8.3

The second discussion began. The first minute was no different from any other discussion, but a certain statement made by Class A's Shimizu would drastically change the atmosphere.

"We don't know how our discussion affects the representative battle. That's why we should do what we can—that's the battle for us participants. Let me say just one thing that I've been thinking about. Seems like Sakayanagi used the traitor rights in the previous discussion, but I thought it would be used in this one. There's a rumor that you hate Ryūen to death, Tokitō."

"Why does it matter if I hate Ryūen? What does that have to do with the current discussion?"

"I'm not saying it does. I just thought the traitor role suited you, that's all."

The discussion wasn't about Class A or Class C. It was all about fulfilling your role.

However, Shimizu mentioned the now non-existent traitor as if it were relevant to the discussion.

"Isn't that irrelevant now, Shimizu-kun?"

Since this was the second time this group participated, they were more composed than the first-timers from Class C, and Fukuyama interjected.

"Can't help it, I just thought of it. Maybe Tokitō thinks it wouldn't be fun even if Ryūen wins. Or is it just because that guy's scary that you keep meekly obeying him?"

A clearly cheap provocation. He wasn't using abusive language, yet he mixed in claims that belittled Tokitō.

"Shut up, Shimizu. Be quiet."

"Sorry, but I won't stay quiet. The discussions allow free speech. I judged that this is necessary to deduce the participants' roles in my own way. You seem pretty suspicious, don't you think?"

The atmosphere in the room gradually became noisy.

Provoked by Shimizu's taunts, Tokitō approached, and it seemed like a fight could break out at any moment.

Motodoi from Class A, who was closest to both, hurriedly tried to stand up to stop them, but Machida stopped him. His expressions suggested that leaving them be was the best course of action.

"What about me seems suspicious?"

Clearly showing anger, or rather, overwhelming displeasure, Tokitō glared. Yet Shimizu didn't ease his claims against Tokitō.

"You know it without me having to say anything. You often clash with Ryūen."

"It makes no sense. So what if I clash with him?"

Tokitō pointed out that it was irrelevant to the discussion. Shimizu, however, didn't back down. He had set his sights on Tokitō from the start, knowing that it was unrelated from the beginning.

"You know, there's a rumor saying you teamed up with other classes just to take down Ryūen."

"Eh... Is that true? Tokitō-kun, are you serious right now?"

Fujisaki, who'd been listening without interrupting until then, couldn't help but ask.

"Shimizu is obviously lying."

"Really, a lie? You guys should be careful with your classmates. Tokitō will definitely betray you."

"Shut up. What's with you all of a sudden!"

"This is a discussion. It's natural to grill suspicious people with questions, isn't it?"

"This has nothing to do with the discussion!"

As the discussion heated up, Tokitō raised his voice. Shimizu, feeling that he was getting a good response from his provocation, threw more bait to toy with Tokitō.

From there, the exchange between the two devolved into what was nearly a meaningless shouting match, endlessly repeating the same thing over and over again.

Many of the others could only watch them with troubled expressions, not being able to stop them.

Who are the honor students and who have the executive roles―such talk was not heard even once during these five minutes.