Ishikura Takes Action / Chapter 237: Shuichi Kanda: I'm Such a Good Guy!

"Does this even need a plan? For this exam, Horikita Manabu decided to leave no one in charge, either for the boys' or girls' side, in order to defend against Nagumo's underhanded tactics."

Furthermore, there aren't many students from Class A in Horikita Manabu's group, so even if his group wins first place, he won't get many Class Points.

On the other hand, Ishikura at Class B, there are three boys and three girls in charge of each group, and these groups, especially Shiraishi's group, have more than ten students from Class B.

With Ishikura's help, even if Shiraishi's group can't get first place, getting second place is still a victory, isn't it? Isn't this a ready-made opportunity?

Shiraishi is Ishikura's deputy and the leader of another third-year group. This group has many talented members, including Fujimaki, who once hosted the Sports Festival. Moreover, their group includes the elite members of Class 1-B, including Shibata from Class B in the first year.

"Even with my help, Shiraishi will have a hard time getting second place. Horikita Nagumo are not to be underestimated."

The favorites to win this exam are naturally the group containing Shuichi Kanda and Horikita Manabu, while the second place candidate is the group containing Nagumo. Although Shiraishi's group seems to be much stronger than the other three groups, it's not safe to say that they have an absolute guarantee of defeating Nagumo's group.

"Senior Ishikura, you don't need to worry about that. Although I've already secured first place, I don't think Senior Nagumo can possibly get second place!"

"What basis do you have?"

"Please allow me to keep you in suspense for now; I believe we'll see the results soon. What Ishikura- senpai needs to do is take advantage of Nagumo and Horikita's hesitant fighting to overtake them."

Shuichi Kanda's words were vague, but he had already figured out a way to deal with Nagumo, because while he was in the car, he saw a creature that was almost impossible for humans to fight off—a wild boar!

Wild boars are gregarious, usually moving in groups of four to twenty. When he saw that group of wild boars, Shuichi Kanda finally understood the meaning of the items given out during the two opportunities in December and January.

Momotaro Dumpling and the Universal Reins combo!

Momotaro Dumpling, also known as Momotaro brand taming rice balls, are said to make any animal that eats them completely obedient to the person who threw them.

When Shuichi Kanda saw this thing, his expression was priceless; he wasn't disappointed, but rather excited.

Humans evolved from apes, so they can also be considered animals. So what if people ate this thing...?

However, he was immediately discouraged after reading the instructions, because it clearly stated that the item was ineffective against humans.

Moreover, it seems that due to the accumulation of rewards over two months, this bag of Momotaro Dumpling can replenish one dumpling per day, with a maximum of thirty dumplings.

The Universal Reins, once attached to an animal, allow it to unleash the horse's speed and power!

Based on today's physical education class, Shuichi Kanda had a slight guess that their final exam would definitely include a physical fitness test, and it would most likely be a physical fitness test along a mountain path.

If that's the case... then it's normal for someone to be unfortunately attacked by a wild boar, right?

Furthermore, if a lucky individual receives help from wild animals, it shouldn't be considered a violation of the rules, right?

"Furthermore, in order to maximize the Class Points, please try your best to avoid coming in last place, senior Ishikura."

Ishikura was somewhat speechless; in the end, she probably just didn't want Akane Tachibana to drop out of school.

"Is this your real purpose?"

"That's just one of my goals. My goal is to stop all of Nagumo's plans."

Well, that makes sense, but he was curious about Shuichi Kanda's reasons for doing this. Why? Was it to compete with Nagumo for the Student Council's power?

Can you tell me why you did this?

"Personal grudges"

Shuichi Kanda smiled, but that smile sent a chill down Ishikura's spine.

So, what exactly did Nagumo do to provoke someone like Shuichi Kanda?

"If you can guarantee that Nagumo's group won't get second place, then I'll support your plan and make Igari give up. However, according to the contract, the 20 million yen that Nagumo transferred must be returned to him if it's not used to help a classmate drop out of school."

Hearing this, Shuichi Kanda nodded. "I haven't decided what to do with the 20 million yet. I'll let Ishikura- senpai know when I've made up my mind."

Ishikura nodded, not refusing.

Thus, on the first day of the exam, Nagumo's plan was completely exposed.

Shuichi Kanda also finalized a preliminary collaboration with Ishikura, but this will not be the final one.

Chapter 236 Ishikura Begins Operation

Chapter 237 Shuichi Kanda: I'm such a good person!

Although Igari and the others stopped targeting Akane Tachibana, it was impossible for them to reconcile with her. Therefore, Akane Tachibana's situation did not actually change; she remained isolated by the group members.

At least on this only day off, Akane Tachibana was still alone.

It wasn't that she couldn't confide in the students in other groups within Class A, but the moment she was targeted, she knew she was likely to be expelled.

The thought of possibly parting ways with Horikita Manabu in the future would instantly fill her with resentment, but she still tried her best to endure it.

Meanwhile, in Shuichi Kanda's group, the students have grown much closer since yesterday afternoon's barbecue party and last night's ghost story session.

Incidentally, the ghost story gathering that was interrupted last night resumed shortly afterward, and this time there was an additional victim Kanzaki Ryuji.

The final result was unexpected; the best storyteller turned out to be Katsuragi, this seemingly very serious guy.

However, he later said that this was because he used to tell stories to his younger sister often.

Then people started gossiping. Sure enough, it wasn't just girls; boys could be quite good at gossiping too.

On Sunday morning, in Shuichi Kanda's dormitory, everyone was playing cards together, and it was a card game that Shuichi Kanda was very familiar with— Legends of the Three Kingdoms.

Although there are many card games in Japan, and Legends of the Three Kingdoms isn't the most popular, this game allows multiple people to play simultaneously, and its role-playing aspect is very interesting. Crucially, the rules are simple, so everyone can pick it up very quickly.

"Speaking of which, have you heard anything from the girls' side?"

High school boys usually talk about games, comics, or women, especially women in their class or grade.

"You'll have to ask our manager about that, since this guy always has a woman with him when he has dinner."

After drawing a card, Ryuen, as the lord, joined the gossip camp and, damn it, directly brought the battle to Shuichi Kanda.

I said, "Weren't we talking about Katsuragi's sister?"

How did this suddenly get dragged into me?

"Is it so surprising that classmates eat together? It's your own problem if you don't have anyone to eat with. Don't believe me? Look at Hirata, he gets girls asking him to eat with him every day, right?"

Shuichi Kanda only meant to explain, but for some reason, his words turned into a sarcastic remark as soon as they left his mouth.

"We know Hirata's character well; he treats girls the same as he treats boys. But you're different. In just three days, people have witnessed you meeting and eating with different girls."

Regardless of Shuichi Kanda's reaction, the one who was actually being criticized was Hirata.

And what about Hirata himself?

Hearing this, he could only smile wryly, realizing that this was how he was perceived by people from other classes.

"Heh, you're just jealous of my relationship with Kikyo and Masumi. It's fine, go ahead and say it. I won't laugh at you for not having a single female friend."

Since they've already started mocking us, Shuichi Kanda isn't going to pretend anymore. When it comes to thick skin, Shuichi Kanda isn't afraid of them.

Then came Shuichi Kanda's verbal battle with the group of clowns, until someone suddenly blurted out, "It's so big, can you really handle it?"

Then almost everyone looked at Shuichi Kanda with ambiguous expressions.

Holy crap, even with the thickest skin, this is starting to feel too much to handle. Besides, is this really the right time to discuss something like this?

"You're not still a virgin, are you?"

Ryuen's wicked laughter rang in his ears, causing Shuichi Kanda's eyebrows to twitch wildly.

"So what if I'm a virgin? Did I eat your rice?! Aren't you a virgin?"

"Guess." Ryuen's expression remained unchanged, but his tone became increasingly sarcastic.

"Damn it, let's go eat."

Shuichi Kanda threw down his cards and turned to leave.

"Hahaha, they ran away!"

However, apart from Ryuen, everyone else looked somewhat uneasy.

Well, it's only because Koenji wasn't there that the atmosphere inside the house probably took a strange turn.

Just when he thought Sunday would pass in this strange atmosphere, Shuichi Kanda saw Akane Tachibana walking out of the cafeteria alone during dinner.

"I'm going out for a bit. Could you clear the table for me later?" Shuichi Kanda said to Kushida, who was sitting opposite him, as he stood up.

"You wouldn't be seeing someone else behind my back, would you?"

What are you saying? What are you saying?

"Don't worry, Kikyo, even if I'm with someone else, I won't hide it from you."

Hearing Shuichi Kanda's words before leaving, Kushida was speechless. "I feel like you're trying to comfort me, but listen to yourself, are you even speaking human language?"

Before Shuichi Kanda left the cafeteria, he saw Horikita Manabu sitting not far from the cafeteria entrance. Horikita was sitting with his classmates, including former Archery Club captain Sato Ken and former Basketball Club captain Fujimaki.

Just as Akane Tachibana walked out, this guy was getting his food, so the two didn't bump into each other. It's really...

Shuichi Kanda n't disturb him, but walked straight out of the restaurant. After looking around, he spotted Akane Tachibana walking away alone.

After leaving the cafeteria, Shuichi Kanda followed Akane Tachibana. Although it wasn't a very skillful stalking, Akane Tachibana didn't notice him at all, which suggests that she had been under a lot of psychological pressure these past two days.

Akane Tachibana stopped in a secluded corner of the school building. It was lunchtime, and most students were gathered in the cafeteria, so this place was practically deserted.

Then, not long after Akane Tachibana walked around the corner, faint sobbing could be heard coming from there.

Upon hearing this, Shuichi Kanda understood. It seemed she hadn't realized that Igari and the others had abandoned their plan. Perhaps he could take this opportunity to make some extra money.

After taking a deep breath, Shuichi Kanda tried his best to conceal his presence. Although he wasn't good at this, fortunately, Akane Tachibana was currently immersed in grief and didn't notice Shuichi Kanda slowly approaching.

Turning the corner, Shuichi Kanda saw Akane Tachibana curled up against the wall, hugging her legs with her arms and burying her face in her arms.

From her occasional trembling shoulders and the occasional sobs, it was clear that she was crying.

"Tsk tsk tsk, I never thought my Sekishiko would have this side to her. I never even dared to imagine her hiding in a corner and crying by herself."

Shuichi Kanda's sudden voice startled Akane Tachibana, who was crying, and she quickly wiped away her tears.

But those red eyes seemed to suggest a degree of self-deception.

"You... what are you doing here?"

Akane Tachibana seemed embarrassed and annoyed that someone had seen her being useless, and what's more, that person happened to be Shuichi Kanda, whom she had previously pranked.

"I saw you looking a bit distracted in the cafeteria, so I followed you here." Shuichi Kanda shrugged, teasingly adding, "What's wrong? Did Horikita dump you?"

As expected, Shuichi Kanda's words drew an angry glare from Akane Tachibana.

"Since you weren't abandoned, why are you crying? As long as you're not abandoned by Horikita Manabu, other things shouldn't matter to you, right?"

Shuichi Kanda's tone became indifferent.

"I didn't cry! I also have times when I want to be alone."

"You'd be more convincing if you could wash your face," Shuichi Kanda said, taking a bottle of mineral water from his tracksuit pocket and handing it over.

I originally planned to drink it back in my dorm, but now it seems to have a new use.

"Go wash your face first, I'm going to find Horikita Manabu."

"What... what do you want to do?"

Shuichi Kanda finished speaking, Akane Tachibana panicked.

"Anyway, given the current situation, you probably won't tell me no matter how I ask, right? In that case, I'll go find someone who can get you to talk."

Seeing Shuichi Kanda's matter-of-fact attitude, Akane Tachibana almost laughed in exasperation. "You didn't ask anything, so why do you assume I won't tell you?"

You're such an annoying junior!

"Stop right there! You're not allowed to tell Horikita about this! Horikita... Horikita has always been fighting alone, and he's been battling against second and third-year students all this time."

Just as Shuichi Kanda was about to turn around, Akane Tachibana stood up, snatched the water bottle from Shuichi Kanda's hand, and said fiercely.

But this was merely a disguise to cover up her inner panic.

"Ha, you probably never imagined this day would come when you gave me Kuding Tea back then, did you?"

"How... how can you keep Horikita?"

Faced with Shuichi Kanda, who could betray her at any moment, Akane Tachibana's tone unconsciously softened.

Looking at Akane Tachibana, who seemed completely different from usual, Shuichi Kanda stroked his chin.

"I always think that Sekishiko- senpai is really cute like this."

"What... what do you want to do?"

Akane Tachibana took a step back and leaned against the wall, looking utterly helpless.