Crossover: After deciding to give up, i became popular

Friday, the final day before the temporary dissolution of the current student council.

With the elections scheduled for Monday, the so-called "dissolution" was more of a two-day break for the members to regroup and prepare.

After all, Kanade Natsukawa wasn't going to lose. He had the principles of victory firmly in his grasp.

Although he had been busy with administrative work and avoided public appearances, his subordinates had taken the spotlight. Clubs, faculty offices, classrooms—anywhere with people, the student council left its mark, spreading his campaign influence.

That said, their efforts mainly involved mingling with first-years and teachers to build familiarity. Kanade disdained underhanded tactics, but he didn't mind subtle psychological nudges. The only problem was the cringe of distributing flyers with his own face on them—which he promptly delegated to others.

Interestingly, Isshiki Iroha, the auxiliary member, had joined in on these activities, handing out "enemy" flyers for Kanade's campaign. Meanwhile, she had done nothing to promote herself.

According to Kaguya's reports, Iroha had a professional PR team supporting her, but they had recently gone quiet.

Are they afraid of getting caught? Kanade wondered.

He suspected this team was composed of anti-Kanade factions seeking to unseat him, yet their inactivity in such a prime moment raised suspicions of a larger scheme.

Then again, even the grandest plots would crumble against overwhelming strength. Kanade dismissed the matter as unworthy of concern.

The campus forums, a crucial battleground for student opinions, were under his campaign's control. No significant opposition had emerged publicly, and even one of his rival candidates was now working alongside him in the student council, almost as if to stage a performance of "Your Majesty, why surrender first?"

All of this made Kanade question why he'd been so cautious.

It felt like preparing for a decisive knockout in a boxing match, only for his opponent to suddenly raise a white flag.

What a buzzkill. What is this, France?

With the election seemingly secure, Kanade's next priority was finding someone to deliver the endorsement speech.

Last time, he had asked Kaguya Shinomiya, and she had done well. This time, she was the logical choice again. However, she had seemed out of sorts lately, leaving Kanade unsure if she'd accept.

Perhaps Fujiwara Chika would be better?

Kanade tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, weighing the pros and cons.

Fujiwara came from a politically influential family and, by osmosis, likely had some familiarity with such matters. However, her personality was… unique. Trusting her to handle something as important as a speech required a leap of faith.

Fortunately, the speech didn't need to be extraordinary—just solid enough to convey the message. Popularity and leadership were more important, and Fujiwara possessed both in spades. While she often played the fool in the student council, her charisma on campus was undeniable.

Moreover, everyone already knew Kaguya was firmly in his camp. Her absence wouldn't sway her supporters. Combining Fujiwara's appeal with a portion of Kanade's own loyalists would ensure an easy win.

Decision made, Kanade picked up his phone and contacted Fujiwara.

Soon, she arrived, her face beaming. "Yahallo! What's up, President? I was busy studying insects!"

She even pulled out a magnifying glass for dramatic effect.

Kanade glanced at her, thinking, She really knows how to enjoy herself, before motioning for her to sit on the sofa.

"Let me get straight to the point: I'd like you to deliver the endorsement speech next week," Kanade said bluntly.

When dealing with Fujiwara, directness was key. Beating around the bush risked getting ensnared in her chaotic thought patterns and losing control of the conversation entirely.

"An endorsement speech?" Fujiwara tilted her head, feigning confusion. "Didn't Kaguya agree to help you?"

"?" Kanade raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the mention of Kaguya. He answered truthfully, "I haven't asked Kaguya. I came straight to you."

Fujiwara's eyes widened in exaggerated shock before she let out a giggle, only to switch to a serious expression moments later. Her rapid-fire emoting left Kanade momentarily stunned.

Did she study face-changing opera or something?

"Nope, not happening!" Fujiwara declared, shaking her head. "You need to ask Kaguya for this!"

"Why? Don't tell me you're not up to the task?" Kanade asked, his suspicion piqued. He hadn't expected Fujiwara to refuse.

"Of course I can do it! I'm amazing at speeches! But this kind of thing is Kaguya's job—she's the Vice President!"

"There's no rule saying the Vice President has to give the speech. I think you're well-suited for it," Kanade countered, though silently adding, If only you could stay serious for more than a minute.

"Oh, President, you just don't get it. Trust me, you have to ask Kaguya for this," Fujiwara said, humming smugly.

Before Kanade could argue further, she activated her innate feminine wiles. "Anyway, it's decided! And as compensation for not asking me, you owe me ramen next time!"

"Ramen? Again? Is it really that good—wait, no, this isn't about ramen! You're the one refusing to help!" Kanade protested, realizing too late he'd fallen into her trap.

"Too bad! It's a girl's prerogative! Now go contact Kaguya! I'm off to study bugs again!" Fujiwara teased, sticking her tongue out before dashing away, leaving Kanade with no chance to persuade her.

"…Fine, I'll contact Kaguya," Kanade muttered, massaging his temples in frustration.

As unreliable as Fujiwara was, he hadn't expected her to pass the responsibility to Kaguya. Now he couldn't shake the nagging worry—what if Kaguya refused too?

Surely not… No way it's "An enemy at Honnō-ji," right?

Notes-Read advances chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X, i have finished uploading the whole series in patreon, a total of 274 chapters you can find it in the collections, thanks for supporting me and special thanks to all the patrons for joining