Special Exam

Horikita Manabu rose from his seat with the kind of composed elegance that made it look like he'd rehearsed every move in front of a mirror. He reached for the teapot on the side table, pouring the tea with practiced precision. The faint aroma of green tea wafted through the room, blending oddly well with the sterile atmosphere of the Student Council Room.

He placed a cup in front of me, and then sat back down, "Tea," he said, the word carrying more authority than it had any right to.

I accepted the cup with a nod. "Thanks." I took a small sip. Not bad. Kind of what I'd expect from someone who probably treats tea-making like a tactical maneuver.

Manabu leaned back slightly, folding his hands over his lap. "Now, we can talk. The Council Room is empty, the results won't be public for another hour, and we have time." He paused, his gaze meeting mine, sharp and inquisitive. "So, Hikigaya, tell me how the Special Exam really unfolded. I trust your observations, given that I was confined here, unable to witness it myself."

I placed the cup down on the table, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. "Confined, huh? Must've been tough for you to sit in here all day, buried under an endless sea of paperwork while everyone else was out there living their best Exam Day lives."

His lips twitched slightly like he was almost amused by my sarcasm but wouldn't dare let it show. "I wouldn't call monitoring the logistics of the exam and handling the administrative fallout 'living.' But yes, my involvement was limited to ensuring the exam ran smoothly."

I let out a small sigh, leaning back in my chair. "Well, since you're so interested in my 'insight,' I guess I'll humor you. What do you want to know?"

"Everything. Details, dynamics, strategies. What stood out to you? What didn't? Spare no detail, Hikigaya."

Spare no detail? What did he think I was, some sort of walking surveillance camera? Still, it wasn't like I had much else to do while sipping tea with the President. And something about his genuine interest made it hard to brush off. Not that I'd ever admit that.

"Alright," I started, my tone deliberately flat. "But don't expect anything groundbreaking. It's not like I was taking notes out there."

Manabu nodded slightly, signaling me to continue.

This was going to be a long conversation. And knowing him, every word I said was going to be analyzed to death. Lovely.

"Everything started that day," I began, resting my chin on my hand. "When you gave the Service Club an early rundown of the Special Exam."

He gave a small nod as that much was obvious.

"Over the weekend," I continued, "I spent most of my time going over the exam's rules. You know, looking for loopholes or flaws. Not because I wanted to, mind you, but because if something's going to go wrong, it's better to know in advance. Helps me stay mentally prepared for the disaster that is human nature."

Manabu's sharp eyes gleamed behind his glasses. "Interesting. Focusing on weaknesses before strengths. I'd call that an unusual skill."

I leaned back slightly, letting out a small, humorless chuckle. "Yeah, it's a real gift. Nothing like having a natural talent for pointing out why everything sucks."

"In any case," I continued, waving a hand as if brushing away the previous topic, "as you stated, the preparations for the Special Exam officially started on Monday. After the first Japanese class, I decided to wander the hallways in search of my clubmate, Yuigahama. You know, multitasking—keeping an eye on the other classes while pretending to do something productive."

I paused, gauging Manabu's reaction. As expected, he was fully engaged, leaning forward ever so slightly, his sharp eyes piercing through me like he was peeling back every layer of my story.

"The first class I came across was Class B," I said, taking another sip of my tea.

"Class B," Manabu mused aloud, a slight tilt to his head. "If I recall correctly, their leader is Ichinose Honami, is she not?"

Of course, he knew. Why wouldn't he? This guy probably had a mental dossier on every student in the school. He's like a walking intelligence agency. I nodded to confirm his question.

"Yeah, that's her," I replied. "And, honestly, if you asked me which class looked most likely to win this exam at first glance, I'd have said Class B. Even without seeing the others, their social dynamics alone were enough to make them stand out. It's like they've been tailor-made for teamwork."

"Interesting." His tone was neutral, though I could sense the gears turning in his head.

"But," I added, leaning forward slightly, "Class B has one glaring weakness."

Manabu raised an eyebrow slightly, urging me to elaborate.

"Ichinose Honami is an idealist."

That got a reaction—a brief flicker of interest in his otherwise composed expression. "Idealism. A commendable trait in a leader but also a potential liability. Go on."

I smirked faintly. "Well, as much as people love a feel-good story about how idealism saves the day, in reality, it's just another way of saying 'blind spot.' And in this exam, blind spots can be fatal."

"Ichinose most likely thought she could win this exam by leveraging the strong relationships within her class," I said, pausing for effect. "She probably believed Class B's cohesiveness would naturally extend to working with the Sobu students. And, well, she wasn't wrong."

His expression didn't change, but I could tell he was carefully processing my words.

"Class B didn't just work well internally," I continued. "They also had smooth communication with their assigned partners from Sobu. They helped one another, their teamwork was seamless, and everything they did made it look like this exam was tailor-made for them. Honestly, I realized then that Ichinose was probably the one trying the hardest to actually follow the rules in this whole ordeal."

Horikita Manabu tilted his head slightly, his hand resting against his chin in a thoughtful pose. "She followed the rules, then. An admirable approach, though in a competitive setting like this, it's not always the optimal one. Rules exist, after all, to be understood... and occasionally exploited."

I let out a small, dry chuckle. "Sounds about right. Idealism might look pretty on paper, but it's not exactly what I'd call a long-term strategy."

Manabu offered a nod, more of a tilt than a full acknowledgment. "Go on."

"After that, I decided to check out Class D," I said, shifting in my seat. "I figured I'd learn more about their situation and, more importantly, meet my partner for the Special Exam—your sister."

His lips twitched, barely perceptible, but his tone carried the slightest edge of amusement. "That didn't go well, I take it?"

I shrugged. "Not in the slightest. The situation in Class D was... let's just say 'chaotic' would be putting it generously. And your sister? She wasn't exactly thrilled about working with me."

He let out a small sigh, a rare hint of exasperation breaking through his composed exterior. "I can't say I'm surprised. Suzune may be very troublesome to deal with at times. Especially when her partner isn't someone she perceives as competent."

"Gee, thanks," I muttered, rolling my eyes. "Glad to know I inspire such confidence."

I continued, because why not? It's not like I had anything better to do with my time. "After that disaster of a meeting, I figured I could use a pick-me-up. So, I headed to the vending machine for some coffee."

"That's when I saw him," I said, leaning back slightly. "Ryuen Kakeru. ANHS student. You know, the kind of guy who looks like he was genetically engineered to scream 'danger.' Anyway, he was busy beating the crap out of some poor guy from Sobu."

Horikita Manabu didn't so much as blink.

If Ryuen started juggling flaming chainsaws while reciting Shakespeare, would he still look like he was calculating tax returns?

"Seeing as I'm not exactly equipped to be a hero," I continued, "I did the sensible thing and left. Quickly. You know, before he decided to expand his target demographic to 'random loners.' That's when I ran into someone... different."

"Different?" Manabu asked, raising an eyebrow ever so slightly.

"Kushida Kikyou," I said, sighing inwardly. "Class D student, but honestly, she's more like a magnet for attention. Pretty sure she's got the whole class—and probably a few from other classes—wrapped around her finger."

He considered my words for a moment before responding, his tone calm but analytical. "I assume her ability to garner trust and attention gives her significant influence. But such individuals often prioritize maintaining their image, which can lead to complications in situations requiring unfiltered honesty."

I nodded. "That checks out. She's definitely the type who'd rather drown in sugar-coated diplomacy than say something that might ruin her perfect reputation."

Satisfied with his observation, Manabu gave a slight nod for me to continue.

"Anyway," I went on, "I decided to steer clear after that. That's when I ran into you and Tsukishiro." I glanced at him knowingly. "But you already know that part, so I'll skip ahead."

Horikita said nothing, which was his way of agreeing.

"There was one more person from Class D, though," I said, leaning back. "Hirata Yosuke. He looked... broken. Like he already knew his class was doomed to lose this exam and that someone was going to get expelled."

His eyes narrowed slightly in interest, but he let me continue without interruption.

"I saw potential in him... or whatever you call it," I said with a small shrug. "Figured if he was so hung up on helping his classmates, he might actually listen to a plan to save them. So, I decided to help him 'get back on his feet.' Brought him to the Service Club, pitched an idea to save Class D, and well... you can probably figure out the rest."

Manabu's lips pressed into a thin line, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he said, "So you took it upon yourself to salvage Class D's situation. Interesting choice, considering your stance of avoiding direct involvement."

"Yeah, well, sometimes people surprise even themselves," I muttered, evading his questioning gaze. "Besides, it's not like I'm a stranger to cleaning up other people's messes. This one just happened to be on a bigger scale."

His gaze softened ever so slightly, an almost imperceptible look of gratitude flashing across his face. "I see,"

I coughed awkwardly, brushing it off. "Regardless," I continued, "later, I decided to ask Zaimokuza... my... friend... about Class C's situation. He'd paired up with someone from there, and, well, he has this... special talent."

"Special talent?" Manabu asked, his eyebrows raising ever so slightly.

"Yeah. He's basically invisible when it comes to social interactions. People wave him off without a second thought. Makes him perfect for eavesdropping, not that he'd admit that's what he's doing," I said with a smirk. "So, he ended up hearing a lot of conversations no one expected him to."

"And what did he tell you?" Horikita Manabu's question was measured, but there was a spark of curiosity in his eyes.

"What he said pretty much confirmed what I was already thinking," I replied. "Class C had the best shot at winning this Special Exam. They were coordinated, calculated, and most importantly, didn't let emotions get in the way. If anything, they were the polar opposite of Class B."

His eyes narrowed slightly as he leaned forward, clearly intrigued. "Then explain this to me, Hikigaya. If Class C had this best chance, how did Ryuen Kakeru win?"

I paused, taking a moment to consider my words. "That... is where things get problematic," I said finally, a small frown forming. "Because his victory wasn't just strategy—it was something else entirely."

"As I mentioned earlier," I began, my tone steady, "Ryuen beat up a Sobu student near the vending machine for not listening to his orders. But here's the kicker—that Sobu guy wasn't paired with Class C."

"That Sobu student," I continued, "was Hayama Hayato. He was partnered with a Class B student during this Special Exam."

Manabu's sharp eyes gleamed with recognition. "I see,"

At that moment, I could tell the pieces were falling into place for him.

I leaned back slightly, my thoughts racing as I started to explain. Ryuen's motives for this Special Exam were painfully clear when viewed from his twisted perspective. For him, it wasn't just about winning but about absolute domination. Crushing the competition underfoot and grinning all the while.

The way he manipulated Kushida, for instance. She'd been desperate to get rid of Horikita, and Ryuen had used her ambitions to his advantage. By doing so, he didn't just secure the study materials his class needed—likely sending them to every member of Class C via their phones—but also set up a false trail to mask his true intentions.

Because the real answer lay elsewhere. In the Penalties section of the Special Exam. Specifically:

Failure to attend the exam without a valid reason will result in:

- A score of 0 points for the absent student and pair.

- If the absent student is from Sobu High School, then 10 Class Points will be deducted from their partner's respective class.

That was it. The key to everything.

Ryuen knew there was no point in targeting students from ANHS directly. Their resolve, resources, and the backing of their respective classes made them far less susceptible to manipulation. Instead, he set his sights on the weakest links: the Sobu students. It wasn't just about targeting the weak—it was about using them as leverage to dismantle the stronger classes from within.

His plan was ruthless in its simplicity. He aimed to cripple Class A and Class B simultaneously while ensuring Class C achieved the highest possible scores. In short, he wanted to dominate on all fronts, leaving no room for opposition. And as a master manipulator, Ryuen knew precisely how to achieve this.

Using his network of underlings—and likely handling the most delicate situations personally—he identified the Sobu students with the lowest willpower, those most vulnerable to pressure or intimidation. Then, he struck at just the right moments, catching them alone and breaking them down psychologically. Threats, coercion, or perhaps even promises of leniency. It didn't matter what methods he used. What mattered was that, by the end, they were firmly under his control because of fear.

The crux of his scheme lay in the Penalties section of the exam rules. By threatening these Sobu students into skipping the Special Exam entirely, Ryuen ensured their actions would deliver a devastating blow to their ANHS partners. Each absence not only resulted in a possible score of zero for some but also triggered a Class Point deduction of 10 for the partner's class. The rules specified that absences required a "valid reason," but Ryuen likely understood that no one in charge would actively investigate these incidents unless prompted.

The consequences were catastrophic. Class B was hit the hardest. Not only did their overall scores plummet due to the missing Sobu partners, but the remaining students, now forced to take the test alone, couldn't match the performance of other classes. As a result, Class B ended with the lowest average score across all five tests. Worse still, the Class Point deductions drove them further down the rankings.

Meanwhile, Class A, though slightly more resilient, wasn't spared. The absence of their Sobu partners disrupted their plans and weakened their confidence, costing them both points and morale.

Ryuen's strategy was as audacious as it was brutal. By breaking the opposition's foundation—using Sobu students as unwitting pawns—he effectively cleared the path for Class C to shine. The true genius of his plan, however, lay in the deception. To smart enough people, it seemed as though his class's success was purely a result of Kushida's stolen materials and their own determination when in reality, it was all a smokescreen. The real damage was done in the shadows, leaving his competitors scrambling to recover from blows they never saw coming.

Ryuen didn't just want to win. He wanted to obliterate the competition, to cement Class C as the undisputed victor, and to leave every other class questioning how they'd been outplayed so completely.

Ryuen Kakeru was a monster.

If you thought Ryuen's strategy ended there, you'd be wrong. There was still more damage to be done.

"The official results of the Special Exam won't be announced for another hour. But when they are, Class B will be forced to make a devastating decision: Expelling one of their own classmates. The morale of Class B, already in shambles, will plummet further. Not even Ichinose Honami, with all her charisma, could hope to patch a wound that deep."

Horikita Manabu processed the information quickly before asking, "And what about Class A? From my observations, Sakayanagi Arisu is the class leader. I've spoken with her before, and I find it difficult to believe she'd fall for a scheme like this."

I nodded, unsurprised by his insight. "You're right. Sakayanagi wouldn't fall for something like this. But here's the twist: Class A has two leaders."

His eyebrows rose slightly, a rare hint of intrigue.

"Hashimoto, Sakayanagi's current right-hand man, tipped me off. It turns out Sakayanagi allowed Katsuragi Kohei to take charge of Class A during this exam," I explained. "She didn't do it to surrender her authority, but because she wanted him to fail. Katsuragi, as you might expect, took a cautious and straightforward approach, much like Class B. He stuck to predictable strategies, avoiding any risks or unconventional methods."

I paused to let the implication sink in before continuing. "Sakayanagi, being the schemer she is, made a deal with Ryuen. She knew he would target Class A, but rather than resist, she chose to collaborate with him. By allowing him to sabotage her class, she ensured Katsuragi's failure would be inevitable. This way, she could destroy his reputation as a leader without lifting a finger. Once Class A's results are revealed, Katsuragi will lose any remaining influence he has. From there, Sakayanagi will take full control of the class without opposition."

Horikita Manabu remained neutral, but the intensity in his eyes told me he understood the full scope of what had transpired.

"And with Class D sitting at 0 Class Points, no one sees them as a threat. They're essentially invisible to the other classes. And that's precisely why I struck a deal with Ryuen. I made it clear that as long as he doesn't meddle in my affairs, his little plan stays between us. If he crosses the line, I let the school in on everything, and his carefully crafted scheme falls apart."

"And in doing so, you've secured the breathing room needed to focus on rebuilding Class D. All while remaining under the radar. Clever."

"Yeah," I replied. "While Ryuen was busy with his theatrics and power plays, I made sure Class D stayed out of sight and out of mind. Let everyone else tear each other apart and we'll quietly rise from the ashes when they least expect it."

He smirked, "You've been busy these last few days, Hikigaya."

His words carried a weight of acknowledgment, but also a subtle challenge, as though he was testing the waters of my resolve.

"You've shown remarkable insight," he continued. "Not only did you manage to unravel the moves of your opponents with such minimal information, but you also adapted to the situation in real-time. A truly brilliant approach."

I shrugged, feigning nonchalance, though his praise hit differently.

"I observed and connected the dots. It's not rocket science."

"Don't downplay it. The strategy of this caliber requires more than observation. It demands intuition, intellect, and the ability to stay ten steps ahead. Few possess that. Fewer still can execute it."

I raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "I thought you'd take this worse. Someone exploited your exam to their advantage. I figured it'd sting a bit more."

"None of the Sobu students who fell victim to Ryuen's tactics reported anything to me or the school. That tells me Ryuen Kakeru didn't break any rules."

His tone was calm, almost clinical as if he were dissecting the situation with precision.

"Even if Class B were to come forward and file a formal complaint, they would need concrete evidence. Without it, Ryuen's actions remain nothing more than strategic moves within the bounds of the Special Exam. "

He paused, his sharp gaze locking onto mine.

"If they can't prove it, then it's just a lie."

Inwardly, I noted how clear Horikita Manabu's priorities were. Ultimately, his interest lay only in the students of ANHS. Even if he knew what had truly happened, he wouldn't take action unless it directly harmed his school's reputation.

Still, there was something I needed from him.

"I have one request," I said.

For the first time, Horikita Manabu's composed expression faltered, if only slightly, as he looked at me with mild surprise. It seemed he hadn't anticipated that.

I took a breath.

"I want Yuigahama Yui to avoid receiving a penalty for losing in the Special Exam."

Horikita Manabu's eyes narrowed slightly. "You're asking me to falsify the results for one student?" A small smirk played at the edge of his lips.

"Very well. Let's make it happen."

I blinked, caught off guard. "Seriously?"

"You successfully fulfilled my request regarding Class D and Suzune. I see no reason why hard work shouldn't be rewarded." His voice held an air of finality. "Of course, this agreement must remain between us."

I nodded, but before I could fully process his unexpected cooperation, I added, "There's one more thing I need. But for that...

...I'll need your help and Sakayanagi's."

And so, the day came to an end.