Chapter 340: Things Aren't That Simple / Sakayanagi Arisu's True Purpose
"Wait, what is Sakayanagi from Class A thinking? It was just a hair clip stolen once as a kid, and she was forgiven. Was it really worth such a grand display, calling her a criminal? I thought she'd been to prison!"
"I don't know! It seems Sakayanagi only let a few trusted classmates handle it. I don't get why she did it either..."
"If it were a Special Exam, fine, but this is just a normal school day. Isn't this just for personal spite?"
"And we just lost 100 Class Points in one go... the gap between us and Class B has closed way too much."
Even the students of Class A were murmuring in confusion and complaint after the final judgment. However, the decision by the school and the Student Council was final.
Shimizu Akira looked ahead to where Ichinose Honami was surrounded by concerned classmates. It seemed his girlfriend wouldn't have any free time today. He shook his head and turned to leave.
Just then, Kamuro Masumi and Yamamura Miki hurried over.
"We had no idea about this!" Kamuro explained urgently.
"I know you didn't, don't worry," Shimizu smiled, gently squeezing her hand. He knew how she treated him. During the Sports Festival, she had secretly sent him the recording of Nagumo's plot. If she had known, she would have told him.
Kamuro's shoulders relaxed, but she grumbled, "What is Sakayanagi doing? It's absurd! She went through all that effort to take Ichinose down, only to lose 100 points and ruin her own reputation. Some people in class are starting to distrust her. Isn't she afraid the Katsuragi faction will take over?"
In this incident, Sakayanagi appeared like a clown—plotting in the shadows only to be exposed and forced to leave in disgrace.
Yamamura Miki added sadly, "Why would she do this? Last time, Ichinose-san and Shimizu-kun helped her out when Manabe's group confronted her."
'Wait, Yamamura was there too?' Shimizu thought. But he set that aside for now.
"That woman..." he rubbed his temples. "There's more to it than that."
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At a cafe shortly after, Sakayanagi Arisu had just sat down when a voice called out, "Sakayanagi-san."
She turned to see Shiina Hiyori. "Good afternoon, Shiina-san. Are you here to laugh at me too?"
"No," Hiyori shook her head. "I was just worried about you."
"That's strange. In the gym, you were much more concerned about Ichinose."
"Because then you were the 'perpetrator'... but you left the gym alone. Usually, Kamuro or Yamamura follow you. You said we were friends, and as a friend, I couldn't leave you be." Hiyori sat down and ordered Sakayanagi's favorite cappuccino.
Sakayanagi chuckled.
"Friends, huh? Aren't you afraid your class will misunderstand you?"
"I don't care much about what others think." Hiyori studied her. "Is it my imagination? You don't seem as down as I expected."
"I'm actually fine," Sakayanagi leaned back.
"I'm genuinely impressed. I didn't expect Ichinose to bounce back in just one day. I thought she'd hide in her room with that 'cold' for a while."
She knew Shimizu had a hand in it, but the public apology was all Ichinose.
"You look relieved... so you really were worried," Sakayanagi teased. "But what gave you the impression I was fragile?"
"A few months ago, after you bought the midterm papers, you came to our class. You were clutching your chest and looked pale—I've thought so since then," Hiyori explained seriously.
Sakayanagi rolled her eyes. "You really are a detective. I'm having a bad day, and you're bringing up old history? You really are a 'Natural Black' (innocently malicious)."
"Alright," Sakayanagi stirred her coffee. "You look like you have questions. Ask away."
Hiyori didn't hesitate. "Sakayanagi-san, I believe your goal was not to ruin Ichinose's reputation or force her to step down as leader. Am I right?"
Sakayanagi looked up, surprised.
"Directly denying my motive? What's your evidence?"
"You planned this for days," Hiyori said.
"You know Shimizu-kun is capable of helping her. Yet, you gave her a long buffer time instead of confronting her immediately. You were intentional."
"And why would I do something so thankless?" Sakayanagi asked.
"First, to test Shimizu-kun's ability. It was a challenge for him," Hiyori held up one finger.
"Correct. I enjoy testing interesting opponents. Anything else?"
"Second, you really don't like Ichinose. You've targeted her since the VIP exam. You wanted her to suffer a bit."
"True. I don't like that woman. She wins without trying and everyone loves her. Next?"
"Third..." Hiyori paused. "Because this plan wasn't originally yours. That's why you held back."
Sakayanagi became serious.
"You think I have a partner? Who?"
"President Nagumo. This entire rumor incident was a joint operation between the two of you," Hiyori stated firmly.
"Why so confident?"
"You visited the Student Council on the 7th; rumors started on the 8th. Nagumo needed to fix his reputation after the Class D payout incident. By 'stopping' you today, he regained prestige. He is the biggest winner. Furthermore, there's no way the Student Council can't track forum posters—unless the poster is the Student Council."
Hiyori tapped the table. "The culprit also hated Ryuen and Class D. Nagumo has that motive after being betrayed. Motive, profit, and opportunity—it fits perfectly."
Sakayanagi began to clap. "Full marks, Shiina-san! No wonder Shimizu-kun thinks you're the smartest girl in school."
"Then it's true?"
"Every word," Sakayanagi nodded.
"Then I understand even less," Hiyori frowned.
"Why take the fall alone? Why help Nagumo regain his reputation at the cost of your own and 100 Class Points?"
"Because I need the Student Council President to do something for me," Sakayanagi smiled thinly.
"To deal with Shimizu-kun? No, you wouldn't rely on him for that. For points? You don't care. To keep Class A? You aren't that devoted..." Hiyori was stumped.
"What was the deal?"
Sakayanagi looked at her. "Make a funny face, and I'll tell you."
Hiyori blushed. She looked around the nearly empty cafe, took a deep breath, wrinkled her nose, stuck out her tongue, and rolled her eyes up. After a second, she returned to her calm self.
Sakayanagi burst into laughter, her shoulders shaking.
"Can you tell me now, you mischievous person?" Hiyori grumbled.
"The deal was simple," Sakayanagi wiped a tear. "I help him restore his reputation and break Ichinose's spirit. In exchange, he helps me deal with someone: Tsukishiro Tokinari."
"Who?"
"The incoming Acting Chairman," Sakayanagi's eyes turned cold. "My father was framed for bribery and forced out by the Board. He is a man of integrity; he would never take a bribe! I hate Nagumo, but my father's position is more important. I need the Student Council's power to drive Tsukishiro out. That was my only condition."
Hiyori finally understood. The girl who laughed at the world was pale and trembling because of her father.
"If it were me, I might have done the same," Hiyori said softly.
"I respect Mr. Sakayanagi; he's the reason Class D got its treatment back. I'm also worried about what this Tsukishiro will do to the school.
Sakayanagi-san... if you need help, I'll help you."
Sakayanagi froze. A rare, soft light appeared in her lilac eyes.
"...Thank you."
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To break the tension, Sakayanagi changed the subject. "So, Hiyori, how is your relationship with Manabe Shiho?"
"Manabe? We aren't close. She's... difficult," Hiyori sighed.
"She caused a lot of trouble during the training camp. Her behavior is why our class only got fourth place."
Hiyori recalled the rumor stats. "Manabe's rumor count was third, right behind Ryuen and Ichinose... do you hate her, Sakayanagi?"
"I do. And you do too, right? Between girls, 'difficult to deal with' usually means 'I hate her,'" Sakayanagi smiled as she stood up. "As for why I'm asking? You're the detective—find the truth yourself. Oh, and one more thing..."
She turned back at the door.
"Your funny face wasn't funny at all. Come back next week, and I'll show you what a real funny face looks like."
Hiyori watched her leave, a smile naturally spreading across her face.
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