As a result of Chiaki and Nanase advancing the discussion, it was decided that whether Class 2-A and Class 1-D would team up would be determined after school today.

During lunch break, I pushed my desk together with Chiaki’s and ate while thinking about the partner written exam.

Horikita was also standing beside us, joining the conversation.

"What should we do? Hōsen-kun is kind of scary… I mean, that is a joke but still, it feels too risky to team up with him."

"He gives off a very rough and impulsive impression. Honestly, I would rather team up with another class as well. We have other options. The club members like Hirata-kun have also been reaching out to other first-year classes."

Speaking of club members, surprisingly, Sudo already had a partner.

A first-year with Academic B, apparently a junior from the basketball club.

Sudo had been very kind to his junior these past few days and said that being relied on by juniors was not a bad feeling.

You could say this is the result of that.

Trust from juniors is a positive factor that contributes to Sudo’s further mental growth.

I hope he continues being a good senior.

Now then… since I have finished eating, I need to think as well.

About who the White Room student is.

During spring break, I decided to play a game with Tsukishiro.

Among the 160 first-year students, a White Room student would be hidden.

If I could identify them by April, Tsukishiro would withdraw.

There are no disadvantages.

The rules are overwhelmingly in my favor but Tsukishiro was the one who proposed it.

I will treat it as a game.

If there are multiple, identifying all of them would be difficult anyway.

Eliminating a White Room student is easy.

The problem is that there could be multiple.

If there is only one, it is simple but if there are two or three and they stay hidden, it becomes troublesome.

Putting aside Tsukishiro’s bet, eliminating at least one might be good.

For the sake of a smooth school life.

Well… whether they disappear depends on their actions.

There is a lot to observe.

What a hassle.

"Kiyotaka-kun?"

Damn, my thoughts had gone in a dangerous direction.

Chiaki called out so I refocused.

"What is it?"

"A first-year is calling for you."

Looking toward the entrance, Onodera was beckoning me.

The first-year was hidden behind her so I could not see their face.

But it was not a girl.

A male uniform.

"I will go."

I switch places with Onodera and face the first-year.

He was slightly shorter than me, with a somewhat youthful face.

"You are… Yagami from Class 1-B."

"…Have you already memorized all first-year faces through OAA?"

Yagami steps closer excitedly.

"No, you sent me a partner request. That is why I remembered."

In truth, I have memorized all OAA data but there is no need to reveal that.

"Ah, I am sorry. That was careless of me. Let me introduce myself again. My name is Yagami Takuya. As you said, I am from Class 1-B."

"You seem to know me as well. I am Ayanokōji Kiyotaka from Class 2-A."

"There is no first-year who does not know your name. It is an honor to speak with you."

"That is exaggerated. So, what do you want with me?"

I can hear classmates whispering behind me.

It is embarrassing so I want to finish quickly.

Yagami gathers his resolve and speaks.

"Ayanokōji-senpai. Would you partner with me?"

"Why?"

"To aim for a higher ranking, of course. I have an Academic A evaluation. If I pair with you, we can enter the top 5 pairs."

Despite my blunt response, Yagami answers smoothly.

A perfectly reasonable reason.

"There is no benefit for me. If I am aiming for the top, there are others with higher ability."

I take out my device and sort first-years by academic rank.

"For example, Ishigami from Class 1-A."

"Then… will you partner with me?"

"That is not what I meant. Let us move somewhere else. This is too public."

I leave the classroom and Yagami follows.

We talk while walking outside.

"I said that earlier but if you can offer something beneficial, I may agree."

"That would be… private points?"

Yagami asks nervously.

So offering points in negotiations is already spreading among first-years.

Likely Sakayanagi’s or Ryūen’s class.

"No, I do not want to take points from a junior right after enrollment."

"So you would if it were later? That is scary, senpai."

"That was a joke. So, what do you think I want?"

I test him.

He thinks and answers.

"You want me to provide partners from my class that benefit you."

"Sharp."

The fact he said for me, not my class, stands out.

"I am glad I got it right. That is something I can manage. How many?"

"Five students with Academic C or above. At least two must be B or above. The deadline is three days from now at 8 PM."

"Understood. Deal."

"Yes. I will leave it to you."

I offer my hand.

He smiles shyly and takes it.

* * *

Until my partnership with Yagami is finalized, there is still time.

First-years who do not know I have a reservation keep approaching me but I reject all of them.

Yagami is currently the most useful partner.

If nothing changes, he will do.

"Hello, Ayanokōji-senpai."

Another one, I think as I turn.

It was a red-haired girl.

Comparing with OAA, her name is Amasawa Ichika.

"Looking for a partner?"

"That too but I am just interested in you. Can we talk?"

"…Fine. Introduce yourself first."

"Oops, sorry. I thought you already knew from OAA. Amasawa Ichika, Class 1-A. Same A class as you. Nice to meet you."

She speaks in a friendly tone.

She has Academic A but Adaptive Thinking D+.

So I thought her interpersonal ability would be low.

OAA shows numbers but you cannot know a person without meeting them.

"What do you want to talk about?"

"Let us walk. It is a secret."

A secret conversation alone with a junior girl.

Chiaki would not like that.

"Sorry, I have plans."

I try to leave.

"Ehh? It is definitely something you would be interested in."

"You know what interests me?"

That is not information OAA provides.

The possibility she is connected to Tsukishiro increases.

She smiles mischievously.

"For example… the White Room."

…Looks like I will need an excuse for Chiaki.

"Fine. I will listen."

"Yay! Or is it because I am cute?"

"You know about the White Room."

"Do not ignore me! Yes. I am one year below you, 5th generation."

I see.

I am 4th generation.

Whether she truly was there or just informed by Tsukishiro, she is likely a planted agent.

"So what is your benefit in telling me?"

"I want you to know I am on your side."

I am not naive enough to believe that.

She seems to understand and stops me.

"I know you cannot trust me. But I want you to. I respect you."

"Respect? Why?"

"We were always compared to you. No matter what we achieved, you were better. We were told to become like Ayanokōji Kiyotaka. At first I doubted it but after seeing the data and meeting you… I understand. You are the masterpiece."

She looks at me intensely.

If this is acting, it is impressive.

I prompt her to continue.

"You heard from Tsukishiro, right? That White Room agents were sent to expel you."

"Yes."

"There are two including me. I will not expel you but the other one will. They hate you for always surpassing them."

"You claim to be on my side but you will not reveal their name."

"Sorry. I am your ally but I have known them longer. I cannot betray them. If you fight, I will just watch."

So she stays neutral there.

I never considered her an ally anyway.

If she says she will help, I will use her.

True or false, she must prove her value.

"I understand. I will not force it. But if you are truly on my side, start working."

"Sure. Anything… even at night I am fine."

"Do not say things like that in public."

If Chiaki hears this, it will be bad.

"Bring me three students from your class with Academic B or above. Pair them with people I choose."

"That is hard, I am not popular."

"If you are really from the White Room, it should not be hard. Do it."

"Okaay."

Even when I order her harshly, she smiles.

If she is truly from the White Room, she is used to orders.

It increases the likelihood but is not proof.

It could just be her personality.

"I will contact you if needed. Let us exchange contact info."

"Waiting for your message, senpai."

"Alright."

Amasawa Ichika.

Until I confirm whether she is truly from the White Room, I will keep her under observation.