make do. Somehow we need to convince him to stay.

"He isn't battling me or you just yet, rather he is battling himself." Sakayanagi-san continued.

"Your biggest enemy is yourself. That quote finally bites back at us." I commented.

If you know yourself too well, or have a fake understanding of who you are, either way, you are your biggest opponent. Even if there are stronger or smarter people out in the world, the hardest enemy to fight is your own self. For Sakayanagi-kun's case, it would be a battle between his already disappearing ambition, and his resolve to die.

"If you could, please just keep a closer eye on him. Aside that and our own match, I promise I will ally myself with you in hopes of taking down the acting director. And once we graduate from this school, we shall assist you in taking down your father and that place."

"You're willing to throw everything just so you could protect him?"

"...I once had a thing for him, ten years ago to be exact. Seeing him again here, him not recognizing me, I thought we could start over, but father had something different in mind."

For once, Sakayanagi-san looked vulnerable. Her guard was down.

"It's a shame, no? A boy like him, not caring about himself, wanting to be buried because of how inferior he thinks of himself compared to us."

"You know more about him than you let on." I said.

"Yes. So if I don't try to protect him, who will? Kikyou-san? You? There is no telling when all of you decide to abandon him."

That was a fair assessment, considering both mine and Kushida's nature.

"This is still very unlike you."

"What if it is? His life matters very much to me, that is all."

Human bonds can be a shackle, but I suppose it's worth it at times.

"Very well then. I'll keep a closer eye on him, and make sure none of us get expelled."

"Thank you, Ayanokouji-kun."

With that, I left the cafe, wanting to conclude my business for today, and went back to the dorms.