"Seems like everyone's gathered."
December 27th, around 1 PM.
Me, Daichi Ishizaki, was lying around in my room, messing with my phone.
I opened the chat app pre-installed on the school-provided phone and looked at the chat room for the group labeled "Project B."
All the people I'd invited had joined, and the chat was getting pretty lively.
"Group name's kinda lame, isn't it?"
"It's Ishizaki's, so what can you do."
"What's the B stand for? B for moron?"
This huge booing directed at the guy running things.
I know better than anyone that leadership doesn't suit me, but getting this much flak is honestly annoying.
By the way, the ones booing were Sonoda, Kaneda, and Ibuki, in that order.
"It's not B for moron, but I'm curious too. Ishizaki-kun, what English word's initial is this B?"
""Bonus"?"
"Does that guy even have enough Private Points left to give people?"
"Impossible."
Shiina affirms it, Albert answers in English, and Sonoda and Ibuki mock me.
Sonoda and Ibuki aren't even that close usually in class, but when it comes to insulting me, you two are perfectly in sync, huh.
"Ishizaki, could you explain soon why you gathered us all?"
Kaneda's message creates a flow to bring the topic back as it was about to wander.
Looking at the number of reads, everyone is here now.
As Kaneda said, it's probably time to start.
"The reason I had everyone gather today is none other than to complete a certain project."
I go through the names of the guys in the group one by one.
First, Albert, Ibuki, Shiina.
These guys are always hanging out together, so they'll probably support this project.
Next, Kaneda.
I invited him thinking he'd probably agree.
Finally, Yajima and Sonoda.
I've already given them some explanation beforehand, and that's why they're participating in this group.
"... Straight to the point, it's the Kamukura-san Birthday Plan."
Kamukura-san Birthday Plan.
Just as the name says, it's a plan to celebrate Kamukura-san, who has his birthday on January 1st.
We celebrated Ryuuen-san's and Ibuki's birthdays, and each time Kamukura-san treated us to meals, so we have to show our gratitude.
On top of that, his guidance during the Sports Festival and the Paper Shuffle. We haven't given any return for that.
That's exactly why we need to celebrate this birthday in a big way.
"So the B was for "Birthday". Leaving the sense aside, I'll go along with supporting this plan too."
"I'll participate as well! Kamukura-kun has really taken care of me, so I definitely want to repay him."
"Well, doing it is fine, but do you have any concrete ideas?"
Responses from Kaneda, Shiina, and Ibuki that really show their personalities.
The fact that everyone is affirming it just goes to show Kamukura-san's influence.
"Aside from doing it on January 1st, nothing's been decided. I created this group to think about that."
There have been several cases where trying to do Ryuuen-san's birthday at the last minute ended in failure.
"Since Ishizaki-kun explained it to me in advance, I came up with a little idea~.
Have an osechi set delivered and use someone's room for everyone to play games or chat together. Well, you could call it not a tako party but... an osechi party, I guess."
Yajima, who I don't usually have much interaction with, but since she has some connection with Kamukura-san, I reached out to her this time.
She was quite enthusiastic about joining.
It seems she was helped out during the Sports Festival and Paper Shuffle.
"Wait a sec, Yajima. Right now there are 7 people here, plus Kamukura-san himself makes 8.
A single room in the dorm would definitely be too cramped. If we're doing it, where would we do it?"
We did a birthday party before, and even then the number of people was pretty tight.
Sonoda's doubt is reasonable.
"True. Then how about doing it at the dining area in Keyaki Mall? And then hang out after?"
"It does have the issue of attracting attention, but it's viable. Or, ask the dorm administrator to let us use the free space? Well, that would attract attention too."
After everyone finishes stating their opinions, they discuss Yajima's idea.
At the moment, due to the space problem, there are more people on the opposing side.
"I oppose doing it in someone's room. I think it's better to rent out a store and have everyone eat and drink together. So, I picked out some stores that are open even during the New Year like this.
Among them, there are stores that make limited osechi. After that we can play at Keyaki Mall, how's that?"
When the discussion started to stagnate, Sonoda presents his own proposal.
He's sharing the URLs of stores inside Keyaki Mall that are open during New Year's, so it's very easy to understand.
"The first place looks good! Buffet-style osechi dishes!"
"The third one looks like Viking-style osechi. I think this is good too."
Among the several options, the first and third stores are gaining popularity in the group.
Both seem to be restaurants that offer osechi cuisine; the first is buffet-style, and the third is Viking-style.
Right now, it seems a debate is arising between buffet-style or Viking-style.
Even so, the conversation is progressing quickly.
As expected of the two with high standing in the class caste, they're used to this sort of thing.
"How much would the fee be for the Viking-style one?"
When Shiina asks a realistic question, Sonoda replies right away.
"The price is 3000 points. Well, it's pretty expensive."
"I see. But the buffet-style one seems to have a room charge.
Taking that into account, the Viking-style is cheaper."
"It's true! Then I vote for the Viking-style!"
After Shiina checks the prices, Yajima pushes for the third option.
No matter how much we intend to splurge a little, we want to avoid wasting points.
In that case, I'm also in favor of the Viking-style.
"Then, is it okay to decide on this store?"
Everyone looks convinced and agrees with the opinion.
The plan is settled on the Viking-style.
Just like that, we move on to the next topic.
"Should we hand out the presents at the store? Or when we're hanging out?"
"It depends on the presents, but I think giving them as early as possible is best. It'd get in the way during moving.
But I'd also like to give them all at once during the Viking and see Kamukura-san's reaction."
Carrying around a ton of presents would be a hassle while moving.
Giving them beforehand is one option.
But, Sonoda. I totally get that feeling.
I also want to see that person open his mouth in surprise.
"Well, let's decide on that stuff little by little."
"Understood. Thank you, Sonoda-kun."
Sonoda sends Shiina, who uses polite language even in chat, a stamp that seems to be popular with girls.
I think those kinds of stamps can be bought for around 100 points.
Maybe I should buy some too.
"By the way, will Ryuuen-kun be participating too?"
The talk wraps up and is about to disband.
But by Shiina dropping a bomb statement, a new wave of trouble is born.
"He's not coming."
I reply in one word to distance this topic.
However, the chat continues.
The ones who continued it were Sonoda and Yajima, who don't know about the rooftop matter.
"Hey, about Ryuuen-san, is it true he called you guys up to the rooftop to punish you?"
"That's something I'm curious about too. What was the outcome? Does the sudden stop in the X search contacts have anything to do with that?"
It's been five days since the rooftop incident.
Since Ryuuen-san instructed the Class C students to stop searching for X, it's gradually becoming a topic of conversation.
For now, with help from Sakayanagi and Hashimoto of Class A, the rumors are starting to spread according to the script.
That Ryuuen-san called me, Albert, and Kamukura-san to the rooftop to punish us.
And then got counterattacked, exactly following the script.
"It's as the rumors say. Ryuuen got frustrated that X wasn't being found and called us to the rooftop.
Up until there it was the usual, but this time it extended to Kamukura-san as well. And then we got the counterattack."
I dropped the honorifics, making it sound like we'd cut ties with Ryuuen-san.
Until this rumor spreads, we have to keep up this act.
If we don't, there's a possibility that even a little of the rooftop incident could leak out.
If that happens, it's us in Class C who would be at a disadvantage.
"Huh~. So, is it okay to consider Kamukura-san as the leader now?"
"No. It seems that person has no intention of being the leader either."
"I see. But isn't there no one else in this class who can take on the leader role besides that person?"
"Maybe."
With a curt response, I closed my phone.
Just as Sonoda says, if Kamukura-san would become the leader, I'd be satisfied.
But still, that person won't agree.
It seems there's some reason, but he won't tell us about it.
If things continue like this, Class C will have no leader.
We won't be able to fight in the special exams.
No matter what it takes, I want to persuade him.
...
It was 10 a.m. on December 27th.
I had made my way to a café in Keyaki Mall.
It wasn't that I was elegantly drinking coffee alone in a quiet café for leisure. That would have been a decent way to kill time, but unfortunately, today I had been called out by someone.
"Even so, you've changed quite a bit."
Sitting across from me at the round table was the former Student Council President, Horikita Manabu.
I was having a one-on-one discussion with him. By the way, I tried to see if he'd treat me again this time like before, but it didn't work.
I even tried using the talent of his Super High School Level little sister, but the other party has a severe sister complex.
As expected, he's impregnable.
"It would be strange to stay in a half-torn state, wouldn't it? So I fixed it."
"That's a good thing. The eerie atmosphere has disappeared, and so has the unapproachability.
On the other hand, it took quite a bit of effort to find you today."
I had arrived at this place earlier than him today. I was already seated, but he had been searching relying on my atmosphere, which resulted in him looking around restlessly like someone unsettled.
And when he finally spotted me, he looked slightly surprised, and that expression was strikingly similar to Horikita-san's.
"Let's get straight to talking about our promise. I've already prepared my answer."
"Oh?"
The promise. It was the verbal agreement where I was asked to stop Nagumo Miyabi. He had invested 500,000 points in me to ensure I keep that promise.
"I want to hear the conclusion first. Will you stop Nagumo for me?"
"... For the time being, the answer is yes. Nagumo Miyabi will eventually become an obstacle. So at some point, I'll crush him once and for all."
"...For the time being, huh. Well, just having you on our side is already something to be grateful for. Thank you, Kamukura."
"We have our own circumstances, but I did receive 500,000 points after all. Besides, your little sister showed me something unknown. Please consider this as thanks for that."
"...I see."
Horikita Manabu adjusted his glasses without breaking his serious expression. While giving off an intellectual aura, on the inside he was rejoicing over his sister's growth.
What a huge difference in emotional temperature. If I didn't have my Super Analytical Ability, I wouldn't be able to see through it. His level of facial control is truly impressive.
"Are you going to join the Student Council?"
"That matter hasn't been decided yet. However, to crush him, I need more contact with him. Since this is a necessary condition, joining the Student Council is one of the options I'm considering."
"I can write you a recommendation, but if I do that, Nagumo will be wary of you. He'll make a move immediately."
"And you think I wouldn't be able to handle that?"
"Don't underestimate him. It's true that in terms of pure individual ability, you'd overwhelmingly win. But what makes Nagumo terrifying is his charisma that unites an entire school year and the merciless attacks he carries out using that group. No matter how capable you are, if you're alone, you'll end up like a rat in a bag."
The current Student Council President, Nagumo Miyabi.
He is the man who essentially dominates the second-year students.
If I challenge this man, whose status and power are powerful weapons, on my own, even I can't calculate a 100% chance of victory.
But then again, what fun would there be in a fight that guarantees 100% victory?
"Thank you for the advice. However, even if that's the case, there's nothing to fear. After all, there is no such thing as a perfectly unified large-scale group. No matter how high the completion level of a group is, there are always multiple cores. If I destroy those one by one, I can do whatever I want."
For example, Class 1-B.
If I destroy the one core called Ichinose-san, it will quickly collapse.
For example, Class 1-C.
Now that Ryuuen-kun has stepped back, someone has to become the leader.
The people who can take over are Shiina-san and Kaneda-kun.
If I crush those multiple cores in Class C as well, it will collapse.
In this way, even if someone dominates a school year, there are surprisingly many openings to exploit.
"The conversation got sidetracked. For now, crushing Nagumo Miyabi is already the set course, but I haven't decided on the method yet. However, since I'm going after someone from a different school year, I need to get closer, so I believe the Student Council matter is still something worth considering."
"What's your strongest plan at the moment?"
"Either a mixed-year Special Exam or doing a trial membership in the Student Council to make contact. Those two options, I suppose."
"Trial membership, huh. Do you have connections?"
"I'm planning to borrow Ichinose-san's help. If that doesn't work, I'll take your recommendation."
"Understood. In that case, I'll lend you my strength as well."
After those words, Horikita Manabu stood up.
"When you start moving in earnest, contact me again. At that time, I'll introduce you to people in the second year who can oppose Nagumo."
It seems he has also been looking for several people who can rival Nagumo Miyabi.
"Understood."
After putting on his coat, Horikita Manabu left the place.
I saw him off, then downed the remaining coffee in my cup in one go.
"I already knew, but mixed-year... Special Exams do exist, don't they."
It was a rare slip-up from Horikita Manabu.
Perhaps he had let his guard down after resigning as Student Council President, or he was excited that he had gained my cooperation.
Or maybe he recognized that I had already noticed.
Whatever the case, it means that an opportunity to make contact with other school years is coming soon.
"Now then, what should I do after this?"
After gathering the things I'd eaten onto the tray, I stood up.
I returned the tray to the return counter and, while heading out of the store, thought about how to kill time.
I don't have any particular plans after this, so I need to think of a way to pass the time.
I've already finished all my winter break assignments. There's no need for shopping either.
I have completely free time.
"Oh? You've become quite cool, haven't you, Kamukura Boy?"
"It's been a while, Kouenji Rokusuke."
As I walked a bit after leaving the store, I ran into Kouenji-kun.
He was accompanied by three women, fully enjoying his holiday.
"Hahaha, not that it can compare to me, but that's quite the coolness. Excellent!! As expected of a human who can rival this me~"
His wildness is the same as always.
No, perhaps because it's been a while, it feels like it's even more pronounced.
"Thank you. You also seem to have put quite a lot of effort into your appearance."
"Of course. When it comes to a date, a man must show his full effort or he'll lose his worth."
His casual clothes and hairstyle, which was even more carefully groomed than usual (though he always grooms it a lot).
At the very least, he doesn't look like a first-year high school student.
"In that case, I'm in the way. Please enjoy your precious holiday."
"Hahaha, I appreciate the consideration."
With a loud laugh, he left with the women.
He really is enjoying this school life to the fullest.
"Even so, those women seem to be upperclassmen."
I don't know the women that Kouenji-kun was leading.
In other words, they are students from other school years.
Even though he's known as a problem child with strong rumors among the first-years, it seems that's not the case with other years.
"He has connections with upperclassmen. I'm a little curious about how he approached them."
Did he simply pick them up, or was he picked up?
Even though he was on a date leading multiple women, the women didn't seem to have a bad relationship with each other.
Is his caliber what makes that possible? It's hard to imagine from his usual self.
"Next time, maybe I should invite him out for a meal myself."
Connections with upperclassmen will become necessary in the future.
Especially as part of the process to crush Nagumo Miyabi, I need to expand my social network.
Using him is definitely a candidate worth considering.
After finishing my thoughts, I resumed killing time.
***
If you want to read up to 25 chapters ahead, don't hesitate to visit our patron: pat reon . com / XElenea (remove space)