Changing seats

At that moment, most of the students were absorbed in exploring the phones the school had issued and the S System.

After hearing their homeroom teacher Sakagami's question, everyone looked at Natsukawa Tatsuya in confusion.

Natsukawa did not reveal that he had actually read the original novel, then invent some information he supposedly knew or had deduced to gain prestige. In short, that would have been too much trouble.

They had only just arrived at school, and everyone was a new student with their own thoughts. Natsukawa did not think he had Ichinose Honami's patience to become a class leader by being friendly and helping his classmates.

Besides, Class C's circumstances did not suit that approach. Their overall academic ability was lower than Class A's and Class B's, though they were fairly good physically.

If Natsukawa used his information advantage to win some people over now, it was easy to imagine Class C splitting into several small factions. Like Class D, they might need a long, drawn-out struggle before achieving class unity.

Natsukawa would not take such a thankless approach. Besides, he had no interest in leading the class when it offered no benefits in the early stages. His main objective was still to find outstanding target individuals.

Even Ryuen Kakeru had taken almost a month to dominate the class through violence in the original novel, so Natsukawa had no intention of getting involved.

He might as well wait until Ryuen Kakeru finished unifying the class, then step forward and reap the rewards himself if necessary.

After all, Natsukawa Tatsuya knew the original plot. After Ayanokoji beat Ryuen Kakeru senseless, Ryuen lost his fighting spirit and even wanted to drop out for a time.

Even though Ayanokoji thought this tool was still useful and that school life was interesting with him around, and brought him back, his confidence had still taken a massive blow, and he stopped concerning himself with class affairs.

Later, because Class C was simply too weak, he had no choice but to regain his fighting spirit for various reasons...

With his classmates' dissatisfaction with him added to the mix, couldn't Natsukawa step forward then and easily take over an already unified class?

Besides, after several months of studying and learning what this school of meritocracy was like, Class C would probably be more eager for a leader to guide them. It would not be the chaotic situation they had at the start of school, with someone suddenly announcing they would lead the class while everyone had their own thoughts and refused to submit.

Natsukawa spoke calmly:

"Teacher Sakagami, didn't you say points could buy anything? I'd like to spend some points to change seats. That's allowed, right?"

Sakagami nodded. He had not expected this student to have already noticed the school's rules. He wondered whether Natsukawa knew anything more, and approved his request.

"It seems some students have already figured something out. Natsukawa, your request is within the rules!"

On one hand, Natsukawa was displaying a small part of his ability to leave a lasting impression on the majority of his less clever classmates. On the other, well, he wanted troublemakers like Ryuen Kakeru, Kaneda, and Ishizaki to remember him as a classmate with some ability.

Of course, Natsukawa would not take part in their violent struggle to dominate the class. That would be a nuisance. Naturally, his early days would be spent building relationships with the outstanding female characters who had appeared in the original novel. He only needed to present himself as someone like Hiyori in the original: capable, but unconcerned with who led the class.

At this stage, neither reaching Class A nor holding the leadership position had much appeal to Natsukawa Tatsuya. That could wait.

[Outside the main text: If it were Hiyori, Ibuki, and the others, perhaps... hehe.]

It doesn't matter. When necessary, I'll make my move!

With Sakagami handling the arrangements, Natsukawa paid that background classmate 3,000 points and the school 2,000 points, then moved to the king's hometown.

His classmates' voices rose around him:

"What? You can do that?"

"How did Natsukawa figure that out? Isn't he way too smart?"

"That's Natsukawa for you."

"Natsukawa is so handsome! I wish I had such a smart boyfriend..."

Meanwhile, the students with good judgment were already thinking further ahead, vaguely beginning to realize something.

Chuto Rika thought:

What the heck? I was so happy to have Natsukawa sitting behind me, but I lost that so soon...

Manabe Shiho said in true gyaru fashion:

"Nice going, Natsukawa!"

A sharp gleam appeared in Ryuen Kakeru's eyes as he considered it. Perhaps points have more uses than I imagined...

Yamada Albert: "What? What?" He thought, What is he saying? Why is everyone reacting so strongly?

Ibuki Mio, sitting in front of the King's Hometown, also gave Natsukawa Tatsuya a curious glance before turning away.

Kaneda Satoru adjusted his glasses. Having thought of something, he raised his hand and asked:

"Teacher Sakagami! If someone wanted to switch into Natsukawa's seat again right now, how many points would it cost?"

Kazuma Sakagami answered:

"Ten times as many."

In principle, Sakagami was not allowed to disclose that. He could only give vague answers, such as a price they would find difficult to bear or could not afford.

However, this information had nothing to do with the scope of any exams, and Natsukawa had discovered it, so Sakagami simply answered the question.

Whatever they might deduce from it afterward was none of his concern.

He was quite partial to his students when it came to moving up a class and improving his evaluation. A few hints would do no harm.

In the end, no students raised any further questions, so Kazuma Sakagami left the classroom.

Then Ryuuen slapped his desk, drawing the entire class's attention.

"You bunch of idiots! Sakagami didn't suggest electing class officers like at an ordinary school! In that case, I, Ryuen Kakeru, will be your class leader!"

Ishizaki Daichi objected:

"You bastard! Ryuuen! What gives you the right?"

Manabe Shiho said, "Exactly, Ryuen. Your tone really pisses me off!"

Most of the students watched the spectacle. Some were angry at being called idiots but did not dare to stick their necks out.

Seeing an opportunity to make his presence known, Kaneda Satoru walked toward Ryuen Kakeru, adjusted his glasses, and said:

"Ryuen, you have a point. Our class does need a class representative, but everyone should vote on it!..."

Kaneda wanted to continue, but Ryuen Kakeru sneered. Then, with a smack, a slap sent Kaneda Satoru flying.

Ishizaki exclaimed:

"You bastard! What the hell are you doing?"

The students present cried out at Ryuen Kakeru's sudden action!

"What? Has that guy gone crazy? He actually hit someone right here in the classroom!"

"Ryuen looks so scary..."

Kaneda lay on the floor, holding one side of his face.

"Ryuen Kakeru, didn't you hear earlier when Teacher Sakagami said that bullying is strictly forbidden at this school? Aren't you afraid?"

Ishizaki, too, was overflowing with righteous indignation.

"Ryuen Kakeru, are you trying to use violence?"

Ryuen Kakeru smiled and walked over to Ishizaki, unfazed.

"Stupid. That's why I called you idiots! Didn't Sakagami just say it? It's fine as long as you don't get caught!"

With that, he launched a surprise kick that sent Ishizaki Daichi flying.

Of course, Ishizaki Daichi was not a good student focused on academics like Kaneda Satoru. Enraged, he quickly got up and lunged at Ryuuen.

"Argh! You bastard! I'll kill you!"

Unfortunately, he was at a disadvantage against Ryuuen and took several punches.

Komiya Yego went over to break up the fight, only to get kicked by Ryuuen.

Then the scene descended into chaos. Another student who had spoken with Ishizaki earlier stepped forward to help. Under their combined attack, Ryuuen retreated several steps and crashed into the side of Manabe's desk.

Ryuuen wiped the trace of blood from the corner of his mouth.

"Haha! This is great! Let's decide who leads the class through violence!"

Manabe spoke to Ryuuen in front of her:

"You bastard! What are you babbling about? Who's going to listen to you?"

Smack!

"Shut up, bitch!"

The timid students had all retreated to the back of the classroom.

"He's so scary! Ryuen even hits girls!"

"Ryuen Kakeru, you're going way too far."

Ryuen Kakeru swept his gaze over them, and the students who had spoken instantly fell silent.

Then Ryuen Kakeru charged toward Ishizaki's group again and resumed fighting them.

And so Class C's chaotic war began.