Faction

Ignoring Suzuki Tsubame's bewildered expression, Sakayanagi Narimori continued:

"The nation's political factions are divided into three. The first consists of families supporting Prime Minister Kijima's line—our Sakayanagi family is one of them."

"The second is the faction led by the Koenji family, who lean more toward the White Eagle. Your classmate Koenji Rokukei is the sole heir of the Koenji Conglomerate."

So that's it. The original story had mentioned that Koenji came to Advanced Nurturing precisely to secure cooperation between his family and Prime Minister Kijima.

No wonder he had blond hair—Suzuki Tsubame had assumed he dyed it that way.

But thinking about it carefully... that guy was always muttering, "I'm truly beautiful," so narcissistic that he didn't seem the type to dye his hair at all.

It was probably due to intermarriage between his family and the White Eagle.

"Finally, there's the Oriental Family."

"Our understanding of the Oriental Family is shallow. We only know they seem to hail from the Dragon Country and have only bared their fangs in recent years."

"They've even forced the Koenji faction to cooperate with Kijima's faction at one point."

Suzuki Tsubame half-understood. In simple terms, the Kijima faction supported by Sakayanagi and Ayanokoji were all locals of the island nation.

Meanwhile, those backing the Koenji family were from the White Eagle side.

The Oriental Family was from the Dragon Country.

Just how far did the Oriental Family's influence extend? Would he be assassinated?

Suzuki Tsubame's thoughts were in chaos. He didn't want to be dragged into factional strife for no reason.

As if sensing Suzuki's worry, Chairman Sakayanagi smiled slightly:

"Don't worry, Suzuki. The current head of the Oriental Family is still in good health. Even if they wanted to target you, it wouldn't be for another thirty years."

Alright, it seemed he didn't need to borrow trouble.

The meal was pleasant enough. The system's unresolved gaps were filled in by Chairman Sakayanagi, letting Suzuki Tsubame understand just how formidable the Oriental Family truly was.

The meal ended.

The two headed toward the school building.

After all, they had classes in the afternoon, and as model students, they couldn't afford to be absent.

"Suzuki, do you think the original intention behind my father founding this school... is correct?"

Walking along, Sakayanagi suddenly turned her head and posed this question to Suzuki Tsubame.

The chairman's original intention in founding the school... correct?

If Suzuki Tsubame had to answer, it was of course wrong.

Advanced Nurturing and the White Room—their essence wasn't really different.

If not for the birth of his daughter Sakayanagi Arisu, Sakayanagi Narimori would likely have been just like Ayanokoji Atsuomi.

Stopping at nothing for his political career.

Moreover, both were born during the island nation's economic bubble era.

Back then, the nation was faltering, talent was scarce, and they needed fresh blood to fill the gaps.

But now it was different.

Society had long since stabilized.

What they needed more wasn't ambitious politicians or greedy entrepreneurs...

But for Suzuki Tsubame to directly answer that her father's philosophy was wrong—

That clearly wouldn't do.

Sakayanagi's question might have been asked on behalf of her father.

Mainly, barring any surprises, he'd have to stay here for three years.

After thinking it over, Suzuki Tsubame gave his answer:

"Chairman Sakayanagi's original intention in building the school was simply to select talent—that's neither right nor wrong."

"But the meritocracy implemented by Advanced Nurturing has somewhat strayed from the theme."

"Students focus on immediate scores while neglecting their long-term development."

"There are also questions of fairness. Not all teachers are as impartial as Class A's Mashima."

"Then there's the uneven quality among students. Some are naturally more vigilant, so their elimination rate is naturally lower. But that doesn't mean such people are smarter than others."

Sakayanagi nodded. Indeed... when it came to vigilance, there was probably no one in this school who could surpass the person before her.

That person... probably couldn't either.

But Suzuki's last point was somewhat off. Smart people naturally had higher vigilance. If someone lacked any vigilance at all, they couldn't be considered very smart.

"Finally... and most crucially, to avoid elimination, students reduce information sharing, even engage in cutthroat competition, cultivating selfish personalities."

"Hmm... from various perspectives, Chairman Sakayanagi's original intention might not have been wrong, but the finer details still need improvement."

Suzuki Tsubame's final remark was clearly an attempt to cover for the chairman. After all, his original intention in building the academy was to rival the White Room.

Sakayanagi caught that nuance and let out a soft chuckle.

"Ara~ Could it be that Suzuki-kun is worried... that I'll relay everything you said to my father?"

Suzuki Tsubame scratched his head awkwardly. After all, they were on her father's turf.

It wasn't that he was a coward—just a little... cautious.

"Alright, your concern isn't unfounded. That question was indeed something my father asked me to pose."

Just as he thought...

Sakayanagi's smile faded, her expression turning serious.

"Father thinks very highly of the Oriental Family. In earlier years, for the sake of my health, he took me to countless countries, yet none could do anything about it."

"But just yesterday, the illness that had left my father completely helpless was eradicated by a single vial of Suzuki-kun's reagent."

"Even my constitution seems to have grown considerably stronger."

Chairman Sakayanagi's high regard wasn't without reason.

If the Oriental Family—or even the Dragon Country—had already developed an Enhancement Serum with no side effects, who could say how many top-tier talents it might attract?

Just look at Hawking, who sought to extend his lifespan...

Unfortunately, that was clearly impossible. Aside from the system, even the White Eagle's most advanced biological experiments came with a mountain of side effects.

And they didn't care how many lab rats they burned through. Did anyone really think child protection laws were about protecting children?

"Well, Your Highness... it looks like the School Building is almost here."

The two had been walking and stopping along the way.

Now that she was healthy, Sakayanagi had indeed become much more lively.

Suzuki Tsubame could tell—she was far more curious about everything around her now, like a bird freed from its cage.

"Ara~ Could it be that Suzuki-kun is reluctant to part with me?"

"How about this—transfer to our Class A? We'll cover the transfer fee."

Sakayanagi's face was full of smiles. Spending twenty million to acquire Suzuki Tsubame was a steal no matter how you looked at it.

"Hmm... that offer sounds pretty tempting at first glance."

Rubbing his chin where no beard existed, Suzuki Tsubame pretended to think it over.

Seeing a glimmer of interest, Sakayanagi quickly added:

"Our Class A has plenty of cute girls too. Girls like Kamuro, Morishita, and Yamamura are all very adorable."

"Oh? With Your Highness saying that, I'm even more inclined to transfer. After all, some of the idiots in Class D really turn my stomach."

"Right, right—after all... the current Class D is widely recognized as the worst in the school's history."