You Will Regret This Ichinose! [4]
"What's your problem? I was here first. You guys are the ones in the way—so move."
Sudo Ken was having a terrible day.
First, a loudmouth blond classmate forced him into doing an awkward self-introduction.
Then, he couldn't pay for his items at the supermarket because he hadn't learned the school's rules.
And now, a group of second-years was picking a fight with him.
Are you kidding me? Why should I let these second-years look down on me?
Sudo clenched his fists. One day, I'll become a professional basketball player. These guys will be groveling at my feet!
Fueled by his anger and frustration, Sudo didn't hesitate to stand his ground against the second-year trio.
"Oh? Did you hear that? He told us to move. What a cocky little first-year we've got here," one of them sneered.
Hearing the taunts, Sudo abruptly stood up and slammed his half-eaten cup of instant noodles onto the ground, spilling broth and noodles everywhere.
"Ooooh, scary. Let me guess—what class are you in? Wait, don't tell me. I'll bet it's Class D, isn't it?"
"And what if it is?!"
"Hah, did you hear that? He's in Class D! Knew it. Figures."
"What the hell's that supposed to mean? Hey, answer me!"
At Sudo's outburst, the second-years exchanged a glance before suddenly bursting into laughter.
"Did you hear him? He's in Class D! What a joke!"
"Yeah, what a perfect match for him."
"Shut up!" Sudo roared, but the second-years just ignored him.
"Well, let's leave it at that. We'll let you 'defective products' keep the spot today. Consider it charity."
"Running away, huh?"
"Go ahead and shout. Scream all you want. You'll be seeing hell soon enough."
Laughing mockingly, the trio walked away.
Oh-ho, now that's interesting.
Sitting on a nearby bench, quietly enjoying his noodles and observing the scene, Uesugi Gen's lips curled into an amused smile.
"Seeing hell, huh? Defective products, was it? I can't wait to see what that looks like," he murmured to himself.
---
In a quiet alley, the second-year trio was walking and chatting animatedly about Sudo.
"Man, did you see his face? That was priceless!"
"Right? This school is just full of entertainment, don't you think?"
"But I've got a few questions for you, senpai. I'm sure you'll be kind enough to answer them, won't you?"
A calm, pleasant voice suddenly spoke from behind, startling the trio.
They spun around to find a handsome boy walking toward them with an easy smile. His hands were slightly raised—one open and empty, the other holding a smartphone, signaling he had no ill intentions.
The trio exchanged glances.
He had to be a first-year. They would've recognized him if he were a second- or third-year.
"Hey, look at his phone," one of them muttered.
The sharp-eyed member of the group noticed that the boy's phone screen displayed a video. The video showed them confronting Sudo earlier.
"Your performance was so entertaining that I couldn't help but record it," the boy said, still smiling innocently. "I hope you don't mind, senpai."
Sweat immediately broke out on the trio's foreheads.
How does he know?
It hadn't even been a full day since school started, yet this first-year had somehow already pieced things together.
"You bastard! Delete it now!"
Panicked, one of them lunged forward, reaching for the phone.
After all, the school had explicitly banned any discussion of the S-System with first-years. If this kid turned the video in, they'd undoubtedly face severe punishment.
But Uesugi smoothly sidestepped the attempt and calmly raised his voice.
"I wouldn't recommend doing that. You've been here a year longer than me, so I'm sure you're familiar with the placement of the school's cameras."
He pointed at a security camera mounted on a nearby wall.
"If you try to take my phone by force, and I report it later, your punishment will be far worse than just a slap on the wrist."
The second-years froze in place, exchanging uneasy glances.
Damn it. Not only did he figure out the ban, but he's also figured out how the cameras work. Who the hell is this guy?
"What do you want? If this is about the special exam—" one of them began, trying to regain the upper hand.
"If you're referring to how the school assigns students to Classes A through D based on their 'value,' you don't need to explain. I already know."
The trio's attempt to speak was cut off as Uesugi continued smoothly.
"All I need you to do is answer my questions. No need for any unnecessary details. I imagine this won't be the last time you 'accidentally' leak some information."
The second-years fell silent, completely overwhelmed by Uesugi's confident tone and sharp logic.
It hadn't even been half a day since school started, and this first-year had already unraveled the S-System. Such a thing was unheard of—and utterly demoralizing.
"Fine. Ask what you want. We'll answer whatever we can," one of them finally said, their earlier arrogance completely gone.
"So, the special exams use class points to evaluate a class's value, with the results announced on the first of each month?"
Uesugi repeated their explanation aloud while recording it on his phone.
"And apart from graduating as part of Class A, there's also the option to collect 20 million personal points to win? Makes sense. If points can buy anything, purchasing a recommendation for employment isn't far-fetched."
Hearing Uesugi mutter this, one of the second-years blurted out, "That's impossible! The highest recorded personal points ever was only 12 million, and that was through illegal means. You're better off aiming to graduate in Class A."
Huh, this one isn't too bad. He's even giving me advice.
Smiling, Uesugi replied, "You never know until you try. If you ask me, the school set up this rule because they're hoping someone will one day prove capable of breaking it."
The trio stiffened, silently staring at him.
Breaking the rules? They'd never thought of it that way before. But perhaps he was right—perhaps the school wanted someone to rise to the challenge.
"That's all we know. Now, delete the video," one of them said, their voice tinged with resignation.
"Don't worry, senpai. I'm a man of my word," Uesugi replied, deleting the video in front of them.
"Alright, don't be in such a hurry to leave," Uesugi added, stopping them just as they were about to slink away. He smiled, radiating a deceptive warmth.
"Since our first transaction is done, let's talk about a second one, shall we?"
The trio felt a wave of despair wash over them.
What were we thinking, messing with that Class D redhead? Now look where it's gotten us!
"I want all the valuable information you have on the second-year students," Uesugi said, his tone calm but firm.
"That includes details about points deductions, the key players in your year, exam formats—anything I deem useful. And don't worry, I'll pay for it with points. After all, life in the lower-ranked classes must be tough, right?"
The trio exchanged nervous glances, sweat dripping down their backs. Uesugi's voice carried the subtle allure of a devil's bargain.
Faced with the choice between their current miserable lives and a chance at earning points, one of them gritted his teeth, stepped forward, and extended his hand.
"Deal."
...
"Well then, I look forward to working with you for the next two years, senpai," Uesugi said cheerfully, exchanging contact information with them.
As he walked away, one of the trio turned to their leader and asked nervously, "Are we really okay with this? What if Nagumo finds out?"
"Shut up. If we don't say anything, no one will know. Besides…"
He trailed off, watching Uesugi's retreating figure.
"Someone who can figure out this much within half a day? Compared to Nagumo, he might be the real deal."
---
T/N: now wait yes its a bit cliche that MC is smart but I think the main appeal is gonna be the dynamic between him and Ichinose! also I'm not sure if Ayanokouji is in this... I really like him