Kapitel 58: Chapter 58: Collaborating Classes
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(A/N: wow... Chill guys, this is only the first day of the week but you have already touched the first milestone!! Congratulations to you, this is a bonus chapter for today, please enjoy!)
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"Two years in a row, I hadn't entirely dismissed the idea of the special test on the deserted island."
"It feels like the inevitable has arrived, doesn't it?"
In the classroom, the usual discussions were underway. Horikita and Hirata started with organizing the situation, while Koenji was entranced with his beloved hand mirror, lost in his own reflection.
What's with him, seriously?
"The particularly important part this time is that while there are certain conditions, we're allowed to group up with anyone from the same year."
Indeed, that was a rule unlike any before.
"But the points when we win will be divided, right? I don't see the benefit of teaming up with other classes."
Certainly, Sudo had a point. This time, it's a battle between the year groups. Nevertheless, the school has come up with some interesting rules.
"But if there are talents that our class alone can't cover, they'll be supplemented, right? If we form a group in our class and other classes join hands, there's a chance we might get left behind."
While it's ideal to win with just Class D, it's just that—an ideal. Strategically, it might be important to align with other classes and work towards a common goal, but getting everyone to cooperate won't be easy.
"What about Sakayanagi-san, Ryuen-kun, and Ichinose-san?"
"If it's Class A, which is usually ahead on its own, they might not mind mixing with other classes, right?"
"So, how about forming an alliance with three classes? If we're just trailing behind Class A, maybe working together with Class B and Class D to catch up wouldn't be a bad idea!"
From Sudo, who was listening to the conversation, came a good suggestion. However, isolating Class A could lead to resentment. After all, it's Sakayanagi we're talking about. She'll definitely hold a grudge and retaliate. Honestly, it seems like a difficult decision lies ahead.
Although there's a month until the group formation, movements will start to pick up one after another. We can't afford to sit back.
.....
After school, the phones of the students classified as top achievers in academics or physical abilities began to ring simultaneously. Horikita approached me and Kiyotaka as we watched the scene.
"They've started moving quickly, haven't they? It's only natural to draw in excellent students to your side."
"Huh? Horikita, why haven't you received any calls?"
"You have a terrible personality. You know very well that very few people have my contact information. Right, Horagasaki-kun, who's quite the ladies' man?"
Since I was teased back, I decided to check my phone, but it was dead.
Apparently, Kiyotaka had the same issue. Horikita then showed us her phone.
・Do not finalize the group until discussions are held within Class D.
・If there's an urgent need to form a group, contact Horikita.
"It's not mandatory, but ultimately, it's up to individual discretion."
It's each person's freedom to decide whether to join a group or not. No one can interfere, and individual withdrawal is also on the line. Even if all four classes come together, there's no ideal combination where everyone can avoid dropping out.
Now, what should I do?
When I stood up, Kiyotaka did the same. As we headed out into the hallway to prepare to leave, Horikita suddenly spoke to us.
"For the upcoming special island test, can you two secure first and second place?"
"Don't be ridiculous. We only know about the special test on the deserted island."
"Normally, you wouldn't know the details... right?"
"It crossed my mind that with Ayanokouji-kun, who scored full marks in math, and you, who answered all the questions correctly with world-class flash mental arithmetic, a group might not be necessary after all."
What kind of reasoning is that? Flash mental arithmetic results for solo performance? What an intriguing reason.
"If we secure first and second place, our class will jump significantly. Then we can easily form groups to avoid dropout... But to achieve that, we need to create the strongest group possible. Otherwise, the weaker groups will inevitably fall to the bottom. Not everyone has the points to bail out everyone else. Plus, if I retire, the class will be annoyed and criticize me. No, I have to survive on my own."
"We'll have to endure somehow."
"That's exactly right. I also acknowledge your abilities. Can I consult with you again?"
"As long as it's within my capacity."
"Roger that."
"That's good enough, thank you."
It seems Horikita is heading back to the classroom. Consequently, Kiyotaka and I are left alone. Kiyotaka speaks up.
"Hey, Jin... what are you going to do?"
Most likely, he's referring to the test.
"Me? I wonder what I should do. It's true that I might be able to make it to the top alone, but I want to try my best without risking expulsion."
"Yeah, I'm thinking the same."
So, first, Kiyotaka and I would form a group, and if necessary, we could add any girl to secure a spot in the top three. But Kiyotaka, with a bounty on his head, would likely refuse to form a group.
"Kiyotaka, are you planning to do it alone?"
"...Yeah, that's the plan."
As expected. Can't you just give him some peace? I thought, isn't it about time you cut your father some slack too? But that makes me sound not guilty, right?
…..
The next morning, I checked my phone and found a notification from the school. There are a ton of scouts coming my way. I want to do this alone.
And there was a card labeled 'Addition' on it. Who has which card can be seen on OAA. When Kiyotaka checked his, it was labeled 'Trial.' Yeah, tough luck for you.
…..
Until the special summer exams, a system was in place allowing groups of up to three people to be formed, but discussions were also being held here regarding the future.
"It seems you made it, Ichinose-san."
"Sorry for the wait, Sakayanagi-san."
Friday evening after group formation had been allowed, Sakayanagi contacted Ichinose and called her to a café.
"So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
As Ichinose broached the topic, Sakayanagi muttered,
"To be frank, I feel that at this rate, not only is reascending to Class A doubtful, but even Class B seems uncertain. Would you mind sharing your thoughts?"
Though her mind briefly went blank, Ichinose smiled wryly and fanned herself with her hand. By May, Class C was only 26 points behind Ryuen's class, and by June, the difference was just 2 points. It became clear that Ryuen had a strong determination to not be overtaken.
"I understand they're tough opponents."
"Certainly, he's not someone to be underestimated."
The straightforward Ichinose versus the unscrupulous Ryuen clashed too poorly. Ichinose's true desire was probably to avoid fighting Ryuen altogether.
"But to rise to the top, there's no avoiding the challenge. While Ryuen-kun is indeed a formidable opponent, it's not like Sakayanagi-san is easy to defeat either."
Although there had been conflicts between the Katsuragi faction and the Sakayanagi faction within Class A at one point, Class A was now in a league of its own. Defeating Sakayanagi once or twice wouldn't shake their top position.
"Despite the 200-point difference, what about Class D? Are you confident you won't be overtaken?"
"Horikita-san's class has indeed been improving. Each class has talented individuals who are unmatched in terms of individual abilities."
"Indeed, Class D has some interesting individuals. From those skilled in communication like Hirata-kun and Kushida-san, to those with balanced performance like Sudo-kun who is the only one to achieve an A+ in physical abilities, to Ayanokoji-kun who showed an unexpected mastery in solving difficult math problems, and Koenji-kun, who can't see the bottom, and above all, Horagasaki-kun, who can't see the bottom even more than Koenji-kun Especially those three are dangerous, aren't they?"
As soon as Jin's name was mentioned, Ichinose visibly blushed, feeling exposed. However, acknowledging it aloud made her realize the depth of Class D once again.
"And then there's Horikita-san, who brings them all together. She excels in academics and physical abilities, and recently she even joined the student council."
Sakayanagi reaffirmed Ichinose's current situation.
"I apologize for the harsh words, but I believe it's only a matter of time before your class falls to Class D."
"I think, even if I receive such an evaluation now, it's inevitable. But..."
"You'll try to overcome it with effort and friendship, is that an abstract statement you're going to make?"
Caught off guard by Sakayanagi's preemptive words, Ichinose hesitated with her response.
"Such vague statements won't lead to victory in the future."
"That's... not true. Everyone is definitely growing."
"I'm not saying they're not growing, but it's a matter of the extent of that growth."
"You may not understand, Sakayanagi-san, but I don't think we're losing."
Sakayanagi smiled thinly and shook her head slowly.
"It's clear as day if you look at the OAA results. Comparing the overall strength of freshmen to our current second-year, your class showed the least growth among the four classes. I assumed you were aware of this level of assessment, but... were you pretending not to notice, or were you afraid to investigate knowing the truth?"
It felt like a battle between an adult and a child, with Ichinose being accurately attacked at her weak points, causing her to remain silent.
"You are a Smart student. In fair and equal discussions, you would never fall short against me. However, in disadvantaged situations, you can't fully demonstrate your abilities. Last time and this time, you were pushed into a corner and had to stay silent. But both Ryuen-kun, whom you will face from now on, and I will bare our fangs even in disadvantaged situations."
"Yeah... that's true."
Neither of them would ever doubt their strength in any situation.
"There's no chance for you to win against Ichinose right now. I can assert that."
"Did you call me just to tell me that?"
"If it were just for harassment, I could do it anywhere. I won't waste your precious holiday."
Then, the real reason for calling Ichinose and the true intention were revealed.
"Would you like to team up with me, Ichinose?"
"Huh...?"
Ichinose couldn't respond to the unexpected proposal.
"It's not a bad idea for classes to form cooperative relationships. This is just my speculation, but I believe D-Class has already severed ties with Horikita-san and the others. Despite being at the bottom, D-Class has accumulated class points more than any other class in a year, and currently, D-Class is at its peak. In contrast, you, Ichinose-san, have taken a step back and fallen to C-Class. From Horikita-san's perspective, it's not all benefits, you see."
"Yeah, that's right..."
"Yes, to maintain the cooperative relationship, there are certain conditions... Yes, reluctantly, I believe it's not impossible for us to collaborate because of the difference in class points."
"It's sad that I can't see this as a happy proposal. I wonder if there are any benefits for Sakayanagi-san to team up with us?"
"No, that's not the case at all. It's true that solely considering combat power might not be satisfying. However, we possess a significant weapon that no other class has, which is 'trust'."
Sakayanagi began to take action to bring C-Class under her umbrella.
"The upcoming exam will have somewhat tricky rules. You can only form groups within the same year, and rewards will be distributed equally. So, even if we gather top-notch members from each class, there won't be any difference in class points."
"If we team up with Class A..."
"While the gap between us and Class A won't narrow, we can surpass Ryuen-kun's class and create a gap against D-Class."
"But that means missing the opportunity to catch up with your class."
"Isn't it a priority to stabilize our position for the second and third terms? Even if you reject joining forces with me here, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll win. Isn't that right?"
"Well..."
"On the contrary, if we lose to other classes, you, Ichinose-san, will fall to D-Class and be put in an extremely difficult situation, losing class points. In that case, aiming for Class A would become impossible."
"I understand your doubts. But I don't think there will be many chances to team up with other classes."
"But if we do team up, Ryuen-kun and Horikita-san might team up..."
"Yes, I've been waiting for the start of group formation. I propose joining forces only with the main forces amidst the trend of classes not cooperating on a class-by-class basis."
"And who are these main forces?"
"Like last year, I cannot walk around on this leg. However, I have been granted permission to participate. It will put me in a somewhat unique position."
"Unique?"
"If a student cannot participate due to poor health at the start of the exam, they retire from the beginning, right? But I will participate as a 'semi-retiree.'"
"Semi-retiree?"
"Because of my mobility issues, I won't be able to walk around, but I'll stay at the starting point and fight within the rules like everyone else."
While communication means would be necessary, the function as a strategist would be a significant factor, which Ichinose would understand.
"You're free to choose from Hashimoto-kun, Kito-kun, and Masumi-san. They are undoubtedly the main forces of Class A. From Class B, it would be Kanzaki-kun, and perhaps Shibata-kun and Amikura-san."
Currently, they were observing without forming a group.
"If you agree to team up with me, I don't mind putting up a deposit for three people. I'll lend you a total of 3 million points, which is highly likely to be withdrawn due to the risk of expulsion."
Worried about the possibility of rejection, Sakayanagi extended her right hand.
"Could I get support for five people? Then I could feel reassured."
"You're quite greedy. I'll make a special loan for you."
"It's a deal then. I accept your offer of cooperation."
Ichinose had already laid out the best course of action as an alliance. By using the one extra recruitment card available for the year, they could form a group of seven.
"Ryuen-kun's group is formidable, isn't it?"
"Yes, but we will be the ones to take first place."
Solidifying their main forces, they would challenge Ryuen and Horikita's class, as well as the first and third-year students.
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