Leaving the office building, Takuma Konohana climbed into his waiting car and loosened his tie.
He had finally reached a turning point in the corporate restructuring of a foreign firm he had been handling for several years. His meticulously prepared plan had successfully won the consensus of the major creditors.
"Phew."
He could leave the rest to others now. But the moment he had a second to breathe, a dozen other projects flooded his mind. The work was endless; there was no time to rest.
For now, he needed results.
Everything was a means to an end—to one day wield such undeniable power that no one would ever be able to ignore him again.
His smartphone vibrated in his pocket. Seeing the caller’s name, Takuma’s brow furrowed as he answered.
"I believe I told you not to contact me."
『My apologies. However, I felt a formal declaration of war was necessary,』 Maki Minato replied, her voice flat and composed.
『I am going to be an enemy to your disciple.』
At Kikou Academy, the election to determine the next Student Council Executives was currently in full swing.
Takuma briefly considered Maki Minato’s motive for intervening.
"Is it jealousy?"
『Heh... Every time we speak, I learn something new about you. You don’t even bother choosing your words for someone who no longer interests you, do you?』
Naturally. It was a waste of time.
『You're right, of course. I simply have to know why you chose him. If I don't find out... I think I'll go mad.』
"How tedious. Do as you please."
『Are you sure?』
"He grows every time he's forced to overcome a wall."
Maki Minato went silent and immediately cut the call.
Was she frustrated at being treated as a mere stepping stone? It didn't matter.
"Itsuki-kun... you’ve begun to realize it, haven’t you? That your talent is suited for that kind of world."
Recalling his disciple’s earnest face, Takuma muttered to himself.
"I hope you truly transform during this election. After all, a coin with only a heads side is of no use to anyone."