Classroom of the Elite III Episode 3: We Never Forget What We Endeavor to Forget.

In the library's warm glow, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, Honami Ichinose, and Suzune Horikita dissect the enigma of Hosen. Ayanokoji explains Hosen's true aim isn't mere points; it is domination, imposing his will on others. Ichinose confirms this, revealing students who defy Hosen face expulsion from his self-made 'rules'. Horikita, driven by a desire for genuine trust, insists on confronting Hosen directly, believing in the power of true relationships over transactional ones.

Horikita's attempt to negotiate with Hosen over the phone is met with dismissive contempt and threats to Ichinose. Despite this, Ichinose bravely confronts Hosen's arrogance. Horikita, undeterred, sees a subtle opening in his refusal, believing she can still sway him. She rejects Ichinose's desperate plan to take over Class 1-D leadership, understanding it would only fracture the class further. Instead, Horikita secures Ichinose's commitment to help bring Hosen to the table on her terms, displaying a calculated resolve.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, casually cooking, receives a call from Kei Karuizawa. She delivers on her assignment, reporting a first-year student bought an item only for another girl to intervene, prompting a return. This unseen girl's influence is a silent threat. Ayanokoji thanks Kei, then subtly shifts the conversation to her own academic struggles, inviting her to his room for a study session. He makes it clear the purpose is academic, not romantic, yet the undercurrent of their evolving relationship is palpable.

Suzune Horikita confronts Kouenji Rokusuke, who remains defiantly unpartnered for the upcoming exam. He dismisses her concerns with characteristic arrogance, proclaiming his ability to pass regardless of his partner. When Horikita attempts to assign him a partner, he curtly refuses, citing his own self-importance. Horikita, though frustrated, yields, understanding the futility of arguing with such an unmovable force. His ego remains his shield and his weapon.

Honami Ichinose apologizes to Ayanokoji for her failure to secure Hosen. She reiterates her commitment to winning him over, displaying a quiet determination. As Horikita departs for a study session, Ichinose's focus turns to Ayanokoji. She expresses a nascent suspicion of his true nature, probing the depths of his enigmatic personality. Her words are sharp, seeking to define the man who operates in the shadows.

Ichinose directly challenges Ayanokoji, accusing him of being

Ichinose directly challenges Ayanokoji, accusing him of being "cunning and dirty." Ayanokoji, observing her closely, wonders if she might be a White Room student, subtly testing his reactions. He then drops a provocative piece of information: the existence of protection points, a way to nullify expulsion. Ichinose claims ignorance. Ayanokoji attributes this reveal as a thank-you, but his subtle smile hints at a deeper game, planting seeds of thought in her mind.

Kei Karuizawa arrives at Ayanokoji's room for their study session, initially disappointed by his strict academic focus. After discovering his concealed high academic ability, she playfully insists he teach her from beside her. The study is interrupted when Kei finds a long, red hair, sparking her suspicion. Then, Ichika Amasawa appears, claiming to have left a hair tie. Amasawa's playful teasing about Kei being Ayanokoji's girlfriend and calling him her 'chef' ignites Kei's jealousy and annoyance. Ayanokoji's neutral explanation that he merely cooked for Sudou's partner does little to quell the rising tension. Amasawa departs with a final, mischievous barb, leaving Kei frustrated and Ayanokoji seemingly unaffected.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, contemplating the school's intricate social machinations, is approached by Arisu Sakayanagi. She questions his increasing involvement with first-years, hinting at a suspicion that White Room agents might be targeting him for expulsion. Ayanokoji, unflustered, declares his intention to discard old ways and no longer hold back. Sakayanagi, intrigued by his newfound resolve, offers her help, but Ayanokoji declines, asserting his right to forge his own path. She accepts his decision, promising to observe his unfolding strategy from a distance.

Two first-year students, Utomiya Riku and Tsubaki Sakurako, approach Ayanokoji in the food court, seeking a partnership. Tsubaki emphasizes a desire for a straightforward, 'clean' relationship, free of obligations. Utomiya reveals Ayanokoji is their first choice, explaining they avoided Classes A and C to sidestep demands for private points. Ayanokoji, however, states he already has a candidate in mind. Utomiya, undeterred, offers his contact information, suggesting Ayanokoji call him if his current plans falter. Ayanokoji silently notes their names, recognizing their potential utility.

Maya Satou confronts Kei Karuizawa in a park, demanding the real reason for her breakup with Hirata. Satou, sensing a deeper truth, directly asks if Kei is dating Ayanokoji. Kei, distraught, admits her feelings for Ayanokoji developed after Satou confided in her, and they began dating recently. Feeling betrayed, Satou angrily slaps Kei, declaring she can no longer be her friend. Kei, remorseful, cries and embraces Satou, a moment of raw emotion amidst the school's calculated environment.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji encounters Rikusen Ishigami (Sudou) before the Hosen meeting. Sudou, clearly motivated, speaks of his improved study habits, driven by Horikita's compliments. He innocently asks if Horikita might now accept his feelings, to which Ayanokoji delivers a blunt, but truthful, refusal. Undeterred, Sudou reflects on his past mistakes, affirming his commitment to grow for the sake of the class over the next two years. He prioritizes Horikita's approval, vowing not to disappoint her, even if his romantic aspirations remain unfulfilled. Horikita arrives, ready for the confrontation.

The scene shifts to a karaoke room, where Ayanokoji, Horikita, and Sudou await Hosen. Sudou, expressing his skepticism about allying with the arrogant first-year, is swiftly silenced by Horikita, who asserts her confidence in her plan. The door opens, and Hosen enters, greeted by Nanase. His arrival immediately injects a palpable tension into the room, setting the stage for a critical negotiation.