Spoiler Alert: This article contains full spoilers for Classroom of the Elite Season 4 Episode 8.
Episode 8 begins with Suzune Horikita busy at the student council handling paperwork, while Kiyotaka Ayanokōji walks by, noting he still hasn’t learned anything new about her situation. But before things can stay quiet, Vice President Ikuto Kiriyama calls him over, setting up a conversation that could change everything.
If you missed Episode 7, check out our breakdown before this one.
Kiriyama Questions Ayanokōji’s Real Intentions
Vice President Ikuto Kiriyama brings up the upcoming uninhabited island exam and asks Kiyotaka Ayanokōji if he’s properly prepared. Ayanokōji calmly replies that he’s done what he can before turning the question back to him.
Kiriyama then shifts the conversation into something deeper, saying he’s considering settling things through individual battles during the exam. With his class already losing ground to President Miyabi Nagumo, he admits their position has weakened and that direct class conflict may no longer be enough.
But the real tension starts when Kiriyama brings up Ayanokōji’s involvement in placing Suzune Horikita into the student council, implying he already understands part of Ayanokōji’s hidden intentions.
Ayanokōji doesn’t fully deny it, only stating it’s not his main reason. He frames it as Horikita simply walking her own path, even one linked to her brother’s influence.
Kiriyama then warns that Nagumo is likely aware of the information leaks involving Manabu Horikita, raising the stakes behind their movements. The conversation ends with Ayanokōji questioning whether Kiriyama is simply looking for a way to reach Class A. That immediately triggers a sharp reaction from Kiriyama, who angrily insists there’s no reason to aim for anything less than Class A in the first place, making it clear he completely rejects the idea of settling below it.
Fūka Kiryūin Enters the Conversation
Fūka Kiryūin enters the conversation between Ikuto Kiriyama and Kiyotaka Ayanokōji, immediately shifting the tone of the discussion.
Ayanokōji observes her OAA profile, noting her exceptional academic and physical ratings, but Kiriyama points out that despite her strength, she has no real support network compared to students like Miyabi Nagumo.
Before leaving, Kiriyama warns Ayanokōji that their earlier discussion still stands, and that he could easily become an enemy depending on future actions.
Once alone with Ayanokōji, Kiryūin makes her stance clear—she has no interest in the Class-A competition system itself. Instead, she relies entirely on her own abilities and enjoys the freedom the school’s point system provides.
When asked why she approached him, she simply answers “instinct,” claiming she can tell Ayanokōji is different from the rest.
She also confirms she is aiming for one of the top positions in the upcoming survival test, framing it as a direct measure of the school’s strongest individuals. The conversation ends with her stating she looks forward to seeing what Ayanokōji will do on the island. But the question remains — will Fūka Kiryūin become an ally moving forward, or will she end up on Ayanokōji’s side?
Ayanokōji Becomes the Center of Attention
Kiriyama and Nagumo approach Kiryūin after her conversation with Ayanokōji. They comment on her strength and presence, noting that most students are likely intimidated by her. Nagumo then points out her unusual interest in Ayanokōji, something she hasn’t shown toward others like Manabu Horikita or even him, while she simply says she is sensing a different “aura” from him. The discussion then shifts to the upcoming island exam, where Nagumo suggests Ayanokōji should be properly tested, while also outlining potential rankings with him or Kiriyama taking top spots and Kiryūin possibly securing one of the remaining positions.
Kanzaki Questions Ayanokōji About Ichinose
Ryūji Kanzaki meets Kiyotaka Ayanokōji outside and brings up how much Honami Ichinose trusts him, questioning what that really means. Ayanokōji replies that their alliance is no longer active, but he still doesn’t see Ichinose as an enemy. He quickly realizes Kanzaki may be trying to extract his opinion to relay back to Ichinose, which Kanzaki indirectly confirms, also acknowledging that Ayanokōji’s influence seems tied to Class D’s rise. Kanzaki then asks him to tell Ichinose to change her approach, but Ayanokōji refuses, saying he wants to see where her current path leads and that each class must ultimately handle its own direction, leaving Kanzaki with the feeling that he’s already gotten the answer he was looking for.
Ryūen’s Strategy Meeting with Katsuragi and Ayanokōji
Kakeru Ryūen calls a meeting with Kōhei Katsuragi and Kiyotaka Ayanokōji to discuss Class A’s position ahead of the uninhabited island exam. From the start, Ryūen pushes for information and tries to read Class A’s intentions, but Katsuragi stays firm and refuses to reveal anything useful.
The discussion revolves around the following key points:
- Ryūen questions Class A’s strategy for the island exam and probes their overall approach
- He brings up the rumored Ichinose–Sakayanagi alliance, but Katsuragi refuses to explain it
- Ryūen briefly mentions targeting Arisu Sakayanagi, but Katsuragi dismisses it due to her protection points and support
- Ryūen says the real goal is preventing Year 2 from losing class points rather than direct elimination plays
- Ryūen pushes Katsuragi to join Class B and presents a contract as part of his proposal
- Katsuragi signs the contract after a brief hesitation
- Katsuragi questions Ayanokōji’s role, while Ryūen insists his judgment is correct and that Ayanokōji defeated him back then
- The discussion ends with a trial card exchange proposal, where Ayanokōji agrees to trade his trial card for the bandwagon card from his class under specific conditions
- Ayanokōji considers that if Kei receives a penalty, the “halve” card could keep her in the safe zone
After the deal is set, Ryūen finalizes the agreement confidently, showing that he is already thinking several steps ahead of everyone else in the upcoming island exam.
Ayanokōji Warns Suzune About Going Solo
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji checks in with Suzune Horikita as the deadline for forming groups approaches, questioning what she plans to do. Horikita insists on working alone, believing it will make her more adaptable, but Ayanokōji warns that going solo carries serious risk due to the penalty system, including the possibility of expulsion if she fails to meet conditions.
Horikita points out that Ayanokōji himself hasn’t formed a group either, but he responds that their risk levels are different and reminds her of her past health issues before a previous island test. He advises her to at least form a small two-person group for safety. Suzune points out that within their class, only he and Rokusuke Kōenji remain without partners. Ayanokōji then responds that he already has a potential lead from another class.
Ayanokōji Proposes Horikita and Ibuki Pairing
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji suggests that Suzune Horikita and Mio Ibuki form a group, but Horikita immediately questions the idea, acknowledging Ibuki’s physical ability while doubting everything else. Ibuki asks Daichi Ishizaki if he knows about the situation, and he casually responds that it’s not a big deal since no one else is likely to pair with her anyway. Frustrated, Ibuki openly states she hates working with either Ayanokōji or Horikita, while Horikita makes it clear she never agreed to such a pairing in the first place. In the end, the pairing idea falls apart as both are clearly incompatible for cooperation.
Is Kōenji Finally Getting Serious?
Rokusuke Kōenji talks to Suzune Horikita and says he knows she is desperate to secure the class points from the top three groups. He proposes a deal where, if he “makes a good showing” in the upcoming test, he wants total freedom within the class until graduation. Horikita rejects the vague condition of “making a good showing”.
She sets a clear requirement:
- Kōenji must take first place by himself
- If he fails, he must cooperate with them in the next special test
Kōenji accepts the deal without hesitation, showing unusual seriousness in the moment. Will Kōenji finally get serious? Are we about to see a glimpse of his real strength and potential in the upcoming test? Is he as strong as Ayanokōji?
Tsukishiro’s Plan and Nanase’s Hidden Role
Tokinari Tsukishiro is seen talking to someone in the shadows, noting that half of July has already passed. He mentions that the doubts surrounding Chairman Sakayanagi’s conduct will soon be cleared up, and that it will likely become difficult for him to remain in his position. He then refers to the situation as a “grand fireworks show” for the finale, and adds that they should use any means necessary to have Kiyotaka Ayanokōji expelled from the school.
At the same time, Nanase Tsubasa is revealed from the shadows, confirming her presence and that she has put her doubts behind her, continuing forward with her actions.
This raises several questions: Is Nanase connected to the White Room? Was she specifically sent to target Ayanokōji? Or is she acting under a completely different motive?
Final Thoughts
Episode 8 doesn’t just introduce Fūka Kiryūin, it quietly shifts her into one of the most unpredictable pieces in the upcoming island exam. Unlike most students who are tied to alliances or class strategies, Kiryūin operates independently, and that alone makes her dangerous.
Key Moments in This Episode:
- Fūka Kiryūin is introduced as an independent top-tier wildcard who relies on instinct and shows early interest in Ayanokōji
- Kiriyama and Nagumo begin viewing Ayanokōji as a candidate worth testing in the upcoming island exam
- Ryūen expands his strategy by pulling Katsuragi into an alliance with Class-B through a contract
- Ayanokōji and Ryūen’s trial card exchange adds a hidden layer of strategy involving the bandwagon and “halve” cards tied to Kei’s safety
- Kōenji agrees to Horikita’s condition of aiming for first place
- Tsukishiro confirms an active plan to expel Ayanokōji using any means necessary
- Nanase is revealed in the shadows, assisting Tsukishiro in his plan to expel Ayanokōji
Is Kiryūin truly neutral, or just waiting for the right side to break? Is Nanase connected to the White Room and acting under Tsukishiro’s orders, or is she following a different motive? And more importantly, how long can Ayanokōji stay in the center of all this without revealing his full power?
Episode 9 is likely where these hidden setups start turning into direct conflict.
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