Regarding the Rumors I Didn't Know About That Began Spreading Among the Students

After confirming that all students in the class were present, Hirata brought up the question.

To occupy the base camp, a leader was required, so determining the candidate was the primary issue at hand.

"So, is there anyone who would like to volunteer to be the leader? Or perhaps we could nominate each other," Hirata asked with a smile.

"I... I think if we have to choose, wouldn't it be more appropriate for Hirata-kun to take the role?"

Within the crowd, a timid girl with twin tails raised her hand shakily and voiced her opinion.

Chiba Yu had learned a little about this girl; her name seemed to be Wang Meiyu, an international student from China.

She had a somewhat withdrawn personality, but her academic ability seemed to be in the upper tier of the class; she was the type of person who didn't stand out much.

However, the fact that she could express her opinion at a time like this made Chiba Yu look at her in a new light.

But regarding her idea, Chiba Yu shook his head secretly and abruptly.

Hirata's reputation in the class went without saying, but in this situation, such an outstanding and eye-catching temperament and persona did not fit the definition of a "leader."

"I agree!"

"Me too! If it's Hirata, he will definitely be able to lead us to win this exam!"

"No, I disagree!"

As soon as these words came out, the students in the class immediately turned their gazes toward the student who had proposed the objection—Yukimura Teruhiko.

People never like to step out of their comfort zones to think; at this moment, Chiba Yu deeply understood the truth of that statement.

Facing the confused expressions and stares of the crowd, Yukimura pushed up his glasses and spoke calmly:

"Sorry, Hirata, I don't mean that you aren't good; on the contrary, it is precisely because Hirata is too outstanding that he cannot be this leader."

"I also think that if it were me, it might indeed be inappropriate." There was no annoyance on Hirata's face at being rejected, only a faint smile and understanding.

"Is there a problem?" Wang Meiyu and others asked, not understanding.

"I also think that Hirata-kun is not suitable to be this leader."

The restless crowd, hearing Karuizawa Kei—the person who should have supported Hirata the most—say this, were instantly dumbfounded, each of them expressing their confusion.

Chiba Yu was relieved that someone could perceive this problem, while also being amazed at Karuizawa's performance.

So she wasn't actually dim-witted...

If Karuizawa heard that thought, it was possible that before the exam was even over, he would find himself buried at the bottom of the sea.

Facing the questions raised by his classmates, Yukimura explained seriously: "I am not denying Hirata's excellence. On the contrary, it is precisely because of Hirata's daily actions that people from other classes easily form the idea that Hirata is the leader of Class D."

"There won't be a small number of people who think this way. If we encounter some lunatics who like to gamble big, we can all think carefully about how big of a blow our class will suffer."

"Secondly, the most important point is that a class leader and an actual leader are two different probabilities. The former is necessary for this exam, so we should be even more cautious in our choice."

"Then, in that case, wouldn't it be better to choose a student who is usually inconspicuous and doesn't participate much in class affairs?"

For some reason, the moment he heard Karuizawa Kei say that, Chiba Yu felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, as if all the malice in the world was beginning to target him.

While Chiba Yu was still immersed in this feeling, he suddenly realized that everyone's eyes were fixed on him.

"...What do you mean by this?" Chiba Yu looked back at the crowd, speechless, his gaze filled with helplessness and a hint of despair.

"No matter how you look at it, other than Ayanokoji-kun, it seems like only Chiba-kun has such a low presence in the class."

"I think so too!"

"Oh, right. If you don't look at grades, people from other classes wouldn't look at Chiba, right?"

That student over there whom I don't know, I don't think I've ever provoked you, what exactly do you mean by that, hey!

Also, please don't just decide the result for me so easily, okay? Did you even ask for my opinion?! This is obviously a job that will work you to death, if I could, I really wouldn't want it...

Just as Chiba Yu was about to despair, a turning point arrived.

"Um, I think, although it's not that Chiba-kun couldn't do it, there have been some related rumors outside recently..."

An angel! Chiba Yu had never felt that Kushida Kikyo was so holy. At this moment, he felt that those who compared her to an angel in the outside world were truly far-sighted.

But come to think of it, what was the rumor Kushida just mentioned? How did he not know about it?

"What rumor?"

"Oh, now that you mention it, I forgot about that too. In that case, it seems we really have to change to another student."

"Yeah, yeah. After all, someone who has a connection to a very famous student in the class might also be guessed."

"Don't you think so, Karuizawa-san?"

When she said this, Mori Nene intentionally or unintentionally nudged Karuizawa beside her with her elbow, a mischievous grin on her face.

"W-what is it! I've already said it, he and I really—"

"Yes, yes, we all know. So, are there any other recommended candidates?" Matsushita also came over to interrupt the conversation, a clear look of teasing on her face, although her words were full of perfunctoriness.

Seeing that the others seemed to have really started thinking about other candidates, Chiba Yu just widened his eyes, even looking at the blushing Karuizawa in surprise, only to be glared back at by an indignant Karuizawa the next second.

Hirata watched this scene quietly, a smile he couldn't hide on his face.

"And I think, if we are going to choose a leader, we should choose someone with a strong sense of responsibility, don't you think?" Kushida continued immediately.

Chiba Yu, however, extracted the key information from that sentence. Wasn't this clearly implying that he wasn't a responsible person? To this, he could only say—you really have a good eye for people.

"I think the person who meets both of these conditions—" Kushida looked up at Horikita, who was standing to the side with her arms crossed, "—is Horikita. What does everyone think?"

"I agree."

"I agree too!"

Under the expectant gazes of Hirata and the others, Horikita closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then slowly opened them again.

"I understand. I accept."