Class C's Plan (4)

"Ahem, President, when one is out in the world, who doesn't have a few friends?" Kitahara looked at him and replied with utmost sincerity.

Hearing Kitahara's earnest tone, Horikita Manabu spoke slowly:

"I didn't expect to underestimate you. I thought it was impressive enough that your club could gather members from Class A and Class B, but now it seems you even have connections with Class C."

Listening to Horikita Manabu, Kitahara knew he had bought his explanation; after all, this was the only way to disrupt his judgment.

In this school, one simply does not reveal their trump cards to others so easily.

"Then, who do you think will emerge victorious in this confrontation?" Seeing that Kitahara's previous answer met his expectations, he followed up with another question.

"Though I hate to admit it, even if Class C currently holds the advantage, the final victor should be Class D, provided that guy makes a move."

"Indeed. Although we don't know Ayanokoji's exact capabilities, what has already been revealed shows that Ryuen is no match for him." Horikita Manabu replied in agreement.

"Furthermore, Ryuen, who unified Class C through violence, will only be ruthlessly crushed by Ayanokoji when faced with the strength he prides himself on."

"After all, even you, President, didn't manage to get the upper hand against him."

Hearing Kitahara's unintentional remark, Horikita Manabu felt as if he were being needled, but recalling their brief exchange, he realized that what Kitahara said was indeed irrefutable.

"Let's just wait and see the final judgment in a week's time." Horikita Manabu said calmly.

However, Kitahara noticed a flash of worry in the President's eyes.

Still worrying about your sister, huh? A sister-complex and a brother-complex—truly a perfect match.

Sss, if I told the President that Sudo is planning to pursue his sister, Sudo's fate would be...

Sss, I dare not imagine it.

Kitahara shifted his expression as he looked at Horikita Manabu, lost in thought.

Noticing Kitahara acting somewhat strangely, Horikita Manabu spoke up:

"What are you doing?"

"Ahem, nothing, President." Interrupted from his imagination, Kitahara quickly recovered.

"By the way, President, since I've agreed to this matter, can I have that thing now?"

After Kitahara finished speaking, Horikita Manabu took a key from his drawer, tossed it over, and said:

"That classroom is on the 3rd floor, 305. You are free to use it as you please."

Catching the key, Kitahara thanked him and left quickly, without the slightest hesitation.

Leaving the conference room, Kitahara was about to gather his club members, but then realized it was somewhat inappropriate during such a special time.

So, it would be better to wait until this matter was handled before holding the club's first meeting.

"For now, let me enjoy this pleasure alone in advance." Kitahara said with an excited look on his face.

He quickened his pace, heading toward that location.

While the situation on Kitahara's side was completely different, at this moment, by the school fountain:

Two of the "Three Stooges" were sitting on a bench, leaning against each other, and spoke to Kushida beside them:

"We can't find any leads from witnesses at all."

"Say, could it be that Sudo guy is lying?"

"That's true..."

Hearing their complaints, Ayanokoji, who was standing nearby, asked:

"How are things on Hirata's end?"

"I've contacted them, but it seems there haven't been any gains there either." Kushida said helplessly.

"Hi, Ayanokoji, Kushida!" Ichinose, who had spotted them from afar, ran over and said.

"Ichinose?"

"I heard from people in my class—are you investigating something?" Ichinose asked as she ran up to them.

After Kushida and Ayanokoji exchanged glances, they explained the ins and outs of the situation to Ichinose.

"Is that so? So it's related to Class C..."

"Yes, so Ichinose, if you know anything, please tell us first."

"I'm sorry, I don't know anything either. But isn't Kitahara-kun in charge of managing this? Didn't you ask him for help?"

"..."

"Actually, this matter is a bit troublesome, because Sudo and Kitahara had a conflict before, so..."

"So that's how it is..." Ichinose hadn't expected such a thing to have happened, as in her impression, Kitahara wasn't that kind of person.

But at this moment, she couldn't say much else, so she could only reply:

"Our Class B will help you look for clues as well."

"Really? Thank you so much!" Kushida hugged Ichinose in gratitude.

As the next day arrived, the following announcement appeared on the electronic board at the playground:

[June 30th, around 6:00 PM

Witnesses to the incident that occurred in the special building, or anyone with information regarding the following individuals, please contact Kanzaki Ryuji of Class 1-D.]

"Ayanokoji."

Seeing Ichinose walking over, Ayanokoji spoke up:

"This notice..."

"Yes, it was Kanzaki's idea. We also posted this message on the school's electronic bulletin board."

"Oh, right, this is Kanzaki-kun standing next to me. You two haven't met yet, have you?"

"No, we haven't."

"Hello, I am Kanzaki Ryuji of Class B. Please treat me well."

"Hello, I am Ayanokoji Kiyotaka of Class 1-D. Please treat me well, too."

"By the way, Ichinose, have they replied to the email yet?" Kanzaki reminded Ichinose.

Just as Ichinose was about to take out her phone to check, a sound suddenly came from Kanzaki's phone:

[200,000 points have been deposited into your account.]

Faced with this sudden notification, Ichinose and Ayanokoji, who were standing nearby, both looked extremely surprised. After all, how could such a large amount of points be deposited so suddenly?

Feeling a sense of unease, Kanzaki Ryuji took out his phone and checked the identity of the sender.

He discovered it was that big spender, Kitahara Seiichi.

Ichinose, standing right next to him, also saw the identity of the sender, leaving the two of them to look at each other in confusion, unsure of what Kitahara's intentions were.

Ayanokoji, standing opposite them, noticed the change in their expressions and couldn't help but ask:

"Did something happen?"

Coming back to her senses, Ichinose explained what had just occurred.

Upon hearing the specifics, Ayanokoji felt surprised yet found it reasonable; after all, there were not many people in this grade who possessed such a large amount of private points.

"Kanzaki, why don't you ask Kitahara what he means by this?" Ichinose suggested.

"Yes, I'll ask."

Before Kanzaki could even type out his inquiry, Kitahara sent several more messages in succession.