"You seem quite interested in this person?"
Watching Natsuki Subaru's departing figure, the long-haired girl who had been standing behind Arisu Sakayanagi asked with a hint of confusion, "Just because he observed the academy a little?"
"You weren't this serious about Kohei Katsuragi."
The long-haired girl didn't quite understand.
Based on the brief exchange just now, she had already noticed that Arisu Sakayanagi's attitude was exceptionally serious.
At the very least, when facing the leader of the other faction in Year 1, Class A, Arisu Sakayanagi had not shown such a serious attitude, instead treating him as casually as a toy.
"Observation?"
"Kamuro Masumi-chan, it seems you haven't grasped the underlying rules of this school."
Arisu Sakayanagi's voice held a hint of playfulness as she said, "Whether it was what the homeroom teacher said earlier, or the student council president's speech at the entrance ceremony, they've always been emphasizing this school's rule—the four words 'meritocracy'."
"It's quite obvious that Natsuki Subaru-san is a person who possesses merit."
Slowly turning around, a strange light flickered in Arisu Sakayanagi's eyes.
"As for my attitude toward Kohei Katsuragi-san…"
Arisu Sakayanagi lightly tapped the dragon head of her cane with her fingertip, feigning contemplation, and said, "Katsuragi-san is not an incompetent man. He has a steady personality, acts with caution, and is full of responsibility."
"If this were an ordinary school, without the so-called 'meritocracy', Katsuragi-san would undoubtedly be qualified, even exemplary."
At first listen, Arisu Sakayanagi's tone sounded like an affirmation.
Unfortunately, the overly clear analysis itself carried a condescending sense of scrutiny.
"Regrettably, here at the Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, just that is not enough."
"Katsuragi-san is good at maintaining the status quo, but lacks initiative. When faced with the fangs of a beast, he'll suffer a great loss, you know~"
"And Natsuki Subaru-san might just be that beast, possessing sharp fangs that can tear through anything. Who knows."
"…"
Masumi Kamuro was left speechless by Arisu Sakayanagi's cryptic, riddler-like demeanor.
To be honest, although she had only just been coerced into becoming Arisu Sakayanagi's 'underling' today, Masumi Kamuro was already thoroughly fed up with this riddle-like way of speaking.
She would take something that could be said in a few simple sentences and turn it into a long, winding speech.
"Perhaps I got a little excited seeing a good hunt, so I said a bit too much."
"Kamuro, let's go back to the classroom. There's still some business we haven't taken care of with our classmates~"
Seeing Masumi Kamuro's speechless expression, Arisu Sakayanagi smiled and said, "You'll know in a bit why I would call Natsuki Subaru-san a beast who might possess the sharp fangs to tear through anything."
With that, Arisu Sakayanagi paid Masumi Kamuro no more mind, leaning on her cane and leisurely walking toward Year 1, Class A.
...
At the entrance of Year 1, Class B.
Natsuki Subaru glanced at the harmonious atmosphere inside the classroom, then knocked on the door, drawing everyone's attention.
"Um, excuse me…"
A petite-looking girl sitting near the door asked with confusion, "You're from another class, right? Is there something you need from our class?"
"Yes."
"Your class should have already decided on a leader, right?"
Natsuki Subaru nodded and said with a direct smile, "I'm Natsuki Subaru from Year 1, Class D. I've come here this time because I have something very important to discuss privately with the leader of Year 1, Class B."
"A private conversation?"
After hearing Natsuki Subaru's words, the petite girl froze for a moment, then stared at him with some vigilance, saying nothing.
After all, the leader of Year 1, Class B was very beautiful. For Natsuki Subaru to come over at this time and ask for a private conversation, it was hard not to misunderstand his intentions.
"Hello, Natsuki Subaru-san."
"I'm the class representative of Year 1, Class B, Honami Ichinose."
Before Natsuki Subaru could say more, a girl from not far away—the very core of the class he had observed earlier—stood up, came before him, and said with a smile, "The term 'leader' might be a bit too serious."
"However, if Natsuki Subaru-san truly has something important to discuss, the vice representative and I can represent everyone to a certain extent. Of course, if it isn't something that must be kept secret, we will discuss it with our classmates afterward."
Honami Ichinose's gaze was frank and clear.
To be honest, if it weren't for the lack of that 'genuine article' feeling, and judging solely by Natsuki Subaru's own life experience, Honami Ichinose's performance was no weaker than Hiyori Shiina's from the library yesterday.
But it was a great pity that, based on their current contact, Natsuki Subaru couldn't yet feel the captivating aura of a 'genuine article' from Honami Ichinose.
This feeling wasn't derived from Natsuki Subaru's experience or knowledge, but was more of an esoteric sense.
The most direct manifestation was that someone could appear indistinguishable from a 'genuine article'—at least, Subaru's rational mind and experience couldn't tell them apart—yet they would still appear gray in his eyes, whereas someone like Ram possessed a true color.
Honami Ichinose, right now, looked a bit like a genuine article, but in reality, had nothing to do with it.
Her potential was still quite good, though.
For a character like this, Natsuki Subaru could afford a little more patience.
In terms of patience-weighting, she was probably just a tiny bit less than Kikyō Kushida, who was 'one of his kind'.
After all, even characters who merely looked like a genuine article were rare, and Natsuki Subaru hadn't met many.
At the same time, the vice representative from the other side of the classroom hurried over, standing beside Honami Ichinose.
"Hello, Natsuki Subaru-san."
"I am the vice representative of Year 1, Class B, Ryuuji Kanzaki."
Ryuuji Kanzaki came from a financial conglomerate.
Although he wasn't good at socializing and didn't like speaking in front of crowds, given the situation, his past experience in the conglomerate forced Ryuuji Kanzaki to step forward.
After all, Natsuki Subaru's formal visit was essentially an inter-class negotiation.
"Alright."
"Ichinose-san, and Kanzaki-san, let's find a quieter place to talk."
Natsuki Subaru looked at the seemingly nervous Ryuuji Kanzaki and smiled.
"I guarantee it will be more than worth your while."
With that, Natsuki Subaru turned and walked out of the classroom.
Honami Ichinose and Ryuuji Kanzaki glanced at each other and quickly followed.
As for the remaining students of Year 1, Class B, they began to chat amongst themselves in the classroom, curious about Natsuki Subaru's sudden formal visit.
___
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