Episode 1 of "Chastity High," alias "Love Battle Royale," kicks off with Ichica Arisawa's haunting narration, weaving a tale of desperation that led her to resort to blackmail and extortion among her peers. She recounts a life marred by struggle, a stark contrast to the privileged backgrounds of her fellow elites at Asuran Academy. As the episode unfolds, we witness Ichica's court appearance, a somber backdrop that swiftly fades into the vibrant hues of her sophomore year, when the school's girl's and boy's factions merged due to economic pressures, their separate existences deemed unsustainable.
Ema, Ichica's confidante, whispers of the boys' arrival, igniting a spark of memory. Ichica's mind drifts back to a fateful encounter with Ryougo, a boy she met while her mother lay in hospital, a victim of a workplace accident. Their paths crossed again as he too tended to his mother, their shared vigil over loved ones weaving a fragile bond between them.
In the present, Ichica has transformed into the school's golden girl, a basketball prodigy who charms with ease. Yet, the assembly hall echoes with a jarring announcement from Principal Yoko Ikujima: the imposition of a "No Romance" edict, banning all romantic entanglements between students, both within and beyond the school's confines. The threat of immediate expulsion hangs heavy in the air, leaving the student body stunned and dismayed.
Following the assembly's discordant notes, Ryougo extends an invitation to Koharu and her clique for a karaoke night, their laughter echoing the carefree days before the rule's imposition. Ayami, Koharu's friend, tentatively invites Ichica to join, only to be met with a polite decline. But Ryougo's eyes light up at the sight of Ichica, a rekindling of a long-forgotten connection.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Mr. Ryougo, the school's esteemed governor and trustee, stirs up a different kind of tempest. He confronts Principal Ikujima over her controversial decision, their discussion tinged with tension as they grapple with the repercussions of the schools' merger and the unprecedented restrictions it has imposed.
Mr. Maki proudly introduces Ikujima to his eldest son, Haruto, who will embark on a new journey as a teacher at the institution. Simultaneously, he oversees his younger son, Ryougo, gracelessly navigating a basketball court, his demeanor leaving Mr. Maki cringing in embarrassment.
Elsewhere, Ichica's father makes an unwelcome appearance at her mother's workplace, beseeching her to withdraw Ichica from her prestigious school and instead contribute financially to the family. Ichica's mother, indignant, dismisses him, demanding child support rather than allowing him to dictate her daughter's future.
As the evening unfolds, Ichica and Ema opt for a heart-to-heart over the usual karaoke escapade their peers indulge in. Meanwhile, at the karaoke bar, Sawa's bold attempt to steal a kiss from Yuzuki is met with a swift rejection, leaving her mortified.
Within the confines of his home, Mr. Maki resorts to violence against his wife, punishing her proxy for Ryougo's misbehavior at school. He sternly admonishes Ryougo, urging him to rein in his actions.
Ichica's mother, weighed down by guilt, apologizes to her daughter for not being able to provide the lavish lifestyle her peers enjoy. The following day, a fleeting connection blooms between Ryougo and Ichica, only for Ichica to abruptly distance herself, puzzling Ryougo.
Haruto, observant of Ryougo's growing attachment to Ichica, endeavors to caution him of potential pitfalls. Shockwaves ripple through the student body when news breaks of two students' expulsion for indulging in an extracurricular romance. This revelation prompts Ichica to shun Ryougo, her actions perplexing him further.
Yuma's ascendancy to the presidency of the Student Council casts a shadow over Sawa, who is relegated to the position of vice president. She vents her frustration to Yuzuki, the council's secretary, claiming her demotion stems solely from her gender. In contrast, Ichica and Atsushi introduce themselves as the joint leaders of the accounting department, while the rest of the council members follow suit, each etching their unique identities into the scene.
After the meeting's conclusion, Atsushi inadvertently eavesdrops on a private conversation between the teacher and Ichica, where the latter is requested to persuade her mother to settle her overdue fees. Ichica, mortified by Atsushi's unintended presence, attempts to brush it off with a casual demeanor. Atsushi, feeling guilty for his unintended intrusion, apologizes sincerely, and the two engage in a brief, comforting chat before Ichica departs. As she leaves, Atsushi surreptitiously captures a photo of her, adding to the collection of her images already stored on his phone, hinting at a deeper interest.
On her way out, Ichica stumbles upon Ryougo and Koharu locked in an intimate embrace, and she quickly springs into action, trying to avert a potential embarrassment should they be discovered by faculty. Koharu, grateful for Ichica's timely intervention, offers monetary compensation, but Ichica, aware of Koharu's generosity stemming from her own financial struggles, proudly declines.
However, upon reaching home, Ichica's world is turned upside down when she discovers that her father has taken out a joint loan with her mother, unbeknownst to her. Loan sharks soon descend upon her, demanding repayment in full, their threats hanging heavily in the air. The family lawyer informs Ichica's mother of the dire consequences, explaining that she had inadvertently signed the loan documents without fully comprehending their implications.
As the night unfolds, Ryougo throws a lively party for his classmates, where tensions simmer beneath the surface. Sawa, observing Yuzuki dancing with Yuma, reacts impulsively, confronting him. Meanwhile, Haruto, Ichica's teacher, arrives home only to find himself embroiled in a chaotic scene. His attempts to disperse the party are thwarted when Ayami, a student, lures him away to a secluded area, where they share a passionate moment.
Elsewhere, Koharu accompanies Ryougo to a rendezvous with Ichica, where she fulfills her promise to compensate Ichica for keeping their secret. Ryougo is stunned to witness Ichica demanding money from them, her actions a stark contrast to his previous perception of her. Atsushi, a silent observer, watches as Ichica accepts the payment, leaving a lingering impression as the episode draws to a close, leaving viewers to ponder the complexities of the characters' motivations and the intricate web of relationships that bind them.
