You Will Regret This Ichinose! [6]
???
Well, damn. I mean… wow.
The whole class went? Except for me?
They're not all being dragged there by Ichinose's overwhelming presence, are they?
This is bullying. It has to be bullying.
Ding!
Another message arrived, this one from Kanzaki.
Kanzaki: [Uesugi, where are you? Hurry up and come to Keyaki Mall.]
Oh, Kanzaki. Here I am, fighting for the future of Class B all by myself, and you want me to waste time partying with you guys?
Still, Uesugi shot back a quick reply, saying he'd be there soon.
Like hell I'd let Class B fall into Ichinose's clutches.
Click!
The door to the chairman's office opened again, and Sakayanagi Narumori, the true master of the room, returned.
"Thank you for waiting," Narumori said as he sat down, his tone carrying a hint of weariness.
"Well, what's the verdict, sir?"
Uesugi poured Narumori a cup of tea with a casual smile, looking eager to hear the result.
Narumori sipped the tea, resting briefly, before responding.
"After a discussion among the board, we've decided to award you 30 million personal points. Congratulations. Your outstanding performance has earned the school's recognition."
30 million personal points.
Uesugi wasn't particularly surprised by the number.
Based on previous years' data on deductions from first-years during special exams, he had already calculated that even the worst-performing class could maintain at least 500 class points if they knew the exam's details in advance.
Subtracting the average score from that, he estimated that the total deductions for first-years ranged from 800 to 1,000 points.
Considering that first-years typically faced fewer penalties in the first semester, and factoring in the joint exams across all three grades, he had predicted that the deductions would total around 20 to 30 million points collectively across all classes.
"30 million points. The school's quite generous. I honestly thought 25 million would be the upper limit."
"At first, we considered capping it at 25 million," Narumori admitted. "But given your exceptional judgment and execution during this special exam, we added an extra 5 million as a personal reward."
"Fair enough. I appreciate the generosity. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way."
Having achieved his goal, Uesugi stood, ready to leave and put a stop to Ichinose's schemes.
"Wait a moment."
Narumori stopped him just as he was about to leave his seat.
"The deal has been finalized. But now, I'd like to discuss another matter—an offer from the school."
"Oh? This should be interesting. I thought I'd already given the school everything worth bargaining for."
Narumori hesitated briefly before speaking.
"After much deliberation, the board has decided to invite you to join the Advanced Nurturing High School Student Council as the vice president."
He gazed at Uesugi intently. In the history of Advanced Nurturing High School, no student had ever stood out like Uesugi Gen. His ability to analyze situations from the school's perspective, rather than a student's, made him an invaluable asset.
"And what is the school prepared to offer in exchange for my agreement?"
Uesugi tapped his fingers rhythmically on the desk, feigning indifference while studying Narumori's expression.
"The vice president's position comes with a monthly stipend of 150,000 points. You'll also have partial authority to intervene in special exams and decision-making power over club expenditures," Narumori explained.
Uesugi remained silent for two seconds, then stood up, waving dismissively as he prepared to leave.
"Not interested. Chairman, you should know this better than anyone. With 30 million personal points, I've already beaten the school's system. This special exam is game over for me."
"No matter what I do, I'm guaranteed to graduate from Class A. So why would I bother taking on a thankless job like vice president of the student council?"
"If you have additional requests, the school is willing to consider them," Narumori replied, trying to keep the conversation alive.
"Nope. I've lost interest in this school entirely."
What a joke. Approving stacks of pointless documents? Babysitting students? Handling internal student council drama? I'd rather spend that time gaming.
Wait… babysitting students? Dealing with student council drama?
Didn't Ichinose mention she planned to join the student council?
In that instant, Uesugi's mind raced.
If Uesugi Gen becomes vice president… and Ichinose joins as a regular member…
Vice president > member.
Uesugi Gen > Ichinose Honami.
Uesugi Gen, WIN!
A metaphorical bullet seemed to pierce through Uesugi's brain at a 45-degree angle.
"I suddenly feel like the vice president position could be a great opportunity for growth," Uesugi declared, flashing an exaggerated smile as he shamelessly reversed course.
"And of course, I'd like an anonymous, untraceable account to store my points in. That's a non-negotiable condition."
"No problem. I can approve that on behalf of the school," Narumori said, puzzled by Uesugi's sudden change of heart but unconcerned as long as the outcome aligned with the school's goals.
"One last thing," Narumori added, "Do you plan to share details about the exam with your Class B peers?"
After all, the agreement only forbade Uesugi from leaking information to other classes—it didn't include his own.
"No. It'd be better for them to experience the harshness of the school's rules firsthand. They've been far too complacent."
Uesugi sighed, glancing at his phone as notification after notification from his classmates flooded in.
"Let's work well together for the next three years, then," Narumori said, extending a hand.
"Looking forward to it," Uesugi replied, shaking his hand before leaving the office.
After Uesugi left, Narumori sighed and opened a drawer in his desk. Inside was a sealed letter that had been delivered to him the previous night—its existence known only to him.
Subject: Notice of Investment in Advanced Nurturing High School
The letter bore a commanding tone, its contents making it clear that the entity behind it had forced its way in, undeterred by the school's government funding.
Arisu… Being in the same year as him… I'm not sure whether that's a blessing or a curse.
Outside the office, Uesugi barely contained his excitement.
---
The thought of having the authority to keep Ichinose in check made him want to burst out laughing.
"Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Meanwhile, just outside the building, Sakayanagi Arisu tilted her head in confusion as she watched a certain classmate bounce around in euphoric triumph.
God complex unlocked.
---
T/N: poor nagumo