Feeling the slight hostility emanating from the older, unmarried woman across from him, Hikigaya suddenly regretted choosing the student guidance office as their meeting place. Now, there was no escape.
He had initially selected this location for its privacy—especially because no one would be monitoring their conversation, making it ideal for discussing personal matters.
But now, he had trapped himself instead.
"Hikigaya, you do know what this office is for, don't you?"
Chabashira-sensei looked just shy of engraving the word "anger" onto her face.
"Ever since that incident, there haven't been any other problematic students from Class D here. I hope you're not planning to become a regular visitor."
"…Sensei, you don't mean to suggest that I'm the problem student, right?" Hikigaya asked, feigning deep thought. "And when you say 'that incident,' are you referring to the time when Ayanokoji, Horikita, and I were summoned here? Because I get the feeling you mean something else."
"Besides you three, is there anyone else in Class D who fits the description?"
"If we're talking about general standards, there are plenty."
Hikigaya gave Chabashira a half-smirk.
"But in your eyes, Horikita probably doesn't count. That leaves Ayanokoji and Kouenji, and the latter is someone beyond your control."
From Chabashira's perspective, the so-called "problematic students" were likely those capable of leading the class to A-rank but refused to take action—or even entertain the idea.
As for the other students, she probably didn't think they were even worth paying attention to.
"…What exactly are you trying to say?" Chabashira frowned. "And don't forget, you're the one who called me here, yet you haven't even given me a reason."
"No need to rush—I just wanted to confirm a few things first."
Hikigaya was well aware that his attitude was somewhat excessive. But to maintain the upper hand in their conversation, he had to be a little impolite.
That's right. Even though the key player, Ibuki, wasn't present, he had no intention of backing down.
"Sensei, if I'm not mistaken, you've been pressuring Ayanokoji to contribute to the class, haven't you?"
"…What are you talking about?"
Even though Chabashira tried to feign ignorance, her eyes betrayed her. There was a moment of hesitation when Ayanokoji's name was mentioned.
A clear sign of guilt.
"No need to play dumb. I'm just asking out of curiosity," Hikigaya said sincerely. "Given your obsession with getting to Class A, it wouldn't be surprising if you tried something drastic. My guess is you threatened Ayanokoji with expulsion, right? After all, that guy doesn't care about much else."
"I don't understand where you're getting these ideas. Even if we assume Ayanokoji is helping the class, why is Class D still in this state?"
"Hah, that's misdirection."
Seeing Chabashira refuse to admit it, Hikigaya let out a chuckle.
"Sure, from the results, the class's points are still at zero—just like in May. But my conclusion isn't based on that. Ever since the uninhabited island exam, Ayanokoji, who was always indifferent to the class, has started taking action. That's highly abnormal."
"That doesn't prove it has anything to do with me."
"But you're the most suspicious person. You're also the only one with the means and motivation." Hikigaya met Chabashira's gaze as if seeing right through her. "After all, only a homeroom teacher would have access to a student's past records… By the way, was it you who told Ayanokoji about my middle school history?"
"…"
Chabashira was silent for a while before shaking her head with a wry smile.
"You're quite a terrifying student… Did Ayanokoji tell you all this?"
"No, but that guy has a very simple social circle. A little deduction was all it took."
Now that the conversation had reached this point, Hikigaya decided it was time to get down to business.
He pulled a sheet of paper from his bag and placed it in front of Chabashira. The document detailed the situation between "X" and Class C.
Originally, this was prepared because he worried Ibuki might not be able to explain things clearly. To prevent misunderstandings, he had written everything down.
"Once you read this, you'll understand why I asked to meet."
"…Sigh, fine."
After a moment of hesitation, Chabashira stopped protesting and began reading.
It didn't take long for her expression to grow serious.
"Hikigaya." She suddenly looked up. "The 'X' you wrote here… It's Ayanokoji, isn't it?"
"Huh? Shouldn't your first reaction be to question whether this is even true?" Hikigaya asked, pretending to be surprised.
"I don't think you'd lie about something like this."
"Then why was Ayanokoji the first person you suspected?" Hikigaya asked.
"…Enough. There's no need for us to keep testing each other. Let's directly come to the point," Chabashira rubbed her temples, looking genuinely troubled.
And understandably so. If a homeroom teacher's class got caught up in something like this, it'd be a headache for anyone.
"So, what exactly do you want from me?" she asked.
Instead of answering, Hikigaya asked back, "Sensei, wouldn't this behavior qualify as bullying?"
"…If the allegations are true."
Sensing what Hikigaya was about to say, Chabashira quickly added, "But a single claim from you isn't enough for the school to take action. You should know that better than anyone."
"Yeah, which is why I'm a little annoyed at Ibuki right now," Hikigaya said casually.
Though his expression didn't show any real anger.
Truthfully, he had considered the possibility that Ibuki might back out.
Thinking back to their first encounter, she wasn't a good person, but she wasn't heartless either—more of a half-baked delinquent.
She probably couldn't bring herself to get her classmate expelled.
That's why Hikigaya had chosen Chabashira over the other three homeroom teachers.
This was Plan B.
He even had a Plan C, though he didn't want to use it.
"Sensei, how exactly did you threaten Ayanokoji?" Hikigaya suddenly changed the topic. "As long as a student is enrolled, the school's rules protect them from unfair expulsion. But if they repeatedly violate regulations, it's a different story."
"That's just your assumption."
"Maybe. Just think of it as me talking to myself."
Ignoring Chabashira's feigned ignorance, Hikigaya continued, "Ayanokoji wouldn't openly break school rules. That means your options were limited… I'm guessing you framed him."
"…"
"Even a homeroom teacher takes a risk when making false accusations. But your obsession with reaching Class A is as strong as Horikita's—and not just for personal gain. So, it wouldn't be surprising if you did something extreme."
It sounded absurd, but that was reality.
For example, if Chabashira accused Ayanokoji of smoking or fighting, even without surveillance footage, her words as a teacher carried weight. If enough reports stacked up, expulsion would be inevitable.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have given in.
Normally, teachers wouldn't resort to this—it wasn't beneficial to them. They'd usually cover for students, just like how Sakayanagi's homeroom teacher tolerated his antics.
"…Fine, you got me." Chabashira's tone showed no remorse. "I did push Ayanokoji toward Class A. But if you understand that, then why did you call me here? If I agree to your request, Ayanokoji gets expelled—that would be my only hope gone."
Hikigaya clicked his tongue inwardly.
So this was her strategy—playing hard to get.
But really… Hope?
Maybe she should check Class D's points before saying that.
"Sensei, just now, you were the one who said there's no need for us to test each other."
Hikigaya suddenly switched to a more formal tone.
"So I'll ask directly—under what circumstances would you be willing to formally report this bullying incident to the school, even if it violates the regulations?"
Given the current situation, Chabashira-sensei was the only one with whom negotiation was possible.
Mashima-sensei was too rigid, following rules to the letter—he wasn't even worth considering.
Hoshinomiya-sensei might have entertained a deal if she were still Class B's homeroom teacher, but now that her class had risen to Class A, she likely wouldn't take such a risk.
As for Sakagami-sensei from Class C? He wasn't even worth mentioning.
That being said, if it weren't for Ibuki, Hikigaya would rather abandon the two contracts from Class C than agree to Chabashira's conditions.
After all, her demands were simply too troublesome.
But to prevent any unnecessary complications, it was best to eliminate the so-called "masterpiece" as soon as possible.
"Hikigaya, before we talk about that, I have a question."
Chabashira didn't agree right away, but her expression showed she was tempted.
"Do you have some kind of conflict with Ayanokoji?"
"Conflict? Not at all."
"Then why does it seem like you're determined to have him expelled?"
"He's capable of doing something like this—shouldn't that be reason enough for expulsion?" Hikigaya countered.
"By nature, it is indeed a serious offense," Chabashira acknowledged, "but that leads to another issue. I understand that you disapprove of Ayanokoji's actions, but isn't what Ryuuen from Class C has done just as bad? If you see yourself as some kind of justice enforcer, why not have Ryuuen expelled as well? You should be capable of that, shouldn't you?"
"Hah, Sensei, you sure think highly of me."
Hikigaya dropped the pretense and spoke bluntly. "You're right. Expelling Ryuuen wouldn't be difficult, so I'm not in a rush. But Ayanokoji is different—I have no confidence in dealing with him. That's why I have to seize this opportunity, when he's made a serious mistake, to get rid of him in one go."
"So what you're saying is that you admit you're weaker than Ayanokoji?"
Chabashira crossed her arms, looking at Hikigaya with a slightly mocking expression.
Too bad for her, provocations like that were meaningless. Without hesitation, Hikigaya nodded.
"That's right. Whether it's academics or physical ability, I'm no match for Ayanokoji. Even if others think I'm underhanded or shameless, it doesn't matter to me—as long as I achieve my goal, nothing matters."
"...Ugh."
Watching Hikigaya casually belittle himself, Chabashira suddenly felt a chill run down her spine.
From their daily interactions, it was clear that Hikigaya and Ayanokoji had no apparent conflicts. No one would have suspected they were enemies. And yet, behind the scenes, Hikigaya was utterly ruthless.
What was even scarier was his self-awareness.
Even though all the teachers unanimously agreed that Hikigaya was the most outstanding first-year student, he seemed completely unconvinced.
He remained cautious at every turn.
A guy like him was far more terrifying than anyone else.
"...Fine, I understand."
Chabashira let out a small sigh.
"Since we've come this far, let me confirm one last thing—you know what I want. But are you willing to spend the next three years doing something you don't like just to eliminate Ayanokoji?"
"Yeah. I don't care about Class A that much." Hikigaya didn't bother hiding his thoughts. "But I've been forced to do things I don't like since long ago—I'm already used to dealing with unreasonable demands. So you don't need to worry about that."
At first, he helped other classes just to suppress the so-called "masterpiece."
Now, he was helping Class D just to eliminate that "masterpiece."
Thinking about it, the whole thing was pretty ironic.
"Then it's settled. Head back for now—I need to lock up."
As if worried that Hikigaya might change his mind, Chabashira-sensei swiftly put the paper away.
Then, with a mysterious smile, she added, "Oh, and just so we're clear—I'll report this matter truthfully to the school. But the final outcome may not be what you hope for."
"Why?" Hikigaya frowned. "Once the school gets involved, there's no room for turning back, right?"
Even if Ayanokoji and Manabe's group had deleted the messages from their phones, the server still had backups. A thorough investigation would make it impossible to deny.
Sometimes, Hikigaya wondered if Ayanokoji was just ignorant of these basic facts because he'd lived such a detached life from society. No one had probably ever told him that simply hiding behind anonymity wouldn't make him untraceable.
—Don't get cocky, don't try to be special, and don't assume you can't be found.
If he had the chance, Hikigaya would love to slap that famous quote right onto Ayanokoji's face.
"That's true, at least on the surface. I'm just giving you a heads-up," Chabashira-sensei said cryptically.
Something about her attitude unsettled Hikigaya.
Was she planning to warn Ayanokoji?
…No, if that were the case, she wouldn't have agreed in the first place.
And even if Ayanokoji found out, so what?
It's not like that guy could hack into the server and erase all the data.
If he were capable of that, he might as well forget about being some "masterpiece" and just become the world's greatest hacker instead.