CHAPTER 1- Part-3 : A NEW SPECIAL EXAM - MIXED TRAINING CAMP

Because every day, she speaks in perfect accordance with the manual.

However, there's an underside to this.

There probably have been cases where individuals have saved up private

points but conversely, there have been people saved because their classmates

have been saving up a great sum of points. As for how I know this, it's

because in the past, Horikita and I supplied the private points for a nearly￾expelled Sudou as a third party and that set a precedent. Ultimately, sharing it

evenly amongst ourselves can still be a preventative measure against

unforeseen incidents.

By giving an individual such a great sum of money, you run the risk of them

misappropriating it and a betrayal is also very possible. Chabashira said

something disruptive towards her own class. Of course, I can't reject the

possibility that it's merely school policy but... "Shall we put it to a

majority vote then? It's not like we'll decide through that but rather, I'd like

to know what everyone thinks after hearing that just now. Can the people

who'd prefer to share evenly amongst ourselves during the special exam from

now on please raise your hands? Of course, I don't mind even if you change

your mind later."

Hirata raised his own hand and became the first one to do so. Most of the

students were troubled by that and they could only raise their hands bit by bit.

It is important to be united as one class and help one another but when it

comes down to it, it's also crucial that you prepare insurance in case you're

the one being disposed of. Once again, it appears most of the students have

saved only a few ten thousand or hundred thousand private points. In that

case, there'll be quite a few students who will have enough points saved up

for emergencies if only then can place 1st.

The students who aren't confident in themselves are the ones who'd wish the

most for an equal share. There were more of them than expected but in the

end, the number of raised hands wasn't even half the class.

"Thank you."

It means the majority of the class does not wish for an equal sharing of the

points.

However, now that it's become like this even Hirata, who's from the equal

sharing faction, won't be able to prod things in that direction that easily

anymore.

"Was it unnecessary advice, Hirata?"

"No, I'm grateful for it. It's valuable information for us at this stage."

My phone vibrated once. I thought 'he' had replied and took my phone out

but it turned out that it was a message from the Horikita 'sister'. I already

guessed it but it had to do with this special exam.

"Do you have any ideas?"

A sentence that left everything to me.

"None whatsoever."

I replied with just that.

But, I reconsidered just a bit and decided to send just one more thing.

"This exam will separate boys and girls. I cannot help with anything, please

do your best."

I decided to give such a cheerleading shout. Horikita probably has a lot of

things she'd like to say to me but it's impossible to do so here. I quickly

concluded my chat with Horikita and checked yet another chat group that's

currently active. It's the chat for the Ayanokouji Group (I don't mean to brag

or anything though).

Keisei and Akito as well as Airi and Haruka were merrily discussing the

exam away. I had already read it but I closed it without making any

comments in particular. And so I listened to Hirata and the others'

conversation.

There isn't enough time to formulate a strategy. Besides, if boys and girls

will have to form groups away from one another then it'll be difficult enough

just advising each other."

"No way..."

Looking at it from the girls' perspective, they would no longer be able to ask

Hirata, the man they could always depend on, for help. It's understandable

they'd feel uneasy.

"Since we boys won't be able to lend you a hand, I think the girls should

decide on a clear leader. Can you take on that role, Horikita-san?"

Hirata must have been thinking of this ever since he heard the explanation for

the exam. He pinned a white arrow on that lone girl, Horikita.

Of course, Horikita is about the only one who could play this role in our

class.

"Very well. I don't mind, consult me anytime if there's something troubling

you."

Horikita replied like that without showing any displeasure. However, even

though Horikita is gradually becoming someone our classmates can depend

on, their level of trust in her is still a far cry from Hirata's. But if it's Horikita

as she is right now, she'll understand that herself too.

"However, there should be quite a few girls who feel like I won't be reliable

enough alone. I don't like to say this about myself but I don't think I have a

personality that lends itself well to a consultation."

It really isn't something one would like to say about themselves.

"That's why I'd like Kushida-san to help me as a sub-leader. What do you

say?"

Horikita said so towards Kushida, who sat towards the front.

"W-Will I even be of use?"

"Of course you will. You are trusted more than anyone else in this class."

"Umm…ok. If you're ok with me then I'll cooperate."

"Thank you. Now it'll be a lot easier for the others to ask for consultation. If

you find it difficult to talk to me directly then I don't mind it if you do so via

Kushida-san. I'll respond to any consultation, no matter how trivial."

Leaving aside the extent to which Kushida is trustworthy, it's an

unmistakable fact that this is the best approach right now. Because of the

rules of this exam, it's considerably difficult for boys and girls to meddle

with each other's affairs. First of all, it's impossible for a boy to join in on the

fight at the girls' side. Both the lessons we'll be receiving and the exam we'll

be taking, despite being in the same facility, will be taking place at different

locations.

The only time we can make contact is during the one hour we have for

dinner. More so if our phones, which we could use for regular contact, will be

confiscated. Still, it's essential that we gather as much information as

possible. In that case, I'll need accomplices to help me gather information

from the girls. Within our class, Kushida's movements are also slightly

worrying.

The only two I can use would have to be either Horikita or Kei. The former's

currently stuck in a rather troublesome situation. Also, I need to take into

account her overthinking my intentions and taking unnecessary action as

well. Most importantly, if she's being consulted by the other girls then she

won't have room to do other things as well.

Therefore, as expected, the only one I can use would have to be Kei. But I

cannot possibly force Kei to see through the entire group alone. I sent the

essential facts over to Kei's phone. The mail arrived and was immediately

seen by Kei, who replied with a blank mail.

Boys and girls will be fighting a battle while separated for an extended period

of time. A unique special exam was about to begin and it appears she had

instantly assumed I'd contact her. Kei herself might want some advice right

about now.

Considering the leader and joint responsibility system, it's not impossible to

think that even Kei may end up becoming a sacrifice. In regards to her

attitude during lessons and her exam scores, I cannot say that Kei is doing

well, even as flattery. That's why I'll teach her how to protect herself. It isn't

something every student will be able to pull off but it's a way to lower the

risk even if just a little.

As for me, I couldn't care less about the special exam that's going to be held

really. I have no intention of executing winning strategies. I'm just going to

overcome it safely. Still, just like how I'm giving Kei advice, it doesn't mean

I won't be making a move at all. The worst case scenario in the special exam

would be multiple expulsions occurring in Class C. And it's impossible to

perfectly protect the whole class by myself.

I have to narrow down the people I need to protect. In short, other than

myself, I'd like to protect Kei, who has finally become a prominent

accomplice as well as Hirata. Next up, considering my involvement with the

student council, I'll need to make sure Horikita survives as well.

Then there are also my friends Keisei, Akito, Haruka and Airi. It's just, while

I wish for them to remain, they won't be under my protection. However, as a

friend, I will definitely pray for them not to get expelled.

Even though there won't be many opportunities for all the school years to

gather together, it should be fine if I just kept an eye on Nagumo's

movements.

I have no interest in the skirmishes that will occur around me.

The bus left the highway and began to gradually ascend the mountain road

that's paved to a certain extent. I wonder if it's become a custom for us to go

to the ocean or to rivers or places surrounded by nature whenever we leave

the school.

N/T: 'Zazen' is a type of meditation that has its roots in Zen Buddhism.

1

Anyway, upon arrival, the special exam will begin. Judging from how they

confiscated our cell phones, it appears this is a troublesome exam where

you'd have to either gather information yourself or utilize your personal

connections. However, since the more carelessly you act, the more

information is leaked, utmost discretion is demanded of us.

"I'm not cut out for this..."

My honest mutters. No matter how many special exams I've been through

already, I still haven't gotten used to them one bit. Throughout my life, I've

seldom ever cooperated with others.

"We will be arriving at our destination soon. Immediately afterwards, we will

have you form groups indoors. And then afterwards, depending on whether or

not you've finished partitioning your rooms, you'll have lunch. Throughout

the afternoon you'll all be free to do whatever you want."

"That means...hooray! That means we don't have to study today right?"

Ike happily looked towards me and laughed. That's probably going to be the

case. However, unlike during summer vacation, today is a non-holiday.

Despite the long transit time, isn't this a kind of special treatment? It's not

that different from a field trip. Upon arriving at the destination, the bus

slowed down and drove towards the parking lot before stopping.