As soon as Amane spoke, she realized her question was a bit foolish.
How could Ichinose, who was being verbally attacked by everyone, be doing well? Her current haggard appearance clearly showed the immense pressure Ichinose had endured in just half a day.
But with Ichinose's personality, how could she say anything that would make others worry?
So, Ichinose's answer would most likely be… "I'm fine. Although some people sent me messages that made me feel bad, many are willing to accept such a dirty me… I… I'm also very happy."
Ichinose's eyes couldn't help but well up, and realizing her lapse, she quickly raised a hand to wipe away the tears from her eyes.
"Sigh, you won't last long like this. Nagumo can't help you quell this public opinion storm."
Amane sighed heavily. She couldn't intervene in such a matter, because from Ichinose's current attitude, it was highly likely that the rumors were true. If so, the Student Council's clarification announcement would become the final straw that broke Ichinose.
"I know the Student Council's help is very limited, but since things have come to this, I don't know what else to do."
Ichinose forced a smile.
The current situation was that various versions of rumors were flying around, but the original version of the news turned out to be true, which made subsequent rumors very difficult to debunk.
Because the premise of debunking a rumor is to first make your own affairs public.
At that time, it would only lead to more people discussing the matter.
In this incident, anything Ichinose did was futile. The only way to quell public opinion was to drag it out, waiting for time to erase everyone's memories.
But Nagumo Miyabi's investigation announcement at that time would surely leave a mark on the school's history.
"Is there anything I can help with?"
Amane could only see if Ichinose needed other help. If it was within her power, she wouldn't mind doing her best to help Ichinose through this difficult time.
"It's alright, I don't need help at the moment, but…"
Ichinose's hesitant manner clearly indicated she had something difficult to ask Amane.
"But what?"
"But this whole thing is very strange, because I only told Shiraha-san about it."
Ichinose's words made Amane's eyelids twitch violently.
Normally, she might have been happy to find a clue so quickly, but when the most likely suspect turned out to be Shiraha Chihiro, Amane couldn't be happy at all.
Shiraha had already been expelled, which was an undeniable fact.
How could an expelled person spread information so widely? Surely Shiraha couldn't have revealed secrets to everyone in their dreams, could she? That would be too far-fetched.
Seeing things suddenly develop in an even stranger direction, Amane quickly shook her head vigorously, trying to forget those unrealistic thoughts.
"So, Shiraha might have told someone about this before her expulsion, right?"
Excluding that somewhat strange idea, it was understandable that Shiraha, in retaliation for Ichinose failing to keep her, would tell Ichinose's most private matter to Ichinose's enemies.
So, to whom would Shiraha confide such a thing in her final moments?
The first choice should have been Amane, because at that time, Class B and Class D were at odds, and if Amane held such evidence, she could easily control Class B.
But Shiraha didn't choose Amane.
That left Class C and Classmate Shibata as her potential collaborators. Among these two, Ryuuen's performance when facing Amane wasn't great. Shiraha, out of trust, would most likely tell this important secret to Classmate Shibata.
Everything seemed to fall into place so naturally, but… would it really be that simple? Would Classmate Shibata really make such a self-destructive move at a critical moment?
"I plan to talk to Classmate Shibata."
Amane tentatively asked Ichinose, wanting to know Ichinose's attitude towards Classmate Shibata, her challenger. With Ichinose's intelligence, she should have guessed that Classmate Shibata had the highest possibility. In such a situation, would Ichinose really not harbor any resentment?
"Amane, you're just going to talk to Classmate Shibata, right?"
Ichinose looked at Amane, her gaze filled with pleading and worry.
It seemed she had guessed wrong this time. Ichinose was still Ichinose, but Classmate Shibata might not be the same Classmate Shibata.
If it really was Classmate Shibata's doing, it would only mean that Classmate Shibata was starting down another extreme path, a ruthless and dirty path. For her own safety, Amane believed that if Classmate Shibata truly began to ruthlessly attack Ichinose to become a class leader, she would need to purge Classmate Shibata.
Amane gave Ichinose a helpless look. She knew what Ichinose wanted to say, but she couldn't give a hundred percent guarantee.
"I'll try my best not to use violence."
"Can't you absolutely not use violence? Class B is like a lone boat in a stormy night; it can't withstand any more turmoil. In my current state, I can't possibly lead them through the upcoming exams. If we lose Classmate Shibata too…"
Ichinose stood up and grabbed Amane's hand.
"Amane, I'm begging you, please don't let the conversation with Classmate Shibata escalate into violence, okay? If it's you, you can definitely do it."
Ichinose's words were completely correct. If this incident couldn't be resolved tonight, once the favored person list was chosen, Class B would have no time to regroup. Ichinose in her current state clearly couldn't lead Class B, and if Classmate Shibata were injured again, the results of this exam would ensure Class B could never recover.
"Don't worry, I'm just going to understand the situation."
Amane gently squeezed Ichinose's small hand, then turned and left.
She ultimately chose to comfort Ichinose but didn't agree to Ichinose's request.
She never gave up the option of using violence at any time.
Because violence can make those foolish people actively try to reason with you.
When Amane found Classmate Shibata, he was alone in the cafeteria, drinking coffee.
At this time, very few people came to the cafeteria.
Classmate Shibata had chosen a window seat, essentially having the place to himself.
Classmate Shibata, who was already in a bad mood, looked even more sullen when he saw Amane.
Before Amane could even sit down with her milk, he questioned her upfront.
"Miyako-san, don't you think your methods are too despicable? Even if Ichinose and I are rivals, I don't want her to be defeated like this. Your actions are simply an insult to me!"
Classmate Shibata suppressed his voice, a furious growl squeezed from his throat, sounding like a beast roaring.
The next second, cold milk splashed all over his face.
"Are you calmer now?"
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