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Chapter 2: Before that Happens Part 2

"Yes. It's obvious if you look at our test scores. That's proof enough that they're mere baggage for our class to carry."

"If we're talking about studying, then Sudou and the others are certainly two or three steps behind you, Horikita. No matter how hard they worked, they likely couldn't overtake you. However, we know that this school doesn't only focus on intelligence. Suppose that the next exam was related to sports. The results would be different then. Am I wrong?"

"That's—"

"You're physically capable. From your swimming, I can tell you're one of the most capable girls in the class. Superior. However, we both know that Sudou's physical abilities far exceed yours. Ike has better communication skills than you. If the test took the form of a discussion, Ike would certainly be useful. Really, you'd most likely bring the class average down. So, does that make you incompetent? No. Every individual has his or her own strengths and weaknesses. That's what it means to be human."

Onodera: 'So that the asnwer, Ayanokouji-kun again huh?'

Mashima-sensei: 'It's not thing a High School student can say something like adults, who are you Ayanokouji, ugh'

Sakagami-sensei: 'Don't force yourself Mashima, you have a gash in your body"

Mahima: "Ah"

Manabu: "He's right, she just want catch me. So she can't grow with her own way Susune you may say thanks to Ayanokouji-kun"

Suzune: "Arigatou Ayanokouji-kun"

Kiyo: "What did you say? I can't hear your voice"

Suzune: "A-ARIGATOU! That's what I said!"

Kiyo: "Oh, you're welcome, Suzune!"

Suzune: "Eh Eehh~ Na-namae?"

Teasing Horikita is fun.

Ike: "K-Ken stay alive"

Girl Around Ayanokouji: "Grgrgrgrgrgrgrg"

Horikita tried to throw my words back at me, but she looked stuck.

"This is all pure conjecture. It's nothing more than armchair speculation," she said.

"Think back on what Chiyabashira-sensei said. When she called us into the guidance room, she said, 'Who exactly decided that smart people are categorically superior?' From that, we can conclude that academic ability doesn't solely determine the rankings."

Horikita looked around as if searching for an escape so she could weasel her way out of the argument. I quickly cut her off before she could get away.

"You said you wouldn't regret abandoning the students who failed, but you would. You would feel a great deal of regret if Sudou and the others are expelled." Horikita looked into my eyes.

She still didn't seem to grasp our current situation. At least, that was the impression I got.

"You're rather talkative today, too. It's odd for someone who likes to avoid trouble to talk so much."

"You're probably right about that."

"It's frustrating, but what you said was basically correct. You've persuaded me; I have to concede that point. However, I still don't understand you. What do you want? What is this school to you? Why did you work so hard to convince me?"

"I see. So that's what you think."

"If someone lacks persuasiveness, he or she won't be able to make others believe in their cunning theories."

She clearly wanted to know why I was so desperate to persuade her that Sudou and the others' expulsion was bad.

"Cut the crap. I want to know the real reason. Is it for points? To rise up, even by one class level? Or is it to save your friends?"

"Because I want to know what a person with true merit looks like. What is equality?"

"Merit, equality..."

"I came to this school to find answers to those questions."

The words freely spilled out of me before I could collect my thoughts.

'Huh'

Katsuragi: 'What?'

Random: 'Is that a random goal?'

'I'm not sure what is it'

"Could you let me go?" Horikita asked.

"Oh, sorry."

I released my grip. She turned around and looked directly at me.

"There's no way that you could fool me into believing you, Ayanokouji-kun," she said.

After she said that, Horikita extended her arm.

"I'll look after Sudou-kun and the others, but for my own sake. I'll make sure that they don't get left behind, but only as a strategic means of securing an advantage for our future. Okay?"

"Don't worry. I didn't think you'd do it any differently. That's just like you, Horikita."

"We've come to an arrangement, then."

I took Horikita's hand. However, I would soon realize that I'd just made a deal with the devil.

"Pfft"

Kiyo: "Ite te, what are you doing?"

Horikita pinch my cheek

Suzune: "This is for what you say"

Sigh whatever.

To be continued

(A/N)

Italic = whisper

'...' = other people though

Publish: 10/7/2022  10.31