A Beast can be Tamed...

My words surprised the audience, even the delinquent boy. However, he pretended indifference. Perhaps he thinks I know nothing about him, except maybe his name. Unfortunately for him, I know more than that.

"He's called Sudō Ken. He's someone who puts very little effort into his studies and is known for having a hot temper. His passion is basketball. He dreams of becoming a professional someday. And although he seems fierce on the outside, he's actually..."

"What's with this crap!"

I'm interrupted by the delinquent boy I just introduced as Sudō Ken.

"Where do you come up with this shit about me? Do we know each other?"

His tone is threatening, but I don't really feel intimidated. It must be said that in addition to my advanced age, this body has such a high opinion of itself.

"Don't you find your words somewhat inconsistent, Sudō-kun?"

"What are you saying?"

"A few minutes ago, you rejected our invitation, but now you're demanding a response from me. Isn't that inconsistent?"

"You think you're something, huh?"

Filled with fury, Sudō moved closer to me, glaring at me with a dark, menacing look.

"Take it easy, man!"

Ike intervened, trying to stop him and urging him to calm down, but it was no use, only further agitating Sudō.

"Get out of my way!"

Sudō pushed Ike, who collapsed into his seat. Faced with such a gesture, no one dared to intervene, clearing the way for Sudō to approach me.

On my side?

I still don't feel agitated. I remain in my seat as Sudō reaches my level.

With a quick and brutal gesture, he grabs my collar. I could have prevented it, but that would have been counterproductive, given what I'm trying to accomplish.

"So, Mr. 'I look down on people', who do you think you are, huh?"

He tightens his grip.

'What a truly embarrassing situation...'

Hirata, unable to bear such a scene, was about to stand up, but with a gesture of my hand, I signaled him to remain calm.

"Sudō-kun, it's not very thoughtful of you to attack me like this. Our teacher said earlier that the school does not tolerate bullying. Given how this is unfolding, you're not entirely blameless. If there's anything wrong with the introduction I made of you, you can correct it by introducing yourself. What do you say?"

Although he continued to tighten my collar for a moment, he finally let go.

"Screw you. I'm out of here."

I straightened my crumpled clothes, and as Sudō, who grabbed his bag, was about to leave, I called out to him: "Sudō-kun."

"What do you want?"

I bow to him.

"Please forgive me if I offended you. It was never my intention, and I hope our relationship won't be troubled because of it."

"Are we done here?"

"I hope you'll stay a while longer among us."

"Is that an order?"

"Far from it. I'm going to make another suggestion to the class, and it would be really desirable if you stayed to give your opinion."

"Tsk."

With a clack of his mouth in response, Sudō returned to his seat.

'As I thought, humility is truly a great weapon against the impulsive, but it seems this body doesn't tolerate it...'

"Thank you, Sudō-kun."

After saying that, I straighten up and face the class again.

"I thank you, dear classmates, for being willing to get to know each other; I hope to have the opportunity to get to know you even more throughout this year. Now, before it's time to go to the entrance ceremony, I have one last suggestion to make. I would like us to elect our class representative right now. Sensei didn't deny that it needs to be done, leaving it up to us. What do you think?"

"As for me, I agree. It's better to get this over with so we can focus better on our studies later."

The one who spoke is a boy with gray hair and round glasses. His name is Yukimura Teruhiko, also a named character.

"Okay, but how are we going to proceed?"

Ike asked.

"Let everyone who wishes to become our representative step forward so that we can then proceed with a show of hands vote."

I proposed.

A simple, quick, and non-intrusive method.

"I-Is Kōenji-kun going to run too?"

The shy Inogashira inquired.

'If I'm going to run? Of course I am, otherwise why bother with all this.'

"It would be a lie if I said I didn't want to be the representative, however, don't feel embarrassed because I suggested it. The class's choice is what matters."

That said, I started waiting for potential candidates to step forward. However, the seconds continued to tick by without anyone coming forward.

"Is there a problem?"

I ask. At the same time, I glance at Hirata and Kushida, whom I thought would have stepped forward.

"For my part, I don't see why we should vote when the perfect person for the role is a candidate."

Hirata just said.

And judging by the class's reaction, they seem to agree with that.

I turn to Sudō.

"Should I take it that you're of the same opinion, Sudō-kun?"

At my question, he turns his face away with a grunt.

I'm rather surprised.

I didn't expect it to go like this. Even if I want to deny it, there's no doubt that I exude a certain charisma, which seems to have won over the majority.

'I'm not going to complain, it's for the best.'

"Well, thank you for your trust. It's a great honor that I accept to be the representative of this class."

At my words, everyone started applauding. I found it a bit too exaggerated, but deep down, I felt rather pleased.

'With that, step one has been initiated.'