I have a life simulator.

"What you said makes sense, so I'll go too."

"I know you have some issues with Katsuragi because he was disciplined and had his class points deducted, but that's Koenji's problem. Katsuragi is a very nice person."

The two boys seemed to have chosen their favorite items, and they walked towards the cashier while talking, their voices fading into the distance.

"Katsura is indeed a good class monitor."

Kitagawa Ryo also sincerely praised him. He had always felt that even without Sakayanagi Arisu, Katsuragi Kohei leading Class A was not bad. If Class A followed his strategy and made steady progress, at least in the first year, the other three classes would not be able to threaten Class A.

Of course, this is based on the premise that Class A's class points are 940 instead of the current 450.

Currently, due to Kitagawa Ryo's interference, the class points of Class A and Class B are far too close.

Even the usually composed Katsuragi Kohei would probably decide to intervene in Class B.

With Kiyotaka Ayanokoji offering advice, it's uncertain whether Class B can pull through.

"found it."

Horikita Suzune crouched down and saw a small wooden house that looked like a decoration, and its size seemed just right.

Sorrying for the jumbled thoughts and ideas in his head, Kitagawa Ryo squatted down next to Horikita Suzune and took the small house she handed him.

"Looks good."

"Remove the base and place a pillow or blanket underneath."

After roughly finalizing the plan and buying other useful items, Kitagawa Ryo and Horikita Suzune paid their bills and headed back to their dormitory.

Having solved the problem, Kitagawa Ryo seemed to be in a rather cheerful mood. He stepped on his own shadow with a childlike gait, almost hopping along:

"I want to build a home for Hotaru."

Horikita Suzune rarely saw Kitagawa Ryo in this state. The Kitagawa Ryo now presented to her was less like a blank sheet of paper and more like a transparent bubble that was completely transparent and could be seen through at a glance. The smile reflected by the sunlight was like a rainbow of colors.

Kitagawa Ryo often worries that she is becoming a substitute for Horikita Manabu in Horikita Suzune's heart, but in reality, only Horikita Suzune herself knows that she has never regarded him as a substitute for her brother.

Even if he seems to be a person who is impeccable in every way.

But to be honest, Kitagawa Ryo's wardrobe was so messy that Hotaru could have moved in right away.

Horikita Suzune shook her head helplessly, then took two steps forward and walked side by side with Kitagawa Ryo.

-------------------------------------

【Hotaru's Home】

It was a small flag that Horikita Suzune had made using the scraps of fabric, and the words on it were written by Kitagawa Ryo himself.

At this moment, it stood majestically on the roof of the newly renovated firefly's little wooden house.

Firefly stretched out her front paws, perched on the roof of her house, and blew on the little flag, watching it flutter.

Hotaru's beautiful, fluorescent eyes reflected the scene of Kitagawa Ryo and Horikita Suzune packing their luggage together. Hotaru lazily yawned.

Considering the new home, Hotaru generously decided to upgrade Horikita Suzune's status as a cat owner back to normal.

"Meow."

Chapter Sixty-Two: The Missing Spy

"boom."

The basketball traced a perfect arc through the air, a classic fadeaway jump shot. Kitagawa Ryo easily tossed the ball into the basket, where it bounced slightly after landing before being casually caught by Sudo Ken on the other side.

"...I'm not fighting anymore, I'm not fighting anymore."

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Sudo Ken, panting heavily, plopped down on a bench by the basketball court, waving his hand somewhat awkwardly as he spoke.

"This level isn't enough to become a full-fledged basketball player and represent the school in the summer tournament."

Kitagawa Ryo shrugged and sat down on the other bench. The May temperature already had a hint of summer in it. The two of them had just finished playing ball and were both covered in sweat, so sitting further apart was actually more refreshing.

Takeru Sudo, of course, didn't care. After hearing Ryo Kitagawa's words, he simply rolled his eyes in exasperation.

"If Kitagawa joins the basketball team, all the freshmen combined can't compete with you."

"He clearly has such great basketball talent, but he has no intention of developing in this direction."

"After all, I have my own club, and I mainly play basketball for exercise, unlike you, Sudo, who is preparing to develop in the direction of professional basketball."

Kitagawa Ryo opened a bottle of mineral water from his backpack, tossed another bottle to Sudo Ken, and chuckled as he tugged at his sweatshirt collar to fan himself.

"...Anyway, this is the only thing I'm good at."

Takeru Sudo gave a wry smile. He took the bottle of mineral water that Ryo Kitagawa tossed to him and, with an air of bravado as if he were about to die of thirst, gulped down the entire bottle in one go. Only then did he wipe his mouth and add:

"Although according to Mr. Majima's instructions, our Class D will not enjoy any of the benefits that were advertised before enrollment, so I don't know what to say."

The suspension and almost certain expulsion of Yamauchi and Ike startled Kenya Sudo, who was close to them. What made him even more upset was that in their original small group, he was the only one who had not been punished. Every day, Yamauchi and Ike would grumble and complain about him, to the point that he felt a strange hatred for them, as if it would be reasonable for him to stand on the precipice of expulsion with them.

Although Takeru Sudo himself was completely unaware of everything that happened between the four classes that day, it wasn't until Yamauchi and Ike complained angrily that he realized how unreasonable the school was, and how he almost lost control of his emotions and, encouraged by others, punched a student from Class A.

Even the most impulsive person, given enough time, can figure out some things that are not right.

That's why Sudo Takeru sincerely thanked Kitagawa Ryo, who stepped forward to team up with him when he was challenged and had no teammates willing to team up with him, and Yamada Albert, whom Kitagawa Ryo brought along. Even though he had basically had no interaction with these two classmates, for Sudo Takeru, one basketball game was enough.

Takeru Sudo is acutely aware that he is not good at interpersonal communication and can even be disliked by others. He is not good at anything that requires teamwork, except for basketball.

Only on the basketball court can he instantly realize the importance of teamwork.

"The basketball team of Tokyo Advanced Educational High School is among the best in the country. Sudo's ability to be noticed by the coach and selected as a regular player right after entering the school is a testament to his talent and hard work."

Kitagawa Ryo nodded in affirmation, saying that whether it is academics or sports, any student who excels in one aspect must have something commendable. Studying diligently day and night is a form of perseverance, as is practicing day and night. There is no inherent superiority or inferiority between the two.

Seemingly moved by Kitagawa Ryo's words, Sudo Ken held the back of his head in distress. His bright red hair and buzz cut gave him a strong impression of a delinquent, but Kitagawa Ryo had heard him say that this was Sudo Ken's own idol, a wish to become like Sakuragi Hanamichi from "Slam Dunk".

However, it didn't work out; it seemed like nobody even considered that possibility.

Even Takeru Sudo himself gradually gave up, especially after he destroyed his own future with his own violent conflicts with others.

When he was about to graduate from junior high school, one of the top basketball schools in the country sent a recommendation letter to Sudo Ken, but it ultimately turned out to be worthless.

"But Sudo really needs to control his temper."

"Yes, I know, but... Kitagawa, sometimes I don't even know why I get so angry."

Just like when he was provoked into taking action, Takeru Sudo easily loses his rationality when faced with simple provocations.

"That means Sudo, your anger threshold is too low."

As if he had just thought of something, Kitagawa Ryo slammed his right palm down:

"In this case, you just need to practice more. Just like with basketball shooting accuracy, it will gradually improve."

"How about this, I'll deliberately try to provoke you in front of you now, and see just how high your anger threshold is?"

Sudo Ken didn't quite understand what Kitagawa Ryo meant, but he still nodded subconsciously. Kitagawa Ryo had helped him before and was better than him in basketball, which was his specialty, so his words carried a lot of weight.

Recalling Horikita Suzune's changed logic, Kitagawa Ryo imitated her and said:

"Sudo-kun, I've seen your quiz paper. It's hard to believe you actually made it into high school. Even a sixth-grade elementary school student wouldn't get such a dismal score."

"Thinking about it like that is absolutely terrifying for your future."

"You might think that academic performance isn't important if your goal is to play professional basketball, but that's not true. It's by solving problems one by one like this that your life can change. In other words, if you're studying, it's possible to make your life easier."

"Even in basketball, the principle is the same. You must only play according to the rules that are advantageous to you, right? And when it comes to the parts that really require hard work, do you turn your back on them just like you would when studying? I don't think you will practice seriously. The worst thing is your personality that disrupts the harmony of the world around you. If I were an advisor, I wouldn't let you become a formal player."

After experiencing the Horikita Rinne simulation, Kitagawa Ryo won the championship in the Horikita Rinne simulation competition with an overwhelming victory. His lifelike cold tone revealed a slight pity, as if he were calmly narrating a predetermined basic physical principle.

Sure enough, Sudo Ken's eyes turned bloodshot the next second, and he rushed forward with the momentum of wanting to grab Kitagawa Ryo's collar in one go. However, after Kitagawa Ryo pressed down on his arm, he gradually came to his senses, and his tense muscles relaxed. He sat back on the bench as if ashamed.

Even though he had already accepted Kitagawa Ryo as a friend in his heart, just as he had said before, Sudo Ken was completely unable to control his emotions.

"Based on what you just said, I roughly know which parts you are sensitive to, Sudo."

Kitagawa Ryo patted Sudo Ken on the shoulder and comforted him:

"take it easy."

"……Feel sorry."

"I just wanted to test it out; it has nothing to do with Sudo."

"If you really feel sorry, try to spend more time studying. After all, I don't want to be unable to find you on the basketball court after the midterm exams. I compiled some key points based on the exam scope, which should be helpful."

Kitagawa Ryo took out a notebook from his backpack and handed it to Sudo Ken while smiling and offering words of comfort.

"Just think of it as a way to stay in this school longer, at least until the summer tournament, right, Sudo-kun, a formal player?"

"...Okay, I agree."

After Kitagawa Ryo's long prelude, Sudo Takeru was finally willing to make a change, perhaps a small one, but this was the most crucial, the initial step.

Of course, if Sudo Ken couldn't handle it, Kitagawa Ryo wouldn't mind letting him and Yamauchi Yoike leave the school together.

The class points for Class D in Year 1 will remain at zero for a considerable period of time.

Therefore, it doesn't matter how many people drop out of school.

-------------------------------------

"Well then, thank you for your hard work, Ayanokouji-san."

Kohei Katsuragi's deep voice gives people a calm impression. He was suspended from school for half a month because of the infirmary incident, but his punishment was finally over before the midterm exams, and he returned to the class.

Because he had passed all the responsibility to Rokusuke Koenji, who had already dropped out of school, he remained the class representative and leader of Class 1-A. Having just returned to the class, he did not forget this responsibility and quickly began to organize study sessions to prepare for the upcoming midterm exams.

Most students in Class A of Grade 1 have above-average academic abilities in the grade. At first glance, it may seem that they do not need to study. However, the high overall quality of the class will result in a higher average score for the class. This means that the passing score for Class A will be raised accordingly. Therefore, for a few students whose academic abilities are not outstanding, a temporary tutoring session is still quite necessary.

Take, for example, Totsuka Yahiko, who has been diligently following Katsuragi Kohei. His academic level is only below average. He would have no problem passing the exams in Class C or Class D, but he would face some pressure in Class A, which is full of top students, and there is even a risk that he might not pass.

Having already met Ayanokouji Kiyotaka and knowing his abilities, Katsuragi Kohei naturally entrusted the task of organizing the study group to Hirata Yosuke, Kushida Kikyo, and Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. The first two were popular students among the boys and girls in the class, and with one of his confidants coordinating things, it was quite in line with Katsuragi Kohei's calm and composed personality.

"If we're talking about study sessions, where do you think would be a good place, Katsuragi-kun?"

Kiyotaka Ayanokouji nodded. Since the policy of supporting Kohei Katsuragi as the apparent leader of Class A had been established, he directly positioned himself at the same level as Yahiko Totsuka, deliberately creating the illusion that he was no different from Totsuka and was just close to Kohei Katsuragi.

"Hmm... I went to the school library around noon today. There are tables for students to read and study there, and it's a relatively quiet place."

After considering it for a moment, Katsuragi Kohei put forward his idea.

"Let's do it at the library then, how about every afternoon after school?"

Feeling that Ayanokouji Kiyotaka was about to steal his place as Katsuragi's number one follower, Totsuka Yahiko quickly raised his hand to support Katsuragi Kohei's idea.

"As for the library, I think I saw students from other classes holding study sessions there yesterday."

A boy raised his hand and spoke.

"It seems like both Class B and Class C are there."

Kikyo Kushida, who has a wide network of connections, stood up to explain.

"Where's Class D?"

Because of Kitagawa Ryo's presence, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka paid more attention to the current situation of Class D, and the other students in the class also noticed this abnormality. A girl spoke up before he could and asked a question.

"Ha, how could those guys in Class D possibly study properly? Let me tell you, if their class points weren't the lowest, which is zero, Class D's class points would have been deducted to a negative number in the first month. They're just a bunch of defective products."

As if deliberately showing off his knowledge, Totsuka Yahiko spoke casually, but was quickly interrupted by Katsuragi Kohei's stern gaze.

"When you go to the library to study, please try to keep quiet and avoid verbal or physical conflicts with students from other classes."

With Class A now holding only a slight advantage in class points, Katsuragi Kohei repeatedly gave instructions, fearing that some unexpected trouble might arise.

After giving instructions on other important matters, Class A officially ended their class meeting and dispersed. Katsuragi Kohei, without changing his expression, waved to Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, signaling him to come outside.

After tidying up his desk, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji took his bag and went to the corridor outside the classroom. He and Kohei Katsuragi walked towards the library, whispering as they spoke:

"...This study session at the library can be a good opportunity to observe other classes."

"I'm thinking the same thing."

Katsuragi Kohei nodded, emphasizing:

"Especially Class B."

The two classes differed by less than fifty points. Even though Katsuragi Kohei maintained a calm and composed expression in front of the whole class, he was actually somewhat nervous and felt a sense of crisis inside.

"Class B is not the key class, it's Class A."

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka shook his head and patiently explained:

"Actually, there were several strange points in the last incident, including your behavior and logical thinking in terms of personality. Don't you feel like you were being used by someone else?"