Who Takes First Place in 2nd

The Student Council has officially concluded its activities. Shirogane and Kaguya are entering an intense preparation period and will appear less frequently at school afterward.

Ishigami and Iino also have their own matters to attend to, Shinichi and Ichika have nearly full schedules, leaving little opportunity for face-to-face conversations like now.

Although they can discuss many things on LINE, the time when everyone gathers around the same table, chatting joyfully while eating, is precious to them as they face parting.

So now, everyone is trying their best to give advice to Shinichi, sharing all the election preparations and the details to be taken into consideration.

"The only experience you have so far is hosting the Forest School, the success of the exchange meeting, and maintaining the second place." Tapping his fingers on the table, Shirogane analyzes. "Although these three points alone are enough to surpass most opponents, to convince the people at Shuchi'in Academy, we still need to make more preparations."

Kaguya sips green tea and says irrelevantly, "Anyway, letting Asada-kun be elected is equivalent to handing over the leadership position of Shuchi'in Academy to civilians in the mixed academy for three consecutive years. The children of high-ranking officials will surely be very dissatisfied."

"So, the key points are how to get the votes of Shuchi'in Academy and who should give the support speech," Ishigami assesses and glances at Shirogane. "It's like the re-election of the president last year."

"No, the focus should be on considering political opinions approved by the students..." Before the serious-looking Iino finishes speaking, she is interrupted by Chika, who stands up and taps the table.

"Political opinions are only superficial! Besides, everyone will forget them after the election. No need to think about how to use gold to make a sign that will be thrown away after use! The support speech is the most important!"

"Fuji-Fujiwara-senpai?!" Iino is surprised. Her respected senior is uttering words usually spoken by dirty politicians, leaving her disappointed.

Ignoring her, the enthusiastic Chika stands up straight, humming twice.

"And here we have a beautiful girl who is very lucky to captivate the hearts of pure students, able to block any objections, and possesses very high leadership skills."

Placing her palm on her ample chest and lifting her chin proudly, she glances at Shinichi with a proud smile, her hint quite clear.

"So, who is that person?"

Shinichi looks at Kaguya.

Then, before Chika cries, he turns around and takes a deep breath.

"Fujiwara Senpai, did you forget? The support speech can only be given by people in the same class."

"What?!" Chika's eyes widen, she falls back into her seat in disbelief, and mutters, "Is there a trap like this?"

"No, it's very clear in the election rules!" Ishigami complains.

Chika pouts.

"Is there a way to exploit the loophole... To step down voluntarily? No, let's change the school rules from the administrative level, but it's quite difficult in such a short time. Do we need to use some black material..."

"Ishigami, why are you covering your ears?" Iino tilts her head in confusion but doesn't resist.

Ishigami sighs in her ears.

"It's just to prevent you from facing a more cruel reality, so don't thank me."

"What..."

"Let's get back to the topic, the support speech... Should I leave it to Ishigami or Iino?" Shirogane looks at both of them.

Ishigami waves his hair and shows a very refreshing smile.

"Hahaha, you're really bringing up an interesting topic. Didn't I say it before? Most girls who gaze into my eyes will cry, and then I will cry too? Let the crucial support speech turn into a symphony of tears."

"Sorry, I misspoke," Shirogane lowers his head and admits his mistake.

"I don't mind... But if I support him, maybe all the spectators will throw eggs or tomatoes at Asada-kun?" Iino shrugs and laughs grimly.

"Haha, Asada-kun, for your own good, it's better to find someone liked by the entire school to give the support speech."

Ishigami and Iino sit side by side, and the negative aura emanating from both of them blends into one.

"You two should just get married," Shinichi complains, ignoring the blush on their faces, looking around the crowd seriously, and says, "I already have a candidate for this, so don't worry. If it doesn't work, I'll ask for your help again."

"Okay, since you have your own ideas, don't talk too much," Shirogane thought for a moment and then said, "The remaining question... what about pre-election activities? Posters and distributing flyers—what do you think we should do to ensure that Asada can also get votes from noble students?"

Everyone, including Shinichi, began to think, leaving a moment of quiet in the atmosphere.

Iino spoke up.

"How about challenging the first rank?"

The atmosphere among the six immediately turned serious.

The others looked at her in surprise, as if they couldn't believe such a suggestion would come from Iino.

But she explained her thoughts with a serious look.

"Challenging the first rank and defeating them in front of everyone not only proves Asada-san's strength but also clears the clouds burdening all second-year students and the Sensei. The amount of fame and support would be extraordinary. It's enough to lay the foundation for victory in the election."

Iino added, "Of course, without any tricks, openly defeat that person. Then, no one would object."

"You really have a bold idea," Shirogane wiped cold sweat.

"Although it's somewhat dangerous, if this plan succeeds, the position of the Student Council President is almost certain, and no one can shake it... Haha, for some reason, I feel very excited to challenge the big BOSS!"

"Asada, what do you think?"

"Facing a crisis and the risk of life together... Hm," Shinichi pondered, "It's worth a try. But in facing a monster like that, how should I defeat it..."

"Even third-year students keep it secret from them, Asada-kun, it's better not to take this risk." Chika looked at him anxiously. "If you lose, you might have to pay more, and even your life could be in danger... Let's think of another method, okay?"

"Fujiwara-san is right. Besides, the first-ranking student in the second year can't participate in any school activities due to that 'restriction.' No need to disturb the whale for small fish and shrimp." Kaguya held a teacup, a deep fear evident.

"We move forward step by step."

"Then consider this method as a last resort, and think about when you should do it." Shirogane pulled his collar and found that just talking about that person made his shirt wet with cold sweat.

"Then, how about going to the volunteer club to help?" Iino suggested another idea, but this time, no one objected.

Helping in various clubs is indeed the surest way to gather popularity. Although some may question whether Shinichi is doing this to attract votes, the fact that he has helped cannot be denied, and he can also build connections through this.

There's a shortage of members in the volunteer club throughout the year, and the founding president is a VIP member of Shuchi'in Academy, a member of the Federation of Societies.

If we can establish connections now, then the new Student Council won't be alone when facing problems.

The current Student Council actually has a good relationship with other parties. Shinichi has also seen a senior named Kashiwagi Nagisa come to the student council room to chat with Shirogane and others several times.

However, if Kashiwagi Nagisa could become a crucial member of the club, it wouldn't be as easy as it seems.

"Perhaps that's..."

After confirming the next election strategy with everyone, Shinichi didn't feel relaxed because of their help. After all, everyone is just backup and can provide methods, materials, and channels. But in the end, he will step onto the stage to deliver his election speech and compete for votes with all the students in the school. He is the only one starting the confrontation.

Feeling the pressure on his shoulders, though he couldn't say he's wary of fear, as he's used to it, Shinichi thinks he's not that strong.

Now he can only make enough preparations beforehand and let his future self consider the future.

So, after a while of drinking and eating, even though they are underage and can't drink, they can only pretend to drink.

The table is already full of cups and plates, and some people are chatting while eating desserts, enjoying their time together.

Shinichi feels the need to use the restroom, so he gets up and goes to the toilet.

After washing his hands and coming out, he finds a young girl standing at the corridor exit, seemingly having waited for him for a while, her nonchalant red eyes squinting.

When the girl sees him walking out of the toilet, she raises her eyebrows and shows a gentle smile.

"Asada-kun, there's something I want to talk to you about."

The person who came is none other than Shinomiya Kaguya.