Chapter 372: Arisu: I Am the True Genius! / Farewell
Sakayanagi Arisu lay on her dorm bed. It was now the third day of spring break. She had heard that the school held a farewell party for the teachers over the last two days. She didn't go, nor could she.
The news of her fainting on the spot in the multimedia room had likely spread everywhere by now.
Her classmates were probably whispering about how pathetic she looked. Showing her face now would be nothing but asking for trouble. It was better to hide away for the rest of spring break and wait for the talk to die down.
But...
Fragments of memory flashed through her mind—her saying things like "I will win." Thinking back on it now, she felt so ashamed she wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear. In the end, it was a 2 to 5 loss.
A crushing defeat, with no room for dispute.
The only saving grace was that Shimizu Akira hadn't personally seen her faint.
She had actually woken up around nine that night. After being sent to the infirmary, the school doctor's diagnosis was simple: emotional over-excitement leading to a temporary heart overload—nothing serious.
This was the first time Sakayanagi Arisu had truly fainted in her life. Because of her heart condition, she was usually very careful about controlling her emotions.
But this time, the loss was just too complete. In a moment of heat, her body gave out before her spirit did.
"But why..." she muttered to the ceiling, unwilling to let it go.
"How could someone like Hirata Yousuke be such a good fighter?"
She could understand Shimizu Akira one-shotting Morishita Ai; after all, that guy wasn't normal, as she'd known since the first week of school.
Sudo Ken defeating Kito Hayato was a surprise, but since he was the basketball club's ace, perhaps he was just in peak condition that day.
After two or three days, she had begrudgingly accepted those results.
But Hirata Yousuke? On what grounds? That "goody-two-shoes" fought like a seasoned pro. His movements were clean and merciless; it made one wonder if he hadn't spent his past beating people up regularly.
"..."
She still had to fulfill the bet.
Feeling depressed, Sakayanagi Arisu picked up her phone, transferred 5 million private points from the Class A public account, and sent them to Shimizu Akira.
She felt no qualms about using class funds. Class A maintained its advantage entirely because of her strategies.
What was wrong with enjoying a little privilege to manage resources?
Thinking about it, she calculated that after this Special Exam, Shimizu Akira had taken a total of 7 million points from her. Did that man's personal points now exceed 40 million? That was significantly more than the total Class A funds she held.
"The plan was so well-made..." Arisu closed her eyes, still bitter.
"First, have a proper game of chess with Ayanokouji Kiyotaka and win, then take down Shimizu Akira with a total score of four wins and three losses... why did it turn out like this?
It's all Koenji Rokusuke's fault... and Tsukishiro Tokinari. If it weren't for those two meddling, there's no way I would have lost to Class C so easily."
If Koenji hadn't suddenly gone crazy and fought with everything he had, the winner should have been her.
And as for Tsukishiro—why on earth did the seventh event have to be boxing? It rendered her, the "Tower Commander," completely useless.
If they had competed in comprehensive academic subjects, Class A would have secured at least one steady win!
Remembering that Tsukishiro had also driven her father out of the school, Sakayanagi Arisu grew even angrier. She gently rubbed her chest, and after a few minutes, her emotions finally stabilized.
After some brief thought, she picked up her phone and dialed Nagumo Miyabi.
"Oh? How rare for you to call me," Nagumo laughed on the other end. "I take it you've rested well in the infirmary?"
"Don't worry about me. As for you..." Arisu shot back coldly, "I heard you were explicitly rejected by Horikita-senpai a few days ago. Rather than worrying about others, maybe you should think about how to salvage your image before the senpais graduate."
Though she hadn't left her room, she had Hashimoto Masayoshi and Yamamura Miki acting as her eyes and ears. She knew all about Nagumo's recent embarrassments. Since he dared to bring up her vulnerability first, she felt no need to be polite.
"Tch..." Nagumo's tone turned sour. "Sakayanagi, why exactly did you call?"
"Hmph." Arisu's lips curled into a slight smirk.
"You haven't forgotten, have you? You promised to help me deal with Tsukishiro Tokinari."
Silence lasted for a few seconds before Nagumo's playful laughter returned.
"Heh, I did promise that. What, do you plan to make a move now?"
"Not now, but soon," she said calmly. "I just wanted to remind you to keep an eye on the incoming freshmen. Tsukishiro might have arranged for monsters from the White Room to be mixed among them. If you notice anything unusual, I hope you inform me promptly."
"Monsters from the White Room? What does that mean?" This was the first time Nagumo had heard the term.
Arisu didn't dodge the question this time; she explained the significance of the White Room and its training model.
"Artificial geniuses?" Nagumo laughed after hearing it.
"Japan actually has a facility like that? Geniuses can be mass-produced? How boring."
In his eyes, Horikita Manabu, himself, and even that hateful Shimizu Akira were true geniuses. Products from some facility sounded cheap to him.
"Even if President Nagumo says that," Arisu followed up, "I can tell you clearly that with your skills, you would likely lose to a White Room freshman."
"I'd lose to a copycat? Sakayanagi, you really know how to joke." Nagumo almost laughed out loud.
The conversation ended there. Arisu hung up first.
"Do you really think I'm joking?" She shook her head slightly. The White Room freshmen were all monsters.
Forget Nagumo; even Horikita Manabu might not be able to beat them.
As for how she knew they were coming, it was a piece of information her father had revealed before he left, telling her to be careful. With that phone call, she had planted a seed in Nagumo's mind.
When the new term started, it might turn into an interesting show.
"How boring... you think you count as a genius?" After a few more minutes, Arisu couldn't help but whisper to the empty room.
"Shimizu Akira and I are the only real geniuses, okay!"
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Today was March 31st, the sixth day of spring break.
When Shimizu Akira woke up, Ichinose Honami was still resting her head on his shoulder. Just like the result of the "game" from a few days ago, he had a different bed partner every night. Three days ago it was Kikyo, two days ago it was Haruka, and yesterday it was Ichinose.
"Luckily my body can take it..." Akira whispered to himself.
Being sixteen, his physical fitness was naturally strong.
He didn't feel tired after consecutive battles, but he felt a certain sense of guilt for falling into such a "tender trap."
"No, no," he quickly shook his head. "I've worked hard all year. Enjoying a few days... should be allowed."
According to Chabashira-sensei's previous notice, school would start on April 8th. Only one week of spring break remained.
At that moment, Ichinose Honami slowly woke up. Realizing she was resting on her boyfriend's shoulder, she startled slightly and shyly moved to the pillow next to him.
"Akira-kun, good morning."
"Honami, good morning," Akira replied with a smile.
"Did Akira-kun... sleep well last night?"
"Yeah, pretty well," Akira added honestly, "except for you stealing the blanket twice in the middle of the night."
"Eh?!" Honami's cheeks instantly flushed red. "S-Sorry! I... I'm not a very steady sleeper..." She pinched the corner of the blanket, looking like she was afraid of doing it again.
Akira couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm teasing. You sleep very peacefully."
"...Akira-kun!" She lightly punched his arm, then buried half her face in the pillow, her eyes curving into a smile.
A morning like this was too peaceful, too real. So real that one could almost forget there was an entire school to face outside, along with unresolved victories, losses, schemes, and promises.
"Sigh..." But she couldn't help a soft sigh.
"Sorry, Akira-kun." Realizing she had sighed unconsciously, Honami quickly apologized.
Akira didn't care about such things.
"Suddenly sighing? Are you still worried about losing the project vote to Class D?"
Honami's expression dimmed. "Yes... accurately speaking, we aren't Class B anymore; we are Class D," she said softly.
"Your class is now Class B, and Ryuen Kakeru and Shiina Hiyori's class has become Class C. Many of my classmates still can't accept this result.
Even though you warned me from the start to be careful of Shiina-san... in the end, I let my guard down just because Ryuen wasn't the commander."
"Well," Akira softened his tone to comfort her, "you can't blame yourself entirely. Shiina Hiyori's plan was indeed meticulous, and your class didn't have as many people capable of combat events as theirs. If I'm not wrong, no one in your class actually blames you, right?"
Honami paused.
"My classmates... indeed, no one blames me. Actually, even Himeno-san didn't say anything to me this time."
"Oh? That's a bit unusual," Akira recalled. "Didn't she have a lot of opinions about you during the last few Special Exams?"
"Because this time..." Honami went silent for a few seconds before saying, "It was Kanzaki-kun and Himeno-san who privately contacted Manabe-san and accidentally leaked that our class had set World History as a mandatory event."
"I see." Akira understood now. "Then the failure of this project selection shouldn't fall entirely on your shoulders. Those two have to take some responsibility as well."
He wasn't biased toward his girlfriend; he was just stating facts. If the info about World History hadn't been leaked to Ryuen's class, they might have only lost by a small margin of 3 to 4, rather than losing so completely.
"However, after this mistake, they should understand better how difficult it is for you to be the leader, right?"
"Yeah... they didn't do it on purpose; they just really wanted to get an advantage for the class." Honami looked at Akira.
"Akira-kun, I..."
"Don't think too much." Akira interrupted her hesitation.
"The point difference between you and Ryuen's class is less than 20 points. With your class's strength, you'll catch up sooner or later. Besides, the policy to lower Class D's treatment has been completely canceled, hasn't it?"
He smiled and continued, "In the next Special Exam, I'll see how I can give your class a hand."
"Is that okay?" Honami's eyes widened. "But didn't Kikyo and Suzune say... they wanted to terminate the class cooperation?"
She remembered their discussion after playing poker the other day. The original Class B and original Class D were no longer in a cooperative relationship; from now on, they would likely have to fight their own battles.
"Of course it's okay," Akira said as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"You are my girlfriend, after all."
Honami couldn't help but smile. She really loved Akira-kun. Every time she was down, he could easily cheer her up.
She suddenly remembered something.
"Right, Hoshinomiya-sensei said she wants to find time to chat with you. When are you free?"
"Probably not today, maybe in a couple of days." Akira wasn't making excuses. Today was the last day of March; many senpais would be leaving school in the afternoon, and he had to see them off. Besides, Hoshinomiya-sensei was likely looking for him because of the class changes.
After finishing the conversation, Ichinose Honami leaned in for a quick morning kiss before leaving the dorm. She was also busy today for the same reason—seeing off senpais. According to her, many people had also approached her for "life consultations" recently.
Akira tidied up the slightly messy room, went out for his morning exercise, and grabbed breakfast.
While eating, Horikita Suzune called.
"My brother and Tachibana Akane-senpai are leaving at 2:00 PM. We leave at 1:30."
Akira replied simply, "OK."
Suzune then asked, "By the way, my brother told me about your 'harem' last night... did you tell him voluntarily?"
"Yeah, I told him."
"Are you an idiot?" Suzune's tone sounded speechless.
"?"
"How could my brother accept something like that? Our family has always been monogamous."
Akira's lip twitched. As if he didn't know that.
Most people were monogamous! Where was she going with this? Was she already thinking about marriage? That was way too far off.
"I felt your brother needed to know," Akira said seriously.
"I didn't want to hide it from him. Even if I get beaten up, it's worth it."
Regardless of anything else, Horikita Manabu had looked out for him since enrollment and had always cared about the relationship between him and Suzune. Hiding it would have made Akira feel uncomfortable. If he got hit, he got hit—he was thick-skinned anyway.
Suzune was silent for a long time.
"I won't let my brother just hit you. Anyway, I'll explain it properly to him."
"Thanks, Suzune." She had always been good to him.
"By the way," Suzune spoke again, "do you like long hair or short hair?"
"Long hair," Akira said without hesitation. "I especially like your braids."
"...I see." Suzune gave a light hmph. "I knew it... because you always like playing with them. Alright, 1:30 sharp, don't be late."
"I know."
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At 1:20 PM, Akira met Horikita Suzune downstairs at the dorms. His gaze lingered on her for an extra few seconds. She was wearing the red spring school uniform today, with her familiar braids tied with white bows.
"...What is it?" Suzune subconsciously pursed her lips.
"Nothing," Akira smiled. "I just feel like your look today... is a bit nostalgic. It reminds me of the first time I saw you on the bus."
"I'm not carrying a book," Suzune gave him a light glare. When they first met, she had been carrying Crime and Punishment.
However, the sadness of her brother's departure seemed to be diluted by his words. This guy did it on purpose, didn't he?
The two walked side-by-side toward the school gate without saying more. Horikita Manabu and Tachibana Akane were already waiting. The senpai stood straight as always, and Tachibana stood half a step behind him, carrying a light travel bag.
"Brother, Tachibana-senpai," Suzune stepped forward.
"Suzune." Manabu nodded, his gaze locking onto Akira.
The atmosphere grew tense. Sensing the friction, Suzune cleared her throat and broke the silence.
"Brother... Akira-kun has actually... always been very good to me. Please don't be angry anymore."
Manabu's face showed a flicker of surprise.
Tachibana Akane, beside him, couldn't help but cover her mouth. Was this the same Suzune who was usually tsundere and stubborn, never showing a hint of softness? To plead for Akira, she had laid her heart bare so completely?
"President, look, even Suzune said so." Tachibana was the first to recover, tugging at Manabu's sleeve to help.
"The parties involved have reached an agreement. Suzune said they all met privately a few days ago and there won't be any conflict. Besides, it will be hard for you to see Suzune and Akira for the next two years. Why not just let it go and look on the bright side?"
Manabu closed his eyes and rubbed his brow. After a few seconds, he looked at Suzune.
"This is the path you chose. Since you've accepted it, I indeed have no right to interfere."
Manabu's gaze fell back on Akira.
"As for you, Shimizu." He stepped forward and gave Akira a firm, but not heavy, thump on the chest. "I know your personality, and I know you are good to Suzune. But I still want your guarantee that you will take her feelings seriously."
"I guarantee it," Akira said with a solemn expression.
"I will never let Suzune be sad."
"..." Manabu's expression finally softened. He had known Akira since his enrollment and knew that he kept his word.
After a moment of silence, Manabu suddenly bowed his head slightly.
"However, I also thank you for helping my sister grow this past year. Suzune has received much help from you. And for the matter with Tachibana—thank you again."
Akira quickly held his shoulder.
"Senpai, don't say that. Suzune is my girlfriend, and Tachibana-senpai has always looked after me. Doing those things was only right. Besides, you've helped me many times as well."
This was Horikita Manabu.
One moment he was holding him accountable for the harem, and the next he was bowing in gratitude. He always dealt with matters on their own merits; he was always that reliable senpai.
Manabu looked at Suzune again.
"Suzune, before I leave, tell me—after coming to this school, what have you learned this past year?"
Horikita Suzune, unusually, was at a loss for words. This time, however, Manabu didn't rush her. He just watched her with a quiet gaze. Suzune looked at Akira, who was smiling at her, and then at Tachibana, who was quietly pumping her fist to cheer her on. Finally, she took a deep breath and spoke.
"I learned... how to rely on others."
Manabu was stunned. This wasn't the answer he expected.
He thought he would hear words like "becoming stronger," "growth," or "independence"—the things he had always taught her.
"Rely on... others?" he repeated.
"Yes." Suzune nodded. "I used to think that as long as I was strong enough, it was enough. Studying alone, working hard alone, facing everything alone... because my brother said I could only rely on myself."
Her gaze drifted into the distance, then came back to Akira's face. "But later I found that some paths are very lonely when walked alone. Some problems, when thought about alone, lead into dead ends. Some emotions, when processed alone... only grow heavier."
She looked back at her brother. "So, I learned how to ask for help. I learned to trust other people's judgment, and I learned to accept their care."
The wind gently blew through her hair, making the white bows flutter.
"This isn't weakness, Brother," she said. "It's another form of strength."
Manabu said nothing. He looked at his sister.
The girl who had followed him since childhood, always trying to prove herself, always keeping herself wound tight—she now stood before him with a clear, straightforward gaze. She was still proud, but no longer isolated. She was still competitive, but she had learned to be soft.
"...I see," Manabu finally whispered after a long time. The corners of his mouth finally turned up in a small smile.
"That's good then."
He turned and walked toward the bus. After two steps, he stopped.
"Suzune."
"Yes?"
"You've grown up.
I used to think... short hair might suit you better." He looked at her long hair fluttering in the wind and the white bow at the end.
"But looking at you now... long hair is also very good."
He didn't look back again, simply boarding the waiting bus with Tachibana Akane. Suzune stood there, watching the bus slowly drive away until it disappeared at the end of the slope. She looked down at her palm. It was empty, yet it felt as if she were holding something.
"Suzune," Akira called her.
She looked up. Her eyes were slightly red, but she didn't cry.
"Let's go," she said.
"Yeah."
They turned and walked back toward the school together. This time, Suzune took the initiative to hold Akira's hand.
"Are you sad?"
"...Yeah. I can't cry right now, but when I get back to the dorm, I might have a good cry.
But," she added, "maybe I've found a new goal now."
"What goal?"
"I'm going to become the Student Council President."
'Huh? Suzune should know that Nagumo Miyabi is still the president, right?'
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