COTE : Backed By Black Technology System

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Ichinose quickly changed the subject.

"Actually, we're here to discuss a potential collaboration."

A collaboration? Between Class B and Class D? So, that girl with purple hair must be from Class B.

"I see. Then we won't interrupt. We'll take our leave."

Kanda Shuichi's reaction was smooth and effortless, showing no attachment at all. Though Ichinose Honami was a beauty, he already had two girls with him. Two!

"Wait a moment, Kanda, would you like to listen in as well?"

"No, thanks. I'm not interested in class competition." Kanda Shuichi waved his hand dismissively. "Plus, we have someone who's not comfortable around strangers."

He glanced at Sakura Airi, who was already hiding behind Kushida.

"Alright then."

Ichinose noticed Sakura Airi and was reminded of Shiranami Chihiro at the start of the semester, also bad at socializing.

"By the way, does Hirata know about this? If not, I suggest inviting him over. He'd definitely be willing to hear what you have to say."

Hearing this, Horikita frowned, feeling a bit uncomfortable. *I'm the one who brought these allies. Why call him over?*

"Alright, let's invite Hirata then."

But Ichinose understood what Kanda Shuichi was implying: Hirata was the real leader of Class D, not Horikita.

At the very least, Kanda Shuichi was closer to Hirata than to Horikita. And Ichinose, who had initially come to speak with Kanda Shuichi, accepted his suggestion without question. Although she knew that bringing Hirata might not change the outcome, she decided to wait a little longer.

As for Kanda Shuichi, he felt no obligation to help Horikita Suzune. He'd only helped Sudou deal with Class C's accusations as a favor. If Horikita wanted Kanda Shuichi's support, she needed to show her own worth—like during the midterms.

Back then, Horikita had organized a study group, proving her value, and Kanda Shuichi had gotten test questions from Hashibara-senpai to help her. But since then, Horikita hadn't made any moves, and she still refused to integrate with the class, so Kanda Shuichi had stopped supporting her.

While Kanda Shuichi didn't mind helping Class D reach Class A, he didn't want to exhaust himself in the process, so he had no interest in joining this secret alliance. He believed that simply boosting one person's power without moral restraint would only lead to chaos.

So he was always considering how, whenever he had the chance, he would clean out the unneeded troublemakers in his class.

The reason for keeping Yamauchi around before was to use him to unify the class. Once that's mostly done, Kanda Shuichi won't hesitate to kick him out.

But Hirata might not agree with this plan, which could make things tricky. That's why he chose to push Horikita Suzune forward to act as a scapegoat.

"I'd never do something that would make people hate me," Kanda Shuichi thought. "It's all Horikita Suzune's doing." Because of this, he decided to remind Ichinose and the others to bring Hirata over.

He knew that if Hirata saw Horikita Suzune, who was willing to help the class reach Class A, he would hand over his authority to her without hesitation, and an alliance with Class B would go smoothly.

Then, when they faced an exam where they had to sacrifice someone to pass, Hirata wouldn't be able to abandon the weaker students. He'd leave it to Horikita Suzune and hope she wouldn't disappoint.

Meanwhile, Kanda Shuichi could just enjoy his school life without getting involved.

Enjoying school life was what he wanted. As for raising Class D to Class A, that was just something extra. With a system offering high freedom (meaning no forced tasks), Kanda Shuichi didn't need to worry about his future.

After saying goodbye to Horikita and the others, Kanda Shuichi left with Kushida and Sakura.

"Are you really not interested in reaching Class A, Kanda?" Kushida asked curiously once they were out of earshot.

"Yeah. What's the point of putting in so much effort? It's exhausting," Kanda Shuichi replied nonchalantly. "I don't hate people who work hard, but personally, I can't stand it. I'm happy with my life right now, so if Horikita wants to aim for Class A, she can go ahead."

"Are you really not going to help her?" Kushida asked, pressing for the answer she was most curious about. But Kanda Shuichi's response wasn't what she wanted.

"We'll see how I feel."

See how he feels? I was going to treat you to lunch! Now you can pay for yourself! 

Kushida, not getting the answer she wanted, was clearly a bit annoyed, filled with frustration.

So, when it was time for lunch, Kanda Shuichi ended up paying with his own points.

Since it was hot, all three of them just had a light meal. After eating, they prepared to go their separate ways.

"Oh, and don't call me tomorrow when you go to get the camera fixed. I've walked so much today I'm exhausted," Kanda Shuichi stretched and let out a long breath.

It may not have seemed like a lot of activity, but don't forget—it was hot, so he used up more energy than usual.

"But I think Kanda should really work on his fitness," Kushida said with a bright smile.

"I don't need your opinion—I'll go with mine," Kanda Shuichi brushed off Kushida's comment. "Honestly, I think Sakura should be the one getting out more."

"Huh? Me?"

Sakura, surprised to be mentioned, nervously adjusted the strap of her bag across her chest.

Seeing her reaction, Kushida glanced down at her own chest, then quietly turned away, lowering her head.

I can't laugh, but I really want to!

Kanda Shuichi held back a chuckle, thinking, *It's okay, Kushida, yours are plenty big!*

After silently reassuring her in his mind, Kanda Shuichi waved goodbye to the two and walked off alone.

As he walked, Kanda Shuichi thought about what Kushida had said. Maybe he really should start working out—not to the level of Sudou or Koenji, but at least so he wouldn't be weaker than guys like Ike or Yamauchi.

So yeah, maybe it's time to start working out. The main reasons he hadn't so far were his laziness and the fact that he wasn't very physically strong.

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