The audio sent from Ryūen Kakeru's phone was from an earlier conversation where he and other students in his class discussed how to frame Horikita Suzune.
Moments ago, Saiki Kusuo had used his psychic powers to control Ryūen's phone and send the recorded file to him.
This was his solution to today's dispute with Ryūen.
Since Ryūen believed there was a mastermind in Class B, Saiki would let him continue that misconception.
It would save him a lot of trouble.
"Hahaha, hahahaha, hahahahaha!"
Upon hearing the recording, Ryūen burst into laughter.
"Interesting, interesting. So, someone managed to record us?"
Though Ryūen seemed calm, he was deeply confused.
*What's going on? How is there a recording? It shouldn't exist. Manabe was the traitor in our class, but she wasn't even there. Who recorded this?! Is there another traitor in our class?! No, impossible... Could it be Yamauchi Haruki from Class B? Did he sneak into our resting area and record us silently? Is that even possible?*
*And why send it to me now? To show off his power? To prove he's in control... even of me coming to confront Saiki... This guy is terrifying...*
*'Actually, I recorded it...'*
Saiki stood expressionless before Ryūen. Though Ryūen acted like he was in control, Saiki knew he was rattled.
*Yamauchi... he's truly something...*
*Since the special exam, everything's been part of his plan.*
*I've failed twice already. Next time... I must win, no matter what.*
*'Yare yare... my hatred for Yamauchi is growing...'*
Saiki pressed his lips together. He'd expected this outcome, but there was no other way.
Let Yamauchi bear the burden. It's what he deserves.
"Alright, interesting. Let's settle this between our classes in the next exam. Tell that Yamauchi bastard that even if you win this time, we'll be watching him. If he slips up even slightly, we'll tear him apart without mercy!"
"And you, Saiki, you're just his lapdog. Even if you're Shiina Hiyori's friend, I won't spare you."
"Just wait. We'll crush you all."
With that, Ryūen waved his hand and left.
*Strange, what's this smell on me? Did something get on my clothes?*
Watching Ryūen's retreating figure, Saiki finally exhaled. At least in the first phase, Ryūen hadn't noticed anything. But the problem wasn't fully solved yet.
---
Minutes later, behind the dormitory building.
Albert, Ibuki Mio, and Ishizaki Daichi gathered near the bushes again.
Earlier, Mikoto Aiura, disguised as Ryūen, had ordered them to repeat yesterday's task and meet here.
Ryūen hadn't arrived yet, so they chatted idly.
"Ryūen's been acting weird lately, but I can't quite put my finger on it."
"He's probably in a bad mood... the way he acted this morning... clearly, he's unhappy with us."
"Either way, let's avoid talking about the sports festival from now on..."
Just then, Ryūen's footsteps echoed loudly.
"You three, how's the task going?"
Ryūen strode up to them and asked.
*What's that smell on Ryūen?*
*Mothballs? Mixed with mildew?*
*Did Ryūen not shower properly... or does he not know how to wash clothes?*
The same thought crossed their minds, but they knew better than to provoke Ryūen.
They didn't want to get beaten up.
Ishizaki glanced at the others, then turned to Ryūen:
"I've been tailing that Yamauchi guy all day and recorded his every move."
He handed Ryūen a notebook.
"Hmm?"
Ryūen flipped through it, his brow furrowing.
Yamauchi Haruki
11:31 AM: Entered the restroom.
11:34 AM: Left the restroom without washing his hands.
11:55 AM: Entered the cafeteria.
Ordered: Stir-fried tomatoes and eggs, fried fish fillet, cauliflower.
12:30 PM: Left the cafeteria.
12:42 PM: Bought a cup of milk tea on the way.
...
Several pages were filled with Yamauchi's every action, including how many times he went to the bathroom and how long each trip took.
"...What's the point of showing me this?"
Ryūen was more confused than angry.
"You told me to tail Yamauchi and see if he acted suspiciously, but he's too good at hiding it. I couldn't detect anything, so I recorded all his actions..."
Ishizaki explained seriously.
"..."
Ryūen was speechless, not knowing what to say. He clenched his fist and slammed it into Ishizaki's face.
After beating Ishizaki for a full three minutes, Ryūen finally stopped.
"Class B's Yamauchi is even more troublesome than I thought."
Ryūen wiped his fist and played the earlier recording.
"Impossible. Someone... recorded us there?"
Ibuki's eyes widened in shock, reminiscent of the Sudō Ken incident last semester.
"Could there be another traitor in our class? Kinoshita's the likely suspect..."
"I already checked Kinoshita's phone. She seems fine. Her fall was probably just an accident."
Ryūen said.
"Then who...?"
"Maybe Manabe was just a decoy for another traitor—or maybe there's no other traitor. Either Yamauchi snuck in to record us, or our area was bugged with a recording device."
Ryūen's expression turned serious.
"Just like what happened before..."
"How did he do it?"
Ibuki's confusion deepened.
"Can we check the surveillance to find him?"
"Pointless."
Ryūen shook his head.
"If Yamauchi could do this, he's already anticipated it. He's avoided all cameras. No need to waste effort. Either way, we'll make our move in the next exam. We'll corner Yamauchi."
---
In the dorm, Saiki used his clairvoyance to observe everything.
*Looks like this is settled for now.*
Saiki sighed in relief. At least Ryūen hadn't noticed anything unusual about him.
Sending the recording to Ryūen not only diverted his attention but also reinforced the idea that Saiki had nothing to do with Class B's mastermind.
But from now on, Ryūen would likely target Class B even more—
One problem at a time. At least this one was solved.
*This semester won't be peaceful...*
Saiki sighed, resigned.
---
Unnoticed, nearly a week passed.
Nothing significant happened—except the student council transition.
The school held a general election for the next student council members, followed by a handover ceremony.
Though Saiki and others weren't interested, all students were required to attend. Class B, being close to the stage, had a good view.
"Now, let's hear final remarks from President Horikita Manabu!"
Manabu stepped toward the microphone.
"I'm proud to have led the student council for two years. Thank you."
His speech was brief, as if preparing more was a waste of time.
*Onii-chan... is graduating...*
Horikita Suzune watched from afar, her eyes filled with admiration and pride.
"President Horikita, thank you for your hard work. Now, let's welcome the new president, Nanase Tsubasa from Class 2-A—"
Another person stepped forward.
Saiki remembered him from the relay race. He and Manabu didn't seem to get along.
"I'm Nanase from Class 2-A. President Horikita, thank you for your strict yet kind guidance. It's an honor to succeed someone with such exceptional leadership. I respect you deeply."
He bowed deeply to Manabu.
Despite the crowd, Saiki, being close, heard his thoughts clearly.
*Horikita-senpai, I respect you, but once you graduate, there'll be no one in this school to challenge me. How boring.*
*'Yare yare, what a troublesome guy...'*
Saiki shook his head slightly.
Nanase turned to face the students, a sly smile on his face:
"Allow me to reintroduce myself. I'm Nanase Tsubasa, the new president of Advanced Nurturing High School. I look forward to working with you all."
"I'll be direct. First, I'll change the student council's term limits, appointments, and election system. I propose moving the December general election to October, shifting to the next generation earlier. This will have a significant impact. It's time for a new phase. I'll also make the president and members' terms indefinite until graduation."
"I'll abolish the election system and member limits. We'll always accept new members—anyone excellent and necessary. If someone's unfit... I declare to all students, teachers, and the former council led by President Horikita: I intend to destroy the school's current system—everything the past councils upheld."
The crowd buzzed. Though Nanase had just praised Manabu, his decisions seemed to negate everything Manabu had done.
What concerned Saiki most were Nanase's thoughts.
*So boring. Without Horikita-senpai, this school is so dull.*
*Too many useless people here. This is supposed to be a meritocracy, but there's so much waste. Horikita-senpai was too lenient. I'll remove them all—the unfit don't deserve to be here!*
*I can't wait to reshape this school. The capable will rise, the useless will fall...*
*'Yare yare.'*
Saiki's gaze remained fixed on Nanase.