Meanwhile, Class C of the first year also learned about Yagami Takuya's withdrawal from school.
"Yagami-kun withdrew voluntarily?"
Riku Utsunomiya was stunned for a moment, and Tsubaki Sakurako beside him also froze slightly.
At that moment, the two were discussing in a café whether to approach second-year students when they overheard people nearby talking about Yagami Takuya's withdrawal.
After a while, Utsunomiya gathered all the information and sat opposite Tsubaki Sakurako with a grave expression.
"With Yagami-kun's withdrawal, Class B will likely be without a leader in the short term."
Utsunomiya was aware of the situation in Class B of the first year.
Without someone like Ryuen Kakeru or Hosen Kazuo, it was usually someone well-liked and capable who would step up to unite the class.
Yagami Takuya happened to possess both qualities.
He not only got along well with his classmates but also had excellent grades, earning the trust of many in Class B.
"An unexpected development," Tsubaki Sakurako said lazily, a lollipop in her mouth, her tone making it hard to guess what she was thinking.
"Although it's good for us, this matter is too suspicious."
Utsunomiya felt puzzled. "Yagami-kun doesn't seem like the type to withdraw without reason. Even his classmates don't know why he left. I think we need to be cautious from now on."
Tsubaki Sakurako remained silent, unconsciously playing with the lollipop in her mouth.
The round candy rolled around in the girl's mouth. If Kaoru were here, he would undoubtedly stare at her intently.
Utsunomiya didn't know the inside story, so he couldn't guess who the culprit was.
But Tsubaki Sakurako knew.
Could it be that person?
Tsubaki Sakurako silently recalled her sister's face—how the other person had turned away heartlessly, never looking back no matter how much her sister cried and pleaded.
Feeling somewhat irritated, she bit down on the candy.
Utsunomiya didn't seem to notice her expression and spoke up, "By the way, regarding the showdown between Nagumo-senpai and Mitoma-senpai, I think it's best we don't get involved."
Hearing that familiar name again, Tsubaki Sakurako's eyes flickered slightly.
However, within a few days, Nagumo Miyabi once again took the initiative to seek them out.
...
On the other side, Tsubasa Nanase also received the news.
Though surprised, she didn't pay much attention to it, as she was more concerned about the cooperation between Class D of the first year and Class C of the second year.
"Heh, Nanase, you're really fixated on this person. Is he worth you being so serious?"
Hearing Tsubasa Nanase's arrangement, Hosen Kazuo grew somewhat impatient.
This arrangement was related to Class 2-C. From the start of the school year until now, Tsubasa Nanase had been inexplicably obsessed with Class 2-C.
If not for her having some value, Hosen Kazuo wouldn't be this polite to her.
"If we can make this person drop out, I'll follow your orders from now on."
Tsubasa Nanase took a deep breath. "This person specifically—I must make him drop out."
Hosen found it quite interesting.
While the entire class was subservient to him, only Tsubasa Nanase held different opinions.
"Nanase, don't talk to me like that. Don't think I won't hit a woman."
Hosen Kazuo curled a smile at the corner of his mouth. "But if you tell me why you want this person to drop out, I might help you."
"There are things I can't forgive him for."
Tsubasa Nanase stubbornly met Hosen's gaze. "Helping me is actually helping yourself. With Yagami-kun having dropped out, Class 2-C will definitely need collaborators."
Hosen's face darkened instantly.
He suddenly shoved Tsubasa Nanase against the wall, his smile turning vicious. "Are you trying to tell me what to do?"
Suddenly subjected to such rough treatment, Tsubasa only let out a muffled grunt but showed no trace of fear.
"Is it really that troublesome for you to make him drop out?"
Hosen acted as if he'd heard something hilarious.
His eyes were extremely fierce, while Tsubasa met his gaze head-on.
The two stood in stalemate for a brief moment.
"Heh, what a pathetic look."
Hosen withdrew his fist. "Not to mention a second-year student—I wouldn't even bat an eye at Ryuen."
It seemed the provocation had worked. Tsubasa secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
"This person—I'll take care of him for you incidentally."
Hosen said, "But as payment, you'll help me deal with the trash from other classes. Then Ryuen and Mitoma."
Tsubasa was slightly taken aback.
She hadn't expected to hear Kaoru's name from Hosen Kazuo.
Ryuen Kakeru was understandable—Hosen and he were acquaintances from middle school, often at odds, and Hosen was eager to challenge Ryuen's position.
Now that Hosen had come to ANHS, of course he wanted to settle scores with Ryuen Kakeru.
But Kaoru shouldn't be included here.
Why would Hosen Kazuo notice Kaoru?
In Tsubasa's eyes, Kaoru's image was currently terrible—practically just a womanizing playboy.
Hosen didn't miss Tsubasa's expression. "You don't want to?"
"No, I'm just curious."
Tsubasa collected herself. "Does Hosen-kun want to cooperate with Nagumo-senpai?"
Nagumo Miyabi had secretly contacted first-year students, proposing cooperation with the target being Kaoru.
If they could deal with Kaoru, he would offer all his Personal points as reward.
Tsubasa had seen Nagumo's personal balance—nearly ten million Personal points was truly tempting.
She thought Hosen was attracted by those Personal points, but unexpectedly, Hosen just burst into laughter after hearing this.
"Cooperate? Even if he hadn't begged me, I would have made a move on Mitoma!"Hosen Kazuo declared loudly.
"Since Mitoma could proclaim himself the Apex during the entrance ceremony, I can personally shatter the so called Apex too!"
Tsubasa Nanase was stunned—so Hosen Kazuo had set his sights on Kaoru himself.
"Daring to issue a challenge on stage—no matter what, I'll accept it!"
Hosen Kazuo spoke with unwavering conviction, "This guy is the real prize, the strongest in this school!"
The mere thought of a man who could suppress both Ryuen Kakeru and Nagumo Miyabi sent a thrill of excitement through Hosen Kazuo.
As early as the entrance ceremony, his beast-like intuition had sensed the danger emanating from Kaoru.
If he could defeat Kaoru, by any means necessary, Hosen Kazuo was brimming with confidence.
Therefore, Yagami Takuya's expulsion and the students Tsubasa Nanase wanted expelled meant nothing to him—they were merely trivial matters.
The strongest in this school should be Kaoru!