Chapter 169 – Horikita Manabu's decision

In the student council room, a sudden silence descended due to Yukio's words, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. They couldn't believe that Yukio proposed a combined exam for the three grades just to challenge Horikita Manabu.

But on second thought, it made sense.

After the summer, Yukio had led his class to Class A, just like Nagumo who controlled the entire second year, and Horikita Manabu who dominated the third year, both also in A classes. Having already overwhelmed Nagumo and the second-year A class at the sports festival, it was logical for him to challenge Horikita Manabu and the third-year A class, a clash at the summit.

The logic was sound and the progression natural, making it easier to understand Yukio's rationale. However, the plan was still shocking.

First stepping over the second year, then challenging the third year—wasn't this a bit too bold? Kiriyama felt that Yukio was not acting like a normal first-year student; which normal freshman would do such a thing?

Instead of being surprised, Ichinose had already guessed it might come to this. Seeing Yukio openly declaring it, she felt a mix of amusement and appreciation, thinking this was very much in his style.

Horikita Manabu remained composed, showing no emotional reaction to Yukio's challenge: "Just to understand our class's strength?"

"That's right," Yukio nodded confidently without hesitation. "To be honest, after the student council handover, interactions with President Horikita will likely decrease."

"Although there might be joint exams for the three grades in the future, who knows how long that will be. Better to seize this opportunity now."

"If my class and President Horikita's class never directly compete before you graduate, I'd feel a lingering regret."

"In my view of life, regrets often lead to even greater regrets. So to avoid such a scenario, I take initiative in everything, leaving no room for regrets."

Horikita Manabu listened quietly as Yukio explained his reasons. After Yukio finished, Horikita slowly took off his glasses and meticulously cleaned them with a cloth.

Putting them back on and opening his eyes, a hint of a smile and anticipation showed: "Then let's do it. You're right, Yukio. Having such an extraordinary junior and not having a proper showdown would indeed be regrettable."

"I agree."

Horikita Manabu's agreement to the challenge left Tachibana and Kiriyama next to him visibly shocked. Was this because the term was nearing its end and he was graduating? Even Horikita Manabu could be impulsive?

On the first-year side, Ichinose held her forehead in silent exasperation, her face saying "I can't believe you guys."

Only Yukio was enjoying the moment: "We've already competed physically, haven't we? I easily surpassed you during the relay race."

"This special exam is just a competition in more aspects."

Horikita couldn't help but frown, his facial muscles twitching. If you're going to speak, say something pleasant, or perhaps it's better to remain silent.

Mentioning exactly what shouldn't be mentioned, right?

Horikita took a deep breath to suppress his desire to retort, and then slowly exhaled: "Alright, I will apply to the school authorities for this and push for it."

"For now, let's discuss the second matter for today, the student council transition, which is more appropriate."

Everyone quieted down again. Since Horikita had spoken, the joint special exam for the three grades seemed almost certain.

Kiriyama was too anxious to even consider discussing the transition; he just wanted to rush back and consult with his classmates on how to handle this unusual special exam.

As for the transition, he had little hope for it anyway.

Tachibana didn't think too much about it and planned to stand with Horikita, facing Yukio's challenge together. Ichinose, on the other hand, began to consider whether to ally with Yukio's class when the special exam came.

It was said that President Horikita was very popular among the third years; surely other classes would support the third-year A class? If so, should her class also support Yukio's class?

Unaware of the restlessness among his peers, Horikita Manabu calmly continued to discuss the transition: "Our student council is very different from the student councils at ordinary high schools."

"In a regular high school, there are elections where candidates campaign within the school for a period, deliver speeches, and then a new president is elected based on votes and the school's opinion."

"However, at our school, there are no selections, no votes, and no need for speeches."

"The new student council president is determined by a comprehensive evaluation of academic performance, special exam results, participation in significant events, and the outgoing president's recommendations."

"After I submit the opinions, the school administration will complete the review within a month, and around the beginning of December, the results of the succession will be announced, along with a ceremony in the auditorium."

"Typically, the vice presidents are considered candidates for the next president, and among the current vice presidents, I will recommend you, Yukio, to the school administration."

No major uproar ensued. Tachibana had known this for a while, and Kiriyama and Ichinose were only slightly surprised by Horikita Manabu's frankness.

In fact, Horikita Manabu's favorable attitude towards Yukio during the discussions on the sports festival had already hinted at his stance.

Now, it was just being stated outright.

Yukio, being in the know, recalled Horikita Manabu's words during the relay race about him taking over the position: "Even so, I won't go easy on you during the special exams, President Horikita."

"To give it my all." Horikita Manabu never expected that these already agreed-upon minor benefits would deter Yukio from challenging him.

With their efficient progress, what would typically be complicated issues of two agendas were swiftly handled, and Yukio was ready to leave as usual after the meeting.

However, Horikita Manabu stopped him: "Hold on, today with Nagumo on leave, you'll need to take over his duties. He was supposed to inspect the clubs today to decide on the funding for the third term."

"It's all yours, Yukio. And Ichinose, if you're interested, you could join him. We third-year students will soon be leaving the student council, and you first-years need to get familiar with the work quickly."

"Alright." Seeing it as a chance to experience the work of a student council president early, Yukio readily agreed and told Ichinose to wait for him outside.

Ichinose was packing up her notebook and other items and needed to retrieve relevant documents from another file cabinet.

As Yukio stepped out first, he quickly typed a message on his phone: "With this special exam involving all three grades, you should be able to seize the opportunity to defeat Ayanokouji, right?"

"Of course, Yukio-kun is truly trustworthy," came the quick reply, with the screen displaying the respondent's name—Arisu Sakayanagi…

***

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