"So you're saying I'm now the student council vice president?"
Standing in the staff room, Murakami Yuu looked at the appointment letter and the armband embroidered with 'Student Council Vice President' on the reception table, somewhat surprised.
"Your support votes were in an overwhelmingly leading position. Your last monthly exam results were also the highest among the candidates. Plus you've never had any bad incidents, and your image is passably acceptable. Being elected is a natural thing.
Cheer up, kid. You've officially entered the management level among students. Although it's not really anything remarkable, having this experience will make your resume look better when facing life ahead. It counts as leadership experience, whether big or small."
Sakata Gintoki licked his popsicle stick while slurping. Whether it was because he didn't properly groom himself after getting up in the morning, his curly hair stuck up messily.
"It is somewhat unexpected. I just feel the school's efficiency is really high - they confirmed this matter in just a few days. It's only been two or three days, right?"
"After all, the student council's work won't decrease just because one person is missing. Coming up, they need to do population statistics and budget reallocation for various clubs, report damaged items for repurchase, and arrange the school trip in some time. The student council needs to do all these things. If you go earlier, you can familiarize yourself and help earlier, which will lighten Kinomiya's pressure somewhat."
"What's with this sense of déjà vu of just finding someone to fill in and work temporarily? Why do I feel like a temp worker?"
"That's an illusion. I have high hopes for you. If you were really a temp worker, I wouldn't have arranged the vice president position for you."
"Isn't it for the Fukuzawa Yukichi you mentioned at the beginning?"
"Ahem!"
Sakata Gintoki coughed twice perfunctorily, pointed at the items on the table to change the subject.
"Just give this appointment notice to Kinomiya later. She needs to file it in the student council archives. As for the armband, its symbolic meaning is greater than its practical meaning. You don't need to wear it all day at school normally, but you still need to wear it during events like the school festival, teacher-student assemblies, and inspection work."
"Got it. Lunch break is about to end. I'll report to the president after school."
Murakami Yuu took the two items in his hands and nodded.
"Mm, that's roughly it. I've already given Kinomiya a heads up about other specific matters. She'll be responsible for familiarizing you with the student council work. What you need to do is try to share her duties and pressure as much as possible by her side. That's about it.
Also..."
Sakata Gintoki closed his eyes, tapped his forehead with his finger for a while, then slowly opened his eyes.
"The student council also has an advisor teacher - that young Yukino Yukinoshita-sensei who teaches classical literature. Although her qualifications are shallow, she's also an excellent and responsible teacher. If you encounter any problems in the student council in the future, you can consult her too."
Murakami Yuu's eyebrow raised.
"Understood. Then I'll head back to the classroom..."
"Wait, I'm not done yet."
Murakami Yuu had already stood up, but hearing this, he had to sit back down.
"There will be an interview focused on you afterwards."
"Interview?"
"Of course an important leader taking office needs a major inauguration ceremony."
"You want me to speak on stage?"
"Not that formal, but close enough - it's a broadcast."
Murakami Yuu immediately grasped his intent.
"You want me to go to the broadcast room during lunch break and deliver an inauguration speech to all the teachers and students?"
"Correct."
Murakami Yuu scratched his head, feeling a faint sense of shame. He wasn't very willing.
"Can I not go?"
"If you don't go, how will other students at school know you're the newly appointed student council vice president?"
Sakata Gintoki smiled. Seeing Murakami Yuu, who always acted mature in front of him, finally showing some attitude befitting a student made him somewhat happy.
"I could wear the armband and walk around the school a few more times?"
Murakami Yuu offered a solution.
"Rejected. Too inefficient."
Sakata Gintoki refused without thinking.
"Is there no other way?"
Murakami Yuu wanted to struggle a bit more.
"There is one."
"What is it?"
"Two days from now in the morning, all teachers and students will gather in the school gymnasium. There will be a lecture on fire safety knowledge. I'll apply for ten minutes from the higher-ups. You prepare an 800-word speech, dress properly that day, briefly introduce yourself, then express your determination and responsibility after taking office. Try to leave a good impression on the students, otherwise it might hinder your work later. And also..."
"The broadcast, right? Okay, no problem. When do I start?"
Murakami Yuu was forced to interrupt Sakata Gintoki's endless chatter. Between facing all the teachers and students versus facing a microphone, which was more embarrassing was obvious at a glance, and which to choose was self-evident.
Sakata Gintoki showed a triumphant smirk.
"I've already notified the broadcast club president. He'll come find you these days. Just do as he says. Don't worry, the first time is always a bit uncomfortable. After doing it more times, you'll become composed."
I feel like you're making an innuendo, but I have no evidence.
"Then I'll head back to the classroom first."
"Wait, there's one more thing."
Are you my dad?! 💢
One thing after another! 💢
Patiently sitting back down again.
"Don't look at me with that expression. You're the one who keeps trying to leave before the conversation is completely over. It's natural that I'd call you back."
"..."
Heh heh, curly-haired monster.
"Brat, were you just cursing me in your mind?"
"No."
Murakami Yuu denied.
"Well, whatever..."
Sakata Gintoki didn't see any clues on his face.
"After school this afternoon, go to the student council room. Members from the news department will interview you then."
"The broadcast is enough, and now there's an interview too?"
"Show some consideration for other people's club activities. The school hasn't had any eye-catching news lately. The bulletin board they're responsible for has even resorted to filling space with weather forecasts - such a helpless operation.
At this time, you're finally taking office - of course they won't let it go. It's not a difficult matter. Just seriously answer some of their questions. They're easy to satisfy."
"Haa..."
Letting out a long breath.
"I understand. Is there anything else?"
"No more. This time you can really leave."
Murakami Yuu stood up and bowed his head slightly, then turned and walked out of the staff room.
He hadn't anticipated that joining the student council would be such a troublesome thing.
But there was no helping it, since it had already been decided.
He had to work hard to improve himself.
Only when one is powerful can they ensure that what they envision remains within their control.
This was for himself, and also for them.