However, things took an unexpected turn.
Kanzaki Ryuji felt trapped in a passive position.
Though Ryuuen had boldly staked himself as collateral in Class B's group, no one knew what he was truly planning.
If he deliberately dragged Class B down—even just slightly—without outright landing them in last place, Kanzaki wouldn't be able to force Ryuuen's expulsion.
Yet, Ryuuen's proposal was the most beneficial for everyone.
Who wouldn't want more rewards?
"Hey, hey, hey, Kanzaki. I've shown so much sincerity—does Class B still not trust me?" Ryuuen shrugged.
"If there's a way to convince you, just say it. Otherwise, this is giving me a headache."
"Given your past actions, it's hard to take your word at face value." Kanzaki replied. "Besides, Class A and Class D haven't given their stance yet. There's no need for me to commit early."
At that moment, Ryuuen finally turned his gaze toward Kaoru and Katsuragi.
"Mitoma, are you scared too?"
Though his tone was mocking, Kaoru could see the wariness in his eyes.
As mentioned earlier, if Class B detected even the slightest sign of trouble, they could nominate Ryuuen for expulsion.
But there was one oversight.
Expulsion was a complicated process—it required the entire large group containing the targeted small group to rank last, and the small group itself had to score below average.
For Class B, the price was too steep.
Meanwhile, Ryuuen only needed to ensure Class B's group didn't take first place.
If he played a few minor tricks during the exam, would Kanzaki really sacrifice himself just to expel Ryuuen?
But—
"Class A will follow this proposal. However, Ryuuen, I want you in our group." Kaoru said indifferently.
"Kanzaki and the others don't have the ability to expel you, but we in Class A do."
Indeed, Class 1-A now had the authority to expel anyone at will, and Ryuuen was the core of Class 1-C.
Taking him down would only be a minor inconvenience for Class 1-A at most.
Ryuuen fell silent for a moment before laughing.
"That's quite the terrifying threat. I didn't realize I held such weight in your minds. Heh, fine—I'll accept your threat!"
Kaoru knew Ryuuen was unaware that he had already discovered his collaboration with Nagumo Miyabi.
Ryuuen probably thought he had the confidence to face this threat head-on.
Even if expulsion became a possibility, would Nagumo really step in to save him?
If that was the case, how exactly would Ryuuen help Nagumo deal with him?
Kaoru didn't doubt the intelligence of either of them.
If they were planning something within the boys' group, he would likely notice quickly.
Moreover, Ryuuen had agreed so readily—meaning he had already anticipated Mitoma's reaction.
So, were they targeting the girls' group instead?
Tonokawa Sosuke and the others hadn't been able to provide much useful information, only mentioning that Nagumo Miyabi had been using his phone to contact someone, though the content remained unknown.
Thinking this, Kaoru spoke up. "Whatever you're planning, no one can afford the astronomical cost of failure."
Ryuuen, believing he understood the implication, smirked. "Relax, I won't do anything."
Kanzaki Ryuji, observing this, felt something was off.
However, Kaoru's move had shouldered the risk for them, leaving him no reason to refuse.
"If Class A agrees, then Class B will join as well."
With that, only Class 1-D remained.
Kaoru glanced over and saw Hirata Yosuke still discussing with his classmates.
It wasn't that Class 1-D refused the proposal—rather, most of the boys wanted to team up with Hirata Yosuke and avoid being assigned to the remaining two groups.
Based on the numbers, each class would have eight students separated from their original groups, with five of them joining the leftover teams.
Though no one outright admitted it, most understood that weeding out potential liabilities early would increase their chances of securing first place.
As a result, the boys of Class 1-D feared that being reassigned might put them at risk of expulsion.
It wasn't that they were stupid—just self-aware.
Take Ike Kanji and Yamauchi Haruki, for example.
After a while, Hirata finally approached Ryuuen, looking somewhat exhausted.
"We've discussed it and agreed to your proposal."
Ryuuen raised an eyebrow, his expression hovering between amusement and mockery, before turning to head back toward his own class.
"I'll send seven people over shortly. You can pick whoever you want."
Seemed he was going to sort out the groups.
Upon returning to Class 1-A's area, Kaoru expected questions about his reasoning, but instead, everyone obediently waited for Katsuragi's arrangements.
"Hah? Me as the leader?"
Totsuka Yahiko pointed at himself, utterly shocked.
"Think of it like the deserted island. The leader doesn't actually have any responsibilities—you're just a figurehead," Kaoru replied.
"Oh… I guess that makes sense."
Totsuka Yahiko scratched his head.
'No, the real reason you were chosen is because you're dumb and blindly loyal to Katsuragi.'
Kaoru didn't voice this thought aloud, instead immediately leading the bewildered Hashimoto away.
"Did Sakayanagi give you any instructions?" Kaoru asked him bluntly.
"Instructions?"
Hashimoto looked puzzled.
"Even if she did, why would I tell you? If that were the case, she might as well have told you directly."
If there were important instructions, there was no way he'd let Kaoru know!
"Good, that puts me at ease. Follow me from now on,"
Kaoru said. "Sakayanagi is no longer someone worth your loyalty."
Hashimoto recalled his own experiences and found it hard to argue, so he simply nodded.
It wasn't until Katsuragi finished selecting his team that Kaoru led him toward other classes—only then did Hashimoto finally react.
"Wait, are you going to join another class's group?"
"No, I'm going to form one."
"..."
When Kanzaki Ryuji and Ryuuen Kakeru saw Kaoru approaching with Hashimoto in tow, their expressions mirrored Hashimoto's earlier confusion and bewilderment.
"Mitoma, what are you up to?"
Ryuuen instinctively tensed, his mind racing.
There was no way he didn't know Nagumo was targeting him—shouldn't he be hiding within his own class's group right now?
"I plan to select a few people to join my group, with me as the leader."
Kaoru glanced at the boys behind him. "Albert, Ishizaki, and Ib—never mind, I'll take these two."
For a moment, he almost mistook Ibuki Mio for a guy—fortunately, she wasn't here.
Ryuuen's face darkened.
Losing two of his subordinates in one go wasn't a big deal in itself, but for some reason, it still irked him.
Annoyed or not, this suggested Kaoru hadn't realized anything—otherwise, he wouldn't have taken his trusted aides.
Was he planning to act as bait, or did he think he already had Ryuuen under his thumb?
Ryuuen couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
Meanwhile, Kaoru walked over to Kanzaki Ryuji's group, gave them a quick once-over, and said.
"Send a few guys over. I won't pick them myself."
What did that mean?
Kanzaki froze for a long moment.
Fortunately, he had always been skilled at reading people.
After a brief consideration, he realized Kaoru was leaving the selection to him—meaning he should choose capable and trustworthy male students to send over.
After all, he was also aware of the situation between Kaoru and Nagumo.
But… did Kaoru really trust him this much?
Kanzaki Ryuji was a little lost.
By then, Kaoru had already arrived at Class 1-D, where Hirata Yosuke had already finalized the group assignments.
Thus, Kaoru's gaze immediately landed on the most conspicuous figures—Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, Kouenji Rosuke, Yukimura Teruhiko, and a few other lone students.
Before Kaoru could even speak, Kouenji Rosuke burst into laughter.
"Long time no see, Mitoma Boy! It seems we're about to share another joyful stretch of time together!"
Kaoru turned his gaze away.
He hadn't said anything yet, but this guy shamelessly sidled up to him—probably nostalgic for that one million yen from before.
Not that Kaoru held any particular dislike for him.
To Kouenji, approaching like this was probably his way of bestowing an honor upon Kaoru.
Just as Kaoru was about to pick his next member, he noticed Ayanokoji quietly retreating behind the others.
Well, that settled it.
No need to deliberate further—he was the one.
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