Something Strange About Yagami Takuya

"Have you heard anything from Chairman Sakayanagi?"

Hashiba Hikaru's voice softened; he would be more confident if Sakayanagi Narimori could return sooner.

Not yet, but I don't think it'll be too late.

Sakayanagi Arisu gazed at Hashiba Hikaru's profile with her gentle eyes. With him by her side, she had no worries about the future.

"That's good. Things are still developing, let's wait and see."

Hashiba Hikaru pushed open the glass door to the Family Restaurant.

He was really looking forward to a good show today.

An hour earlier, in a large Conference Room inside the teaching building, Tsukishiro was chairing an emergency meeting.

Those present included all the homeroom teachers from the first and Second Year. Everyone sat on either side of the long table according to their grade Second Year. In the corner of the Conference Room stood a man in a black suit.

He was a member sent by the School Board, and his expression was indifferent.

"Chairman Tsukishiro, how do you think this matter should be handled?"

Mashima Tomoya has always disliked people who don't follow the rules. Although he is not the person in charge of Class A, he has always had a lot of authority.

"Yes, Chairman Tsukishiro, regardless of how this post came about, your seal cannot be faked. You should give us an explanation, shouldn't you?"

Although Chie Hoshinomiya doesn't usually do anything productive, in Matoba like this, she knows exactly what's in her best interest.

"What kind of explanation do you want? I've already said that I have no knowledge of this matter whatsoever. It's possible that someone stole my seal."

Tsukishiro's expression remained calm throughout. Although he was quite surprised by the incident, he didn't show it on his face.

"Hehe, aren't you making a mountain out of a molehill? What if it's just a misunderstanding?"

A man seated towards the back chuckled and said, "I think Chairman Tsukishiro's guess is quite likely. After all, why would he organize an exam like this? Someone must have stolen the seal."

"Teacher Sima, who do you think could steal the Chairman's seal? That's a pipe dream!"

Mashima Tomoya looked genuinely angry, his voice agitated, "There are always security cameras outside the Chairman's office, I just checked, and I didn't see anyone suspicious!"

"Perhaps the other party planned this all along. Did Teacher Mashima check all the surveillance footage?"

The male teacher named Shimaku Norinori had a slight smile on his lips; he was the homeroom teacher of Class D of the First Year.

"This doesn't make any sense, and the contract shown is clearly incomplete; there should be someone's signature at the bottom."

Chie Hoshinomiya chimed in at the opportune moment, "I think it's very likely that it was a violation of regulations. Chairman Tsukishiro, what's your answer?"

"I will not admit to things I didn't do, and your interrogation will be useless."

Tsukishiro shrugged, his expression still calm. He had called those first-year students to sign the contract in order to turn this exam into a secret underground operation that would never be known to anyone else.

He never expected that someone would secretly take photos, which would then escalate into Rumor Incident that has swept the entire school, making the situation rather troublesome.

Of course, admitting it was absolutely impossible. Although he was sent by Professor Ayanokoji to serve as Acting Chairman, the school had been run by Sakayanagi Narimori for many years, and the latter had a certain influence in all aspects.

"Instead of arguing here, I have a way to end this meeting much faster."

The man in the suit who had been standing by and listening finally spoke. As a representative of the School Board, he naturally leaned towards the Sakayanagi faction's position.

"What method?"

Tsukishiro turned her head to look at the other person's face.

"It's not that complicated."

What do you mean?

Mashima Tomoya looked at the other person, his expression somewhat serious.

"Because the procedures for uncovering the truth are very complicated, it might cause discord within the teaching staff, or even create conflicts between them, which is not the outcome the School Board wants to see."

"Instead of arguing endlessly, let Acting Chairman Tsukishiro make a statement; that will suffice."

The man in the suit fixed his gaze on Tsukishiro's face and spoke slowly.

"If Acting Chairman Tsukishiro insists that this matter has nothing to do with you, then... are you willing to stake your career prospects on it?"

His voice suddenly turned colder, even carrying a hint of malice.

"If you feel you have a completely clear conscience about what you have done, then I can represent the School Board to voluntarily let this matter drop and promise not to pursue it further."

"So, what's your decision, Acting Chairman Tsukishiro?"

"..."

Chapter 736 Yagami Takuya's Strange Behavior

Faced with the man in the suit's statement, Tsukishiro couldn't help but hesitate.

Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School is certainly not an ordinary high school; it is backed by a complex network of power.

The School Board and the investors behind it are behemoths in this country, and Sakayanagi Narimori is merely their agent. Because he performs well enough, he can continuously exert his influence.

Although Professor Ayanokoji wields considerable power, it is due to the success of the [White Room] and the powerful figures behind him. Even though Tsukishiro has been forcibly placed here, it doesn't mean he can truly do whatever he wants.

The School Board's resolution carries considerable weight, and each class's homeroom teacher has the authority to communicate with the School Board. He must make a decision as soon as possible to quell this turmoil.

"I'm willing to stake my career on it; if I didn't do it, I didn't do it, and I won't waver because of other people's slander."

After thinking for a moment, Tsukishiro finally gave his answer. Although it was a lie, as long as his plan succeeded, he could leave without worrying about being controlled.

"That's good."

The man in the suit nodded, then explained to everyone, "The School Board believes that Acting Chairman Tsukishiro is not someone who abuses his power for personal gain. Now that he has made his position clear, everyone can quiet down for a moment."

"So how should we resolve this? We can't just let the rumors continue to circulate in the school, can we?"

Hearing this result, Mashima Tomoya was dissatisfied but there was nothing he could do, since he couldn't really defy the School Board's decision.

"This is not something the School Board should concern itself with. You should handle it yourselves. The process should be completed within 24 hours at the latest, and a procedure for handling this matter should be established as soon as possible."

The man in the suit glanced at all the class teachers present and Tsukishiro's face, his voice suddenly turning cold.

"Please continue your efforts to build a better campus together!"

"Clear!"

After everyone expressed their agreement in unison, the man in the suit pushed open the door and walked out. After disappearing from everyone's sight, a smile finally appeared on his previously indifferent face.

Despite the major incident that occurred today, he couldn't actually deal with Tsukishiro, since the School Board also had to give Ayanokoji Atsuomi some face.

However, face is only valuable the first time; it loses its meaning after that.

In other words, Tsukishiro's get-out-of-jail-free card has been used up. If another scandal occurs, he will have no choice but to leave in disgrace.

On this point, the School Board will absolutely not back down.

"Sakayanagi said this matter is very likely related to a child named Hashiba Hikaru, but unfortunately I don't have time to meet him today, really."

The man in the suit reached up and loosened his tie to make it easier to breathe. He touched his hair and sighed with some regret.

Let's come again next time we have the chance.

By then, Sakayanagi should have already returned.

"Hello everyone, thank you for joining us for this dinner. Please sit down and relax."

As the host for the day, Hashiba Hikaru immediately stood up to greet Takahashi Osamu and the three boys as they entered the private room.

"Senior Hashiba has extended an invitation, we certainly can't refuse."

The boy who spoke was Ishigami Kyo, a Class A of the First Year like Takahashi Osamu. He was a boy with short hair and a smile on his face.

"Indeed, we're all very interested in Senior Hashiba."

The boy who spoke was named Yagami Takuya. He was a rather handsome boy with brown hair and was a member of Class B of the First Year.

Hashiba Hikaru had some impression of him because his academic ability was A (93).

"Good morning, Senior Hashiba. And this must be Sakayanagi- senpai. Hello, I'm Utsunomiya Riku from Class C of the First Year."

The last boy to speak was Utsunomiya Riku from Class C of the First Year. He had dark blue hair and sharp eyes.

The best part of his individual panel is his Physical Ability, which currently show an A (87), much better than many Second Year and third-year students.

"Hello everyone, Takahashi- kun, please sit down. Don't be so formal. I invited you all here just to have a simple chat."

Hashiba Hikaru smiled and asked the four boys present to sit down. He and Sakayanagi Arisu sat together on the inside of the private room.

"Alright, before the dishes are served, this is a chat time. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. As a senior colleague, I'd be happy to share my experience with you."

Hashiba Hikaru said with a smile, his aura gentle, transforming him into a caring senior who looked after his juniors.

"I have a question!"

Upon hearing Hashiba Hikaru's statement, Yagami Takuya from Class B of the First Year immediately raised his hand, a smile playing on his lips as he stared intently at the boy's face.

"Sure, what would you like to ask, Yagami-kun?"

"I want to know, why did Senior Hashiba choose us?"

Yagami Takuya said with a grin, "If you have any criteria for judgment, would you mind telling us?"

"Haha, that's an interesting question."

Hashiba Hikaru's gaze swept over the boys present. After Yagami Takuya asked the question, their expressions were all the same, showing great curiosity.

"The answer is actually quite simple: there's a special connection between us, something that only Takahashi- kun probably understands."

Hashiba Hikaru Takahashi Osamu, whose face immediately showed a knowing expression.

"Eh, Takahashi -kun already knew?"

Ishigami Kyo, Utsunomiya Riku, and Yagami all cast curious glances at him.

Actually, it's like this...

Takahashi Osamu had met with these people long ago and directly recounted his discussion with Hashiba Hikaru that day.

After listening to his explanation, the three boys reacted differently, each with their own hidden thoughts.

"So, Senior Hashiba knew about this Special Exam all along? Did you also choose our list?"

Utsunomiya Riku looked puzzled, but his eyes remained calm; his acting was quite good.

"Of course not. I only know about this exam. As for the selection list, that's Chairman Tsukishiro's business. I only found out your names later."

Hashiba Hikaru waved her hand, saying with a hint of helplessness, "It's a pity that this information has been leaked. I really want to know who did it."

"Yeah... I was really shocked this morning, I never expected it to be leaked."

Mentioning this matter, the first-year boys present were somewhat unhappy. Originally, only they were qualified to participate in the competition for 20 million, but now it has become common knowledge.

Takahashi Osamu's expression was somewhat strange; after all, he recognized that he had taken the photo, but he dared not admit it.

"There's nothing we can do. Now that the exam rules have been exposed, I think the school will probably stop the exam."

Hashiba Hikaru suddenly changed the subject, saying, "Actually, I'm very curious. When Chairman Tsukishiro told me about the content of this exam, I questioned why Ayanokoji was expelled. His stats were very ordinary, nothing special."

"If Senior Hashiba doesn't know, how would we know? You agree, right, Riku?"

"Don't call me that so intimately, we're not friends yet."

Utsunomiya Riku glanced at Ishigami Kyo, his tone somewhat cold.

"Hahaha."

Under Hashiba Hikaru's deliberate guidance, the atmosphere of today's private discussion was quite good. After the food was served, he even poured drinks for his junior classmates.

As the dinner party progressed, Hashiba Hikaru withdrew her gaze from the boys and finally settled on a target.

Yagami Takuya from Class B of the First Year.

This is a boy who seems to have a very outgoing personality; he kept agreeing with everyone's conversation.

During their conversation, Hashiba Hikaru deliberately mentioned Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's name several times. The first time, a strange expression appeared on his face, although he quickly returned to normal, it did not escape the boy's observation.

It's very similar to the "caring" attitude that Nanase Tsubasa showed when they first met.

Hehe.