Class B's Class Leader Election

Teacher Hoshinomiya began the standard welcome speech for the new students, her tone warm and enthusiastic, brimming with bright hopes for the future. She introduced the school's top-tier facilities, its strong faculty, and the grand goal of "cultivating elite talent capable of shouldering the nation's future." Everything seemed radiant and full of promise.

"...However," Teacher Hoshinomiya shifted her tone, her smile still sweet, but a faint glint of cunning flickered in her eyes, "at Kōdo Ikusei High School, truly growing and earning resources isn't just about sitting in a classroom and listening to lectures."

She raised a finger and wagged it lightly. "The school operates on a 'Survival of the Fittest' principle. Everything here revolves around 'Points.'"

"Points?" Murmurs of discussion immediately rippled through the audience. The new students looked curious. Toudou Shizuya showed a hint of interest at just the right moment.

"That's right, Points!" Teacher Hoshinomiya nodded firmly. "They're the crucial 'currency' for your life on campus, your studies, and even your future advancement. You can use them to buy various goods and services at the school store, exchange for special course resources, and even... influence your graduation evaluation." Her tone carried a hint of mystery.

"Then, Teacher, how do we earn Points?" A boy in the front row (Bystander A) couldn't help raising his hand to ask.

"Great question!" Teacher Hoshinomiya gave him an approving look but didn't give a direct answer. "The way to earn Points... well, you'll need to explore and work hard on your own. The school encourages healthy competition and cooperation. Remember, the overall performance of your class directly affects the basic Points each person receives every month!" She cleverly dropped the keyword "class" without explaining the specific rules.

"Also," her smile faded slightly, and her tone turned a bit more serious, "the school has strict School Rules. Those who seriously violate them will face heavy Point deductions at best, or at worst..." She paused deliberately to build tension, "...they may face expulsion."

"Expulsion?!" Gasps echoed through the room. Amakura Asako instinctively shrank her neck, and Morita Ken's hand froze mid-motion as he adjusted his glasses.

"So, everyone, make sure to follow the rules and do your best!" Teacher Hoshinomiya instantly reverted to her sunny smile, as if the warning had been an illusion. "Alright, enough serious talk! Next, we need to quickly elect a class leader for Class B to guide us forward! Any volunteers or nominations?"

The class leader election began.

After a brief silence, the expected voice rang out.

"I nominate Ichinose Honami!" A girl (Bystander B) raised her hand first, her tone full of trust and praise, "Earlier at the Notice Board, Ichinose was really helpful showing everyone around. She seems very reliable!"

"I second Ichinose!" Kobashi Yume immediately chimed in, her voice lively, "Honami just gives you a sense of security!"

"Agreed!"

"Support Ichinose!"

There was almost no suspense. The nominations came one after another, quickly coalescing into a clear consensus. Ichinose Honami stood up a bit shyly, a warm and sincere smile on her face, and bowed slightly to everyone. "Thank you all so much for your trust. If you're willing to give me this chance, I'll do my absolute best to serve our Class B family, work with everyone, and grow together!"

Her voice was clear and pleasant, her demeanor neither humble nor arrogant, full of charisma. Her A-Rank Leadership Charisma (Affinity) and Team Cohesion Building skills flowed naturally from her, making people instinctively feel trust and closeness. Toudou Shizuya could clearly sense that when she stood up to speak, the whole classroom atmosphere grew warmer and more united.

[Target: Ichinose Honami]

[Skill Tree Refresh: Leadership Charisma (Affinity) A-Rank (Active)... Team Cohesion Building A-Rank (Active)... Empathy and Compassion A-Rank (Active)...]

Just then, Kanzaki Ryuji also stood up, adjusted his precise glasses, and spoke in a calm, clear voice. "I second that. Ichinose is indeed the most suitable candidate. Her affinity and cohesion are vital for the class. If Ichinose is elected, I'm willing to assist with specific class affairs and Financial Planning and Management."

[Target: Kanzaki Ryuji]

[Skill Tree Refresh: Rational Analysis and Decision Making B-Rank (Active)... Financial Planning and Management B-Rank (Active)...]

Kanzaki's statement was like the final seal on an already uncontested election. Shiranami Chihiro murmured her support, Amakura Asako nodded repeatedly. The other students had no objections at all.

"It seems everyone is in complete agreement!" Teacher Hoshinomiya clapped her hands happily. "Then, I officially announce that the class leader of Class B is Ichinose Honami! The Vice Class Leader is Kanzaki Ryuji! Congratulations to both!"

The classroom erupted in warm applause. Ichinose bowed again to thank everyone, and Kanzaki gave a slight nod. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over Ichinose Honami as if gilding her. The core leadership of Class B was established on the first day, in a harmony that felt almost inevitable.

Toudou Shizuya clapped lightly along with the others, a gentle smile on his face, but his eyes were calm as still water. His gaze lingered briefly on Ichinose, and his mind locked onto the most central, shining skill in her skill tree—[Leadership Charisma (Affinity): A-Rank].

[Enter Virtual Training Ground to simulate learning Target Skill: Leadership Charisma (Affinity)?]

Confirm!

Consciousness switched instantly.

The cold black plane vanished, replaced by a... chaotic, noisy virtual classroom scene.

Desks and chairs were askew. Several blurry student projections were locked in a heated argument, faces red and necks strained. Someone slammed a desk, someone stood with arms crossed in a sneer, someone looked utterly dejected. The air was thick with a Tense Confrontation and a Gunpowder Scent. Scene information prompted: [Simulation Scenario: Internal Class Conflict Eruption (Trigger: Unequal Activity Fund Allocation). Training Objective: Quell the dispute, reunite the group, and gain majority support.]

Toudou Shizuya found himself Standing On The Lectern, at the center of the storm. Countless eyes—filled with anger, doubt, and disappointment—Focused on him. Immense pressure pressed down on him like a physical force.

He took a deep breath, trying to mimic Ichinose's gentle yet firm smile, and attempted to speak. "Everyone, calm down and listen to me..."