"Kakeru Ryūen, of Class 1-C, on April 4th in the afternoon, within the school's special education building, committed acts of violence against his classmate Mio Ibuki due to differing opinions. Although this did not result in serious consequences, such behavior is highly reprehensible. Therefore, on behalf of the student council, I pronounce the following sanction."
Nagumo's face was expressionless. After Hikaru presented the recording, he had already made his decision. With Horikita observing from the outside, he had to maintain a firm stance.
"Ryūen Kakeru, suspended for one month, effective immediately. You may not return to class until May 5th, and you are forbidden from entering the education building during this period!"
He glared at Ryūen, whose face was dark, and proclaimed his verdict in a strong voice.
Normally, an act of violence without serious consequences would result in a one- to two-week suspension. However, Ryūen had not only committed violence but had also been clearly recorded and had incited two accomplices to attack a girl. Such behavior, deemed particularly heinous, warranted the maximum penalty.
"If you disobey this sanction or are caught entering the education building, it will result in immediate expulsion!" Nagumo added with a cold smile, staring at Ryūen. "Understood?"
"…Understood," Ryūen replied.
He turned his gaze to Ibuki standing beside him. As soon as he had heard Hikaru's recording, he realized he had been trapped. Surprisingly, he accepted his fate with a certain calmness.
"This time, I admit defeat, Ibuki. But next time, I'll win. The leadership of Class C will be mine!"
Then, he turned to Hikaru, still smiling, and added slowly, "You, your name is Hashima Hikaru, right? I'll remember that."
"Oh, am I already that famous?" Hikaru replied, unfazed by Ryūen's threatening gaze. With a casual shrug, he added, "It's pretty cool that Ryūen-kun remembers me. We'll meet often, so see you next time!"
"Hmph!"
Ryūen's face darkened further, but he said nothing and left the meeting room without another word.
Nagumo then turned to the other two Class C students and continued, "As for your sanctions, listen carefully."
"Yagō Komiya and Daichi Ishizaki, of Class 1-C, under Ryūen's influence, set up an ambush on April 4th in the afternoon in the special education building, intending to commit violence against Mio Ibuki. Although their plan failed, their intent was clear."
"Therefore, you are suspended for one week starting today. You may return to class from April 12th onward. Understood? This decision will be reported to Professor Sakagami, who will be informed of everything concerning the three of you."
"…Yes," Ishizaki and Komiya replied.
Facing the authority of this senior, these two former delinquents, accustomed to defying rules, dared not protest. Expulsion was the last thing they wanted.
Once the three Class C students left, Nagumo turned to Hikaru and Ibuki, curious about their reaction.
"Well, the accusation brought by Ibuki-san is now closed. Are the parties involved satisfied with my verdict?"
"Absolutely, Nagumo-senpai! You're truly worthy of your title as vice president! Not only is your judgment fair, but your demeanor completely silenced those guys. It's impressive!" Hikaru replied, unleashing shameless flattery that brought a satisfied smile to Nagumo's face.
"Can we leave now?" Ibuki asked, eager to exit once the matter was resolved.
"Yes, thank you again, Nagumo-senpai. We'll take our leave," Hikaru added.
As they turned to leave, Nagumo suddenly called out, "Hashima-kun, can you stay for a moment? I'd like to talk to you."
"?"
Ibuki, about to leave, glanced at Hikaru. Seeing the calculating smile forming on his face, she immediately understood.
*Hmph, here he goes again.*
No wonder he played the card of exaggerated reverence toward the vice president. He was probably waiting for this moment from the start.
"Really…" she muttered before striding out of the room, refusing to stay a second longer with Hikaru. Who knew when he might drag her into another one of his schemes?
"Yes, Nagumo-senpai, what is it?" Hikaru asked, turning around, his attitude still respectful.
From what he had observed, this second-year vice president, though officially one of the council's highest-ranking members, had a complex relationship with Horikita. The two, seemingly colleagues, were clearly in competition. Additionally, the violet-haired senpai seemed deeply distrustful of Nagumo.
*This dynamic is worth exploiting. It would be a waste not to take advantage of it.*
As Hikaru pondered, Nagumo spoke.
"Hashima-kun, you're in Class B, right? What remarkable talent!"
"You flatter me, senpai. Compared to you, I'm just an ordinary student," Hikaru replied modestly.
"Come now, no need to be so humble!" Nagumo displayed a sincere expression. "Did you know that I, too, was in Class B during my first year? But I eventually made it to Class A. I'm convinced you can follow the same path."
"Really? That's impressive, Nagumo-senpai!" Hikaru replied, a glint of surprise in his eyes. He had never thought Nagumo started in Class B.
"After what happened today, I've seen in you a keen sense of justice. You stood up for a student from another class and courageously exposed an act of violence," Nagumo continued enthusiastically. "This kind of talent is exactly what the council needs. So, how about joining us?"
"Uh…"
Seeing the excited expression on Hikaru's face, as if he were flattered by the recognition, Nagumo inwardly smirked.
His opinion of this first-year had nothing to do with the praise he had just given. This boy, capable on only the fourth day of school of allying with a student from another class to set up such a cunning trap for a potential leader, was clearly no ordinary person.
But upon reflection, this cunning worked in his favor. Nagumo precisely needed a promising individual among the first-years. Once he succeeded Horikita as council president, an ally like Hikaru would greatly facilitate his control over the school.
If the opportunity arose, Nagumo wouldn't hesitate to help Hikaru unite the first-years. After all, he intended to become the undisputed master of this school, and a competent subordinate would only be an additional asset.
"Well, Nagumo-senpai, I've thought about it, but right now, I really need to focus on my studies," Hikaru replied, feigning embarrassment, his tone filled with hesitation. "Could I give you my answer after the exams?"
"Of course, no problem! Studies are the priority, after all," Nagumo replied with feigned generosity, bursting into a hearty laugh. "Then, let's say we'll talk again after the end-of-month exams. I look forward to seeing you again, Hashima-kun."
"Thank you, Nagumo-senpai. I'll do my best!" Hikaru replied, displaying an enthusiastic expression.
Yet, deep down, a hint of contempt surfaced. This Nagumo-senpai exposed his intentions with almost laughable transparency.