"He just called Ryūen by his name, so they're not enemies. That confirms Ryūen wasn't defeated by Ishizaki. We already knew this, though."
Hashimoto Masayoshi thought to himself, rubbing his chin lightly.
"I joined this group to uncover the truth."
*'Did he already know the rumors about Ryūen were false? It makes sense. Not many would believe Ishizaki could beat Ryūen. As long as they don't suspect me, it's fine.'*
Saiki Kusuo muttered internally.
*'It seems Sakayanagi Arisu from Class A is investigating. I'll keep an eye out and avoid slipping up in front of Hashimoto.'*
"I heard you clashed with Ryūen and removed him from his leader position. Is that true?" Hashimoto asked deliberately.
"Of course. I just called him by habit!" Ishizaki Daichi replied impatiently, realizing his slip-up.
"Mind your own business!"
"Got it, sorry!" Hashimoto smiled and waved, signaling he wouldn't press further.
...
After settling their affairs, Saiki and his group explored the school. Saiki, wandering alone, sensed an unfamiliar presence behind him.
*'Is this the Kiriyama Ikuto Horikita Manabu mentioned? He doesn't seem very reliable... But since Manabu vouched for him, I'll trust him for now.'*
The voice was unfamiliar, but Saiki already knew who it was: Kiriyama Ikuto, the vice president of the student council.
On Christmas Eve, Manabu had asked Saiki to help deal with Nagumo Miyabi and mentioned a second-year student who could assist him. Though Nagumo controlled the second years, Kiriyama opposed him secretly.
Manabu hadn't revealed Kiriyama's name, but Saiki had already learned it through telepathy. To avoid unnecessary trouble, Saiki hadn't approached Kiriyama, who also hadn't contacted him. Saiki had almost forgotten about him.
Now, Kiriyama and Nagumo were in the same group as Saiki. Kiriyama, unable to hold back, finally approached him.
Saiki used his clairvoyance and confirmed Nagumo was elsewhere, giving Kiriyama a chance to speak privately.
*'How long are you going to stalk me?'* Saiki thought, annoyed. Kiriyama had been watching him from behind.
"You're Saiki, right?" Kiriyama finally stepped forward.
"Can I trust you?"
*'What's he talking about?'* Saiki thought, then asked, "Sorry, I don't understand."
"Manabu said you'd help take down Nagumo. Is that true?"
"Yes, Vice President Kiriyama."
*'Does he know me? As vice president, it's normal he'd know my name.'*
Kiriyama's eyebrows twitched, then relaxed. "Let's discuss this."
"Okay." Saiki nodded, not asking further questions.
*'Isn't he curious why I'm against Nagumo? I don't get along with him, and I joined the council because I admired Manabu. We were both in Class A, but now I'm not...'*
*'Normally, people would ask questions. I already know everything through telepathy...'*
Saiki continued the conversation.
*'Manabu probably didn't tell him about me. Did Saiki investigate me already?'*
"I tried to stop Nagumo from becoming president, but it was impossible. I'm ashamed," Kiriyama said.
*'I'll ask some questions to seem normal.'* Saiki thought, then asked, "Is it true Nagumo controls all second years?"
"Almost. Many are unhappy but won't vote against him. They've given up and obey." Kiriyama clenched his fists and sighed.
"Why obey? Classes should compete."
"Nagumo promised reforms. He'll bridge class gaps and promote strong students to Class A. Many resent being in lower classes due to group battles, despite their talent."
"That's hard to believe."
"But they have no choice. The point gap between classes is widening. They must trust him."
"So, you're not quitting the council?"
"How can I? If I quit, Nagumo will get arrogant. I'll stay, gather info, and find weaknesses. I'll share it with Manabu."
*'Impressive... But is this normal in high school? What should I say?'*
"Could Nagumo threaten other grades?" Saiki asked vaguely.
"He's targeting third years now. After they graduate, he'll go after you first years."
Kiriyama paused, then continued, "By tradition, you'll interact more with upperclassmen. In the third term, a special exam for all grades begins. Similar exams follow. Last year, we did the same. First years fight second years, and sometimes third years."
*'More exams with upperclassmen?'* Saiki sighed.
"Any ideas, Kiriyama?"
"Expelling him is the simplest solution. What's your plan?"
"We'll see."
"Will you help?"
"Probably."
*'I owe Manabu a favor. And Manabu has privileges even at the dessert shop?'*
"Nagumo's already watching you. You know his character. I'll share his actions and important info, within rules. You decide what to do."
"Understood."
"Honestly, I had no impression of you until the sports festival relay race with Manabu. That's why Nagumo noticed you too."
*'I didn't want this.'* Saiki sighed. The sports festival was an accident.
If not for Sudo Ken's joke, he wouldn't have excelled in grip strength, been chosen for events, or gotten involved.
"Contact me only when necessary. Don't expose my location. If you do, it's on you!" Kiriyama warned, then left.
*'What a hassle...'* Saiki shook his head. Despite his annoyance, he'd cooperate with Manabu's request.
He noticed something: *'Kiriyama isn't fully against Nagumo, is he?'*
*'Whatever. One step at a time. Hopefully, this exam goes smoothly.'*
...
After some free time, an announcement called students to the cafeteria. Saiki, excited, headed there, hoping for new dishes.
The cafeteria was vast, accommodating all grades. Though crowded, different grades sat separately, and class schedules varied, preventing overcrowding.
Saiki's excitement faded at the ordinary menu. He approached the counter, choosing decent dishes, when a familiar voice caught his attention.
*'Stop thinking about me... Saiki will notice... Damn, he'll find out!'*
Amid the crowd, Saiki didn't notice the voice until he was close.
The lunch lady, masked and apron-clad, was Mikoto Aiura.
*'What are you doing here?!'* Saiki asked telepathically.
"The school needed staff, so I applied!" Mikoto smiled.
To stay close to Saiki, she'd become a school worker. Saiki, feeling helpless, sensed impatience behind him. Prolonged conversation would draw attention. He grabbed random dishes and prepared to leave.
Mikoto piled twice the usual portion onto his tray, forming a small mountain.
"You'll appreciate my kindness, Saiki!" Mikoto beamed.
"Can the cafeteria serve this much?"
"I thought the lunch lady's hand was shaking."
"So lucky."
Students stared at Saiki's towering tray in shock.
*'Figures...'* Saiki sighed.