Ibuki turned away but looked back after a few steps.
"Are we going? Do you want to file the complaint against Ryūen or not?"
"Of course."
Hashima caught up with her.
"And don't forget: we need to coordinate our stories before going in."
"Don't worry. This outcome matters even more to me than to you."
After a short walk, Hashima and Ibuki Mio finally arrived at the fourth floor of the building housing the student council.
From the outside, the room looked like an ordinary classroom. A polished metal plaque bearing the inscription "Student Council" was affixed to the wall.
*Knock knock knock!*
Hashima knocked on the door.
"Come in."
A soft female voice echoed. After exchanging glances, they pushed the door open.
Contrary to Hashima's expectations, the atmosphere wasn't particularly solemn. The large room contained several red zelkova wood tables where students were busy, surrounded by colorful files.
At the back stood a black desk different from the others, where Horikita Manabu sat, the person Hashima had briefly met before, observing them intently.
"Are you first-years? What can I do for you?"
The same soft voice addressed them. Hashima turned to a girl with violet hair styled in two buns. Her delicate face and small stature contrasted with the serious air she exuded, holding a brown notebook.
"Hello, we are..."
As he began to explain their visit, the girl's reaction surprised him.
"It's Hashima-kun!"
"Do you know me?"
Hashima was perplexed. To his knowledge, this was their first meeting. Beside him, Ibuki furrowed her brows, trying to understand the situation.
"President, Hashima-kun is here!" exclaimed the girl with violet hair, visibly delighted. "He must be here to join the student council!"
"Not necessarily."
Horikita observed Hashima and Ibuki. Her only encounter with the boy suggested the situation was more complex.
"Uh... Horikita-senpai?"
Hashima took the lead, approaching with Ibuki.
"Hashima-kun, what brings you here?"
Horikita adjusted her glasses, her piercing gaze scrutinizing Hashima.
"It's not for me. I'm accompanying this classmate."
He introduced Ibuki. "Ibuki Mio from Class C. She's here to file a complaint."
The revelation made the girl with violet hair pale, and she turned her attention to Horikita.
"A complaint? Why?"
Horikita examined Ibuki. "Could you specify?"
"I'm filing a complaint against Ryūen Kakeru from my class," Ibuki declared, nervous but determined. "He attempted to use violence against me today to get his way."
"A complaint of violence..."
Horikita remained impassive, glancing at Hashima before continuing, "You'll need witnesses and evidence."
"I have them."
Ibuki gestured for Hashima to hand over his phone.
"Hmm."
Horikita smiled slightly as she took the device.
"President, what's happening?" asked Tachibana Akane, concerned. Complaints of violence were rare; older students knew the rules too well.
"Violence, indeed."
After watching the video carefully edited by Hashima to keep only the most shocking 10 seconds, Horikita nodded.
The footage clearly showed a long-haired boy attempting to strike Ibuki, who narrowly dodged.
"Tachibana-san, take a look."
Horikita passed the phone. As a woman, Tachibana was particularly shocked by the scene.
"Ibuki-san, are you okay?"
"I'm agile, I managed to avoid his blows," Ibuki explained, sticking to their script. "Hashima-kun was in a nearby room and filmed the scene."
"I see."
Horikita continued her interrogation, "How did it end? Why did Ryūen stop?"
"I called classmates from Class B," Hashima replied without hesitation. "Ryūen backed down when faced with numbers."
"Why the violence?"
"He wanted to become class leader. Since I refused to vote for him, he tried to force me."
This part was true, and Ibuki said it naturally.
At this, Tachibana couldn't contain her anger.
"President, such despicable behavior deserves the maximum penalty! I propose summoning Ryūen-kun immediately."
"Approved."
As Horikita gave her instructions, a mocking voice echoed from the entrance.
"Horikita-senpai, I hear there's a complaint of violence? How interesting! I'd like to contribute to the investigation."
A blond, elegant boy entered, a playful smile on his lips.
"What a crowd of first-years! Allow me to introduce myself: Naguma, vice president of the student council."
"May I join your discussion?"