"Good Besties"

Others might not be qualified to say that, but Koenji Rokusuke absolutely is.

Unlike Ayanokoji, that "fake genius," Koenji Rokusuke is a true genius in every sense of the word.

And unlike Sakayanagi Arisu, a genius with a physical defect, every aspect of Koenji—from head to toe—is already the ceiling of this school. His only flaw is his personality.

In the original story, during the first uninhabited island exam, a brief observation was enough for him to realize the island was artificially cultivated. Later, just from Ayanokoji grabbing his arm once, he was able to deduce the true mastermind behind Class D...

Countless events proved his ability.

"Too bad, though. I thought I'd earn enough points to transfer classes.

But I didn't expect a few people to bet a lot of points on you winning, so my final take was only a few million. I should've set the odds a bit lower."

"You sure have guts. What if I'd lost? Wouldn't you have been wiped out?"

Hearing the teasing tone, Koenji only replied with confidence.

"My observational skills are very accurate.

Just a quick look at your first match was enough for me to understand.

Not just technique—even strength wasn't on the same level. There's no way you'd lose to an opponent like that."

Ayanokoji, standing nearby, finally understood.

So that's how it was.

He'd thought the betting pool was run by third-year seniors, but it turned out to be Koenji Rokusuke. The only ones who'd been played from the start were those upperclassmen.

As long as points were transferred voluntarily, there was no penalty. By creating some hype and using a few people to spread the word, plenty would take notice.

On the surface, the third-years had the advantage, but the publicity all centered on Gojo Satoru's track record.

No matter how impressive, no one would believe at first that a single person could beat an entire team—especially a famous school basketball team.

As long as the third-year victory odds could still earn points, some cheapskates would jump on board. After all, on paper, the third-years' win was a sure thing.

He really did have guts. If Gojo had lost, he'd have been staring down a massive debt, wouldn't he?

"Well, time's about up. I've got things to do. You two can handle the cleanup."

Finishing the last dessert on the table, Gojo Satoru stood up and left.

He'd said everything he needed to. Next, he should go find Chabashira and discuss the class transfer.

"Then I'll leave it to you, Koenji."

Looking at the table piled high with empty plates, Ayanokoji decided not to stay either.

If he didn't leave quickly, he'd be the one paying. Sure, he'd made a decent amount from that bet, but dropping tens of thousands in one go still stung.

Watching the two leave, Koenji felt a bit helpless.

Should've made contact later. Unexpectedly dangerous, Sunglasses Boy.

Bang!

The faculty office door was pushed open again.

"Little Sae!

I'm here for you!"

Bounding in, Gojo Satoru greeted her with a smile.

When he noticed Hoshinomiya Chie beside her, he immediately pretended he hadn't known she was there before opening the door.

His expression quickly calmed, and he gave a flat greeting.

"Hello, Hoshinomiya-sensei."

"So mean!

Why are you so happy when you see Little Sae?!

I'm not bad either, am I?"

Faced with such blatant favoritism, Hoshinomiya Chie whined indignantly.

Before either of them could respond, she made another demand.

"I don't care!

From now on, you have to call me Little Chie too!

Or I'll throw a fit!"

What answered her, however, was a look from the other two as if they were staring at an idiot.

Feeling the naked contempt, Hoshinomiya Chie grabbed Chabashira Sae by both shoulders and started shaking her.

"I'm not joking!

I've really started making a scene!"

"He's the one who called you over, so why are you shaking me?"

Thump!

Having been messed with for no reason, Chabashira Sae stood up and brought a chop down on Hoshinomiya Chie's head.

"Boo hoo hoo~

Gojo-kun bullies me, and even Sae-chan does the same!"

Feeling utterly wronged, Hoshinomiya Chie rubbed the spot where she'd been hit with her left hand, crouched in a corner, and started drawing circles on the floor with her right.

If I hadn't seen the story, I'd really think she was innocent.

Watching Hoshinomiya Chie's antics, Gojo Satoru felt a bit exasperated.

At first, he thought she was the same type as Ichinose, but it turned out she was just as dark underneath.

"Stop pretending. Hurry up and leave. We have things to discuss."

As a close friend, Chabashira Sae knew exactly how she operated—she wasn't nearly as simple as she seemed.

"No need for that. Actually, the reason I came is related to Hoshinomiya-sensei too."

He hadn't expected her to be so considerate—she was already trying to kick herself out before he even said anything.

Sure enough, older women really knew what was up!

Related to her?

Chabashira Sae didn't understand. There was no connection between the two of them.

Why would he look for her? Did he want to turn her into the same kind of person as himself? That would be interesting to see in her friend!

"Eh!

Gojo-kun has something to talk to me about?!"

Hearing that it involved her, Hoshinomiya Chie's expression shifted instantly, and she returned to her earlier smile.

"Don't get so close."

Gojo Satoru blocked her face with his hand, not wanting her to approach.

Pfft!

"Ha!

Gojo-kun, you're grabbing me so hard!

How is this hand so strong?"

After he let go, Hoshinomiya Chie took a deep breath.

Even though he'd only gripped her lightly, she could still feel the lingering sting on her face. She didn't need a mirror to know there must be red marks left behind!

"I'm going to use my points to transfer to Class B. I'll start attending classes there next week."

The explosive statement left the other two stunned, staring at Gojo Satoru, unable to speak.

Chabashira Sae looked at him in disbelief, constantly suppressing the urge to ask questions, since there was still a third person present.

Hoshinomiya Chie, however, was full of doubt. She hadn't expected him to already have 20 Million Private Points, and it seemed he had far more than that.

Thinking back to their last encounter, it seemed like Sae-chan had known all along that he held a massive amount of points—that's why their relationship was so good, and she didn't care how he addressed her.

She didn't tell me. Keeping secrets, huh? Damn bestie!

"I never thought someone in Sae-chan's class could be so impressive. Too bad, though—he's coming to my class now!

Could it be that the girls in your class are just too useless?"

A playful smile spread across her face as she taunted Chabashira Sae, like someone who'd gotten a little too full of themselves.

Even though she was furious, Chabashira remained expressionless—though the pen in her hand had already snapped.

"Everyone has their own thoughts. As a teacher, I naturally won't interfere with a student's decisions."

Seeing Chabashira Sae like this, Hoshinomiya Chie's smile grew even wider.

Sure enough, a crumbling Sae-chan is the most entertaining!

"Hahaha, that's true. It would be rude for a teacher to hinder a student's progress!"

Not letting up, Hoshinomiya Chie continued her mockery, putting extra emphasis on the word "progress."