This was arguably Shiraishi’s oversight—although he had shared the rules with everyone, he hadn’t considered their level of receptiveness, and now they had somewhat “overcorrected.” Currently, Class B’s students were in a state of heightened alert, seeing everything as potentially related to the grade evaluation and striving to surpass the other classes in every way.
However, before long, a figure emerged onto the stage at the front of the gymnasium—a senior with long purple hair tied in a bun.
“First-year students, thank you for waiting.
Next, the club representatives will begin the club orientation.
I am Tachibana, secretary of the Student Council, and I will be serving as today’s emcee.
Pleased to meet you all.” After emcee Tachibana Akane finished her opening remarks, representatives from each club walked onto the stage from backstage and lined up.
As the upperclassmen took turns introducing their clubs, Shiraishi scanned the crowd and spotted Ayanokōji Kiyotaka and Horikita Suzune positioned near the back.
He didn’t stare—just confirmed their presence, then used Horikita Suzune’s location to lock onto the Student Council President, Horikita Manabu.
Soon enough, the gymnasium witnessed Horikita Manabu’s iconic scene.
When first-years from other classes thought this upperclassman was stunned into silence and started heckling from the audience, Horikita Manabu remained composed, surveying everyone below with a silence that was more unnerving than any outburst.
Only when the entire gymnasium was thick with tension and stillness did he finally speak: “I am Horikita Manabu, Student Council President.” “The Student Council will be recruiting candidates from the first-year students to fill the vacancies left by graduating upperclassmen.
Candidates require no special qualifications.
However, anyone considering running for the Student Council should refrain from joining other clubs.
Those wishing to participate in both the Student Council and other clubs will not be accepted, in principle.” Horikita’s voice was soft, yet carried a devastating weight that silenced every student in the gymnasium.
“Furthermore—we, the Student Council, do not wish for anyone with naive intentions to run.
Such individuals would not only fail to be elected but would also leave a stain on the school.
Our Student Council is entrusted by the school with the authority to amend regulations, and with that comes great expectation.
We welcome only those who understand this.” The moment Shiraishi heard those final words, he internally groaned.
Sure enough, a few students from his class instinctively turned to glance in his direction—though they quickly caught themselves, perhaps realizing their mistake or being nudged by others, and turned back.
Shiraishi had noticed those looks, but there was nothing he could do now.
Because Horikita Manabu’s gaze had landed on him.
It lasted only a split second, but Shiraishi didn’t believe it was coincidental.
The man had just delivered a warning—no student should have dared to fidget.
Class B’s small movements would have stood out all the more.
After finishing his speech with seamless delivery, Horikita Manabu stepped down from the stage and walked out of the gymnasium.
The first-years could only watch the Student Council President leave in silence.
“Thank you all for your hard work.
The orientation is now concluded.
We will now begin accepting club registration applications.
Additionally, since registrations will remain open until the end of April, students who wish to apply later may bring their application forms directly to their desired clubs.” Students from other classes began to stir, while Shiraishi pulled out his phone.
“Everyone, feel free to choose whatever club interests you.
I noticed many clubs welcome beginners, so even if you have no prior experience, it should be fine.” Shiraishi typed a message in the class group chat.
Soon, a classmate responded in the group: “I think even a beginner like me could join a sports club to get some exercise~ Though that Student Council seems pretty strict.” Shiraishi saw it was Hamaguchi Tetsuya’s reply.
He immediately understood the intent and played along.
Before long, the class group chat grew lively, with many people sharing their thoughts.
Looks like everyone got the message.
Shiraishi put away his phone.
At that moment, several of the class’s core members gathered around him.
“Shiraishi-kun, are you going to try for the Student Council?” Ichinose asked quietly, while Kanzaki, Hamaguchi, and the others looked on—though silent, their expressions asked the same question.
“I recommend Ichinose-san go instead.” Shiraishi hesitated briefly before speaking.
“But—” Ichinose started to interject, but Shiraishi cut her off: “After President Horikita’s speech just now, the only students who will probably apply for the Student Council are the ‘strongest’ in each class.
And when it comes to overall ability, you’re the strongest in our class.” “Besides, I’m not necessarily suited for Student Council work.” Shiraishi continued.
“So I suggest you apply, Ichinose-san.
We’ll support you from behind.” After hearing Shiraishi’s reasoning, Kanzaki and the others thought it over and agreed.
Ichinose had placed first in the entire grade on the entrance exams, had flawless interpersonal skills, and while her strategic abilities couldn’t be measured against Shiraishi’s exceptional presence, on paper she had no weaknesses.
“In that case…
I’ll take it on.” After listening to Shiraishi’s explanation, Ichinose nodded firmly.
“I’ll go submit my application now.” “We’ll wait for you.” Kobashi said.
“I’m planning to join the Judo Club.” Kanzaki said.
“I’ve trained in it systematically before.
I’m decent.” Decent as in black-belt level?
Shiraishi really wanted to make a snarky comment.
“Then I’ll join the Art Club.” Shiranami said.
Soon, those with particular talents went off to join their respective clubs, leaving behind students like Shiraishi, Hamaguchi, Kobashi, Amikura Asako, and others who didn’t have any noteworthy skills or interest in joining clubs.
Before long, Ichinose returned.
There had been no queue at the Student Council table at all, though other clubs had plenty of applicants, so she’d had to wait a little.
While waiting, Shiraishi exchanged contact information with several classmates around him.
Come to think of it, even exchanging contact info between classmates was considered a formal affair in Japan?
Then again, maybe that habit had something to do with those early years of playing FarmVille, parking games, or Q-Pet battles.
Taking this opportunity, Shiraishi offered Ichinose another reminder.
“Apart from inter-class competition, it’s possible that under special circumstances, there could be competition between grades as well.
So…” Shiraishi trailed off, but Ichinose understood.
“If anything comes up, I’ll come consult everyone for advice.”