"What?" Horikita frowned at Saiki's words.
"Saiki, you know it's not easy. We lack bargaining chips and can't offer Katsuragi enough. Just using his hatred for Sakayanagi won't work."
"True, but we might get some Class A intel this way," Saiki replied.
Though he understood Horikita's point, as a psychic, Saiki saw no issue with the plan. He simply wanted to use this opportunity to contact Class A students and uncover Sakayanagi's true intentions.
'Since Sakayanagi wants to settle things with us through this exam, I should prepare a bit—though the specifics don't matter. I just need to ensure it doesn't cause me any trouble as the leader, and that Sakayanagi won't bother me again in the future.'
Saiki thought to himself.
"Not only that, Sakayanagi has already caused me enough trouble. This time, I'll get a little revenge."
"Mm."
Hearing Saiki's words, Horikita Suzune nodded.
"In that case, Saiki, please go with Yukimura."
"Mm."
Yukimura Keisuke patted Saiki's shoulder and smiled.
...
Meanwhile, Sakayanagi Arisu smiled as she looked at the form in her hand, which listed Class B's exam events.
"These are Class B's events. Did everyone hear that?"
"Yes."
The other students replied in unison.
"Katsuragi, I need to speak with you privately."
Sakayanagi narrowed her eyes and turned to Katsuragi Kohei.
"What?"
Katsuragi looked up, his eyes dull, his entire demeanor lifeless.
Since Totsuka Yahiko's expulsion, Katsuragi had lost all fight, completely surrendering to Sakayanagi.
"Class B might contact you. After all, they know you've always hated me, don't they?"
Sakayanagi smirked, her eyes narrowing.
"If I find proof of your betrayal, or if you lose the event you're in charge of, some hard-working students might be forced to drop out due to unforeseen circumstances~"
*Katsuragi is talented, but expelling him would be a waste. It's better to use other students as leverage to force his compliance.*
"I understand."
Katsuragi clenched his fists, his anger peaking before subsiding.
He knew he had no chance against Sakayanagi.
"If Class B contacts you, it's an opportunity for us."
Sakayanagi said, smiling.
At that moment, Katsuragi's phone rang.
"The fish is on the hook. Later, I'll teach you how to talk to them~"
...
Soon, behind the special classroom building, Saiki and Yukimura met with Katsuragi.
At first glance, Saiki's attention was drawn to Katsuragi's polished head, reminding him of a lightbulb. He quickly looked away, not wanting to see its internal structure.
*Yukimura came to me... but Saiki's here too? I can't sense anything special from Saiki, but Sakayanagi seems interested in him. Last time, she even had the class vote for him. Why?*
"So, what do you want me to do, Yukimura?"
Katsuragi asked seriously.
"Katsuragi, I need your help."
Yukimura replied.
"Given the situation, I won't ask what it's about."
Katsuragi answered.
*You're smart to come to me, but Sakayanagi has already seen through your plans. No matter how much I hate her, I can't risk my classmates' safety.*
*Has Sakayanagi calculated this far?*
Saiki, reading Katsuragi's thoughts, knew his likely actions.
"Tell me the five official events, and throw the exam."
Yukimura said immediately.
"What's in it for me?"
"We'll welcome you to our class!"
"Interesting. You want me to betray Class A and join Class B?"
Katsuragi scoffed at Yukimura's offer.
"We're close to catching up to Class A. If we win this, we could overtake you."
Yukimura said.
Each event win takes 30 points from the opposing class. Seven wins would take 420 points, plus an extra 100 points from the school.
Enough for Class B to surpass Class A.
This exam could widen or reverse the gap between the classes.
Katsuragi said slowly,
"Will we eventually rise to Class A? Every class says the same."
"Well..."
"If you're truly strong, don't make temporary compromises. You're desperate to win, even using me."
Katsuragi replied,
"Even if you reach Class A, can you give me 20 million points for this information? No, that's impossible. If you could, you'd have stopped Yamauchi's expulsion earlier."
*Class B can't afford that.*
"Well..."
"Are you asking me to wait two years for 20 million points?"
"...Yes."
"Ridiculous. Even if you reach Class A, there's no guarantee. Without conditions, a contract is useless. And this wasn't approved by your class."
*If it were Class B's decision, Horikita or Hirata would be here. You can't stand against Sakayanagi like this.*
Saiki observed Katsuragi, a talented student well-informed about Class B.
"I understand your effort, but you're unprepared. Are you expecting me to agree before discussing it with your class? That's too risky for me."
*Damn, Katsuragi's in control. Saiki, say something!*
Yukimura frowned, thinking quickly.
*I have to target Sakayanagi.*
After a pause, Yukimura continued.
"...Are you just letting Sakayanagi push you around?"
"What?"
"She forced Totsuka out. Do you still want to stay in Class A?"
*Sakayanagi...*
Saiki sensed Katsuragi's wavering.
"I won't live like that until graduation. Only losers do that."
"Your last resort is to insult me? Poor negotiation, Yukimura."
Katsuragi frowned,
"I'm not blaming you, but betrayal requires resolve—though you're right about one thing."
"...Right about what?"
Yukimura asked, thinking his plan had failed.
"My hatred for Sakayanagi is uncontrollable. Even without leverage, I'll act."
Katsuragi folded his arms, continuing,
"Sakayanagi hasn't revealed the five events. If you don't mind my guess, I'll tell you."
"Really?!"
Yukimura's eyes lit up.
Saiki watched Katsuragi intently.
*Yukimura thinks I'll betray Class A because of my hatred for Sakayanagi.*
*I do hate her, but I acknowledge her strength. Yukimura, every word you've said, she predicted. She wanted me to contact you, to refuse first, then cooperate, lowering your guard.*
*When you asked this, you fell into her trap. I'm still in Class A. I can't abandon my classmates.*
Katsuragi thought, then spoke:
"Don't share this with anyone."
"Of course. I'll propose the 20 million points to Horikita later."
Yukimura nodded quickly.
"Unnecessary. You can't afford 20 million points."
"What do you want in return?"
"Nothing. Just Sakayanagi's defeat."
Katsuragi continued,
"Chess, English, Math—these are first. Then Modern Literature and Mental Calculation. Events like jump rope or dodgeball are feints. As far as I know, no one's practicing them."
*This is my genuine guess, but Sakayanagi wants me to share it, making truth harder to distinguish.*
"Is this okay? We can't offer anything..."
Yukimura felt embarrassed.
"I said it's worth it, even without leverage."
"Great! Saiki, now we have a chance!"
Yukimura turned to Saiki, smiling.
*You thought we'd lose from the start?*
Saiki thought, then nodded.
"You wanted me to throw the exam, right?"
Katsuragi spoke again.
*This is Sakayanagi's real trap.*
"Honestly, Class B is weaker than Class A—maybe even weaker than Class C. I don't think Class A needs much help to win. If I throw it, you might have a chance, but only in Mental Calculation or jump rope if I'm chosen."
Katsuragi continued,
"I'll avoid Sakayanagi knowing I threw it. In Mental Calculation, I'll solve easy problems."
*Sorry, I won't throw it. You'll send weaker students, thinking I will.*
"Thank you!"
Yukimura nodded vigorously.
Katsuragi turned his head, looking at Saiki with a hint of confusion.
*"Why aren't they asking why I believe Sakayanagi will still be chosen for these events?"*
'Because there's no need. You're not going to hold back anyway,' Saiki thought.
"Well then, I'll take my leave. I hope you can ensure Sakayanagi's defeat."
Katsuragi quickly turned and left. Meanwhile, Yukimura, still somewhat excited, explained his next plan to Saiki.
'Sakayanagi seems pretty confident, huh.'
'He might be decent among ordinary people, but compared to a psychic, he's nothing special.'
'He caused me a lot of trouble before, and even got the teachers' attention. Time to return the favor.'
Saiki muttered to himself.