The final outcome for Class B was, naturally, an unhappy dispersal. Shiraha was forcibly escorted away by the security department after a big scene.
Ichinose also left the classroom, unable to bear the blow.
Kanzaki, like Ichinose, also went straight back to the dorms since he couldn't participate in the upcoming classes.
With Ichinose gone, he didn't want to be the scapegoat and be held accountable by the class.
Finally, with no one to lead them, everyone could only elect Shibata to be the temporary leader of the class.
Ichinose also approved their decision by sending a message.
And so, Class B experienced its most unforgettable day since the start of school.
After school.
Shibata and Himeno walked towards an abandoned classroom used to store damaged sports equipment.
As soon as he entered, Shibata's face broke into a smile.
Sweeping away his previous indifferent demeanor.
"Everyone arrived quite early."
The two girls in the room sat motionless in their chairs, watching Shibata.
Shibata didn't mind and, with Himeno, moved a chair to sit opposite them.
"First, congratulations on becoming the leader of Class B."
A slightly intellectual girl's voice was the first to speak, offering congratulations to Shibata.
"Oh, it's just temporary. I'm only stepping up to do this so that everyone doesn't lose their individuality and self. Sigh, if Classmate Ichinose could hear everyone's true voices, I wouldn't have to be like this."
Shibata looked pensive.
If it were anyone else, they would probably think he was being hypocritical.
But when Shibata said it, no one doubted his words.
This man, described as the male version of Ichinose, would never collude with other classes or even harm the person he liked, unless he wanted to change something... "So what if it's temporary? If you use it well, you can quickly gain control of Class B. After you control Class B, don't forget what you promised me."
The girl's voice became formal.
"Don't worry, I will honor the alliance agreement between Class B and Class D. Through this incident, Miyako-san's reputation has already spread throughout the campus. Our Class B temporarily lacks the courage and certainty of victory to confront her."
Shibata's words contained some things the girl cared about.
"Temporarily? Are you still planning to betray us?"
"No, no, no. Right now, our interests are aligned. Class B needs victory to stabilize morale, and Class D also needs a stronger leader to lead the class. But... we all know there's only one spot for Class A, and we're destined to become enemies in the future. I sincerely hope that day comes later, to allow Class B to be fully prepared."
Shibata didn't believe they could defeat Amane without external help.
But Amane's external help was even stronger, creating a vicious cycle.
So Shibata only hoped to delay. Class B's overall student quality and academic ability were higher than Class D's. As long as conflicts were avoided, it was possible to win against Class D by relying on naturally increasing points without a fight.
In that case, there would be no need to risk war with Class D.
"What about me? You can't forget about me."
The orange-haired girl sitting nearby felt a hint of anxiety when she realized the discussion didn't involve her at all.
Among the four present, her position was the most precarious.
And her usable resources and helpers were also the fewest.
Especially since her goal might be even more difficult than competing for Class A.
That was to defeat Ryuuen, completely destroy his rule, and get him expelled.
This meant that the few people who followed Ryuuen would all have to be expelled.
Such a goal was very difficult to achieve.
"Classmate Nishino, you can rest assured. Whether Class B wants to win or Class D wants to develop, they can't avoid Class C. We will inevitably confront Ryuuen head-on. However... it's unrealistic to get him expelled in a short time, and I hope you can understand that."
Shibata's words made Nishino sigh.
"I understand. I'll continue to endure, but that guy Ryuuen..."
Whenever Ryuuen was mentioned, Nishino would unconsciously show an expression of disgust.
Shibata and the girl opposite exchanged glances, understanding each other, and wanted to change the subject.
"Speaking of which, why did you plan to harm Sakura-san? If it weren't for your arrangement, I wouldn't have helped Kondo. In that case, it might not have been so easy for Kondo to get the boys' changing room key, and the fake love letter incident wouldn't have happened."
Shibata was still a bit wary of harming his own classmates.
Even though he was the one who pushed Ryuuen's plan, and it was because of him that Shiraha was expelled, and it was his analysis that paralyzed Ichinose, leading Ichinose to a wrong understanding of Amane.
These things were ultimately hurdles he couldn't overcome in his heart.
But for the liberation of more people, he unhesitatingly laid hands on his classmates. However, the other party didn't have such a necessity. Why did she target Sakura, who was also a girl?
This was what Shibata was most puzzled about.
"Because I simply dislike her. Is that reason enough?"
The other party's answer made Shibata frown.
This reason was too casual.
But its credibility was very high.
Sometimes, you don't need a reason to dislike someone.
"Someone who appeared out of nowhere suddenly got into a fight with Amane, and even spent a huge amount of points to save her, who was utterly worthless. I don't understand why a timid person, who is at the bottom in both academic ability and physical fitness, and can only survive by relying on others, is worth Amane's trust. So... I let Amane see clearly what the person she trusts would become under threat. Thankfully, Amane has now realized, and the outcome is beautiful."
The other party's words sent a chill down the spines of the other three present.
Shibata then realized that he seemed to be making a deal with a tiger.
The person in front of him was no easy opponent.
"Then aren't you afraid of Miyako-san finding out? Even you, after Miyako-san knows what you've done, would choose to keep your distance from you, right?"
Shibata asked tentatively.
He wanted to know the true strength of this girl who had never truly shown her hand in front of others.
If her strength surpassed Amane's... impossible, how could such an absurd thing happen? But even if they were evenly matched, Class B would be completely overwhelmed.
"She'll be angry, and she'll keep her distance from me, but what can she do? My relationship with Amane is not something a Sakura Airi can shake."
The body hidden in the darkness suddenly stood up.
Her beautiful face was dazzling in the sunset.
"You're too confident, Horikita-san. I have a premonition that you'll stumble on this matter."
Shibata's words were met with Horikita Suzune's arrogant snort.
"Hmph, I understand."
Seeing that the other party was indifferent, Shibata had no intention of continuing to advise her.
It was just an alliance of interests.
Meddling too much would only invite dislike.
As for whether Horikita Suzune would stumble on this matter... that had nothing to do with him.
From the class's perspective, if Class D had internal discord, it might even be a good thing... The excited few had no sense of precaution whatsoever.
Naturally, they wouldn't remember a phrase called...
Walls have ears.
Kiryuin walked lightly through the corridor.
Without attracting anyone's attention.
Her face was filled with confusion and doubt when she came outside, but it quickly turned into anticipation.
"Amane could guess this? Sigh, why is the gap between people so big? Hey, the most troubled one should be Arisu, right? Arisu will probably be completely eaten up by Amane in the end, won't she? It's a pity I graduated earlier than them, otherwise I really wanted to see Arisu being tamed and obedient... It would definitely be very interesting!!! Hahahahaha."
Kiryuuin Fuuka laughed happily.
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