"Amamiya Yuki, right?"
"Could you spare me just a tiny bit of your time?"
Looking at Horikita Suzune standing in front of him, gripping a compass with a cold expression, Yuki felt a bit helpless.
Though it sounded like a question, the tone carried an aura that made refusal feel impossible.
Still.
Where the hell did you crawl out from, some gang member or what, planning to drag me into the bathroom and stab me to death?
"Sorry, I've got something to take care of with Instructor Chabashira right now. If Suzune absolutely wants to ask me out, then wait until after school. I should have time for a date then."
Yuki spread his hands and walked straight past Horikita Suzune.
Hearing his words, Horikita Suzune frowned slightly and instantly gave up on retaliating against him for now. This school clearly had many inexplicable things going on, and compared to gathering information, Yuki wasn't important at the moment.
"What are you going to see Instructor Chabashira for?" Horikita Suzune quickly caught up, then added, "And don't call me Suzune!"
"I don't think I'm obligated to tell you." Yuki raised an eyebrow. "Right, Suzune?"
"You—"
Her words caught in her throat. This time, Horikita Suzune didn't focus on the name, instead calming herself and saying,
"You're right, there's no such obligation. Then let's exchange information and analyze things together."
"According to Instructor Chabashira, this school established by the nation doesn't seem strict at all. It's actually suspiciously lenient. There has to be something wrong with that. Amamiya-kun, what do you think?"
She didn't feel Yuki's response was inappropriate. After all, they were strangers; there was indeed no reason for him to tell her. But she had also sensed something off about this school.
This was the school her brother, Horikita Manabu, chose. There was no way it was simple. That alone was enough to keep her constantly on guard.
Unfortunately, with her narrow field of vision, she could only sense danger through instincts like a wild animal's, unable to pinpoint exactly what was wrong.
"I'm obviously looking with my eyes." Yuki replied with a smile, leaving only his back as he ignored her.
"Are you an idiot?!"
Horikita Suzune was practically about to explode.
Sharing information, joint analysis, cooperation for mutual benefit—she couldn't understand why Yuki refused.
...
Teacher's Office.
At this moment, Chabashira Sae had returned early. The entire office was empty, the other teachers likely still dealing with students' questions.
"Is this year's Class D still hopeless?"
Sitting in her chair, Chabashira Sae lit a slim cigarette, deeply disappointed in this year's Class D once again.
She believed she had already provided enough information.
Anyone should know that free lunches don't fall from the sky, yet these students had no doubts whatsoever—utterly foolish.
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka.
That name slowly surfaced in her mind. An ordinary-looking high school boy, yet the chairman had personally issued instructions about him.
Was it because of a powerful background, or did he truly possess something special?
"Well, whatever. As long as they're in this school, they'll find out sooner or later."
Chabashira Sae thought so.
Those with ability would naturally rise, while the mediocre would fade into obscurity.
That was the Advanced Nurturing High School, where strength reigned supreme.
Knock, knock.
"Come in."
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Anyone knocking wouldn't be a teacher. Soon, two Class D students entered.
"Amamiya Yuki and Horikita Suzune, right? What do you need?"
Since she wanted to move her class up to Class A, Chabashira Sae was very familiar with her students.
One was an heir of the Amamiya conglomerate, one was an excellent student whose grades were enough for Class A. She couldn't help but feel a bit expectant.
"I have some private matters I'd like to discuss with you, sensei."
Yuki spoke, deliberately avoiding words like "questions," cutting off any chance for Horikita Suzune to join.
After all, as classmates, it was hard to exclude her face-to-face without a proper reason. But private matters were a different story entirely.
"..."
Horikita Suzune clearly understood this, her brows knitting together in obvious displeasure.
"Alright. Horikita, wait outside for a bit."
Impressed by Yuki's airtight approach, Chabashira Sae nodded and led him into a partitioned room inside the office.
Watching their backs, Horikita Suzune knew Yuki would definitely ask questions she hadn't even considered—likely related to the school's rules.
Unfortunately.
She had no legitimate reason to join.
As for eavesdropping—
Not only was the soundproofing excellent, but she also deeply despised such behavior.
Suppressing her frustration, Horikita Suzune waited outside the office.
Though she believed most of Class D were nothing but obstacles, there was no doubt that Amamiya Yuki was no longer among them.
Still.
To catch up to her brother in Class A by the third year, she had to fully understand the school's rules, demonstrate her strength, and become someone her brother could be proud of.