Class D was currently divided into three factions, much like the Three Kingdoms standing in a balance of power:
The Hirata Yousuke Faction: It had the support of most of the girls in Class D. Karuizawa Kei, one of the leaders of the girls' group, served as a bridge between them. On top of that, she had already started dating Hirata, so naturally she would stand by her boyfriend.
The Horikita Suzune Faction: Thanks to her tutoring at the Study Session, as well as her major achievement in obtaining the old Midterm Exam papers, she already had a certain level of popularity.
Then, during the Yamauchi Incident, she had taken neither side in the conflict between the boys and girls of Class D, remaining uninvolved in both.
With Ayanokoji quietly acting as a go-between behind the scenes, Horikita ultimately earned the approval of most of the boys. The girls didn't dislike her, either, and everyone recognized her ability.
The Kushida Kikyo Faction: Kushida alone was enough to represent an entire faction.
Once Class D's beloved, angelic girl, she had later become the sole victim of the Yamauchi Incident. Although she had grown much colder in temperament, she still got along very well with everyone, and nearly everyone felt sympathy for her.
On top of that, she was constantly moving between the two factions above. You could say she was the bridge between the boys and girls of Class D, making her a force that couldn't be ignored.
As a result, Class D ultimately selected eight students to take part in the Tian Shu Sha Exam:
Hirata Yousuke, Karuizawa Kei, Wang Meiyu;
Horikita Suzune, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, Yukimura Teruhiko (Keisei);
Kushida Kikyo, Miyamoto Soshi.
The Hirata and Horikita factions each chose three people. Kushida, meanwhile, used her influence to recommend Miyamoto Soshi, the electric game enthusiast who had shown an excellent aptitude for this exam.
Ayanokoji naturally didn't want to participate. This exam was far too unpredictable, and he really didn't want to take part. Unfortunately for him, Horikita wouldn't let him get out of it.
Hirata said, "Everyone should understand by now that this exam has nothing to do with physical fitness. What we need is the ability to adapt, along with some brainpower."
"So, we've selected the eight contestants listed above. Unless something unexpected happens, we won't change the lineup. Does anyone have any objections?"
Everyone shook their heads. Aside from Kouenji Rokusuke, who kept himself apart from the class, these eight might not have been the most suitable candidates for this exam, but they were definitely Class D's best choices at the moment.
Hirata said, "Now, we need to discuss who will get the Lord Card. In this exam, the Lord's rewards are second only to the Traitor's, but the Lord and Loyalist side clearly has a better chance of winning. So, whoever uses the Lord Card needs the approval of everyone in Class D."
Knowing his own abilities were lacking, Hirata suggested that Horikita Suzune act as Class D's Lord.
Kushida Kikyo also spoke up in agreement, while Ayanokoji Kiyotaka remained silent, amused.
Horikita also thought there was no problem with her taking the role.
And so, Horikita was chosen to hold Class D's Lord Card, with no objections.
Class B also quickly selected four candidates: Ichinose Honami, Kanzaki Ryuji, Hamaguchi Tetsuya, and Kobashi Yume.
The first two were the leaders of the boys and girls in Class B, respectively, so of course they had to participate.
Hamaguchi Tetsuya and Kobashi Yume were both quick thinkers or fast learners.
Class B's abilities were well-balanced, so they had more than enough suitable candidates for any exam.
Ichinose smiled. "There are no real losers in this exam. Although Class C's Class Points are very close to ours, we could end up in the same faction as the Class C contestants during the Tian Shu Sha competition... That's such a dilemma~"
Shiratori Chihiro said, "I think Honami and everyone else just need to do their best in the competition. Don't feel pressured. After all, Class D is the one getting special treatment this time. They get to send twice as many people..."
Kanzaki Ryuji was more concerned with practical matters. "As for who should get the Lord Card, I think it'd be fine for Ichinose to use it."
Class B immediately broke into a chorus of agreement.
Ichinose hurriedly waved her hands in refusal. "Let's have Tetsuya take the role of Lord this time. He's a good fit... To be honest, I'm not very good at games like board games, hehe~"
Ichinose had admitted to one of her shortcomings, setting off a burst of laughter in Class B. It was clear that a competition where everyone had a chance to win suited Class B's taste.
And so, Hamaguchi Tetsuya was chosen to hold Class B's Lord Card.
Class 1-A.
"Why should we give two spots to the Yanagi Faction?" Tozuka Yahiko said irritably. "What makes you think you deserve them?"
Tozuka Yahiko was a loyal supporter of the Katsuragi Faction and one of the future members of the dropout brigade.
Yahiko was an extremely unlucky name, even by the standards of the Naruto world.
At that moment, Tozuka Yahiko was going all out against the Yanagi Faction, doing his best to dig his own grave.
Classes A, C, and D all had factional conflicts, but Class A was the only one to air them so openly. Even in casual conversation, they referred to people by their factions.
Starting a factional conflict right out in the open at this hallowed school—surely Class A would have their daily points docked for it...
Seeing Tozuka about to curse again, Katsuragi called out from the front of the room, "That's enough, Yahiko!"
Then Katsuragi turned toward the white-haired girl. "Sakayanagi, if you're willing to take part in this competition, I can give you the Lord Card."
Tozuka immediately looked ready to curse when he heard that, but Katsuragi turned back to him with a forceful glare and stopped him.
Katsuragi continued, "This competition favors Class D too much. But it'll be easy for Class A to avoid defeat as well. The key is to make sure the Traitors from the other classes don't win on their own!"
"So our top priority is to eliminate the Traitors. After that, we can do whatever we want. If we can win the whole thing, great. If not, so be it. Our Class Points are still far ahead of everyone else's."
"Classmate Sakayanagi, what do you think?"
The white-haired girl sighed. "How boring."
Tozuka Yahiko was so angry his face turned red.
Big Brother Katsuragi had not only given up the precious Lord Card, but had also given you two spots—and now he was practically begging you, yet Sakayanagi, that disabled girl, still wasn't satisfied!?
Of course, Tozuka Yahiko was still a student of Class A. He had at least the most basic manners, so he naturally wouldn't say anything vicious to her face.
Everyone in Class A fell silent, unsure what to do.
It was a classic situation for Class A: the two leaders had disagreed ever since they enrolled.
"...Fine." Sakayanagi suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. "Let Kamuro Sumire use the Lord Card. If you can agree to that, I'll participate too. Otherwise, Classmate Katsuragi, you can figure it out yourself."
Kamuro Sumire jolted. She knew she'd been under scrutiny lately, and Sakayanagi was targeting her!
Katsuragi immediately agreed. "Kamuro's abilities are no problem. But Sakayanagi, if you participate, you have to promise not to slack off."
"You're worrying too much, Katsuragi. It's just an unfair little game. No one can control how it turns out."
"I'll take that as a yes. The lineup is confirmed. I'll say it again: stopping the Traitor with the greatest rewards from winning is a victory for Class A!"
Class A's contestants: Kamuro Sumire (Lord Card), Katsuragi Kouhei, Sakayanagi Arisu, Tozuka Yahiko.
The night the rules of the Tian Shu Sha competition were announced.
In the dormitory room 501, Tennoji Kaede received a visitor.
"Wasn't Ibuki supposed to come too?" Shiina Hiyori slipped into Kaede's dorm room, avoiding the other students' eyes.
"She had something come up at the last minute, so she's not coming... All right, I'll be honest. I invited you here alone tonight, Hiyori. I was worried you might feel uncomfortable." Kaede spoke with a serious expression.
Hiyori smiled. "I don't mind, but don't lie to me again next time, okay~"
"Got it!" Kaede nodded and bowed in apology.
The two went inside and took their seats.
"There are some unusual circumstances surrounding this Special Exam. Anyway, I'm announcing now that Class C has already won."
Kaede declared victory.
Shiina Hiyori: ?
"But there's something really important I need your help with, Little Hiyori."
Kaede launched into a dramatic performance, pleading with her "through tears."
And so, the two spent a pleasant while plotting in secret.
Class C: Shiina Hiyori (Lord Card), Tennoji Kaede, Ryuen Kakeru, Kaneda Satoru.
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