Although the previous incident at the library had already exposed Mizowaki's issues, Nagumo hadn't trusted his own eyes at the time.

He suspected it was a scheme by Katsuragi and Kaoru to drive a wedge between him and Mizowaki.

Moreover, Mizowaki had no compelling reason to betray him.

However, it now seemed he had overthought things.

Nagumo was certain Mizowaki's phone was pointed in his direction, and his expression darkened.

The trust he had placed in Mizowaki was crumbling at this moment.

So he had misjudged the person after all.

It was now obvious that the one who had most likely betrayed him during the sports festival was Mizowaki.

The other party had been trying to take advantage of him while he was...

But why would he do such a thing?

Nagumo naturally recalled the reform proposal he had submitted to the school.

Mizowaki and Tonokawa knew its contents—there were even traces of their assistance in the PowerPoint presentation.

If Mizowaki had reviewed the entire proposal and found that Nagumo's reforms didn't align with his expectations, it wouldn't be surprising for him to decisively betray Nagumo.

Nagumo admitted that his proposal placed excessive emphasis on individual capability—suggesting that even without class support, one could still advance to Class A alone.

However, compared to previous conflicts, his proposal would also intensify battles between classes.

Under these circumstances, Mizowaki might have developed similar thoughts to Horikita Manabu and Kiriyama Ikuyo.

Nagumo believed he had figured out Mizowaki's mindset.

It seemed no one but himself could truly understand his ideas—others simply couldn't grasp them.

Not that he needed anyone's understanding anyway.

"Before answering, may I ask you something?" Sakayanagi Arisu's voice interrupted his train of thought.

"Are you doubting whether I have enough Personal Points?" Nagumo snapped back to reality, curling his lips into a smirk.

He knew his capabilities were far beyond what first-years could comprehend.

Though he had lost a considerable amount of Personal Points, Nagumo still retained over ten million.

If he wanted, he could easily gather three million in no time.

"No, I'm not that shortsighted. Frankly, you're probably the only one in the entire school who could make such an offer."

These words made Nagumo unconsciously raise his eyebrows, barely suppressing a laugh.

Nothing was more gratifying than praise from a beautiful girl.

His previously gloomy mood instantly lifted by half.

He exhaled deeply and replied with a smile, "Ask away. Whatever you want to know."

A peculiar glimmer flashed in Sakayanagi's eyes, but she didn't answer directly.

Instead, she spoke in a leisurely tone, "Yamamura is one of my few allies. In the current situation, if I disregard everyone's feelings and forcibly expel Mitoma-kun, I might face backlash."

Whether it was framing someone or mutual destruction, others weren't blind—they would know Sakayanagi was behind the trouble.

"You're overthinking it. As long as you win, these people won't care about such things," Nagumo said nonchalantly.

"Besides, you're the chairman's daughter. Even if you do nothing, fools will still flock to you—that's your advantage."

In the place he didn't notice, when the words "daughter" were mentioned, a flash of irritation crossed Sakayanagi's face, though the girl quickly suppressed it.

"Compared to me, you've spent the most time with Mitoma. You should know just how much of a threat he poses. If you eliminate him now, I don't think Katsuragi will cause you any trouble. He's just an honest man—and in a place like this, honesty is the most useless thing of all."

Nagumo had seen through Katsuragi nature.

The guy was a by-the-book, straightforward, good-hearted person with a hint of cunning—but not enough to matter.

Sakayanagi was different.

To this day, Nagumo couldn't read her thoughts.

Only through the faint arrogance she exuded could he tell she wasn't the type to settle for being second best.

Moreover, her willingness to use Ichinose Honami without hesitation was proof enough that she wouldn't shy away from any means to crush her opponents.

Looking at the results, Nagumo felt regret.

He believed Sakayanagi was inferior to him—if it had been him, Ichinose would never have had the chance to self-destruct.

"Fufufu, everything you've said is my reasoning. But tell me, Nagumo-senpai, what's your reason for wanting Mitoma-kun expelled?" Sakayanagi smiled at him, her gaze piercing as if she could see right through him, making him deeply uncomfortable.

"That's not something you need to know."

Of course, Nagumo wouldn't reveal his thoughts, even if no one was watching him right now.

He longed for someone to be his rival.

Since childhood, he had always been first, surrounded by people who praised him.

That kind of dull, predictable life had left him utterly weary.

That was why he had come to ANHS.

It wasn't entirely for his childhood friend—he was genuinely interested in this place.

Horikita Manabu was someone who matched him.

Nagumo wanted to defeat him—a feeling he had never experienced before.

No matter how he tried to provoke Horikita, the other never took the bait—until Kaoru Mitoma suddenly appeared.

Nagumo had to admit that Kaoru was also a worthy opponent.

But compared to Horikita, this guy gave off a far more dangerous vibe.

Like an exceptionally cunning bear—possessing terrifying strength, yet lurking in the shadows, silently closing in on his back, footsteps barely audible, as if deliberately trying to unsettle him.

Against someone like that, Nagumo didn't think defeating him would bring any sense of accomplishment.

"Fufufu, I'm not a woman who can be brushed off so easily. If you don't satisfy my curiosity, I won't accept this request." Sakayanagi noticed his tension and grew even more intrigued—just what had Kaoru done to him?

Nagumo fell silent for a moment before laughing.

"I don't have the habit of indulging others' curiosity. If you refuse, then consider this conversation never happened. I'm sure others would be more than willing to take on this task."

Truthfully, even if Sakayanagi agreed, he would find an excuse to back out.

Their conversation had already exposed too much.

This plan relied on the element of surprise.

If Kaoru caught wind of it, success would be unlikely.

"Do you really think others would do better than me?" Sakayanagi frowned, seemingly displeased.

"I don't think so, but someone else is more suitable for this task," Nagumo Miyabi said, blatantly lying through his teeth.

"Moreover, we second-years are currently preparing for special exams and don't have the time or energy to spare here."

As if changing the subject, Nagumo began discussing second-year matters, including his recent exam arrangements—almost as if he were showing off.

Sakayanagi humored him with a few responses before their meeting concluded.

After Nagumo left, Mizowaki silently rose and departed as well, their figures disappearing down the road.

Sakayanagi waited a while longer until Kaoru finally appeared.

"He was quite nervous earlier. Did you have someone monitoring him?"

"Yes, he noticed."

"No wonder his expression turned so grim. The last part wasn't meant for me—he was testing you."

Sakayanagi recounted the earlier events to Kaoru.

Regarding Nagumo's inexplicable mention of second-year affairs at the end, she keenly sensed he was trying to draw out the identity of the watcher.

Because Nagumo had revealed part of his plans.

If the mastermind behind the scenes couldn't resist, they'd likely make adjustments accordingly—thus exposing themselves.

"No matter. I'll shatter his last shred of hope."

Kaoru knew Nagumo hadn't completely taken the bait.

The reason Nagumo said those things was that he still harbored a sliver of trust in Mizowaki.

If Class 2-B adjusted their plans as a result, it would mean Mizowaki had betrayed him.

Kaoru would, of course, grant his wish.

In fact, he could go even further—by leveraging "Black-framed Glasses," Nagumo would likely lose trust in everyone.

"Enough. Tell me about your affairs after they're settled. Right now, it's time for you to fulfill your promise, Mitoma-kun~"

Sakayanagi flashed an especially radiant smile.

She hadn't forgotten what Kaoru had promised her—now was the perfect chance for revenge.

Kaoru nodded, then raised a finger.

"Let me clarify in advance—I won't agree to anything indecent."

Sakayanagi fell silent.

Had this guy gotten carried away with himself?

"Stand up now and shout loudly, 'I'm gay—I've always liked someone in our class!'"

"I'm not gay."

"Then don't joke about it."

"Change the condition."

"Next month on Christmas, after 8 p.m., you must stay in your room—alone."

"..."