The Brutality of the Midterm Exam (1)

"This school indeed doesn't have one yet, but have you truly thought this through?" Horikita Manabu said.

"Yes. Since the requirement for joining the Student Council is that one cannot participate in other clubs, I thought I would simply establish a club. In that case, would I be able to join the Student Council?"

"Is that so? Then, on behalf of the Student Council, I welcome you."

"But... President, this doesn't comply with the regulations," Tachibana Akane reminded him from the side.

"Ara, could it be that you are unaware that this school is a meritocracy, Senior? Since the President has already agreed, it means he has already recognized his ability," Arisu interjected.

"This..."

Tachibana Akane was momentarily at a loss for words. She had not expected Arisu to defend this person so staunchly, and she knew full well that since the President had already made his decision, there was no point in saying anything more.

"However, since you have joined the Student Council, you must still submit the relevant club documentation for review in a timely manner."

"Yes, Senior, no problem," Kitahara replied respectfully.

"But Senior, what position will I hold after joining the Student Council?" Kitahara asked, looking at her.

"This..." Tachibana Akane looked at Horikita Manabu, unsure if she should speak.

"Before that, let me ask Arisu once more if you are willing to join the Student Council," Horikita Manabu replied.

"Since the President has extended the invitation again, I shall join. After all, my days in the Student Council won't be boring; I am quite looking forward to my time there." Arisu looked at Kitahara, a subtle, imperceptible smile appearing in her eyes.

"Is that so? In that case, starting today, the Student Council will welcome the two of you to work together."

"President, I am also curious as to what positions in the Student Council are available for Kitahara and me?" Arisu asked, looking at Horikita Manabu.

"There is still a secretary position and the role of a disciplinary committee member. I wonder which one you would like to choose."

"I will choose the disciplinary committee member role; after all, Arisu's physical condition makes her unsuitable for this position," Kitahara spoke up first.

"Is that so? Then thank you for your kindness, Kitahara. I will take the position of secretary," Arisu replied.

"Hmm, as long as you have made your decision. After this exam, the Student Council will announce your appointments on the bulletin board. You may report to the Student Council then."

"Understood, President," Arisu and Kitahara replied in unison.

Just as Arisu and Kitahara were about to leave to execute their plan, the President's voice came from behind them once more:

"Remember not to forget your club application form, Kitahara."

"Understood, President." Kitahara left the conference room with his back to Horikita Manabu. Once they had completely departed, Tachibana Akane spoke up: "President, are you planning to use them to deal with Nagumo Miyabi? But do you think they are capable of defeating him?"

"Tachibana, do you think Nagumo Miyabi was able to obtain 10 million points on his own during his first year? Furthermore, he was able to devise such an ingenious plan during this exam to gain the school's recognition once again. These two points alone are sufficient."

"And that Arisu is not to be underestimated either. Although she has physical issues, the fact that she was placed in Class A is proof enough that she is sufficiently outstanding in other areas for the evaluators to choose to place her in Class A."

Tachibana Akane looked at Horikita Manabu and nodded, acknowledging her President's judgment.

Horikita Manabu looked at the two who had long since left, yet a trace of worry flickered in his eyes.

[I wonder if Suzune has made any progress now. If she cannot meet my requirements before I graduate, I will personally take her away.]

[This year's first-year class is already the strongest in the history of Advanced Nurturing. Whether it is Kitahara, who has already begun to show his edge, Arisu, Ichinose, Katsuragi, or even Kiyotaka, who has been hiding in the shadows, all of them are proof of how exceptional this year is.]

[Let me see just how large a wave they can stir up.]

Meanwhile, in the Chairman's office, a white-haired man with an expression of immense distress was rubbing his forehead while looking at the intelligence in his hand, saying: "Since when did Arisu get mixed up with that guy Kitahara? And she even joined him in extorting points from me, her old father."

"Sigh, but if this plan succeeds, I'm afraid that child Kitahara will become the first to collect 20 million points. Truly outstanding."

"However, there is an even more troublesome matter now. Although Professor Ayanokoji cannot reach into the school for the time being, given his personality, I fear he will not let this go easily."

"But as long as I am still at this school, the safety of that child Kiyotaka will certainly be guaranteed."

Soon, the blink of an eye brought the time for the exam. At this moment, the class was extremely happy because they had already obtained the test papers they believed would be used, and had already memorized the answers in advance.

Speaking of which, a few days ago, Kushida asked me if I needed them, to which I could only say: "Heh."

"How many points do you think I should score on this exam?"

"That depends on you, but we really should thank Kushida."

"Yeah, yeah. A week ago, I was still worried about whether I could pass. I never expected there to be such a thing as past exam papers. If I had known, I wouldn't have bothered attending any study sessions."

Watching them so happy now, Kitahara didn't know if they would be able to face the reality that was about to arrive. More importantly, if they discovered the papers were different, would they change their attitude toward Kushida? He wondered if she would have an early outburst; if so, that would be quite amusing.

[If one purchases papers in the shadows, the school will not say much, as this is a shortcut left by the school itself. But if it is brought into the light, the school will not permit it.]

Soon, the sound of "clack, clack" echoed through the corridor. Chabashira pushed open the door and walked in, saying: "Quiet. Wait for instructions."

"Hmm? What instructions, Chabashira? Isn't it already time for the exam? Why aren't we starting yet?" Ike Kanji asked.

Chabashira looked silently at the students below without answering, though Kitahara clearly felt her gaze linger on him for a moment.

"Static... static." Bursts of electrical noise came from the broadcast system.