Chapter 41: Iwase, You'll Regret This!
Although Shunsuke's memory had improved significantly, allowing him to recall all past experiences in theory, it didn't mean he constantly remembered everything that had happened.
It was like storing files neatly on a computer. You could find whatever you needed with a quick search, but that didn't mean you retained every detail consciously.
Shunsuke was in this situation now—when he needed to remember something, it surfaced instantly. But anything he deemed unimportant would sink to the depths of his memory, waiting quietly until needed again.
Back in middle school, Shunsuke had been friendly with Takagi Akito, often competing for the top rank.
They shared a mutual respect as fellow high achievers.
However, when Takagi chose a regular high school to pursue manga instead of enrolling in Sobu High, the two drifted apart and had not been in touch since.
Iwase Aiko was much the same. They weren't even in the same class, and their somewhat awkward relationship left Shunsuke uninterested in keeping up with her.
This meant that Shunsuke could "remember" them, but they rarely crossed his mind, and he didn't think to link them to Bakuman.
—Maybe I should call Takagi before submitting to Jump, just to get a feel for things.
—If they assign editors, I hope Mashiro ends up with Hattori. Yoshida could work too; he might come up with ways to inspire Mashiro. Just… please, not that big guy.
Shunsuke's thoughts inevitably drifted to Mashiro.
After asking her question, Iwase's gaze lingered on Shunsuke, as if waiting for him to say something meaningful. But in the end, Shunsuke said nothing.
A wave of disappointment washed over Iwase. She wanted to just tell him to get out, but her pride held her back.
—Look down on me all you want, Fujii Shunsuke. I'll make you regret it one day. I'll make you see exactly what you let slip away.
With that silent vow, she sighed, setting aside the sensitive topic. "So, Fujii-kun, you're joining the Classical Literature Club? Here's the membership application; go ahead and fill it out."
As Iwase handed the application to Shunsuke, Utaha, who had been silently observing, couldn't hold back any longer.
"Iwase, I haven't agreed to this yet."
Iwase didn't blink. "As I said earlier, Kasumigaoka-senpai, I'm the president now."
Utaha let out a frustrated laugh. "I founded the Classical Literature Club."
"And? You drove the atmosphere to the point where all the other members left, nearly causing the club to disband. Any other pearls of wisdom to share?"
In a battle of sharp tongues, Iwase held her ground, unfazed by Utaha's biting words. Equally prideful, she had no intention of backing down.
Tap, tap, tap.
Utaha's right foot tapped furiously—a clear sign of her irritation.
"Going this low for a guy who tossed you aside? You're really pathetic, Iwase. Listen to me: this guy is nothing but trouble. Yesterday, he was hitting on me at the library, and today he shows up with a whole entourage of girls. He's obviously a player, and the longer you stay, the deeper you'll sink."
"Iwase, you'll regret this!"
Utaha's words had an undertone of reluctant persuasion, yet Iwase's response remained steadfast.
"Kasumigaoka-senpai, I'm the president now."
Bang!
Utaha stormed out of the Classical Literature Club room, bypassing the five spectators hiding in the corner.
"..."
Shunsuke blinked at the club application form in front of him.
—If I tell her I'm just here to look around and still undecided about joining—especially since I plan to check out the Service Club—will Iwase kill me on the spot?
Shunsuke felt cornered, like he'd tied himself to a moral grilling rack!
Having come this far, he could only reluctantly sign the application, maintaining a facade of satisfaction while silently weeping inside.
"Great, Fujii-kun, with you and Chitanda-san, we've gained two new members. Please take care of each other from now on."
"Please take care of me," Chitanda replied with polite enthusiasm, though inside, she was already considering an exit strategy.
This club has such an intimidating atmosphere. Is there a way I can avoid joining?
"Uh, Iwase-senpai, I'd like to join the Classical Literature Club too. Do you think I'd be a good fit?"
At this, Marin eagerly raised her hand and pointed at herself, her flashy manicure gleaming under the lights.
Iwase took one look at Marin's gyaru style, her brow creasing, and then glanced at Koizumi, Mashiro, and Eriri one by one. A feeling of unease bubbled up within her as she shot a sharp glare at Shunsuke.
Shunsuke feigned innocence, silently conveying: I swear, this lineup was purely accidental.
And if anyone thought they'd figure out his type based on this crowd, they were terribly naive. Am I into blondes? No! I'm into anyone who looks good!
Iwase, oblivious to Shunsuke's inner monologue, began comparing the four's blonde and long hairstyles with her own purple, shorter hair...
"No," she said decisively.
"Huh? Why not?"
Marin, unbothered by her formidable senpai's reputation, responded with classic gyaru confidence.
"We're the Classical Literature Club," Iwase replied curtly, turning to Eriri. "Sawamura-san, if I recall, you're part of the Art Club. Are you planning to quit just to join this one?"
"N-No way! Who would want to join a club that barely has enough members to exist?" Eriri firmly closed off her options.
"Shiina-san, with your skills, you should be in the Art Club too. Joining the Classical Literature Club would be a waste."
"Art Club... useless," Mashiro replied bluntly, leaving Iwase speechless and prompting her to move on to the next person.
"And what about you?"
Koizumi looked at Iwase with mild indifference. "Do you have a Ramen Club?"
"R-Ramen Club?" Iwase was taken aback. "What kind of club is that? There's no way a school would approve such a club."
"Oh." Koizumi responded coolly.
Iwase stared at her, at a loss for words.
All the momentum she'd built up from arguing with Utaha had now dissipated, thanks to Mashiro and Koizumi.
"Iwase-senpai, what will it take for me to join the Classical Literature Club?" Marin persisted, undeterred.
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