5.3

It was around 8 in the evening.

Alone in my room, I, Hashimoto, let out a big sigh.

"No contact as expected. She's probably planning to just relax and wait for the exam," I thought.

Given her past achievements, the probability of her winning without doing anything wasn't low.

Seventy or eighty percent. That was how likely it would be for Sakayanagi to secure first place or at worst, second.

But this alone wouldn't be enough.

There was something crucial that needed to be done to ensure we maintain Class A.

I prepared myself and called Sakayanagi. It would be a battle to determine how I'd fight.

"It's unusual for you to call at this hour, Hashimoto-kun."

Sakayanagi's voice came through the phone, accompanied by soft classical music in the background.

"Sorry for calling so late, princess."

"Don't worry. Please tell me what you have on your mind."

You could easily tell from her calm demeanor that she had plenty of time to converse.

"Today's tea party was fun, but there are some things that I need to address. Based on my investigations, it seems that the potential risk isn't present. I thought I would report that to assure you."

It was just a jab. I created a flow to gauge her reaction. I would take it slow and steady. It was for this reason that I had simulated this many times in my head after returning home.

"What risk are you referring to?"

This woman always played dumb even when she knew what was going on.

It would've been fine if it were towards the enemies, but it was more aimed at allies.

She didn't want uncontrolled information in her ears, just to enjoy everything on her own terms.

"It's obvious, isn't it? The possibility that the three classes will join hands and attack Class A. If the three classes join hands, they can manipulate the majority of points. There'd be no chance of winning if done fairly."

"You seem rather worried about such a small issue."

It was no small issue to face all three classes as enemies? I was nervously trying to figure out if that possibility existed.

"I'm worried. You may not be, Princess, but for me, forming alliances is a threat in itself. It allows them to fire concentrated attacks at Class A."

"These three classes are fighting their hardest to get to Class A. They want to win as many class points as possible in the special exam. It won't be easy for them to join hands just to bring down Class A."

I understood what she was saying. Even if Class A places last, we would just drop from the top. Ichinose and Ryūen's classes wouldn't profit substantially. Ayanokōji and Horikita's class would stand to lose if they got first.

"But if someone capable of carrying that out lurks in the shadows, then it's a different story."

If Ayanokōji was the kind of person I thought he was, he'd be able to pull it off.

"I won't completely deny that possibility. But is that why you called me?"

She seemed to hint that I was wasting her time.

"No, there's more. In fact, this is the main part. I want to contribute to the class."

For the sake of the special exam, I conveyed all the information that I had gathered up until that point to Sakayanagi.

Kōenji made a promise with Horikita, and she was going to honor it. I couldn't specify about it, but it seemed Ryūen had made contact with their classmates and was scheming about something.

Which student from other classes should be prioritized for expulsion, and so on.

I even included obscure details that would seem meaningless to the average person.

"So... this is all the information I have about Horikita's class."

I wanted her to buy my enthusiasm.

Action for the purpose of constructing an unshakeable Class A.

"You certainly worked hard to gather information, Hashimoto-kun."

My wishes had been gratified, and my fervor seemingly resonated over the phone.

"Of course. With a rival earning an astonishing number of Class Points, I want to gather every small piece of information and share it with you, Princess. The best time would have been during that tea party though."

"You're a hard worker. Are you dating Maezono-san for information, not love?"

So it had come to this. Sakayanagi may not have legs, but she had many eyes. I had been seen openly dating Maezono several times. I mustn't panic. I had to deal with this calmly.

"Well, that's also part of the strategy. When did you find out?"

"I've noticed that you've been in contact with her a lot recently. The audio data regarding the Ayanokōji 'threat discussion' that you shared with Masumi-san, was prepared by her, wasn't it?"

"Oh, dear. Did Masumi-chan tell you that?"

 This is bad for my heart. 

I would've been scared stiff if I hadn't prepared for the worst.

Even if I asked Kamuro, she would probably say, 'I wasn't told not to tell Sakayanagi. Even if I was told, whether or not I would tell is up to me.'

"Anyway, I hope you can utilize the information, Princess."

"I will sincerely accept your kindness. I'm not sure how much use I can make out of it, but I'll put it to good use."

"If I heard correctly, it doesn't sound like you want to utilize the information."

"I already have a basic strategy. I will not rely solely on the information you've collected. However, now that I've heard it, there are parts I'll inevitably have to incorporate."

She seemed less than thrilled with the information now that she knew it.

"Is it unnecessary?"

"Yes. During the special exam, unexpected things can lead to fun. You actually stole some of my fun."

She never failed to amuse me with her ridiculous statements.

She treated the classes as her own property and didn't even try to fight for the Class A privileges.

It's just a hobby. Don't get me involved in such things.

"So, can you guarantee that you can win this time?"

"I won't lose. You'll understand if you watch from the sidelines."

Based on her confidence and past results, I might have been less worried.

I had gathered too much information.

Ayanokōji's existence had forced significant changes in my plans.

"Jeez, you're so confident... I get it. Then don't worry about what I said. I'll just observe, as long as no problems arise."

At that point, it was pointless to press further.

For me, I had vented all I could during this phone call.

"Please do. Then..."

During the call, her voice remained calm, but it seemed like she was suppressing her unease.

Sakayanagi hated help. She wanted to fight with the information she collected and her own mind only.

That was why she was annoyed by the unexpected provision of information.

Even if it wasn't the best, it felt a bit refreshing.

"Serves you right."

I had taken a few blows, but my battle was far from over.

This was where the real deal began.

Compared to the resolve it took to call Sakayanagi, I don't know how much more I'll need, but I will execute my winning strategy.