SWNOVELXO Chapter 131
Chapter 131: Don’t You Want to Beat Him Just Once?
Sakagami-sensei had clearly expressed doubts about Sakura’s testimony.
Although there were initial assumptions and conspiracy theories, Sakagami-sensei’s words were not without merit.
“This student, since you’re a witness, why didn’t you report to the school immediately after the notice was issued? From what I understand, Class D spent a lot of time and effort looking for so-called witnesses, but were unsuccessful, and only now, close to the deliberation, have you ‘suddenly appeared’?”
“From what I know, the Special Education Building is rarely visited by students. What was your purpose there, and what were you doing?”
“If anyone can just be called a witness, that would be rather childish, wouldn’t it?”
Faced with Sakagami-sensei’s sharp questions, Sakura tried to speak up, but every time she saw the cold look in Sakagami-sensei’s eyes and the many pairs of eyes in the room, she felt increasingly uncomfortable. Her body shook, and she couldn’t even utter a complete sentence.
Fortunately, Horikita quickly stepped in to defend her, presenting an SD card to confirm the authenticity of Sakura’s testimony. Horikita Makoto and the two homeroom teachers from Class D reviewed the photos, and Sakagami-sensei’s expression turned the darkest.
When Sakura saw that her testimony was being accepted, she sighed in relief.
“However, these photos still don’t prove which side struck first. In the end, this situation will only lead to a deadlock of mutual accusations.”
Sakagami-sensei didn’t seem to be affected by the previous exchange, and with his usual calm expression, he looked at Tachibana-sensei. “So, do you think we should proceed with my earlier suggestion?”
“There’s a witness, photos, and an injury report. Doesn’t all of this prove that I’m innocent and that the students from Class C have been lying from the start?”
Sudo immediately became upset. If they followed Sakagami-sensei’s suggestion, he would still face suspension, and while the risk of expulsion would be avoided, he wouldn’t be able to participate in club activities or training!
Sakagami-sensei adjusted his glasses and fixed his gaze on Sudo. “Oh? This student seems to think that speaking requires evidence. Could you show me the evidence that proves our students are lying? Look at the injuries on our students. Aren’t they the result of your violence?”
“I—I did strike, but that was self-defense!”
Sudo stubbornly argued.
“Heh, so you admit you struck them! You’ve confessed!”
Sakagami-sensei sneered.
At this moment, most people in the room were probably thinking only two words: idiot.
Seeing that Sudo still wanted to argue, Horikita, with a dark expression, scolded him sharply, causing him to shut up.
“This dispute has been making a huge stir in the first year. Continuing to argue over this won’t do anyone any good. What do you think, Tachibana-sensei?”
Sakagami-sensei proposed again.
“It seems we can only accept this compromise. With the summer break approaching, there’s really no need to drag this out over such a small matter.”
Tachibana-sensei also made the same judgment.
Horikita came to the same conclusion, though she still felt dissatisfied. Her dissatisfaction didn’t come from any guilt over Sudo or the unchangeable deliberation result.
It was because, despite bringing in Sakura as a witness, she still had to accept the compromise proposed by the other side. So, what was the point of Sakura’s “sacrifice”?
At this point, Horikita felt even more regretful, not just for Sakura, but for Hikigaya as well, and most of all, for herself… deeply doubting her abilities.
She had sacrificed so much, yet still couldn’t change anything.
This current situation was even exactly as Hikigaya had predicted. So… was this what he had anticipated all along, and that’s why he stopped Sakura from getting involved?
If she couldn’t solve such a problem, then did she truly have the ability to rise to Class A?
“Hikigaya, is there really no other way?”
Suddenly, Ayanokouji, who was sitting next to Horikita, muttered as if to himself: “From the beginning to the end, we could never find any evidence to prove Sudo’s ‘innocence’ because such evidence never existed. Sigh, if this had happened in a place with surveillance cameras, like the school building or a convenience store, not only would it have clearly recorded the opponent’s guilt, but it would have also confirmed the authenticity of Sakura’s testimony. Unfortunately, the Special Education Building doesn’t have any surveillance equipment. If it did, maybe the outcome would have been different.”
Upon hearing this, Horikita turned her head and stared at Ayanokouji. Her expression shifted, as if she immediately understood the implication behind his words. However, for some reason, she subconsciously looked towards Hikigaya, who was sitting far off, taking meeting notes.
Ayanokouji remained expressionless but noticed Horikita’s gaze. He suddenly spoke, his voice devoid of any emotional fluctuation, yet it felt like a whisper from the devil: “Horikita, don’t you want to prove to him that you’re not worse than him?”
Ayanokouji’s words pierced Horikita’s heart like a knife, and immediately, she felt a rush of emotions.
Horikita’s face changed, and she turned to glare at Ayanokouji with a fierce look.
“Now, Horikita from Class D, please share your opinion,” said Oka Chika, turning toward Class D.
“I understand.”
Horikita took a deep breath. Before standing, she shot a sharp warning glance at Ayanokouji, as if saying, ‘Wait for me after this.’
“Hey, Horikita!”
Sudo stood up anxiously and called out. Even now, he was still desperately clinging to the hope of an impossible outcome, unwilling to face the reality of what was to come.
Horikita ignored Sudo and continued, “Regarding this dispute, I believe that Sudo from our class certainly bears an undeniable responsibility. The current situation is a direct result of his previous behavior and his violent temper, which are closely related.”
“He’s fond of fighting, frequently threatens others, uses violence, and is disrespectful to teachers. His actions cause trouble for others. As a victim, I can deeply empathize. So, the bad consequences he faces are the accumulation of his actions, and this is the best retribution and punishment for him.”
Although she was representing Class D, Horikita’s words were a comprehensive critique of Sudo’s personality and behavior. Strangely, everyone present, except for Sudo himself, not only saw no issue with her statements but actually agreed with her.
“Hey! Horikita, what are you saying?!”
Sudo slammed the table and stood up, glaring at Horikita.
“Sudo, it’s precisely your ignorant and arrogant attitude that has led to this situation today!”
Horikita turned around and scolded him, her sharp gaze and tone overpowering Sudo’s anger.
“Sudo does indeed need to reflect deeply, but what he needs to reflect on are his past wrongdoings and the harm and trouble his ignorant and arrogant actions have caused to others. This is undeniable!”
Horikita calmly stared at the students from Class C across from her, and without any fear, met the cold, piercing gaze of Sakagami-sensei from Class C.
“But this is a reflection on Sudo’s past personal behavior, not on this incident. Our side believes that this dispute was a deliberate setup by Class C. Therefore, we cannot accept the ‘reconciliation’ proposal. Not even a single day of suspension is acceptable!”