Yuigahama, who loved to stir up trouble, saw that Yukino had been swayed by her words and had already thought up the victory speech she would give after snatching Kanzaki Saku.
But she couldn't laugh just yet. She had to hold it in, waiting until World War II officially broke out before she could laugh out loud.
Just as the situation was about to spiral out of control, Yukino could barely suppress her impulse, Yuigahama was gloating inwardly, Kotegawa and Kushida didn't know what to do, and Kanzaki Saku was preparing to make a move.
"Everyone, stop!"
Everyone looked toward the voice and saw the crowd automatically part to form a path. Three people walked over.
The leader was a girl with an icy demeanor. Her long, glossy black hair cascaded down to her waist like a waterfall. Her delicate face was as flawless as a doll's, and her red eyes held no emotion.
She wore the standard Shuchiin girls' school uniform, and on her chest was the student council president's badge, a symbol of supreme authority.
It was none other than the Shuchiin Student Council President, Shinomiya Kaguya.
Behind her followed Ms. Hiratsuka Shizuka, looking anxious and trying to appear imposing to no effect, and Gotoh Hitori, who was trying her best to hide behind the teacher, afraid of being remembered by any of the delinquent girls present.
"Shinomiya... President?" Yukino recognized the newcomer. Even someone as defiant as her had to show some respect to this student council president with a powerful background and firm methods.
When Yuigahama Yui saw Shinomiya Kaguya, she couldn't laugh anymore either. She knew today's conflict was likely to end here.
Fortunately, she hadn't popped the champagne early. Her true intentions hadn't been exposed, so she could still happily continue as the Service Club's second-in-command and look for another opportunity.
Shinomiya Kaguya scanned the scene, taking in the tense members of the Service Club, the rescued Kanzaki Saku, and the disheveled appearances of Kotegawa and Kushida. Finally, her gaze lingered on Kanzaki Saku for a moment longer.
"Brawling on school grounds, what has this come to? Ms. Hiratsuka has already briefed me on the situation. The Service Club, the Kato Legion... although you are nominally clubs and usually conduct your activities as such, which the Student Council in principle does not interfere with, the prerequisite is that you do not disrupt campus order or involve innocent students."
She raised her hand and pointed at Kanzaki Saku. "This gentleman is not a member of your club, is he? Yukinoshita-san, take your people and leave. The Student Council will investigate this matter."
"President!" Yuigahama Yui wanted to make one last attempt. "The Kato Legion kidnapped Kanzaki-kun! And they might... might have done terrible things to him! Are we just going to let this go?!"
Before Yukino could say anything, Shinomiya Kaguya spoke again. "The Student Council will ensure Kanzaki-san's safety. The immediate priority is to de-escalate the situation. The Student Council will handle the specific assignment of responsibility later."
A single sentence made Yuigahama dare not speak again. Kaguya turned to Yukino, her tone softening slightly. "Yukinoshita-san, what do you think? Will you continue this pointless conflict, or will you trust in the Student Council's fairness and leave with your people?"
Emotionally, Yukino of course didn't want to let it go. But her reason told her that Shinomiya Kaguya's appearance represented the school's official stance. To continue resisting would only put the Service Club in a more disadvantageous position.
Besides, Saku did look like he needed rest. What if her frail and sickly Saku couldn't handle the prolonged standoff?
Ultimately, her concern for Kanzaki Saku overrode her anger. Yukino said coldly, "We're leaving!"
Many members of the Service Club who had been looking forward to a fight were reluctant, but with the boss's order and the president's pressure, they could only begin to retreat resentfully.
Yuigahama Yui watched as the chaotic situation she had almost achieved was forcibly quelled. She was so angry she nearly ground her silver teeth to dust, but there was nothing she could do.
She was just an underling; she had to follow the boss's lead.
Yuigahama clenched her pink fists. She would absolutely surpass Yukino and reach the top, and she would stop at nothing to do it!
'Just you wait, Yukinoshita, Shinomiya. I, Yuigahama Yui, will never stay beneath anyone forever!'
With the Service Club members gone, Shinomiya Kaguya then turned her gaze to Kotegawa and Kushida. "Kotegawa, keep your people in line. I don't wish for a similar incident to happen a second time."
Kotegawa Yui and Kushida Kikyou felt as if they had received a pardon and quickly bowed their heads in assent. Kanzaki Saku was already their master; there wouldn't be a next time. Even if there was, it would be a mission from their master.
After dealing with both conflicting parties, Shinomiya Kaguya's gaze finally rested on Kanzaki Saku, who had been playing the role of a "frail victim" all along.
She slowly walked forward, stopping a short distance from Kanzaki Saku. Looking at his face, which even in a "weakened" state could not hide its delicate features, an inscrutable light flashed in Shinomiya Kaguya's eyes.
"Kanzaki Saku-san, is that right?"
Kanzaki Saku "timidly" raised his head, met her deep red eyes, and nodded.
Perhaps because Kanzaki Saku was male, her tone was very gentle. "I am the Student Council President, Shinomiya Kaguya. Given that you are the victim in this incident, to prevent possible future retaliation and persecution, I believe the Student Council needs to provide you with a safer environment."
She paused, then said something that surprised everyone.
"I officially invite you to join the Student Council."
When these words were spoken, not only were Kotegawa, Bocchi-chan, and the others stunned, but even Kanzaki Saku himself was a little surprised.
Shinomiya Kaguya seemed not to notice everyone's surprise and continued to explain, "The Student Council also happens to need a member who can represent the rights and interests of male students. Your joining would help the Student Council better handle related matters and also provide you with a sanctuary. I think this is far more suitable for you than being embroiled in the disputes between delinquent girls."
Her reason for inviting Kanzaki Saku was quite sound, but Kanzaki Saku had a feeling that this president's intentions had nothing to do with male rights.
It's worth noting that the original Kaguya would transform from an ice queen into a goofy girl after falling in love, and she also liked to engage in mind games comparable to Zhongli's faked death when it came to confessions.
Although Kanzaki Saku hadn't yet figured out how Kaguya's reversal manifested, he knew in his gut that it wouldn't be normal.
But the saying still held true: you might make a small profit, but your Big Bro Saku will never lose!
By joining the Student Council, he would undoubtedly gain access to the higher echelons of power at the school, and it would also open up a new 'battlefield' for his grand cause of 'saving all sentient beings'.
So there was no way Kanzaki Saku would refuse!
Kanzaki Saku met Shinomiya Kaguya's gaze and gave a smile that fit his current 'persona'—one of being slightly overwhelmed with flattery, pure and flawless.
"Yes, thank you very much for this opportunity, President. I'll do my best."
____
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