Classmate Shibata's threatening words made Horikita's figure stiffen, and she thought to herself,'Sure enough, what had to come, came.'
However, Horikita didn't panic. After all, she had rehearsed such a situation countless times in her mind. What she hadn't expected was that Classmate Shibata would choose such a moment to use such a killer move to get her poker card numbers.
One must know that if this move was used well, it could even overturn Class D. Thinking of this, Horikita felt a little fortunate. Since Classmate Shibata intended to tear off the mask, she no longer had any intention of continuing to cooperate.
Their previous cooperation was merely both sides acting for their own purposes; it could hardly be called an unbreakable friendship. Therefore, behind the scenes, Horikita had also collected a large amount of information unfavorable to Classmate Shibata, precisely to turn the tables on Classmate Shibata today.
"Classmate Shibata, are you threatening me?"
Horikita crossed her arms and stared coldly at Classmate Shibata, trying to imitate Amane to put pressure on Classmate Shibata.
But compared to Amane's gaze, which held a disregard for life, Horikita's deterrent power was like child's play.
And standing opposite her was Shibata Sō, who, like a gambler, wanted to decisively win against Ichinose in this exam, completely seize leadership, and lead Class B down another path.
"That's right, this is a threat."
Classmate Shibata's frankness caught Horikita off guard. In her opinion, Classmate Shibata should have at least feigned a few polite words, but she hadn't expected Classmate Shibata to directly admit that his actions were a threat. This meant Classmate Shibata had cut off his own path to reconciliation.
He was confident he had Horikita cornered.
What arrogance!
Horikita was a little annoyed. It was the first time she had been looked down upon like this by someone else. In terms of ability, she, who now managed Class D, felt that she was superior to Classmate Shibata, who was still struggling, in every aspect. Classmate Shibata couldn't even be considered an enemy in front of Amane.
Such a person actually dared to come and show off to her, acting as if he had her completely figured out. This made Horikita furious. She could accept being mocked by Sakayanagi, after all, the other party was one of the leaders of Class A, and also a strong person who had defeated her. Even if there was some element of luck, she had failed, and Horikita recognized Sakayanagi's ability.
But — Classmate Shibata? Did he have the right to stand here and threaten her?
"Classmate Shibata, confidence is a good thing, but excessive confidence turns into arrogance. Arrogant people often make wrong judgments. If you take back what you just said now, I might consider letting bygones be bygones. Otherwise..."
Horikita let out a cold, meaningful laugh.
"Who exactly is the arrogant one, Horikita-san? Are you really that confident that you aren't the arrogant person you just described? I won't take back what I just said. I'm curious to know what the consequences will be if I don't."
Shibata Sō's gaze held some coldness as he directly clashed with Horikita.
Horikita's face immediately showed an angry expression at being rebuffed.
"Don't you think your provocation is a declaration of war against Class D? Class B, which was so easily defeated and scattered on the Uninhabited Island, still dares to jump around. Haven't you lost enough face?"
Horikita immediately unleashed one of her trump cards.
Class D and Class B are different.
Although Class D currently has various factions, overall, they are relatively obedient to Horikita's management. Coupled with the confidence brought by their victory on the Uninhabited Island, once a formal declaration of war is made against Class B, without external intervention, the people in Class B can easily be provoked to break down. Because constantly bringing up the Uninhabited Island incident and rubbing salt in their wounds will make it easier to enrage them, and people act irrationally when angry.
Just like Class B indiscriminately harassed other classes before, in fact, the most vulnerable now is Class B, which has been actively provoking others.
After hearing Horikita's threat, Classmate Shibata laughed aloud.
"I admit that's a good move, but what does it have to do with me? Any blow Class B takes will only harm Ichinose Honami. If you're willing to help me distract her, I'll be eternally grateful to you, Horikita-san, and everyone in Class D. Also, I need to remind Horikita-san that it was Miyako-san who defeated us, not you. If Miyako-san were standing in front of me right now, I would probably already be on my knees begging for her forgiveness. But facing you, I'm still talking big. Don't you understand the gap between you and Miyako-san? Playing the fox borrowing the tiger's might isn't done like this."
Classmate Shibata's words made Horikita clench her teeth.
Anger didn't make her beautiful features ugly, but her aloof, seemingly otherworldly demeanor was completely gone.
"I do have some gap compared to Amane, but I don't think I'll lose to you. Besides being able to mobilize Class D, I can also team up with Class C and Class A, classes that you've harassed, to attack Class B. You wouldn't think Ichinose and you could withstand such harassment, would you?"
This was Horikita's second card: alliance.
Previously, Class B had disgusted all first-years. At this time, Class D allied with Classes A and C. Three classes attacking simultaneously would have an overwhelming advantage in both quality and quantity, and they were also quite aggressive. Whether it was Kito from Class A or the delinquents from Class C, they could easily teach those clueless hotheads from Class B a lesson in minutes.
Clap, clap, clap.
Classmate Shibata slowly clapped three times.
He looked as if he was admiring such a strategy, but from his sneering face, not a trace of appreciation could be seen.
"Horikita-san, you really disappoint me. Is this your limit? Such a childish strategy... you really look down on me."
"What are you saying?"
Horikita asked, puzzled, her brows tightly furrowed as if something unsettling was about to happen.
"Never mind, let me analyze it for you, Horikita-san. After the last Uninhabited Island, your Class D's class points should be ranked second. If there are no mistakes, next month you will become the new Class B. So... will the surpassed Class C truly be willing to cooperate with you? They are only a few dozen points away from catching up or even surpassing you. Why would she help the thriving Class D deal with the fallen Class B? At most, they'll remain neutral, watching us tear each other apart. Class A is even funnier."
"Leaving aside whether Class A's will can be unified, even if their internal issues are resolved, what reason would they have not to suppress the second-place class, but instead help the second-place class suppress the fourth-place class? Horikita-san, do you still not understand? I know you want to see our Class B become a joke, but all the first-years are waiting to see your Class D become a joke!"
Classmate Shibata mocked Horikita loudly, somewhat hysterically.
For a moment, Horikita was stunned.
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