Around 2 or so minutes until it hits 2 pm. Although Yuka-sensei had not said anything about the time limit, it would be foolish to assume that this would go on endlessly.

Whether it made more sense to discuss who is behind this or which person in this class to target; it became irrelevant the moment we realized how short we are in time right now.

"Ikkiri, the supposed victim herself."

Kuzan and Kanawari's spastic sudden faces weren't something so surprising, because my facial expression gained a weird form in the process of receiving what this arrogant beautiful looking creature had just said.

"This isn't the time for jokes... Be serious about this! Weren't you the one who argued that you were being the most serious...?"

If she's being serious about being serious, then how can you make such a claim...

Yet, despite my question, she continued her reasoning with extreme confidence and a firm posture.

"Nothing connects. As he mentioned, we are just making up scenarios at this point. Therefore, shouldn't we stop and think for a second on what's realistic to assume? Tateyana's scenario is by far the most unrealistic one. Tatsu's scenario has a degree of logic behind it, but my guess is by far the most logical one. Allow me to explain why..."

She, not only denied all the scenarios we came up with but justified why they were unrealistic. By saying that my scenario contains a valid degree of logic behind it, she's rejecting Kanawari and Kuzan's scenario by saying that they have no logic at all.

Nevertheless, her ultimate claim is that her guess is the absolute certain one. A scenario where Ikkiri would come up with this all herself?

What? Why?

"Ikkiri has two friends in general. Do I have to mention who they are?"

Kanawari intercepted her question with vast enthusiasm alongside her luscious smile reflected on her dark-inked colored lips.

"You mean Akimiyashika and Hinagiku! They are so close and they are together all the time!"

"Correct. Crap... There is just one minute left. I'll just explain this in one go. Akimiyashika and Hinagiku were the ones present in the classroom along Yuka-sensei from the start. You could interpret this as premature worry for Ikkiri, but I think not. These two manipulated the whole class from the start by making this a case that wasn't actually the case. It's easy to fool an audience if you have at least one or two legitimate reasons. Thus, my ultimate assumption is that Ikkiri did all of this along with Akimiyashika and Hinagiku. One wrote the messages, one broke the cameras and the other hacked the system. They are three as well. And---"

She was trying to be as succinct as possible by explaining everything she could, but the curtain was about to be closed. Dreadful words that would symbolize the closure of this event were spread throughout this crowded classroom imperially.

"Time's up!"

With time on the clock, there was no longer any room for further discussion, thus Yuka-sensei went to the podium and spoke subsequently.

Our location was right at the classroom's end opposite direction; the beginning. Given that the podium stood a few meters away from her desk, Yuka-sensei was considerably far away.

"I've given each group a grand total of 15 minutes for the purpose of each group discussing their take on this case. Thus, each group must've come up with a solid guess. Remember, we are attempting to find out who wrote the messages, not something else."

That much was obvious. This is why it was a waste of time to consider other possibilities except those that concern the one who wrote down all those aggressive and cursed messages. Because the one who did this action would only matter.

"I will attend each group's guess and question why they think like that. In the meantime, I will give each group a minute to decide the one they think should speak on the group's behalf. This is made in order to avoid unnecessary arguments."

Essentially, even though we have split opinions, we will have to give the role of speaking to someone from our group.

It's sorta similar to the selection of a leader, as the leader will portray the group's organized thoughts. Even though our thoughts are currently scattered. Nonetheless, in this one minute, we can discuss this better, hopefully.

"My group has already decided on who will speak, so I'm officially declaring Akimiyashika the one with that role."

That's no surprise. When has Akimiyashika not taken the major role? It's as if she was born for leadership or just arguments in general.

"The minute will start once the clock gets to the fourth minute. Choose wisely."

There were a few seconds left, but it was meaningless to wait around.

Each group was split in different places in the classroom. This was originally made to avoid any information being leaked loudly.

Even so, none of us immediately spoke. As I looked at Kuzan and Kanawari I could feel traces of insecurity and anxiety.

Needless to say but, whoever picked the role of speaking for the group would get hated the most. I was extremely aware of this.

I can't just blindly suggest the self-nomination because Tatsu will view me with hatred. I don't think he's problematic, but it's about acting with preserving caution.

If Tatsu really is the culprit, then he might just target me. That would be troublesome because I know nothing about him.

........................

These cowards. They won't come to terms with the possible consequences that there are. Hardships will be created today. Visible hatred will be shown. They haven't accepted that yet.

...It can't be helped...

"Well, I--"

"I'll do it."

I can't tell if she was just waiting for someone to speak or not, but my table partner managed to firmly interrupt my reluctant words with untangible speed.

In response to this, Kanawari started to freak out.

"L-Lus?! You can't... If you go with your guess then..."

"Kana, don't worry. We are a group, right? I'm feeling confident even if no one supports my decision, but... I don't want to disregard the entirety of the group, even if it's filled with a major stupid asshole."

Why the hell must she always go there...

"If my opinion is countered or differed, then shouldn't we as a group defend the opinion we believe the most? I'm going to go with my decision. Could you two show me your support...?"

How rare from her. She's actually depending on someone. I bet she's feeling weak right now.

Her decision will undoubtedly leave her open for criticism. Mainly Akimiyashika and Hinagiku's.

"Of course! Kuzan, you will too, right?!"

"Yeah! Yeah, we are a group! One for all and all for one, right?!"

"Yes! Yes!"

Is she seriously using their enthusiasm to her advantage? This is one sorry way to go around it, honestly. You used their emotions as tools for your own convenience just to convince themselves to agree with you.

If I had to bet on how she faked her previous words, then I would bet all the money I have, except I have no money.

"You. Yes, you. It's three against one. Do you still beg to differ?"

Her methods are so devoid of morality. Kuzan, Kanawari and she share the same opinion right now. Therefore, she's trying to make me feel bad and feel guilty in case I beg to differ.

There's no way that she would depend on someone truly. This is the type of scenario that makes me want to act according to what I feel rather than how I think.

"You're horrible. Suit yourself, I don't care about this. What can I do in a 3vs1 scenario?"

"1-2."

........?

Why did she say that...?

Additionally, she started to pull her pink-colored bangs away while tying her hair. A ponytail was then formed.

For some reason, her eyes emitted a sense of absolute confidence and she couldn't stop the smug smile on her lips from growing on and on.

"One minute has passed. Let's start off with the first group!"

All the way across the classroom, at the window seat, there where four people with very distinctive personalities, so to say.

With their respective tables connected, the first pair that was recently new was Hyunda and Arkalee. I'm quite familiar with Hyunda. He's the only person who I know to have silver hair and white eyes. Though... Is that a new earring?

On his left ear, I can see a yin-yang stud earring. It's not pierced, but since it's a stud earring, the back of it is metallically attracting the contrasting part, which enables a connection to be made.

His semi-high height becomes visible in comparison to Arkalee's short height. Yet, they are talking to each other...

Usually, Hyunda is simply wondering his eyes to the outside world, out of boredom I presume, but not now. He's talking to Arkalee while demonstrating interest. Arkalee, the supposed shy girl is deliberately talking to him as well.

...........?

When did this...

"I-I'm the leader so..."

Arkalee's awkward words didn't leave a strong impression. It's clear that she is shy and timid yet she was openly talking to Hyunda. What is this contradicting behavior? It makes no sense.

In their opposite direction, there was the oddly silent Rayazaki, a usually impulsive teenage boy with a considerable semi-bulky build. His unremarkable short black hair was almost as average as my own yet mine is somewhat spikier than his.

Ultimately, Hyunda, for some reason, decided to whisper something on Arkalee's ear which provoked a subsequent better choice of upcoming words from her.

"Erm! I'm the leader of this group and so I will tell our honest thoughts on this matter. I truly believe that whoever did this is extremely evil and deserves to be met with the consequences!"

After hearing these strong words, everyone in this classroom, even Yukishiro, a girl with spontaneously long blonde hair, couldn't advertise their eyes from Arkalee, who spoke with no fear.

What did Hyunda tell her exactly?

"This is a decision that I, Hyunda, Rayazaki, and Yukishiro came to terms with, thus we four believe that this is the absolute correct decision!"

Seriously? I mean, Yukishiro is not arguing which should mean something, but has she really found an opinion that all of them can agree with?

But Hyunda isn't the type of person who would partake in this nonsensical event... Therefore, why? Why are you bothering with this event?

Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

Weren't you the one who told me that my actions often have no meaning? What is this? Aren't you contradicting yourself?

"So? Which one do you think did it, Arkalee?"

As soon as Yuka-sensei asked her that, Arkalee, in a heartbeat, rose up from her seat and pointed towards the one she and her group, supposedly thought was the obvious choice here.

"Tateyana! Aren't you the one?!"

"Huh?! What are you talking about?!"

Tateyana too? Seriously? Why are people thinking that she's the one behind this? Unless Arkalee shares the same reasoning as Kanawari then I don't see how...

In addition to being the target, Tateyana who possesses a slender build and a dark blue charming hair along with emerald-like green eyes stood up and argued once more to Arkalee who was just a few meters away.

"How could I have done all of this?! Are you stupid!? Ahh, you really are!"

"Calm down, it's not our turn yet..."

"The hell!? Are you defending her, Sagasuga?! Let's just blame the bitch!"

Sagasuga, who was trying to get the best out of the situation, held Tateyana by her wrist in order to restrict her. Sagasuga's right though. They are just one turn away. Nevertheless, Arkalee still has to explain why she labeled Tateyana as the culprit...

And...

Speaking of Arkalee... She's... crying...

"Yikes..."

"For real..."

Kuzan and I shared that small conversation as we both saw the sorry scenario.

"We can't just do that, Tateyana. It's not what we agreed with. Also, you made her cry. You should apologize."

"W-What?! Are you serious right now?! I can't believe you!

Progressively, throughout this, we witnessed Arkalee crying as her tears started to overflow.

Is she seriously this emotional?

"Apologize. You were rude to her. It's not about Arkalee, also, you were just rude in general."

"A-Ah, thank you, Sagasuga..."

Huh....

I'm not sure if that was the most correct choice of words you could've chosen, Arkalee.

"Thank you? Thank you?! Are you flirting with my man, you fucking whore?! First, you blame me with no reasoning behind it and then you start this poor victim scenery?! I'm going to destroy you! Just you wait later on when you get your ass back in the dorm!"

Holy shit, was she always this aggressive?

Tateyana on herself was causing certain girls that are present here and now to feel frightened, mainly Arkalee in general.

"I-I was just...!"

"Save it! You're dead!"

Does she realize that she just made two threats in a row...? There's no way that this is going to end well for her.

"Tateyana, sit down, please. We are in the middle of a debate. Outsiders are not allowed to retaliate."

"But, sensei!"

"No buts. You know the rules and so do I. Though, you are right. Arkalee, what's your reasoning for blaming Tateyana?"

Sagasuga's righteous attitude most likely provoked this emotional meltdown that we are witnessing from Tateyana. If he had just prioritized cooling her emotions instead of acting accordingly, then this wouldn't have happened in the first place.

In the end, though, Tateyana went back to her seat and regained her posture, as she furiously looked at Arkalee who was about to speak.

"U-Ummm.... Isn't what just happened enough evidence...?"

"Excuse me?"

Although Tateyana wanted to speak, she was gritting her teeth endlessly. The fury that her whole being emitted to the outside world was most likely lethal to the one who would suffer her wrath.

She was also, additionally, stomping on the floor on and on as a means to increase her fury. Only Sagasuga was keeping her in check by forcing her to stay on her seat.

"Ahh, this might've been too confusing! Sorry! I'm sorry! I'll change my trajectory... Um, Ikkiri, what exactly is your relationship with Tateyana?"

Arkalee, while delivering her own set of personal words continuously whipped the tears that were on her eyes and cheeks. Her words have gained more strength to them, so her emotional balance is rising back up.

Though, the question was directed to the one that was undoubtedly the center of attraction today. This petite-sized girl who sat alongside the same table as Tateyana, was only looking downcast as if her emotions were completely shut down.

"We... don't have one..."

Given that Tateyana didn't differ, this might just be true.

"I see... Sensei, as you saw, Tateyana can show scary reactions sometimes... Would it really be weird to assume that she would target someone like Ikkiri...?"

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is... Ikkiri is unjustly being bullied and it's hard to stand up to girls like Tateyana... I know for a fact... I am... not that strong myself... Which is why Ikkiri would most likely be the suitable target for her bullying...!"

Tateyana was fuming for the record. Her gritting fangs were starting to unravel themselves the longer she looked towards Arkalee.

Arkalee should seriously consider her words or she might get assaulted with a kitchen knife later on.

"So your reasoning is that Tateyana is the most suitable target due to her blatant behavior?"

"That... and... um...."

Suddenly, Arkalee started to show reluctance. Hyunda, who is next to her, intercepted that as an opening, as he whispered to her ear something again.

"What if Ikkiri is being told to react this way...? Wouldn't it make more sense for you to show retaliation in this kind of situation...? I-I'm not assuming anything entirely, but I just think it would be logical for Ikkiri to fight back at least, but since Tateyana and Ikkiri are next to each other... That would be... kinda... hard."

I see.

She's claiming that Ikkiri's downcast and sudden emotional shutdown is due to an outside factor. Ikkiri's normally eccentric, enthusiastic and cheerful. Her negative behavior doesn't really match right now.

Therefore, Arkalee is reasoning that Ikkiri is being forced to act this way.

And that the one who made her act this way is no other than Tateyana herself.

"I-Ikkiri! You can just say it! I want the best for you! I really want to help you! If you... are in trouble, you can always talk to me! I'll be there for you..."

Ikkiri's eyes slowly brightened in response to Arkalee's caring words, but she looked down once more in a short while.

"Thanks..."

Arkalee really seems to care for Ikkiri. Tateyana is too busy killing Arkalee in her mind to pay attention to anything else. She entered a state of daydream.

"Well... That's all."

"I see. Group 1, which consists of Hyunda, Arkalee, Rayazaki, and Yukishiro have chosen to target Tateyana. The group's reasoning being that Tateyana's behavior is related to this and that Ikkiri is being forced into not speaking her mind. Ikkiri, what do you think? Is Tateyana the culprit?"

To be honest, Arkalee's reasoning is extremely poor. But, so will the rest be. There's barely any evidence to link anyone to the real culprit.

It's pointless to suddenly expect superb reasoning to arrive from the miscellaneous darkness.

"No... Tateyana is kind! Her behavior is not at fault... This is my fault..."

But why is it your fault? I can't understand that. No one can.

Except the culprit, that is.

"It's okay, Ikkiri. Go ahead and say it if you think it's me. I don't have a single reason to bother myself with you. It's ludicrous to assume that I'm the real culprit!"

"N-No! It's really not that, Tateyana! I don't believe it's you..."

"Why are you showing reluctance then?! You got something to say, don't you!?"

Tateyana in the process of shouting at Ikkiri, was almost on her face. Ikkiri in response formed a terrified expression. I don't think Tateyana realizes how much of a problem she's being right now.

"Stop it! For how long are you going to do this for!?"

"What the hell, Sagasuga?! First Arkalee and now Ikkiri!? Why?!"

I can see now why they supposedly broke up. One is emotionally stable while the other is a convoluted mess of emotions. It makes me wonder how they got together in the first place.

Although, Sagasuga can become cold and detached, given the opportunity.

"Do I have to take you two to the principal's office or will you behave?"

".....Sorry..." x2.

I'm surprised they immediately complied without any retorts.

"Well, even though I just said that, it's your group's turn. Who will speak for the majority? Ikkiri, will it be you?"

All this time, I haven't been truly paying attention to the ones who have talked the most out of the second group.

Rather, the person I have in mind. The person, who for some reason is firmly posed and calmly collected. Tatsu, why are you capable of upholding such an attitude when you are without a doubt one of the primary targets?

"It won't be Ikkiri. However, I will be speaking in her defense."

Anyone could see miles away that Sagasuga would be the one with this role.

Sagasuga isn't the type of person to lose his cool over trifling matters such as this. Plus, I've been doubting whether or not he actually did what he told me and Tsudo.

Now that I think about it... Why would he just tell us? This is something that I'm starting to realize.

Everyone here is incredibly selfish.

"I decided not to blame someone because we lacked the logic to do so."

"But you need to choose someone."

"I understand. However, can't I propose something better, sensei?"

Sagasuga is attempting what anyone with minimal rationality would do, which is...

"Yes?"

Persuasion.

"Instead of blaming someone openly, what if I deducted the behavior of the person who did this?"

Except we already did that, Sagasuga... It won't lead you anywhere.

"If I do this, then I will be able to arrive at a firmer conclusion. Whoever did this is surely feeling confident right now. However, who did this is a true idiot!"

I don't know why but Sagasuga started to laugh maniacally as soon as he said the word 'idiot'.

"Right now, as we waste time in these nonsensical arguments, the real culprit is trying to remain hidden. But... That won't work. Because there isn't a real culprit here!"

"What? Of course there is, Sagasuga. It's a fact that someone wrote those messages. They didn't just magically appear."

"But sensei, that wasn't what my words truly meant. Who wrote those messages is acting so confident because there isn't anything linking to the discovery of the culprit's actions. What does this mean, exactly? It means that the one who wrote the messages didn't do it independently. Hey, Tatsu. How are you feeling right now?"

Oh...? Could it be that Sagasuga has...?

"Hm...? I'm feeling good. You?"

"Yeah, I'm doing great. But, why are you feeling good right now?"

Where is Sagasuga going with this extremely casual talk?

Tatsu started to wonder about the true meaning of Sagasuga's words and formed a worried expression.

"Why.....? What's up with that question? Do I need a reason to feel good? The hell."

"Yes. Every human being does. Without a reason to feel good, you can't feel good. You're feeling extremely relaxed right now. Why though? What if everyone in this room just voted against you? I'm sure you've thought of that. No, everyone in this room has. The chance of everyone just voting against you means that you'll earn the consequences that await you. Yet, you. You. You are just here relaxing like you are the king of this classroom. That sort of behavior is illogical."

"The hell are you talking about... Are you high or something, bro? You're not making any sense."

No... Sagasuga's making perfect sense. Everyone is feeling drained to a certain extent but you, Tatsu...

I refuse to believe that your ability to relax is because of your serious personality. As a matter of fact, the ability to relax is contradicting to your personality...

"Hey, Tatsu! You can just admit it. There's no shame here. You tried. But you made it too obvious. I'll admit that it was a good play to play cool and calm. But, you overdid the act. That was your only downfall. Plus, Ikkiri made you fail. Fuck, I can't fathom what you must be feeling like right now. Absolutely miserable? Devoid of rage? I would be mad as hell if I was one exam from being dead!"

"The hell, man! What the hell are you talking about!? Have you lost your mind completely? I wouldn't target Ikkiri just because she made me fail the exam... That was just her being absent. No hard feelings there..."

You say no hard feelings but you are hiding so many emotions, Tatsu.

Both Tatsu and Sagasuga are facing opposite directions yet they are facing each other clearly.

Tatsu is on the defense while Sagasuga is on the offense.

"Or so you say. Failing an exam here isn't like your average exam. You can't just get an F and laugh it off like it was nothing. No, it doesn't work like that. Everything you do counts. But, poor you. You couldn't do jack-shit. Whose fault was that? Hey, Ikkiri, care to answer?"

Sagasuga is being purposely aggressive because Yuka-sensei is allowing him to be. She doesn't mind his behavior as long as it has a point. The point being, to get closer to the culprit.

Right now, Sagasuga is demoralizing Tatsu's hidden psychology. However, he switched targets this time.

The seemingly depressed Ikkiri didn't reply though. Sagasuga's aggressive attitude isn't something anyone can just take. This isn't usually the case, but he can get extremely obnoxious when he has something to prove.

Even I couldn't win in an argument against him in the Street Fighter tournament.

"No answer? Well, that's alright, really... Because everyone here knows for a fact. Oh, everyone! What is it that you all know and you can't deny? Can someone answer me?!"

Against everyone's expectations, I answered that question immediately.

"It's Ikkiri's fault Tatsu couldn't win the past exam."

I support Sagasuga's point of view completely. It makes the most sense.

"Thanks, Daniel. As you all have just heard and since no one bothered to deny, it must mean that it's a fact! Or am I just wrong?!"

The likelihood of someone arguing back to Sagasuga's point would be massively low yet it happened.

Akimiyashika just couldn't resist it.

"Sagasuga, cease your obnoxious attitude. It's getting annoying. You've made your point, you don't have to target Ikkiri for your point to be made! Isn't Tatsu your target!? Why are you targeting Ikkiri?"

"Made my point? No, not yet. The subjects are still in denial. But, you criticized my attitude and not my point. I'm this right, aren't I?"

Self-righteous bastards aren't my favorite, honestly. But you can't argue against Sagasuga here.

"Whether you are right or not is not for you to decide. The ultimate arbiter will be Yuka-sensei."

Akimiyashika does bring a point.

"Correct. I'll continue! Out of everyone in this room, there is not a single person who would have more reason to censure Ikkiri more than you. Although I said that there wasn't any logical evidence, I'll take that back. There is. Your defeat must've created something within you. I won't censure you, but just admit it, come on!"

...Sagasuga, do you seriously think that counts as evidence? It doesn't. Your assumption gains more credibility, but there isn't any logical or anecdotical evidence for this event in general.

Whoever did this thought this through. We aren't dealing with a second-rate manipulator.

"You're insane. You're obsessed with your own ideas. I'll repeat myself! There were no hard feelings about it. She couldn't be present, that's all."

"Well, this is as far as I can go, but I think I've presented a few arguments that should lead anyone who is present here into believing that Tatsu would be the most valid target. Don't be dumb, please."

Throwing that open insult to everyone in the room. Sagasuga sat down with confidence while glaring at Tatsu, who was viewing him with dark emotions.

It seems that it was his intention all along to make Tatsu become slowly aware that he was the most logical target for selection here.

I praise your attitude Sagasuga. If you weren't such a white knight, you'd be my hero, I think.

"Group 2 has voted to select Tatsu. Interesting. Sagasuga, at the beginning you said that you would be claiming someone to be the culprit, but you changed your mind?"

"Oh, that. That was a lie. Each group has to go with a target, that's part of the task. I just said that for the culprit to relax. And, would you look at that, the culprit did."

"You're still wrong, Sagasuga..."

"No, I'm not, Tatsu."

I took this chance to say something to my awfully silent group.

"I still think we should go with Tatsu."

"Rejected. We are going with my opinion. I'm the leader here. Your opinion is meaningless."

What a leader. I'm sure that a leader would just reject everyone's opinions and resort to second-handed manipulative tactics. Oh, such a leader you are.

"I see, Sagasuga. I didn't think that you'd target someone in your group though."

"Why not, sensei? I'm not afraid of Tatsu's retort. I'm right and he knows it. He's just trying to hide it."

Hyunda chuckled a bit almost silently as well as Arkalee.

...........?

Did Arkalee chuckle for the same reason as Hyunda? That didn't seem to be the case. Hyunda chuckled for a certain reason, but I'm almost positive Arkalee just chuckled to go along with Hyunda.

But why....?

Their interaction aside, Yuka-sensei spoke out her final words to Sagasuga.

"That's your opinion. Well, moving on to group 3. Who will be speaking for the group?"

"Oh. I will be."

What a pretty girl. Her light blonde hair along with the mixture of her crystal white skin screams the very idea of beauty. When did we get a transfer student here?

How weird. I would notice such a bomb immediately. Did I really miss it?

"Yulia? Well, are you going to vote against Tatsu, just like Sagasuga said?"

"Eh? No, no. I have a more solid opinion. Well, we do."

Her name is Yulia? How rare. Maybe I should ask her out. Nah, I'm probably going to get denied in the first try.

I mean, what are the odds of---

Wait a second.