Chapter 5: Discovering the other classes

The morning sun painted the schoolyard in soft amber. The wind carried a calmness, as if the world itself were still recovering from the weight of last night.

Ryota sat cross-legged beneath a tree near the school's courtyard, eyes closed, posture unmoving. A light breeze touched his skin as the faint rustling of leaves mingled with his breathing.

The silence broke—soft, but present.

"Good morning, Seki."

Opening his eyes slowly, Ryota turned his gaze. Standing before him, sunlight at her back, was Ichinose Honami—composed and kind-eyed, her presence bringing a gentle gravity with it.

"Morning, Ichinose."

He stood up with slow grace, dusting off his uniform.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?"

She smiled slightly, but there was seriousness in her tone.

"I thought we should talk… about the classes. Information has started flowing, and the right knowledge might become crucial sooner than we think."

Ryota nodded lightly.

"I'm all ears."

Honami clasped her hands behind her back, her voice clear and precise.

"Let's start with Class A. Based on what I've gathered, it's fractured between two internal factions. The first is led by Sakayanagi Arisu—her approach is... aggressive. Strategic and unafraid to stir conflict. The second is Katsuragi's faction—more calculated, pragmatic. Less noise, more precision."

Ryota's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

"Then it's only natural. Two ideologies can't coexist forever. They'll start stepping on each other's plans, even if they don't do it openly. That much pride never stays dormant."

Ichinose gave a small nod.

"Exactly. Katsuragi has the numbers, but Sakayanagi surrounds herself with… a diversity of talents. Individuals good in different fields."

Ryota didn't respond this time, just placed a hand on his chin—thinking.

From behind Ichinose, Ryuji approached with quiet steps, holding a small notebook in hand.

"As for Class C...the information isn't as reliable."

Ryota raised a brow.

"Why's that?"

Ryuji flipped a page.

"They're regulating their leaks. Carefully. But what we've gathered is this: there's unrest. Two dominant figures—Ryuuen Kakeru, and Okamoto Daichi. The former is rumored to use violence, manipulation. The latter is widely supported, more conventional in leadership. But as of now… Ryuuen seems to have taken the upper hand."

Ryota's eyes darkened slightly, intrigued.

"Is there a common thread in that class? Something that connects the students beyond the surface?"

Ryuji shook his head.

"Nothing that I know of. I haven't looked too deeply into their pasts."

Ryota nodded slowly, as if storing the question for another day.

"And Class D?"

Honami's tone shifted slightly—disbelief mixed with concern.

"Almost…unaware. They don't seem to notice the rules of the game. The hints the school keeps giving them—they're not picking up on any of it."

Kanzaki added quietly,

"In other words, an unconscious class."

Honami continued,

"But even so, a few names stand out. Hirata Yosuke is considered the leader—he's got charisma, draws people toward him. Among the girls, Kushida Kikyo and Kei Karuizawa hold influence. Social structure is... firm."

Ryota's expression softened, but his words were pointed.

"Then that's the paradox. They're unaware of the system, yet they have the social foundation for something far greater. I've seen them..."

He looked away briefly, toward the school.

"There's something blocking them. A wall they don't know they're leaning on. But if that wall breaks..."

He trailed off.

"...they could become something far more dangerous than anyone expects."

Honami watched him, her eyes searching his face for more meaning.

But Ryota only gave a light sigh.

The pieces were moving.