Horikita Manabu took the phone from Nagumo Miyabi's hand.
When he confirmed that the content of the photos was indeed identical to the First Year Midterm Exam papers,
even Horikita Manabu had nothing to say. He looked at Hirata next to him.
"Hirata-san, do you know that you violated the school's rule against buying and selling test papers? And you are also suspected of leaking exam questions and answers. Such actions could invalidate the entire class's midterm exam scores."
Horikita Manabu's words weighed heavily on Hirata's heart.
Hirata clenched his fists, his face showing an unwilling expression.
However, he still did not open his mouth to explain the true source of the test papers.
"President, isn't this matter easier to handle now? The entire First Year Class D is suspected of cheating, so couldn't they just retake the exam? Preparing new test papers and implementing them would take at least three days. Tomorrow is the weekend, so with five extra days to review, First Year Class D shouldn't have so many failing students again."
Nagumo Miyabi's suggestion made Horikita Manabu nod in deep agreement.
The school's current stance was that the rules could not be changed.
However, First Year Class D absolutely cannot have fifteen students expelled; such a malicious incident would cause social uproar.
The Student Council, caught in the middle, was already in a dilemma.
But now, someone could actually produce evidence of Class D cheating.
This way, they would only need to retake the exam, and the scores of the failing students would be greatly reduced. This would both comply with the school's regulations and punish Class D's failing students.
It was simply the best way to handle it.
As for Hirata?
If he violated two school rules consecutively... he might only have expulsion as an option.
Horikita Manabu felt a little regretful.
However, one must bravely take responsibility for their actions.
"Hirata-san, if you have nothing to say, I will announce the Student Council's verdict on Class D," Horikita Manabu asked Hirata one last time.
"I have no objection to the buying and selling of exam papers. I sent the photos, and I bought the exam papers from an upperclassman. Even if I'm expelled, I don't care, but I hope that if there's a re-examination, the Student Council will allow me to participate in the final exam."
Just... give him time.
He would definitely find a way to make everyone pass this time.
Only he needed to be expelled.
"Dream on, Hirata-san! You're definitely going to be expelled immediately, right? Still want to take the exam? That's just wishful thinking!"
Yamauchi's sarcastic words continuously stung Hirata.
Hirata lowered his head in pain but did not speak to defend himself.
"Chabashira-sensei, what do you think about this matter?"
It wasn't Horikita Manabu or Hirata who asked this question.
It was Amane, sitting in an inconspicuous corner.
Chabashira-sensei, who was drinking hot tea from a thermos, seemed surprised to be called out and glanced at Amane with a hint of astonishment.
"What can I say? The facts are as everyone sees. Some things, when brought up, are violations of school regulations. It's useless no matter how much you argue. Moreover, if there can be a re-examination, it might not be a bad thing for Class D."
Chabashira-sensei shrugged.
It was precisely this action that completely disappointed Amane in Chabashira-sensei.
Did Chabashira-sensei really not know who bought the exam papers?
Did Chabashira-sensei really not know what Hirata would face?
Did Chabashira-sensei really not know how important Hirata was to Class D at this moment?
No.
Chabashira-sensei knew everything.
But she had no intention of helping Class D at all.
All she wanted was the best outcome for Class D.
As for who brought it about, it wasn't important.
"Miyako-san, do you have anything else you'd like to say?"
Even though Horikita Manabu recognized Amane's ability.
He still didn't believe Amane could turn the tide against such irrefutable evidence.
"You might as well state the Student Council's judgment on this incident first, and then I'll decide whether I need to express my opinion."
The expression on Amane's face began to gradually disappear.
Her entire being exuded an incredibly oppressive aura.
The oppressive aura continuously spread, and the surrounding atmosphere also changed. Ichinose was the first to be affected.
Goosebumps had already appeared on her skin, as if she were in a cold environment. The cold, silent atmosphere enveloped and consumed Ichinose.
In just a few breaths, Ichinose felt her breathing becoming difficult, and her heart rate began to accelerate, as if something terrifying was about to happen.
The unease and fear made Ichinose choose to distance herself slightly from Amane.
Even though it was very rude behavior, she didn't hesitate. She knew that if it continued, she would be the one to lose composure in that room first.
Such intense pressure made even Nagumo Miyabi, who had always been jovial, put away his expression and look at Amane with curiosity.
Was there really such a person hidden within First Year Class D?
Perhaps things would become a little more interesting.
Nagumo Miyabi still had a somewhat dismissive expression on his face.
But in his heart, he was on high alert.
Yamauchi, sitting on Amane's other side, even fearfully moved a full two body lengths away from Amane.
Amane merely looked calmly at Horikita Manabu and created such a stir.
As the person being watched.
Horikita Manabu felt his throat starting to become dry.
He knew this was likely just his psychological effect at play.
However, his body's instinct still made him choose to temporarily avoid the sharp-edged Amane, and his gaze began to dart away.
In just a few breaths, Amane had suppressed everyone present with her aura.
"The Student Council's judgment and ruling on the expelled members of First Year Class D and other members of First Year Class D are as follows: During the investigation, it was found that Class D engaged in the egregious act of buying and selling exam papers for cheating. Therefore, the expulsion procedure is suspended, and the midterm exam scores of all First Year Class D students are canceled. The specific re-examination date will be announced at a later time. First Year Class D student Hirata Yousuke participated in the buying and selling of exam papers for cheating and is hereby expelled."
After Horikita Manabu finished reading, he looked up and surveyed the expressions around him.
Hirata's somewhat pale face.
Chabashira-sensei's indifferent expression.
Yamauchi's smiling face.
And Amane's coldness.
"We will also report these results to the school. The reply should be received as early as tomorrow morning. Even on a holiday, the Student Council can handle expulsion procedures."
Horikita Manabu looked at Hirata.
He felt some pity for this person who desperately wanted to lead his class forward.
What a pity.
He had met the wrong people. If First Year Class D were all people like Yamauchi, it would be impossible to become Class A, no matter what. Hirata couldn't do it, Suzune couldn't do it, and even he, Horikita Manabu, couldn't lead such a class to Class A.
"Does anyone have any further objections to this ruling?"
Tachibana Akane breathed a sigh of relief.
This could finally end early.
She asked everyone present according to the procedure.
Usually, after the Student Council President has announced the ruling.
Basically, no one would raise objections.
So, Tachibana Akane had a slight smile on her face, not thinking that there would be any further surprises in this matter.
Just as Tachibana Akane was about to announce the dismissal of the meeting.
Amane slowly rose from her seat.
"I object."
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