Classroom of the Elite III Episode 7: People Will Do Anything, No Matter How Absurd, in Order to Avoid Facing Their Own Souls.

Utomiya Riku stands by the window, a quiet presence as Yagami Takuya enters, suggesting Utomiya is the natural leader for their Class C. They speak of Hatano's recent, unsettling departure, a blow they feel keenly. Takahashi Osamu from Class A joins them, explaining his class leader's disdain for difficult matters. Their conversation centers on the desperate need for Class D's cooperation for the upcoming island exam, a crucial tactical asset they cannot afford to lose, despite Class D's low ranking.

The meeting's fragile peace is shattered by the dramatic entrance of Hosen Kazuomi, whose first words are a demand for money. Takahashi's attempt at diplomacy is met with a brutal punch to the stomach, a clear signal of Hosen's contempt for pleasantries. Utomiya steps forward, grabbing Hosen's arm, warning him against violence in the classroom. Their locked gaze is a wordless challenge, Hosen's maniacal laugh echoing the disruption he brings, while Yagami observes, wary and calculating.

Utomiya confronts Hosen, suggesting Hosen was behind Hatano's expulsion, a charge Hosen meets with a smug, unrepentant grin. Yagami expertly shifts the conversation, reminding them of the first-years' inherent disadvantage in the survival exam and proposing a unified 'dream team' of elite students. He argues that sacrificing current class points for long-term stability is a wise play, appealing to Hosen's desire for ultimate victory. Hosen, seeing the tactical advantage, finally agrees to cooperate, but demands all open spots in their larger exam group be filled with Class D students, a condition Yagami persuades a hesitant Utomiya to accept.

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka is engaged in quiet study with his group when Kushida Kikyo enters, her bright demeanor masking an ulterior motive. She approaches Ayanokoji, requesting a private word, prompting lighthearted teasing from Haruka about a romantic confession. Kushida clarifies that a first-year student specifically asked to meet him. Ayanokoji agrees, his calm expression betraying nothing of his thoughts, as Sakura looks on with a hint of concern.

Kushida leads Ayanokoji to a bridge where Yagami Takuya waits, silhouetted by the setting sun. Yagami politely greets Ayanokoji, who recognizes him from earlier events. They move to a quiet cafe, where Yagami reveals the true reason for the meeting: a staggering 20-million-point bounty placed on Ayanokoji's expulsion. Kushida is visibly stunned by the astronomical sum, but Ayanokoji listens silently, his expression unreadable, as the weight of this new, terrifying threat settles.

Yagami warns Ayanokoji that Hosen has already attempted to frame him, and more desperate measures are surely to come. He suggests Kushida herself might become a target. Kushida expresses concern, but a flicker of her true, calculating nature shows beneath the surface. As they walk away, her internal monologue hints at a deeper knowledge of Ayanokoji's past. She delivers a cryptic warning: his past may catch up to him sooner than he thinks. Ayanokoji acknowledges this, his gaze fixed forward.

Later, Utomiya Riku confronts Ayanokoji in the mall, accompanied by the quiet Nanase Tsubasa. Utomiya is direct: he wants to see Hosen expelled during the upcoming exam, believing Hosen was responsible for Hatano's departure. He recalls Ayanokoji's unconventional methods in a previous exam and asks for his help in finding Hosen's weakness. Ayanokoji remains non-committal, claiming he prefers to avoid trouble. Utomiya departs, leaving Ayanokoji with a look of lingering frustration, but the seed of an idea has been planted.

Hosen Kazuomi meets with Amasawa Ichika from Class A, inviting her to join his island exam group. He acknowledges her high academic and physical ratings. Amasawa responds with playful flirtation and a sharp wit, mocking his expensive watch. Hosen, undeterred, expresses interest in her 'hidden depths'. She teases him about his 'naughty' intentions for the island, but Hosen's predatory focus remains on her tactical value. Amasawa eventually agrees to consider the offer, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous, dangerous light.

Nanase Tsubasa joins Hosen and Amasawa, completing their trio. Amasawa immediately tests Nanase, throwing a swift punch that Nanase blocks with surprising calm and precision, revealing her hidden strength. Amasawa is delighted, recognizing Nanase's true nature. Hosen grins, satisfied with his formidable team, declaring their collective intent to claim the top spot and the bounty on Ayanokoji's head. Amasawa brazenly demands all 20 million points if they succeed. Hosen laughs, agreeing that the points are meaningless to him, proclaiming his desire to dominate the school's 'insane' rules and 'break them all'. His chilling, maniacal laughter closes the episode, a promise of brutal confrontation.