The next day.
School.
"Did Miyama-kun stay up late studying last night?" asked Shiina from the seat next to him as Sendoh arrived in class.
Shiina, a classmate, was initially an obstacle to Sendoh's studies. But knowing Shiina liked to study, Sendoh's rejection had instead become motivation.
"I saw something rather stimulating," said Sendoh, pulling out his chair and sitting down. "So I was a bit nervous, but I still studied."
'But I still studied,' thought Sendoh.
Shiina was surprised to hear Sendoh's words.
'Even with problems, still attending school?' thought Shiina.
But quickly!
[Shiina-san admires your perseverance, wondering how someone could reach this point.]
Sendoh wasn't surprised to hear the narrator.
'Is this excessive?' thought Sendoh.
For Sendoh, it was just normal life.
He felt he had no talent for studying, so he made up for it with hard work.
In the past, he had failed entrance exams for elementary school and kindergarten, not receiving attention from his mother. When his mother left, she only took his younger sister.
Sendoh felt his mother looked down on him. As a child, he thought if his grades were bad, his mother would leave him. He studied hard so his mother would return.
But even though his grades improved, his mother didn't come back.
As he grew up, Sendoh realized his family was poor. Good grades could earn scholarships, so he continued to study diligently.
That habit persisted until now.
'Then I entered Koudo Ikusei High School, placed in Class C,' thought Sendoh.
Knowing the class system, Class A had the best students. Sendoh must have deficiencies, so he was in a lower class. The feeling of being left behind wasn't pleasant.
So, continue.
Sendoh wasn't just in Class C, but wanted the school reward.
Entering his chosen university without exams or fees was very important.
The condition for rising to Class A: class evaluation scores must exceed Class A. The school gave three years. If one becomes Class A upon graduation, the school reward is fulfilled.
A long process, requiring struggle.
Last night, Ryuuen sent three photos at 10:30 PM.
Photos of three small blackboards.
The first board was empty.
The second board wrote: A: 1210 B: 780 C: 430 D: 200
The third board: A: 2330 B: 1570 C: 300 D: 70
Initially confusing, but knowing the school's nature, Sendoh realized these boards recorded class evaluation scores across three grade levels.
Classes C and D lagged far behind.
But Ryuuen didn't explain which board was for which grade. Sendoh asked via message, but Ryuuen didn't reply.
'He seems angry,' thought Sendoh.
But the highest score was only 2330. Monthly special exams were very strict. It was difficult to add points, but easy to lose them.
Hard to raise scores quickly.
'The initial 1,000 points for new students is very important,' thought Sendoh.
Sendoh looked at Ryuuen.
Ryuuen was already in class, feet on the desk, stepping on the desk of the boy in front of him. An arrogant, disrespectful attitude.
Based on senior criteria, Ryuuen's behavior would deduct points.
'Has Ryuuen given up?' thought Sendoh. 'Or is he testing the boy in front?'
"Ryuuen!" The boy couldn't stand it.
"Talk after school if you have something to say," said Ryuuen. "Be quiet now!"
"You—"
Sendoh observed.
Shiina turned around, whispering to Sendoh.
"That boy is Ishizaki Daichi. A famous fighting prince in middle school."
Oh.
Such incidents might continue in Class C for the next few days.
Shiina stood up, walking to the podium before the teacher arrived.
"Everyone, I'm Shiina Hiyori."
"This is a new class group. I don't have everyone's contact. Please join by yourself."
"I know some don't like it, but this school is strange. We heard if we don't act, next month's living expense of 100,000 yen could be lost."
"This is important."
Shiina was different from Ryuuen. She spoke fluently at the podium, beautiful and capable.
Students annoyed by Ryuuen's violence began to like Shiina.
Ryuuen seemed like a cruel troublemaker, Shiina wise and gentle.
'...'
Sendoh realized without him, the class would still function.
'What can I do?' thought Sendoh.
Sendoh had business.
He needed to handle the contents of the SD card from last night.
Sendoh decided to go to the Student Union, and also investigate the Student Council situation.
The school upheld power. What was the role of the Student Council President?
Even while focusing on Sakayanagi-san at the gymnasium, Sendoh noticed the opening ceremony was organized by the Student Council. No school leadership gave speeches.
Different from regular schools.
Only the Student Council President spoke.
He didn't understand before, but now it was clear. The school gave great authority to students, even entrusting the opening ceremony to the Student Council.
So, the Student Council had higher authority than in regular schools.
'If I join the Student Council, maybe I can help Class C,' thought Sendoh.
After school, Sendoh took action.