"The student who should be expelled is you, Totsuka Yahiko."
"Me—me?!"
Hearing those words, Yahiko pointed at himself in disbelief.
Katsuragi, standing beside him, also widened his eyes in shock as he stared at Yamamura.
"Do you have no self-awareness?" Yamamura sighed and shook her head. "As I mentioned earlier, whether it was the Uninhabited Island Exam or the Preferential Exam, failure shouldn't be blamed solely on the leader—it's a responsibility shared by the entire class… with one exception."
Her expression gradually turned cold.
"Because of someone's reckless actions, all twenty-four students in our class are now forced to pay 50,000 personal points to Hikigaya-san every month. And without a doubt, that responsibility falls squarely on you, Totsuka-kun."
"H-how is that my fault?!" Yahiko protested in a panic. "Hikigaya set me up! If you want to blame someone, blame that Sakayanagi woman!"
Yamamura retorted sharply, "And how exactly did he set you up?"
"He… he…"
"Did he force you to search him? Hmm?"
"N-no! But he had someone secretly take pictures of it—that was a trap!"
No matter how much he tried to defend himself, Yahiko kept insisting he was framed and completely innocent.
But the truth was, there wasn't much else he could say.
As Yamamura pointed out, no one had forced him to do it. He had simply acted recklessly, believing his status as an A-Class student granted him impunity, only to fall right into someone else's trap.
At the core of it, it was Yahiko's arrogance and stupidity that had led to this outcome.
"Wait, that was my failure in leadership."
Katsuragi, who had initially accepted his impending expulsion in silence, could no longer afford to remain quiet.
If this continued, Yahiko would be in real danger.
"The failure of the Uninhabited Island Exam was my responsibility. That incident happened because I failed to manage the class properly—it has nothing to do with anyone else."
"Katsuragi-kun, I understand your desire to protect a friend," Yamamura said flatly. "But the nature of this exam is to remove students who are harmful to the class. Given the magnitude of Totaku-kun's mistake, he is undoubtedly the first candidate for expulsion. Even if you try to protect him… as one of the victims, I simply cannot accept that."
Indeed, as a neutral faction member, Yamamura was also burdened with the cost of the monthly payments, giving her every reason to step forward.
As for the former Katsuragi faction members, they despised Yahiko.
This was Yamamura's brilliance.
She first presented the financial burden caused by the Katsuragi faction, making it seem as though she was suggesting Katsuragi's expulsion.
But just when people thought she was targeting Katsuragi, she shifted her aim toward Yahiko instead.
This caught everyone off guard.
After spending time together at the forest training camp, Katsuragi gradually improved his reputation among the male students. Even those from Sakayanagi's faction no longer held hostility toward him.
On one hand, Katsuragi was undeniably an excellent student, and now that they were no longer A-Class, there was no reason to reject such a capable ally.
On the other hand, their faith in Sakayanagi wasn't as unwavering as before.
Though they weren't outright rebelling, they had begun to approach her leadership with caution.
As a result, if Yamamura had suggested expelling Katsuragi, a significant portion of the class would have opposed it.
But expelling Yahiko? That was a different matter entirely.
Yamamura continued, "Furthermore, in terms of ability, Totsuka-kun ranked last in our class on the recent final exams, and his athletic skills are nothing noteworthy. Even disregarding personal grievances, I still believe he is the most deserving candidate for criticism votes."
"W-wait a minute! Stop making baseless claims!"
Sensing imminent danger, Yahiko frantically looked around for support.
"Don't forget! That Sakayanagi betrayed the class just to secure her power—she's the real cancer in our class! Can we trust a leader like her?!"
From a certain perspective, he wasn't entirely wrong.
However, most of the class also understood that if they wanted to graduate as A-Class, they couldn't afford to abandon Sakayanagi's influence.
Whether or not she was trustworthy was up for debate, but compared to Yahiko, who was both incompetent and a financial burden, the choice was obvious.
Thus, no one spoke up—only watching as Yahiko desperately shouted in protest.
At this crucial moment, Katsuragi stepped forward.
"Yahiko, calm down for a moment. Let me speak."
"Katsuragi-san…"
Blinded by his trust in Katsuragi, Yahiko slowly lowered his head and weakly sank back into his seat.
He couldn't believe he had become the target… and his only chance of survival—
"Everyone, Yahiko made a mistake. I won't try to defend him on that." Katsuragi swept his gaze across the classroom, his voice resolute. "However, I ask that you all think back to when we first enrolled. When we learned the true nature of the S-System. When we were still A-Class. How many of us didn't look down on the other classes back then? On the island, I too never once considered Class D a real threat, which ultimately led to our crushing defeat. So… while I may not have the right to say this is me taking responsibility, at the very least, please allow me to atone by withdrawing from school instead."
Not only was he reflecting on himself, but he was also highlighting the flaws within the entire class.
This was Katsuragi's final piece of advice.
In truth, the idea Hikigaya had used to trap Yahiko had stemmed from a chance observation of two of Sakayanagi's subordinates searching for Ayanokoji. That was what inspired him to try the same tactic.
Selecting Yahiko as the target was simply because of his personality.
But as Katsuragi pointed out, given the elitist mindset of A-Class at the time, the only difference was who had fallen into the trap.
"Furthermore, my expulsion would bring a major benefit to the class—it would nullify the contract with Ryuuen."
Perhaps sensing his words alone weren't enough, Katsuragi provided an additional, irrefutable reason.
Unlike the contract with Hikigaya, which involved confidentiality clauses, the agreement with Ryuuen was signed solely under Katsuragi's name.
In other words, if either Katsuragi or Ryuuen were expelled, the contract would automatically become void.
Most importantly, that contract required payments from the entire class—except Sakayanagi.
Even if it was for their self-interest, it made more sense to expel Katsuragi rather than Yahiko.
It was precisely for this reason that Katsuragi brought it up himself.
"Katsuragi-kun, the amount stated in your contract with Ryuuen is only 800,000 points. Compared to that, Totsuka-kun's mistake is a much heavier burden on the class," Yamamura reminded him.
One contract meant an average cost of 20,000 points per student. The other forced neutral and Katsuragi faction students to pay 50,000 points each.
That was why most of them hated Yahiko more.
Not to mention, Katsuragi's deal was a trade of class points, while Yahiko's was purely self-inflicted.
"Maybe so." Katsuragi reiterated, "But as I said earlier, forcing me to withdraw at least nullifies the contract with Ryuuen. On the other hand, even if we make Yahiko withdraw, it won't undo the deal with Hikigaya. Given the circumstances, wouldn't it be more practical to go with this option?"
"...Since you insist, Katsuragi-kun, I have nothing more to say."
Yamamura stepped back without hesitation.
At this point, it seemed that Class B had reached a decision regarding this special additional exam. Even Yahiko no longer dared to argue on Katsuragi's behalf.
As the class meeting concluded, students began leaving the classroom one by one.
"Masumi-san, let's head back."
Sakayanagi stood up, leaning on her cane, and spoke to Kamuro.
"I heard the café at Keyaki Mall has a new drink on the menu. Why don't we grab one before heading back?"
"You know, you—ah, forget it. Let's go."
Despite everything that had happened recently, Sakayanagi acted as if nothing had changed, which made Kamuro want to complain.
But then again, considering it was Sakayanagi, arguing felt like a waste of time, so she dropped it.
Besides, Kamuro felt she wasn't in a position to criticize anyone.
Whether it was a classmate about to be expelled or taking the fall for Sakayanagi before, she never found it to be a big deal.
However, something else was bothering her.
"By the way, you've been acting a bit strange today. Why so quiet?"
When the exam was first announced that morning, most of Class B had expected a heated debate between Sakayanagi and Katsuragi. Kamuro, Hashimoto, and Kitou had even been prepared to act at any moment.
Yet, from start to finish, Sakayanagi hadn't said a single word. And in the end, the outcome was Katsuragi's withdrawal—something that felt almost inexplicable.
...No, calling it inexplicable wouldn't be entirely accurate.
Yamamura's arguments were logical and well-reasoned, and as a member of the neutral faction, she had no bias. She hadn't even explicitly suggested expelling Katsuragi—he had chosen to sacrifice himself for a friend.
There was no flaw in the reasoning.
And yet, Kamuro still felt something was off... mainly because Sakayanagi had been too quiet.
The ever-combative Sakayanagi wouldn't just sit back and watch.
"I simply found Yamamura-san to be more eloquent than expected. There was no need for me to step in."
"Yeah, right. Like you'd ever let someone else take control so easily."
"Well, a lot has happened recently."
"Are you trying to say you've had a change of heart?"
"Hehe, I'll take that as a compliment."
Sakayanagi clearly understood what Kamuro was getting at and brushed her off with a slight smile.
"More importantly, before we head to the mall, let's stop by Class A for a moment."
"Huh?! What crazy idea is this now?" Kamuro jumped in surprise.
"Don't worry, I just want to take a quick look."
Without waiting for Kamuro's response, Sakayanagi began walking toward Class A's room.
Left with no choice, Kamuro followed, silently praying that the students of Class A wouldn't notice them.
Unfortunately, fate was not on her side.
Though Class A's meeting was still ongoing and their discussion seemed intense, several students caught sight of Sakayanagi and Kamuro walking past the window.
Instantly, they shot them sharp glares.
Kamuro kept a straight face, while Sakayanagi remained completely unfazed, even greeting them with a polite smile.
But the students of Class A did nothing more than glare for a moment before turning back to their discussion.
"Hehe, interesting. They seem quite restless... Masumi-san, do you know what that means?"
"How is this interesting?" Kamuro retorted. "And what's there to figure out? You're just provoking them. If you get beaten up, I'm not helping you."
"That wouldn't be so bad either. If it comes to that, Ichinose-san would do anything to keep her classmates from getting expelled—even if it meant groveling at my feet and licking my shoes."
Sakayanagi chuckled mischievously.
"You're seriously messed up..." Kamuro sighed.
A regular fight wouldn't be a big deal. But if someone laid a hand on Sakayanagi—a disabled student—the school would take severe action.
More importantly, Kamuro knew that Sakayanagi wasn't just bluffing.
Unlike most people, she never shied away from her weaknesses. Instead, she weaponized them. Even if it meant taking on serious risks, she wouldn't hesitate.
Suddenly, Kamuro understood why, during the sports festival, Hikigaya had casually mentioned wanting to get Sakayanagi expelled.
It wasn't just because he disliked her—it was probably to protect her.
Of course, the dislike part was likely true too.
Just then, Sakayanagi's phone rang.
She picked it up with an amused smile as if she'd just received good news.
"Yamauchi-kun, good day. I had a feeling you'd be contacting me around now."
"...You're so weird."
Kamuro gave her a strange look as Sakayanagi casually chatted with Yamauchi.
She knew Sakayanagi was scheming something again, but... was she seriously picking him as her target?
"Today? Sure, no problem. Let's meet up later at the karaoke lounge."
Sakayanagi ended the call and turned to Kamuro.
"That settles it. We'll have to change our plans—getting that drink will have to wait."
"That doesn't matter, but..."
"Ask whatever you want. It's rare that I'm in a good mood right now, so I'll answer anything."
"…What do you plan to do with Yamauchi?" Kamuro frowned. "Let me give you a piece of advice—if you intend to use that guy against Hikigaya, you'd better pick someone else."
"Hehehe, Masumi-chan, that's quite a rude thing to say."
Sakayanagi chuckled.
"But I suppose you're right. Yamauchi-kun's intelligence does seem to be below average. Even after Hikigaya-kun warned him so clearly last time, he still let his guard down around me."
"Then why are you still—?"
"Precisely because he's an idiot. At times, people like that can be even more useful than normal ones."
It was a cruel statement, but Kamuro couldn't find a reason to refute it.
Still, she warned, "I'm telling you, you should lay low for now. Even if you do manage to turn Yamauchi into a spy, I doubt he'll be of any use."
"Oh? Do you think I can't win against Hikigaya-kun?" Sakayanagi asked with a smile.
"That's right. I can't be as optimistic as I used to be anymore."
"Mmm, that's understandable."
Sakayanagi didn't seem upset by Kamuro's blunt words. If anything, she agreed with her.
"Just like my initial assessment when I first met Hikigaya-kun… No, the reality far exceeded my expectations. Hikigaya-kun is an even greater opponent than I had imagined."
"…And yet you're still so arrogant? Just lay low for now."
"Sorry, but that's not my style."
Sakayanagi's fearless smile remained.
"It's precisely in times like this that I must go on the offensive. This time, I need to take a win from Hikigaya-kun."
"…Do whatever you want." Kamuro gave up on persuading her. "But based on what you're saying, are you planning to use this chance to get Hikigaya expelled?"
"Eh? Why would you say something like that?" Sakayanagi covered her mouth in exaggerated surprise.
"Hah? But you just said—"
"Wow, Masumi-chan, I never expected you to be such a ruthless woman."
Sakayanagi deliberately interrupted her, sighing in mock disappointment.
"I thought you'd at least hesitate when it comes to Hikigaya-kun. But instead of speaking up for him, you're actually suggesting I get him expelled… Even I was taken aback."
"What?! Stop twisting my words!"
"Hehe, relax, I was just joking."
Seeing Kamuro getting flustered, Sakayanagi decided to stop teasing her.
"I do want to defeat Hikigaya-kun, but I've never considered expelling him. After all, we still have over two years left. If he leaves now, who else will I have to play with?"
"But… this exam requires someone to be expelled, doesn't it?"
In other words, if neither side suffered an expulsion, there wouldn't be a true winner.
"Don't worry, you'll understand soon enough." Sakayanagi dodged the question. "But before that, I'll need you to come with me to a karaoke place as my bodyguard."
"Yeah, yeah, I got it." Kamuro waved her hand dismissively.
"Oh, right. I almost forgot to give you something."
As Kamuro looked at her in confusion, Sakayanagi removed the SD card from her phone and handed it over.
Kamuro didn't take it and instead frowned. "What is this? What are you trying to do?"
"A little thank-you gift for last time." Sakayanagi smiled. "It contains some old video clips of you I recorded before. No need for me to explain, you know what I mean."
"…Hah?"
"I originally planned to give it to you last time, but my mind was too occupied with Hikigaya-kun, and I forgot. But better late than never—"
"W-Wait! Sakayanagi, hold on!" Kamuro interrupted her urgently. "Do you even understand what you're doing right now?"
"What does it mean, exactly?" Sakayanagi asked, unfazed.
"…It means I no longer have to listen to you."
Despite her words, Kamuro didn't snatch the SD card right away. Instead, she glared at Sakayanagi, scrutinizing her.
But Sakayanagi merely smiled. "You're wrong, Masumi-chan. Maybe at the beginning, you only obeyed me because of this leverage. But now, things have changed."
"Nothing's changed. Without that, I have no reason to keep listening to you." Kamuro stated firmly.
"Is that so?"
"Of course it is!"
"Hehe, the way you're bluffing is really amusing."
Sakayanagi chuckled as she reached out and lightly poked Kamuro's chest.
"Masumi-chan, you actually like being relied on, don't you? After all, it seems like you struggle to find your own sense of value."
"You…!"
"Oh dear, if I say any more, you might really get mad."
Sakayanagi feigned fear and retracted her hand before laughing.
"Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to offend. Then let's just treat this as a request from a friend, okay? Please help me, Masumi-chan."
"…Hmph."
Kamuro hesitated for a moment but ultimately just let out a cold snort.
"Fine. It's not like I have anything better to do… But let me make this clear—I'm only helping you so I can move up to Class A."
"Yes, that's exactly it." Sakayanagi covered her mouth, unable to hide her amusement. "After all, Hikigaya-kun's dream is to be a stay-at-home husband. If you want to support him, you'll definitely need the financial security that comes with Class A's benefits."
"Y-You—That's—!"
Kamuro's face instantly turned red. Then, like a volcano erupting, she yelled—
"What nonsense are you spouting?!"
"Masumi-chan, we're in public. You shouldn't be shouting."
"And whose fault do you think that is?!"
Still fuming, Kamuro stormed ahead in a huff. But after a few steps, her pace slowed again, though she refused to turn around.
Hehehe… what an adorable girl.
Sakayanagi leisurely followed behind her, already anticipating what was to come.
"Oh my, isn't that Hikigaya-kun?"
Just as they were about to arrive at the karaoke place, Sakayanagi noticed Hikigaya and his group entering a café across the street.
"Masumi-chan, shall we go say hello?"
"Shut up!"
However, Kamuro, thinking Sakayanagi was messing with her again, didn't believe her.
Oh dear… but that's fine too.
After all, Hikigaya-kun was with three girls.
Sakayanagi was curious to see if Kamuro would get jealous, but with so many people around, she likely wouldn't show it. That would have to wait for another time.
Just as Sakayanagi was thinking that, Hikigaya seemed to notice her as well and turned to look.
"Uh…"
"Uh…"
For a moment, the two of them just stared at each other in silence. Then, suddenly, Sakayanagi removed her hat and gave him a polite bow from afar.
If it's you, Hikigaya-kun… you should understand, right?
This time, I'm serious.