Chapter 63: Kanda Shuichi’s True Plan

That night, Kushida Kikyo didn't stay for dinner, so Kanda Shuichi and Miyake Akito ended up sharing the leftovers.

As a result, he ate too much.

With nothing else to do, he figured he'd take a walk to help with digestion. Just staying in and playing games felt too boring anyway.

But before that, he decided to check on the task he had previously assigned to Ayanokouji.

He took a contract out from his drawer—a contract that had been certified by the school, signed between Kanda Shuichi and Yamauchi Haruki.

Of course, Kanda Shuichi wasn't there for the signing. Ayanokouji had gone in his place to sign with Yamauchi Haruki.

The contract stated:

Kanda Shuichi would handle any failures in the upcoming midterm exam, preventing Yamauchi from being expelled. However, if there were ever an exam where a student had to leave, Yamauchi Haruki would take that place.

Though the contract terms weren't in Yamauchi's favor, he signed it to avoid immediate expulsion after Ayanokouji called him out. Following Kanda Shuichi's plan, Ayanokouji managed to buy back the one point Yamauchi needed to pass.

In reality, if no one failed, the contract would simply become void. But if anyone failed, even with access to past exams, it would show that they were beyond help.

When that happened, whoever failed would be the focus of the plan. Kanda Shuichi's suspension for a week only added to the surprise, making Ayanokouji Kiyotaka the one to handle it. Fortunately, they obtained the contract, securing a "life-or-death" hold over Yamauchi.

So it wasn't that Kanda Shuichi was deliberately targeting Yamauchi; it was more that Yamauchi had foolishly fallen into the trap himself, much to Kanda Shuichi's amusement.

Through this exam, Yamauchi had not only turned himself into a class villain, contributing to class unity, but he had also selflessly decided to take the fall if anyone had to.

Compared to failing the midterm and getting expelled, it was a much more "heroic" decision.

He could practically be named one of Class D's top ten heroes.

Besides Kanda Shuichi and Ayanokouji, only Yamauchi Haruki knew about this contract. Not even Miyake or Kushida Kanda Shuichi knew, and as for Yamauchi, he certainly wouldn't tell anyone.

In short, this contract was the real leverage over Yamauchi, and if they used it, there might be some unexpected results.

After putting away the contract, Kanda Shuichi received a message from Chabashira-sensei, asking to meet at the lake where they'd last talked.

At the same time, in dorm room 401, several people were gathered in Ayanokouji's room.

"Cheers!"

Besides Ayanokouji, there were the "three idiots," Horikita, and Kushida. Ayanokouji looked on, speechless, as the three fools messed around on the floor.

"I don't mind if you're throwing a celebration, but why does it have to be in my room?"

Not only had they taken over his room, but Yamauchi had even gone so far as to make a copy of his room key, which was way out of line.

"Don't sweat the small stuff. The important thing is my buddy Yamauchi didn't have to drop out!"

Ike grabbed a huge handful of chips, stuffing them into his mouth and scattering crumbs all over the floor.

"Speaking of copying keycards, Kanda's room even has a security setup. Only the teachers and the student council president can access his room without his permission. That guy must be hiding something shady in there, right?"

"Maybe some adult magazines?"

"I bet he does! The way he looks at girls is always a bit too intense. That's why I wanted to sneak in, find some evidence, and show everyone what he's really like!"

Yamauchi Haruki's face was full of righteousness, like he was exposing some villain. But only Ayanokouji in the room knew what his real intentions were. Ike chimed in as well, both of them had issues with Kanda Shuichi, so they were trash-talking him without holding back. 

Sudou frowned at their comments.

"I don't think Kanda's like that. He even helped me with studying."

"That just means you haven't seen his true colors yet. I've got him all figured out!"

Watching the noisy Yamauchi Haruki, Horikita, who was sitting on the bed reading, frowned. She started wondering if letting this idiot stay had been a mistake. It was because she and Ayanokouji each pitched in 50,000 private points to buy Yamauchi's failing grade from Chabashira-sensei.

As for Kushida, she was smiling as she watched the three fools mess around. For her, as long as no one had to drop out, that was more important than anything.

"In any case, it's great no one got expelled this time. Let's drink to that!"

Ike raised his drink again, clinking it with Sudou and Yamauchi.

"Don't celebrate too soon. Next month's the final exams. This time, you won't have any old test answers to rely on, and Kanda won't be helping out either."

"Who needs that guy's help anyway?" Yamauchi scoffed, looking annoyed.

"So… does this mean we're in for another round of brutal study sessions? Ahh… this sucks."

Just thinking about it made Ike grab his head and collapse onto the floor.

"To avoid ending up in that situation, have you thought about starting to study now?"

"No way!"

"By the way, Ayanokouji, how did you get Chabashira-sensei to cancel Yamauchi's expulsion?" Kushida, who hadn't said much, looked at Ayanokouji with curiosity. "Even though Hirata tried before, it still didn't work."

This question also piqued the curiosity of the three people nearby, who leaned in to hear the answer.

Ayanokouji glanced at Horikita, thinking to himself that if it were Kanda in his place, he'd probably shift the blame onto Horikita too.

"Actually, it was Horikita who stepped in and negotiated with Chabashira-sensei. For the specifics, you should ask her. All I know is that she put in a lot of effort."

Horikita shot a fierce glare at Ayanokouji but didn't bother to argue.

"Really? Horikita-san, that's amazing."

The atmosphere turned towards praising, even admiring, Horikita, though Kushida's smile looked a bit forced. Yamauchi's expression was also somewhat complicated.

Near the artificial lake by the dormitory, Kanda Shuichi strolled over at a leisurely pace.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Chabashira-sensei."

"Given how slow you walk, I haven't actually been waiting that long."

Chabashira's words almost left Kanda Shuichi speechless.

Was that a personal jab?

So, it's because I didn't give you face at the morning assembly, right?

Kanda Shuichi muttered to himself in frustration. Fine, let's go—snark for snark!

"So, what does the devoted, selfless homeroom teacher Chabashira-sensei need from a regular student like me?"

"You really don't let anything slide, do you?"

"Oh no, I mean every word from the heart. Chabashira-sensei went as far as giving out incorrect test material just to help us find shortcuts. I'm sure everyone really appreciates her."

Kanda Shuichi quickly waved his hands to show his gratitude.

So what's with that sarcastic tone?

"Alright, let's get down to business." Chabashira Sae looked a bit exasperated—this guy was hard to deal with.

"About Ayanokouji saving Yamauchi from expulsion, I hope you won't hold it against Ayanokouji because of that."

This was the real reason Chabashira called Kanda out—she absolutely didn't want any conflicts to arise between the two people who could lead the class to reach Class A.

Otherwise, forget reaching Class A. Class D would probably end up completely falling apart.

Hearing Chabashira-sensei's words, Kanda Shuichi nearly stumbled into the lake.

What the—? So you called me out here just to say that?

Are you kidding me? Is that really all you're capable of? You didn't even notice the secret plan between me and Ayanokouji.

Actually, Chabashira was anxious. This year's Class D was by far the strongest Class D since she'd become its homeroom teacher. The class had so many outstanding students, and the chance to fulfill her long wish was right in front of her.

She really didn't want to see Kanda Shuichi and Ayanokouji Kiyotaka clash, so she never considered that the two of them had set everything up together.

Kanda Shuichi couldn't believe it, but soon a slight smile appeared on his face.

"Chabashira-sensei, if Yamauchi doesn't get expelled, how am I supposed to hold my head up in class? And Ayanokouji, who protected him, is obviously my enemy."

As expected…

Kanda Shuichi's words made Chabashira Sae's heart sink, and her expression darkened. But soon, she noticed the hint of a smile on his face.

Is he trying to squeeze some points out of me again?

Well, it's true that he spends quite a lot on food to stay in good health. Supporting him a little isn't a big deal.

Kanda Shuichi had only made a joke, not even asking for points, yet Chabashira-sensei was already coming up with her own reasons to give him some.

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