215 Student Council Changes × Imminent Revenge × The Unsearchable Basement
Knock knock. The sudden sound of knocking interrupted the noisy chatter of Class 1-A during the break between classes. All the students turned their heads in unison.
A student council officer, with the council's badge pinned to their chest, held a file folder and spoke expressionlessly: "Student Hikigaya Hachiman from Class 1-A, please come to the student council office immediately."
As the words fell, envious gazes focused on Hikigaya Hachiman, the newly rising star of Hyakkaou Academy. After defeating Mibuomi Aoi in the national heist game over the weekend, Hikigaya had become a sensation. People always love an underdog story — projecting their hopes for a better life onto the "weak" who wins against the "strong." Just once in a lifetime, playing the underdog and coming out on top — that's enough to inspire.
Therefore, although Hikigaya had embarrassed many during the exam gambling and made some lose everything in the national heist game, there was surprisingly little resentment toward him now.
All the bad reputations and failures one accumulates can be erased by a grand success. Hikigaya Hachiman's current social standing was just like that. He was the star of everyone's favorite "underdog wins" story, the embodiment of hope for a better future.
If only I could be as lucky as Hikigaya Hachiman…! Oh, Goddess of Fortune, please bless me too...!
Such heartfelt envy and jealousy were everywhere.
After seeing Yumeko kiss Hikigaya goodbye, these feelings had peaked. Who wouldn't want to fall asleep in the lap of a beauty and wake with wealth in hand?
Of course, not everyone felt this way.
Suzui Ryota's expression was ashen, eyes bloodshot.
All he wanted was for Hikigaya to leave quickly, so he could ask Jabami Yumeko for a loan.
Yes — a loan.
Family, friends, loan sharks, even the Student Council's life planning system — he had borrowed from everyone and now had nothing left. Once he graduated, the life plan would be enforced without mercy.
At this point, he was no longer human — just a product under the Momobami conglomerate. Only by borrowing more could he hope for a comeback!
Just like when Hikigaya and Yumeko had first transferred in — surely kind-hearted Yumeko wouldn't reject his request, right?
As for avoiding Hikigaya, that was partly due to male pride, but also because Ryouta instinctively felt that Hikigaya would never lend him money.
That arrogant bastard would never look down and help someone like me!!
As long as he could get his hands on money, he could repay the outside loan sharks. Just one more win, and he could wipe out his debt!!
Ahaha—!
Ryouta's chest rose and fell violently — his desperate urge for a final comeback wouldn't stop until he had nothing left.
Hikigaya walked behind the student council officer, receiving envious glances from all corners of the corridor. Such looks didn't affect Hikigaya at all. He calmly accepted the glory of victory, without becoming arrogant or complacent.
The higher you stand, the harder you fall.
Never mistake the temporary crowd's support for your own strength — that kind of momentum is false.
Only through continuous self-improvement can one remain among the strong.
Hikigaya saw this very clearly.
Knock knock. The officer knocked on the student council room door.
"Come in," came the voice of Igarashi Sayaka.
Hikigaya took a deep breath and pushed the door open.
At first glance, the student council looked unchanged — same playful atmosphere, no one seemed sad about the disappearance of Mibuomi Aoi.
To his surprise, Manyuda Kaede, who had helped him register his debt at the Debt Reassignment Conference, was now sitting in Mibuomi's seat.
Had he replaced Mibuomi as the council's treasurer?
Great... Did I just gain another enemy to deal with?
If I recall, according to Juraku-senpai, he's the Labor Minister's son… That means...
Just from that one glance, Hikigaya's mind began calculating how to factor her in.
Always plan ahead, see 300 steps ahead — that's Hikigaya Hachiman's favorite game.
"Yo~ Here comes the winner of the Great Bloom Festival's Special Award~!" Yomozuki Runa waved cheerfully, welcoming Hikigaya.
"Hello, everyone," Hikigaya greeted everyone politely. Finally, under Miharutaki Sakura's sweet and overflowing gaze, he sat down beside her.
"Tsk, he's not even in the student council yet and he's already sitting next to the president," Yumemite Yumemi pouted from across the table, eyes twinkling like stars.
Sitting across from Hikigaya, Juraku Sachiko's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. Perhaps due to a queen's sixth sense, she faintly sensed that something was different about him — like he had already been claimed by another queen.
My toy… was played with thoroughly by someone else? Juraku didn't like that.
Even worse, Hikigaya had privately accepted another queen's... something.
Unforgivable.
Though she had no evidence, Juraku Sachiko never needed proof to act.
Under the wide conference table, she slowly raised her long, slender leg in red-soled heels, crossed her arms, and gazed coldly. Who knew what she was plotting?
Hikigaya instinctively felt a chill and immediately sat upright, eyes forward.
"Hikigaya-kun, you're here," came Momobami's icy voice, causing even the lively Runa to fall silent.
Hikigaya knew: Kirari was different from the others.
The little game they played after that gambling match was more of a reward than emotional connection —
he was more like a male concubine, fulfilling certain needs.
Hikigaya had no illusions about changing his role or gaining favor through their relationship. Kirari neither needed nor wanted warmth.
Their relationship was strange — more than friends, less than lovers, but already shared a bed.
"According to the rules of the Great Bloom Festival, Hikigaya-kun, you won the Special Award."
"You are now allowed to officially join the Hyakkaou Academy Student Council. Which department would you like to join?"
Igarashi Sayaka, holding a file folder, clearly didn't like this man who had taken her place in the president's heart.
"What department…" Hikigaya glanced at Juraku Sachiko, then answered without hesitation: "Public Morals Committee."
"Understood. The Public Morals Committee is managed by Chairwoman Juraku. Their main duty is to oversee gambling discipline before class, during breaks, and after school. They deal with violence, coercion, and punish rule-breakers."
"Now that we're done with the Special Award, let's move on to personnel changes."
"Manyuda Kaede, second-year, will replace Mibuomi Aoi as Treasurer." "Ikishima Midari, second-year, will replace Miharutaki Sakura as Beautification Officer." "All other appointments remain unchanged."
"That's all."
Hikigaya was slightly surprised — Sakura's position had been removed? That left Juraku as the only third-year still in office.
Midari twirled a gun and rubbed the muzzle against her skirt.
Her eyes locked onto Hikigaya:
"Hey hey, Hikigaya, when can Yumeko-sama play with me again~? I've got so many fun gambles prepared~!"
"That's something you'll have to ask Yumeko about yourself, Ikishima-senpai." Hikigaya sat upright, not acting particularly eager.
He couldn't afford to be. Because under the wide table, Juraku had already raised her other leg — a black-stockinged, beautiful foot now rested against his chair.
In front of everyone's eyes, Juraku Sachiko began her offensive. While fending off her attack, Hikigaya thought about swallowing Midari's yakuza-like power base.
To deal with her, all Yumeko needed to do was weave a big net — and wait for her to jump in.
"Hehehe~ Soon, I'll feel ecstasy in Yumeko-sama's hands again~!" Midari's eyes rolled back, drooling like she was already high.
Sitting across from her, Nishinotouin Yuriko watched in disgust. 'This lunatic is really qualified to be one of us council officers? She's completely out of control.'
"If there's nothing else, this student council meeting is adjourned." "Sachiko, Hikigaya-kun, please stay behind."
The room cleared quickly. Only the three of them remained — forming a strange triangle.
Hikigaya cursed inwardly.
Juraku hadn't backed off even with everyone gone — instead, she escalated her assault, lifting her other leg too.
"Hikigaya-kun, are you feeling unwell?"
"Mm... a bit."
Hikigaya forced composure: "President, is there something else you want to tell us?"
"Of course." Kirari smiled, sliding a tablet across the table.
"The Mibuomi family is sending someone to the academy to apologize — they asked specifically to see you~"
Hikigaya's brows furrowed, heart skipping a beat: "Are they coming to cause trouble?"
'Typical cliché... beat the young one, and now the older ones show up. Just won't quit until I'm dead.'
Outside the academy's rules, a commoner like him would be at a huge disadvantage. He'd have to trade favors to get Kirari's protection...
'Like his body.' No — if it were just that, fine. The problem now was Honebami Miroslava.
If she was bent on revenge, asking her for help would only get him blackmailed.
'Gotta get Yor back to Chiba to protect Komachi and the others.'
Kirari seemed to read his mind and waved her hand gently, speaking softly: "Don't worry, Hikigaya-kun. They're not here to cause trouble.
The child is named Shishiba Yua — originally a branch member of the Mibuomi family. Now that Aoi is gone, she'll be adopted into the main family as a core heir.
Their patriarch wants her to atone on behalf of the family."
"Apparently, she was quite close to Aoi. A rare familial bond in such a big family~"
"...?"
Hikigaya was dumbfounded. He never saw that coming. He looked down at the tablet. It showed Shishiba Yua's profile — second-year in Hyakkaou's middle school, pale-skinned, beautiful, well-mannered, top grades... the classic "perfect kid" profile.
'Wait… isn't she about the same age as my sister Komachi? This is seriously weird. If I accept, wouldn't that be a crime...?'
All that talk about training her as a core member was just an excuse to keep her from seeking revenge —by sending her to Hikigaya now, they ensured no loose ends.
'Wow... the Mibuomi patriarch is heartless. His own son is gone, and instead of revenge, he sends over his son's friend to make amends? Ruthless!'
If Hikigaya accepted Shishiba Yua's apology, then Aoi's last hope for revenge would become Hikigaya's plaything —truly turning him into a lonely ghost with no future.
Kirari continued: "And they were very firm —if you don't accept their apology, they'll consider it a formal grudge against the family."
Hikigaya paused in silence. Then asked, "President, how's Mibuomi Aoi now?"
"In the next video~" Kirari smiled mysteriously, clearly expecting this question.
Hikigaya opened the video — and immediately felt a chill down his spine.
In a secret underground prison in Tokyo, one undetectable by satellite, a half-paralyzed Mibuomi Aoi was bound to a crucifix, his face frozen in terror.
All his past arrogance and calm were gone.
His eyes showed sheer horror — as four huge men slowly approached, ready to violate him.
Actually, five — among them, Hikigaya recognized a familiar face: Kiwatari Jun.
With a blood-curdling scream, Hikigaya immediately turned off the screen, nauseated.
216 - Hachiman Hikigaya, Betrayed and Stabbed in the Back
Hikigaya Hachiman took a deep breath, suppressing the nausea that was surging inside him.
Shaking his head, he said, "Let's forget about atonement. For one, Shishiba Yua is only fourteen. I don't want to commit a crime."
"On the other hand, I don't want to get involved with a girl who harbors such resentment toward me."
"That's... just too vulgar."
Hikigaya's expression grew increasingly twisted, his breathing becoming more rapid.
Faced with the intensifying advances, he had no choice but to raise one hand to push back Juuraku Sachiko.
A hand for a foot.
Indeed, his conflict with Mibuomi Aoi was irreconcilable.
But Hikigaya Hachiman hadn't let hatred cloud his judgment; he had always held fast to his original intent: punish only the true villain.
If he were to accept Shishiba Yua's act of atonement, what would that make him?
The man who killed her brother, slept with his cousin, and inherited his wealth?
Then, one day, take Shishiba Yua and their child to visit her brother's grave?
Putting himself in that position made Hachiman sick.
It was best to cut off such possibilities from the very beginning.
Even if it meant allowing her resentment to grow, even if she one day came for revenge—so be it.
His future self would never be someone who could be easily manipulated.
Hikigaya Hachiman was absolutely confident in that.
And if, at that time, she still had the courage to take revenge, then let her try! Hachiman would accept any challenge!
"I see..." Kirari Momobami didn't seem surprised by his response. Resting her chin on her hand, she gazed at Hachiman. "You're surprisingly principled, Hikigaya-kun~"
"So what do you plan to do about the Mibuomi family's retaliation?"
"Please, President, save me."
Hikigaya didn't hesitate to ask for help.
After all, as a favored pet and plaything, Momobami Kirari wouldn't just sit by and let the Mibuomi family take their revenge on him.
Of course, there would be a price to pay. But it was one that Hachiman could afford.
Kirari's expression turned playful.
She had assumed Hachiman would carry on with the same independent, self-reliant style he showed at the academy and face the Mibuomi family on his own.
But… the rules of Hyakkaou Academy applied only within the academy.
Outside its gates, they meant nothing. If Hachiman thought he could use the same tactics in society, he was being far too naive.
The simplest method of retaliation would be to have his parents fired, cutting off his financial support.
Even though the amount in Hachiman's bank account was enough for them to retire comfortably, such a blow would be a devastating psychological one.
Middle-aged unemployment isn't something a few digits in an account can mend.
There were many other disgusting tactics they could use.
On Kirari's account, they might not go too far—but they'd still be enough to leave Hachiman nauseated and speechless.
Kirari's original plan had been to step in only after Hachiman hit a wall.
That way, she could extract even more value from him and earn his gratitude and loyalty—maximizing profits, just like any good capitalist.
But now it seemed Hachiman hadn't let his victory go to his head.
He clearly recognized the overwhelming gap between himself and the noble families rooted deep in Japan's foundation.
"I thought you'd try to take on the Mibuomi family yourself, Hikigaya-kun."
"I'm human, not a god, President," Hachiman said with a bitter smile and shook his head.
A few short years of personal effort couldn't compare to the generations of power and effort the great families had accumulated.
It was harsh, but real.
If he had just accepted Shishiba Yua's act of atonement, it could have been a win-win situation.
But as humans, there are certain things we simply can't compromise on. To protect that principle, some things must be sacrificed.
The world is fair. Those who can't give up anything can't protect anything, either.
"Let's put that matter aside for now."
Kirari tilted her head slightly, placed her index finger to her lips, and then ran her pink tongue over the pale skin of her fingertip.
"I received a declaration of 4 billion yen in debt regarding Hikigaya-kun~"
"Huh? Debt settlement?"
Hikigaya was caught off guard by Kirari's sudden change of topic.
"The creditors are first-year student Sumeragi Itsuki and third-year Juraku Sachiko~ A total of 4 billion yen. I've already repaid the debt with my private funds, so now, I am your creditor."
"Today is the debt settlement day. If you can't repay the 4 billion yen, Hikigaya-kun, you'll have wear this collar~"
Kirari reached under the table and pulled out a black leather collar, the greed in her eyes undisguised—like she wanted to devour Hachiman whole.
She couldn't wait any longer. It would take too long for Hachiman to finish challenging all the student council members before gambling with her. She wanted him now—her personal toy.
If he can't pass this test, then he's not the God-Slayer destined for me. Now, prove yourself, Hikigaya Hachiman~
"Huh?"
Hikigaya suddenly remembered that afternoon when the National Theft Game ended—when Kirari asked him if he wanted a special reward or money.
He had chosen the reward.
He'd been played!!
He'd been trapped by Momobami Kirari... He never thought she would exploit a debt loophole to force him into becoming her personal livestock.
The sudden attack left Hachiman momentarily stunned.
He truly hadn't expected Sumeragi Itsuki and Juuraku Sachiko to transfer their debt to Kirari Momobami. So much for "friendship debt"! The boat of friendship capsized just like that!
Hikigaya glared at Juuraku Sachiko sitting across from him, watching him with an amused expression.
He clenched his fingers and pinched her black-stockinged foot hard.
"If you had just accepted Shishiba Yua's atonement, Hikigaya-kun, you wouldn't have to worry about the 4 billion yen. But now, as my private pet, your debt issue will naturally be resolved by me."
"Is it too late to regret now...?"
Hikigaya was beginning to regret his decision.
What was he even holding onto?
Just for the sake of preserving his pride, he was now reduced to Kirari's dog?
Hachiman didn't possess such self-sacrificing nobility.
"Nope~" Kirari flatly denied.
She shook the collar in her hand, clearly itching to put it around Hachiman's neck.
Being the so-called destined God-Slayer didn't matter anymore.
Right now, she just wanted to toy with him.
Crush him beneath her, and let him feel divine punishment!
Come now, Hikigaya-kun, be my dog~ At this point, you have no way out. Even if you seek help from the Yukinoshita family in Chiba, there's no way they could gather 4 billion yen on short notice.
From the moment you chose the special reward, everything was already decided~