Classroom of the Elite (ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ)

Horikita joined the student council,

but I haven't gotten any new information out of her.

Nagumo's personal maneuvering aside,

the management of the student council appears to be above-board.

The real action started on a particular weekend,

one week before the deadline for forming groups.

The vice president, Kiriyama, had asked to speak with me.

So here we are.

Classroom of the Elite 4th Season 2nd Year 1st Term

Classroom of the Elite 4th Season 2nd Year 1st Term

#8 The Subject of the Dragons' Gaze

How can I help you, Mr. Vice President?

The deserted island test starts at the end of the month.

Have you completed your preparations?

I've done what I can.

What about you, Vice President Kiriyama?

I'm thinking of engaging in an individual fight in the upcoming test.

An individual fight?

Our class lost the battle with Nagumo and was dropped down.

He's gradually taking control of the whole school.

There's no more fighting our class can do.

The only thing I can do is settle things on an individual basis.

I understand.

But I'm not sure why you would want to tell me about that.

Let's just say I don't want any outside interference.

Outside interference?

You sent Horikita-senpai's sister into the student council

to keep an eye on Nagumo, didn't you?

I can't say that wasn't part of it.

Though it's not the main reason.

It's so that Horikita can walk the same path her brother did.

You won't get in my way, then?

As long as Horikita doesn't see Nagumo as an obstacle.

I can't accept that.

Nagumo is aware on some level that I was leaking information to Horikita-senpai.

Any unwarranted interference now...

It could put you in danger?

Yes.

Are you looking for a chance to move up to Class A?

What's the point of graduating in anything but Class A?!

I refuse to go down with the incompetents and weirdos of Class B!

Kiriyama.

You're with an interesting underclassman, I see.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, right?

Spending time with someone like that won't get you anywhere.

Better than spending time with you.

That's up to Ayanokoji to decide, I'm sure.

That's Kiryuin. She's in Class B with me.

I saw her OAA.

A highly-regarded student with Academic Achievement and Physical Ability of A+.

She does well on paper.

But she doesn't have supporters like Nagumo does.

She doesn't have a single real friend.

Listen to those compliments. You're making me blush.

Engaging with her is a waste of time.

What's wrong? You won't come to see me?

I think she wants to talk to me.

If you don't come to me, I'll have to come to you.

Are you sure you want that?

People like her are why I've had to settle for Class B.

She's a selfish outsider who doesn't care about anyone else!

Thank you for the compliment.

I'd like to talk to Ayanokoji.

You're in our way.

Don't forget what I said.

Watch your step, or I'll become your enemy, too.

Standing to talk is so uncivilized. Let's sit.

Sure.

So, what did you want to talk to me about?

Anything at all.

I just want to get a read on you.

A read on me?

The reason you don't contribute to your class is

because you aren't interested in your classmates, right?

What I'm not interested in is this school's system of competing for Class A.

I'm talented enough on my own merits to get whatever position I want after school.

You wouldn't have come here if you'd known it was like this, then?

Far from it.

I like this school.

And the point system affords me a comfortable life.

You've been asking all the questions, you know...

Why me, though?

There are lots of students here with high Academic Achievement.

Instinct.

My instinct tells me that you're extraordinary.

Are you going to try to take first place in the upcoming survival game?

I'm sure every student wants to take first place.

Except people like you, Kiryuin-senpai.

Maybe not first, but I am aiming for one of the top slots.

A top slot will earn me more private points.

Money tends to burn a hole in my pocket.

I never seem to have enough.

The upcoming special test

is also a battle to determine the best student in the school.

Whether or not my interest in you is misplaced

will be determined by your achievement on the island.

I think I'd rather not have you interested in me.

You do say the most interesting things.

I'm looking forward to fighting you,

Ayanokoji.

Well, well. The loyal dog has returned with its master in tow.

What was that?

Hey, don't say hurtful things to my dear colleague.

Dear colleague?

I'm not sure I buy your sincerity.

It's entirely genuine, I assure you.

Now, Mr. President. How can I help you?

I didn't think we had any more business.

I certainly don't intend to stay long.

Despite your beauty, you're entirely lacking in charm.

I have no interest in women like that.

Oh, I have a great many charms.

I just haven't met the gentleman who could draw them out of me.

I'd love to see the man who could.

As would I.

I really wonder why the men aren't all over me.

Men don't know how to deal with a strong woman.

I see.

If they're all just intimidated, I completely understand.

You've been taking good care of your hair, I see.

I'm sure the women are all over you.

Had any better luck in the romance department these last three years?

A woman who's never dated a man wants to comment on my love life?

There's no need to be ashamed of a lack of experience.

Couldn't you actually say it makes me more valuable?

As usual, your mind works in the strangest ways.

Kiriyama told me what you said.

You've never shown any interest in me or Horikita-senpai,

yet you've set your sights on Ayanokoji? Very unexpected.

You seem to be under a misapprehension.

I'm really quite interested in people.

When someone sparks that interest, I'll happily approach them.

You and Horikita Manabu, too... I was interested in you both at one point.

And what do you make of Ayanokoji?

I'm reserving judgment for now.

I lost interest in you, but I think he'll be more fun.

You're the only one who could openly insult me like that.

I'd love to rein in that arrogance of yours.

When you lose, your losses will be beyond measure, Mr. President.

Let's call it aura.

I sensed an aura about him different from that of you and Horikita Manabu.

That's not very concrete.

Why not test him, then?

I intend to.

We may see what he can really do on the upcoming island test.

I said I was reserving judgment on Ayanokoji Kiyotaka earlier...

but I do think he's an interesting student.

Oh?

You see the underclassmen as amusing playmates.

But if you really went for it, you'd take first place, no doubt.

Oh, there's no question of that.

Either me or my rival Kiriyama.

But if we want to sweep all three top spots, we'll need another group, won't we?

You should take that role, Kiryuin.

I see. So that's what you wanted.

But you have countless other pawns to call upon, don't you?

You're not interested, then?

So sorry to waste you a trip.

I should have expected no less.

It was a waste of time, then.

Since you went to the trouble to come here, I'll offer you a word of advice.

Don't worry about the underclassmen. Just focus on your path forward.

You may end up burned.

What a ridiculous thing to say.

Off to Keyaki Mall this early?

I won't have time to relax once the test starts.

Ichinose seems to trust you a lot.

Is that trust justified?

We've canceled our alliance, but I don't view Ichinose as an enemy.

Kanzaki...

Are you trying to get some kind of comment from me to pass on to Ichinose?

You're far sharper than we ever thought.

I can see that Class D's rapid rise is because of you.

You think so?

I want to ask for your help.

Ichinose trusts you greatly.

I want you to tell her that she needs to change her approach.

You really think that will get her to change?

Yes.

Sorry, but I can't help you there.

I want to see where Ichinose's approach takes her.