Delving into the Rules

"Tenyo Yuyuki, right?"

"Could you spare me just a little of your time?"

Looking at Horikita Suzune, who stood before him with a compass in her hand and a cool expression, Tenyo Yuyuki felt a little helpless. Her words sounded like a question, but carried an air that made them impossible to refuse.

Still.

What are you, some kind of gang member? Are you planning to drag me into the bathroom and stab me to death?

"Sorry, I have something to take care of. I need to talk to Chabashira Teacher. If you really want to ask me out, Suzune, wait until after school. I should have time to go on a date with you then."

Tenyo spread his hands and walked straight past Horikita Suzune.

At his words, Horikita Suzune's brows knitted. She immediately gave up on getting back at Tenyo Yuyuki right then. There seemed to be many incredible things about this school; compared with its secrets, Tenyo Yuyuki was of little importance.

"What do you need to talk to Chabashira-sensei about?" Horikita Suzune hurried to catch up with Tenyo, then added, "And don't call me Suzune!"

"I don't see why I need to tell you." Tenyo raised an eyebrow. "Right, Suzune?"

"You..."

Horikita Suzune faltered. This time, she didn't bother correcting him. Instead, she calmly said:

"True, there's no reason you have to tell me. Then let's exchange information and analyze things together."

"Based on what Chabashira-sensei said, this school, founded by the government, doesn't seem as strict as you'd expect. In fact, it's far too generous. There must be something behind it. Tenyo, what do you think?"

She didn't think there was anything wrong with Tenyo Yuyuki's response. After all, they were strangers, and he had no reason to tell her anything. But she had also sensed that something was off about the school.

This was the school her brother, Horikita Manabu, had chosen. How could it be ordinary? That alone was enough to keep Horikita Suzune on her guard.

But with her narrow perspective, all she could do was sense something was wrong with the instinct of a beast. She couldn't figure out why.

"I just use my eyes to look," Tenyo replied with a smile. He left her with his back turned and made no effort to entertain her.

"Are you an idiot?"

Horikita Suzune was practically fuming.

They could share information, analyze things together, and work toward a win-win. She couldn't understand why Tenyo Yuyuki refused.

Teacher's Office.

Chabashira Sae had returned to the office early. She was alone there; the other teachers were probably still fielding students' questions.

"So this year's D Class is no good either."

Sitting in her office chair, Chabashira Sae lit a cigarette. This year's D Class had once again disappointed her.

She believed she had given them enough information!

Anyone should know that money didn't grow on trees, yet these students hadn't asked a single question. They were simply foolish.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka!

The name slowly surfaced in Chabashira Sae's mind. He was an utterly ordinary high school student, yet the Chairman had personally given an order concerning him.

Did he have powerful connections, or was there really something unusual about him?

"Oh, well. As long as he's at this school, I'll find out sooner or later."

Chabashira Sae couldn't help thinking so.

Those with ability would naturally stand out, while those who went unnoticed would fade into obscurity.

That was Koudo Ikusei High School, where ability reigned supreme.

Knock, knock.

Just then, someone knocked on the door.

It couldn't be a teacher. Soon, two D Class students walked in.

"Tenyo Yuyuki and Horikita Suzune, right? What can I do for you?"

As someone hoping to Promote to A Class, Chabashira Sae knew her students very well.

One was an heir to the Tenmyouin Zaibatsu, and the other was an excellent student with grades good enough for A Class. Chabashira Sae couldn't help feeling hopeful.

"There's something personal I'd like to discuss with you, Teacher," Tenyo said, avoiding words like "question" to make sure Horikita Suzune couldn't join them.

After all, they were both D Class students, and without a valid reason it would be difficult to exclude a classmate right in front of her. But a personal matter was different.

"..."

Horikita Suzune understood this perfectly too. Her brows furrowed, making her displeasure clear.

"All right. Horikita, go wait outside for a while."

Chabashira Sae was delighted by how thoroughly Tenyo had covered his tracks. She led him into a small private room in the office.

Watching them leave, Horikita Suzune knew Tenyo Yuyuki was bound to ask something she hadn't thought of, perhaps something related to the school's rules.

Unfortunately.

She had no valid reason to join them.

As for eavesdropping—

The soundproofing was excellent, for one thing. More than that, Horikita Suzune disdained such behavior.

Suppressing her frustration, Horikita Suzune went outside the office to wait.

Although she thought most of the people in D Class were a hindrance, there was no doubt that Tenyo Yuyuki was no longer one of them.

However.

To catch up with her brother in Third Year A Class, she had to understand the school's rules, demonstrate her ability, and become someone her brother could be proud of.