Part 2

As the one accredited with overthrowing Ryen, Ishizakis influence within Class D wasnt exactly low.

However, that didnt mean that there werent any problems.

The one who shouldve been expelled during the provisional exam, Ryen, was still here. The class had focused their censure votes on Manabe in order to threaten her a little, but she ended up being expelled instead. Naturally, many students felt suspicious of this.

Of course, the first question in everyones mind was: Who exactly was it that cast such a large number of praise votes for Ryen?

Had someone within Class D voted for him? Or, if it was another class, which one?

A lot of theories were repeatedly being tossed around as Class D tried to reason out what had happened.

Due to the high degree of anonymity of the provisional special exam, it had been impossible for them to figure out the exact answer.

In reality, Class Bs Ichinose had indirectly struck a deal with Ryen, offering a large number of praise votes in exchange for Ryens stockpile of private points. While that was what had happened, Class B would never tell that to anyone. As Ichinose had asked to keep it a secret, her classmates obediently followed suit. Class B wouldve listened to her either way, but in this case, it had been part of a strategy to prevent one of their classmates from being expelled, so everyone was eager to comply with her.

Meanwhile, Class D was enveloped in paranoia.

However, a few of them knew the truth. Ishizaki and Ibuki had taken action in order to prevent Ryens expulsion, and Shiina Hiyori had collaborated with them.

Given that it wouldnt be strange if everything came to a standstill at this point, Shiina played the very important role of making use of the advice that Ishizaki had received from Ryen.

She worked diligently to ensure that her class would be matched against Class B.

In a private conversation with Kaneda, she subtly guided him to come to the conclusion that Class B was their best choice.

However, that didnt mean the problem had been resolved.

Shiina herself was well aware that, without any leadership, Class Ds chances of winning would be as thin as paper if they were to face off against Class B right now. She knew that falling behind, even slightly, would lead to defeat.

So that very same day, after the class matchups had been decided, Shiina immediately put a certain plan into action.

Dammit. What should we do?

Inside a rented room at the Karaoke parlor, Ishizaki vented his frustration.

Dunno. Why exactly did you call me here again? What kinda group is this?

Ibuki glared at Ishizaki before proceeding to give Shiina a similarly harsh look, who was seated right beside him.

How shall we put it This is Ishizaki-kun and his merry band of friends?

Ibuki slouched down in her seat as she glared at Shiina for her silly answer.

Haa My head hurts.

As the three people who best understand the current situation, I think well be able to come up with some ideas by gathering up like this. Manjushri speaks to three, as they say.[2]

Man Juice speaks to Thee? Heh. Whats that about?

You said that on purpose didnt you?

Ouch! Ibuki, you bitch! Stop pinching the skin on the back of my hand like that!

Nice and lively. I knew meeting up in a karaoke room would be a good decision.

Upon seeing the interaction between Ibuki and Ishizaki, Shiina clasped her hands together happily. Ibuki, however, was having none of it.

We cant have a decent discussion with a group like this. Im outta here.

Ah, that would be problematic. Ryen-kun is going to show up after this.

What?

Ishizaki and Ibuki both spoke the same thing at the same exact time.

Ryen-kun is absolutely essential to winning this special exam. After all, hes the only one who saw potential in facing Class B when everyone else wanted to avoid them.

Shiina had set off one hell of an unexpected bomb.

She didnt seem to understand the sheer weight of her own words.

You, what did you just say?

Eh? I said that hes the only one who sa

Not that. What you said before. Whod you say would be showing up here?

Ryen-kun.

Ibuki looked at Ishizaki. Ishizaki looked at Ibuki.

S-seriously? Ryen-san? Here???

Yes. Ive already invited him.

This is going to be one of the worst karaoke meetups Ive ever seen but, did you tell him about us?

I told him youd both be here, of course.

Yer tellin me that he knows were here and hes still gonna come?

Ishizaki had already attempted to get Ryen to cooperate and got turned down, so it was only natural that hed be suspicious.

Ill ask just to make sure, but what time did that guy say hed get here?

4 oclock.

Huh?

Ibuki took a look at the clock on the wall.

The time was just past 5:05 PM.

It looks like hes just a tiny bit late.

Its been more than half an hour! Thats not called being late! Thats called being ignored!

Calm down and help yourself to some of this melon soda. Lets just be patient, shall we?

Ibuki completely disregarded the can of melon soda Shiina offered her.

I dont have the time for this

As Ibuki was about to get up, Ishizaki stopped her.

Im gonna wait. Ryen-san will definitely come maybe

Are you retarded? No way in hell that guys gonna keep his word.

In fact, he was already substantially late. Unwilling to get involved in this, Ibuki spat out a superficial apology and began to walk for the door.

But this time, a slender, white hand reached out and grabbed Ibuki by the arm.

Lets wait, Ibuki-san. He may not seem like it, but Ryen-kun is an earnest person, wouldnt you agree?

You What do you know about him?

I dont know very much. Honestly, Ive only ever spoken to him a few times.

Then why?

Ive just got a feeling that he is.

So its baseless. How sweet.

You could say that.

Shiina responded with a pure, harmless smile that Ibuki found herself getting caught up in.

Besides, Im having tons of fun spending time with you two. Wont you stay?

Idiot.

Ibuki sat back down, exasperated.

If he doesnt show up soon, Im out of here, alright?

Alright~