Chapter 070: Student Council President, Your Little Sister is Amazing!
Bringing Ichinose and the others together was also meant to strengthen the BD alliance. That was one of the ways to make use of the Sudo incident.
Then, the day of the hearing arrived.
First-Year Class C
Class C's representative, Ryuen Kakeru, was instructing Ishizaki, Kondo and Komiya—the three students involved in the fight with Sudo.
This fight with Sudo had been their plan from the beginning.
A few days ago, Ryuen had been busy consolidating control over Class C when he was informed about the school's system.
Class rankings, class evaluation points—initially, all four classes had 1,000 points each.
It seemed fair.
However—
After just six days, Class C had dropped to 611 points.
How the hell were they supposed to deal with that?
Their class evaluation points kept plummeting, and even though they now understood the school's system, the Behavioral Evaluation Exam was still ongoing.
The exam tested self-discipline.
Now that Ryuen had taken control of his class, he could at least ensure that his students stopped losing points recklessly.
But even that wasn't completely foolproof—there were still too many unknown factors that could cause more point deductions.
And since their monthly allowance was tied to their class evaluation points, they needed a reliable source of income.
Ryuen had been a delinquent before enrolling in this school. He had led gangs, knew how to manipulate people, and understood the importance of securing loyalty.
Fear could only keep people in line for a while.
But if both sides could benefit, then people would willingly follow his lead.
So—
When Katsuragi's faction from Class A approached them with an offer to do some dirty work, Ryuen immediately saw the opportunity.
Instead of relying on fluctuating class evaluation points, he could turn them into real currency.
He agreed to work for Katsuragi's group, securing a financial safety net for Class C.
The deal was: 1.2 million points per month to attack other classes.
Negotiations were still ongoing, but Class A had already offered 800,000 points per month.
That was the equivalent of 200 class evaluation points.
Since every month had a special exam tied to class rankings, there was always a risk of losing points.
So why bother defending points when he could just take the money?
And thus, the Sudo incident was born.
Before attacking Class B, they used Class D as practice.
"This time, just stick to the plan," Ryuen ordered. "No matter what happens with the points, Class A will cover the costs."
Technically, Class A wasn't paying Ryuen directly.
Instead, they were covering the point losses caused by dragging Class B into the mess.
Class A's only real concern was Class B.
They didn't even care about Classes C and D, thinking they were too incompetent to be threats.
But none of that mattered—because Ryuen's ultimate target was Class A.
He was a delinquent. His grades were terrible.
If he wanted any kind of future, he needed a way to climb up.
And this school was his golden opportunity.
If he could reach Class A, he could flip his entire life around.
It was a one-in-a-lifetime chance, and he had no intention of letting it slip away.
However—
Only graduates from Class A could benefit from this school's elite system.
And Class A was determined by class evaluation points.
So Ryuen wasn't in a rush.
He would take his time, accumulate private points, and secure financial stability first.
Besides, the school's system had already proven that money could buy anything.
As long as he had the funds, he could pull off even the most underhanded tactics.
So—
As long as he dragged Class B down, even if Class C's class evaluation points dropped to zero, they would never be short on money.
Class A would foot the bill.
And as long as they had money, his class would stay loyal.
It was a perfect plan.
However—
Ryuen frowned.
"Something wrong?"
"…"
Ryuen muttered, "Something feels off… My intuition is telling me something isn't right."
"Your intuition?" Ishizaki asked.
Ishizaki, Komiya, and the others had followed Ryuen's plan to provoke Sudo.
They had let him hit them and walked away with visible injuries.
They looked like the victims.
Even during the hearing rehearsal, they had practiced their testimonies several times.
Everything was airtight.
And most importantly—
Class D had searched desperately for eyewitnesses but found none.
Class C had the advantage.
Even if someone simply looked at their injuries, Sudo would immediately seem like the villain.
"Heh… don't joke around. I'm not some little girl with a sixth sense," Ryuen scoffed. "This is our first real battle in this school. Do not screw it up, or you'll regret it."
"Ugh… got it," the three students responded.
Ryuen ruled Class C with an iron fist.
Most of his classmates feared him.
And so, the three injured students, along with their homeroom teacher, Sakagami-sensei, made their way to the student council's courtroom.
By the time they arrived—
Only Sudo was present from Class D.
"Oi, Sudo!"
"What? No one here to defend you?" Komiya sneered.
"You bastards…!" Sudo clenched his fists in anger.
Was Sudo really all alone?
Of course not.
That afternoon, Hachiman had followed Chabashira-sensei to the hearing room.
But the decision on who would defend Sudo had only been made last night.
Both Hirata and Kushida had wanted to help Sudo.
However—
If the defense failed, and Sudo still lost points, wouldn't some students start blaming them for being useless?
Hmm.
Some students would think that way.
So when Hirata asked for volunteers to defend Sudo, no one stepped up.
Until—
Both Hachiman and Horikita raised their hands.
Only then did Hirata seem relieved.
However—
"I can't help but feel that Hirata was a bit too calm about this," said a sharp-eyed girl with long black hair walking beside Hachiman.
It was Horikita Suzune.
She and Hachiman were entering the hearing room as Sudo's defense team.
Yet, despite always being the one to support Sudo, Hirata hadn't volunteered himself.
That was strange.
After all—
They still hadn't found any eyewitnesses.
Which meant there was a high chance Sudo would lose points.
"That's because I showed him something," Hachiman said. "Even though we didn't find eyewitnesses, it's fine—because I was one."
"…What?"
"Not only that," Hachiman continued, "I also recorded Ishizaki and the others luring Sudo out before the fight. I can prove they were acting under Ryuen's orders."
"If I reveal this evidence, Sudo is instantly innocent."
"…"
"Is that so," Horikita muttered.
Then—
She whipped her head toward him.
"Why didn't you say that sooner?"
If he had, Ryuen would've canceled the hearing immediately.
But that would have ruined his real plan.
Instead—
He had let Ryuen walk right into his trap.
And even Chabashira-sensei had known about it since day two.
Now, walking ahead of them in her high heels, she exuded complete confidence.
Click. Click. Click.
Even the sound of her heels was in perfect rhythm.
A mature and composed woman—her posture and gait were almost mesmerizing.
"I told Chabashira-sensei on the second day that I was a witness," Hachiman explained. "But since Ryuen pushed for a trial, I figured… why not use this to crush Class C instead?"
Horikita finally understood.
This was Hikigaya Hachiman's true attack strategy.
He wasn't just trying to save Sudo.
He was planning to turn the tables on Class C entirely.
However, while Horikita Suzune followed them to the trial room, she was lost in thought, pondering the difference between herself, Chabashira-sensei, and Hirata.
Why was it that Hikigaya could disclose the same information to Chabashira or Hirata, but not to her?
Did that mean Hikigaya still didn't trust her?
...
Thus, the trial meeting between the two classes began.
At the round table, Class D and Class C faced off against each other. Chabashira-sensei and Class C's homeroom teacher also stood in opposition.
Class C's teacher was a male instructor with glasses, very thin, with long fingers. When he sat down, he naturally exuded an air of authority, a teacher-like presence.
It was somewhat unsettling.
Yet, his composed smile gave the impression that he had everything under control.
Ishizaki Kondo and the others didn't seem nervous at all. In fact, even after a week, they deliberately kept their bandages on, ensuring they still looked pitiful and battered from the supposed fight.
At least, they made sure to appear thoroughly victimized.
Hikigaya was well aware that Sudo was the true victim here. However, due to his hot-headed personality and poor reputation, not many students were inclined to believe him.
This time, he had been set up, but if something like this happened again, it would still put him at a disadvantage.
The first step was for Sudo to change his attitude and earn others' trust. Otherwise, he'd keep taking the fall for every little incident.
Hikigaya analyzed the situation in his mind.
"You're all here."
At that moment, a male student wearing a red uniform and green pants stepped into the room.
His attire was identical to everyone else's.
At this school, first-years and upperclassmen all wore the same uniform, with no distinction in design.
So even as the student council president, Horikita Manabu was still just a student.
However—
The moment he entered, an undeniable pressure filled the room.
Calm and composed, his demeanor was unwavering.
It was the familiar presence of Horikita's older brother.
Despite being a student, as the student council president, Horikita Manabu held authority on par with the faculty, sometimes even having the power to issue directives.
Hikigaya glanced at his companion.
Horikita Suzune still carried herself with confidence.
It seemed that this little sister was no longer the failure her older brother once dismissed.
Her presence was strong.
But then—
As Horikita Manabu's gaze swept across the room, he briefly paused on his sister before moving on.
And just like that—
Wilting.
Horikita Suzune, who had been standing tall moments ago, immediately lowered her gaze, unable to meet her brother's eyes.
Yet, she was unaware that her mere presence had already served its purpose.
According to information obtained from Sakayanagi Arisu, the student council president did not necessarily have to personally attend every trial.
However, the list of attendees was submitted in advance, meaning Horikita Manabu would have seen his sister's name.
That greatly increased the likelihood of his appearance.
And now, he had indeed arrived.
With all the pieces in place, Hikigaya adjusted his chair, sitting up properly.
...
"Now, we shall begin the trial regarding the accusation of violence by First-Year Class C against First-Year Class D's Sudo."
"What do you have to say for yourselves?"
Horikita Manabu sat in a high position, observing in silence, while his assistant, Secretary Tachibana Akane, took charge of the proceedings.
Tachibana Akane was a girl with purple hair styled into two buns.
She looked rather cute, but judging by the way she held the documents and read them aloud, she seemed quite competent as well.
"It's rare to see the student council president attending in person."
Sudo sat at the far end, followed by Hikigaya, then Chabashira, with Horikita Suzune positioned closest to the student council president.
At the start, Chabashira initiated the conversation.
"Although I'm usually quite busy, as the student council president, it is necessary for me to be present at such trials," Horikita Manabu politely responded.
However, Hikigaya had already analyzed the situation.
Chabashira had been at this school for a long time and had naturally heard of Horikita Manabu, who was said to be the most outstanding student council president in history.
Her remark implied that, under normal circumstances, Horikita Manabu would not attend such minor trials. Instead, he would delegate the task to the secretary or another student council member.
This meant that Horikita Manabu cared about his younger sister more than people assumed.
Wasn't that just like Hikigaya himself?
He also cared deeply about Komachi.
With this thought, he could somewhat understand the complex emotions of being an older brother.
Filling in Horikita Suzune's name as the defense representative was a deliberate move to lure the student council president to attend.
Now that he was here, he seemed slightly disappointed.
As an older brother himself, Hikigaya also worried about his sister while hoping she would succeed.
If she could take care of him in the future, that would be ideal.
Though he was certain Komachi would take care of him, the idea of simply letting his little sister go out and work still felt wrong.
Hikigaya's emotions were complicated.
With these thoughts, he turned to Horikita Suzune.
A small sense of brotherly sentiment stirred within him, allowing him to relate to Horikita Manabu's feelings. Previously, when he had asked Horikita Manabu about Chabashira-sensei, he had received a free answer in return.
Now, he could repay that favor.
So—
He focused his attention on Horikita Suzune.
Perhaps Horikita Manabu had come hoping to see some growth in his sister.
But what was Suzune's current state?
Not good.
She was completely shrinking away.
With that in mind—
"Chabashira-sensei, could I switch seats with you?" Hikigaya asked.
"?"
Chabashira glanced at him.
Then, she nodded, stood up, and allowed Hikigaya to take the seat beside Horikita Suzune.
Yet, Horikita Suzune kept her head down.
She looked utterly timid.
"If you can't pull yourself together, you'll never grow," Hikigaya said in a low voice.
"Hmph."
Meanwhile, Horikita Manabu remained seated in his elevated position, appearing somewhat indifferent as he withdrew his gaze.
In truth, he probably understood—the moment his sister saw him, she lost her nerve.
It seemed that, since her enrollment, she hadn't changed much.
"Are you really going to turn a guaranteed victory into a loss?" Hikigaya continued.
"..."
Horikita Suzune.
There was a slight flicker in her eyes.
But she still hadn't returned to the cool and composed demeanor she displayed when giving orders to Kushida.
Your brother went out of his way to come here—shouldn't you at least put on a good performance? Haven't you always wanted his recognition?
Then don't be such a coward.
If you give up on yourself, no one will ever acknowledge you.
It seemed there was no other way.
Right now, Horikita Suzune was trapped in her fear and inferiority complex regarding her brother. In other words, she was completely lost in her own world.
Was there a way to snap her out of it?
Yes.
Verbal provocation could work, but in her current state, she wasn't responding to people at all.
It was as if her very soul had drifted away.
In that case…
Perhaps only physical stimulation could work.
…
The student council president hadn't required everyone to stand. Only Secretary Tachibana Akane remained standing, while Hikigaya, having swapped seats with Chabashira, was now sitting right beside Horikita Suzune.
They were very close.
And there was only one effective, harmless, and widely acceptable method to stimulate someone without making them dislike you.
Hikigaya focused on Horikita.
She sat there, completely deflated, head still lowered.
And then, Hikigaya made his move.
For a brief moment, his hand hesitated. He could feel Horikita Manabu's gaze sweeping over him.
But Hikigaya proceeded with his plan.
Drawing from his experience when Kushida had grabbed his hand, he placed his hand on Horikita Suzune's waist.
Then—
Squeeze?
Was he going to wake her up through pain?
No, that would be too crude.
So instead—
He chose tickling.
It was a game he had played with his little sister before, and Hikigaya was quite skilled at finding ticklish spots.
And the proof of that was—
"Ah… ha…" Horikita Suzune was completely caught off guard by what had just happened.
"Ha… ah… Hikigaya… you… ha… you… ha… what are you… smack—"
However, the effect on Horikita Suzune was unexpectedly overwhelming.
She couldn't even form a complete sentence.
Then, instinctively, she stood up, trying to escape.
"..." The others stared in astonishment.
That included her older brother, the student council president, Horikita Manabu. However, unlike the others who were visibly surprised, Horikita Manabu remained seated with his elbows resting on the table, gazing through his glasses—expressionless.
"Ha… ah… hmm—"
Horikita Suzune stood up, finally managing to shake off Hikigaya's hand. She glared at him with an angry look.
But there was nothing to worry about.
Didn't anyone notice how the student council president remained expressionless, and how Chabashira-sensei, after an initial moment of surprise, suddenly turned away with a relieved look?
That meant they had both realized something—Horikita had been completely powerless before, but now, at least, her awareness had returned.
She could speak again.
And she could get angry.
"Horikita, I've already given you the surefire strategy to win," Hikigaya said. "This is your stage now. Or did you come here as the defense just to watch from the sidelines?"
"Defense, huh…"
Horikita was about to stay angry.
But then she suddenly realized—she had just acted like a weak little sister again.
And if she kept acting like that, how could she ever gain her brother's recognition?
How could she ever prove that she was no longer the useless little sister he remembered?
So—
She had to prove herself.