Horikita

Biodata

Background / History

Horikita entered the school as a solitary, study-focused Class D student. At the entrance ceremony, she reacted visibly to Student Council President Horikita Manabu and immediately denied any connection when Shiomiya noted their shared surname. 3

She is Manabu's younger sister. Their strained relationship becomes apparent when she confronts him, declaring that she is no longer the useless person he knew and will reach Class A; Manabu responds that she lacks what she needs and chose the wrong school. 29

Horikita attended the same middle school as Kushida Kikyo. Kushida's fear that Horikita may know about her past drives her repeated attempts to approach, manipulate, and eventually expel Horikita. 20 32 37

Personality

Horikita is proud, private, and initially uninterested in friendship. She studies alone, rejects Kushida's overtures, and regards social distractions as burdens. 20 30

Her directness often becomes harshness. During a study session, she dismisses Sudo's professional-basketball ambition as childish and criticizes his unwillingness to face academic difficulty, causing Sudo, Ike, and Yamauchi to leave. 32

Despite her cold presentation, she is principled and persistent. She assists with the effort to clear Shinomiya during Class C's assault complaint and later argues for Sudo's reprieve after he fails the midterm by one point. 33 42 Her ambition develops into a public commitment to lead Class D to Class A. 60

Abilities & Skills

Academic Ability

Horikita is a strong student who regularly studies independently in the library. 20

• Can handle advanced material that overwhelms classmates such as Sudo, Ike, and Yamauchi. 32
• Participates in Class D study sessions and offers Sudo direct academic support during vacation. 57
• Her teaching style is initially too severe and poorly suited to less academically prepared students. 32

Negotiation and Leadership

Horikita increasingly acts on behalf of Class D rather than focusing solely on herself.

• Helps organize support for Shinomiya when Class C files an assault complaint against him. 33
• Faces Kushida directly during the conflict over fabricated surveillance footage and threats of expulsion. 36 37
• Takes initiative after Sudo's failed midterm, confronting the school over his expulsion. 42
• Publicly declares her intention to lead Class D to Class A, drawing the attention of students from other classes and the Student Council President. 60

Relationships

• Horikita Manabu — Her older brother and the Student Council President. His severe criticism and treatment of her are central to her determination to improve and reach Class A. 29 30
• Kiyotaka Ayanokoji — Initially her desk mate; he agrees to help her rise to Class A, but warns her not to investigate his affairs further. 24 38
• Kushida Kikyo — Former middle-school acquaintance and hostile classmate. Kushida repeatedly tries to befriend, control, or expel Horikita over fears connected to her past. 20 32 37
• Shinomiya Yo — A manipulative Class D peer who first helps Kushida approach her, then coerces Horikita into confronting Kushida by threatening to use footage involving Manabu. 20 36
• Ken Sudo — Initially clashes with her abrasive teaching, but later accepts her academic help and exchanges contact information with her. 32 57
• Class D — Her relationship with the class gradually improves after the midterm, when her actions to protect Sudo earn recognition from students who had previously misunderstood her. 42

Story Role / Major Arcs

Kushida Conflict

Kushida attempts to use Shiomiya to approach Horikita, but Horikita accepts Kushida's apology without accepting friendship. 20 Their conflict escalates when Kushida admits that she wants anyone aware of her middle-school past to disappear from her life. 37

Shinomiya's Blackmail Scheme

Shinomiya uses a recording involving Horikita and Manabu to pressure Horikita into threatening Kushida. Horikita reluctantly follows the plan, confronting Kushida with supposed surveillance evidence that could expel Shinomiya and Class C students. 36 Kushida ultimately chooses not to force Horikita's expulsion. 37

Midterm Examination

After Sudo fails by one point, Horikita refuses to accept his immediate expulsion and acts to save him. Class D subsequently gains 89 class points, the largest increase among the four classes. 42

Vacation Resolve

When a confrontation surrounding Sudo's group threatens to expose their misconduct, Horikita draws attention away by delivering a speech from the diving platform. She declares that she will lead Class D to Class A. 60

Notable Quotes

“I will definitely achieve it.” 29

“I believe that if defective products are repaired appropriately, they can become qualified products.” 42