Chapter 219: Drive a Tiger to Swallow a Wolf

Since Karura came back earlier, the final match on Ganryu Island was probably still ongoing. The banquet would be held tomorrow after the conclusion of the tournament.

Meanwhile, today was also Miyuki Shirogane's ninth day as acting branch manager. Just one more day, and he could wrap up that title and return to being a normal Shuchiin student.

With the burden easing off, Shirogane could finally relax a little. Thankfully, nothing major had happened during his tenure.

Of course, while he was relaxing, Kaguya was in full-on panic mode.

"Why… why did this happen? The President's become the manager of Dainippon Bank…"

Holding Hayasaka's phone, Kaguya felt dizzy.

She had always kept tabs on Shirogane's circumstances. It could be summed up in two words:

Impoverished background.

He paid his tuition with subsidies, commuted from Setagaya to Minato Ward by bicycle almost every day—only switching to the train in heavy rain.

Weekends and holidays were for part-time jobs to support his family.

There was no exaggeration in saying that Shirogane was someone struggling at the bottom of society.

And yet, now he had suddenly become the manager of a major bank during summer break. That was such a drastic change it made Kaguya question whether the world had turned upside down.

"They say Rinji helped introduce him to the job."

"Who introduces someone to be a branch manager!?"

"Believe it or not, that's the current situation."

"Since when can branch manager be a part-time position!?"

Kaguya suddenly went quiet.

She was starting to realize the power behind Rinji might be more terrifying than she thought.

If someone could casually arrange for a high school student to be appointed manager of a major bank, even her father—Shinomiya Gan'an, the head of the Shinomiya family—probably couldn't pull that off.

Looking at the photo of Shirogane as manager on the phone, Kaguya felt conflicted.

Part of her was happy.

Shirogane's current status could be considered on par with her father's. If the two of them ever did end up together, she might finally have the strength to confront her family.

But his sudden success also made her a little afraid.

At school, she had always been the top—heiress of the powerful Shinomiya family, a rare genius. She naturally felt superior to her classmates.

That sense of superiority was what allowed her to maintain her pride in front of Shirogane.

She always thought she was better than him in every way, and that since he didn't have anyone else better in his life, he'd eventually confess to her.

But now, Shirogane stood at a much higher place—and with that came a realization.

His standards would inevitably rise too.

If he was now more outstanding than Kaguya, then why would he choose her as a partner? Why not someone with a better background, or someone cuter?

And that was Kaguya's biggest fear now.

"So?" Hayasaka asked. "What's Kaguya-sama planning to do to meet the President? I still think calling him directly is the best option."

"Absolutely not!"

Kaguya made a '>^<' expression.

——————[Kaguya's Imagination]——————

"Whoa, Shinomiya. You actually called me out during work? Missing me that much?"

Shirogane smirked at her, as her face flushed red.

"Looks like a lonely girl trying to act cutesy with her boyfriend."

"Ugh…"

"What a cute little thing~"

——————[End Imagination]——————

"That's exactly what would happen!"

Hayasaka: "…"

"Any other method, please!"

Hayasaka: "Kaguya-sama, the more someone hesitates, the more likely unexpected things will happen. That's something I've learned in my short life."

"Th-then what should I do?"

Kaguya was completely flustered by the situation.

"How about this—you pretend to shop near Dainippon Bank, around the time President Shirogane gets off work. That way, you can 'happen to run into him.'"

"Hmm, yes, that does sound workable…"

"But…"

Just as Kaguya was starting to feel hopeful, Hayasaka added,

"President Shirogane usually gets picked up by a private car after work. Even if you go, you might only get a glimpse of him. There won't be time for a proper follow-up."

"…"

Kaguya lowered her head in frustration.

"Damn it. Why did Rinji have to give him that job?"

"Even if you blame Rinji, it won't change anything. He did it for the President's future. That job experience will look incredible on Shirogane's résumé."

"I wouldn't blame him. He's clearly helping the President—that much is obvious."

Kaguya sighed.

Rinji was the one who had dragged the Shinomiya main house into flames and caused the deaths of many.

But within the student council, she knew—Rinji was a reliable ally.

Kaguya had no right of succession within the Shinomiya family. Only her three older brothers were in line. Her aging father meant she could only maintain her position by aligning with one of them.

And those three saw her as little more than excess—a disposable tool. If she relied on one of them, her future would be under their control. Whether she and the President had a future at all… was a big question mark.

But with Rinji around, at least she wouldn't have to worry about that.

To Kaguya, Rinji was more friend than foe.

"At least Rinji… can protect me…"

"Kaguya-sama, there's something I must remind you of," Hayasaka suddenly said.

"What's wrong?"

"Don't even think about setting one evil against another. That rarely ends well," said Hayasaka calmly. "Also… don't lead Rinji into danger. If you do, even I won't forgive you."

"…"

This was probably the harshest thing Hayasaka had ever said to Kaguya since they met.