Phone Call

The dormitory lights were a cold white, casting shadows across Kazama In's composed profile. He picked up his phone, his fingertip gliding across the screen to accept the friend request that carried an undeniable air of authority.

[Horikita Manabu] has been added as a friend.

Almost the instant the addition succeeded, a message popped up:

[Free to talk? Now.]

Kazama In didn't reply with text. Instead, he pressed the call button directly. No image appeared on the screen—only the blinking indicator of an encrypted line.

"Horikita President." Kazama In's voice rang out in the quiet room, low and steady.

"Kazama In." On the other end, Horikita Manabu's voice was calm and piercing, skipping all pleasantries to cut straight to the core. "Your question in the meeting room this afternoon was sharp. I want to know—what was your basis for concluding that I'm 'looking for a successor'?" His tone carried the scrutiny of someone in authority, an inquiry that allowed no evasion.

Kazama In leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the heavy darkness outside the window. He had been prepared for this and naturally wouldn't reveal that he'd obtained intelligence about Nagumo Miyabi's ambitions and the second-year movements through special channels.

"The basis is simple: logical reasoning." Kazama In's voice held an almost cold objectivity. "You, President, are meticulous in your actions, far-sighted, and nearly strict in your maintenance of rules and order. As the Student Council is the core of power and rules in this school, the importance of a stable transition is self-evident. Senior Nagumo Miyabi's grip on the second year is growing stronger, and his style of conduct... forgive my bluntness, but it seems to deviate considerably from the core of order you uphold."

He paused deliberately, letting the name "Nagumo Miyabi" carry enough weight in the call, then continued: "A strong potential successor with incompatible ideals clearly doesn't align with your vision for the Student Council's future. So, isn't it only natural to seek out, observe, and even secretly cultivate an 'alternative' who understands your philosophy and possesses enough strength and insight to suppress Nagumo and ensure a smooth transfer of power? I simply made the most reasonable inference based on your conduct and the current state of the school."

A few seconds of silence followed on the other end. Horikita Manabu was clearly evaluating Kazama In's explanation. The logic was clear and interlocking. Though the source of information was omitted, drawing such a conclusion from public knowledge and an analysis of his personality alone revealed a terrifying level of insight.

"Nagumo Miyabi..." Horikita Manabu's voice dropped a notch, carrying a faint, barely perceptible chill. "His intentions are indeed blatant. It's good that you can see this." He essentially confirmed the correctness of Kazama In's judgment on Nagumo, indirectly acknowledging that the other's inference about his search for a successor was on the right track.

"Then, Kazama In," Horikita Manabu's tone suddenly shifted, taking on a formal, almost appointing air, "since you can see the importance of this position and possess the ability to see through rules and stir the situation, I formally invite you to join the Student Council as Vice President."

This offer carried immense weight! Vice President—it was practically the most direct stepping stone to the presidency! Horikita Manabu had clearly recognized Kazama In's ability and potential, intending to bring him into his training system and personally mold him.

"Vice President?" Kazama In's voice betrayed little emotion, as if discussing something ordinary.

"Correct," Horikita Manabu affirmed. "It's a platform for observation, learning, accumulating experience, and building connections. It's also a proving ground to see if you have the ability to take on greater responsibility. Before I graduate, I will personally guide you in mastering the core operations of the Student Council, teaching you how to wield rules, balance various forces, and... suppress ambitions like Nagumo's." His words were filled with expectation and a sense of entrustment.

Kazama In hesitated for almost no time. This position offered him far more benefits than drawbacks: a broader perspective, deeper access to the school's core rules, more convenient channels of information... all highly aligned with his own "stepping stone" plan.

"I accept." Kazama In's reply was crisp and decisive. "Thank you for your trust, President."

"Good." Horikita Manabu's tone seemed to lighten slightly. "However, Kazama, remember this. The Vice President position is both a responsibility and a test. Whether you can ultimately sit in the Student Council President's seat depends on your own ability and... votes. Nagumo Miyabi has deep roots in the second year; he won't sit idly by. You need to start building your influence early and prove that you're more capable than him of leading this school toward a more stable future."

This was both a warning and a reminder. The Student Council President wasn't appointed—it was elected by the entire student body. As a Vice President parachuted in, Kazama In would need to deliver tangible results and influence to win over the masses and counterbalance Nagumo's years of groundwork.

"I understand." Kazama In's voice carried a quiet confidence. "I'll secure the votes myself."

"I look forward to your performance. I'll have Secretary Tachibana inform you of the specific appointment and handover details. Good night." Horikita Manabu said no more and ended the call cleanly.

The call ended, and the room fell silent again. Kazama In set down his phone. His jet-black pupils were fathomless under the light. The Vice President position... an unexpected yet logical springboard. Nagumo Miyabi... that name had just risen a few notches in his priority list.

Just then, the phone screen lit up again. This time, it was an incoming call—Kushida Kikyo.

Kazama In pressed the answer button.

"Moshi moshi~ Kazama-kun? Good evening!" Kushida Kikyo's sweet, lively, and energetic voice came through the line, as if it could dispel all gloom. "I hope I'm not disturbing your rest?"

"No. Kushida-san, what's up?" Kazama In's voice returned to its usual flatness.

"It's good news!" Kushida's voice brimmed with irrepressible joy. "It's about the study group! Sudo-kun, Ike-kun, and Yamauchi-kun... all three of them agreed to join!"

This turn of events was indeed unexpected. They had been adamantly refusing this afternoon, and now they'd changed their minds in the evening? Kushida Kikyo... her "negotiation" skills, or rather her "affinity," seemed even stronger than anticipated.

"Is that so? Efficient." Kazama In commented, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

"Hehe, it took a bit of effort!" Kushida laughed modestly, but a trace of pride slipped through. "Mainly, I had a good talk with them about the serious consequences of failing and how important class points are to everyone! And I also promised them that the tutors would be super amazing top students who could definitely get them through easily!"

She shifted gears, her tone growing even more enthusiastic and earnest: "So, Kazama-kun! For this study group, could you please come and be a tutor too? I know your grades are amazing! Last quiz, you scored over 97 in every subject, nearly perfect! You're practically a study god! With you there, everyone will be way more confident!" She precisely threw out his grades as a bargaining chip—intel clearly gathered from her "network."

Kazama In's grades were indeed top in Class D, even among the best in the entire grade, but he was usually so low-key that few paid attention, except when the teacher announced his quiz scores. Kushida had clearly done her homework.

"Ayanokoji-kun and Horikita-san will also be helping out!" Kushida added, emphasizing the team's lineup.

Kazama In didn't answer immediately. Tutoring underperformers... it would undoubtedly eat into his valuable time and energy, making it inefficient. But considering the overall benefit to class points, and... it might also be a good opportunity to observe the members of Class D, especially those three "problem children" and Kushida Kikyo herself.

"Time and place." Kazama In asked succinctly, effectively agreeing.

"Great! Thank you, Kazama-kun!" Kushida's voice was full of gratitude. "It's set for tomorrow after school, in the library's group study room A! We can discuss the details when we meet tomorrow?"

"Fine."

"Mm-hmm! It's a deal then! Get some rest, Kazama-kun. Good night!" Kushida said her sweet goodbyes.

"Good night."

The call ended.

Kazama In placed his phone on the desk, and the room fell silent once more. Vice President appointment, study group tutoring, the three underperformers' change of heart, Kushida Kikyo's efficient "persuasion"... Information flowed rapidly through his mind, integrating.

He walked to the window and pushed it open. The cool night air rushed in.

Kazama In's fingertips unconsciously brushed the cold, dark silver and crimson necklace at his throat. His jet-black pupils reflected the scattered lights of the campus, deep as the night sky.

The Vice President position was a stepping stone, the study group an obligation, the integration of Class D a process, and the undercurrents and secrets hidden beneath this calm campus were his ultimate goal. Nagumo Miyabi... Sakayanagi Arisu... Horikita Manabu's expectations... and the ever-present shadow of blood...

Everything was just beginning. He closed his eyes slightly, feeling the night wind brush against the strands of hair of a different color at his temple, like a silent pre-battle preparation. Tomorrow, a new game would unfold.