Katsuragi was extremely unhappy with Haruno's actions. More than that, he felt a deep sense of danger.
Haruno seemed to understand his thoughts perfectly and said calmly,
"Because you care so much about the class, that's exactly why you're still stuck in Class B."
"You—!"
Just one sentence from Haruno was enough to almost break Katsuragi's composure.
"Besides, Katsuragi, a lot of your classmates are getting fed up with your cowardly approach."
She was talking about his strategy in this VIP exam—staying completely out of the discussions, avoiding any betrayals, and focusing only on protecting the identities of Class B's three VIPs.
This strategy had its advantages. It was the safest way to make sure they didn't lose any class points by having their VIPs exposed. In other words, Katsuragi's plan was purely defensive—to avoid losing points rather than trying to gain more.
And after their huge failure in the deserted island exam, he was even more unwilling to take any risks.
Even if he found out who the other classes' VIPs were, he wouldn't try to use that information.
"Katsuragi, even Princess-sama has already agreed to this plan. Even if you disagree, most of the class will still support Yukinoshita's proposal. Are you really going to stand against everyone?"
At that moment, Hashimoto stepped forward, looking at Katsuragi with a mocking expression.
"You keep saying it's for the class, but in the end, you're the one holding us back."
"No way… There's no way they would…"
Katsuragi looked like he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
If what Hashimoto said was true, that meant most of the class had already accepted Haruno's bold—and even reckless—plan.
"Katsuragi, don't you get it yet? After what happened on the island, a lot of people have lost faith in you."
"You really need to take a step back and reflect. Just sit this one out and take a break. That way, at least you can leave with some dignity.
Otherwise… I'll have to make sure you do."
Haruno looked at Katsuragi and spoke in a calm, indifferent tone.
The others couldn't help but gasp at Haruno's words. There was a lot of hidden meaning in what she said. Somehow, without anyone noticing, she had managed to turn Katsuragi's students against him?
Maybe no one else saw it coming, but Hikigaya wasn't surprised. Ever since the conversation started, he had been thinking about one thing—Haruno must have figured out some kind of pattern in how the school chose the special candidates.
The question was, how did she figure it out?
This entire test was essentially a battle of information. The more details you had about the special candidates, the easier it was to rule people out and narrow down the possibilities.
Each class had three special candidates. That information alone wasn't enough to figure out who the special candidates were in the other classes. Which meant…
Hikigaya suddenly turned to look at a certain girl with long pink hair.
Ichinose, as if sensing his gaze, blinked in surprise. But just from that brief eye contact, she seemed to understand exactly what he was thinking. She let out a small, helpless smile.
So that's it.
Horikita had been thinking about the same issue. She was about to discuss it with Hikigaya when she saw that exchange between him and Ichinose. It was like a light bulb went off in her head, and she suddenly understood everything.
"Yukinoshita-san, can I ask… have Class B and Class A already formed an alliance?"
Horikita's sudden question caught everyone off guard. Haruno looked at her with mild surprise, but she didn't bother to hide it. She admitted it openly.
"Yes, we've already teamed up with Ichinose's class."
A lot of people, including Ryuen, quickly realized what that meant. If Class A and Class B were working together, then Haruno had access to the identities of six special candidates. That would explain how she figured out the pattern.
But Hikigaya still felt like something was off. Haruno wouldn't have made her move just based on this. If she was confident enough to bring all the classes together for this discussion, then she had to be holding more cards.
If he were in her position—already working with Ichinose's class—he would at least want control over one more class. Ryuen had a tight grip on Class C, making it almost impossible to plant an insider there. Which meant… the answer had to be Class D.
If that was the case, then everything made sense. From Haruno's perspective, she already had Class B and its ally, Ichinose's class, under her influence. And now, she also had control over Class D.
With those cards in her hand, she could finally reveal her true intentions.
Looking at the current situation, Class C under Ryuen was an unpredictable wild card. They could refuse to cooperate or even betray the agreement. But if that happened, it would still be within Haruno's expectations.
"So, what you're saying is… you and Ichinose not only know the identity of the special candidate in Class C, but you also know who the special candidate is in Class D?"
Horikita's voice was calm, but there was a clear trace of frustration in her tone.
"Take a guess," Haruno said playfully, like a child teasing someone.
That response only made Horikita even more certain—Haruno had already figured out Class D's special candidate.
Which meant that if Haruno wanted, she and Ichinose could completely crush Class C and Class D in this test.
The special exam… was already over.
Everyone in the room finally realized the truth. Haruno had brought them all here under the name of "cooperation," but in reality, this was nothing less than a power play.
Still, there was one thing Horikita couldn't understand—something that confused even Katsuragi.
"I know the question you're all thinking about," Haruno said, smiling as if she could read everyone's minds. "You're wondering, if I already have the advantage to win this test, why would I give it up, right?"
"The reason is simple…"
Haruno's smile grew wider.
"Don't you think the school is being a little… sneaky? They give you this big, shiny reward, but then tell you that you're not allowed to take it. Instead, they expect you to settle for scraps. Doesn't that sound strange?"
"And if they're offering such a tempting reward, then why not try and take it? Instead of wasting time and energy playing by their rules, wouldn't it be more fun… to challenge the system? To give those people up there a big, unexpected surprise?"
The room fell silent.
After hearing Haruno's words, everyone suddenly felt their mouths go dry.
Ishizaki even swallowed nervously, feeling his heartbeat speed up.
Haruno's words had sparked something deep inside them—an urge to rebel.
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