Chapter 15: -15- The dominating figure of the scene
"Horikita?"
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka seemed to notice Horikita Suzune's unusual behavior and called out to her.
However, Horikita Suzune completely ignored Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, gazing in the direction of the stage, seemingly lost in thought.
Perhaps only Nanaya Hori, with keen perception, could notice?
Nanaya Hori perceived the extremely complex emotions reflected in Horikita Suzune's eyes as she stared in the direction of the stage.
There was joy.
There was fear.
There was pride.
There was inferiority.
Various emotions flowed through Horikita Suzune's eyes, keeping her fixated on the direction of the stage.
More accurately, she was fixated on the direction of the only senior student wearing the school uniform on the stage.
Under these circumstances, the orientation began.
A senior student in archery attire stepped forward onto the stage.
"I am the captain of the Archery Club in the third year. I would like to recruit all the students here. Perhaps many of you don't have a strong impression of archery, but it is actually very interesting and worth experiencing. So, we warmly welcome beginners to our club. Feel free to visit the Archery Club, and please consider joining us."
With such an introduction, representatives of various clubs took turns to speak on stage, attempting to capture the interest of the new students present.
In this atmosphere, first-year students discussed with their friends, immersing the entire gymnasium in a lively atmosphere.
After the presentations, the representatives would step down and proceed to the area with simple tables.
If anyone was interested in any club, they could directly approach for inquiries or even apply to join the club they aspired to join on the spot.
Naturally, representatives from the Track and Field Club also took the stage.
"Has the new student we invited arrived? If so, please raise your hand. We sincerely invite you to join our big family at the Track and Field Club. We spared no effort to make announcements through the school, which proves our sincerity. We can promise that if you join our Track and Field Club, you will definitely shine in national track competitions and may even become a professional runner after graduation. Please don't hesitate, join us!"
The president of the Track and Field Club passionately delivered this speech, making the students in the gymnasium look around to see if the rumored new student had arrived.
Of course, Nanaya Hori did not raise his hand. He showed no interest in the enthusiastic invitation from the Track and Field Club. Instead, like Horikita Suzune, his gaze was fixed on the only senior student wearing the school uniform on stage.
Gradually, all the club representatives on stage completed their speeches.
Only the senior student in the school uniform remained standing there, attracting everyone's attention.
"Hey, who's that guy?"
"Why isn't he preparing to speak?"
"Is he too nervous?"
"Hahaha."
Such laughter came from the first-year students.
Completely unaware, the second and third-year seniors tightened their faces, not daring to breathe. The senior student stood there calmly, gazing at the first-year students who were laughing at him, unmoving.
After a while, the noise in the gymnasium slowly faded, creating an awkward atmosphere, causing the new students to look at each other in confusion.
The relaxed atmosphere in the entire gymnasium suddenly shifted in an unexpected direction.
Unbelievable tension and silence began to pervade the atmosphere.
Under the influence of this atmosphere, the first-year students gradually sensed that something was amiss, much like the senior students, holding their breath.
Only at this moment did the senior student finally step forward onto the stage.
"I am the Student Council President, Horikita Manabu."
A calm and composed voice echoed throughout the gymnasium.
The Student Council President, who had raced against Nanaya Hori earlier that morning, delivered the speech expressionlessly.
"With the graduation of the seniors and the start of the new semester, the Student Council will begin recruiting talented individuals from the first-year students to manage the order and atmosphere of the school."
In other words, the last appearance was not a recruitment activity for any club at Advanced Nurturing High School but the recruitment of the Student Council, rumored to wield great power within the school.
"Confident individuals are welcome to apply. We will conduct thorough assessments to determine if you are suitable to join the Student Council," Horikita Manabu said coldly.
"However, if you wish to join the Student Council, please refrain from joining other clubs. Those who wish to simultaneously join the Student Council and other clubs will generally not be accepted."
Horikita Manabu's calm and composed tone gradually brought the entire scene under his control.
Although his speech was as direct and unforgiving as Horikita Suzune's, unlike Suzune's tendency to offend easily, Manabu's approach did not antagonize anyone.
Instead, it made people feel that it was only natural for him to speak in such a manner, unquestionably as a superior figure, in a position of command that dominated everyone's inner thoughts.
This exceptional difference made Horikita Manabu much more adept than Horikita Suzune in an indeterminate number of ways.
In this situation, Horikita Manabu delivered the final words.
"Finally, our Student Council does not wish to have people with naive ideas running for office. Such individuals, if elected, will undoubtedly tarnish the school's history. Our Student Council is highly anticipated and scrutinized by the school due to the authority and mission granted by the school. We welcome those who understand this matter to come forward and apply."
After completing this speech, Horikita Manabu stepped down from the stage.
At the same time, the Student Council Secretary, Tachibana Akane, quickly delivered the closing remarks.
"Thank you all for your hard work. The orientation ends here. We will now begin accepting applications for club memberships. The application process will continue until the end of April. After this orientation, students who still wish to join clubs can directly bring their application forms to the clubs they wish to join. Thank you."
With that, Tachibana Akane followed behind Horikita Manabu, holding a booklet, and descended from the stage.
The students could only watch this scene unfold and subconsciously make way for Horikita Manabu, who was accompanied by Tachibana Akane.
Observing this scene, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka couldn't help but comment.
"So, this is the Student Council President of Advanced Nurturing High School?"
It seems Ayanokouji Kiyotaka recognized the extent of this person's abilities.
"Indeed, quite impressive," Kushida Kikyou also exclaimed in amazement.
Horikita Suzune could only look at Horikita Manabu with a complex expression, her hands unknowingly clenched tightly.
Nanaya Hori also silently watched Horikita Manabu.
For some reason, his gaze suddenly met Horikita Manabu's as he turned his head.
"Oh?"
Horikita Manabu suddenly stopped in his tracks.
A slight change finally appeared on his expressionless face.
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