Chapter 077: Wait, what? How can you all hear my inner thoughts?!
While Hirata ran to find Chabashira-sensei to submit points to offset Sudo and Yamauchi's expulsion penalties, the students of Classes A and C were still by the small blackboard on the first floor.
"This school is quite interesting," Ryuen said directly.
"Using a class competition method to cultivate students, and now even allowing the use of old exam questions."
"It shows the school's high level of tolerance. As long as it's within the rules, unconventional methods are permitted."
"Katsuragi, you people only know how to follow the rules. But I am different. As long as the exam scores are high enough, I can quickly surpass you."
It seemed Ryuen was preparing to declare war on Katsuragi. This victory gave them confidence that Class A was still within reach. Even starting from zero, if they could climb back up, imagine how dazzling that would be.
"Heh—" Katsuragi, however, was completely indifferent.
If it were Hikigaya from Class B declaring war on him, he might pay more attention. But Ryuen Kakeru, currently gloating over a mere 100-point evaluation score, struck Katsuragi as laughable. It seemed the 100-point score had given Class C ideas they shouldn't have.
However, it wasn't just Class C; Class D was indeed pathetic. Even with the exam papers, they still had failing grades.
These lower classes were truly vulnerable.
As he was thinking this...
"The Student Council members are here again," a student nearby remarked.
Katsuragi and Ryuen looked over and indeed saw the black-haired, bespectacled Student Council President walking over briskly with Akane Tachibana. Seeing them approach, the surrounding students quickly cleared a path.
As a member of the Student Council, Katsuragi naturally stepped aside to make way for President Horikita.
"Is there a recording error?" Katsuragi frowned slightly. He hadn't received any intel, but the President wouldn't come personally unless something had happened.
"There's probably some data that needs changing." At that moment, a literary girl with beautiful silver hair walked over.
This was Shiina Hiyori from Class C. She hadn't really wanted to come to the blackboard; she found Ryuen a bit "chuunibyou," provoking Katsuragi like a child.
She knew Class A had two representatives, and Hiyori felt that Sakayanagi of the Sakayanagi faction was the more threatening one.
Specifically, while checking the books she had read, she discovered that Sakayanagi had borrowed the exact same books. More accurately, Hiyori borrowed them first, then Sakayanagi browsed her reading history and borrowed what she had read. It felt as if she were being targeted by Sakayanagi.
Fortunately, Sakayanagi wasn't here today.
A while ago, when Sakayanagi Arisu went to attack the third-years, Ryuen had actually approached the second-years. Nagumo-senpai from the second year had paid to buy the votes of the third-year Classes C and D, and the Class D first-year votes had been scooped up by Hikigaya.
Thus, Ryuen sensed a unique atmosphere: votes that were originally worthless seemed to be worth money now.
However, Nagumo-senpai was only willing to offer 500,000 points to buy Class C's votes.
That figure was too low, so Ryuen refused. Though the sale failed, it was the right move. Their Class C votes might fetch a higher price later.
According to Hiyori's deduction, Hikigaya-kun from Class B was also a terrifying person.
He might have been the one behind Class C's zero-point month, but saying such a thing out loud was too frightening.
Because the opponent used an open scheme, telling Ryuen the truth about the school and the behavioral conduct assessment. If Ryuen didn't act violently, points would be deducted; if he did use violence to take over the class, points would be deducted even more heavily.
It was an unsolvable scenario.
Therefore, if a struggle for the next Student Council President were to occur, it would be an all-out war.
Whether Sakayanagi defeated Hikigaya or vice versa, one of them would run for election. At that time, the Class C first-year votes could play a decisive role.
Naturally, they could wait for the highest bidder.
Although Ryuen's deal with Nagumo failed, he did obtain a piece of intel: the school has a guaranteed off-campus special exam every year with high point values. In other words, even Class C has a chance to catch up. Class C isn't finished; they can still make a run for Class A.
As it turned out, before the intel even cooled down, Ryuen blabbed it out. Fortunately, Katsuragi likely didn't catch the implication.
"President!" Katsuragi spoke up as President Manabu Horikita and Secretary Akane Tachibana arrived at the blackboard.
"Mm." Horikita Manabu nodded and took out a piece of white chalk.
"This is..." Ryuen frowned.
"There is an update to the data," Horikita Manabu said, glancing at him. "Class D had two potential expellees in this exam. However, five minutes ago, they submitted 400,000 points to purchase the failing points. Thus, they met the requirement of 'zero expulsions' and are eligible for the 50-point evaluation bonus.
Originally, buying points to avoid expulsion does not grant extra bonuses—once lost, they are lost. However, the school administration considered this a bold attempt by freshmen and granted more leniency."
"Buying points with money, huh." Ryuen was surprised, but his eyes soon turned playful. "This school really is interesting."
"Yes," Horikita Manabu glanced at him again.
"Though only graduating from Class A yields the school's rewards, I believe other classes—even lower ones—can gain the experience needed for entering society through these special exams."
'Is that so?'
But those words sounded like Hikigaya's style. They also sounded like the Chairman's style: "Originally not allowed, but considering it's a bold attempt by freshmen, more leniency was granted."
But what did those words mean directed at him? Did the President think Class C would stay at the bottom forever? Horikita Manabu—just a "large-sized" version of Class B's Hikigaya—dared to define him like that.
Ryuen felt he shouldn't have come out today.
-
-
-
The news of Ryuen's declaration of war on Katsuragi and the data change on the blackboard quickly reached Class A.
Sakayanagi Arisu hadn't gone to the blackboard. For one, she already knew the results; she didn't see the point in confirming like Katsuragi, viewing it as a waste of effort. For another, she suspected Hikigaya-kun wouldn't go either.
Based on her information, he usually spent his time in the classroom.
Moreover, while he was strong individually, he disliked crowded places, especially when the results were already known.
If he wasn't going, there was no need for her to go. The students of Class A didn't care about Ryuen's declaration.
However, some were concerned about the change in Class D's evaluation points. How could a finalized result be changed?
"Little Princess!" The well-informed, blonde-haired handsome guy, Hashimoto-kun, immediately came to report.
"Class D's evaluation score increased by 50 points. Apparently, they used a point-buying strategy. They had two expellees and couldn't get the full 100-point bonus, but now that no one is being expelled, they got an extra 50."
I see. That was the reason for the data change.
But...
"Is it possible Hikigaya-kun did something?" Hashimoto Masayoshi asked with strong curiosity.
As a member of Class A, Hashimoto—like his peers—hoped to graduate from Class A and lead a wonderful life. But he was a complex character; he trusted no one but himself. He joined the Sakayanagi faction because he felt Class A having two representatives was bad (it meant division), and Class B's points were very close. Katsuragi's "safety-first" approach was inferior to Sakayanagi's aggressive style.
Especially now that Classes A and B were neck-and-neck. Though A was still A, it wasn't stable. He felt they could drop at the next exam. He believed they needed the "Little Princess" to pull them away from Class B. Afterward, they could return to Katsuragi's stable strategy.
So, while Hashimoto was technically a general for the Sakayanagi faction, he secretly supported the Katsuragi faction. Of course, if Class A was ever overtaken by Class B and couldn't recover, and if Class B needed him, he might sell out his class to gather 20 million points and transfer to Class B. He only thought of himself.
For now, though, Hashimoto was dedicated to supporting Sakayanagi.
"Hikigaya-kun probably stepped in and lent Class D the points," Sakayanagi said. "At the beginning of the month, he asked the Student Council President if points could be used to buy written exam scores.
At the time, I thought he was asking for himself, but now it seems he did it for others.
First, Class C has no points," Sakayanagi continued. "And we in Class A didn't receive a request. The only place Class D could have gathered the money is from Class B."
"Why would Class B do that?" Hashimoto didn't quite understand. Wouldn't it be better if Class D stayed in the gutter? If C and D never climb up, the competition is only between A and B. Hikigaya was essentially adding more opponents.
"Because if Class B didn't provide the money, Class A would have," Sakayanagi said, shaking her head.
"Think about it. Since Class D needed money to save their classmates, if they had begged us, would Katsuragi-kun have lent it?"
'Would Katsuragi-kun lend the money?'
Personally, Hashimoto wouldn't... wait. If they could plant a mole in Class D—for instance, by saving the expellees and having them sell out Class D's interests to Class A in future exams—he might be willing to pay. And Katsuragi would likely be willing too.
Even though Ryuen provoked Katsuragi, Katsuragi didn't care because the gap was too large. But planting spies in Class D was a viable move. Hashimoto himself was trying to do that.
He originally wanted to penetrate Class B, but they were too alert; a "honey trap" wouldn't work. Class D had pretty girls, but they didn't fall easily. His handsome looks only attracted lower-tier, plain-looking girls to serve as informants.
Class competition is a three-year affair; it's not fixed by one or two exams. Spy warfare is necessary.
Spending a few hundred thousand points to buy a permanent spy in another class is a worthy investment.
By doing this, Class B had a chance to pull Class D into their camp in the next exam, while simultaneously ruining Class A's chance to do the same.
'How wicked, Hikigaya of Class B.'
The image of the Class B representative with dead-fish eyes floated into Hashimoto's mind.
"Isn't this super bad?" Hashimoto was smart; he realized that if Class B bought Class D, and they were still at odds with Class C (who held a grudge against Class A for reporting their fight), then in the next special exam, Class A might have to fight Class C and a B-D alliance alone.
Class A would be isolated.
They were less than 50 points ahead of Class B. Without even starting the next exam, would they lose the Class A throne next month? The joy of getting the 100-point reward vanished.
"It is indeed a difficult situation." Arisu Sakayanagi placed her right hand on the table, propped her left elbow on her right hand, and rested her chin on her left index finger.
She seemed deep in thought but quickly reached a conclusion.
"During lunch break, Masumi-chan, I'll need you to go and invite Hikigaya-kun over," Sakayanagi instructed Kamuro.
"Huh?"
Masumi Kamuro, currently reading at her seat, frowned. She had been eavesdropping on the conversation; as a Class A student, she couldn't ignore point changes. She was just glad it wasn't a deduction for A or a gain for B.
Then she realized: Sakayanagi was making her fetch Hikigaya again? Intercepting him at the cafeteria entrance last time was embarrassing enough. Now she had to go directly to Class B to intercept him?
What was she? Sakayanagi's tool?
'If you want a date with Hikigaya, why don't you go yourself?'
She knew Sakayanagi knew she was afraid of Hikigaya—afraid he would expose her secrets in his mind. But Kamuro knew she couldn't refuse Sakayanagi.
'Dammit.'
Why did she come to this school? Though, if she hadn't, things might be worse; she'd have no chance at a top-tier university.
Her family was upper-middle class, her parents were respectable, and she had been forced to paint since childhood. She had the skills, so she joined the Art Club upon entering Advanced Nurturing High School.
However, she wasn't interested in a professional painting career.
She couldn't even resist Sakayanagi, let alone her parents, which led to a buildup of negative emotions. Previously, she vented through shoplifting, but now she could do nothing but be enslaved by Sakayanagi.
'Too much!'
-
-
-
During lunch break, classmates told Hikigaya that a girl from another class was looking for him. He stepped out and saw a tall girl with long purple hair—it seemed a bit longer now, held by three clips. It was the familiar Masumi Kamuro.
Her face held no smile. She stood there looking like she held a deep grudge.
"Sakayanagi wants you," Kamuro said. "It's her treat."
'Is that so?'
So, today's lunch would again be paid for by the eldest daughter of the Sakayanagi family. Although Hikigaya had plenty of points, and Class C had received 100 points (meaning he could start collecting the 1 million points Ryuen owed him next month).
Unlike the disorganized Class D, who couldn't even scrounge up 400,000 points and would struggle to pay debts even with points, Class C under Ryuen's leadership was disciplined enough for everyone to forgo their allowance to pay him back.
From that perspective, while Ryuen used unscrupulous tactics, his class was very obedient. He truly lived up to his "Nagumo-level" reputation from the original story.
'Speaking of which, Kamuro really likes hair clips. These three are different from before. Asahina, Nagumo's childhood friend in the second year, also likes hair clips. Maybe they'd get along.'
"..." Before she could lead him away, Kamuro took two steps, suddenly paused, and stopped dead.
"Are you okay?" Hikigaya was close but didn't move.
"I'm fine!" Kamuro said, glaring at him.
"I lost my old hair clips, so I bought new ones. I don't have some special collection hobby."
'Oh. I see. But why are you telling me that? I didn't even mention your hair clips.'
However, he was just thinking about her hair clips.
Perhaps due to the awkwardness, Hikigaya and Kamuro walked in silence.
There was zero "normie" vibe of being led away by a beautiful girl. Hikigaya felt a bit low.
They soon reached the third floor of the cafeteria. The private room was open, and Arisu Sakayanagi was seated as usual. It looked like she planned to rent this room long-term. Her cane was to the side; she was reading a book titled Beneath the Wheel.
Her black beret was on a coat hook, and a translucent thermos on the table likely contained flower tea with goji berries. She was quite health-conscious.
From a distance, it was a beautiful picture.
'Some say you're better off not speaking—it makes people think you're easy to get along with. But as soon as you open your mouth, your aggressiveness shows. That applies to Sakayanagi too. I have to admit, Sakayanagi's appearance is top-tier.'
"Hikigaya-kun, have you seen enough?" Arisu Sakayanagi suddenly looked up, even though Hikigaya was still some distance away.
While she wore a polite smile, she seemed slightly displeased.
'Er. Can I keep looking if I haven't?'
And he was just "simping" in his head with an evaluative tone; he wasn't staring at her specifically.
As Hikigaya thought this, he kept moving. Kamuro had already reached the door. He suddenly realized: He was still quite far from Sakayanagi. How did she know he had arrived, and how did she know he was looking at her?
Was her reaction that sharp? Usually, if someone has a physical disability, their body instinctively strengthens other senses (like a blind person's touch), but Sakayanagi only had congenital heart disease. She used a cane, but she wasn't "disabled" in that sense. And heart disease shouldn't grant a sixth sense.
Hikigaya suddenly wondered: Since he transmigrated, even though things like Hirata "exploding" in this exam were different from the original story, were other people changing too?
First, Ichinose Honami. Why did she cede the leadership of Class B to him? Even if he was more insightful, she shouldn't have backed down so quickly.
She's a saintly, responsible person. Even if she was ceding authority, she should have tested him first instead of deciding so quickly to be his assistant.
Hikigaya: "..."
It was indeed strange. Not just Ichinose, but Horikita and Kushida too. They teamed up so quickly and even pulled in Sakura and Karuizawa.
In the original story, Horikita and Kushida reconciled only after Horikita's infinite tolerance and even kneeling for the greater good.
Here, it happened so easily.
And Karuizawa... why did she become such a useful tool for him so quickly? Things were going too smoothly!
Hikigaya Hachiman: "..."
Something was wrong. 120% wrong.
"I never imagined Hikigaya-kun would start the siege of Class A so directly," Sakayanagi Arisu suddenly said. She was referring to the change in Class D's points—or rather, Hirata coming to him to borrow points to protect Yamauchi and...
Wait. His purpose in lending Hirata points was to make Hirata betray Class D when necessary.
Hikigaya Hachiman: "..."
But Hachiman wasn't thinking about Sakayanagi-related matters right now.
"Speaking of which," Hachiman suddenly asked, "Sakayanagi-san, why must you attack the third-years? I mean, why insist on demanding the right to run for the next Student Council President from President Horikita?"
He had connected with Horikita Manabu by tricking the younger Horikita sister, and after much consideration, the President gave him the eligibility. But Hikigaya didn't think Manabu was a blabbermouth.
And he had never mentioned it.
So, how did Sakayanagi find out? How did she know he already had that right, and then used the old exam question controversy as leverage to bully Manabu into giving her the same right?
"Even though I have the right, it doesn't mean I'll use it," Hikigaya said.
"Normally, the next President would be a second-year, and only with their approval would a President from our year be born.
So Sakayanagi-san, I feel your offensive is a bit too strong."
"My offensive?" Sakayanagi smiled.
"Hikigaya-kun, you were reading a book called Farewell, My Lovely before, right?" Sakayanagi said.
"I've read it too. The atmosphere of deep affection and sadness is the keynote. It's full of reflections on love—the emotions of a hard-boiled man. The love story is obsessed and moving, growing slowly amidst the blood of murder and a dark society, only to wither away. It perfectly embodies 'loving what one cannot have, and having what one does not love.'
But unfortunately, I personally don't like 'loving what one cannot have.' For me, if I want something, it's better to just take it."
So, she was talking about her personality.
Sakayanagi was indeed an aggressive person.
But... she even knew what books he read? She was paying close attention to him. Or rather, 'Sakayanagi, you're not right.'
He read that book so long ago, yet she was tracking him back then?
Hikigaya Hachiman: "..."
Hikigaya felt something was very, very wrong. As he thought this, his mental activity became frantic.
' Speaking of which, Sakayanagi is being too careless. Sitting like that... she's almost flashing me. Should I warn her?'
"Ugh!" At that moment, Sakayanagi's posture snapped. Her hands flew off the table and pressed down, seemingly trying to smooth her skirt.
Only after making the move did she realize... she wasn't actually being indecent. But she saw Hikigaya's confused expression.
' I must be nearsighted. At this distance, I misread it. I thought she was flashing me.'
Then she heard Hikigaya-kun's inner voice.
'I see. He just misread it. Wait, do dead-fish eyes get nearsighted too?'
But because of one single thought of his, she had almost panicked.
It seemed she was just an ordinary girl after all.
"Sakayanagi-san, your aggressiveness is a bit much," Hikigaya said. "If it's just because Class B has the right and you want it too—even if you might not use it—I don't think that's a good thing."
"Class A students are fragile, after all," Sakayanagi said. "Even if we don't use it, we worry about you surpassing us with such a huge advantage. Masumi-chan feels the same way."
In her words, she still didn't mention how she knew Hikigaya had the election eligibility in the first place.
But Hikigaya finally understood.
If something as absurd as transmigration could happen, what else was impossible? He decided to do a specific test.
'Kamuro-san seems quite practiced. She's been completely tamed by Sakayanagi. Even when the master is talking to someone else and she hasn't received an order, she still stands honestly by the door.'
Kamuro: "..."
Almost instantly, Kamuro's eyes glared over.
From Kamuro's expression, Hikigaya had analyzed the truth. It was a fact that he had transmigrated. He had been worried about his sister Komachi, but she hadn't transmigrated with him. This whole "supernatural" situation was already absurd.
But this was even more ridiculous.
Because...
'Holy crap, these girls... how can they hear my inner thoughts?!'
Read ahead (60 chapters) by supporting me on buymeacoffee com/varietl or ko-fi edwriting