Horikita Manabu's Gaze

This could also be considered Shiraishi Makoto's mistake. Although he explained the rules to everyone, he didn't account for his classmates' level of comprehension, leading to a situation that was now somewhat "overcorrected."

The Class B students were now in a state of panic, seeing threats everywhere. Anything they encountered made them think of the grade-wide assessment, and they strove to surpass the other classes with renewed vigor.

But soon, a figure emerged from the podium at the front of the gymnasium—a senior student with a bun and long purple hair.

"First-years, thank you for waiting. Next, representatives from the clubs will begin the recruitment orientation. I am Tachibana, the secretary of the student council, and I'll be hosting this orientation. Pleased to meet you."

As the host Tachibana Akane finished her opening remarks, the club representatives walked from backstage onto the stage, lining up in a row.

While the seniors took turns introducing their respective clubs, Shiraishi Makoto glanced around and spotted Ayanokoji Kiyotaka and Horikita Suzune hiding in the back. He didn't stare long, merely confirming their positions before using Horikita Suzune to lock onto the student council president, Horikita Manabu.

Soon, the gymnasium witnessed Horikita Manabu's iconic moment.

When first-years from other classes thought this senior had been stunned into silence and started jeering loudly from the audience, Horikita Manabu remained composed, surveying everyone below with a calm demeanor, responding with a silence that was unsettling.

When the entire gymnasium was steeped in tension and stillness, he finally spoke slowly: "I am Horikita Manabu, the student council president."

"With the graduation of upperclassmen, the student council will recruit candidates from the first-years. No special conditions are required for candidacy, but those considering running for the student council should avoid joining other clubs. Those who wish to participate in both the student council and other clubs will, in principle, not be accepted."

Horikita Manabu's voice was gentle, yet it carried a powerful impact that silenced every student in the gymnasium.

"Furthermore—the student council does not welcome anyone who approaches this with naive ideas. Such individuals would not only fail to be elected but would likely leave a stain on the school. Our student council is highly anticipated because the school has granted it the right and mission to change regulations. We only welcome those who understand this."

The moment he heard that last sentence, Shiraishi Makoto inwardly cursed.

Sure enough, a few people in the class turned their heads toward Shiraishi Makoto's direction. But perhaps they caught themselves, or were reminded by others, and quickly looked back.

Shiraishi Makoto noticed these glances, but any action he took now would be meaningless, because Horikita Manabu's gaze had landed on him.

Horikita Manabu's gaze lingered only for a moment, but Shiraishi Makoto didn't think it was a coincidence. The other had just laid down a show of authority; no student should have dared to look around, so these small movements from Class B stood out all the more.

After Horikita Manabu finished his smooth speech, he stepped down from the stage and walked out of the gymnasium.

The first-years could only watch the student council president leave in silence.

"Everyone, thank you for your hard work. The orientation is now over. We will begin accepting club applications. Additionally, since applications will be accepted until the end of April, those who wish to apply later can bring their application forms directly to the club they wish to join."

Students from other classes began to move, while Shiraishi Makoto pulled out his phone.

"Everyone, feel free to choose the club you want to join. I see many clubs welcoming beginners, so even if you know nothing, it should be fine," Shiraishi Makoto typed a message in the class group chat.

Soon, another classmate replied in the group: "I think even a beginner like me could join a sports club and train a bit~ It's just that the student council seems a bit strict."

Shiraishi Makoto saw it was Hamaguchi Tetsuya's reply and immediately understood his intent, smoothly playing along.

Soon, messages in the class group chat increased, with many exchanging their thoughts.

It seemed everyone understood his meaning. Shiraishi Makoto put away his phone. At that moment, several core members of the class gathered around.

"Shiraishi-kun, do you want to try for the student council?" Ichinose Honami asked quietly. Kanzaki Ryuji, Hamaguchi Tetsuya, and the others looked over, not speaking, but conveying the same intent.

"I suggest Ichinose-san go," Shiraishi Makoto said after a moment's hesitation.

"But..." Ichinose started to speak, but Shiraishi Makoto cut her off: "After President Horikita's speech just now, the only ones planning to join the student council are likely the 'strongest' from each class. When it comes to overall ability, you're the strongest in our class."

"And I'm not necessarily suited for student council work," Shiraishi Makoto continued. "So, I recommend you apply, Ichinose-san. We'll support you from behind."

After hearing Shiraishi Makoto's explanation, Kanzaki and the others thought it over and agreed with his reasoning. With the highest entrance exam score in the entire grade, flawless interpersonal skills, and strategic ability that couldn't be verified only because of Shiraishi Makoto's exceptional presence, Ichinose was, on paper, without any weaknesses.

"In that case... leave it to me," Ichinose Honami said, nodding firmly after hearing Shiraishi Makoto's explanation. "I'll go submit my application form now."

"We'll wait for you," Kobashi Yume said.

"I'm thinking of joining the judo club," Kanzaki Ryuji said. "I've had systematic training before. I'm decent."

Decent meaning a black belt? Shiraishi Makoto really wanted to complain.

"Then I'll join the art club," Shiranami Chihiro said.

Soon, those with notable skills went to join their respective clubs, leaving behind students like Shiraishi Makoto, Hamaguchi Tetsuya, Kobashi Yume, and Amikura Mako, who had no standout talents and no desire to join a club.

Before long, Ichinose Honami returned. There was no line at the student council booth, but many had applied to other clubs, so she still had to wait a bit.

While waiting, Shiraishi Makoto exchanged contact information with several classmates around him. Come to think of it, even among classmates in Japan, exchanging contact info was a somewhat formal affair? Thinking further, this habit might have roots in the early days of playing QQ Farm, Parking Wars, or some QQ Pet battle game.

Taking this opportunity, Shiraishi Makoto reminded Ichinose Honami again.

"Besides class competition, we can't rule out competition between grades under special circumstances. So..." Shiraishi Makoto left it at that, and Ichinose Honami understood.

"If any issues come up, I'll consult everyone for your opinions," she said.