"Come with me."
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka was adjusting his uniform in front of a mirror when he heard the low voice of the man behind him.
From the mirror, he could see the man's reflection. At some point, he had grown tall enough to match him in height. He tightened the knot of his tie, turned around, and lowered his head to listen respectfully.
It had been a full year and a half since he last stepped out of this pure white room. Following behind his father—both by law and by blood—Ayanokouji walked for nearly five minutes before they once again pushed open the grand doors of the facility.
The long-lost sight of the blue sky was almost blinding. Ayanokouji squinted slightly as his breathing quickened.
It was the end of March, and though it was technically early spring, the morning air still carried a chill. The White Room was nestled deep within the mountains, surrounded by lush greenery. Dew glistened on leaf veins, slowly trickling down. A rainstorm had passed the night before, leaving the air fresh with the scent of vegetation and a faint earthy aroma.
Ayanokouji didn't dislike the smell of nature. Compared to the sterile, colorless interior of the White Room—where the walls, ceiling, and floors were painted a clinical white—this vibrant greenery stirred something in him. It had been a long time since he felt this kind of liveliness.
"Listen."
The man turned to him. Staring at the young man who now stood almost eye-to-eye with him, he began:
"Let me ask you something."
"Why does Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School boast nearly a 100% college placement and employment rate for its graduates?"
"Because that statistic only includes the graduates from Class A of each grade."
Ayanokouji replied swiftly.
He had already noticed parts of the school's rules during the cultural festival. Judging by how Classes B, C, and D all worked together to undermine Class A, it was clear that Class A was on a pedestal—a level apart from the others. It wasn't hard to infer that the school's preferential treatment and superior resources were likely reserved for Class A alone.
"Why Class A?"
"Because Class A... is stronger. They're the final victors, chosen through competition among the four classes."
The man didn't like that vague answer. He glared sharply at Ayanokouji and spoke, emphasizing each word:
"What if I told you that students are already divided into Classes A through D from the very beginning, upon admission?"
"What's the criteria? What determines who gets placed in Class A?"
"Academic ability? Intelligence? Athletic skill?"
"Those are factors, yes, but they're not the key."
The man slowly revealed the essence of the school.
"I've interacted with many graduates from Class A at that school."
"They're all different in personality, yet they share one vital trait:"
"Extreme self-discipline and exceptional obedience to authority."
"Class A students are ideal subordinates. While most high schoolers are plagued by egocentrism, Class A students are the opposite. They embody de-centralized thinking."
"Self-discipline, loyalty to superiors, and de-centralized ego—those are the traits of adults who fit seamlessly into society."
"That's the real reason why Class A graduates uphold the myth of 100% employment and college admission."
"With that kind of ability, even a pig could teach them, and they'd still succeed."
He clapped Ayanokouji on the shoulder.
"You understand what I mean."
Then, for the first time, he called him by name:
"Kiyotaka, I raised you so that one day, you would become a leader who propels society forward. Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School is only your first step."
"I understand."
Ayanokouji bowed politely, opened the door to the waiting car, and got in.
The stark white building and the man standing before it slowly disappeared from his view.
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"Ayanokouji-kun, please come in."
Upon lightly knocking on the door to the reception room, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka heard a calm yet commanding voice from inside.
Pushing open the heavy door, the first thing that came into view was a man in his forties sitting on a sofa. Beside him sat another middle-aged man of similar age.
Ayanokouji recognized the name of the man on the right—Sakayanagi, the chairman of Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School.
"Chairman Sakayanagi."
He nodded politely but didn't sit down immediately.
"Ayanokouji-kun, I'm Tsukishiro."
The other man introduced himself with a smile. From his tone and demeanor, Ayanokouji quickly surmised that he must be one of his father's people.
"Tsukishiro-san."
"Please, have a seat and rest for a bit. Kitagawa-kun should arrive shortly."
Chairman Sakayanagi poured hot water into a cup from a kettle on the table and gently slid it toward Ayanokouji.
"I actually knew your father quite well back in the day. Truth be told, I used to call him teacher."
"I see."
Ayanokouji took a cautious sip of the tea, his eyes scanning the layout of the room. Regardless of how amicable Sakayanagi appeared, he was still on a fundamentally different side. Judging by recent developments, the next person targeted by that man might very well be the chairman himself.
"Actually, I've seen you many times before, Ayanokouji-kun. Though only through glass windows."
The man continued his small talk, but Ayanokouji used the opportunity to extract information before Kitagawa arrived.
"Chairman Sakayanagi, what I'm more curious about is the matter of class placement."
His golden eyes carried a trace of pressure.
"Specifically, the class assignments for me and Kitagawa."
"Don't deflect. I know full well that there are real differences in strength between the classes."
He pointed to a chess set on the table.
"A match is only fair when both sides acknowledge the game."
"No need to be so hasty, Ayanokouji-kun. The reason I called both of you here today is precisely to discuss this matter."
Just as the chairman was about to explain, the door opened again.
Ayanokouji shifted his gaze. Standing there was his long-awaited rival.
Kitagawa Ryo.
"Looks like someone beat me here."
"Chairman Sakayanagi, who is this?"
"I'm Tsukishiro. Don't mind me."
Tsukishiro smiled and tactfully removed himself from the spotlight.
Kitagawa casually closed the door and sat on the opposite sofa, pouring himself a cup of tea.
"Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, long time no see."
"Have we met before?"
"Weren't you tailing me during the last cultural festival?"
"So you noticed."
Ayanokouji nodded. From the moment Kitagawa entered, his instincts sharpened. His training in the White Room alerted him that Kitagawa's physical capabilities had grown significantly.
If White Room trainees were scored at 5, 10, or even 20, Ayanokouji had always been a 100. It had been a long time since he felt this kind of danger from someone his age.
"Alright, alright. There's a lot on the agenda today. We don't have time for you two to bicker."
Chairman Sakayanagi clapped his hands. He knew very well that this would be the most unusual cohort in the school's history, with many unseen eyes watching through hidden cameras.
Some hoped for Ayanokouji's victory to revive a legacy; others sought his failure for personal gain.
To avoid outside interference, it had been decided that the final stage would take place within the sealed environment of Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School.
"Just now, Ayanokouji-kun brought up the issue of class assignments. Kitagawa-kun, any thoughts?"
"Before I share mine, I'm more curious about the school's intentions."
Kitagawa wasn't particularly concerned about which class he'd be placed in. Class assignments only affected the opening game—anything could happen in the next three years. In Karuizawa Kei's second simulation, he had taken Class C to Class B in just over one semester and nearly reached Class A.
If the special exams in the first semester remained unchanged, then Kitagawa now held an advantage in information.
That's why he deferred to the school's arrangements.
"What about you, Ayanokouji-kun?"
Ayanokouji glanced at Tsukishiro, who nodded.
"Let's hear your plan first."
He didn't know how much Kitagawa knew about the school. Even if Sakayanagi was aligned with Kitagawa, it was unlikely he would expose all the school's secrets.
A fair match required shared knowledge.
If Kitagawa had obtained any unfair information, the White Room's master wouldn't allow it. Tsukishiro's presence served partially as a monitor.
With confirmation from both students, Chairman Sakayanagi nodded and explained:
"Our school typically evaluates all middle school students nationwide and only accepts those deemed 'fit to belong.' Interviews and entrance exams are merely formalities.
Even if a student scores zero or acts out during the process, they'll still be admitted if pre-approved. Applications from others are filtered out during this stage."
"Then, students are assigned to Class A through D based on comprehensive evaluations. I won't go into the internal metrics."
"In theory, there is a real gap between these classes."
"The most equitable method would be placing you both in the same class and comparing performance. But this is neither intuitive nor easily quantifiable."
"Thus, the school intends to place you in separate classes. Whoever leads their class to Class A after three years will be the victor. This aligns with our institution's philosophy."
He took a sip of tea, watching their reactions.
Kitagawa remained relaxed; Ayanokouji, expressionless.
"I agree to being placed in a different class than Ayanokouji."
"I have no objections either."
"However," the chairman continued, "this raises a new issue. The class tiers differ significantly, making the starting point uneven.
For example, if Kitagawa is in Class A and Ayanokouji in Class D, it would be seen as an unfair match, unrecognized by your father."
"Our solution: a handicap system."
Chairman Sakayanagi picked up two kings from the chessboard—one black, one white—and placed them before the boys.
"In Western chess, each piece is of relatively equal value, so losing a pawn shifts the balance. But in Xiangqi or Go, a stronger player may handicap themselves by removing pieces."
"These pieces represent first-year students with outstanding qualities. Based on data, half of them qualify for Class A."
He placed pawns, rooks, knights, bishops, and queens—five black and five white—between them.
He flipped one over. On the base was the name: Katsuragi Kohei.
"Pawn: the hard-working foot soldier. Katsuragi was ranked A in academics at entry."
Ayanokouji, intrigued, played with the king in his hand.
"What are the specific rules?"
"Each student gets five pieces. For each class difference, the higher-ranked student gets one additional pick.
If Ayanokouji chooses Class B and Kitagawa Class D, Kitagawa would pick seven, Ayanokouji three.
If both forfeit a piece, the student enters their default class."
Tsukishiro added with a smile:
"But keep in mind, true class quality isn't determined by these pieces. If you chase elite talent in lower-tier classes, be prepared for your other classmates to be subpar."
"These pieces excel in only one area. They may exceed your expectations or disappoint. You must choose wisely."
Recalling his father's earlier advice, Ayanokouji spoke first:
"I choose Class A."
Rather than unique talents, he valued class cohesion. One flaw could ruin everything. A class of misfits, no matter how talented, might refuse orders.
He assumed Kitagawa would choose Class B, but the reply surprised him.
"I choose Class D."
Kitagawa toyed with the king piece, indifferent to their shocked expressions.
This entire handicap idea had been his suggestion.
He understood Ayanokouji well.
Ayanokouji would see classmates as tools. Therefore, he would seek the most efficient tools: Class A.
But to Kitagawa, those ten chess pieces weren't mystery boxes.
He already knew exactly who they were.
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"[Pawn] — we've covered this. It represents academic ability. Two students scored an A in this category during evaluations: Katsuragi Kohei and Yukimura Teruhiko."
"I'll take both," Kitagawa Ryo said calmly, reaching out and picking up both black and white [Pawn] pieces—only to toss them into the discard pile right after.
"And now I choose to discard them. That's allowed under the rules, right?"
"It never said we couldn't select then abandon them."
"Your reason?"
"I don't know either of them. Academics is the least trustworthy of the five criteria. They could just be bookworms or high-achievers with terrible personalities."
He waved his hand indifferently. "Let them fend for themselves."
Sipping his tea, Ryo studied Ayanokouji and Tsukishiro's reactions. His performance just now had one purpose—to plant the idea that he, too, was unfamiliar with these new students.
Seeing neither of the two objected, Chairman Sakayanagi nodded. "Very well."
"Next: [Bishop]. Stationed beside the King and Queen, this piece symbolizes keen judgment. Students graded A in this category: Horikita Suzune and Ryuuen Kakeru."
"Horikita Suzune," Ryo said immediately, exercising his pick priority.
He was watching to see if Ayanokouji would spend one of his two remaining selections on Ryuuen.
Ayanokouji shook his head—he had no interest. Superior judgment meant such a person might challenge the class's direction or even compete for leadership. Ayanokouji, who trusted only his own decisions, didn't need that kind of talent.
The piece representing Ryuuen was tossed into the discard pile.
"Next: [Knight]. Unrestrained and imaginative, the knight represents interpersonal skills. Those graded A in this field: Ichinose Honami and Kushida Kikyou."
"Ichinose Honami."
Ryo made his choice without hesitation.
"Kushida Kikyou," Ayanokouji followed. He wasn't strong in social skills himself, so a glue-like figure was necessary. Plus, this was the third round. If he didn't act, Ryo could potentially take all four remaining pieces.
Ryo accepted Ichinose's piece with a calm expression.
"Second to last: [Rook]. Bold and fearless, the rook represents physical ability. Those graded A: Sudou Ken and Yamada Albert."
"I'll take both."
Ryo already knew how to use Sudou Ken. Yamada Albert had been in Class C previously—he was familiar with his temperament.
"Last category: [Queen]. The most powerful piece after the King, representing intelligence. Students who received an A: Kouenji Rokusuke and Sakayanagi Arisu."
"Ayanokouji, how about a trade?" Ryo suddenly offered.
"What kind of trade?" Ayanokouji turned toward him, already thinking of passing on this round. Ryo had two selections left and no reason not to take both high-value pieces.
"I'll give you the right to pick this round—and you can go first."
"And the cost?"
Leaning back into the soft sofa, Ryo replied casually:
"Swap our homeroom teachers."
"Homeroom teachers?" Ayanokouji blinked, surprised at the seemingly random request.
His only knowledge of homeroom teachers came from textbook descriptions.
"Since Class A and D differ in strength, their homeroom teachers likely differ too," Ryo explained. "And if teachers are considered part of the class, they should be included in the piece trade and allowed to be swapped."
"I don't object," Ayanokouji answered after a brief pause. Like his father, he believed a teacher's influence diminished when students were either exceptionally strong or exceptionally weak. Trading a teacher for a high-IQ student was a worthwhile exchange.
"Then go ahead, Ayanokouji."
Ryo smiled and handed over the two pieces.
[Sakayanagi Arisu] or [Kouenji Rokusuke]?
Wait... Sakayanagi? Same surname as the Chairman?
Though it might just be coincidence, the odds seemed low.
Ayanokouji glanced at the ever-smiling Chairman Sakayanagi. After some deliberation, he picked [Kouenji Rokusuke].
He couldn't possibly add a potential enemy's piece to his team. Even if the opponent only subtly sabotaged him, with an A-grade intelligence, it would be a massive headache.
Now he could only hope [Kouenji Rokusuke] was a dependable individual.
A smart person should know when to adapt.
Once Ayanokouji made his pick, Ryo calmly took the [Queen] labeled [Sakayanagi Arisu].
On paper, Ryo's pieces looked dominant.
But he remained cautious. He knew Ayanokouji was likely holding back a trump card.
And thinking back to the simulation, where Class D students shone like stars—just recalling them gave Ryo a headache.
Sakayanagi Arisu, Ichinose Honami, Horikita Suzune.
Now that he had dumped all three into Class D...
Even his stomach was starting to ache just a bit.
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