Ayanokoji's Judgment

# Chapter: Karuizawa's Tool Person

Regarding the curriculum, this school had nothing particularly special about it—it was the same as an ordinary high school.

The main subjects were divided into Japanese, mathematics, English, science, physical education, social studies, and civics, along with many other elective courses.

Since it was only the first day of class, the school simply gave a brief explanation of the study policy going forward.

All the subject teachers were extremely friendly, choosing to turn a blind eye to the various petty actions students made during class. Even the class advisor, Chabashira Sae, had not a single word of reproach.

Gradually.

The students of Class D grew even more reckless. A guy named Sudo had even fallen asleep openly in class.

His slightly rhythmic snoring echoed through the somewhat noisy classroom, already beginning to affect the teaching environment, yet the teachers still chose to ignore it.

Faced with this situation.

Students who had originally been somewhat worried and trying to put on a show of diligence also began secretly engaging in all sorts of petty actions.

"As expected, a bunch of flawed goods."

Listening to Chabashira-sensei's lecture from the podium, Tenyo Yuyuki thought to himself.

As for the high school curriculum.

Under the elite education of the Tenyo Family, Yuyuki had naturally already mastered it.

But he still put on a look of earnest study.

Looking back at Class D.

Most of the students had already begun to slack off.

Compared to other classes, Class D indeed had a massive gap.

Not just in academic ability, but more so in their inner qualities.

Relying on such a group to promote to A Class was undoubtedly impossible; they would inevitably need to undergo more trials to achieve greater growth.

Time passed in this lax atmosphere until noon.

"Tenyo, want to go to the student cafeteria together for lunch?"

Matsushita Chiaki turned around and issued the invitation, adding half-jokingly, "You didn't join us for the gathering yesterday, so you can't refuse today, okay~"

"Of course."

Yuyuki replied with a smile, then turned to look at Horikita. "Suzune, want to come along?"

"No need."

Horikita Suzune stood up, her voice cool. "I prefer being alone."

Leaving behind a dashing silhouette, Horikita Suzune walked straight out of the classroom, clearly unwilling to socialize with any classmates.

Even Tenyo, with whom she had a transaction, was no exception—at most, they exchanged nods when meeting.

"Are you and Horikita on good terms, Tenyo?"

"Why do you ask?"

As the two walked side by side toward the school cafeteria, Matsushita's curiosity about their relationship wasn't surprising, but Yuyuki still handed the lead of the conversation to her.

Matsushita Chiaki said with confusion, "Look, it's only the second day of school, and you're already calling Horikita by her first name. Or did the two of you know each other before?"

"No, I only met Horikita yesterday."

Yuyuki said with a hint of trouble. "How should I put it... I just feel like teasing Horikita a bit when I see her."

He paused briefly, then explained, "Not that kind of teasing. Matsushita should understand, right?"

"Hm, I get it."

Matsushita Chiaki nodded in agreement.

Horikita Suzune did give off an impression of being self-righteous, making it hard to feel fond of her. The urge to play a prank on her wasn't strange, but one had to know moderation.

Tenyo Yuyuki hadn't gone overboard either.

Still.

The fact that Horikita Suzune didn't seem to mind Tenyo calling her by her first name—could it be that Horikita had some favorable feelings toward Tenyo too?

Matsushita Chiaki tested the waters softly. "Then can I call you by your first name too, Tenyo? You can just call me Chiaki."

"Of course!"

Yuyuki nodded with a smile.

In Sakurajima, only when intimacy reached a certain level would people address each other by first names to express closeness or friendship.

It seemed.

Matsushita Chiaki might have some thoughts about him, as if she was trying to hit on him.

His handsome looks combined with his identity as the Tenmyouin Zaibatsu heir made him the perfect match in Matsushita's eyes.

Too bad.

Though Matsushita was very beautiful, she wasn't a genius with special talents—merely a usable talent at best.

Soon they arrived at the student cafeteria.

Yeyue and the other person each bought the most expensive A-set meal and found a corner seat to sit down.

With state backing for the school, the student cafeteria was naturally extremely spacious; even if the student population increased several times over, it would surely still accommodate everyone.

Before they had sat for long.

Hirata brought a group of girls into the cafeteria. He glanced around briefly, spotted Yeyue and the other person, and walked over.

"Tenyo, and Matsushita."

Hirata came before Yeyue with a tray that wasn't particularly lavish, wearing a bright smile.

"Sorry, we couldn't find a good spot. If it's convenient, can we eat together?"

Before Yeyue or Matsushita could respond, a yellow-haired girl with a ponytail beside Hirata leaned in close to Matsushita.

Her pale blue eyes sparkled like gems. She had casually tied her school uniform jacket around her waist, and her skirt was just at that 'almost seeable edge.' Her skin was as smooth as lard, and her face was very pretty.

But her whole babe-style demeanor left a somewhat negative impression.

Karuizawa Kei.

Her babe style was just a protective facade to hide her inner weakness. The real Karuizawa Kei had suffered unimaginable bullying in middle school.

She had even been fatally injured because of it—under that blue shirt, there should be a scar deadly enough to kill.

Entering high school.

This girl had made up her mind to start over in a place where no one knew her.

Even if it meant sacrificing everything to become a parasite clinging to the strong, she never wanted to return to those days of being bullied, nor did she want her past exposed.

When rumors about Kushida spread through the class.

Karuizawa Kei was equally terrified and didn't use her position as the leader of the girls' group to care for Kushida.

She was afraid of being targeted by strangers.

At that moment.

Karuizawa casually wrapped an arm around Matsushita, complaining, "Matsushita, you're so mean, leaving without waiting for us."

Then she glanced at Tenyo, a little smug. "Could it be... you're on a date with Tenyo? How youthful—damn, I'm so jealous!"

"Sorry~"

Matsushita replied without a hint of apology. "I was just giving you and Hirata a chance, right?"

To that, Hirata flashed a bright smile, as if Matsushita's joke didn't bother him at all.

"Don't joke around, it's only the second day we've known each other~"

Karuizawa touched her beautiful hair, laughing as she waved her small hand slightly, clearly unconcerned.

At the same time.

Tenyo Yuyuki keenly noticed.

While speaking, Karuizawa was secretly sizing him up, then glanced at Hirata.

"Hirata, don't be so formal."

Yeyue pulled his tray back slightly, signaling. "We're all classmates in the same group. Have a seat."

"Thank you, Yeyue. You really saved us."

Hirata seemed relieved, then looked at the classmates around him and said cheerfully, "Alright, everyone, sit down."

As if understanding Hirata's character, the girls quickly took their seats, and only then did Hirata sit down.

For some reason.

The girls seemed to have an unspoken understanding, leaving the seat across from Yeyue for Hirata.

The two only boys in the group formed a stark contrast.

Probably because of the gathering after school yesterday, the girls present had gotten to know each other to some extent.

Yeyue was a step behind.

Still.

He didn't mind and casually chatted with everyone.

Though this was a moment to showcase one's social skills, Yeyue didn't deliberately try to stand out.

Karuizawa's scrutinizing gaze earlier.

Was probably her judging which of him and Hirata was more suitable to parasitize, who could better protect her.

Without a doubt.

It must be Hirata.

It has nothing to do with class standing or personal ability or charm.

Hirata's position is more neutral; he'd even sacrifice himself for the stability of the class.

Karuizawa believes it!

Someone like Hirata would absolutely never use her past to threaten her in return; he'd even desperately protect her history from being known.

Before considering the two's abilities and status, Karuizawa cares more about a sense of security.

No one is a fool.

Yeyue naturally understands this very well.

Only.

He currently has little interest in this girl named Karuizawa.

Having just targeted Kushida, it's not suitable to go after Karuizawa now.

Otherwise.

D Class might fall into all kinds of anxiety.

Although Karuizawa is pretty, her heart is like porcelain pieced together with tape—fragile to the point of breaking!

As long as she encounters even a slight threat, Karuizawa's tough babe persona would instantly collapse; in other words, everything about Karuizawa is fake.

Without having undergone any transformation, Karuizawa holds no value whatsoever.

Only through hardship can Karuizawa shine like a gem.

Moreover.

The gap between D Class and other classes is an objective reality; daily study sessions, the Sports Festival, conflicts among classmates—all need the class leader to resolve.

This is a massive workload! It would greatly compress the leader's personal time.

Yeyue has no interest in that whatsoever.

He only needs to enjoy the benefits; as for the work tasks, of course, they're left to his subordinates to handle.

The one who hides until the very end is the ultimate winner.

Unlike Ayanokoji.

Yeyue will wield influence second only to Hirata's.

The two have their own pros and cons.

Ayanokoji can hide deeper, but when it comes to making his voice heard at a critical moment or gathering intelligence, he must rely on his pawns—the efficiency is somewhat low.

Yeyue, though he might be feared by people from other classes, can have his own say; in the specific environment of D Class, with Hirata's personality, Yeyue could become the leader at any time.

At the same time.

It's also more convenient for him to gather information.

"Speaking of which, isn't Kushida with you all?"

Yeyue asked casually.

Wang Meiyu, sitting beside Hirata, said somewhat dejectedly, "She said she had something to do and went back to the dorm first. She's probably still a bit down."

"Poor Kushida." Karuizawa suggested at the right moment, "How about we find the culprit spreading the rumors and get revenge for Kushida?"

A few girls instantly fell silent.

Yeyue understood.

Wang Meiyu, this exchange student from the Dragon Country, embodies the kindness and gentleness of the Dragon Country; having not experienced much darkness in that great nation, she might have already built a good relationship with Kushida and genuinely cares about her.

However.

Karuizawa is more likely using this topic to gauge his and Hirata's attitudes, to analyze their characters.

Though he knew the answer Karuizawa expected, Yeyue remained silent and didn't reply.

"Let's just forget it."

Hirata said hesitantly, "It hasn't caused too big a problem yet. The other party might not keep spreading rumors about Kushida. We can wait and see for a few days. For now, it's better to focus on caring for Kushida."

By the end, Hirata began to solicit everyone's opinions, "What does everyone think?"

"Since Hirata says so, let's wait a few days."

"That's true. Kushida is more important right now."

Karuizawa clapped her small hands in agreement, and the other girls also voiced their approval.

She was very satisfied with his answer.

She could even predict, If it turned out to be someone from D Class spreading the rumors, Hirata would absolutely protect that person to maintain class stability!

This was exactly the kind of tool person Hirata was!

Only, she might not know that Hirata is public property...