The special voting exam: tensions and strategies in the different classes.
The day of the special voting exam had arrived, but there was no tension or anxiety in the air. In Class B, Hoshinomiya-sensei gathered the students to explain the new rules of the exam.
Hoshinomiya: Good morning, dear students. Today, I will once again present to you the rules of the special voting exam. In this exam, each student will have 3 praise votes and 3 criticism votes to give to other students in their class, followed by 5 additional rules.
Rule 1: Praise votes and criticism votes cancel each other out. Praise Votes - Criticism Votes = Results.
Rule 2: You cannot give praise or criticism votes to yourself.
Rule 3: Voting multiple times for the same person, casting a blank vote, abstaining from voting, and similar actions are prohibited.
Rule 4: The exam will be repeated until there are students in first and last place in case of a tie.
Rule 5: It is necessary to give an additional praise vote to a student from another class.
The students of Class B listened attentively to the rules, aware of how to use their praise and criticism votes, as the class had been debating for days on how to best utilize these points. They had found solutions and strategies to effectively use their votes, so now all the students felt more relaxed and confident in their approach to the special voting exam.
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Meanwhile, in Class D, Chabashira-sensei was also explaining the new rules of the special voting exam to her students.
Chabashira: Those would be the rules for the exam. You have 10 minutes before it begins, you can do whatever you want in the meantime.
After finishing explaining the exam rules, Class D, which had been in a constant state of tension in recent days, felt the pressure of the upcoming special voting exam. The students would have to choose a student to be expelled.
Kushida: Horikita-san, do you have any ideas on what we should do for this exam? - The first to break the silence in the class was none other than Kushida Kikyo, a central figure in Class D.
Horikita, who had been silent, thinking deeply about how to carry out this exam, was interrupted by Kushida. A few seconds later, Horikita looked at her before responding.
Horikita: It is important that we be strategic with our votes. We must carefully consider whom to give our praise and criticism votes. We should not only think about individual merits but also how our decisions could affect the class dynamics and long-term relationships - she replied with her usual serious face. The students looked at their leader, listening attentively to her response, but no one spoke or gave their opinion, as many of them internally feared being chosen to be expelled.
Sudo: Suzune, as for the protection vote, I think it would be best if you have it, since you are the class leader and therefore the one most exposed to danger.
In this situation, Sudo is expressing his opinion to Suzune about the protection vote in the exam. He suggests that Suzune should have that vote due to her position as the class leader and the potential risks she could face.
Hirata: I agree with you, Sudo-kun. Horikita-san is the most suitable to have the protection vote, so we wouldn't have to worry about her safety in future exams. But as for the criticism votes... - Hirata shared his opinion but had a fearful expression on his face, remembering that one of their classmates could be expelled.
Karuizawa: I also agree with that. There is no better candidate for the protection vote than Horikita-san. After all, she is the leader, and thanks to her, our class was able to earn points in the past - she responded. - As for the criticism votes, I think we should choose one of those perverts to be expelled. If one of them leaves, no one will care anyway - she said while pointing at Ike and Yamauchi, to which many girls nodded in agreement.
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In Class C, after the teacher finished explaining the rules, the tyrant leader Ryuuen Kakeru stood up from his seat and went to sit at the podium. He looked at everyone for a few minutes before starting to speak.
Ryuuen: Alright, Class C, I would like to know what you would like to do in this exam. You are free to make suggestions by raising your hand - he said with a smile, but no one dared to speak. But suddenly, one student raised their hand.
Kaneda: Ryuuen-kun, before discussing the criticism votes, I think we should focus on the protection point, as it will be extremely useful for future exams - he said as he adjusted his glasses.
Ryuuen: Alright, Kaneda, let's focus on that. What do you propose? - he asked.
Kaneda: I propose that Class C gives their praise points to Ryuuen-kun so that he can have the protection point. Despite the barbaric methods he uses, there is no one else but him who can make our class rise in the hierarchy - he responded, looking at the entire class.
Ichizaki: Yes, we should give him all the praise points - he said, raising his voice.
Albert: Yes!
Hiyori: Although I don't like Ryuuen-kun's methods, there is no other person in this class who can lead it, so he is the best choice - Hiyori responded with her angelic voice.
Ryuuen: Since everyone heard the opinions of some of their classmates, if anyone is against this idea, please raise your hand and tell me why and what your proposal is - he told them. A long minute passed in complete silence until Ryuuen spoke again.
Ryuuen: Since there are no objections, once the exam starts, all of you will have to give me your praise votes - he informed them. - Now let's determine who will be the student to leave the class - he said, looking at them, but his gaze focused on a particular girl.
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After Mashima finished explaining the exam rules, Class A remained silent, deep in thought about how to approach the current situation, but also attentive to the decision their leader would make.
Hashimoto: I think when it comes to the praise points, it's pretty obvious for whom they will be, right Kamuro? - he asked his seatmate.
Kamuro: I don't care - he responded coldly.
Hashimoto: Come on, Kamuro, you don't have to be so cold...
Kamuro: Shut up, Snake - he said.
Sakayanagi: You're right, Hashimoto-kun. The first part is obvious. As for the criticism votes, they will be for the most useless student, don't you think, Katsuragi-kun? - she said, looking at him with a small smile.
Katsuragi looked at Sakayanagi assuming that he would be that student, considering that thanks to him, Class A, due to a contract, is giving many points to Class C. Katsuragi looked down for a moment before responding.
Katsuragi: I see, I suppose you're right - he responded briefly.
Sakayanagi: Of course I'm right, I think it's about time we get rid of dead weight - she said, never losing her smile.
Yahiko: Katsuragi-san, you can't leave. Surely there will be someone else to take that place - he said innocently.
Katsuragi: Yahiko, I don't think there's another option, and I believe it's the best solution - he responded. - Anyway, Yahiko, thank you for following me this far - he said as he extended his hand, which was reciprocated.
Sakayanagi: Well, how touching. I think a tear just escaped me - she said as she wiped her cheek with her hand.
Yahiko: YOU!
Katsuragi: Yahiko, calm down. From now on, you will be under her command, so... - then he looked at Sakayanagi - I leave it in your hands - he said, but she didn't respond, simply smiling at this.
Katsuragi had accepted the fact of being expelled. Sakayanagi, seeing this, couldn't help but laugh internally, thinking that at the end of the exam, he would be in for a big surprise.
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The exam had begun, and the students were fully immersed in their tasks. The atmosphere in the classrooms was tense and quiet, with only the soft sound of nervous sighs from some students. The teachers watched attentively, evaluating their students' performance and making mental notes of their strengths and weaknesses.
With each passing minute, the pressure intensified. Each praise and criticism vote became a difficult decision to make, as the students faced the responsibility of influencing the fate of their classmates. The class leaders, Ryuuen in Class C, Horikita in Class D, Ichinose in Class B, and Sakayanagi in Class A, used their influence to guide their peers in making strategic decisions.
As the exam progressed, the students found themselves at an emotional crossroads. They had to weigh their own interests and desires against the well-being of the class as a whole. With each vote cast, the fate of the students was gradually revealed. The weight of their choices rested on their shoulders, as tensions between the classes reached their peak. There was a sense of anxiety and anticipation in the air, as everyone awaited the final outcome of the exam and how their decisions would impact the class dynamics and future.
Shortly after, the exam had come to an end, and the students breathed a sigh of relief as they set down their tablets. The classroom atmosphere was filled with a mix of nervousness and anticipation, as everyone eagerly awaited the results. The teachers collected the tablets and began the evaluation process, meticulously reviewing each praise and criticism vote.
Meanwhile, in the classrooms, students shared with their closest friends whom they had voted for in the exam. There was an atmosphere of uncertainty and excitement in the air, as everyone wondered how they had influenced the fate of their classmates and how the results would reflect on the class dynamics.
Finally, the teachers announced that they were ready to reveal the results. The students gathered in the classroom, with looks of anticipation and nervousness. The class leaders, along with the rest of the students, waited anxiously as the teachers began to announce the result
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Pov kiyo
Just after finishing the exam, Chie-sensei sat at her desk to evaluate the exam results and surely await the results from the other classes.
Amikura: Hey, Ayanokouji-kun, what do you think the results of the other classes would be? - Amikura spoke to me, who is sitting right in front of me. I took a second before responding.
Ayanokouji: Regarding the praise points, I think it would be most logical for the leaders of each class to have the protection point, so the results are likely to be: from Class D, Horikita; from Class C, Ryuuen; and from Class A, Sakayanagi. As for the criticism points, I really have no idea who they could be - I replied. Both Ryuuen and Sakayanagi were obvious, as for Horikita, I still have my doubts because there are people like Hirata and Kushida, who are very popular outside of their class, but if she takes the lead in the situation, she has a great chance of being the one to receive them.
Amikura: Yes, I think so too, they will do the same as us - Amikura responded. Right after that brief conversation, Chie-sensei stood up from her desk a few seconds before speaking.
Chie: I have the results of the voting exam, both yours and the other classes' - she informed us, then continued - the person with the most praise votes from Class B and the most voted overall is - she paused for a second before continuing - Ichinose Honami, congratulations Honami-chan, you are the most beloved student of the entire first year - Chie-sensei said with a smile as she congratulated Ichinose.
Ichinose: Thank you, sensei, and thank you all for trusting in me - she said as she bowed slightly towards us.
Everyone: You're welcome, you deserve it, Ichinose-san - everyone replied with smiles on their faces.
Chie: Alright, now we continue with the student with the most criticism votes, and the student is - dramatic pause - Kanzaki Ryuuji. Since he was the person with the highest number of criticisms, he will be expelled, unless his expulsion is revoked by paying 20 million points - she said, but she didn't have a sad expression on her face, it was as if she expected the class to save him from expulsion, well she wasn't wrong.
Ichinose: Sensei, we will pay to prevent Kanzaki-kun's expulsion - Ichinose said, and then proceeded with the payment, causing Chie-sensei to smile with satisfaction.
Chie: Alright, everything is settled, no student from the class will be expelled - she commented, making many smile at this.
Kanzaki: Sensei, could you tell us the results of the other classes?
Chie: Of course, Kanzaki-kun, let's start with Class A. The person with the most praise points was Sakayanagi-san, and the person with the most criticism votes was Yahiko Totsuka. In Class C, the person with the most praise votes was Ryuuen Kakeru, and the one with the most criticism points was Manabe Shiho. Lastly, in Class D, the student with the most praise votes was Horikita Suzune, and the one with the most criticism points was Yamauchi Haruki. I was also informed that there was a major problem with the student Yamauchi, which is quite serious - she said with a serious expression.
Shibata: Sensei, what would that problem be? - Shibata asked with curiosity.
Chie: Well, that was...
Retrospective scene
Class D
Chabashira: The student with the most praise votes was Horikita Suzune, and the student with the most criticism votes was Yamauchi Haruki. Yamauchi, gather your things and come with me to the office - she said with an impassive face.
Yamauchi: What... this... this can't be... why... why me! - he raised his voice while holding his head.
Koenji: And for what else, you're a useless student, you're nothing but a pervert - he said while combing his hair.
Yamauchi: Shut up!
Koenji: You're trash, no, that would be an insult to the trash, as it could be useful if recycled, while your miserable existence would be more valuable if you simply ceased to exist - he said.
Yamauchi: I TOLD YOU TO SHUT UP! - he shouted loudly, then proceeded to take his seat and run towards Koenji. Yamauchi swung the chair with all his might to hit Koenji in the back of the head, but he simply dodged the attack and then kicked him in the stomach, sending him more than five meters away. Yamauchi vomited in the middle of the classroom, while Koenji sat back down and looked at himself in the mirror.
Ike: HARUKI!! - everyone was completely shocked as they didn't properly process what had happened.
Koenji: Teacher, I would like to file a complaint for attempted murder - Koenji said again, and what he said left everyone very surprised.
Hirata: Wait, Koenji-kun, could you not do that? I think Yamauchi-kun made a mistake but...
Koenji: I don't care, he clearly attacked me with intentions to kill me. Due to my perfect physical abilities, that was not possible, so the person who tried to harm me will have to pay for his impertinence - he said in a more serious tone. Chabashira looked at him before responding.
Chabashira: Alright, Koenji, I will report this - she said. - Yamauchi, come with me immediately - she said in a cold tone.
Yamauchi: cough-cough, sensei, why are you accusing me of murder if I didn't do anything to him? If anything, he hit me. It should be him who is expelled, not me - he said still coughing. Chabashira and many students looked at him with faces of disbelief. Chabashira had met many idiots in her life, but this was the first time she had seen someone so stupid.
Chabashira: Yamauchi, I will not repeat this again. Come immediately to the office. If you don't, I will call security to escort you - she threatened, to which Yamauchi had no choice but to follow her.
End of flashback
Pov kiyo
Almost everyone was surprised by what Chie-sensei told us; some were discussing it, while others didn't care.
After the exam, we were free to leave if we wished, which everyone did. My classmates were leaving the classroom, and I was about to do the same when someone called out to me.
Ichinose: Ayanokouji-kun, the guys and I are going to the cafeteria. Do you want to come with us? - Ichinose invited me. I thought for a moment before responding; well, I was a little hungry at the moment, so I guess I'll join.
Ayanokouji: Alright, I'll join - I replied.
Ichinose: Great, let's go - she said excitedly.
After that, we spent the afternoon chatting and then went shopping, which was very tiring for me. Finally, we went to karaoke, where the guys were singing cheerfully, since no one was expelled in this special exam. I didn't sing for obvious reasons. After about 30 minutes, I excused myself, saying I was tired and wanted to go rest.
After bidding farewell to my friends, I walked to the edge of the ocean. I stopped at the shore, watching the beautiful sunset unfolding before my eyes. The sun was slowly sinking below the horizon, painting the sky with warm, golden hues.
As I enjoyed the sea breeze caressing my face, I felt a sense of calm and serenity. It was as if the world slowed down for a moment, and all that mattered was the present moment. In that instant, I realized how powerful freedom was.
The freedom to choose my own path, to make decisions without restrictions, to explore the world and discover new experiences. I felt grateful for the opportunity to live my life without constraints, without the limitations imposed by others.
From the ocean's edge, I felt in harmony with nature and with myself. It was a reminder that true freedom resides not only in the absence of physical chains but also in the release of internal chains that limit us.
With the sunset as a witness, I made a promise to continue pursuing that freedom at every step of my journey. I would do whatever it takes to protect it, but for now, let's enjoy this moment of peace. And in that instant, I experienced a sense of complete freedom.