Classroom of the Elite 4th Season: Second Year, First Semester Episode 3: Determination of a Leader

At the library, Ayanokouji deduces that Hosen Kazuomi's refusal to partner with low-point students isn't about siphoning points. Nanase Tsubaki confirms this, explaining Hosen isn't interested in personal gain, but in controlling his class through fear and ostracization. Suzune Horikita expresses a desire to meet with Hosen directly, believing only genuine trust can build lasting alliances. This initial discussion sets a grim tone for the coming negotiations.

Nanase attempts to arrange a meeting with Hosen via phone, but he rudely dismisses Suzune's request for direct conversation. He insults Nanase, threatening her for trying to intervene, before hanging up. Nanase is visibly distraught, but Suzune reassures her, seeing value in their attempt and acknowledging the difficulty of dealing with Hosen. This encounter solidifies Hosen's image as an unyielding force.

Ayanokouji is cooking when Kei Karuizawa calls, having investigated a matter for him. She reports on a new student and another girl who influenced a return. Their conversation shifts to Ayanokouji's academic abilities; Kei questions his C-rank. He calmly reveals he could easily score 400 points, having never encountered an unsolvable problem since enrollment. This confession startles Kei, who then playfully suggests he teach her by sitting closer.

Suzune confronts Rokusuke Koenji in the classroom, noting his lack of a partner for the special exam. Koenji, ever confident, dismisses her concerns, stating he can pass easily regardless. When Suzune offers to find him a partner, he rejects her with a simple,

Back at the library, Nanase apologizes for failing to bring Hosen, then proposes a radical idea: she will become the leader of the 1st year D Class herself. Suzune is shocked, warning of the immense burden and the inevitable class split if Nanase clashes with Hosen. Despite the risks, Nanase remains determined, arguing that bringing Hosen to their side is the only solution. She promises to persuade him by Sunday, earning Suzune's hesitant trust.

After Suzune leaves, Nanase directly confronts Ayanokouji, declaring him "evil and despicable." Ayanokouji probes whether she is a White Room student, theorizing such a student would observe him closely to prove their superiority and convince "that man." He then casually mentions "protection points," a system to negate expulsion. Nanase feigns ignorance, but her demeanor suggests otherwise, leaving Ayanokouji to ponder her true intentions.

Kei arrives at Ayanokouji's room for their study session, playfully complaining about being seen. Their study is interrupted by an unexpected knock. Ichika Amasawa bursts in, immediately teasing Kei and hinting at a prior, intimate encounter with Ayanokouji by claiming to have left her favorite room wear behind. Kei is visibly furious and jealous as Amasawa revels in the chaos she creates before making a pointed exit, leaving Kei to stew in frustration.

While observing partner formations, Ayanokouji encounters Arisu Sakayanagi. She notes his increased interaction with first-year students and speculates about a White Room assassin targeting him. Ayanokouji dismisses her concern, then declares his intention to abandon his past caution. He states he will no longer hold back, a promise Sakayanagi finds amusing and pledges to observe from afar. This marks a turning point in Ayanokouji's strategy.

Kei is ambushed by Mio Ibuki and Sato at a fountain. Ibuki demands the real reason for Kei's breakup with Hirata, accusing her of making him out to be a villain. Kei is terrified as Ibuki reveals she knows about Kei's past bullying and her lack of true friends. Ibuki asserts that Kei's popularity is a shield, and she used Hirata to maintain it. Cornered and exposed, Kei is reduced to a tearful confession.

Sato presses Kei for the truth about her relationship with Ayanokouji, threatening to end their friendship if Kei doesn't confess. With tears streaming down her face, Kei admits she began dating Ayanokouji at the end of spring break, revealing her feelings had developed after Sato had sought her advice. Heartbroken and enraged, Sato slaps Kei across the face, declaring her hatred before storming off, leaving Kei alone and weeping.

Ayanokouji meets Hosen at the dorms, who is surprisingly studying for the exam. Hosen admits Suzune's compliments motivate him, even confessing his desire for her approval. He laments the trouble he's caused but expresses a newfound determination to improve for Suzune's sake, envisioning a future where he contributes to the class. As Suzune arrives, reinforcing her belief in him, Hosen's rough exterior shows cracks of genuine, if misguided, ambition.