The Watch Is Acting Up, Please Let Me Adjust It

"Komiya-kun from the basketball club and his companion claim that you, Sudo-kun, called them to the Special Building, where you unilaterally provoked and assaulted them. Is this true?"

"Those guys are lying. I was the one who was called to the Special Building."

Sudo immediately denied the accusation in response to the question posed by Secretary Tachibana.

"Then, Sudo-kun, could you please tell us the truth of what happened?"

Secretary Tachibana's phrasing was clearly biased toward Class C (Ju Ji); otherwise, she would have asked, "Can you provide any evidence?" rather than asking for the "truth."

"After I finished my club training that day, Komiya and Kondo called me to the Special Building. Even though I thought it was a hassle, I was already pissed off at their usual attitude, so I went to meet them."

No, Sudo, that's not the right way to put it. No matter how you look at it, that sounds like you were heading there specifically to start a fight. It seems expecting Sudo to use his brain is a lost cause. In a way, he really is an idiot. But then again, he was the one who told Sudo to say what was on his mind, so he has to deal with the consequences himself.

Look, not just Suzune, but even Teacher Chabashira is dumbfounded by Sudo's explanation, wearing an expression of pure headache. If there isn't any real evidence, there's no way to defend him.

"Sudo, there are some issues with the way you're phrasing things. Let me handle the defense from here on out. Sudo, could you please sit down? Student Council President, is that acceptable?"

"Of course. The student council will take the defense's input into consideration as the situation warrants."

Horikita Manabu adjusted his glasses, and a sharp glint of light seemed to flash across them.

"According to the information I have, Sudo and the two students from Class D had a verbal dispute during club activities. Therefore, when the other party invited him to the Special Building, Sudo went to meet them without hesitation, hoping to resolve the conflict through discussion so that both sides could reach an understanding, right?"

"Of course!"

"But when you arrived at the scene, there were three people there. A person named Ishizaki had joined them, claiming to be your friend. He then threatened you, saying you would suffer if you didn't quit the basketball club. After you refused, they intended to use violence against you. However, because the three of them were far inferior to you in strength, they were the ones who ended up being beaten by you, correct?"

"That's right, Shinomiya-kun. That is exactly what I wanted to say. You explained it so clearly."

Although Ju Ji didn't want to complain, Sudo, your previous statement was worlds apart from this one.

"That's a lie! We were called over by Sudo, which is why we went to the Special Building."

"Komiya-kun, please refrain from interrupting. We are currently listening to the statement from the Class C student... Shinomiya-kun, please continue."

Although Sudo looked indignant, because of Ju Ji's earlier instructions, he didn't join the argument this time. In a sense, he isn't completely hopeless. If he just acts as an obedient tool, he's still qualified.

"The above is merely the account I heard from the person involved; it cannot confirm that this is the absolute truth. However, fortunately, we have a witness here. Sakura-san, could you please help us?"

"Of course, Ju Ji-kun. I was at the Special Building looking for a place to take photos when I happened to encounter this act of violence. I was scared, so I hid... but I saw with my own eyes that it was Komiya-kun and the others from Class D who threw the first punch."

Sakura's body trembled slightly as she spoke while being stared at by so many people. Even though she had changed her image, she was still somewhat unaccustomed to this.

"Tachibana, show these photos."

"Yes, President."

At Horikita Manabu's signal, Secretary Tachibana took the SD card handed over by Sakura and inserted it into a laptop, projecting the images onto the screen. They were the photos Sakura had taken at the Special Building, including the one where Sudo was being cornered by the three students from Class D.

"Indeed, the evidence that Sakura was an eyewitness has been confirmed. The date on the photos has also been verified as that day. Komiya-kun, do you have any further defense?"

"We were beaten to a pulp by Sudo-kun. We have sustained injuries to this extent. Conversely, Sudo looks like he wasn't injured at all. Isn't that clear evidence?"

All three of them had bruises on their faces that looked like they had been beaten, which was undeniable. In contrast, Sudo had almost no injuries on his body. This was indeed a powerful piece of evidence. But...

"Do you really have proof that it was Sudo who beat you? Based on my experience as a martial artist, when facing two or more enemies, the difficulty of combat increases exponentially. Furthermore, Ishizaki, who has fighting experience, was also present. I don't believe Sudo could have won so easily."

"That's because we had no intention of fighting."

"I'm sorry, but if you cannot provide evidence that those injuries were caused by Sudo, we will not acknowledge this matter."

Suzune was exceptionally aggressive during the debate, pressing Komiya and the others until they were completely speechless.

"So, is the Class D argument finished? Then..."

"Wait, Student Council President. Although as a teacher, I should try not to interfere, if things continue like this, wouldn't the injured children in my class be too pitiful? May I say a few words?"

"I allow it!"

"Although that photo proves that Sakura-san was at the scene, it doesn't reveal which side struck first. Student Council President, please don't be so biased just because it's your sister's class. This matter cannot be concluded yet."

"In that case, how about we think of a compromise? Teacher Chabashira?"

"A compromise?"

"I have reason to believe Sudo-kun committed perjury. Because of insufficient evidence, it is impossible to determine who is at fault. Therefore, here is a compromise: We have three people on our side, one of whom is skilled at fighting. I believe my side also bears some responsibility. So, how about a two-week suspension for Sudo-kun and a one-week suspension for the Class D students? The severity of the punishment depends on whether the other party was injured."

As far as the current situation goes, this is a relatively reasonable compromise, and the matter would be resolved this way. Both sides would receive corresponding punishments. However, I don't know how many class points will be deducted for a suspension. For those aiming to reach Class A, this is fatal.

"Sorry, Sakagami-sensei, wait a moment. My watch is acting up; please give me a moment to adjust it... Alright. First, Sakagami-sensei, I have a question for you. Can you guarantee that the evidence and statements you have provided are accurate?"