"That said, we're not expelling everyone from the lowest-ranked group. If we did, around forty students would be expelled at once. Expulsion depends on whether the group's average score falls below the school's threshold. If it does, the group leader will be expelled."
Chabashira Sae's smile was loaded with meaning.
"What happens to the leader?"
Hirata Yōsuke asked.
"The group decides internally."
Chabashira replied.
*Who'd want to be the leader with that risk?*
*What if someone sabotages the group on purpose?*
*I don't want to be the leader...*
'Yare yare, almost everyone's avoiding this role,' Saiki Kusuo thought, hearing their thoughts clearly.
"But there's a perk: classmates of the leader earn double the reward."
Chabashira added.
Instantly, the class's thoughts shifted. They wanted their classmates to be leaders—just not themselves.
"Another important point: if a group has expulsions, the class loses points. The penalty varies, but this time, each expulsion costs the class 100 points. If points run out, they'll be deducted later, but they'll never drop below zero."
Chabashira continued.
*If someone's expelled, it affects the whole class. Good thing no one's been expelled yet.*
Horikita Suzune thought.
"So... if someone's expelled, is there a way to prevent it?"
Hirata asked.
"Yes, but it's costly. You can use personal points to cancel an expulsion—20 million points per student, plus 300 class points. It's a last resort, and the original penalty remains. If either point total is insufficient, it's impossible."
Chabashira narrowed her eyes slightly.
'Yare yare, 20 million to reach A-Class, 20 million to save someone. Tough for one person, but maybe the class could pitch in... if they're willing to help the expelled student.'
Saiki thought.
Meanwhile, he heard Ayanokōji Kiyotaka's thoughts.
*Worst-case scenario: many B-Class expulsions. To move forward, we must protect key students. Hirata, Horikita, and maybe Kushida are essential.*
Saiki sighed, hoping this special exam wouldn't get too chaotic.
"Let's discuss grouping!"
Hirata suggested. Saiki had no plans to join in.
---
The bus soon arrived. Students disembarked, split by gender, and gathered at their respective buildings.
Saiki looked up at the vintage wooden structure—well-maintained, not dilapidated.
Other grades arrived, heading to the gym for group discussions.
Saiki didn't participate much. He didn't like socializing, but he didn't care which group he was in, as long as it wasn't absurd.
The groups were announced:
B-Class: Kōenji Rokusuke, Ayanokōji Kiyotaka, Yukimura Teruhiko, and Saiki Kusuo.
Ayanokōji aside, Yukimura was normal and easy to get along with.
The only potential issue... was Kōenji.
But after observing him, Saiki realized Kōenji was oddly compatible. He lived in his own world, rarely interacting with others, which suited Saiki. Plus, Kōenji drew attention, reducing focus on Saiki.
Of course, this relied on Kōenji not acting unpredictably.
C-Class: Sumida Makoto, Tokitō Hiroya, and another student Saiki didn't recognize. They were from the friendly C-Class, so no issues expected.
A-Class: Totsuka Yahiko and Hashimoto Masayoshi.
*Damn, I'm with this guy... He's probably here to watch me...*
Hashimoto glanced at Totsuka indifferently.
*Sakayanagi told me to keep an eye on Ayanokōji. Ryūen said someone in B-Class is pulling strings... Maybe this exam will reveal something.*
'Yare yare, Sakayanagi's interested in Ayanokōji? Good for me.'
Saiki thought.
D-Class: Yamada Albert and Ishizaki Daichi.
Old acquaintances. They knew 1% of Saiki's power and wouldn't bother him.
Albert and Ishizaki stiffened when they saw Saiki.
*With Saiki...*
*A monster...*
They recalled being defeated by him, though they didn't understand how.
*This guy even scared Ryūen...*
'Yare yare, maybe I went too far that day...'
Saiki thought, noticing Ryūen avoiding his gaze.
"You again?"
Totsuka sneered at Saiki's group, still arrogant despite his faction's decline.
"You're still acting tough? Your leader, Kutsuna, gave up the power struggle. Why so arrogant?"
Hashimoto smirked, then turned to Saiki's group.
"I'm not his friend, but as an A-Class student, I apologize for his behavior. He's embarrassing our class."
"Hashimoto, what are you saying?!"
Totsuka was angry, but Hashimoto ignored him.
"We know each other's names, but some of us are meeting for the first time. I'm Hashimoto Masayoshi, nice to meet you."
"I'm Yukimura Teruhiko. Time to choose a leader."
Yukimura adjusted his glasses.
"Any thoughts?"
"None..."
The others replied. Ayanokōji glanced at Saiki.
*Leader? Doesn't concern me. Just a title, no real responsibility. But who'd want it?*
"Saiki's perfect for this."
Yukimura declared.
*Huh?*
"He's responsible. Let's make him leader and follow his decisions."
Yukimura said seriously.
'Wait, why me? I didn't agree!'
Before Saiki could object, Albert and Ishizaki nodded vigorously.
"Yes! We agree!"
*Can't oppose Saiki...*
'Seriously...'
Saiki was helpless.
"I agree too."
Ayanokōji raised his hand.
The others didn't object, so it was settled.
'Someone speak up!'
"You're the leader."
"..."
Saiki was resigned but accepted it. It wasn't like he had to do anything.
As first-years finished grouping, a blonde upperclassman approached.
Nagumo Miyabi.
"You're quick. Didn't expect that."
He smiled warmly, but Saiki heard his thoughts.
*How many first-years will be expelled? This'll be interesting.*
'Yare yare, troublemaker.'
Saiki noticed upperclassmen had finished grouping.
"Let's form large groups now. Save time."
Nagumo suggested.
"Isn't that tonight's task?"
A first-year asked.
"The teachers didn't expect us to finish so fast. Let's proceed."
Nagumo was right. Teachers scrambled after realizing students were ready.
"Horikita-senpai, okay?"
Nagumo turned to Horikita Manabu.
"Sure, it's convenient."
Manabu nodded.
"How about this: six first-year reps play rock-paper-scissors to decide the order. They'll choose second and third-year groups to form large groups. Fair and quick."
"First-years have less info. Unfair."
"Fairness is impossible. Everyone has different intel."
Nagumo and Manabu discussed, leaving first-years unable to intervene.
"First-years, any objections?"
Nagumo asked.
"None from us."
An A-Class student replied.
"Alright, let's begin."
Nagumo smiled, directing everyone.
Six first-year leaders, including Saiki, moved to discuss.
*Rock-paper-scissors?*
Saiki recalled using telepathy to win in kindergarten, even making a teacher quit. He'd intentionally tied a few times, ending up in the newspaper.
Since then, he avoided drawing attention with his powers.
*What place should I aim for?*
"Rock-paper-scissors!"
The game started abruptly. Saiki punched without thinking and won.
"Saiki, you go first."
Manabu said slowly.