Chapter 294 Hikigaya as Person in Charge; Dissing Nagumo
"No, no, no, Hikigaya-kun, your words are a bit insulting."
While rebutting, Hashimoto Masayoshi took the opportunity to "pull one up while pushing another down": "The reason our class failed repeatedly before was because we had the wrong leader. It's different now."
Although he didn't name names, everyone present knew that the "wrong leader" Hashimoto was referring to was Katsuragi Kohei.
"Hashimoto! You bastard, don't go too far!" Yahiko couldn't help but jump up.
'This kid is really stupid.'
"Say no more, Yahiko." Katsuragi Kohei interrupted the erupting Yahiko. Facing the strange looks from the crowd, he responded directly without evasion: "A loss is a loss. Don't make any excuses."
The bald man's honesty made Hikigaya look at him with a bit more respect. It seemed that the disastrous defeat had not only brought humiliation to Katsuragi Kohei but also spiritual growth.
"Not bad, Katsuragi.
I'm starting to like you a little."
Ryuen Kakeru took the opportunity to throw an olive branch: "You'll be suppressed if you stay in Class A anyway. Who knows when that little midget will use you as a discarded pawn?
How about transferring to our Class C?"
These words were clearly deceptive, aimed at attacking Class A's internal stability. And it actually worked. Hashimoto Masayoshi and Kito Hayato looked at Katsuragi with a few more hints of wariness.
"Don't try to sow discord.
I don't approve of Sakayanagi's style, but as long as it's for the common interest of Class A, I will obey her orders unconditionally." Katsuragi Kohei stated his stance.
"Is that so? That's a pity then.
But the door to my Class C is always open for you."
Perhaps truly valuing Katsuragi's ability, Ryuen's attitude had clearly changed this time.
"Alright, since the group members have been decided.
Now we need to decide who will be the Person in Charge (PIC)." Kanzaki Ryuuji shifted the topic, which was also the most critical part of the mixed camp.
"Kanzaki, how about you take the role?" Yahiko had a sudden inspiration and started flattery: "Everyone says Kanzaki's ability is not below Ichinose's and that you should be the leader of Class B. Why not let everyone see your ability this time?"
"I resolutely support Ichinose's leadership, and out of caution, I don't intend to become the PIC." Kanzaki Ryuuji rejected the suggestion.
"Hashimoto, don't you plan to be the boss?
As an elite of Class A, you have no presence at all, do you?" Ishizaki Daichi used a provocation tactic.
"Unfortunately, I don't have the ability to lead others. Better leave it to someone capable." Hashimoto Masayoshi retreated to advance, refusing to take the bait.
"Hey, Dead-Fish Eyes, how about you be the PIC?" Ryuen Kakeru suddenly pointed the spearhead at Hikigaya.
"Sure, okay." To everyone's surprise, Hikigaya accepted without hesitation.
"What?!" Everyone was shocked.
"Wait a minute, Hikigaya-kun!
Do you really understand what it means to be the PIC?"
The one who spoke up to warn him was Shibata Souta from Class B. This boy was handsome, had a sunny and cheerful personality, was friendly to others, and was especially loyal.
In the event involving tutoring exchange students, to stand up for the bullied Yukimura Teruhiko, he had charged at the Class C provocateurs without hesitation, only to be framed by a "staged accident"... Hikigaya knew this boy was loyal, but the problem was he had no friendship with Shibata.
Why was the other guy suddenly concerned about him?
"I know. If we get a good ranking, the personal point rewards are doubled," Hikigaya said.
"But... if the group finishes last, you'll be expelled!" Shibata Sou looked anxious.
"Shibata-kun is overthinking it. We are the elite group, how could we finish last?" Hashimoto Masayoshi spoke lightly, as it wasn't his skin in the game.
"What if someone intentionally sabotages it?" Shibata scanned everyone present with a wary gaze.
"The worst-case scenario is just expulsion." Hikigaya shrugged, looking completely indifferent: "To be honest, with you guys whose heads are full of wanting to climb to Class A, I'm not worried at all that someone would dare to screw me over on purpose."
The reason was simple. If the group fell to last place and Hikigaya, as the PIC, had to be expelled, he would definitely designate one of them to go down with him.
As self-proclaimed "elites," none of them were willing to gamble their futures.
"No, there is one more way of redemption."
"As long as you gather 20 million personal points, you can save the person you designated from expulsion." Shibata pointed out the key detail.
Currently, except for Class D, Classes A, B, and C could theoretically gather 20 million!
"Then I'm truly honored.
Which class would be willing to pay such a high price just to deal with me?"
Hikigaya remained indifferent. Even for Class A, which had the most abundant point reserves, 20 million was not a small amount and would certainly cause a major setback. Class B and Class C would definitely not let a weakened Class A off the hook, taking the opportunity to pull them down.
It wouldn't be worth the loss.
"But this possibility can't be ruled out.
If you are expelled... someone will be very sad." Shibata's expression was exceptionally serious, and by the end, for some reason, it carried a hint of indescribable, complex emotion.
"Hey, hey, since when did your Dead-Fish Eye charm work on guys too?" Ryuen Kakeru suddenly leaned over and added a sarcastic remark.
"Get lost, you disgusting guy." Hikigaya pushed away Ryuen's punchable face with one hand. However, he truly didn't understand Shibata's attitude toward him.
"Regardless of the result, I can accept it. If any of you want to be the PIC, I can step aside." Hikigaya didn't care about the class competition at all. Becoming the PIC was for the personal interest of seeing reward points double.
If he didn't get it, it didn't matter. His main vibe was "slacking off"!
"Hikigaya-kun's way of doing things is truly as one pleases." Hashimoto Masayoshi showed a helpless look.
According to Sakayanagi Arisu's orders, he had originally planned to push Kanzaki Ryuuji or Ryuen Kakeru into the PIC position. If they didn't take the bait, he'd push Katsuragi Kohei. Whether it was attacking an enemy class or suppressing restless elements within his own class, the result would be acceptable. But he ran into Hikigaya, who didn't play by the rules, making Sakayanagi's plan impossible to implement from the start.
"Since this is Hikigaya-kun's wish, our Class B will also support it." Kanzaki Ryuuji was emotionless; it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.
"Tch, why do I feel like you'll cause trouble if you're the PIC?" Ryuen Kakeru frowned, as if he had an ominous premonition.
"No way, I'm a person who loves peace the most." The corners of Hikigaya's mouth couldn't help but curl up.
"I see, I finally understand Fish-Eye Boy's goal.
Interesting~ I'll accompany your nonsense for now." Koenji Rokusuke gave him a meaningful look.
The PICs of each group went to Mashima-sensei to complete registration. The 10 group leaders for the first years: Boys: Machida Koji, Watanabe Norihito, Tokito Hiroya, Yukimura Teruhiko, Hikigaya Hachiman. Girls: Sakayanagi Arisu, Ichinose Honami, Manabe Shiho, Shiina Hiyori, Horikita Suzune.
"Hachiman-kun, I didn't expect you to participate in this game. It's truly a surprise and a delight." Sakayanagi Arisu looked at Hikigaya, who came to register, with an expression of surprise.
"No one else wanted to, so I did." Hikigaya gave a casual brush-off.
"I heard that the group Hachiman-kun is in consists of elites from various classes. You'll have to put in a lot of effort." Ichinose Honami looked at him with a bit of worry.
"It is quite exhausting, managing this group of restless fellows." Hikigaya said in a half-joking tone: "Maybe my group will drop to last place."
"No!"
"No way!"
Ichinose Honami and Shiina Hiyori reacted strongly.
"I will tell Kanzaki-kun and the others to fully cooperate with Hachiman-kun!" Ichinose emphasized.
"I will also make Ryuen-kun behave. Otherwise... I will take my own measures." Shiina Hiyori's expression was exceptionally serious.
"Honestly, what on earth are you thinking?" Horikita Suzune looked like she had a headache: "This group of yours happens to be full of difficult people."
"Uh, don't be so tense. I was just joking." Hikigaya quickly waved his hands, signaling them to calm down.
"Hehe~ It seems everyone is very reluctant to let Hachiman-kun go." Sakayanagi hid a smile behind her hand: "Is this where your confidence comes from?"
"None of your business." Hikigaya couldn't be bothered with this loli brat.
The second-year PICs... Hikigaya only recognized Nagumo Miyabi and Kiryuin Fuuka. Speaking of which, how did that "do as she pleases" beautiful older sister end up as a PIC?
The third-year PICs... Unsurprisingly, Horikita Manabu was among them.
"Clap, clap~" Nagumo Miyabi attracted everyone's attention with the sound of his clapping.
"I have a proposal. Please listen, everyone...
Since all the year levels have already divided into small groups, let's form the large groups now.
Although the mixed camp procedure says to form large groups in the evening, that's because the senseis didn't expect our efficiency to be so high. So there's no need for everyone to follow the steps. Isn't it easier to get it done in one go right now?"
Starting off by jumping out of the rules set by the school—one could only say that Nagumo was truly restless.
"Nagumo-kun, your request doesn't fit the exam procedure." The proctoring teacher, Mashima, frowned.
"I think Nagumo-kun's proposal has merit. It doesn't matter if we omit insignificant procedures, does it?" A proctor from the second year expressed support. It seemed Nagumo Miyabi had not only dominated the second-year students, but even the teachers favored him.
The third-year proctor first looked at Horikita Manabu and, after exchanging a look with him, finally spoke.
"Agreed. The school should not interfere with the students' exams unless necessary.
Any suggestions that do not affect fairness can be considered."
It sounded dignified, but in reality, wasn't it just because they were giving face to Nagumo Miyabi's position as Student Council President? If an ordinary student made such a suggestion, it would be rejected 100%!
"Thank you for the senseis' support." Nagumo's move wasn't actually to change the procedure, but to demonstrate his power in front of all students from all three years.
To put it bluntly, it was intimidation! And in fact, it achieved the effect he wanted.
Most of the first-years felt intimidated. The second-years were all filled with admiration. Even the third-years were quite wary of Nagumo!
"Regarding the combination of the large groups, I believe the upperclassmen should act like senpais.
I'll leave the right of choice to the first-year underclassmen. What do you think, Horikita-senpai?"
Nagumo started taking initiative again, acting as if he weren't a student taking the exam, but a high-and-mighty proctor.
"Mhm, I think that's a good idea." Horikita Manabu didn't respond at all to Nagumo's provocative attitude.
Instead, he treated the first-year kouhais kindly from a senpai's perspective.
But the problem was that Nagumo was the one who made the suggestion.
The first-year students would only feel that Horikita Manabu was being led by the nose and wouldn't appreciate his kindness. The difference in how social favors were handled here was worlds apart.
It was impossible for Horikita Manabu not to understand this; one could only say his character was indeed noble!
Hikigaya felt a sense of admiration. To be able to maintain such noble character after three years in this school full of traps everywhere, Horikita Manabu was indeed a man worthy of respect.
According to Nagumo's proposal, the ten first-year PIC representatives participated in a lottery. From number one to ten, they would choose the large group to join in order. Hikigaya had good luck and drew number one, possessing the first right to choose a large group.
"Hikigaya, quite lucky.
Which large group do you plan to choose?" Nagumo watched him with a kind gaze.
"Hikigaya is in the Student Council; he'll definitely support his own president, right?"
"Then you don't know. I heard Hikigaya wants to steal President Nagumo's girl..."
"Wow! Really? Is that Dead-Fish Eyes guy that fierce?"
"The Great Demon King isn't satisfied with first-year girls anymore; he's actually going after the upperclassmen sisters?" The crowd whispered. But the topics were getting more and more ridiculous!
"I choose to form a large group with Horikita-senpai's group." Hikigaya decisively designated Horikita Manabu's group.
"Oh ho!
It seems Hikigaya-kun is indeed a person who cherishes old ties, not forgetting Horikita-senpai's promotion of him." Nagumo laughed noncommittally.
Given their antagonistic relationship, Hikigaya's choice was within his expectations. However, for a subordinate member of the Student Council to go support someone else was indeed a bit of a slap in the face for him as Student Council President!
"Sorry, President Nagumo.
As the PIC, I have an obligation to lead my group to victory."
Hikigaya talked nonsense with righteous indignation: "In my view, although President Nagumo is very strong, compared to Horikita-senpai, there is still a teeny-tiny gap!"
While speaking, he also extended two fingers, making the classic "fingertip universe" gesture.
Faced with Hikigaya's blatant act of pulling one up and pushing the other down, the smile on Nagumo's face gradually stiffened, turning into an intimidating frost!
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