"This way, we can make a profit while also winning the trust of Class 1-C and Class 1-D."
"After all, now that they know only Class A can graduate, the lower-ranked classes can only rack their brains trying to climb up."
"And this time, unlike before, they already know the truth about this school in advance, so they won't lose points in the Behavioral Standards Exam."
"Once this month ends, there's a chance they might be promoted to Class B or even Class A."
"And that only applies to Class C and Class D. As for Class A and Class B..."
"After losing in the first month, the upper-ranked classes will become anxious. Suddenly dropping down or being caught up to is agonizing, so they'll turn to the second-years for help."
"Classmate Sakayanagi is the Student Council President, so she can naturally choose the Points for the first-years' special exams."
"And to preserve their positions, they can only seek Yanagi's help in using the Student Council President's authority."
"So after this, Class 1-A or Class 1-B will probably become an appendage of our class."
"Then we'll have gathered all four first-year classes, ABCD." Oreki lightly raised his left hand, palm facing upward.
And that was holding them in the palm of his hand.
"..."
"..." Suzune was speechless. "As expected of you."
In other words, although the new students knew the school's rules and appeared to have gained an advantage, he could still manipulate them into fighting each other. How terrifying, Houtarou Oreki.
"But handling things that way would be rather troublesome." Oreki scratched his head.
"There are several people among this year's freshmen who need watching. Those little thorns might cause trouble."
"So if I wanted to control them completely, I'd have to put in quite a bit of