"What did Ryuen say?" Horikita asked bluntly.
"He admitted defeat. He'll return the photos at noon." Tang Yu briefly explained what had happened, leaving out the parts involving Tsukishiro. "But this is just the beginning. He'll retaliate."
Hirata clenched his fists. "We need to strengthen the class's unity. The first Special Exam of the new semester is in just two weeks. We can't keep fighting separately like we did last semester."
Tang Yu nodded. "I have an idea..."
He briefly explained a plan: use the Emotion Weaving Network to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their classmates, then reorganize the study groups.
Hirata would handle interpersonal coordination, Horikita would oversee academic guidance, and he would focus on overall strategy.
"Sounds workable." Horikita rarely expressed agreement, but added, "We'll need the homeroom teacher's cooperation."
"I'll talk to Chabashira-sensei," Tang Yu said. "But before that..." He looked toward Karuizawa at the other end of the classroom. Several girls had gathered around her, asking about her new look. "We need to deal with Karuizawa's situation first."
At lunchtime, Tang Yu went alone to Shinjuku Station. There were few people around the lockers at the east exit, and he quickly found the one he had been told to use.
The key had been left in the locker at the location of Karuizawa's middle school locker. He had learned this detail from the thugs the previous night. Ryuen had clearly investigated the matter thoroughly.
Inside the locker was a brown paper bag. Tang Yu checked its contents: the original photos, a backup USB drive, and a note:
[The game continues. You won't be so lucky next time. -L]
Tang Yu sneered and destroyed both the photos and the USB drive (a Molecular Decomposition Spray redeemed from the system, costing 300 points). After making sure nothing was left, he sent Karuizawa a message: [It's taken care of.]
On his way back to school, the system suddenly sounded an alert:
[Abnormal emotional fluctuation detected]
[Location: alley to the right]
[Identity: Ishizaki Daichi (Class C)]
Tang Yu pretended not to notice and kept walking. Through the Emotion Weaving Network, he could clearly sense Ishizaki and two other Class C students lying in wait-a typical retaliation in Ryuen's style.
He changed course and headed for the busy shopping district, while sending Ayanokoji his location and a short message: [Need a witness.]
Ten minutes later, Tang Yu "happened" to run into Ayanokoji and the secretary, Tachibana Akane, at a café, where they were "reading." Ishizaki and the others had no choice but to abandon their plan and leave in disgrace.
"You're using me." Tachibana frowned, but sounded more curious than angry.
Tang Yu smiled. "It's just a coincidence. Want to head back to school together?"
On the way back, Tachibana couldn't help asking, "Do you really think you can change Class D?"
"It's not about changing them. It's about unlocking their true potential," Tang Yu replied. "Everyone has a side that others don't know about."
Tachibana studied him thoughtfully. "Including you?"
Tang Yu smiled but said nothing. As they parted at the school gate, Tachibana suddenly said, "President Horikita wants to see you. After school, in the Student Council Office."
The news took Tang Yu by surprise. Horikita Manabu had personally asked to meet with him, which meant the Student Council had already noticed his actions. It was both an opportunity and a risk.
During the afternoon homeroom, Chabashira announced the first Special Exam of the new semester: the Class Debate Tournament, to be held in two weeks. The topic was "The merits and drawbacks of meritocracy-based education." The result would directly affect the Class Points.
"This exam will test not only your debating skills but also your ability to work as a team." Chabashira's gaze swept over the class. "Each class must select four lead debaters and ten supporting researchers.
"The judging criteria include depth of content, teamwork, and performance under pressure."
The classroom immediately filled with discussion. Tang Yu activated the Emotion Weaving Network and mapped out everyone's abilities. Horikita Suzune had the strongest logical thinking, Hirata excelled at organizing, Karuizawa unexpectedly had excellent presentation skills, and he himself was good at strategic planning.
"We need to choose our candidates as soon as possible." Hirata stood up and called out, "Anyone who wants to volunteer, please..."
"Wait." Tang Yu interrupted him. "Before we choose, we should analyze the debate topic and the judging criteria."
He walked to the blackboard and wrote the words "meritocracy." "This isn't an ordinary debate. It's a discussion of the core philosophy of this school. The judges will likely be members of the School Board..."
The class fell silent, drawn in by Tang Yu's analysis. Through the Emotion Weaving Network, he subtly adjusted everyone's focus and engagement: making shy students more confident, restless students more focused, and classmates with grudges against each other set aside their prejudices for the moment.
The results were immediate. An hour later, Class D had not only chosen its debate team-Horikita, Hirata, Karuizawa, and Tang Yu-but had also drawn up a detailed research plan and practice schedule. Chabashira-sensei watched from the side, a glimmer of approval in her eyes.
The dismissal bell rang. As Tang Yu was about to head to the Student Council, Karuizawa stopped him. "Um... thank you." She handed him a carefully wrapped little box. "Just a small token of my appreciation."
Inside were handmade chocolate cookies. Through the Emotion Weaving Network, Tang Yu sensed her sincere gratitude, and something deeper... a feeling just beginning to take root.
"I'll enjoy them," Tang Yu said gently. "By the way, you can go back to your own apartment tonight. Those two thugs won't show up again."
Karuizawa nodded, a complicated emotion Tang Yu couldn't understand flickering in her eyes. "I might... miss that secret apartment sometimes."
Tang Yu froze. Before he could reply, Horikita Suzune impatiently urged him on. "We're going to be late for the meeting with the Student Council."
On the way to the Student Council Office, Horikita suddenly asked, "Did something happen between you and Karuizawa...?"
"Why do you ask?"
"She looks at you differently now." Horikita rarely showed a gossipy side, "and she's changed completely, too."
Tang Yu smiled but said nothing. Through the Emotion Weaving Network, he could sense that behind Horikita's curiosity lay a hint of... concern she might not even have noticed herself.
Outside the Student Council Office, Tang Yu took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts. His meeting with Horikita Manabu would be a crucial turning point. He checked the system status:
[Emotion Points: 98700/∞] [Current Ability: Emotion Weaving Network (3 hours remaining)] [Mission Progress: Oppose Ryuen (80%), Class Integration (65%), Respond to School Board Evaluation (30%)]
The door opened. Horikita Manabu sat upright behind his desk, his glasses reflecting a cold glint. To Tang Yu's greater surprise, Tsukishiro Shuhei was also there, leisurely sipping tea.
"Student Tang Yu," Horikita Manabu said in a calm, authoritative voice. "We have a lot to discuss."