Chapter 111: The candidate is naturally Horikita!
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The warmth and reassurance of Horikita Manabu's handshake still felt the same to Rin Matsuoka as it had two years ago.
Meanwhile, five meters away, Horikita Suzune watched the scene of Horikita Manabu and Rin clasping hands. A sour feeling welled up in her chest.
"My brother has never even shaken my hand," she muttered repeatedly under her breath, a mix of envy and frustration filling her voice. To an onlooker, her complaints might have even seemed amusing.
"Brother Horikita, is the conflict between you and Nagumo really that deep?" Rin asked.
"It is," Horikita Manabu replied calmly. "My philosophy aligns with the school's principles, but Nagumo's approach is too domineering. Our perspectives are fundamentally at odds, and the conflict between us has reached an irreconcilable stage."
He continued, "Rin, you should know that the student council typically admits two to three freshmen every year. However, I will be stepping down as president in mid-October to focus on my studies. Once that happens, Nagumo will take over as president, and the policies he implements will greatly influence the new members of the council."
"For this reason, I initially decided not to recruit any new students this year."
Rin's expression turned to one of surprise. Based on what Horikita Manabu had just said, it seemed almost impossible for Ichinose Honami to join the student council.
However, Horikita Manabu smiled slightly and said, "Your presence changed my decision. I trust you, Rin. You also have a conflict with Nagumo, which makes you the most suitable person to take over as president."
"Thank you for your trust, Horikita-san," Rin said sincerely. "But I do have a question."
"Go ahead."
"Nagumo must have quite a few loyal subordinates in the student council, doesn't he?"
"Yes," Horikita Manabu confirmed. "Mizowaki and Donogawa from Class 2-A are Nagumo's most loyal supporters. They follow his instructions without question."
"Even you, the current president, can't command them?" Rin asked.
"They don't openly defy my orders, but they only reluctantly follow them. For now, they still respect my authority as president," Horikita Manabu explained slowly.
"If I want to compete with Nagumo within the student council, will I need my own team?" Rin asked thoughtfully.
Horikita Manabu regarded him seriously. "Do you have a suitable candidate in mind? I can arrange for them to join the student council. However, Rin, make sure the person you recommend is firm in their principles. If they're not, they might be swayed by Nagumo."
"I believe Ichinose would be a good match," Rin said after some thought. "She's honest and upright. She already knows that Nagumo abused his power for personal gain and even targeted me. Because of that, she has a very poor impression of him."
"As long as you think she's suitable," Horikita Manabu said. "Do you have any other recommendations?"
In any given year, the student council typically recruited two to three first-year students. So far, only Rin and Ichinose had been mentioned. There was still room for one more.
"Yes," Rin said, pointing towards Horikita Suzune, who stood five meters away, listening intently.
"My sister?"
"Yes. Suzune is your sibling. She's proud and independent, the type least likely to be won over by Nagumo. That makes her a suitable candidate," Rin said with a smile.
However, Horikita Manabu shook his head. "Let's wait and see. The student council's recruitment period lasts from April to the end of June, so there's no rush."
He wanted to observe how Suzune adapted and what actions she would take after experiencing the harsh reality of the school for a month.
This school didn't grant privileges to every student.
Only the class with the highest points enjoyed the preferential treatment the school offered.
At that time, how will Horikita Suzune act after learning this harsh reality?
If Horikita Suzune makes the right moves, Horikita Manabu will approve her entry into the student council. However, if she cannot improve her class's situation, he will not allow her to join.
"Rin, let's exchange Line accounts so we can stay in touch," Horikita Manabu suggested.
"Sure."
Rin Matsuoka and Horikita Manabu exchanged Line accounts.
"Alright, I've said everything I needed to. See you at the student council, Rin. Don't forget to visit the gymnasium tomorrow to pick up the application form for the student council," Horikita Manabu reminded him.
"I won't forget."
After saying goodbye, Horikita Manabu turned to leave. However, Rin noticed that he wasn't heading in Horikita Suzune's direction. Puzzled, he quickly called out, "Horikita-san, why are you going this way? Suzune is over there."
"You two haven't seen each other for two years. She must miss you a lot. Why not go and talk to her?"
"I already said everything I needed to say to Suzune before you came over, Rin," Horikita Manabu replied calmly, his back to him.
Rin's expression turned subtle. Didn't you almost beat her up just now, Horikita-kun?
"It's not appropriate for me to be in contact with you during this period, so let's skip unnecessary conversations," Horikita Manabu added.
"That's true," Rin agreed. "In the month before class points are announced, it's probably not ideal for a senior like you to have too much interaction with us freshmen."
Horikita Manabu turned back, surprised. His eyes sharpened, and he adjusted his glasses. "I didn't expect you to already know about class points on just the second day of school, Rin."
"Well, I got it out of a clueless senior yesterday at noon," Rin replied nonchalantly.
"Yesterday at noon... If that's the case, why didn't you manage Class 1-D's discipline once you knew about the class points?" Horikita Manabu asked.
"Honestly, I hate trouble. I'm used to looking out for myself and don't really want to deal with other people," Rin shrugged.
Horikita Manabu fell silent. As neighbors, he was familiar with Rin's upbringing.
Rin Matsuoka, neglected and ignored by his family, had learned to live for himself. Over time, this developed into a self-centered attitude, prioritizing his own well-being.
But Horikita Manabu shook his head internally. No, Rin isn't just a selfish person who only cares about himself.
If he only cared about himself, he wouldn't have risked offending an upperclassman to save Suzune earlier. The fact that he acted decisively, even at the cost of potential trouble, shows his loyalty and integrity. Rin is someone worthy of trust.
As Horikita Manabu reflected, the pain in his arm flared up again. Hiss, this kid really doesn't hold back… Wait, is my arm broken too?
If Horikita Manabu's arm were also broken, it would mean both the president and vice president of the student council had their arms injured by Rin…
"Rin, next time you take action, make sure you recognize the person first," Horikita Manabu said with a sigh.
"Uh, absolutely! Next time, I'll make sure to identify the person before knocking them out," Rin promised quickly, scratching his head.