Chapter 7: The Excellent Class A
After retrieving the textbooks and printed contracts from the homeroom office and returning to the classroom, Hoshinomiya-sensei announced the election for Class B's leader.
Unsurprisingly, the moment the students of Class B heard this, their eyes immediately turned to Hikaru, who had just stepped forward to strategize for the class.
But when they looked over, they found the boy whispering something to Honami beside him before standing up and declaring loudly, "Everyone, I believe Ichinose-san should be our class leader."
"Ichinose-san possesses many strengths that I lack. I'm confident she can become the class's pillar, guiding us forward and ultimately fulfilling our shared dream of graduating from Class A."
"I'll support her as her assistant, contributing to Class B together."
Hikaru had prepared this speech on the way back. He had no intention of becoming the class leader—it would only complicate things later when interacting with newly unlocked stock characters. Being an assistant was far more convenient.
Among Class B's students, many had already become Hikaru's supporters after his earlier strategic proposal. They had hoped he would take the role of leader and lead Class B to victory.
But since the man himself had made it clear he wasn't interested, there was nothing they could do.
Soon after, the students of Class B voiced their agreement:
"If Hanashima-kun says so, then I trust his judgment."
"That's right. Ichinose-san is amazing too—she'll definitely unite all of us in Class B."
"I support Ichinose-san as our leader!"
And so, what should have been a fiercely contested election quickly settled on a candidate due to Hikaru's guidance.
Seated at her desk, Honami hesitated under the wave of endorsements before finally standing up to accept the role, becoming Class B's official leader.
The whisper Hikaru had shared with her was simple: he pointed out that unity among classmates would be crucial in future class competitions, but he himself lacked the experience to manage a group. Ichinose, who had once been a class president, was far more suited for the role.
To seal the deal, Hikaru added that he fully believed in her and hoped she would step up—it was the best solution for Class B. And so, Honami agreed.
After the class leader election, the students of Class B didn't disperse. Instead, they remained in the classroom, watching as Hikaru and Honami set off for their first negotiation with Class A—awaiting the results of their trade.
--
On the other side, Hikaru and Honami, holding the contract and a notebook with the written rules, arrived at the hallway next to Class A's classroom. Inside, the class representative elections were just taking place.
On the podium stood a strikingly noticeable boy—not because of his looks, but because of his hairstyle, one that belonged only to the strong: a shaved head.
With a dignified appearance and an imposing stature, he exuded an air of stability. His name, Katsuragi Kōhei, was written on the blackboard.
He was currently giving a speech to rally votes for himself.
Beside Katsuragi Kōhei's name, there was another name written in delicate, elegant handwriting: Sakayanagi Arisu.
"It seems we've stumbled upon Class A's representative elections," Hikaru remarked as he and Honami stood in the hallway, peering through the window at the scene inside the classroom.
"But why isn't there a teacher in Class A? Did they already leave?" Honami quickly noticed something unusual—inside, only students in maroon uniforms could be seen, with no sign of a teacher.
"Even without a teacher, the classroom isn't the least bit noisy, don't you think?" Hikaru unconsciously narrowed his eyes. He happened to see this as an opportunity to observe Class A.
After all, this was the school's top-ranked class and the most important rival for Class B.
"Yes, it seems Class A's teacher has left this matter entirely to the students to handle on their own."
Honami's expression grew serious. Witnessing Class A's atmosphere firsthand gave her a deeper understanding of the school's class division rules.
Despite the absence of a teacher and the fact that they weren't engaged in academic tasks—merely holding elections—not a single student was distracted. Everyone was attentively listening to the candidates' speeches.
"That concludes my campaign speech. I hope you'll support me."
As the bald boy finished his appeal, the classroom immediately erupted in enthusiastic applause, suggesting he was quite popular in Class A.
Then, another boy standing beside the podium announced, "Next up, Sakayanagi-san."
"Ooooh!"
"Go, Sakayanagi-san! We support you!"
When it was Sakayanagi Arisu's turn, the classroom clearly erupted with even louder applause and cheers, with some even calling out her name.
The next moment, Hikaru and Honami saw a petite figure rise from her seat and slowly make her way to the podium.
She was a silver-haired girl with fair skin. Her delicate, almost elfin features were accentuated by her short silver hair. What left the strongest impression, however, was the black cane she held in her right hand as she walked, seemingly relying on it to move smoothly.
"Is she... physically impaired?" Hikaru rubbed his chin, but another thought quickly crossed his mind.
According to school regulations, those assigned to Class A were the most well-rounded students of their year. Yet this girl, Sakayanagi Arisu, had such an obvious physical limitation.
If she needed a cane just to walk, physical activities were entirely out of the question—she was at an even greater disadvantage than Hikaru, whose physical ability was a mere 3 points.
But despite that, she was still a student of Class A, which meant she must possess some terrifying talent in another area.
Intelligence? Mental acuity? Analytical ability?
All of these were possibilities.
Just as Hikaru's expression shifted slightly, a soft voice called out from inside the classroom.
"Excuse me, you two outside. Would you mind telling us what you're doing?"
Sakayanagi Arisu, with her silver hair, had already noticed the pair outside the window and even made eye contact with Hikaru.
"..."
Seems they've been spotted.
Seeing they'd been noticed, Hikaru and Honami beside him simply walked into Class A's classroom together.
"Apologies, we didn't mean to eavesdrop on your class representative election. We just came to discuss something with you."
Honami spoke first. Having become Class B's leader, she needed to fulfill her responsibilities.
"And what might that be?"
The one who responded was the bald boy who had just finished his campaign speech—Katsuragi Kōhei. His expression remained neutral, yet he exuded a steady presence just by standing there.
"It's about the school's hidden rules," Honami began by introducing them, "I'm Ichinose Honami from Class 1-B, and this is my classmate, Hanashima Hikaru."
"What we have to say is important, so could you take a look at this first?"
The girl extended the Contract in her hand. Just as Kōhei was about to reach for it, Arisu's voice came from behind.
"Katsuragi-kun, please wait a moment."
"Do you have any concerns, Sakayanagi-san?"
"What I mean is, perhaps I should finish my campaign speech first?" Arisu's lips curled into a faint smile. "Wouldn't it be more appropriate for the class leader to engage with students from other classes after the election is decided?"
"..."
Well, well. This Sakayanagi girl might look delicate, but she's got quite the bite, hasn't she?
Hikaru exchanged a glance with Honami beside him. Both could tell something was off—it seemed the two candidates didn't get along very well.
Honami whispered into Honami's ear, "Hanashima-kun, what should we do now?"
"No rush. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. We can wait until they've settled their business." Hikaru shook his head. They still had time, after all. "As the saying goes, it's easier to catch fish in troubled waters."
"What kind of saying is that? I've never heard it before."
"Uh... just consider it my invention then."