*'With Ayanokōji's authority, he could easily investigate every student. Why did he ask me to do it?'*
*'Is there someone even he can't investigate?'*
Tsukishiro's doubts lingered, but he continued,
"High expulsion risk? Isn't that true for all special exams? One failure means expulsion—a rule stricter than most high schools."
"I'm pointing out the inconsistency. Students failing to meet standards are expelled, but this mechanism isn't simple. Many students have been expelled in the past…"
"So, what's different now?"
"Previous expulsions were due to incompetence, not forced. I disagree with creating a system to ensure expulsions. Introducing a new system for the final exam without explanation is unprecedented."
"Have you considered that our school's rules might be fundamentally flawed?"
Tsukishiro replied with a smile.
Not just first-year teachers, but second and third-year teachers also voiced concerns. However, as acting chairman, Tsukishiro's authority was absolute. Their objections meant nothing.
"Any more questions, teachers?"
Tsukishiro asked, but the room fell silent. They knew their opinions were futile.
"Let's conclude the discussion on the first-year final exam and the school's future. I have questions for the first-year teachers. Others, please leave."
Soon, only Tsukishiro and the four first-year teachers remained. Chabashira Sae's gaze fixed on Tsukishiro.
"I'd like to ask about noteworthy first-year students—those with exceptional talent."
"Sakayanagi Arisu, the former chairman's daughter," one teacher said.
"Ichinose Honami—her abilities are outstanding!"
"Ryūen Kakeru. He seems reckless but has unparalleled talent."
As names were mentioned, Tsukishiro's gaze shifted to Chabashira.
"Hirata Yōsuke or Horikita Suzune. They're our class's most exceptional students. Talent-wise, they could be in Class A."
Chabashira spoke calmly, though her eyes flickered. She knew Ayanokōji Kiyotaka was the truly exceptional one, but she couldn't reveal that.
Ayanokōji was her key to reaching Class A.
"Oh?"
Tsukishiro smiled faintly.
*'Ayanokōji is in her class. Rising from Class D to B—only a White Room product could do that. Is Chabashira unaware, or pretending? No, she knows. Ayanokōji's father visited the school.'*
*'But it doesn't matter. My question isn't about Ayanokōji.'*
*'I'm asking about someone else.'*
"Chabashira-sensei, I have a question for you."
"Go ahead."
Chabashira remained composed, though her eyes wavered.
"The former chairman took most records, but some data remains. Two students were specially enrolled in your class. Do you know why?"
Tsukishiro asked, and Chabashira's brow twitched.
"Yes."
"What's special about them?"
"Nothing particularly special."
"Then why did Chairman Sakayanagi place them in your class?"
"I don't know the specifics. It was her decision."
Chabashira used her best skill—feigning ignorance.
"Oh?"
Tsukishiro narrowed his eyes but didn't press further.
"What do you know about Saiki Kusuo?"
"He's average… almost invisible in class."
"Like Ayanokōji, then?"
"Hmm…"
Tsukishiro fell into thought.
*'Saiki Kusuo has the least data. He seems ordinary but was specially recruited by Sakayanagi. Who is he?'*
...
Meanwhile, in the student council office:
"May I come in?"
A soft voice echoed as a petite figure stood at the door—Sakayanagi Arisu.
"Of course."
Inside, only Nagumo Miyabi was present, smiling enigmatically.
"The student council office looks so extravagant now. I almost didn't recognize it."
Sakayanagi Arisu looked around, smiling.
Previously, the office had only a desk and chairs. Now, it was renovated with new wallpaper and Nagumo's personal items, starkly different from before.
This reflected the contrast between Horikita Manabu and Nagumo Miyabi.
"Weren't you invited to the student council by Horikita-senpai?"
Nagumo asked, smiling.
"Unfortunately, I wasn't. I wasn't invited."
"He really has no taste."
"So, does that mean you're different, President Nagumo?"
Nagumo's smile remained.
"I'd welcome you—but only as my personal accessory."
He patted a rabbit doll beside him.
"What must I do to earn your trust?"
Sakayanagi Arisu narrowed her eyes.
"Show me your strength. Join the student council first. Come over here."
"Not yet. Two leaders in one organization would be troublesome. Besides, I can't bring myself to outshine upperclassmen."
Sakayanagi Arisu smiled.
*'President Nagumo is capable. For now, I won't oppose him. He's still useful.'*
"Two leaders?"
Nagumo's smile widened.
"You, Ryūen—this year's first-years are interesting. But let's get to the point. Since you're not joining the student council, why did you seek me out?"
"Alright, I'll get straight to the point. I'm here with a request regarding Ichinose, the student council member from Class C. I plan to target her, and things might get rough."
Sakayanagi Arisu stated.
"I've heard about that. And then?"
"She's the only first-year student council member, which means she's a potential future student council president."
"If there are no first-year student council members and no outstanding freshmen emerge, she's guaranteed the position, right?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"But I should warn you, Ichinose might drop out."
Sakayanagi added.
There was no animosity between Sakayanagi and Ichinose. In fact, Sakayanagi didn't see Ichinose as a threat at all.
Her actions were solely to prove her strength to Ayanokōji Kiyotaka and demonstrate her power.
She also wanted to test something.
Would this move attract the true 'X'?
Sakayanagi and Nagumo Miyabi had previously discussed this matter.
"I don't recall giving you permission to go that far, Sakayanagi."
Nagumo's smile vanished, replaced by a chilling aura.
"You did say I could bully Ichinose to some extent. But I'd like your permission to be a bit more aggressive."
"I only granted you the authority to weaken her, not to push her to the brink. Honami is someone I plan to cherish personally."
"I understand, but unexpected things can happen. Even if she drops out, it's a possibility, right?"
"You're bold, aren't you? Not afraid of me?"
"It's just my nature."
"Let me ask you something. If it were you, you could act without my permission. But you're seeking my approval. Is it because you don't want to be my enemy?"
"Think what you like."
"Don't play dumb. I want to hear your true thoughts."
"The student council seems to hold more power than I initially thought. If the student council—or rather, you—were to protect Ichinose, it would complicate things for me."
Hearing Sakayanagi's words, Nagumo's stern expression softened into a smile.
He understood her intentions; she didn't want to be his enemy.
*This is good. If Sakayanagi becomes my possession, it would be ideal. But for now, using her to trap Honami in a difficult situation will make Honami rely on me even more.*
Nagumo thought.
"Alright, Sakayanagi. As the student council president, I'll allow your actions. But what exactly do you plan to do?"
"You'll see... That's all for now."
Sakayanagi paused, then continued,
"One more question. During the training camp, I remember you had a competition with Horikita Manabu. The results were never announced. While individual scores weren't disclosed, teachers would tell you if asked. I'm curious about the outcome between the two of you."
"There's nothing to say. The competition was canceled."
Nagumo replied directly.
"Canceled?"
Sakayanagi was surprised.
"Something happened that made Horikita realize my plan and understand my true nature. As a result, he unilaterally canceled our competition."
"Probably because you intended to involve others."
Sakayanagi believed Horikita wouldn't abruptly end a competition unless Nagumo had broken a promise.
"Hahaha, you're close. Trust is a valuable resource. Using it wisely can yield great results. But it seems Horikita didn't trust me enough."
"That doesn't seem like the former student council president's style."
"I agree."
Nagumo's expression turned serious again.
"I admit Horikita is strong, but this move isn't like him. I think someone else helped him. Anyway, it's not important. Sakayanagi, I acknowledge your strength. You're welcome to join the student council anytime."
"Thank you. It was good to come today. I understand Nagumo's character now. We seem to get along better than with Horikita. I'm relieved."
Sakayanagi nodded, put on her hat, and prepared to leave the student council room.
"Sakayanagi, what do you know about Saiki?"
Nagumo suddenly asked.