After school, Ryuen was busy thinking about how to track down the bastard who planted the bug when he suddenly received a message from Kanda Shuichi.
[I've found the culprit. The one who planted the bug was Ayanokouji Kiyotaka from Class D.]
Ryuen's first reaction upon reading it was: Ayanokouji? Who the hell is that?
Then he remembered—wasn't that the guy who always followed Suzune around like a clingy little fish?
He planted the bug?
[You're not just messing with me because you're bored, are you?]
Ryuen replied to Kanda Shuichi.
[Of course not. I don't gain anything from lying to you, do I?]
[Oh, but you do. For example, you could be using me to test someone out.]
Seeing Ryuen's response, Kanda Shuichi was speechless.
People don't even believe the truth these days.
And since when did Ryuen get this sharp?
[Anyway, I've said what I needed to say. Believe it or not, that's up to you. Oh, and by the way, when are you gonna come after me? I'm kind of looking forward to it.]
As Ryuen read the provocative message from Kanda Shuichi, the veins on his forehead twitched.
Actually, compared to Kanda Shuichi, who was an open enemy, Ryuen was more interested in catching the rat hiding in the shadows.
After all, a direct attack is easier to deal with than a hidden strike—Ryuen understood that well.
And taking care of that guy first had its own benefits. Weren't they trying to test him? Then why not just break him completely?
Did they really think he would act according to their expectations?
So, that guy's name was Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, huh?
A loner like Akito? Should be an easy target.
The next day, a rumor spread around the school.
"I heard someone planted a listening device under Ryuen's classroom podium."
"Who would be bold enough to do something like that?"
"Forget that—don't you think this is embarrassing for Ryuen? Someone pulled this off right under his nose."
"Now that you mention it, yeah, it's pretty bad for him. But does that mean Ryuen has been searching for the culprit all this time?"
"Could be, could be…"
Early in the morning at the first-year building, everyone was talking about it. The rumor had apparently come from Class C, making it sound even more believable.
Naturally, Kanda Shuichi heard about it too when he arrived at school.
Not bad, Ryuen. Moving fast, huh?
Yeah, to Kanda Shuichi, this rumor was clearly something Ryuen spread himself. As for why? That was obvious.
He wanted Ayanokouji to know that he was being hunted.
Just like a fugitive panicking when they realize the cops are after them, Ryuen wanted to rattle the person who planted the device.
When Kanda Shuichi stepped into the classroom, he immediately noticed something different about Class D.
The reason? That loner Ayanokouji actually had a few people gathered around him.
Yamauchi, Ike, and a girl named Sato Mako. She was one of those flashy gyaru types, just like Karuizawa, and not bad-looking either. She got along well with Karuizawa.
What's going on here?
"Hey! Ayanokouji, that's a love letter, right?"
"A pink envelope, plus a lipstick mark? That's gotta be a love letter!"
Yamauchi and Ike's voices were full of frustration.
Well, of course. They had always looked down on Ayanokouji, yet he got a love letter before they did. No wonder they couldn't accept it.
"Come on, am I the only one who sees Ayanokouji's charm?"
That was Sato Mako. Apparently, she had a thing for Ayanokouji. Karuizawa had mentioned it before.
Something about how he was fast and good-looking…
Hah. Shallow girl.
"Uh, the letter just says to meet on the rooftop at five in the afternoon." That was Ayanokouji's reply.
Hearing that, Kanda Shuichi immediately understood what was going on.
Someone sent Ayanokouji a love letter?
At a time like this?
Kanda Shuichi barely held back a laugh.
Ryuen, Ryuen, you really are something, using such petty tricks.
But for ordinary students, the more underhanded the method, the more effective it is.
So, Ayanokouji, what are you going to do? Will you go to the meeting? Or will you completely ignore it and trample on someone's feelings?
If you ignore it, you won't be able to keep up your "ordinary student" act, Ayanokouji!
"You seem a little impatient."
After sitting down, Kanda Shuichi put his bag away and spoke to Horikita, who was sitting next to him.
By the way, not long after the final exams, the seating arrangement was changed. Kanda Shuichi was placed to the left of Horikita Suzune, while Ayanokouji was seated a bit further up.
Because of that, Ayanokouji definitely couldn't hear their conversation.
"It's fine if they want to enjoy their youth, but can't they at least pay attention to the time? The warning bell is about to ring."
"Is that so? Looks like I almost came in late."
Horikita rolled her eyes and ignored Kanda Shuichi. She simply closed the book she had been reading and took out the textbook for the first lesson.
This girl is always serious about studying, no matter the situation.
But Ryuen's tricks didn't stop at just sending Ayanokouji a love letter. After school that day, he barged into Class D's room with his lackeys.
It was obvious they weren't here for a friendly chat, and the class immediately became restless because of these uninvited guests.
Chabashira-sensei only glanced at Ryuen and his group before leaving the classroom. After all, they hadn't actually done anything yet, and with the surveillance cameras in the room, there was nothing to worry about.
The once relaxed atmosphere in Class D instantly became heavy.
Just one look at the people behind Ryuen was enough to tell why.
Ishizaki, Komiya, Kondo—the trio, plus that massive guy who barely looks human, Yamada Albert. And on top of that, Ryuen himself. This was probably the strongest group in Class C.
"What the hell? This is Class D, you know."
The first to react was Sudou. As soon as he saw Ryuen, he immediately stepped in front of him, standing protectively in front of Horikita Suzune and Kanda Shuichi's seats.
Right after that, Hirata also stepped forward.
"Ryuen, is there something you need from our class?"
"What, is there some rule that says students can't visit other classes? It's normal for students to drop by a friend's class, isn't it? Why are you all so tense?"
Ryuen's mocking tone made many students in Class D frown.
Visit another class?
A ruthless dictator barging in with his four top henchmen—who the hell would be friends with you?
What Ryuen said was ridiculous. No matter how you looked at it, this wasn't a casual visit. But technically, there wasn't anything wrong with his words.
"Normally, that would be true. But in this school, things work a little differently. At the very least, this is the first time you've ever 'visited' Class D like this."
Even in the face of Ryuen's blatant provocation, Hirata didn't want to escalate the situation. He just wanted to smooth things over.
"That's exactly why I came here, isn't it?"
Ryuen took a couple of steps forward, walking past Sudou and stopping in front of Kanda Shuichi.
Seeing this, Miyake immediately stepped up and blocked Ryuen's path.
"Relax, Miyake. With all these cameras around, I'm not going to do anything."
"Who knows?"
Despite Ryuen's reassurance, Miyake didn't move an inch.
"You didn't come here just for me, did you?" Kanda Shuichi smiled. "I wouldn't dare call myself your friend."
"No, I'm just here to say thanks. After all, if you hadn't leaked the answers to us during the Paper Shuffle exam, our class would've lost a few people to expulsion."
Ryuen's words caused an uproar among the students.
"Kanda gave answers to Ryuen's class?"
"That can't be true, right?"
"Does that mean Kanda is the traitor who betrayed Class D?"
The students of Class D immediately started whispering among themselves, as if they had just heard something unbelievable.
Some of them looked at Kanda Shuichi, expecting him to say something—maybe even deny Ryuen's claim.
But why would Kanda Shuichi do that?
You're trying to stir up trouble between me and them? Be my guest. I don't care.
"So, shouldn't you at least kneel and thank me properly?"
"I'm afraid you couldn't handle it."
"If I'm not scared, why should you be?"
Wait, didn't I already tell you who planted the listening device?
Why are you still here testing me?
Do you not trust me, Kanda Shuichi?
I always keep my word! If you don't believe me, just look at the chapter titles from before!
This guy… is he enjoying toying with his prey?
Does he think Ayanokouji will be nervous watching all this? If so, he's dead wrong.
Look at Ayanokouji—he's already packing up his things to leave.
But after a moment, he seemed to realize that walking out in this tense atmosphere would be way too awkward, so he stopped moving.
Of course, just because he held back didn't mean everyone else would.
The most unpredictable person in Class D, Koenji Rokusuke, stood up, slung his bag over his shoulder, and walked out of the classroom without hesitation.
Ryuen immediately gave his guys a look, and the whole group swaggered out after him.
What the hell?
Was my email not clear enough?
I wrote Ayanokouji, not Koenji, right?
Kanda Shuichi pulled out his phone to check his messages with Ryuen, just to be sure.
Nope, I definitely said Ayanokouji.
So why the hell is he going after Koenji?
Even Kanda Shuichi wouldn't want to mess with that guy, and yet Ryuen is actually picking a fight with Koenji?
"Come on, let's follow them."
As soon as Ryuen left the classroom, Kanda Shuichi nudged Miyake to go check it out.
Horikita hesitated for a moment before following as well.
Even though Koenji didn't contribute much during the sports festival, he had helped the class in the past.
Soon after, Hirata, looking a bit worried, also decided to go.
"Hirata, you should stay here. It's better if this doesn't turn into a big scene. If the whole class follows us, things could get messy, so it'd be best if you stayed and calmed everyone down."
Kanda Shuichi said this as soon as he noticed Hirata.
After thinking for a moment, Hirata nodded.
"Alright, I understand. Then I'll leave Koenji in your hands."
Like that guy needs my help.
Still, Kanda Shuichi nodded, just to reassure him.
But as soon as Kanda Shuichi and the others stepped out of the classroom, Ryuen's group and Koenji were already gone.
"They're fast… just a blink, and they vanished," Miyake sighed helplessly.
"Come with me. I know where they are."
"How do you know everything?" Miyake gave Kanda Shuichi a doubtful look.
"If Ryuen had really lost his mind, he would've made a move on Koenji right in the classroom. Since he didn't, it means he's wary of the security cameras. That means he'll pick a spot without any cameras to make his move."
"A place without cameras…"
"The tree-lined path near the dorms and the school's artificial lake doesn't have any cameras."
That area was completely out of the school's surveillance range. Even Chabashira-sensei had chosen that spot when she wanted to meet them privately.
Hearing this, Miyake immediately understood.
"Then let's hurry! If we're too late, something bad might happen."
After leaving the school and walking a bit further, Kanda Shuichi and Miyake Akito were the first to reach the tree-lined path on the way to the dorms.
Sure enough, they spotted Ryuen and his group there. Koenji was in front, while Ryuen and his people followed behind. Even Ibuki, who hadn't shown up earlier, had joined them.
It almost felt like they had been waiting for Kanda Shuichi and the others. Only after Horikita's group arrived did Ryuen give Ishizaki the signal to move.
The Class C students immediately surrounded Koenji, blocking his way.
Yet, despite being completely surrounded, Koenji showed no signs of worry. His usual arrogant and self-important attitude remained unchanged. In fact, he even took out a small comb from his pocket and started fixing his hair.
"I remember you… you're that troublemaker from Class C. What do you want with me?"
"I let you off last time, but this time, you won't get away so easily. Keep me company for a bit, weirdo."
Ryuen stood in front of Koenji, hands in his pockets, staring him down.
Last time?
Ryuen, you still haven't even dealt with me or Ayanokouji, and now you're poking at Koenji? Where do you get this confidence?
Koenji's reaction was just as amusing. He wasn't angry at Ryuen's rudeness. If anything, he was just as rude himself.
"There's something that's been bothering me… When you say 'weirdo,' are you referring to me?"
"Who else could it be?"
Quite a few people silently agreed with Ryuen—not just the Class C students, but even Miyake and Sudou, who had come along, subconsciously nodded.
But Koenji clearly didn't see it that way.
"That's a rather puzzling thing to say. But since I'm a very generous person, I'll pretend I didn't hear it. However, I do have an appointment soon, so could you keep this short?"
"Reschedule it."
"You're saying you won't let me leave?"
"What if I am?"
"I see… then how about we move to a different spot? How about over there?" For some reason, Koenji pointed to a nearby rest area.
"Doesn't matter to me."
"Then follow me."
"Just don't try to run away."
"Relax. There's no need for a strategic retreat against the likes of you. That would be most… ungraceful." Koenji spoke in his usual cryptic way, leaving most people confused.
Kanda Shuichi and the others followed along as well. There was nothing better to do anyway, so why not enjoy the show? Besides, Kanda Shuichi was curious—between Ryuen and Koenji, who would end up more frustrated?
"Ryuen, that's enough," Horikita warned, sensing that things might escalate into a fight.
Come on, don't ruin the fun. A fight would make things way more interesting.
Besides Horikita, even Ayanokouji and Sudou had come over.
"Heh, you guys just followed along so openly, huh?" Ryuen scanned the group on Kanda Shuichi's side.
Of course, his real target was Ayanokouji, standing next to Horikita.
"Kanda, with that weak little body of yours, I'd suggest you stay out of this. I'd hate for you to get caught up in the aftermath."
"It's fine. I'll just stand back and watch from a safe distance," Kanda Shuichi replied casually, unfazed by Ryuen's taunts. "Or what? You planning to lay a hand on me, the current vice president of the student council?"
Ryuen's face stiffened for a moment.
Damn it. I completely forgot about that.
"But don't worry," Kanda Shuichi continued. "The current student council president is pretty lenient when it comes to fights, so if you and Kounji get into it, you should be fine."
Horikita immediately shot him a glare. She had been hoping to get Ryuen to back off, but now that he heard this, wouldn't he just act even more recklessly?
Ryuen, on the other hand, burst out laughing. "Good! I like the rules set by this year's student council president."
Wait, what?
You like this year's student council president?
Pass it on—Ryuen Kakeru is a fan of Nagumo Miyabi!
As for why Kanda Shuichi told Ryuen that information… obviously, he just wanted to enjoy the show!
A true entertainer doesn't wait for drama—he creates it himself.
But before Kanda Shuichi could stir things up even more, a third party arrived on the scene.
"I was wondering what all the fuss was about. Looks like an interesting group has gathered here."
Class B's long-absent leader, Sakayanagi Arisu, appeared with her followers, stepping right into the standoff between Classes C and D.
She wasn't alone. Besides the familiar Kamuro, there were also Kito Hayato and Hashimoto Masayoshi, both of whom Kanda Shuichi had seen before.
"Sakayanagi, huh… Your timing is almost too perfect."
"Oh, just a coincidence," she replied lightly.
Yeah, right. Maybe that excuse would fool someone like Sudou, but given the timing and the people she brought, there was no way she just happened to be passing by.
After all, besides Kamuro, Hashimoto and Kito didn't follow Sakayanagi around every day.
And, of course, Ryuen wasn't buying her nonsense either.
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You can read 10 advanced chapters at my patreon.com/YeyeQiu