Horikita Suzune

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Horikita Suzune (堀北铃音)
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Formerly Class D; later Class C
Occupation / Role	Second-year student; Class C representative; performs Student Council work 367 485 598 712
First Appearance	Chapter 5

Background / History

Suzune entered the school determined to reach Class A and gain recognition from her older brother, Horikita Manabu. Her early approach was modeled heavily on him: she pursued perfection, acted independently, and treated Class D's low-performing students as obstacles to be corrected or discarded. 27 50 103

After Class D's failures and internal divisions, Suzune confronted the possibility that imitating Manabu's methods had not brought her closer to her goal. Kazehara Tetsu urged her to become “the first Horikita Suzune” rather than a copy of her brother, a perspective she gradually accepted. 102 103

Her relationship with Manabu later improves substantially. By his graduation, Suzune cuts her hair short and shares an emotional farewell with him; Manabu entrusts Kazehara with looking after her in his absence. 356

During her second year, Suzune offers to support Kazehara's long-term class-merger plan while continuing to pursue advancement to Class A. Her growing attachment to him also becomes a personal reason to change, which she eventually acknowledges in a candid conversation with Kushida. 498 671 711 712

Appearance

Suzune initially has long black hair, a cool profile, and a meticulous, composed bearing. She later cuts her hair short as a symbol of personal change. 27 356

• Often maintains a cold or expressionless demeanor. 27 70
• Keeps her school uniform neat, including a meticulously fastened collar. 380
• Sustained a severe right-ankle ligament strain during the Sports Festival. 161 162
• Wore a black-and-white maid outfit while working at Class C's school-festival café. 600
• Later wears the same style of maid uniform during a private maid-service arrangement with Kazehara. 633

Personality

Suzune is proud, direct, and intensely disciplined. She does not flatter others even when desperate, refuses to falsely admit wrongdoing, and places great importance on dignity, honesty, and competitive fairness. 168 175 331

Early on, she was highly individualistic and ruthless in her reasoning, considering the removal of classmates who could not provide sufficient value to the class. 50 60 Defeat, injury, and repeated class crises force her to become more reflective. She learns to assess people more calmly, seek help when needed, and make decisions for her own beliefs rather than solely for Manabu's approval. 103 194 485

Despite her reserved manner, Suzune consistently works to protect her class. She negotiates for partners, forms alliances, defends Manabu when his circumstances are misunderstood, and assumes responsibility for difficult class decisions. 321 366 367 387

Suzune remains highly practical in competition. She initially rejects Ibuki's challenge to a personal match because it offers no concrete benefit to her class, though she later competes against Ibuki in the Sports Festival when the event presents a meaningful opportunity. 519 550

Though usually guarded about private matters, Suzune has become more willing to acknowledge insecurity and curiosity around people she trusts, particularly Kazehara. 521 638

Her emotional directness does not necessarily make her comfortable discussing romance. During the educational trip, she plainly admits that she likes Kazehara in front of Kushida and Ichinose, but subsequently leaves their conversation while claiming not to understand romance. Learning that Kazehara overheard her admission embarrasses her more visibly. 673 674

Suzune prefers quiet to extended social conversation, finding casual chatter draining even when she remains outwardly polite. She also struggles to identify what she personally wants to do for enjoyment, admitting that she is accustomed to following an itinerary rather than considering her own preferences. 670 671 674

Her willingness to accept advice increasingly coexists with independent scrutiny. When consulting Kazehara about an examination, she questions the weaknesses of his proposed method before deciding to use a similar approach for Class C. 712

Abilities & Skills

Academic Ability

Suzune has an Academic Ability rating of A and studies with exceptional concentration. 27 367

• Works through large stacks of reference books and takes detailed notes. 27
• Uses careful research to investigate Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's chess ability through repeated games against a chess AI. 331
• Acknowledges her own limits: she had little practical knowledge of International Chess before cramming its fundamentals for the class battle. 339

Leadership and Strategy

Suzune serves as a class representative and directs Class C during high-stakes examinations. 334 598

• Built a seven-player soccer lineup around Hirata Yosuke to maximize his athletic and leadership value. 334
• Refused to disclose Class C's plans to an opposing-class student, prioritizing fairness and tactical secrecy. 331
• Negotiates with underclassmen and seeks partnerships to reduce the risk of her classmates being expelled. 366 367
• Formed an alliance with Nanase Tsubasa to clear an obstacle in the small-group pairing exam. 387
• Recognizes the political importance of the Student Council and intends to seek its presidency. 485
• Defused her classmates' suspicions of Ibuki's school-festival involvement by personally taking responsibility for the prior arrangements. 598
• Recognizes limitations in her planning and accepts correction: after suggesting Mount Moiwa as a sightseeing destination, she acknowledges Ichinose's concerns about the additional time and physical burden on the group. 668
• Plans to adapt Kazehara's accuracy-first strategy for a hundred-question class exam, emphasizing question selection, manageable tasks for weaker students, and a confident opening participant. 712

Observation and Deduction

Suzune can identify inconsistencies and hidden motives under pressure.

• Questioned how Kushida obtained information from Kinoshita, correctly suspecting cross-class coordination. 163
• Noticed Ryuen was secretly recording their confrontation before he could use the footage against her. 175
• Deduced that Kazehara's acquisitions of Class B's “Free Ride” cards likely served broader Student Council and class-manipulation plans. 425
• Remains cautious of seemingly friendly overtures from capable students, such as Amasawa Ichika and Sakayanagi Arisu. 367 660
• Notices that Kushida's private kindness and cooperation during the educational trip depart from her usual hostility, prompting her to ask directly about the change. 671
• Recognizes that Kushida already knows the object of Ichinose's affection and is not asking about her love life merely out of idle curiosity. 672

Athleticism and Combat Aptitude

Suzune possesses agility and enough combat awareness to evade attacks and counterattack, though she is outmatched by physically overwhelming opponents such as Hosen Kazuomi. 382 383

• Continued competing despite a strained ankle, eventually finishing the 1,200-meter race in last place rather than withdrawing. 162 173
• Dodged Hosen's repeated attacks and adopted a formal combat stance when she could no longer evade indefinitely. 382
• Her stamina was rapidly depleted during the confrontation with Hosen, whose strength and endurance exceeded hers. 382 383
• Defeated Ibuki Mio in the long-jump event by seven centimeters. 550
• Can ski, although she does not consider herself particularly suited to teaching it to others. 660

Domestic Skills

Suzune can prepare pour-over coffee using a standard brewing ratio and approaches the task with the same concentration she applies to other responsibilities. 633 634

Equipment / Items

• Compass — Carries one and has used it to threaten Kazehara Tetsu when angered. 485 498
• Smartphone — Used to play a recording during her confrontation with Ryuen. 175
• Bluetooth earpiece — Used to listen remotely to the discussion involving Amasawa's partner-selection arrangements, allowing her to keep informed despite not being present. 638

Relationships

• Horikita Manabu — Older brother whose recognition initially drives many of Suzune's choices. Their distant relationship softens into an emotional farewell before his graduation. 103 225 356 Before their final parting, Suzune becomes able to face him directly and promises to demonstrate her progress, while he expresses expectations for her future achievements. 311 349
• Kazehara Tetsu — A Class A student who repeatedly challenges Suzune's thinking, aids her in several crises, and influences her personal growth. Their exchanges alternate between strategic cooperation, irritation, mutual gratitude, and increasing personal closeness. Kazehara openly states that Suzune is his current romantic target; after a later bet, she performs private maid service for him, and they eventually spend a night together in the same room. Their relationship remains largely concealed from their classmates. 27 103 168 177 485 633 638 659 Suzune offers to help his class-merger plan and admits her feelings for him. During the educational trip, she openly acknowledges her affection to Kushida and Ichinose; Kazehara subsequently invites her on a private date, to which she raises practical objections without explicitly refusing. She later seeks his examination advice over dinner and considers how Class A's point earnings could support his broader plan. 498 673 674 711 712
• Ayanokoji Kiyotaka — Classmate whose concealed abilities Suzune investigates. She relies on him in class strategy while remaining cautious of his motives and true limits. 102 329 331 367
• Kushida Kikyo — Classmate and longtime adversary. Kushida intensely hates Suzune and conspires against her, while Suzune remains unmoved by Kushida's approval or hostility. By their second year, both girls are aware that the other has private ties to Kazehara. 149 197 659 During the educational trip, their private hostility begins to soften: Kushida explains that she is making concessions for Kazehara's sake, and Suzune acknowledges similar feelings and her own efforts to change. This creates a tentative understanding rather than an established close friendship. They subsequently discuss romance with Ichinose, with Suzune calmly accepting Kushida's teasing about her bluntness. 671 673
• Ryuen Kakeru — Rival who frames Suzune for Kinoshita's injury and attempts to extort and humiliate her. Suzune ultimately turns the situation around using evidence. 164 165 175
• Ibuki Mio — Initially hostile toward Suzune, but later assists Class C's school-festival café through arrangements Suzune approves. Their rivalry continues into the second-year Sports Festival, where Suzune defeats Ibuki in the long jump. 425 519 550 598 600 Despite their habitual insults, they cooperate during the island examination, earning just over one hundred points together. Suzune considers Ibuki stubborn and quick-tempered but also straightforward and comparatively easy to understand. 425 521
• Nanase Tsubasa — First-year student who later forms an alliance with Suzune for the cross-grade exam. 382 387
• Amasawa Ichika — A first-year Class A student whom Suzune assesses as capable but potentially dangerous. Suzune attempts to steer Amasawa into partnering with Ayanokoji in order to protect her own class's interests. 367 369
• Sakayanagi Arisu — Class A opponent whose loyalty to Kazehara puzzles Suzune during the class battle examination. Sakayanagi later approaches Suzune directly, expressing interest in speaking with her further. 333 334 660
• Ichinose Honami — A major anticipated rival in Suzune's goal of becoming Student Council President. 485 They also share a trip group and discuss their feelings for Kazehara with Kushida. Ichinose's concern that she has made Suzune uncomfortable helps persuade Suzune to remain in the bathhouse conversation, despite Suzune's original wish to leave. 657 671 673

Story Role / Major Arcs

Class D Crisis

Suzune confronts Class D's zero-point standing, poor discipline, and risk of collapse. She initially resolves to either reform underperforming students or eliminate them as liabilities. 27 50

She negotiates a price of 300,000 Personal Points to buy the six marks needed to save Sudō and Ike from expulsion. Although the class agrees to pool the money, she recognizes that the rescue only postpones the underlying problem unless the two improve. 49 50

During the Sudo/Ken Sudō incident, she investigates the missing evidence but ultimately refuses to defend Xuteng when no proof supports his account, separating his conduct from the rest of Class D. 66 70

Uninhabited Island Examination

While ill and feverish, Suzune is attacked by Ibuki and framed by Ryuen through her key card. Ayanokoji later rescues her. 96 102

The exam's failure and Class D's resulting mistrust leave Suzune emotionally shaken, leading to her pivotal discussion about abandoning her imitation of Manabu. 102 103

Sports Festival

Suzune suffers an ankle injury after Kinoshita collides with her, with Kushida further worsening her condition through sabotage. 161

Ryuen uses Kinoshita's false injury claim to demand one million Personal Points and a humiliating apology. Suzune refuses to admit guilt, seeks help from Kazehara, and later confronts Ryuen with recording evidence. 164 165 167 168 175

Despite her injury, she completes the 1,200-meter race to prove her resolve. 173

Class C Leadership and Student Council Ambitions

As Class C's leader, Suzune directs class-battle strategies, protects tactical information, and organizes teams for special examinations. 331 334 366

During the class battle against Class A, she selects an entirely athletic set of signature events to avoid her opponent's academic strengths. Her strategy includes committing Hirata to the opening soccer match and choosing Onodera Kayano for swimming. Later academic rounds strain her limited pool of strong students, while Koenji's uncooperative behavior makes him an unreliable resource. 334 336 338

She begins Student Council work with the aim of becoming secretary and eventually competing for Student Council President, viewing institutional influence as necessary to overcome Class A's class-point lead. 485

She later offers to assist Kazehara's proposed class merger. In a subsequent discussion, she suggests exploring Chairman Sakayanagi's authority as a possible way to address the plan's resource shortfall. 498 639

Cross-Grade Examination and Hosen Conflict

Suzune attempts to secure first-year partners despite Class C's lack of points and unfavorable bargaining position. 366 367

When Hosen attempts to extort her class and turns violent, Suzune refuses to yield, evades his attacks, and chooses to fight back. 380 382 383

Second-Year Sports Festival

Ibuki challenges Suzune to a personal contest, which Suzune initially dismisses as strategically meaningless. 519

During the Sports Festival, Suzune faces Ibuki in the long jump and wins by seven centimeters, intensifying their competitive rivalry. 550

School Festival

Suzune manages Class C's maid café and personally works in uniform alongside Ibuki. She vouches for Ibuki's participation despite her classmates' concerns about sabotage. 598 600

When a staffing shortage affects another area of the festival, Kushida arranges for Suzune to replace departing workers. Suzune carries out the reassignment in silence despite her evident displeasure at being moved from her original post. 609

Ski Educational Trip

Suzune joins a small-group educational trip to a Hokkaido ski resort. She confirms that she can ski, although she does not volunteer to instruct the inexperienced students. 660

During the journey, Sakayanagi unexpectedly reaches out to her and proposes speaking more deeply in the future. Suzune responds politely while remaining cautious of Sakayanagi's motives. 660

When the group considers sightseeing destinations, Suzune proposes Mount Moiwa. After Ichinose explains that the journey would require more time and energy than visiting the TV Tower, Suzune acknowledges that she had overlooked the group's overall burden. 668

At the inn's bathhouse, Suzune questions Kushida's unusually cooperative behavior after an argument involving Ibuki. Kushida explains that she is trying to change for Kazehara, and Suzune admits that she shares similar feelings and is also making an effort to change. Ichinose then arrives and, together with Kushida, persuades Suzune to stay rather than leave the conversation. 671

The discussion turns to romance, and Suzune directly declares that she likes Kazehara. She remains composed through Kushida's teasing but eventually leaves, saying she does not understand romance. Outside, Kazehara reveals that poor soundproofing allowed him to overhear the conversation. He changes the subject to what Suzune herself wants to do during the next day's outing and invites her on a private date. Suzune becomes flustered and argues that encountering their companions would turn it into a group outing, but she does not explicitly reject the invitation. 673 674

Hundred-Question Examination Preparation

Over dinner with Kazehara, Suzune observes that Class A earning more points would help his broader plan because its larger membership would generate more Personal Points. She frames her concern as preparation for reaching Class A, while Kazehara interprets it as growing affection. 711

She consults him about an upcoming hundred-question class exam. His proposed method involves practicing how to identify question difficulty, selecting only questions each student can answer reliably, and limiting weaker students to a few attainable successes. He recommends prioritizing accuracy and the five-point bonus for working more than thirty minutes rather than chasing the ten-point bonus for exceeding an hour, and placing a confident student first to reduce pressure on the class. 712

Suzune tests the proposal with practical questions before deciding to employ a similar approach for Class C. She thanks Kazehara and pays for dinner, maintaining both her competitive ambition and her willingness to seek his help when her own planning reaches an impasse. 712

Notable Quotes

“I won't give up on promoting to Class A. To achieve that goal, I'll pay any price.” 50

“The first Horikita Suzune...” 103

“I won't do that.” 168

“Whether you hate me or loathe me, it has nothing to do with me.” 197

“If you want to set your sights on me, then from now on, you'd better work hard toward that overly unrealistic goal.” 485

“I like Kazehara Tetsu.” 673

“My apologies. I'm just that boring of a person.” 673

Trivia

• Suzune calls Kazehara Tetsu a “Monster” after witnessing the enormous number of points he earns. 425
• Her short haircut coincides with her farewell to Manabu and symbolizes her growth away from his shadow. 356
• She initially knew little about International Chess, but still prepared extensively to evaluate Ayanokoji's skill. 331 339
• Although she can ski, Suzune considers herself a poor choice for teaching beginners. 660
• She remembers hearing about Kazehara's professional-level cooking through a Bluetooth earpiece long before finding a comfortable opportunity to ask him about it. 638

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