The Oolong Tea Research Club's first-ever second-term president election was about to begin. All that remained was for their advisor, Matsuzaki, to arrive. Some of the candidates had already started canvassing in private, though things sometimes got awkward. For example:
"What do you think of the president's position?"
"I'm still thinking about it..."
"What a coincidence. So am I..."
"Then if you haven't made up your mind by election day, how about voting for me?" the two people who'd been sounding each other out said at the same time.
After their exchange, they looked each other over carefully, their eyes full of the same thought: I can't believe you, of all people, with that honest-looking face, have this kind of ambition lurking inside you!
Of course, the awkwardness would pass.
Next came the appeal to their feelings:
"If we all go our separate ways, none of us will become president. Look at Tanaka and his crowd, Anzai and his crowd, and White Castle and his crowd... don't they all have a big following? We'll only be able to compete with them if we join forces..."
"Then why should I vote for you instead of myself? When it comes to seniority..." They'd all joined the club on the same day, for crying out loud!
"Does seniority even count for anything in this club?"
"..."
"What counts now is your connections and your relationship with President Doma. I'll have you know, I once helped President Doma with his cleaning duty..."
"By that logic, shouldn't Fujigami be the most favored? He's..."
"Please. That guy Fujigami has something wrong with him. He's looked troubled ever since school let out, and he's not even running for president. Honestly, if he entered the race, the rest of us would probably have to step aside."
"But doesn't