After Chabashira finished explaining the average score and expulsion rules, Class D’s students wore expressions of shock.
“How could anyone get expelled?” Ike Kanji stared at his score of 24 and shouted.
A total of seven students in Class D had fallen below the passing line—roughly one-sixth of the class.
“It seems, as Teacher said, there are quite a few fools in this class.” Kōenji continued filing his nails, his legs still propped on the desk.
“What are you saying, Kōenji?
You’re probably in the failing group too.” Ike shot back.
“Boy, is it just your brain that’s lacking, or have your eyes gone blind as well?
Take a good look at where I am.” There, at the top of the rankings, was Kōenji Rokusuke with a score of 90.
“What?
I thought Kōenji was an idiot like Sudo.” Another student whispered.
No one had expected this eccentric classmate to be so academically gifted.
Seeing that the class had sufficiently stirred over the results, Chabashira spoke again: “One more thing.
You all know this school prides itself on its high advancement and employment rates.
Unfortunately, only those who reach Class A will enjoy those benefits—guaranteed admission to elite universities and top companies.” “How could this be?” Yukimura Teruhiko shot to his feet in disbelief.
He had felt no guilt over the deducted Class Points, and hadn’t panicked over the quiz’s expulsion threat—but this was something he simply couldn’t accept.
“How unsightly.” Kōenji, perhaps finding Yukimura’s outburst grating, let out a light sigh.
“Don’t you feel indignant at all?” Yukimura fired back.
His own score was excellent—tied with Kōenji at the top.
“Indignant?
I have no need for that.
Because the school’s evaluation of me is meaningless.
I respect, honor, and revere myself more than anyone else.
The school placed me in Class D simply because they couldn’t measure my Potential.” Kōenji declared without a shred of self-doubt, his words leaving everyone stunned.
“If they want to expel me, they’re welcome to try—they’ll come begging for me later anyway.
Besides, I have no intention of worrying about employment or further education.
I’ll inherit the Kōenji Group someday—whether I’m in Class A or Class D, the outcome will be the same.” Faced with Kōenji’s flawless rebuttal, Yukimura could find no response.
He could only sit back down.
“Looks like the festive mood has been swept away.
If you now understand the harshness of your environment, think carefully about how to avoid expulsion.” Chabashira looked down at the class and delivered her closing remarks.
“You have three weeks until the midterms.
I trust there’s a way for you to avoid failing and survive the exam.” With that, she walked out of the classroom and slammed the door behind her.
The moment she left, the previously subdued Class D erupted into chaos.
What eventually became of Class D would have to wait.
Alongside the first month’s exam results came the announcement of the Student Council selection.
Three first-year students had applied: Shiraishi Makoto and Ichinose Honami from the former Class B, and Katsuragi Kohei from the former Class A.
The two selected were the former Class B students—Katsuragi had been rejected.
Perhaps this result would have drawn scrutiny before, but after the former Class B’s first-month comeback, everyone silently understood why.
After school that afternoon, Shiraishi and Ichinose walked together to the Student Council office.
Neither discussed what was coming—they’d been prepared ever since Shiraishi received Horikita’s confirmation.
Arriving outside the office, the two exchanged a glance.
Ichinose stepped forward and knocked on the door.
“Come in.” Horikita’s voice came from within.
Ichinose pushed the door open, with Shiraishi close behind.
Inside, quite a few people were already seated—upperclassmen, maybe a dozen in total.
All eyes turned to them.
News of the former Class B’s first-month comeback had spread across the school within a single day.
As the mastermind behind the achievement, Shiraishi had become something of a celebrity overnight.
Most of the upperclassmen focused their attention on him—which made their positioning all the more curious.
Shiraishi was standing noticeably behind Ichinose, suggesting that Ichinose was the central figure between them.
This contradicted their earlier assumptions.
“For now, you two are the only first-year recruits—few in number, but we’ll be recruiting more.
Welcome to the Student Council.” Horikita, seated in the president’s chair, gestured for them to sit.
Vice President Nagumo Miyabi sat casually on the sofa, his posture relaxed.
His eyes flicked to Ichinose first, then lingered on Shiraishi.
But his words were smooth: “Welcome.” With both presidents having spoken, the other officers and staff applauded in greeting.
Shiraishi and Ichinose returned the courtesy politely.
After the simple welcome ceremony concluded, Horikita began introducing the Student Council members one by one.
Already familiar were President Horikita, Vice President Nagumo, and Secretary Tachibana.
The rest—several officers from the third and second years—were strangers to both Shiraishi and Ichinose.
For a school with no more than 500 students, this size of Student Council was more than adequate.
Shiraishi noted each name as he followed Ichinose through the introductions.
“You two are new members and will serve as the core strength for the first years going forward.
Start by following the upperclassmen to familiarize yourselves with Student Council operations—begin with the basics.” Horikita tapped lightly on the desk.
“Understood.” Shiraishi and Ichinose nodded together.
Horikita then moved into the month’s formal meeting agenda.
Observing quietly from the side, they found the Student Council’s daily work wasn’t particularly complicated.
The routine tasks fell into three main categories: First, overseeing all clubs—approving activities, inspecting and signing off on equipment.
Second, mediating student disputes and handling appeals and rulings.
Third, assisting the school administration with daily announcements and exam preparations.
It seemed that because the school handled so much itself, the usual disciplinary duties of a normal student council weren’t needed here.
Per Horikita’s arrangement, Shiraishi would follow Tachibana this week to handle club-related matters, while Ichinose would work with a third-year senior on paperwork.
Soon the meeting ended.
Horikita kept the two of them behind.
“I should congratulate you on becoming Class A.” Horikita closed the door and started with what seemed like an unrelated remark.
“Rankings are temporary—only time will tell.
We still need to keep it up.” Ichinose replied.
“How did you find the second-years you met today?” Horikita seemed satisfied with her answer.
He nodded lightly and changed the subject.