The grand gate of Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School was constructed from two massive natural boulders. Despite being a relatively young institution established just over a decade ago, the sheer magnificence and grandeur of its gate could easily lead an uninformed passerby to mistake it for a prestigious university.
In truth, the government had heavily invested in the school's infrastructure. The campus wasn't even located within Tokyo proper, but on a large artificial island overseas, connected to the mainland only by two bridges. It suited the school's fully enclosed, self-contained management style perfectly.
"Hah..."
Unlike the excited new students flooding through the gate, Kitagawa Ryo looked unusually gloomy today. Leaning against a cherry blossom tree near the entrance, he sighed repeatedly, drawing attention from several nearby girls. Still, none of them dared approach him.
The main reason for their hesitation stood right beside him. Although she wore the same red uniform and white pleated skirt, the girl exuded an air of dignity that made others instinctively shy away. Her natural posture and the charisma in her every move led some to whisper among themselves, wondering if she was a famous model or actress.
Early spring, blooming cherry blossoms, and a strikingly attractive boy and girl standing together—the scene looked like something straight out of a drama.
But anyone who could hear their conversation would likely have their romantic illusions shattered.
"Class 1-B... What kind of insane placement is this?"
Karuizawa Kei held up her phone to show the class assignment results to Ryo, clearly dissatisfied.
"Ryo, are you sure you weren't lying to me? That my name didn't appear in the selection that day?"
"It's probably because your abilities are hard to quantify in raw data. Whether it's academic, athletic, or interpersonal skills, there are students with higher individual scores. But your stats are well-balanced, so I think that's why you were placed in Class B."
In fact, Ryo had noticed Kei's name missing on the day of the draft. But after reviewing her application profile, he found the decision somewhat reasonable:
Karuizawa Kei
- Academic Ability: B-
- Intelligence: B
- Judgment: B+
- Physical Ability: B
- Cooperation: C+
Interview Notes: "This student is above average academically and physically. Notably, she served as a lead actress in a theater troupe prior to enrollment, making her exceptionally adept at interacting with adults. However, due to her involvement in serious incidents during elementary school and a tendency to isolate during middle school, we cautiously hope Class B will help her utilize her strengths and work through potential issues."
At least, compared to her original timeline's rating of [D-, D-, C-, D, E+], this was a vast improvement.
In Ryo's mind, Class B was actually a great fit for Kei. If she had been placed in Ayanokouji Kiyotaka's Class A, he might have been worried.
"But Honami and Suzune are both in Class D!"
Kei pouted, twirling her hair. She'd looked forward to spending more time alone with Ichinose Honami after enrolling, but now it felt like they had swapped roles.
Class 1-B...
Trying to recall the roster, Kei could barely name anyone significant aside from Honami from the original timeline. Maybe that guy who always followed her around—Kanza something?
Life was tough. Class B might be superior on paper, but it just didn't feel competitive enough.
"Exactly! That's what I'm worried about," Ryo muttered, massaging his temples. "Honami, Arisu... any one of them could lead a class. Now they're all bunched together in Class D. Who knows what's going to happen?"
"Didn't you put them there yourself?" Kei asked, voice full of accusation.
"At the time, I was just trying to boost Class D's strength."
"And if I didn't pick them, their ratings would've guaranteed a spot in Class A."
"Knowing how Ayanokouji operates, if something went wrong, I wouldn't have been able to accept it."
Kei sighed.
"You're such a handful, Ryo."
"Alright, let's head to class. If you get familiar with your classmates now, it'll help before the opening ceremony."
"If Kei gets to Class A first, I'll be wooing you."
Ryo chuckled and waved her off.
"Deal."
Kei grinned and tied her hair into a simple ponytail.
"But you'll have to grovel for it when the time comes."
"Hmph."
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After parting ways with Karuizawa Kei at the entrance of the school building, Kitagawa Ryo followed the map and quickly found Class 1-D. Unlike during the simulation, he didn't head to the convenience store to gather intel—after all, he already knew the school's internal layout and student data.
Given what he'd previously learned about the general standards of Class 1-D, Ryo hadn't set high expectations for his new classmates. When he opened the classroom door, he had already braced himself for chaos.
What greeted him, however, left him momentarily stunned.
"Shizuku-chan, Shizuku-chan! I'm your biggest fan! I've been your supporter since I was three!"
"Umm... Yamauchi-kun, I've only debuted two years ago."
"That's just how much I love you—"
"Yamauchi, can you hurry up? We're all waiting for our turn to get an autograph."
"To think I'd be in the same class as Shizuku-sama... truly a blessing from the gods!"
"Everyone, if you could quiet down a little, I'll be able to sign faster."
On the left side of the classroom, a long line of male and female students waited as Sakura Airi calmly sat in the last row, signing autographs. Her words seemed to carry weight—Yamauchi was quickly dragged to the back of the line by a group of boys, much to everyone's astonishment.
"Satou-san, just call me Honami, okay? Our schools did a joint cultural festival during our second year of middle school, remember?"
"Yeah, yeah! There was that magician who messed up during the circus act—it was hilarious!"
"Inogashira-san, you looked a little uncomfortable when you came in, so I brought you a cup of warm water. It's over here."
"Shinohara has such a kind personality. I think we'll be great friends. Let's support each other!"
On the other side of the classroom, Ichinose Honami was already at the center of the girls' social circle. Her graceful social skills and warm smile completely validated the school's decision to rate her an A.
"Matsushita-san, you're such an interesting person. I really like that about you."
In one corner of the room, Sakayanagi Arisu was gazing at a girl with a look of delight, as if she had just discovered a new favorite toy.
In a way, this chaos was just a different breed of the same madness Ryo had anticipated.
Doing his best to stay under the radar, Ryo weaved his way through the crowd to the back of the classroom. Just as he set his bag down at his designated seat, a familiar voice called out from his right.
"Good morning, Ryo."
"I should be the one saying that. I'm honestly surprised to see you sitting here quietly reading a book, Suzune."
"So... why is it like this?"
"I think they're running for governor—or rather, class president."
Horikita Suzune closed her book, revealing the title printed on the spine: The Collected Short Stories of Mark Twain.
"Wouldn't be surprised if someone bursts in during self-introductions with a bunch of kids calling her grandma."
"And you, Suzune?"
"Hmm?"
"Don't you have any interest in running for class president?"
She tilted her head slightly, considered the question for a moment, and then gave a firm shake of her head.
"My goal is simply to join the student council. I'm not really interested in class affairs."
"That's a pretty confident stance."
Ryo sighed, making small talk with Horikita while scanning the classroom.
In his last simulation, he'd been placed in Class 1-C, so he didn't recognize all 40 members of Class 1-D. Karuizawa Kei might remember them, but she was in Class B now.
He started identifying familiar faces from memory.
The troublemakers Yamauchi and Ike didn't seem to be getting along this time—Yamauchi had just been taken down by Ike and a few boys in a desperate attempt to impress Sakura Airi. Sudou was passed out on his desk, completely disinterested in his surroundings.
Then Ryo's eyes landed on a girl sitting in the far-right corner of the classroom.
Though he didn't claim to remember every student's face, Ryo was sure—this girl hadn't been part of the original Class 1-D. If someone like her had been, there's no way he would've forgotten.
Sensing his gaze, the petite girl with twin-tails winked at him playfully.
Ryo responded with a polite smile.
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"Alongside you, two other secret collaborators from the White Room have also enrolled. Both are top-tier students from the fifth generation. So, more than a year ago, when the bet was made, I made arrangements to manipulate their academic records and advanced them by a year so they could enter Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School as regular first-year students."
Sitting in Class 1-A, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka recalled the final instructions given to him by that man the night before. The fact that this information was revealed only at the last moment showed just how much importance he placed on those two collaborators.
According to the man, one of them had been assigned to Class 1-D. As for the other—
"Everyone, may I have your attention for a moment?"
A voice from outside his thoughts interrupted Ayanokouji's contemplation. He looked up and saw a boy standing from his seat near the front. Even among the elite students of Class A, his appearance was particularly outstanding.
With a charming and friendly smile, the boy addressed the class confidently:
"Starting today, we'll be living and studying together in this class. So I thought, why don't we go ahead and introduce ourselves to one another? There's still some time before the entrance ceremony, so let's get to know each other as soon as possible."
"No objection here. I was thinking the same thing."
Another boy immediately responded. He was significantly more muscular than most and completely bald, giving him an intimidating appearance. Yet his refined manners and speech provided a curious contrast.
Katsuragi Kohei. Ayanokouji recognized him as one of the students Kitagawa Ryo had chosen to discard. And yet here he was, placed in Class A and carrying himself with remarkable poise. The fact that someone of his caliber nearly ended up in Class D made Ayanokouji feel as though he had lucked out.
"I hope to become friends with everyone soon," said a beautiful girl gently.
The rest of the students responded enthusiastically, and the introductions began naturally.
"My name is Hirata Yosuke. Back in middle school, people usually called me Yosuke, so feel free to do the same. I enjoy all kinds of sports, especially soccer. I plan to continue playing here, so let's all get along."
As the initiator, Hirata's flawless introduction set a positive tone for the rest.
Each student in Class A demonstrated impressive composure. None faltered, nor did any show signs of nervousness. Even a seemingly average-looking boy named Totsuka Yahiko spoke earnestly about his shortcomings and his desire to grow alongside his classmates.
Overall, Class A was living up to Ayanokouji's expectations.
He had scouted Class C and D beforehand, and compared to their rowdy environments, Class A's demeanor was overwhelmingly superior.
As he evaluated potential allies—like Hirata Yosuke, who despite not being leadership material would make an ideal second-in-command—he also took note of Kushida Kikyou, whose interpersonal skills were rated A. She seemed friendly and perfectly suited to unify the class.
Just as Ayanokouji was quietly selecting useful tools, an unexpected voice broke through the harmony.
"My name is Kouenji Rokusuke, the sole heir of the Kouenji conglomerate. I am a man destined to shoulder the burden of Japanese society. Pleased to meet you, young ladies."
With a smug smile and a mirror in hand, Kouenji casually combed his flowing blond hair.
Rather than addressing the whole class, his introduction seemed aimed exclusively at the female students.
Hashimoto Masayoshi, seated beside Ayanokouji, frowned slightly.
He, too, had been playing the flirty playboy, but Kouenji's tone carried a genuine air of superiority—as if he were looking down on everyone else.
Several girls glanced at Kouenji with obvious disapproval.
"Also, if any of you engage in behavior I find displeasing, I won't hesitate to punish you. Be mindful of that."
Completely ignoring their reactions, Kouenji continued issuing proclamations like a self-declared monarch.
"Umm... Kouenji-kun, what exactly do you mean by 'displeasing behavior'?"
Hirata, perhaps uneasy about the term 'punish,' asked cautiously.
"Exactly what I said. But if you need an example—" Kouenji smirked, turning his mirror to reflect the shine of Katsuragi's bald head, "—I detest unsightly things. Bald boy, shall I buy you a wig? Your glare is quite bothersome."
Ayanokouji took a deep breath.
It seemed the so-called intellectual asset he had personally chosen was, in fact, quite the heavyweight.
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