Chapter 28

"...will definitely be very sharp and mean, right?" "Is that so..." I couldn't tell what Kushida was thinking. "I just feel like you have something you want to say, Kushida..." "No, not at all." "Right! Speaking of which, Class D has a lot of pretty girls, doesn't it? Could you introduce me to some, Kushida? Let's forget about someone with a personality like Horikita." Why should I hang myself on a crooked tree like Ayanokoji? Just like Kobashi from Class B, why not just find a girl in Class D and be done with it? I might as well make use of this lecherous image of mine... "Kitazawa-kun really is just like the rumors say..." "Heh heh, a hero can't pass through a beauty's gate. Although I wouldn't call myself a hero, I'm still very considerate toward girls." "I'm not really good at these kinds of things... But if there's a chance, I can help you weigh your options. What kind of requirements do you have, Kitazawa-kun?" "Hmm... appearance and temperament are secondary; I mainly like capable girls." "???" Kushida wore a confused expression. "I mean girls with ability! Like someone who acts as a leader for a group of girls," I added. "I see. However, the leader of the largest group of girls in the class, Karuizawa-san, is already taken." "That fast?" "Well, it is Hirata-kun after all..." "The second-ranked guy on the handsome list? Fine... what about other groups?" I hate handsome guys. "For example... me?" Kushida thought for a moment and came up with a candidate. "Huh!?" Volume 1: First Signs of Brilliance : 16 The tides of war have shifted, strike while the advantage is yours. The tides of war have shifted, strike while the advantage is yours. --Jia Xu "That's right! Kitazawa-kun, don't let my appearance fool you, I'm also the leader of a small group!" Kushida introduced herself with a straight face. "Then you're doing great! But how would you continue to collect... no, I mean, make friends widely after we start dating?" I was a bit confused, starting to lose track of Kushida's logic. "Haha! I'm just joking! Sorry, Kitazawa-kun. I just wanted to see your reaction!" "(?_? ) Seriously, Kushida-san, could you not be so insecure about your own charm?" This girl is a little demon! She must be deliberately retaliating for what I said earlier. With so many friends and such a petty heart, she's someone I can't afford to offend! "So, does that mean you were actually prepared to agree to me earlier, Kitazawa-kun?" "Of course. Kushida-san seems like an excellent girl no matter how you look at it..." Agree to what, exactly? That scared the hell out of me! But for the sake of politeness, I had to answer that way. "Thank you, Kitazawa-kun, but I don't have any such plans at the moment... Getting back to business, I do have a friend. Although she isn't a group leader, she is still very excellent. However, I'd need to get her permission before introducing her to you." "Fine, this isn't something that can be rushed. Contact me if you find any leads. As for Ryuen, I'll look for an opportunity as soon as possible, but he's been quite busy lately. At the very least, we'll have to wait until after the exams." I suspect that once Ryuen figures out the school's policies, the first thing he'll do is target Class D. Once he beats the weaklings of Class D into submission, he'll have no more worries. Someone like Kushida is fine for uniting the masses, but she has no prestige as a leader. That Hirata guy is the same. As long as Koenji doesn't make a move, they are no match for our class. But I heard from Ishizaki recently that they've been smashing cameras all over the school and destroying public property? That really suits his personality! That's fine, too; it shows that Ryuen isn't someone who follows the rules. Someone who follows the rules definitely wouldn't be able to handle Sakayanagi from Class A. "Okay! Then I'll leave it to you! I had a great time talking to you today, Kitazawa-kun." "Same here." I don't consider Kushida a dangerous person yet. Judging by the fact that they haven't even organized a decent study group, Class D might just be finished after this exam. By then, because of his points, Koenji will naturally become a transcendent existence in Class D. Letting him be a local tyrant in the safe haven of Class D wouldn't be bad. In a class like Class D, no matter how many people drop out, it would never be Koenji's turn... Wait, why did I, who have always been cautious, default to the idea that Class D is weak? A class with 0 points is indeed a disastrous start, but I still feel like something is off... Class D... the class... Right! It's the sorting rules! Ichinose was sorted into Class B, and I was sorted into Class C; there must be capable people in Class D as well! And in such a hostile environment, smart people would hide their talents and wait for an opportunity! Otherwise, it's too easy to be ostracized... I see! Is Horikita being ostracized because she has ability but doesn't know how to hide it? Well, that's not necessarily true. It's not a given that pretty and capable girls will be ostracized; Kushida is an example... In any case, being cautious is never wrong. Is it necessary to have Ryuen test Class D? Hmm, this restless guy has probably already started doing just that. That's right, leaving Class D alone isn't a good thing. If they manage to unite and form a fighting force, that would be troublesome. Strike while they're down; it's better to find a way to deliver a fatal blow right now. Should I just go ahead and stab Class D in the back now? A quick pain is better than a long one; I might as well send them on their way. Anyway, they probably don't even know everyone in their class yet, right? But without any leverage, where should I start? Calm down, Minya, there must be a way... I ordered another iced latte and stared blankly at the people coming and going in the shopping mall... Huh? Is that Igari-senpai? Wait... It's normal for Igari-senpai to tell Kushida about the deal between her and me regarding Koenji, since many third-years know about it, but she wouldn't go so far as to tell Kushida that I bought the answers, would she? Suddenly, a sinister plan surfaced in my mind. That's right, buying answers is the easiest way to pass the exam, and it's normal for others to think of it. But how many people are as cautious as I am and bought more than one set of answers? Heh heh heh... "Momoko-senpai!" I immediately shouted loudly, instantly attracting the attention of everyone on the street. "It's Kitazawa... I told you not to shout! Don't you know how to show some respect to your seniors?" Igari walked over under the surprised gazes of the bystanders. "Senpai, I have a favor to ask of you." "Now? I have a date later..." "I'll keep it brief. Don't worry, I won't treat you unfairly. It'll only take a few minutes..." "Fine... you're the boss..." Igari said, checking her watch. "You didn't leak the fact that I bought the answers, did you?" "Tch, why would I do something as meaningless as that..." "That's good. I need your help to send out a fake exam paper. I'll prepare the paper." As I said this, I sent an email to Kaneda. "A fake exam paper... Hey, hey! What kind of deep grudge is this? Being this ruthless right after enrollment? You guys really know how to play..." "What do you mean, senpai? Have you guys played this kind of game before?" "No comment. So, what's next? Selling the fake to Kushida?" Igari-senpai rolled her eyes; she knew I was annoyed with Kushida.