At noon, as the chime signaling the end of class rang, Sakayanagi calmly picked up the cane resting beside her desk and stood up without any hurry.
"Well then, Masumi-san, Hashimoto-kun, let's go."
Even though she had been at the center of controversy lately, Sakayanagi showed no sign of restraining herself.
Neither the watchful gazes around her nor the accusations from her classmates could shake her in the slightest—her demeanor remained the same as always.
She even went so far as to greet her classmates cheerfully on Monday morning, as if absolutely nothing had happened.
The thickness of her skin was truly remarkable.
"Hey, Sakayanagi… is this okay?"
Kamuro seemed to have something on her mind, but out of concern for their classmates around them, she only spoke halfway.
Sakayanagi, of course, understood her meaning, yet she deliberately played dumb, smiling as she asked, "What are you referring to, Masumi-san?"
"Don't act like you don't know," Kamuro glared at her, clearly annoyed.
"Come on now, Kamuro-chan, you should just give up," Hashimoto interjected with a sigh.
"Once our dear princess decides on something, no one can stop her. Saying more is just a waste of effort."
"Don't drag me into this," Kamuro snapped irritably. "At least let Kito be your bodyguard instead of me. Wouldn't having him around be more reassuring?"
"Hehe, we're not going there to fight, you know? Besides, if it were Kito-kun, that might cause more unnecessary misunderstandings."
"I mean, yeah, but… ugh, will this go smoothly?"
Their destination was not the cafeteria for lunch but rather Class 1-A.
Thanks to Hikigaya's "backstabbing," the rumors now spreading throughout the school focused on the deal he made with Sakayanagi behind the scenes. Hardly anyone was still paying attention to the gossip about Ichinose anymore.
Because of this, Sakayanagi had changed tactics—this time, she planned to launch a frontal assault on Ichinose.
To ensure her victory, she had deliberately chosen the lunch break for this confrontation.
Even though the rumors about Ichinose had died down for now, given her personality, she was likely avoiding the cafeteria to avoid causing trouble for others. Furthermore, Class 1-B, which seemed so united, was unlikely to be wandering around during lunch.
Sakayanagi had precisely calculated these factors before taking action.
However, Kamuro was far from optimistic about this plan.
Even if they publicly exposed the fact that Ichinose had stolen in the past—what if Class 1-A simply didn't care?
Not to mention, Sakayanagi's reputation had already hit rock bottom. Whether anyone would even believe her was another issue altogether.
"You don't need to worry, Masumi-san."
As if reading Kamuro's thoughts, Sakayanagi spoke with unwavering confidence.
"Given Ichinose-san's personality, do you think she would try to deny it once it's revealed? She'll probably be too ashamed to even respond. The fact that she still hasn't reported those rumors to the school proves that she doesn't want anyone to know about this. I just hope she can handle it mentally."
"…Your personality is the worst."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Sakayanagi didn't particularly care if Ichinose ended up broken.
What mattered was—
"This is all just for your little showdown with that Ayanokoji guy, isn't it?" Kamuro sighed, shaking her head helplessly. "Honestly, I don't care what you do. But at this point… don't you think… uh—"
"Feel free to speak your mind, Masumi-san."
"…Don't you think the two of you are turning into a complete joke?"
Kamuro had originally intended to spare her some dignity, but since Sakayanagi had invited her to continue, she decided to just say it outright.
"Especially Ayanokoji. That guy's written apology is still pinned at the top of the school forum, isn't it? If you keep stirring things up like this, I'm worried Hikigaya might pull the same move on you too."
"Cough!"
Hashimoto nearly choked at her words.
If things escalated to that point, Sakayanagi's dignity would be completely shattered—and she would be a laughingstock until graduation.
Most importantly… it felt like Hikigaya would be the type to do something like that.
For a moment, even Hashimoto started to hesitate.
If that happened… he did not want to be dragged into writing an apology alongside her!
Even if it wouldn't cause any real damage, the blow to their reputation—that invisible yet crucial social currency—would be devastating.
"Masumi-san, that's nothing more than unnecessary worry," Sakayanagi responded indifferently. "This time, I intend to defeat Ichinose-san fair and square—no schemes, no lies. There's nothing Hikigaya-kun can do about it. All he can do is stand by and watch."
"…I sure hope so."
Although Sakayanagi seemed utterly confident, Kamuro still couldn't shake her deep sense of unease.
But just as Hashimoto had said—no one could stop her.
And with the leverage Sakayanagi held over her, Kamuro had no choice but to grit her teeth and go along with it.
"By the way, why do you insist on using this method? Wouldn't it be enough to defeat Ichinose's class during the exam?"
"I'm doing this to prove my strength to Ayanokoji-kun. If I don't pique his interest, that person won't go all out."
At this point, Sakayanagi saw no reason to continue hiding Ayanokoji's situation.
After all, that guy was already a well-known figure. Staying under the radar in Class D was no longer possible, and there were always countless eyes watching him.
"So... the result of him going all out is writing a self-reflection essay?" Kamuro asked with a strange expression.
"Heh, let's just say a true man knows when to bend and when to stand tall."
Sakayanagi couldn't help but chuckle. Honestly, she also found the rooftop incident amusing.
On one hand, Ayanokoji had demonstrated his strength—holding his own against four opponents without seeming to exert his full power.
Yet, the outcome was entirely unintended. Not only was he forced into the spotlight, but he also became infamous throughout the entire school… Heh, what a masterpiece.
"One day, I will defeat... Hikigaya-kun." Sakayanagi's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "But before that, I need to defeat Ayanokoji-kun first. I have to settle this matter."
"What 'matter'? Do you have to make it sound so dramatic?"
Kamuro found Sakayanagi's words utterly baffling.
"Why are you so obsessed with Ayanokoji in the first place? Just because he's strong?"
"That's only part of the reason."
"And the rest?"
"Hehe, that's a girl's secret."
No matter what, Sakayanagi wouldn't carelessly reveal anything about White Room.
This was for Kamuro's sake as well. Besides, even if she explained it, Kamuro wouldn't understand.
"In any case, you guys just need to watch from the sidelines later."
As the three of them walked down the hallway, they naturally attracted attention. Curious gazes frequently glanced their way.
Yet, as always, Sakayanagi gracefully leaned on her cane, maintaining an unhurried pace as she arrived at the door of Class A's classroom.
Her composure was contagious, calming both Kamuro and Hashimoto, who suppressed their unease and focused on their roles as bodyguards.
"Sakayanagi, what are you doing here?"
The moment she appeared, Shibata immediately stepped forward, blocking her path.
"You're asking why I'm here?" Sakayanagi smiled slightly. "I've come specifically to save your Class A."
By now, many students had already received the news, and a crowd had gathered in the hallway.
Among them were the three boys from Ayanokoji's group—perfect spectators, as far as Sakayanagi was concerned.
"What is the meaning of this, Sakayanagi-san?"
Ichinose stepped forward to greet her, flanked by two female classmates, both glaring at Sakayanagi with hostility.
It wasn't just them—every student in the class was looking at her with open animosity.
However, despite standing in enemy territory, Sakayanagi relished the atmosphere. She thrived on the thrill of being hated.
"Ichinose-san, what I'm about to say concerns you."
"And what might that be?"
"You recall the past rumors about Ichinose-san possessing an unusually large number of personal points, right? Back then, the school confirmed there was no wrongdoing, and the rumors quickly died down."
This referred to the time when Ayanokoji, under Ryuuen's name, had placed anonymous letters in the mailboxes, accusing Ichinose of collecting points through improper means.
His goal had been to divert Sakayanagi's attention—and it had worked.
"And what of it?"
Before Ichinose could respond, Kanzaki spoke up first.
"Why bring this up again? Are you planning to spread new rumors?"
"No, I'm not the one who spreads rumors."
In response to Kanzaki's accusation, Sakayanagi denied it with a playful smile.
She was amused by their naivety.
If all it took was asking for someone to confess, police work would be a hundred times easier.
"Let's return to the main point," Sakayanagi continued calmly. "This is merely my speculation, but under normal conditions, the ways to legally accumulate a large number of points are quite limited. I believe Ichinose-san has been collecting a fixed amount from her classmates, similar to a bank. Am I wrong?"
"This has nothing to do with you."
"Mm, true, it doesn't concern me. However... if Ichinose-san is indeed managing her class's finances as I suspect, then I believe that is extremely dangerous."
With that, Sakayanagi lifted her gaze, her sharp eyes locking onto Ichinose.
"Am I wrong, Ichinose Honami-san? Please share your thoughts."
"That's—"
Just as Ichinose was about to speak, an unexpected voice rang out from the crowd.
"Mind your own business, you crippled bitch." [T/N: Ichinose's fans-boys are going wild! ☠️]
"...!"
Sakayanagi's expression remained unchanged, but Ichinose turned pale.
"W-Wait! Don't say something so hurtful!"
Ichinose hadn't anticipated this at all. At this moment, she couldn't care about anything else and hurriedly bowed in apology.
"I'm sorry, Sakayanagi-san! My classmate didn't mean it. Please don't take it to heart!"
"You don't need to apologize, Ichinose-san. You weren't the one who said it." Sakayanagi shook her head slightly before continuing, "Now, back to—"
"No one wants to hear a traitor like you talk. Get lost!"
Her words were cut off once again, and this time, she couldn't ignore it.
What made it worse was that the voice was deliberately muffled, making it clear that someone was trying to stir up trouble.
Expressionless, Sakayanagi glanced at the crowd, a hint of scorn curling at the corner of her lips.
"Who was speaking just now?" She asked coolly. "If you have a problem with me, feel free to say it to my face."
"..."
Naturally, no one answered.
Seeing the situation, Sakayanagi smiled and began to mock them.
"Sigh, I really didn't expect this. This is Class A's territory, isn't it? Your home ground. Is there really a need to be so sneaky? Or is this just how Class A operates—always hiding in the shadows, too afraid to show themselves?"
"Hey, Sakayanagi, please don't talk about our class that way." Kanzaki's expression darkened.
"Heh, I'm just stating the truth," Sakayanagi replied.
"Then what about you? Backstabbing your own class to rise to power—if not for that, you wouldn't have become Class B's leader."
For once, Kanzaki stood his ground.
But Sakayanagi showed no sign of guilt or remorse. Instead, she shamelessly declared, "No, that was just a little entertainment. I never took Katsuragi seriously. He's not even worth my time."
"Hmph, bold words."
"The truth is often unpleasant… just like your classmate, Ichinose."
Sakayanagi turned her attention to Ichinose once again.
Initially, she had planned to take her time, slowly cornering Ichinose until she had no choice but to jump off the metaphorical cliff herself.
But now, she had lost interest in dragging it out.
"Just like what was written on those notes—Ichinose Honami from your class is a criminal."
Sakayanagi laughed as if thoroughly enjoying herself.
"Back in middle school, she stole things. And after getting caught, she stopped attending school for a while… Am I right, Ichinose?"
The crowd in the hallway gasped in shock.
Almost everyone's first reaction was disbelief.
However, the students of Class A remained eerily calm—too calm.
Sakayanagi immediately sensed something was off, and an ominous feeling rose in her heart.
At that moment, a sarcastic voice rang out.
"I was wondering what she had to say, but this is it? Sigh, Sakayanagi-san, your information is outdated."
Following this remark, the other Class A students burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, exactly! She's acting like she uncovered some earth-shattering secret."
"And to think Sakayanagi has the nerve to come here and lecture us… Truly, shameless people are invincible."
"Maybe she should apologize to her classmates before criticizing others."
This was supposed to be a serious matter, yet the atmosphere in the classroom was lighthearted and filled with ridicule.
One after another, they took turns mocking Sakayanagi.
"Everyone, stop!" Ichinose shouted. "You shouldn't say such rude things! And you definitely shouldn't treat Sakayanagi-san like a fool!"
"Hey, Ichinose! That way of phrasing it is exactly what makes her sound like a fool!"
"Eh…? Really?!"
Ichinose hurriedly explained that she didn't mean it that way, even turning to apologize to Sakayanagi.
Her delayed realization only made the laughter grow louder.
However, not everyone found it funny.
Bang!
A sharp sound echoed through the room.
Sakayanagi, her face like frost, had struck the floor with her cane, her fury barely contained.
"Looks like I was too late… Ichinose, when did you confess everything to Class A?"
"I—"
"Sakayanagi," Kanzaki interrupted before Ichinose could answer, "our class has made it clear many times already. This has nothing to do with you. Please leave now."
"Is this how Class A treats guests?"
"You don't count as a guest."
Even after such blatant rejection, Sakayanagi refused to back down. She was determined to press the issue.
"Since everyone in Class A already knows, I'll skip the formalities. But you should understand—no matter the reason, theft is still theft. There's no room for sympathy."
Her voice was louder than usual as if trying to drown out Ichinose.
"The fact remains that Ichinose committed a crime. So, I wonder… if your class ever falls from Class A, will she resort to stealing your points just before graduation?"
"…Sakayanagi-san, thank you for your concern. If my actions have caused you to worry, then that's my responsibility."
Ichinose met Sakayanagi's gaze and sincerely expressed her gratitude.
Then, she continued, "But what you're worried about will never happen. I could never do something like that."
"Is that so?" Sakayanagi nodded. "After all, you're a smart girl. You wouldn't use such a crude method. But what about manipulating your classmates' goodwill? Using your reputation to gain sympathy so they willingly let you join Class A?"
"That's impossible too. If even one person objects, it wouldn't work."
"That's not necessarily true. Your class isn't united—it just follows the mood."
Sakayanagi struck at the core issue.
"In other words, if the majority falls for your influence, the remaining students would be pressured into agreeing. That's hardly voluntary."
Yet, Ichinose didn't hesitate in her response.
"I understand your concern, but we've already accounted for that." Her tone was unwavering.
"So, Sakayanagi-san, you don't have to worry. Our class has implemented a new system to prevent such situations. But that's our internal matter, so I can't share any more details. I hope you understand."
Last Friday at karaoke, Ichinose had not only revealed her past to her classmates but also explained how Ryuuen had scammed her out of two million points.
Although her classmates forgave her without hesitation, Ichinose insisted on establishing new rules.
Simply put, they had spent points to apply for a special account through the school.
Every student in the class could check this account's transaction history at any time. Moreover, any significant expenses required unanimous approval from everyone, and the process was completely anonymous.
Ichinose, well aware that her past wrongdoing couldn't be erased, had originally intended to let someone else manage the account.
However, her classmates understood that she had her reasons for stealing—she had simply been momentarily blinded by impulse. Over the past year, Ichinose's actions had won everyone over, and they were all willing to give her another chance.
Of course, this was strictly an internal matter for Class A. No one had any intention of informing Sakayanagi.
And that was precisely why Sakayanagi was beginning to grow frustrated.
"I never expected Honami Ichinose to be this kind of person. Are you saying that you won't return their personal points, nor will you step down from your leadership position? Is that it?"
"Yes, that's exactly what I intend to do." Ichinose admitted without hesitation.
"Heh… Have you ever heard of the word 'shameless'?"
"That's not for you to decide, Sakayanagi-san."
Ichinose met her classmates' gazes with a bright smile.
"Everyone, I admit that I've stolen before, and I am indeed shameless. But… will you continue to follow me?"
"Of course!"
Without the slightest hesitation, the students of Class A responded in unanimous support.
And, unsurprisingly, their voices were accompanied by sneers directed at someone else.
"Come to think of it, shouldn't we get rid of Sakayanagi first?"
"Yeah, what is she even doing here? She hasn't even explained her own mess yet."
"She's the real shameless one."
From a young age, Sakayanagi had been hailed as a genius—she had likely never been subjected to such ridicule before.
But this was her own doing. Like a line of dominoes toppling one after another, everything stemmed from the fact that she had caused her own downfall from Class A.
If she had remained in Class A, she might still have commanded some degree of respect.
But Sakayanagi, who had once fallen to Class C, was now nothing more than a clown in their eyes.
"Hey, Sakayanagi… let's just leave."
Kamuro lightly tugged at her sleeve from behind, signaling that staying here any longer would only bring more humiliation.
However, Sakayanagi seemed completely unfazed.
Instead, she suddenly started laughing.
"Hehehe… Hahahahaha."
Her laughter went on for quite a while—almost as if it didn't match her lung capacity.
"I see… So you've successfully deceived your classmates. But remember this—the past of a criminal never truly disappears. No matter what you do, rumors about you will continue to spread."
"Mhm, I don't intend to run away from this anymore."
Ichinose stood her ground without a trace of hesitation, meeting Sakayanagi's attack head-on.
Her resolute stance filled the Class A students with pride.
Unlike a certain despicable individual, this was the leader they truly believed in!
"Very well then. In that case, allow me to completely crush your class."
Sakayanagi declared war with an unwavering smile.
"Don't get ahead of yourself." Kanzaki spoke calmly. "Our class won't be so easily defeated. And as for your betrayal of your own class… I'm sure that rumor will spread just as widely throughout the school. At least until I graduate."
"Heh… Then bring it on."
Watching the fierce confrontation between the two, Ichinose suddenly felt something strange.
For some reason… Kanzaki seemed a little different?
Just as she was puzzling over this, there was a sudden, firm knock on the classroom door.
"Excuse me, coming through… Wow, there are a lot of people here."
"Huh? Hikigaya-kun? What are you doing here?"
The newcomer was none other than Hikigaya. He had just returned from the student council and had been heading to Class A to discuss something—only to find a crowd blocking the entrance.
However, upon spotting Sakayanagi among them, he could more or less piece together what had happened.
"Since you're all here, I might as well make this announcement now."
Hikigaya raised the document in his hand.
"The student council has received multiple anonymous reports from Class A students. Due to the recent wave of rumors severely affecting their school life, the student council has decided to officially investigate the matter. I'll be in charge of getting to the bottom of it."