March 7th.

Monotoration and observation is something that doesn't go beyond the keyword 'essential'. It never has nor will it ever go. Thus, without those two components, the idea of perception becomes clouded.

Perception being the mandatory component in psychological pattern-reading turns out to be crucial when it comes down to deciphering probabilities based on patterns.

Patterns are based on behaviors and behaviors stem from ideologies. This is something that many remain clueless amount. However, to those who do not, there is only one thing left for them to do with this knowledge.

Hide their true extent while waiting for a remarkable moment to use it.

8:30 am.

Sagasuga Hiroyoshi. At first, I found nothing remarkable about him. I believe that among all the students here in this class that Sagasuga was just like the majority of the rest.

Put here via accident. Qualifying it as 'accident' might seem outrageous at first, but is it not the truth when considering why someone who engages in criminal activities is here in the first place?

His personality is bland and simple. He doesn't do anything else that a normal human being wouldn't do. Therefore, chances are, he is hiding something underneath his methodology.

Unbeknownst, his psychology becomes more known to my eyes once he exposes this normal behavior. Certainties do not mean that the end goal is always determined; as possibilities are infinite.

While in this classroom, he behaves properly without doing anything out of the normal margin.

Average. Normal. Basic. Role-model.

So, why is he here?

1:00 pm.

Usually, he is seen hanging out with Tateyana. Tateyana is his rumored girlfriend, but I don't believe it. Never did I see them act romantically, at all.

No physical contact either.

Her existence doesn't matter. His behavior does. His actions, that normally revolve around being in the presence of Tateyana do not exist today, because he left the classroom alone.

Thus, I maintained a considerable distance between us while observing him and monitoring his actions via stalking.

Throughout this massive school, there were plenty of places one could go.

Restaurants? The mini-mall? The theaters? Libraries? Shops? Public facilities?

There are far too many places to consider, in all likelihood, which is why I have to keep a physical track of his location while remaining stealth to his eye.

However...

Nothing happened. Sagasuga spent his entire lunchtime strolling around the school while listening to music from his pods.

Remarkably, after the classes are over, he spends his time in the dorm due to the obligation of staying within the dorm, according to the rules, after classes are over.

March 8th.

There was a reason behind the probability of Sagasuga being involved with other girls overall.

Unlike Tatsu, Susaga, Tsudo, and Kan, Sagasuga isn't open about this whatsoever.

Which is why I had to catch him by surprise today.

His behavior altered slightly. On the way out of block F, Sagasuga approached Shizuku in a friendly manner.

The latter greeted him with pleasure. Why though? What exactly made Sagasuga approach her?

I would approach him right now, but then my position would be removed and my observation could not continue, which meant that that option was not optional at all.

If I recall correctly, Shizuku was Sagasuga's partner in the previous exam. They both passed the exam with ease. Their synergy must've developed or they were simply that compatible from the start.

In the end, progressing even further, they both went on to the public football field and watched an ongoing game between students.

As I followed them from afar, I was approached by a student who I had no recollection of.

"You're Kawahara, aren't you...? Um... could you give me your contact info please?!"

Naturally, I couldn't interact but since I always carry plenty of contact info cards with my number in them, I swiftly handed this ponytailed girl, a card.

Additionally, I pulled out a radiant smirk further enchanting her.

This is not the time for this though, so I left her all alone.

Sagasuga and Shizuku seem to just be idly talking to one another but it's obvious that Shizuku is feeling physically pressured.

They most likely have something going on. Accompanying the scene even further, I took a seat in the observatory seats from a large distance.

Sagasuga, you probably think that no one notices it, but, I do notice. How you are trying to conceal something by portraying the act of a normal person.

March 9th.

I had to put my research on hold for a while and I had to focus on observing how my other subordinates were doing.

Sincerely, this plan is not something that I will use in order to win in the upcoming exam. I already have another strategy for that.

This is just a test. I need to see how well my subordinates perform in this simple task. If they can't achieve something as simple as winning the affection of another girl, then something needs to change.

It's too much of a waste to just label them like trash due to their initial incompetence. I do understand and acknowledge human potential despite my benevolent mannerisms around others.

First of all, Kuzan.

He is in charge of approaching Sana but from my observation, I can tell that it's not working nor will it work. Sana's will refuses to acknowledge someone like Kuzan.

Sana has no way of knowing that I know this but from all your interactions, your words, the way you act, how you perceive, what you show to believe in, how your ideology is shaped based on the words you speak, there is so much I can already deduct.

An easy-going person like Kuzan isn't the idealistic type for Sana. I already knew this. So, why go with the idea of allowing Kuzan to approach an orthodox element like Sana?

Because I need to correct Kuzan's flaws based on a situation where he cannot come out successful in order to turn that failed endeavor into a successful one.

Nonetheless, Kuzan is doing a good job of being a bother to Sana. Kan is showing visible frustration on the other hand, which means that his persistence factor is being acknowledged by Kan.

All in all, although this is a test, there's nothing wrong with taking this a little bit further.

So, when lunchtime arrived, I went straight to Kuzan.

"Kuzan, it's time."

"Oh? Okay, okay!"

Without a destination in mind, we started to stroll around the campus while chatting.

"How's it going with Sana? Have you made any progress?"

Though I already knew the answer to this question, I needed to hear what Kuzan would say on this matter.

"Yep! She's totally in love with me! I asked her number yesterday and she said yes! That's a damn sign!"

"You fucking retard! That's a bad sign! Fuck her number! Make her kneel before you and then you can say that's a damn sign!"

This might be too late to say now, but my thoughts are essentially quite calm and collected, with all things considered.

I just simply choose how people will perceive me, and being an impulsive rude bastard is great in terms of manipulation usage.

Personality adaptation is something I am oddly familiar with.

"Eeeeh!? But I can't make her kneel!"

"Oi, that was just a joke. You know that, right?"

"Oh, it was...?"

Is my sense of humor too advanced or is my cryptic sarcasm too savage?

"Yes, it was. Also, has Kan approached you? Do I need to beat the shit out of him again?"

Kan has a bad record with me when it comes to fights. There is no one that can beat me when it comes to verbal and physical fights. If I want to, I can contribute more to this class than anyone else ever had.

But that's too boring and not to mention, it's a very bad usage of my skills.

"Nope. Kan's just being silent about this! Actually, master, have you noticed?"

"Yes, I have."

Kuzan is referring to how the other five are not upholding any strategy in response to our actions. That is the strategy itself though.

Ryoken surely hasn't forgotten what I did back then and how I openly declared war on them, so there must be someone that has told them to strictly control their emotions and not let out any additional outbursts.

There's no need to even think about who it is. It's Sagasuga. The rest is a complete mess when it comes to attitude controlling, but not Sagasuga. He is calm and collected.

He is controlling them behind the shadows, surely. However, not in a way that I can notice. Which is why I already thought of the possibility.

"That aside here is something that will make you have a better chance of succeeding, Kuzan. I've noticed that you are only persisting with Sana, but you have no clue on what to be persistent about, do you?"

Kuzan scratched his head before answering me and additionally tilted his head while pondering what to reply with.

"Well... She's different from Kanawari, ya know? With Kanawari, we can talk and talk about very random topics and it's all good but Sana just doesn't seem to like that. And, she tells me to go away and that I'm being a nuisance all the time! Furthermore, she has threatened to kill me twice! Hey, master, was that sarcasm from her?! It was, wasn't it!? Right?!"

Kuzan doesn't understand that female individuals do not joke around with death threats and that they are more serious than what the male individual tends to evaluate for.

Still, that's unnecessary for him to notice. This explains something. His approach is naturally flawed and his approach will not work on someone like Sana.

He argued that Kanawari was the one he could talk to the most because his approach worked on her, but he mistook his past experience far too greatly.

Just because your approach works on someone else, that does not mean it will work on another one too.

"Kanawari and Sana are respectively different. Acknowledge that."

"I know, I know! But I don't know how to approach her in a positive way without sounding like a total nuisance."

In addition to all of this, Kuzan does not understand why he is failing miserably.

"You don't need to think about it too deeply. From now on, pretend like you don't exist while talking to her."

"Um, what? Master, I don't get what you are implying! How can I not exist!? Do I have to kill myself!?"

"That's not what I said at all. I'm talking about how you have to give her priority."

"I am already doing that and it's not working."

It's impressive how I have not been in direct contact with Sana all this time yet I know more about her than Kuzan does.

Sana tries different nail colors every single week yet no one seems to notice. She writes poems in class and throws them out to the garbage can at the end of the class. Furthermore, she additionally draws a lot during class which indicates that she is somewhat bored to a good extent.

She has trouble dealing with emotions, most likely. Her displeased facial expression and lack of smiling show that she lacks happiness in general. Recently though, her mood has lightened up. Sana has been in contact with Yulia, thus, they are most likely friends.

All of these small details may sound irrelevant but small details matter the most to the person who has all these details.

"Ask her how she is. Ask her what she likes to do. Ask her who she likes. Ask her what her favorite color is. Ask her if she does any sports. Ask her if she likes any topic in general. Ask her if she misses her family. Ask her if sh--"

"Woah! Woah! That's a lot! I can't know all of this!"

"The point was not to memorize these exact questions but for you to notice how your tendency to show attention can come as obnoxious to others who prize self-attention the most. Sana, for example, is that type of person. What does this mean? If she's the type of person who feels greatly affected when you give her emotional attention, then she will be more open to you. Let me tell you something additional to that. Sana's stereotype is oblivious as hell, but you'll have to deal with it. That stereotype being; unless you act out of interest first, the stereotype will not act."

I hate this stereotype so badly.

Regardless, that's actually partial. The whole point is to make Kuzan aware that he is not dealing with 'Sana' but a stereotype.

All humans being are separated into stereotypes. There is not a single entity out there capable of obstructing this phenomenon that has gone down in history's reigns for centuries to follow.

"Um... Master, can you summarize all of that? You take way too long to make points!"

Considering how I even hold back my thoughts and my actual real-life speech, Kuzan's take on this is undoubtedly wrong.

"That was pretty short lol. If you want an abbreviation for what I just said though, listen now... Put her before yourself. Show that you care for her and that you want to know everything about her."

"Gotcha! I'll just do that, master!"

Not that it will work either way. The core problem is Sana's psychology and Kuzan doesn't know her psychology well enough to know how to be successful.

Sana's pattern is perceivable but not known to Kuzan.

Ultimately, the point here is for Kuzan to be aware that his tendencies have to differ from time to time depending on who you want to apply those tendencies on.

March 9th.

Contrasting Kuzan's initial failure, Rayazaki was attempting his way with Yukishiro progressively.

It would not work though. If Sana's problematic due to her psychology then Yukishiro far outgrows her in that department.

Ahead of time, I already knew that Yukishiro was not going to get conquered, especially by Rayazaki. She obviously holds bias towards Rayazaki.

Most likely, she hates him.

To put it bluntly, the whole point of Rayazaki's endeavor isn't to make Susaga feel defeated but let Yukishiro be annoyed by something she has no clue about.

Amusingly, Rayazaki was someone that was rather rash, impulsive, hot-blooded and arrogant. I'm responsible for his change in behavior though.

Memory manipulation is possible through precise hits on the back of the cortex. This, however, can kill the individual if the strength is not regulated.

Library. Block C. 1 pm.

"Freud? Really?"

"His books contain fascinating knowledge. I'm rather perplexed by his explanation of the Oedipus complex. You should try reading some of his works."

I don't dislike reading, but when I have better tasks, reading holds absolutely not a candle against those tasks.

This library is quite full and at the end of it, was where I found Rayazaki, reading.

In a mini-couch, he sat with his legs crossed. Given that I was in need to know about his situation, I took a seat on the parallel couch.

"Eventually, when I get truly bored. So, how's it going with your target?"

"Not good. Strange things have been happening around lately. Yukishiro holds some sort of personal grudge against me and I have no recollection of why that is the case. I dare say that you might know something about this, Kawahara."

Surprisingly keen, Rayazaki. His attitude is praise-worthy. He doesn't lose his cool at all, which makes him a great pawn.

Kuzan could learn a thing or two from Rayazaki right now.

"I've told you how you got amnesia because someone hit you in the back of your head, right? Here is what you need to know. Yukishiro hates you because you were her partner in the last exam. I've explained to you what the previous exam was about. Do you understand?"

"I see. You are implying that because I was absent that Yukishiro is angry at me since I made her fail the exam. I understand. It's comprehensible now. Then, I'm afraid that this might not work. However, she hates me far too much. She has told me to die more times than I remember."

That's beyond your power to control, Rayazaki.

This fabricated lie serves only the purpose of reshaping you as I see fit. But I refuse to abuse this trick randomly, due to its consequences.

"What is her problem, anyway? She sucks Susaga's dick but then acts like a total bitch? That's irrational, even for a slut."

Although I said that, I know why Yukishiro acts the way she acts. She forces herself to act nicely to those she acts nicely around.

Those who act nicely with conceit secretly hate everyone. Yukishiro probably holds a grudge, not against Rayazaki, but against a stereotype.

Fairly simple, all in all.

Thus, the way to get her to stop hating Rayazaki is to know what binds her to that hatred. Deciphering her psychology is essential.

Somewhat cliched to even think about, but she's the type of person whose past probably holds a major role in the way she acts.

"I've heard about this term... Isn't this 'emotional closure'? Apparently, Freud reasoned that those who have something to hide will act out of aggression in order to create distance and therefore remain emotionally protected. So, what should I do?"

That reasoning isn't as bad as it first looks, but it lacks a lot of foundation.

The only regrettable part here is that Rayazaki won't be able to do it. Simply because he already has a bad record with Yukishiro.

Alas, that's a bad excuse. Anyone can perform this task as long as they choose the correct set of methods. I do know those methods, but I'm not going to tell Rayazaki the exact ones.

"Aggression is created to replicate confusion. That's something you should know. Do you know why that's the case?"

"Hm... Because confusion is a great tool when it comes to manipulation?"

"80 points for that one. While it's true that confusion is a great tool for manipulation, you have to question why the individual would go as far as confusing others. That is because they have a shell to protect."

A shell is so fragile that it is often misinterpreted as weakness from the individual that protects their own shell.

Viewing their shell as a weakness will leave them with a sense of fragileness.

"So Yukishiro is hiding something? I see. If I am able to know what she's hiding, then, will my chance of succeeding increase?"

"Without a doubt, that's the case. Though, that's only if you are able to know. Do you think you can do it?"

"I can. But... That aside, I have another question. It's... sorta weird, to be honest..."

From a confident speech to quick reluctance.

What exactly is troubling Rayazaki?

"Ask."

Insisting on the current matter about Yukishiro holds no point any longer. Susaga isn't much of a threat.

I've already said this but I'll say it again, Sagasuga is the one I am the most concerned about.

Not like they will win, but if I don't take precautions, then I will lose. That's how I always win.

Should I wait too long, then it's all over. Strike first, win first.

"....Did I and this girl in our class, called Hinagiku, have something going on...?"

Partially speaking, this was the main reason why I went on with my strike and caused him a short memory loss.

Rayazaki would not agree with my plan if I suggested something like approaching another girl that isn't Hinagiku.

Fuck out of here with that simp shit.

"No. She might have a crush on you though."

"That's really troublesome. No offense to her, but she's not my type."

I chuckled a bit.

"Mhm? Did I say something funny? Why did you just laugh?"

"No reason, forget about it. Ignore her from this point on. She's just a nuisance."

"I was already planning on doing that, but thank you."

Sincerely, I laughed because he would never say something as outrageous as that in the past.

Falling so low for another person for the sake of sentiment is pathetic. I am willing to protect all my pawns because that's part of the contract.

Therefore, completely logical. Sentimental actions are not completely logical and thus they become flawed immediately.

March 10th. 1 pm. Indian Restaurant.

"Kawahara, I've been thinking and it's way better if I just target Ryoken directly. So, I don't have to go to Gale. Besides man, she seems so boring."

At least Kuzan is trying and learned from his mistakes previously.

For the record, he seems to be holding a conversation with Sana for a decent amount of time now. That's a great sign.

Now, this guy. This stubborn little fuck, who thinks of himself so greatly, for some strange reason, thinks that direct confrontation is better.

"You're dumb as shit, Daniel. Direct confrontation will just give Ryoken the ego he needs. You need to destroy his fragile ego. And the way is to go for his crush."

Watching your current crush getting stolen by someone else who just so happens to be your enemy is devastating.

Yet Daniel just can't comprehend something this simple. No, that's actually not true. I think he understands.

He is just creating an argument so I don't see what's going on. Yet I do see what's going on.

"Also, don't be such a pussy. Fucking break up with the bitch already. I had enough of this shit. I'll tell her fucking directly for you."

"No, don't do that. Our relationship will be over at the end of this month."

Now, why would you say that, Daniel?

You are not making any sense at all. You've acted extremely concerned about breaking up with Yulia and now you say that the relationship will end at the end of this month?

"Who will end the relationship?"

"...Sorry?"

Figured. That was a test question. If he had answered with an answer that showed no hints of reluctance then I would assume that it would be the verdict truth.

But now that you have given me that sort of reply, I am positive that it's not you who is taking direct action in this.

So, who?

"Don't play dumb. You know what I'm talking about. You never have shown any interest in taking direct action towards this, so why are you confidently saying that your relationship with Yulia will end? It's illogical for you to say that because of your behavior and your words don't match. What's the deal here?"

"I do plan on taking direct action at the end of the month though."

That's even more illogical. Daniel, you don't know how to lie properly, at all.

"Then why wait? You can just get the weight off your shoulders right now, but here you are claiming that waiting it out is the wisest thing of all. Come on, spill out the beans."

It's impossible to win an argument against me. Why is Daniel even bothering? Have I not shown my verbal prowess enough yet?

Also, he greatly doubts me for some reason. Does he not approve of my methods? But if so, why?

I understand that they lack any morality whatsoever, but his methods don't exactly come as superior in that regard, so why is there room to complain all over the sudden?

His actions don't really make sense.

"Nah, not gonna tell. Either way, until then, approaching another girl will be quite hard..."

"That's unreasonable as well. Weren't you fine with approaching Arkalee? What changed?"

Daniel's unreasonable choice of words aside, I do enjoy some curry. What is life without curry?

A fucking waste. This level of spiciness is divine. How is such a heavenly relic in this school in the first place?

"Yulia's been extra persistent lately. I don't know what triggered this but she's getting way too annoying. Like, do you see this shit!?"

Daniel took out his phone from his pocket and showed me his phone's screen. Yulia was calling, as expected.

As soon as the call ended, it registered. For the 43rd time.

"Block her."

Plain and simple.

"Please tell me you are not serious, Kawahara..."

I actually was, but I understand what he just implied. This is extremely inconvenient though. Daniel has a massive problem.

The lack of direct action is so big here. Yet, when he does it, he doesn't think that far ahead. Otherwise, he would've seen this scenario coming miles away.

In other words, his vision is short.

"Oh yeah, Kawahara, I still wanted to ask you something... Are you still certain that Arkalee was the one who did it?"

"The Ikkiri drama again? I've told you plenty of times already. Yes, Arkalee did it. One-hundred percent. Nothing else connects except Arkalee. Swallow that fact already. I am never wrong!"

I am sick and tired of repeating the same thing over and over.

Arkalee did it due to her unclear and inexplicit hatred for Ikkiri, however, she does not show this in a direct way, so she's doing this in an indirect way. Daniel, however, can only believe in certainties and not probabilities.

That's a flawed way of thinking. And the worst part is that he isn't even aware that this preference causes him to be so weak all the damn time.

"So you haven't changed your mind... Also, what do you think Basara-sensei will come up with as a method to find out the culprit?"

"There are too many methods. Teach's methods are dependant on his preferences, which we know little of. One thing I can guarantee is that Arkalee won't be found out. You're thirsty for evidence, aren't you? It's written all over your face, Daniel."

In light of Ikkiri's drama, I could not care less. It's so irrelevant. I must admit though, Arkalee pulling out something like this isn't impressive whatsoever.

There are so many other ways to torment Ikkiri. Why not go for direct bullying? Physical one too. Get a large portion of the girls on your side and gangbang her outside of class, no?

Then again, that's where Arkalee's psychology comes in. She's somewhat like Daniel in this sense. Direct action is like their kryptonite.

"I can only trust what's true, Kawahara. Not what might be true."

Henceforth, you limit yourself.

"Also, how's it going with Sagasuga? Anything new from him?"

"I'm not going to get anything out of him. For now at least."

Of course, that will change quite soon.