Tenya intended to adopt the Hachiman approach here. However, there was a fundamental difference between the two.
Hachiman's philosophy was to create a world where no one was hurt by sacrificing himself. Tenya, on the other hand, completely disregarded others' opinions and acted as he pleased.
"This…"
"I can imagine what expressions the students below will have."
Yui's lips twitched.
"You're treating everyone else like fools. What an arrogant guy." Yukino couldn't help but rub her forehead.
Being straightforward by nature, she had always been consistent in her words and actions. Therefore, she found it difficult to oppose Tenya's direct behavior.
"Tenya-senpai. For me, you're willing to sacrifice your reputation, I'm so touched." Iroha looked at him, feigning tears.
"If you're touched, then give me some favorability."
"My favorability for Tenya-senpai is already very high."
"Nonsense! The system prompt only says 66%, it hasn't increased much at all." Tenya glanced at the system backend.
"System? Tenya-senpai sometimes says things that people don't understand, could it be chuunibyou?" Iroha stuck out her tongue, looking speechless.
Student Council.
The three candidates personally came to confirm.
"Currently confirmed candidates…"
"Class C, second year, Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou."
"D Class, second year, Suou Yuki."
"First year A, Isshiki Iroha."
The current Student Council president was Shiromeguri Meguru, who, being in her third year, was facing graduation and stepping down.
The first two were members of the Student Council, serving as accountant and public relations respectively, so the Student Council members were all very familiar with them.
Only Iroha, this first-year new student, was an exception.
Everyone was very curious about her, a freshman who dared to sign up for the Student Council president election right after enrolling.
"Um."
"Hello, senpais…"
Facing the scrutinizing gazes from everyone, Iroha seemed a bit timid.
"Yo! Hello everyone. I'm Isshiki-san's speech supporter." Tenya greeted them openly, diverting everyone's attention.
"Tenya-kun, you…"
Alisa frowned, her face showing quite a bit of displeasure.
She had just wanted to ask Tenya to be her supporter, but she didn't expect a junior to beat her to it.
"Oh my. Last night, Tenya-kun refused my invitation on the grounds that he was already someone else's supporter, and I thought it was just an excuse." Yuki was also very surprised by this.
"That's right. My support speech is too radical. I'm afraid the two moderate factions won't be able to adapt." Tenya stated truthfully.
After all, his support speech aimed to attract animosity and allow Iroha to withdraw unscathed.
And Alisa and Yuki both genuinely wanted to become the Student Council president.
"Tenya-senpai, both senpais are staring at me." Iroha whispered into his ear.
"Don't be afraid, they're just jealous." Tenya didn't lower his voice, making everyone in the Student Council present hear it clearly.
Good heavens. You really dare to say that!
"Что за чушь вы несете?" (What nonsense are you saying?) Alisa glared at him angrily.
"Hmm, I am jealous." Yuki nodded seriously.
"Damn Tenya!"
The other Student Council members collectively cast hostile glances at Tenya.
"Tenya-senpai, the support speech hasn't even started, don't attract so much animosity." Iroha suddenly felt like crying.
...
"Does anyone have any questions or anything to add about the specific election process? If not, the meeting is adjourned." Meguru ended the meeting.
"Sigh... I didn't expect the Student Council president's responsibilities to be so heavy." Iroha sighed.
Although she hadn't expected to win, she still held a bit of hope in her heart.
"I think this is a troublesome job."
In his previous life, Tenya wasn't even willing to be a class monitor, let alone anything related to the Student Council. He'd rather spend that time solving a few more problems.
Of course, now that he had transmigrated, he didn't need to solve problems, but he could find other fun things to do.
"Tenya-sama, please wait. Could I take a moment of your time?"
The one who called out to him from behind was Ayano, the Student Council's general affairs member.
"Since senpai has something to discuss with you, I'll excuse myself first." Iroha was good at reading the atmosphere and left on her own initiative.
"Alright."
Tenya roughly understood the other party's intention.
"Thank you very much, please follow me." Ayano led him to a pavilion.
Then she directly stated her intention, "You said you would be Iroha's supporter, was that of your own free will?"
"Yes."
"Then you are going to be an enemy of Yuki-sama." Ayano was expressionless.
"Oh? Did Yuki send you to tell me this?" Tenya asked.
"No, this is my own decision." Ayano said seriously.
"As Yuki-sama's attendant, if anyone becomes my master's enemy, I must understand their intentions."
"An enemy? Is it necessary to be so serious?" Tenya appeared nonchalant. "Isn't it just a mere Student Council election?"
"I originally trusted you very much." Ayano stared at him intently.
"After Young Master Masachika's death, his dying wish was for you to replace him as Yuki-sama's elder brother, trusting that you would never make Yuki-sama sad."
Was there such a thing? It seems there really was.
He almost forgot that when he eliminated Masachika, in order to rekindle hope in the disheartened Yuki, he had used an illusion to manipulate Masachika into "entrusting Yuki to his care."
"Ayano, I think you're overthinking it." Tenya patiently explained. "The reason I'm supporting Iroha isn't because I want to be Yuki's enemy. The reason isn't really suitable to say openly."
"Then please allow me to confirm one last thing." Ayano said, "Will you fulfill your promise as an elder brother to Yuki-sama?"
"That's not certain." Tenya smiled slightly, deliberately keeping him in suspense.
Before the other party could frown, he added, "I'm a very greedy person. Perhaps I'll harbor feelings for Yuki that go beyond those of an elder brother."
"I see. I'm very happy to know your true feelings. I'll take my leave." Ayano bowed to him and turned to depart.
Tenya did not leave but sat in the pavilion for a while. "Since you're here, why hide, Maria-senpai?"
"Was I exposed?"
"Hehehe." Maria walked out from the corner, her smile as heartwarming as ever.
"How is it?"
"Maria-senpai, are you asking on Alisa's behalf?" Tenya proactively posed the question.
"That was the original plan, but after hearing Tenya-kun's conversation with Kimishima-san, my doubts disappeared." Maria smiled.
"Maria-senpai truly understands me." Tenya shrugged. "I have no interest in the Student Council whatsoever."
"Alya is a sensitive child. Being rejected by Tenya-kun caused her trouble for several nights." Maria said with a wry smile.
"Is it that serious? Aside from Student Council matters, I would never refuse Alisa's requests." Tenya patted his chest to express his stance.
"Yes. I will tell Alya every word Tenya-kun said." Maria beamed.
"Speaking of which, why doesn't Maria-senpai run for Student Council President?" Tenya's gaze fell on Maria.
"With your popularity and ability, your chances of winning would be very high, right?"
"Personally, I prefer to work behind the scenes as support." Maria served as the Student Council secretary, practically the president's right-hand woman.
"Personally, I just want to be a normal high school student." Tenya said.
"Pfft..."
"That might be a bit difficult."
"With Tenya-kun's charm, no matter where you go, you'll be the center of attention in the crowd." Maria rested her chin on her palm, watching him with a smiling gaze.
"Ehh. Was that a confession just now?"
"I accept!"
"Maria-senpai, please become one of my girlfriends." Tenya opened his arms.
"Oh, you..."
"If you hadn't added that extra 'one of,' I might have seriously considered it." Maria reached out and gently poked his nose with her finger.
"No. Narrow love cannot simultaneously give Maria-senpai and Alisa shared happiness." Tenya tried to play the sister card.
"Sophistry. Wait until you've successfully captured Alya first, then we'll talk." Maria didn't close the door completely, leaving room for emotional development.
"Then, we have a deal." Tenya took the opportunity to hold her hand.