Chapter 144 – Fuka Kiryuin

After dealing with Asai from the second-year D class, which actually didn't take much effort due to the precedent set with Yusaku from Nagumo's class, Yukio simply needed to proceed as planned. Thus, he turned his attention to the second-year C class.

Following the same approach, the second-year C class quickly compromised, and soon Yukio arrived at the second-year B class. However, he didn't find the person he was looking for there—Kiriyama, a member of the student council.

Kiriyama held a significant status in the second-year B class, but unlike Yukio, Nagumo, Ichinose, or Sakayanagi, he didn't dominate his class alone. Instead, he was part of a decision-making group with a few other capable peers, acting as a core member.

To ensure the second year would no longer interfere with Yukio's class in the upcoming competitions, finding Kiriyama was crucial.

Of course, there were pros and cons to having a decision-making group. It seemed efficient, but sometimes it could be slow to make urgent decisions.

This was information Yukio gathered from the student council. Last year, Kiriyama's class was in A class, while Nagumo's was only a first-year B class. Yet, over the year, Nagumo successfully led his class to A class, demoting Kiriyama's class to B class due to their slow decision-making, according to student council discussions.

Back to the present, Ishizaki asked around and found out Kiriyama had gone to the medical team. Yukio and his group left the tent to find him.

Soon, they saw Kiriyama returning with medical supplies like bandages and plasters. Kiriyama also noticed Yukio, and his expression immediately became serious.

"Hey, Kiriyama," Yukio greeted casually, noting the medical items, "Did a classmate get hurt?"

"Not yet, but it's always good to be prepared," Kiriyama didn't elaborate much. He wasn't pleased with Yukio's lack of formal address but remained cautious due to unclear intentions, choosing to skip formalities.

Seeing Kiriyama's cautious demeanor gave Yukio a bit of confidence, "Actually, I'm a bit confused. Horikita-senpai told me you're his planted agent against Nagumo."

"Just now, the second-year B class, under Nagumo's orders, targeted our athletes. Isn't that a bit unreasonable?" Yukio brought up, referencing a casual conversation with Horikita Manabu, the student council president. Horikita Manabu had planned to use Kiriyama as a countermeasure against Nagumo after graduation. However, realizing Kiriyama wasn't a match for Nagumo, he turned to Yukio for help.

"What are you talking about!" Kiriyama, previously calm, suddenly became agitated, denying any association with Horikita Manabu and signaling Yukio to consider Ishizaki and Albert's presence. Albert remained silent as usual.

Ishizaki, surprised, thought, "So, this involves the third-year Horikita and secret agents? The student council that Yukio is part of is quite chaotic and thrilling, like a drama unfolding."

"What does it matter?" Yukio, with a playful smirk, observed Kiriyama's uneasy air. "Am I wrong? Should I call Horikita-senpai right now to confirm?"

Kiriyama's complexion changed, and under stress, he couldn't articulate well, fixating on Ishizaki. "Even if it's true, you can't just blurt it out! This is sensitive information!"

Ishizaki assured, "Don't worry, I might not guarantee much, but I'm good at keeping secrets."

Kiriyama doubted Ishizaki's reliability based on his appearance, which seemed more fitting for gossiping than keeping secrets. However, realizing Yukio trusted Ishizaki and Albert, Kiriyama felt less concerned, acknowledging Yukio's longer acquaintance and better understanding of Ishizaki.

"Fine," Kiriyama sighed, tired of the back-and-forth. "So, you came to me to clarify this, right?"

"I don't blame you. Nagumo approached our three classes, offering 1.5 million private points to each, promising not to target us in any special exams for the next term."

"To maintain our current class points, we agreed to Nagumo's request to target your class during the sports festival."

Indeed, coercion and bribery, in just four words, encapsulate the most commonly used and effective methods in the world, a sentiment Yukio deeply shared. "So, what about now?"

"Let's get one thing straight. Before I came to you, I already visited the second-year D and C classes, and they've both compromised, agreeing not to interfere anymore."

Hearing this, Kiriyama couldn't help but give a wry smile of resignation. The other two classes had already been dealt with by Yukio? In such a short time?

He had only just learned of Yusaku's incident by Yukio, which prompted him to visit the medical team for supplies. Now, the second-year C and D classes had been resolved? What could he do then? Fight Yukio alone for Nagumo's sake?

That was absurd. He wasn't foolish enough to do something so detrimental to himself and beneficial to Nagumo.

Thus, he readily agreed: "No problem. I'll talk to my class about it. I'm sure my classmates will agree."

"What did you agree to, Kiriyama? Share with me!" On their way back, a girl lounging expansively on a bench, arms stretched along the backrest, asked curiously.

Seeing the girl, Kiriyama's expression soured: "Fuka Kiryuin..."

Yukio turned to look and saw a black-stockinged schoolgirl with platinum blonde hair and red eyes, her sharp gaze fixed on them.

Her long platinum hair fell to her waist, and her red eyes, coupled with slightly lifted corners, gave her a naturally sharp and compelling presence. Dressed in a distinct grey shirt under the red school blazer, and white pleated skirt paired with black tights, her appearance under the sunlight was strikingly fascinating.

She exuded a "big sister" aura, intimidating enough to make any timid boy hastily avert his eyes.

"What's the matter?" The girl, referred to as Fuka Kiryuin by Kiriyama, didn't mind his silence: "What did you agree with Yukio-kun that you can't tell me?"

"Oh?" Yukio was somewhat surprised. Fuka Kiryuin knew of him. Was it his high profile, or had she taken an interest in him?

"Don't overthink it." Fuka Kiryuin crossed her legs elegantly, the black tights outlining her legs creating an eye-catching silhouette: "I just happened to see you stepping on Nagumo's head at the pool at the end of summer. I found you quite interesting then, junior."

***

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