Following Shiina's gaze, Sendoh immediately found Sakayanagi Arisu among the crowd.
Although Sakayanagi had a congenital heart condition and needed to use a cane, she didn't appear weak.
Words about her condition might sound pitiful, but the reality was different.
Sakayanagi held a cane in her left hand. Her body was small, with clear white skin and textured silver hair. But she didn't look sick; instead, she was full of confidence and arrogance.
Yes.
Sakayanagi's temperament was characterized by confidence and haughtiness.
She walked in front, followed by five or six students, surrounding her like stars around the moon, with her as the center.
When she stepped forward, everyone followed. When she stopped, everyone stopped.
Like a leader to those students.
Some students were carrying shopping bags, apparently accompanying Sakayanagi while she shopped.
It was a surprising sight.
'Sakayanagi-san is like a queen,' thought Sendoh.
Initially, Sendoh had worried that Sakayanagi would have difficulty living independently due to her health.
For new students, shopping could be challenging.
It turned out his concerns were unnecessary.
Sakayanagi had many helpers.
But these helpers didn't seem to be helping out of pity, but rather following in Sakayanagi's footsteps.
'Has Sakayanagi-san already taken control of the students in her class?' thought Sendoh.
Sendoh remembered what Sakayanagi said when they went to the fitness center from the infirmary this morning.
[Although I'm a new student, this school is different from regular schools outside.]
[The school is supported by the government, with 100% enrollment and employment rates, free education and living expenses, like a dream.]
[But what's free is expensive. This school must have some strange mechanisms.]
For Sakayanagi to receive this treatment meant she was already acknowledged by her classmates.
They made her their primary focus. Power was paramount.
"Suddenly I feel like the promotion of our Class C is much more difficult," said Sendoh.
"Huh?" Shiina was confused.
Shiina didn't know that despite Sakayanagi's cuteness, Sendoh considered her an SSS-level danger.
Sakayanagi had mentioned her own name, and her class was the first-year Class A.
To receive the school's reward, Class C would have to advance to Class A and defeat Sakayanagi.
From what the seniors said, it was difficult for the inferior to defeat the superior. With Sakayanagi, it would be even more difficult.
Class A was like winning an SSR lottery with Sakayanagi.
If Class A was full of students like Sakayanagi, it would be almost impossible for Class C to advance.
The difference was too great.
But Sendoh was slightly relieved. If all Class A students were like Sakayanagi, there wouldn't be just five or six people surrounding her.
This meant they acknowledged Sakayanagi's superior intelligence.
'Not all Class A students are that strong,' thought Sendoh.
"But, could our Class C ever have a situation where everyone acknowledges someone?" asked Sendoh.
"Acknowledgment? You mean becoming class members and obeying a leader?" Shiina asked, then answered herself. "I don't think so. Even if there are outstanding students, classmates would just listen, not obey."
That was a problem with the quality of Class C students.
Perhaps they were not intelligent enough, stubborn, or unwilling to listen to advice.
'Ryuuen might be very much needed,' thought Sendoh. 'His violence might be necessary to unite the class. Otherwise, let alone advancing to Class A, even getting to Class B would be difficult.'
"I was worried that Sakayanagi-san might not be feeling well and needed help, but my concerns were unnecessary," said Sendoh. "Let's finish our business."
They would part ways here.
"Where are you going, Miyama-kun?" asked Shiina.
"I'm going to the electronics store to buy a USB drive," said Sendoh.
The USB drive was to store the video of Ryuuen beating people up.
As a weapon of control.
Shiina nodded.
"I'll transfer the video to your phone," said Shiina.
Shiina decided to delete the video from her phone.
The video could control Ryuuen.
But Ryuuen was a Class C student. If the video leaked, not only would Ryuuen be punished and have points deducted, but the entire class.
A double-edged sword.
If the phone was lost and the video leaked, it would be a major problem.
So, Sendoh and Shiina parted at the intersection.
Sendoh went to the electronics store, while Shiina returned to the supermarket. She had already selected half of the items and needed to check if her shopping cart had been moved by staff.
...
"Sakayanagi-san?" A student following Sakayanagi noticed she was looking in another direction.
"It's nothing," Sakayanagi smiled.
"Even though we've just started school, if my guess is correct, obtaining information about other classes is very important."
"Those people who just passed by are Class C students, right?" said Sakayanagi.
Oh!
So that's it!
"Understood."
A student immediately responded.
He saw two new students coming out from the corner of the street, so decided to gather information from them.
But the two separated.
Should he follow the male or the female?
Follow the female.
The student acted quickly.
One person fewer from the team, but the atmosphere with Sakayanagi as the center didn't change.
Sakayanagi continued walking with her cane, as if nothing had happened.
As a new student, she also had items that needed to be purchased.