(Dazai Crowley's POV)
Cerulean Academy, Present Day
A long time ago, an old friend of mine asked me a very important question.
The question he asked me was very simple.
"What does it take to be a good leader?"
Is it kindness? Boldness? Influence? Power?
The list certainly goes on and on, but in essence, the model leader should possess all of these said traits.
—However, those words therein lie a special irony that most people do not seem to realize.
While a model leader "should" possess said traits, said traits do not "define" the leader themselves, but rather showcase a person possessing a large skillset.
In other words, their traits are not what fully defines them, but rather…—it is the methods that they use in order to apply said skills and abilities into practice.
With this in mind, much as there are many stars in the night sky and space, it becomes clear to see that there are many ways a person can "lead" others.
From that point on, it's a simple matter of whether or not said methods are either practical or efficient.
This is why multiple types of governments exist.
For example, "tyranny" is a type of leadership that is built off fear and intimidation, thus creating a defining line between the strong and the weak.
A "democracy" however is built off the power of the people and the united, thus inspiring a friendly environment to act and improve upon teamwork.
But then, this brings up another question.
"Which one is more superior?"
No, that's not it.
The true question I should be asking myself is—
"—Which one is more effective?"
* * * * * * * * * *
After me and Emmel entered the classroom, we parted ways and went to our separate seats.
On the way, I happened to pass by Ryoku.
Although she was busy talking with some of our classmates, she still noticed me and waved.
I waved back before taking my seat elsewhere.
Naturally, like eighty percent of all of the other students here, I chose the same spot as yesterday.
"Good morning, Ester."
I called out to my lovely looking classmate.
"....Mor…—ning", she slowly replies.
A slight yawn delayed her words.
"Someone's sleepy."
"I didn't get much sleep last night."
"Let me guess, bad bedding?"
She glances at me.
"You too, huh?"
"Personally, I slept just fine. But I guess everyone else seems to be complaining about it though."
And by "everyone", I mostly mean Ryoku. Atleast to my knowledge anyways. Emmel on the other hand seemed to have slept just fine though…
"Good for you. Well, good night then."
"Good night?"
Ester rests her head and arms on the table.
"Wake me up when the teacher arrives."
"Uh, alright."
And with that, she drifts off to sleep.
Perhaps to make up for last night, she intended to squeeze in a quick nap before class officially started.
Since I had no reason to keep her up though, I shot a quick glance around the classroom instead.
Today was the second day of school. Which meant something important should have changed already.
—The particular difference between our classmates.
More specifically—how exactly they fared socially.
And sure enough, I immediately noticed the changes.
A majority of our class had already started finding and fitting in with their corresponding groups.
Others however, were simply not as fortunate.
Those who fit in.
Those who didn't fit in.
—In the end, it was clear to see who fell into which.
Ryoku Varja and Esmes Montoya. Whether for good or for worse, these two girls in particular were the ones who stood at the top of the former category.
It was as if their popularity was rising by the second.
Of course, there were others who completely contrasted them. Others that I knew all too well.
I glanced at the unnamed boy who sat behind me. It was the same boy who refused to introduce himself.
Suddenly, our eyes met.
"...Hmph."
He immediately looks away.
"Still as reclusive as ever, huh."
Sigh.
A few minutes had passed since that moment. And in the next, the school bell finally rang. Around the same time, Mrs. Gwein stepped into the classroom.
"Alright, everyone, settle down. Class is starting."
She then takes her stand by the podium.
A wave of silence soon falls upon the classroom.
"Right then. Now, before we get started, there is something important I would like to address today."
She paused for a moment.
A couple of students raised their eyebrows.
"The school will now be introducing to you all your very first special exam."
Oh?
"What!?"
"But it's only the second day! This is way too soon!"
Naturally, some students complained as such.
"Well, this is somewhat unexpected."
"...Indeed."
Perhaps because of the sudden commotion, Ester woke back up and yawned a little again.
Mrs. Gwein then continued.
"Yes, yes, I know it's very early. However, the sooner we get you into the rhythm of things, the better."
That was the given explanation for our complaints.
But then, she added one more thing.
"—Besides, the test itself is also pretty simple in concept, so there's no need to stress yourself out."
With that said, she grabbed a piece of chalk and wrote on the blackboard the following:
—(Student Representative Event)—
1. Over the course of one month, each class must discuss amongst themselves and decide who to choose as their class's Student Representative.
2. Each class is free to employ any tactic or method to decide their leader, (so long as said methods don't openly violate school rules and regulations).
3. There can only be one Student Representative.
4. In order for the nominated candidate for Student Representative to win, their decision for candidacy must be supported by atleast the majority, (or roughly 75%), of the overall class.
5. In the event that a class has yet to nominate a Representative for themselves by the end of the deadline, the homeroom teacher in question will randomly decide one for them. However, in this situation, the class will also incur a small penalty.
These were the words that Mrs. Gwein wrote.
"Like I have said already, this test should be simple and easy to follow. Either way, any questions?"
Hands naturally shot up.