NOVEL WEB Chapter 23
Chapter 023: Sakayanagi: To be honest, school life is boring. I want a shock!
Sakayanagi Arisu, a first-year student of Class A.
Possessing keen insight, decisiveness, and the ability to take action.
One clear example of this was on the very first day of school, when she provoked the upperclassmen to gather information about the school while earning points in the process.
She also gathered a group of classmates who supported her.
In other words, she became something like the leader figure of her class.
So, for the sake of maintaining her class’s advantage, wouldn’t placing spies in other classes be a completely normal thing to do?
After all, this school allowed it.
Otherwise, there wouldn’t be anonymous point cards being sold for just 100 points at the shopping district.
Most likely, these were designed to help students conduct transactions that couldn’t be made public.
In other words, was this school deliberately simulating society?
Even the school’s promotional materials stated that its goal was to cultivate talents to be recommended to the student council.
So, yeah—this really was a society in microcosm.
From that perspective, Sakayanagi Arisu truly fit the mold of an outstanding Class A student.
However—
Something felt off to Hachiman.
Why?
If she was a Class A student and had already figured out some of the school’s rules, then why was she approaching someone from the weakest class?
If she wanted a spy, wouldn’t Class B be a better choice?
Plus, wasn’t she already surrounded by classmates who fawned over her?
Wouldn’t it be easier to use one of them instead?
After all, with her frail body, wasn’t it a hassle to go out of her way just to meet a potential Class D informant?
And—
Even though she claimed to have simply entrusted tasks to Kamuro, the way Kamuro behaved—while resisting on the surface—was already pretty much like a trained pet.
Meaning, her ability to tame others was incredibly strong.
It made sense that exceptional people often had hobbies that were incomprehensible to others.
But—
Something about Sakayanagi felt off.
It wasn’t just about power or control.
It felt more like… she was having fun with it.
Wait, wait, wait—so, Sakayanagi Arisu, you’re not actually that interested in maintaining class stability… you’re just playing around, aren’t you?
Hachiman had already formed his hypothesis.
“So.” Hachiman probed. “Why did you choose me to be Class D’s spy?”
“For a simple reason,” Sakayanagi replied.
“You remember the school forum from two days ago, right? That time when I posted a thread provoking the upperclassmen?”
“Most of the replies were from seniors.”
“But there was one reply from a fellow first-year.”
“It said: ‘Did you guys also receive 100,000 points?’”
“The fact that you not only noticed the forum quickly, but also questioned the points system, left an impression on me.”
“When I checked your profile, it showed: First-year, Class D, Hikigaya Hachiman.”
So she noticed his reply and determined that he had sharp observation skills?
That made sense.
If you were a superior, having a keen-eyed subordinate would certainly make things easier.
Which was why she was willing to offer 100,000 points per month for a spy—because she thought he was worth the price…
Wait, hell no.
Hachiman was growing increasingly convinced that Sakayanagi Arisu was full of crap.
Because—
If she had already figured out part of the school’s system, then she should know that Class D was the weakest.
Not once in the school’s history had Class D ever managed to overthrow Class A.
So why would someone from the strongest class feel the need to plant a spy in the weakest class?
“Just to confirm—do you have spies in Class B or Class C?” Hachiman asked.
“Not yet,” Sakayanagi replied. “Not just anyone is worthy of being raised by me.”
Oh.
I see.
So it’s fake after all.
You really just want to play, don’t you?
Because as an outstanding representative of Class A, your first priority should have been planting spies in Class B, the real competition.
Not coming to find a student from Class D.
“Can you wait a moment?” Hachiman said.
“Hmm?” Sakayanagi blinked lightly.
“I don’t know you at all,” Hachiman said. “I’d like to ask someone about you.”
Saying that, Hachiman pulled out his phone and opened the class group chat…
Hmm.
He tapped on Kushida Kikyo’s profile picture.
He didn’t have her phone number, but he could find her through the group chat.
Kushida used a photo of herself as her profile picture, and Sakayanagi glanced at it for a moment before maintaining her adorable demeanor.
“Oh.” She remained calm.
But that meant… she recognized Kushida Kikyo.
Wait a minute—Kushida, you’re pretty impressive, huh? Even Class A students know you?
Or… was Kushida actually selling information about him?
Otherwise, how else could Sakayanagi have arranged for Kamuro to lure him here?
A simple reply to a forum post wasn’t worth this much effort.
Hachiman couldn’t be sure.
…
“Can I take a photo of you to confirm?” Hachiman asked after messaging Kushida.
“I don’t mind.” Sakayanagi maintained her adorable expression. “Do you need me to pose for you?”
“No need.” Hachiman replied. “I just need someone to confirm it’s you.”
“I see.”
Sakayanagi kept up her polite smile, but her eyes showed a hint of disdain.
Don’t be so obvious about it.
A short while later—
Hachiman’s phone vibrated with a new message.
It was from Kushida, containing a profile summary of Sakayanagi Arisu.
First-Year, Class A: Sakayanagi Arisu
Height: 150 cm
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Appearance: Fair skin, cute features, and silky silver hair.
Academics: Excelled in the entrance exams, particularly in math, which many found difficult.
Physical Condition: Reportedly weak, with impaired mobility. All sports activities are prohibited by the school.
Background: Previously attended multiple schools but had to withdraw due to health issues. However, she continued her education through special programs.
Personal Statement: “Since I finally have the chance to experience school life, I hope to have a unique and exciting experience.”