Chapter 36: 37 The Necessary Path to Growth-Adversity

What an unexpected turn of events.

She parted her fingers ever so slightly and looked him up and down.

Under the blazing sun, Tanaka Yukishin's silver-white, tousled hair gleamed with a metallic chill, while his golden eyes roiled like molten amber, bright with sparks.

Beneath his open Hawaiian shirt, his skin was smooth and pale as jade, and his six-pack was exposed.

Khaki cargo shorts covered his long legs, and his whole body radiated an air of carefree rebellion.

"Say, Tanaka, dressing like that in front of a girl is pretty rude. At least button up your shirt."

Tanaka Yukishin glanced at Sakayanagi Arisu, then asked Kamuro Masumi in an even tone,

"Who's she?"

"Class 1-A's Sakayanagi Arisu."

Before Kamuro Masumi could answer, Sakayanagi straightened up and politely introduced herself.

"Before discussing what's rude, you should realize this is the boys' dormitory floor."

"Wait a moment."

After Tanaka Yukishin said that,

the door slammed shut.

He set the food down by the table and quietly said a few things to Karuizawa Kei.

Then Tanaka Yukishin buttoned up his shirt and went out.

After all, being in the dorm was different from being outside.

"Let's go find somewhere with a nice view that's safe and quiet."

After saying that, Tanaka Yukishin strode ahead without any intention of waiting for the two behind him.

Sakayanagi Arisu frowned slightly as she leaned on her cane. She could only hurry to catch up, trying to buy herself some time with conversation.

"Tanaka doesn't seem surprised that I came."

Tanaka Yukishin glanced at her without compassion.

He shook his head and replied coldly,

"Surprised? I don't care about that at all.

I just hope you can bring me some entertainment."

They arrived at a café in the shopping center.

Soft music drifted through the café, filling the air with the aroma of coffee and desserts.

Tanaka Yukishin headed straight for a seat on the open-air terrace. He casually scanned the surroundings, then ordered two drinks from the server.

After ordering, he leaned back.

Half-reclining in his chair, he crossed his hands behind his head, his gaze faintly languid.

"You can tell me what you came for now."

Sakayanagi Arisu's hands tightened slightly around her cane, and a hint of displeasure showed on her face.

In the past, because of her cute appearance and physical condition, other people had at least made some allowances for her.

But the boy in front of her remained completely unmoved.

That his heart couldn't be swayed by her looks could be explained by him having seen a lot and being strong-minded.

But he wasn't even willing to slow down for a woman who was unwell.

It made her feel that he lacked even the most basic empathy.

Sakayanagi Arisu speculated silently.

Did he realize I came because of Kamuro Masumi?

So has he already decided I'm his opponent?

Based on what she had just observed, she had formed a preliminary impression of Tanaka Yukishin.

He was someone with clear loyalties, ruthless and resolute.

"Since your attitude is so clear, Tanaka, I won't waste any more of your time."

Sakayanagi Arisu took a deep breath, trying to keep her tone calm. Beneath the parasol, she was dressed elegantly, and her cute face made her look like a refined princess.

She looked Tanaka Yukishin straight in the eyes and said earnestly, "I want Kamuro."

"And then?"

Tanaka Yukishin remained unmoved.

His face showed no expression, as if they were discussing something utterly unimportant.

She hadn't even offered a bargaining chip. What gave her the right to negotiate with him?

Was it because she was cute?

Wasn't Kei cute, too?

"Ever since the Sender incident, all four classes have chosen the same course of action."

Sakayanagi Arisu sat a little straighter, determination showing in her eyes.

"It's the consensus of all 160 first-year students."

"You wouldn't want to be the one to start a war, either, would you?"

Actually, while Kamuro Masumi had gone to buy breakfast,

Sakayanagi hadn't been doing nothing.

By contacting her subordinates, she had managed to obtain a little information about Tanaka Yukishin.

But with so little time, what she had learned was very limited.

All she knew was that Tanaka Yukishin was a prominent figure in Class D, and that his abilities were unknown.

Just then, the drinks arrived. Tanaka Yukishin pushed one of them toward Kamuro Masumi.

Even if you made your underling run errands for you, you had to give her a little something in return.

Then he picked up his own juice and took a small sip.

Sakayanagi Arisu's threat was interesting, but it was nowhere near enough.

The corner of Tanaka Yukishin's mouth lifted slightly in mockery.

"I could say the same thing to you."

"Are you trying to start a war?"

Sakayanagi Arisu fell silent.

She knew full well that the four classes were rivals, so war was inevitable.

Their current decision to lie low and avoid fighting was only a way to build up their strength.

Once the Secret Exam ended, each class would launch a probing attack based on the class rankings and the actual difference in Class Points.

After that, war would break out in earnest.

So she wasn't surprised that he had refused her.

But he was too decisive. He hadn't even taken time to think.

Did he not care at all what the other students in his class thought?

Without an information advantage or the initiative,

Sakayanagi Arisu was lost in thought.

Tanaka Yukishin didn't rush her. He leaned back in his chair, watching Sakayanagi Arisu with interest.

He wanted to see what kind of solution she could come up with.

After all, according to the free information his cheat had provided, she was a genius.

As the seconds ticked by, Sakayanagi Arisu thought it over again and again. Her brows furrowed as she concluded,

There's no solution!

There's absolutely no solution!

Kamuro Masumi hadn't spoken during what she'd just said, which meant she wasn't the one with the initiative.

It wasn't that Tanaka Yukishin had won her over.

He had something on her.

But she didn't want to explain it to Sakayanagi.

Which meant she still didn't trust her.

As for Tanaka Yukishin, once he had confirmed they were enemies, he didn't treat her like a person at all.

With no obvious weakness to exploit,

she either had to find some leverage over Tanaka Yukishin and trade it,

or wait.

Never mind. She'd first see how important this leverage was to Kamuro Masumi.

Sakayanagi Arisu adjusted her posture and continued probing.

"At this school, you can buy anything with points."

"Why don't you name your price, Tanaka?"

"Points are more useful than a lackey."

The corner of Tanaka Yukishin's mouth lifted into an approving smile.

"Not bad, not bad. You've improved a lot."

He watched Sakayanagi Arisu with interest, wanting to see what other bargaining chips she could offer.

Chapter 36: 37 The Necessary Path to Growth—Adversity

Sakayanagi Arisu narrowed her eyes slightly, connecting Tanaka Yukishin's earlier words and actions.

He wanted me to entertain him, and he was pleased with my improvement...

She wasn't entirely sure, but it was worth a try.

She pursed her rosy lips, like an adorable little girl begging her father for candy.

In a coquettish tone, she said, "Since you're happy with my progress, Tanaka, shouldn't I get a reward?"

As she spoke, she playfully swayed her body, her hands unconsciously pinching the hem of her clothes.

At the sight, Tanaka Yukishin's lips curved into a satisfied smile, and his eyes filled with appreciation.

She could take things in stride and let them go. On top of her intelligence, she was mature of mind.

To solve the problem, she was even willing to lower her head to someone she disliked.

Even if it was an act, she was unquestionably a genius by the standards of high school students.

"You make a good point. Then, how about ten million?"

Tanaka Yukishin spoke casually, waving a finger as if the amount were nothing.

Sakayanagi Arisu's brows knitted together, displeasure instantly spreading across her face. She put her hands on her hips, her tone turning firm.

"If you're going to be so insincere, Tanaka, then I think our discussion can end here."

Her gaze was resolute and sharp as she stared straight at Tanaka Yukishin.

Tanaka Yukishin gave a flippant smile, his eyes full of teasing.

"You and I both know Kamuro's worth."