Kanzaki pondered the meaning behind their words.
But Ichinose had already understood.
When choosing Group 1's leader, they had originally expected a confrontation, but Classmate Sakayanagi chose to step back, and Ryuen became the leader directly.
Then had Classmate Sakayanagi stepped back for the group's unity, just like Ichinose had?
Clearly... that did not seem likely.
As both a friend and a member of the Student Council, Ichinose knew very well that although Classmate Sakayanagi was cute, she was not that obedient.
Especially in a situation where they could compete, someone with Classmate Sakayanagi's pride would never allow herself to yield. That was why her retreat seemed abnormal.
At the same time.
Group 5's leader was Hachiman.
In other words, as leader, Classmate Sakayanagi could challenge Hachiman.
And Classmate Sakayanagi clearly would not easily let an opportunity like that pass.
Yes.
That was what Ichinose had concluded from the perspective of someone who considered Classmate Sakayanagi a romantic rival.
So.
All things considered, it was strange that Classmate Sakayanagi had surrendered the position of leader so directly and without hesitation.
But after Hachiman's hint, Ichinose saw the issue.
That was.
If Classmate Sakayanagi's true goal had not been to give up the leader's position, yet she had still relinquished it, then she had clearly determined that Ryuen would not accomplish anything substantial.
Therefore.
She had only yielded the leader's position to deliberately give Ryuen an opportunity to ruin the group's results.
That was why.
Even if Ryuen had not had such bad luck today and drawn the ten-kilometer mixed-gender relay exam three times in a row, Classmate Sakayanagi might still have made arrangements to ensure the group lost three times in total.
And the reason it was three times was because three losses were the minimum needed to avoid being