Since Mazumi Mami had officially taken over as Class A's class leader, time had flowed steadily onward. Before anyone knew it, a week had passed.
Over the course of that week, the students of Class A had truly felt the new class leader's ability and sincerity.
He didn't make empty promises or settle for putting on a show—he genuinely paid close attention to the words and actions of every student in the class.
In class, he was always the one with the straightest posture and the most attentive expression. He never arrived late or left early, answered the teachers' questions eagerly, and completed his assignments meticulously.
Through his own actions, he set the clearest example for the entire class.
What surprised and touched his classmates even more was that he had managed to remember every student's name in just one short week.
Whether in the hallway, the cafeteria, or by chance at the school gate, whenever he saw one of his classmates, he would greet them with a smile and casually ask, "Have you run into any trouble lately? If you need help, just let me know."
By the end of the week, almost everyone in the class had received a sincere greeting and show of concern from him.
To be honest, no one could resist the feeling of being remembered and cared about.
Before they knew it, Mazumi Mami's popularity in the class had skyrocketed.
More and more students genuinely accepted him as their class leader. Quite a few who had initially waited and watched were even beginning to gravitate toward him.
That evening, under the warm yellow light of the dormitory, four people sat around the living-room table.
Strings of data flickered across the computer screen in front of Walnut. She pushed up her glasses and began the week's routine report:
"Young master, according to our statistics for the past week, we successfully prevented several potential disciplinary violations in the class, including running in the hallways, secretly using phones during class, and a few arguments that nearly escalated into fights. We nipped all these problems in the bud before they could cause any trouble."
She paused, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "If things continue at this rate, as long as we avoid violating any of the rules that deduct points during the Comprehensive Assessment Period, maintaining the full 1,000 Class Points shouldn't be difficult."
"Good."
Mazumi Mami leaned back on the sofa, lightly tapping the armrest with his fingertips. "As long as we still have a perfect score at the end of the first month, my position as the one in charge will be unshakable."
He looked at the three girls across from him and asked, "How's the intelligence gathering on the other classes?"
"Let me go first!"
Chisato Nishikigi eagerly raised her hand, sounding excited to report her results. "I've got Class B all figured out! Their leader is a pink-haired girl named Honami Ichinose, famous throughout the school for her optimism, cheerfulness, and willingness to help others. Under her influence, all of Class B has a close-knit, supportive, and positive atmosphere."
She braced both hands on the table and leaned forward slightly. "If we're looking for a class to trade intelligence with, Class B is our best choice. All we have to do is tell Honami Ichinose, 'You don't want Class B's peace to be shattered, do you?' and she'll probably be willing to cooperate. She puts the class's collective interests first."
"Good analysis."
Mazumi Mami nodded approvingly, then turned to Runa Inoue. "What about Class C?"
"Class C is a special case."
Runa Inoue remained composed. "Their leader is Ryuen Kakeru. Though 'gang leader' might be a more accurate description than 'leader.'"
She frowned slightly. "From what I've observed, Ryuen Kakeru has started several fights over the past week. Male or female, anyone who refuses to obey him gets forced into submission through violence. He's established a system of rule based on fear within the class."
She looked up at Mazumi Mami and offered her advice earnestly. "Young master, I don't recommend exchanging intelligence with Class C in any form. A regime maintained through violence lacks loyalty and stability. Ryuen Kakeru's underlings could sell out information at any moment, whether out of fear or for personal gain."
"On the contrary, we can take advantage of his overuse of violence. During the month-long Comprehensive Assessment Period, we should find a way to provoke him into going too far, and bring Class C's score straight down to zero."
"That's a good suggestion."
A glimmer of admiration flashed in Mazumi Mami's eyes. "Both of you have done very well. You're gathering intelligence in exactly the right areas."
He leaned back in his chair and looked at Walnut. "What about Class D?"
"Just as bad as ever."
A trace of helplessness crept into Walnut's voice. "In four words: a complete mess."
She pulled up several surveillance screenshots and projected them onto the screen. "The students of Class D clearly haven't realized how harsh this school is. They've been completely blinded by the 100,000 starting points the school gave them. They think they're here to enjoy themselves, so every day they either blow their points on luxury goods or sleep in their dorms. There's no discipline in the class, and nobody has stepped up to manage it."
"There's a boy named Yosuke Hirata who theoretically has what it takes to become a leader. But his personality leans more toward that of a peacemaker. He's always trying to keep everyone on good terms with gentle words. He doesn't dare offend anyone and isn't willing to make any decisions that would force people to do anything."
Walnut paused before giving her assessment. "He and Ryuen Kakeru are polar opposites. One is a dictator who believes in violence, and the other is a do-gooder who hates conflict. Neither extreme is enough to build a stable class."
"What about Kiyotaka Ayanokouji?"
Mazumi Mami asked, his gaze sharpening slightly. "Has he done anything unusual during the past week?"
Walnut shook her head. "No. He's like a child playing pretend, trying every day to act like an ordinary high school student. He zones out in class, jokes around with those three friends of his after class, and occasionally sneaks a glance at the girls in class. That's all."
"At least based on what we've observed so far, he hasn't shown any particular talent or intentions."
"He's certainly good at pretending."
Chisato Nishikigi couldn't help commenting.
"The more perfectly someone plays an 'ordinary person,' the more likely it is that he's not ordinary at all."
Runa Inoue calmly added.
Mazumi Mami fell silent for a moment, then slowly stood and walked to the window.
The school lights dotted the campus beneath the night sky, quiet and peaceful.
"Then our next steps are clear."
His voice was calm, yet carried an unquestionable resolve. "Win over Class B, divide and use Class D, and find a way to provoke Class C into going too far."
He turned around, his gaze sweeping over the three girls. "Our goal is to bring Ryuen Kakeru's Class C down to zero points during the Comprehensive Assessment Period, if possible. At the same time, we'll push Class D into a desperate situation."
A meaningful glint flashed in his eyes. "Let those two classes fight and wear each other down. If Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, the Supreme Masterpiece, really has the ability, he'll make his move when the time comes. And this battle between Class C and Class D can be the first trial I give him."
"Understood, young master!"
The three girls answered in unison, their voices filled with energy and loyalty.
Beneath the night sky outside, the campus remained quiet.
But beneath the lights in that dormitory, a grand game of strategy targeting the entire year was quietly unfolding.