Ayanokoji didn't react much to Hikigaya's statement. He simply asked, "You mean Sakayanagi has so many supporters because she's the director's daughter?"
"Not exactly," Hikigaya shook his head. "Though she has some physical limitations, which kept her from participating in the uninhabited island exam, her intellect more than makes up for it."
"She sounds like someone not to be underestimated."
"Indeed, especially for you."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Ayanokoji had spoken casually, but Hikigaya's unexpected reply piqued his curiosity.
"Before I explain, do you know how students are selected for this school?" Hikigaya asked, seemingly out of nowhere.
"You just have to apply, pass the exam, and the interview, right?"
From Ayanokoji's tone and expression, Hikigaya could tell he didn't know the truth.
Which wasn't surprising. Most students thought that way.
Even Hikigaya hadn't known at first. He had gradually pieced it together after joining the student council.
"You're wrong. The application process is just a facade," Hikigaya revealed. "Even the exams and interviews are just for show. Students who are invited to interview are already guaranteed admission, no matter how poorly they perform."
Hikigaya knew this firsthand. He'd been puzzled when his nonsensical answers hadn't cost him his spot—were the interviewer's masochists?
"I see, you seem to know quite a bit," Ayanokouji said, offering a rare compliment before adding, "But these things you're mentioning don't seem to have much to do with me, do they?"
"Of course they do," Hikigaya replied with a sidelong glance. Ayanokouji was trying to dodge a particular topic.
But Hikigaya had no intention of letting him off the hook.
"This school collaborates with various junior high schools. They recommend candidates, and from there, the school selects the most suitable ones. So, even someone who flunks every exam still has a chance to get in."
"I see, that explains how Yamanoue and the others made it here," Ayanokouji said, still maintaining his calm demeanor. "But hearing you say this, it's clear this school is quite unusual."
"Indeed," Hikigaya continued.
"The school conducts a thorough investigation into our backgrounds. Since it's government-run, even if someone tries to cover up their past, some things are bound to slip through."
Ayanokouji's composure wavered slightly. Though it was barely perceptible, Hikigaya could sense a shift in his demeanor—a genuine reaction rather than a feigned one. It seemed Ayanokouji was particularly sensitive about his past being exposed.
Hikigaya pressed on, "The reason I'm telling you this is to warn you about Sakayanagi. She seems keen on having a showdown with you."
"Even if you say that, I'm just a nobody. Why would such a big shot like Sakayanagi be interested in me? I haven't even met her," Ayanokouji feigned confusion.
"I already mentioned that Sakayanagi is the chairman's daughter," Hikigaya said, steering the conversation back.
"Even if you manage to hide your true self from your classmates, Sakayanagi knows your capabilities. She's well aware of your background, which is why she sees you as a worthy opponent."
"Isn't that a misuse of power?"
Ayanokouji remarked with a hint of resignation, though he was assessing the validity of Hikigaya's words. Hikigaya had no concerns about whether Ayanokouji believed him; all he had shared was the truth.
"But why would Sakayanagi go after me? There's no benefit for her," Ayanokouji questioned.
"She doesn't need a benefit," Hikigaya answered.
"She's a bit like Kouenji—she's here for her amusement. All she wants is to make her mundane school life more interesting by crushing others."
Hikigaya paused for a moment before adding, "Of course, believe it or not, I'm just giving you a heads-up. You'll figure it out eventually."
"I'm not doubting your intentions. It's just... hard to accept right away. I only want a peaceful life."
Ayanokouji's grumbling carried a hint of genuine sentiment. Hikigaya chose not to comment further, feeling his point had been made.
"By the way, Hikigaya," Ayanokouji suddenly called out, "I'm curious—what has Sakayanagi said about me? Has she mentioned anything about my past?"
"I haven't bothered listening to those details," Hikigaya replied, recognizing the question for what it was—a test.
He then asked in return, "If you were in my position, would you casually talk about someone's past?"
"Of course not. It would make the other person uncomfortable," Ayanokouji said.
"Exactly," Hikigaya agreed.
"I have no interest in your past, nor am I inclined to investigate it."
"But is it okay for you to tell me all this?" Ayanokouji pressed.
"You and Sakayanagi are friends, aren't you? She wouldn't want her plans exposed. But it seems you have been targeting Class A from the start. I'm curious about your relationship with her."
Ayanokouji's awareness of this detail was unexpected. Perhaps it was something Hirata or Horikita had mentioned.
"Don't be ridiculous. Sakayanagi and I are not friends," Hikigaya said, frowning deeply before sighing heavily.
"I lost a bet to her. That's why I'm obliged to deal with Class A. Otherwise, I wouldn't be involved at all."
"But Sakayanagi is also from Class A, isn't she?" Ayanokouji asked, puzzled.
"It's a power struggle. As you heard from those two earlier, Class A is led by Sakayanagi and Katsuragi. Sakayanagi wants to use this opportunity to eliminate Katsuragi."
"Really? Is it necessary to be so ruthless?"
Ayanokouji's surprise seemed to be an act, though Hikigaya suspected he might handle the situation even more harshly if roles were reversed.
"So, now you understand what kind of person Sakayanagi is?" Hikigaya said, his tone indifferent.
"She will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, even if it means taking down a classmate. Even if you try to avoid conflict, she'll threaten what matters most to you, forcing you into a confrontation."
"…I see. It seems I've attracted quite a troublesome opponent," Ayanokouji said, though the extent of his belief in Hikigaya's words remained uncertain.
The seed of doubt had been planted. After the exam ended, witnessing the defeat of Class A and the mutual blame between their factions would only reinforce Hikigaya's warnings.
It seemed an interesting show was on the horizon.