Chapter 7: The Excellence of Class 1-A

After retrieving the textbooks and printing the contract from the homeroom teachers' office, Hoshinomiya led Hikaru and Ichinose back to Class 1-B, where she announced the election for class leader.

As expected, the moment the students heard this, all eyes turned to Hikaru—the one who had just formulated a strategy for the class and taken charge of their future direction.

However, instead of stepping forward, Hikaru was whispering something to Ichinose. Then, he suddenly stood up and spoke loudly to the class.

"Everyone, I nominate Ichinose Honami as our class representative."

"She possesses many strengths that I lack. I believe she can become the pillar of Class 1-B, leading us forward so that one day, we can all graduate from Class 1-A together."

"I will serve as Ichinose's assistant, supporting her and contributing to the class in my own way."

Hikaru had thought through this decision beforehand.

He had no interest in becoming the class representative. If he took on that role, it would be troublesome to interact with future high-value stocks.

Being an assistant was much more convenient.

---

Among Class 1-B's students, many had already become Hikaru's supporters after his impressive strategic presentation.

Some had hoped he would step up as class representative, believing that he could lead them to victory.

But since he had openly refused, they had no choice but to respect his decision.

Soon after, the other students started to voice their agreement.

"If Hikaru trusts her, then so do I."

"Yeah, Ichinose is amazing! She can definitely unite the class."

"I support Ichinose as class representative!"

What should have been an intense election ended swiftly, with Ichinose being unanimously chosen—all thanks to Hikaru's strategic maneuvering.

With the entire class backing her, Ichinose had no choice but to accept.

As she stood up, she smiled somewhat awkwardly before agreeing to take on the responsibility.

---

Before Hikaru had stood up, he had whispered something simple to her.

He pointed out that team unity would be the most critical factor in class competition.

However, he personally wasn't suited for leadership—he lacked experience in managing people.

Meanwhile, Ichinose had been a class representative before, making her the ideal candidate.

Hikaru sealed the deal with a final statement:

"I trust you completely, Ichinose. This is the best decision for Class 1-B."

Hearing this, Ichinose had no way to refuse.

With the class leader election settled, Class 1-B's students didn't immediately disperse.

Instead, they all remained in the classroom, watching as Hikaru and Ichinose left for Class 1-A—eager to see the outcome of their first negotiation.

---

At Class 1-A's Door

With the contract and notebook containing the hidden rules, Hikaru and Ichinose arrived at the hallway outside Class 1-A.

Inside, they could hear a class representative election in progress.

Standing at the podium was a tall, imposing male student—not particularly handsome, but undeniably striking because of his shaved head.

His strong posture and confident demeanor radiated authority and stability.

On the blackboard behind him, his name was written in bold strokes:

Katsuragi Kōhei.

He was currently giving a speech, rallying votes for himself.

Beside his name, however, there was another name written in elegant, refined handwriting:

Sakayanagi Arisu.

---

"So we walked into Class 1-A's election, huh?"

Hikaru and Ichinose stood by the window, observing the scene inside.

"Strange… why isn't there a teacher here? Did they already leave?"

Ichinose quickly noticed something unusual—there were only students inside.

The maroon-uniformed boys and girls were listening attentively, but there was no teacher in sight.

However, even without supervision, the classroom remained completely orderly—there was no idle chatter, no disruptions.

Hikaru narrowed his eyes.

"Even without a teacher, they maintain discipline… Class 1-A truly is different."

Indeed, Class 1-A was the school's top-ranked class—and Class 1-B's biggest rival.

Ichinose's expression grew serious.

Seeing Class 1-A's strict discipline firsthand, she finally understood why the school divided students into different classes.

Unlike Class 1-B, where some students still acted casually, Class 1-A's students were completely focused—even in something as trivial as an election.

---

"That concludes my speech," Katsuragi said as he finished his campaign.

A round of applause followed—his popularity in Class 1-A was clearly strong.

Then, the male student standing beside him spoke:

"Next, Sakayanagi-san."

"Ooohh!"

"Sakayanagi-san, you got this!"

"Good luck, Sakayanagi!"

The enthusiasm in the room skyrocketed the moment her name was called.

The next moment, a petite figure slowly rose from her seat and walked toward the podium.

She was a delicate girl with silver short hair, her fair skin radiant under the classroom lights.

Her features were ethereal, almost otherworldly, her presence captivating.

But what stood out the most—

Was the black cane she held in her right hand.

With every step she took, she leaned slightly on the cane, relying on it for support.

"...Does she have a medical condition?"

Hikaru rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

Then, something else occurred to him.

According to school rules, Class 1-A was composed of the most well-rounded students.

Yet Sakayanagi Arisu had a clear physical disadvantage.

If she needed a cane just to walk, then physical education would be out of the question.

She would struggle more than Hikaru, whose Physical Ability stat was only 3.

And yet—she was still in Class 1-A.

That could only mean one thing.

Her intellect, analytical skills, or strategy must be extraordinary—so overwhelming that it compensated for her physical limitations.

As Hikaru contemplated this, a soft yet commanding voice rang out.

"You two standing outside the window—would you mind explaining what you're doing?"

Sakayanagi had noticed them.

Their gazes met.

Hikaru and Ichinose exchanged looks.

Since they had already been caught, they decided to enter Class 1-A.

"Apologies. We didn't mean to eavesdrop on your election—we simply have something to discuss with you."

Taking on her role as Class 1-B's leader, Ichinose stepped forward first.

"And what might that be?"

The response came from Katsuragi, his expression unreadable.

Even standing still, he exuded an undeniable presence.

"It's regarding the hidden school rules," Ichinose stated, revealing their purpose.

"I am Ichinose Honami from Class 1-B, and this is my classmate, Hashima Hikaru."

"This matter is important—please take a look at this first."

She extended the contract toward them.

Just as Katsuragi was about to accept it—

A soft, yet sharp voice interrupted.

"Katsuragi-kun, please wait a moment."

"Hm? Is something wrong, Sakayanagi?"

"Before anything else—"

Sakayanagi's lips curved into a gentle, knowing smile.

"Wouldn't it be more appropriate for us to conclude our election first?"

She turned toward Ichinose and Hikaru, her gaze playful yet firm.

"After all, shouldn't it be the representative of Class 1-A who negotiates with other classes?"

"..."

Wow.

She looked fragile and delicate, yet her words carried a sharp edge.

Hikaru and Ichinose exchanged another glance.

Clearly, these two candidates weren't exactly on friendly terms.

Ichinose whispered, "Hikaru, what do we do?"

"No rush. Let's wait." Hikaru smirked.

"After all, the best opportunities arise when the waters are muddied."

"...That's a saying? I've never heard it before."

"Uh… Let's just say I invented it."