Chapter 26: Ibuki’s Sharp Instincts

The secret recording operation had come to an end under Ryuen's unexpected ambush. Now, the members of Class B stood in the second-floor corridor of the Special Building, reviewing the plan's execution and results.

Ichinose handed Hikaru's phone to Ibuki, allowing her to watch the footage. The video captured her expression—anger mixed with fleeting traces of fear. Though the emotions were staged, the act was convincing enough.

"I never expected Ryuen to have another trick up his sleeve. What a scheming bastard."

Shibata was still frustrated even after Ryuen and his lackeys had left. A man who set up an ambush in a duel against a girl—such shamelessness was infuriating.

"He's always been someone willing to use any means necessary to get what he wants," Ibuki remarked, handing the phone back to Ichinose, a look of disdain flashing across her face. "Pulling something like this is completely in line with his usual behavior."

"It's a good thing we were here. Otherwise, who knows what could've happened."

Hikaru chimed in at just the right moment, shifting his gaze toward Ibuki. "Anyway, we've got solid evidence. Now, we just need to file a report with the student council. You know where their office is, right?"

"No idea. Never had a reason to go there."

"That's fine. The school pamphlet has a map. I'll go with you."

Hikaru figured there was no need to bring too many people. Just him accompanying Ibuki would suffice. Bringing a crowd would only raise unnecessary suspicion at the student council office.

"Can I come along too?" Ichinose raised her hand slightly, her bright blue eyes filled with anticipation.

"No need. I'll just go with him."

Ibuki's swift rejection came without hesitation, cutting off Ichinose before Hikaru could even respond.

…What's going on?

"Oh… okay then." Ichinose's expression visibly dimmed, though she forced a smile. "I'll just wait for your good news, then."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure we get a satisfying result."

Hikaru smiled reassuringly at Ichinose and the other two before leaving with Ibuki.

Once the two were gone, Shibata scratched his head in confusion. "Ichinose-san, why didn't Ibuki want you to come along?"

But to his surprise, Ichinose didn't respond. The usually gentle girl now had an unusually serious expression, her delicate brows knitted together in thought, as if she hadn't even heard his question.

"Why ask? Let's just look forward to Hikaru's triumphant return."

Kanzaki, perceptive as always, reached out and tugged Shibata's arm, offering a friendly smile to Ichinose. "Ichinose-san, we'll be heading out. Do you want to come with us?"

She shook her head in silence. Watching them leave, she remained rooted in place, lost in thought.

"…What's going on? Is there something between them I don't know about?"

Her thoughts spiraled in confusion.

I was the one who met Ibuki first. So why…?

Deep in contemplation, Ichinose didn't even realize how much time had passed. Eventually, she let out a small sigh, lightly patted her cheeks, and turned to leave. Today had been overwhelming—she needed time to process everything.

---

Meanwhile, as Hikaru and Ibuki walked toward the student council office, he couldn't shake his confusion.

He had assumed that since Ibuki and Ichinose had known each other first, she'd naturally prefer going with Ichinose. But she had specifically refused her. Why?

As he pondered, the short-haired girl suddenly stopped in her tracks, turning to face him with a direct question.

"Hikaru, you're the real leader of Class B, aren't you?"

"…Nope. Our leader is Ichinose."

Hikaru smiled faintly. He had a good idea of why she had insisted on coming alone—she wanted to ask him something in private.

"But from my observation, she relies on you heavily. Why is that?"

Ibuki's analytical gaze bore into him. While she lacked academic prowess, her insight into interpersonal relationships was unexpectedly sharp—especially when it came to power dynamics.

She could see that among the Class B students, Hikaru was the real decision-maker, while the others simply followed his lead.

"Well, it's a bit complicated to explain," Hikaru said casually, his expression unchanged. "What I can tell you is that Ichinose is our leader—recognized by everyone."

"As for any other details about Class B, I can't answer that."

His meaning was clear: she shouldn't bother trying to pry further. It was in everyone's best interest to maintain boundaries.

"Tch, don't think I'll just believe whatever you say." Ibuki smirked coldly. "You lied to me yesterday, didn't you?"

"…Lied?"

"About the class representative having control over everyone's private points. I might be a first-year, but I'm not dumb enough to blindly believe whatever someone tells me."

Ibuki narrowed her eyes, watching for Hikaru's reaction. "Why did you go out of your way to tell me that?"

"Because you can't stand Ryuen."

Hikaru's expression remained calm, but inwardly, his impression of Ibuki had shifted.

She was no fool.

Despite being placed in Class C, she had a keen sense of power structures and manipulation. She had quickly deduced that Hikaru had been feeding her misinformation.

Is she just bad at academics?

"Yeah, I knew you were lying," Ibuki admitted, her tone blunt. "But I went along with it because I can't stand Ryuen. If I can get him suspended, I'll take the chance."

She then fixed her sharp gaze on him once again.

"Besides, you mentioned something yesterday—you said after Ryuen gets suspended, you'd have something to discuss with Class C."

"…You're not planning to trick us again, are you? If you try anything shady, I'm done playing along."

"Relax. What I have in mind is something beneficial for both our classes." Hikaru shrugged. His expression turned serious. "You don't have to take my word for it, but I'm not someone who plays meaningless mind games."

"If you say so."

Ibuki remained skeptical, but she didn't argue further. Instead, she picked up her pace, glancing back only once to make sure he was following.

"Well? You coming or not? We've got a complaint to file."

"Right."

Hikaru quickly caught up, falling into step beside her.

"Before we go in, let's get our story straight. No slip-ups."

"Obviously." Ibuki snorted. "I care about this outcome more than you do."