Chapter 78: What? Someone’s inviting me to dinner?

Since Kanda Shuichi had warned Sudou, the guy had been quite well-behaved these past couple of days. He probably realized the seriousness of the situation or was holding onto some pride, wanting to see the humiliating faces of the C-Class members.

And so, the time quickly passed to Friday's lunch break.

Chabashira-sensei also informed them that C-Class had withdrawn their accusations against Sudou.

It seemed Sudou had withstood the pressure, and C-Class couldn't find any decisive evidence, which is probably why they gave up so easily.

Kanda Shuichi had initially expected that they'd go after the three C-Class members, along with Sudou, entering the special classroom building, and the video showing them coming out injured. 

But it seemed Ryuen had some skills and understood that this wouldn't mean much. As long as there was no key evidence, Class D would remain in a strong position.

In fact, Ryuen had found the footage.

There were videos of the four of them—Komiya and Kondo—taking Sudou to the special classroom building, as well as Sudou leaving the building. Even videos of Komiya, Ishizaki, and Kondo leaving the building.

However, the injuries on Komiya and the others in the video were nothing compared to the wounds they claimed to have had when they filed the complaint later.

If they had tried to use this as evidence, it might have backfired on them, with Kanda Shuichi in Class D turning it into a counterattack.

So, before finding any solid proof by Friday noon, Ryuen decisively withdrew the accusation, cutting his losses.

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**Class C, Year One.**

"Hiyori, I remember you know Kanda Shuichi from Class D."

During the lunch break, Ryuen approached Shiina Hiyori, who was reading a book.

Hiyori wrinkled her nose slightly when she heard this and nodded.

"Could you help me set up a meeting with him? Tell him to meet me at the sushi restaurant in the shopping street at 5 p.m. today." Ryuen's tone left no room for refusal.

As a member of Class C, Shiina Hiyori couldn't oppose Ryuen, the class's dictator. In fact, when it came to class competition, Hiyori wanted to contribute in any way she could. 

However, setting up a meeting with Kanda Shuichi didn't seem like a good idea. Considering she saw him as a friend, Hiyori wasn't about to agree without understanding why.

At the very least, she had to know the reason.

"Ryuen, what do you want with him?"

As one of the few talented people in Class C, Ryuen didn't want to make things too tense with her since he might need her help in the future. So, he smiled casually and explained his purpose.

"Don't worry, I'm just inviting him to dinner. If you're concerned, you can come along too. I don't mind paying for an extra person."

Ryuen felt he had made a concession. If Hiyori still refused to follow his orders, he would consider her a traitor to Class C.

Hiyori clearly understood this, so she reluctantly took out her phone and found Kanda Shuichi's contact information.

She sent the message while praying that he wouldn't come.

[Sorry to bother you, Kanda-kun, but would you be able to come to the sushi restaurant in the shopping street at 5 p.m.? Ryuen said he wants to treat you to sushi. Of course, if it's inconvenient, you don't have to come!]

After eating and heading back to class, Kanda Shuichi was about to pull out his phone to browse the forum when he noticed an unread message.

Ryuen...

Kanda Shuichi stroked his chin. He'd heard about this guy's actions from Shiina before.

The tyrant who dominated the entire Class C, even Yamada Albert, who was descended from slaves brought to America, didn't understand why he was under Ryuen's command.

Clearly, Albert was the strongest when it came to fighting, but now, he followed Ryuen's every order.

As for why Ryuen wanted to meet him, Kanda Shuichi understood. He probably just wanted to confirm if they were the same kind of person.

To show he meant no harm, Ryuen specifically chose to meet in the shopping street, a place filled with cameras everywhere.

So, if someone invites you out for a meal, why not go?

It saves me points, and I don't have to cook. Why wouldn't I go?

Plus, I saw that Kushida guy eating ice cream at lunch. Looks like his relatives have already left.

Also, free stuff always tastes better, right? Can't pass up a free meal. I even considered bringing someone along with me.

But Shiina, you even added an exclamation point at the end. Are you worried I won't realize that Ryuen might be up to something?

Thinking about this, Kanda Shuichi took out his phone and started typing a message.

[No problem, but I don't like sushi. How about we change it to barbecue instead?]

Of course, barbecue is a bit more expensive than sushi, but hey, someone's treating. I have to make sure they spend a little more, right?

Shiina Hiyori looked at the message on her phone, then glanced at Ryuen.

Ryuen had seen the message too, and after a cold laugh, he made a decision.

"Agree to it."

[Ryuen agreed. I'll be there too.]

After thinking for a moment, Kanda Shuichi decided not to suggest bringing someone along. That might be going a bit too far.

[Okay, see you then.]

Since he didn't have to cook, Kanda Shuichi happily joined a club activity, which made Hashibara impressed.

Today, Kanda Shuichi was making a crossbow. Unlike bows, a crossbow requires more specific wood, and making a perfect one relies entirely on experience.

However, it seemed like this was something that would never be used, so Kanda Shuichi was just curious. He wasn't actually planning on finishing it.

Around 4 PM, Kanda Shuichi left early. As a member of the support team, he didn't have to follow the club's practice schedule, as long as he didn't cause trouble for the official members.

By 5 PM, Kanda Shuichi arrived at the only barbecue restaurant near the school, just five minutes away.

Speaking of which, the school shops were mostly monopolized, except for the coffee shops, where there were a few choices.

When he arrived at the barbecue restaurant, Shiina was already waiting at the door.

As soon as she saw Kanda Shuichi, she hurried over, her face showing a little apology.

"Sorry, Kanda."

"You didn't do anything wrong. No need to apologize. Plus, there are cameras everywhere here. Even if Ryuen wants to cause trouble, he wouldn't do it openly."

Kanda Shuichi reassured her, noticing her apologetic look.

"And besides, how could I not come when Ryuen is treating me to such an expensive meal?"

"Thank you, Kanda," Shiina Hiyori gave a forced smile. "Let's go inside."

Then, with many of the boys around them watching with envy, Kanda Shuichi was led by the beautiful Shiina Hiyori into the barbecue restaurant.

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