Hashimoto Masayoshi POV
I entered the room my message indicated just as the clock showed 20:29 on my phone. I had found the hallway of the second deck deserted as ever, but I suppose it was because I had arrived a bit late.
I knocked.
Entering just like that would have been impolite.
I quickly received permission to enter and did so.
Inside the room Class D's homeroom teacher, Chabashira-sensei was sitting in a chair before two other students. Both were my classmates from Class A.
"Yo!" I greeted waving my hand.
"Hello, Hashimoto-kun, it seems you arrived just in time," Nishikawa commented with an amused smile. "A minute later and you may have been penalized."
"I suppose I have a lucky star," I replied. "You know Kamuro is quite impolite of you to ignore me like that."
"Tch... Can we get this done with?" she asked Chabashira-sensei.
I sat on the only free chair that was next to Kamuro, Nishikawa on our right and Chabashira-sensei in front of us. In between us, on a small table were laid some materials.
I had asked Hayato and my other friends who had their meetings at an earlier hour what the exam was about, but their answers were vague. When I asked Hayato why those vague answers he replied that Tomori had sent everyone a private message telling them not to share the information of their meeting with anyone, not even with friends. Everyone was supposed to give her, and report and she would in turn report everything to Sakayanagi.
Since I hadn't received that message, I had gone to talk to Tomori and see what information I could get. Therefore, I asked Tomori what she thought about the exam, but she had limited herself to smile and told me to give her a report after my meeting.
I couldn't understand why such secrecy but it's not like I would question it.
The small size of the groups intrigued me. Wouldn't have been better to explain everything once to everyone like on the island?
How different this test could be?
"Let's begin then," Chabashira-sensei stated after studying the three of us for a second. "For this special test, all first-year students will be divided into twelve groups based on the signs of the Zodiac. Everyone will participate within their respective group. The purpose of the exam is to test your thinking—I will not take questions for now, Nishikawa... Action, thinking and teamwork are the three fundamental qualities society needs to progress. On the island your teamwork was heavily evaluated. Now, it is time to test your thinking. We will do it in four ways: your ability to thoroughly process information, which is an essential component of this test. Your ability to analyse your current situation and clarify the task at hand. The ability to solve the problem after you've clarified the process and identified the task. And finally, the ability to utilize your imagination, and the ability to create new values. Those are the qualities you'll need."
Even if the explanation seemed clear enough, I had several questions that had formed in my head adding to the ones I already had when I entered the room. Nishikawa and Kamuro seemed to be on the same state.
"Regarding the groups," she went on. "The three of you belong to one of those twelve groups. Right now, other students are receiving this same explanation."
Chabashira-sensei paused for a second and look at each one of us as if expecting us to interrupt her. We just kept silent attentive to her explanation.
"Each group has thirteen to twelve participants selected among the four classes. In other words, each group consists of three to four people from each class."
We all nodded in understanding.
So, if I assumed that the explanations were given to three to five students from each class separately, then that clarified why these meetings gathered such small groups. But why don't explain everything to each one of the twelve groups united? To avoid tension between the members of each class? Confusion? It was clear that this way, we would have more time to accept the idea of working along with the other classes. However, that raised other questions...
If we had to associate with the other classes, then the secrecy Sakayanagi and Tomori were making proof of was unnecessary, right?
Again, none of us commented anything but just waited for Chabashira-sensei to continue.
Chabashira-sensei sighed at our attitude. I suppose she wasn't used to this. She must have a tough time finishing sentences with her students.
"The group you have been assigned is 'Snake'. Here is a list of the members. You must return the list when you leave the room, so it would be better if you memorize it now."
She passed over to me a postcard-sized piece of paper. On it were listed thirteen names of people in our group. Apart from the three of us, all the other members belonged to the other classes.
The group name was written in Japanese, placed in parentheses next to the Chinese reading. Although, I couldn't have said it read 'Snake' if the translation wasn't here.
Except for Class C, all the classes had three members in our group.
Class A: Kamuro Masumi, Nishikawa Ryoko, Hashimoto Masayoshi.
Class B: Amikura Mako, Ando Sayo, Kanzaki Ryuji.
Class C: Kaneda Satoru, Shiina Hiyori, Nishino Takeko, Yamada Albert.
Class D: Kushida Kikyo, Sato Maya, Miyake Akito.
After memorizing the list, I passed it to Kamuro.
This are supposed to be my teammates then?
Our group definitely had some curious names. One of the pillars of Class B and one of the most popular girls from our year. I recognized more names but those weren't that relevant to me.
"This means that for this exam you won't be acting as members of Class A, but as members of the Snake Group. Whether you pass or fail this test depends on each group. Now, for the results. There are four possible outcomes that can be achieved in this special exam. No exceptions. On the table there are the handouts we have prepared for you so that it'd be easier for you to understand the exam better. However, you are prohibited from taking these handouts, taking photographs of them, or anything of the sort. You should verify the contents here and now."
I took the crumpled-up sheets of paper that had been prepared for us. I suppose the students that were here before us made this mess after looking at them. I gave a handout to Kamuro and another one to Nishikawa.
AN EXPLANATION OF THE SUMMER GROUP SPECIAL EXAMINATION
This assignment centres on a "VIP" assigned to each group. By providing answers to the school via a defined method, you will earn one of four outcomes.
At 8:00 a.m. on the first day of the test, each student will simultaneously receive a message informing you that we have chosen someone to be the "VIP" in your group.
The test begins tomorrow and ends at 9:00 p.m. on the fourth day. (You are completely free to do as you wish for the first day.)
The group should gather twice during the day at a predetermined time in predetermined room to talk for one hour, so that they may discuss matters with only their group.
The contents of each group's discussion shall be left to the discretion of the group itself.
After the test has concluded, the school will only accept answers during the period between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on that final night. During that time, the group must submit their answer regarding who they think the "VIP" is. Each individual may only submit an answer once, but only the first answer received from any member of a group will decide the test result for that group.
Answers must be sent only to an email address that we shall provide to each group, and only by using your mobile devices.
The twelve VIPs cannot submit answers.
You may only submit an answer for the group to which you are assigned.
The test results will be sent to our students via email at 11:00 p.m. on the final day.
This were the basic rules of the exam. More detailed descriptions and a list of prohibited items were also on the sheet, among other things. They seemed much stricter than during the island exam. At the end, the four potential "outcomes" were explained.
OUTCOME #1: if the answer submitted by the group after 9:30 PM on the final day is correct, then everyone in the group will receive private points, including those of the VIP's classmates who belong in the group.
OUTCOME #2: if a group fails to submit an answer between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM on the final day, or if someone from the group other than the VIP and their classmates submit an incorrect answer, then the VIP will be awarded 500,000 private points.
I narrowed my eyes, these two outcomes just seemed too good. That number of private points was immense. I understood that for the group to reach them then collaboration among the group was needed. But I doubted that was possible. When it came to the individual, outcome #1 was ideal. Outcome #2, though, it only rewarded the VIP.
I stared at Nishikawa and Kamuro, they were analysing the sheets deeply, and were already seen the reverse side of the handout. I flipped over the page to consult the other outcomes.
OUTCOME #3: This outcome is triggered when someone other than the VIP gives the correct answer to the school without waiting until 9:30 p.m. on the final day of the exam. That student's class will gain fifty class points, and the person who submitted the correct answer will earn 500,000 private points. Also, the VIP's class will lose fifty class points as a penalty. At that point, the group's testing period will come to an end. However, if one of the VIP's classmates is the person who submits the correct answer, this answer will not be counted, and the test will continue.
OUTCOME #4: This outcome is triggered when someone other than the VIP gives an incorrect answer without waiting until 9:30 p.m. on the final day of the exam. That student's class will lose fifty class points. The VIP will earn 500,000 private points, and the VIP's class will earn fifty class points. The testing period will end for the group that submitted the incorrect answer. However, if one of the VIP's classmates is the person who submits the incorrect answer, this answer will not be counted, and the test will continue.
For these two outcomes alone, answers would be accepted at any time during the test, or during the thirty minutes after the test had ended, just like with the other rules. There were also penalties and rewards on class points that changed the exam as a whole.
Because of these two outcomes, the VIP couldn't just share their identity with everyone. The risk of someone turning traitor was simply too important.
Even if it was presented as a collaboration between the students of each group and not a class competition that clearly wasn't the case. The leaders of each class would inevitably devise plans to get the upper hand. This also explained Sakayanagi's and Tomori's secrecy. I wonder what they'll do, the conservative, defensive approach isn't exactly their type.
Suddenly the possibility of any group getting outcome #1 became kind of delusional to me.
Nishikawa raised her hand.
"Sensei, what happens if someone turns traitor? I mean will the identity of the traitor be known?"
"No, the school will keep the anonymity of the students. Neither the VIPs' nor the traitor's identities will be published. When the results are revealed, only the outcomes and the points distribution will be revealed."
"But won't it be a bit obvious after the points are transferred?" Nishikawa asked again.
"There should be no problem for you to receive your points openly if you don't need to hide. However, it is possible to have a temporary ID assigned to you, to which transfer points. You can also receive points by dividing them. Naturally, if you know how to keep quiet, there shouldn't be any reason for you to worry about someone discovering your role."
So, our thinking was really going to play a big part on this exam. Although, deceive and acting would also prove vital if one was the VIP. In a way, this exam would put all the students wary of each other.
"You don't have any more questions?"
"When are we supposed to be at our designated room?" I asked.
"Tomorrow, at 1:00 p.m. and again at 8:00 p.m. A nameplate will be displaying your groups name outside. You're not allowed to leave the room during the discussion period. Use the restroom in advance, if you feel unwell or have any kind of problem, contact your homeroom teacher immediately."
"So, we are free to leave the room after the hour passes?"
"Yes, once the discussion period is over, you are free to do as you will."
"Does that mean that a meeting can last longer than an hour?" Nishikawa asked.
"As I said, once the discussion period is over, you are free to do as you will."
"Can the VIP be changed?" I asked.
"No, once the VIP's being selected the school won't accept any changes."
"And, what about the emails from the school? How can we be sure they're really from the school?" Nishikawa questioned.
"Copying, deleting, transferring, or modifying emails sent from the school is strictly prohibited. There'll be heavy penalties for those who do it," Chabashira-sensei answered once again in her robotic, serious manner.
I didn't ask anything else. I still had questions, but they were for Tomori. Mainly, how our class would face this exam. Nishikawa must be thinking something similar to me. Kamuro didn't ask any question, so I suppose she would just follow along.
Racking my brain about possible ways to tackle the exam. To think whether the other members of my group were my allies or not. All of that was useless. What mattered was to know our leader's plan. Now that Katsuragi had no influence, it was up to Sakayanagi and Tomori to show what they could do.
"Okay then, our time is about to end anyway. Be sure to check the rest of prohibited actions on the sheet."
I did that and saw that, things like stealing another person's cell phone; using threats to confirm information related to the VIP; using someone else's cell phone without their permission to submit answers; and so on. You could even be expelled if you accomplished one of these actions. If any suspicious activity were discovered, the school would open up a thorough investigation to make sure no one had broken any rules.
They would really monitor us attentively. It was also stated that discussion among students from other classes was forbidden until the special exam ended. To break that rule was punishable by expulsion.
With that we left the room. I noticed that students were coming out of other rooms. Among them, I noticed some of the members of my group.
I paid no mind to them, though. I had a destination in mind now.
"Hashimoto-kun!"
I turned to see Nishikawa trying to equal my pace.
"Phew! You walk fast."
"Is there something you need, Nishikawa?" I inquired.
"What are you doing now?"
"I'll give my report to Tomori," I answered honestly.
"Great, I'm coming with you. I want to talk with Nao as well."
I only nodded and texted Tomori so we could meet, that way Nishikawa and I could give her our respective reports more comfortably.
She quickly replied that it was her meeting time now and we would meet after.
I showed Tomori's response to Nishikawa with a sigh and offered to go for a drink while we waited now. To my surprise, she accepted with an honest smile.
Well, I suppose as long the Princess and Tomori have a plan, everything will be all right for us.
Hirata Yosuke POV
After all the meetings ended, Horikita-san, Matsushita-san, Kushida-san, Ayanokouji-kun, Karuizawa-san and me assembled in Karuizawa-san's and Matsushita-san's room to talk about the exam.
Horikita-san, Matsushita-san and Ayanokouji-kun were the last to arrive since they were on the same group that had been called at the end.
Matsushita-san was seating next to Karuizawa-san and me on her bed. Horikita-san and Kushida-san were also next to each other on another one of the beds. Ayanokouji-kun had remained standing, leaning against the wall not far from the door.
"First and foremost," Horikita-san was the first to break the silence. "Ayanokouji-kun. Are you going to help the class for this exam?"
"What do you mean, Horikita-san?" Karuizawa-san replied with an annoyed tone. "Of course, he will. He's our leader after all."
"Yeah," Kushida-san supported Karuizawa-san. "You're going to lead us to victory again, right? Ayanokouji-kun?"
All eyes were set on Ayanokouji-kun. Now, that everyone knew he had been leading our class in secret all the hopes of our classmates would be on him, and that gave Ayanokouji-kun a lot of pressure.
I felt a bit guilty about it since I had been the one who told that what happened in the island had been Ayanokouji-kun's plan.
He scanned the room. His eyes stayed a second longer on Matsushita-san and then continued until they finally landed on me.
"I don't think we can win."
Those were simple words, but they completely changed the atmosphere in the room. My face was one of complete shock and the same could be said for that of Kushida-san. Matsushita-san had no reaction at all, perhaps she saw this coming? Horikita-san's and Karuizawa-san's faces quickly showed an annoyed expression.
"Ehh? Why is that? Don't tell me you're giving up. The fight hasn't even started—"
"Why do you believe that Ayanokouji-kun? I'm sure that if you pull something like in the island, we could do splendid on the exam."
"You'll see... he shouldn't take long... What are your groups?" Ayanokouji-kun mumbled before changing the topic.
"Don't avoid—"
"Karuizawa-san, let's wait until Ayanokouji-kun thinks is the moment to inform us. He must have a reason to explain his thinking. For now, let's just advance with the conversation."
Karuizawa-san looked at me for a second and then sighed, taking her seat in the bed once again.
"If you say so..."
"Thank you Karuizawa-san," I smiled at her before turning to the rest of my classmates. "Karuizawa-san and I are together in the Rabbit group. Sotomura-kun and Yukimura-kun are the other two members of our class in that group."
"And from the other classes?" Horikita-san asked.
"From Class A, there is Satonaka-kun, Takemoto-kun and Morishige-kun. From Class B, Hamaguchi-kun, Beppu-kun and Matsuo-kun. Class C had Ibuki-san, Manabe-san, Yabu-san and Yamashita-san."
When I finished, Kushida-san told us she was in the Snake group. It seemed that both my group and hers had one pillar from Class B.
"What about you three? Who else is in your group?" Kushida-san asked.
"Our group is mainly composed by the leaders of each class," Horikita-san replied. "That makes quite obvious the fact that there's a method to divide the groups."
"So, you're saying that we didn't get assigned to our groups randomly?" Karuizawa-san asked.
"That's the most likely possibility. Mashima-sensei was rather evasive to the question. He simply stated that our affectation in each group was fair. But we know nothing about their criteria," Ayanokouji-kun responded."
"And what are we going to do?" I inquired.
"First, I would like to have all the students from our class in Class D's group chat. All forty. Can you do that? Hirata? Kushida?" Ayanokouji-kun asked us.
"But the guys will start talking about their—"
"You just have to create another group for the girls Karuizawa-san. I agree with Ayanokouji-kun, having a way to communicate with everyone will be beneficial to us."
"I understand. We'll take care of it, Ayanokouji-kun, Horikita-san," I commented.
"Good. Inform everyone. Tomorrow when the VIPs are announced they have to report either to me, Horikita or Matsushita and tell no one else. The less people know the identities of our VIPs the better."
"You won't put us on the confidence?! I know we haven't been plotting behind the scenes like the three of you, but we too have the right to know. And that's without mentioning that you want to keep information from our classmates."
"I'll inform someone else if I believe it's necessary. We don't want any information to leak, anyone could turn traitor."
"But shouldn't we as classmates work as one?" Karuizawa-san protested. "You agree with me, right? Matsushita-san? You've been completely silent."
"Matsushita-san!" Karuizawa-san almost shrieked at her before Matsushita-san's lack of response.
Matsushita-san flinched at Karuizawa-san's screech and looked up at her since Karuizawa-san had jumped to her feet again while protesting.
"Eh? Karuizawa-san? Ehm... I'm sorry, I was a little lost in my thoughts, what are we talking about?"
Before Matsushita-san's attitude, Karuizawa-san sighed in defeat and let herself fall on the bed.
"So, what are we going to do, Ayanokouji-kun?" Kushida-san inquired. "What outcome are we aiming for?"
"The ideal scenario would be to aim for the first outcome but that's not realistic. It's more logical to go after outcomes 3 and 4 as to receive a maximum of class points, but we must be careful and see how the meetings will progress," Horikita-san stated. "Also, try to avoid contact with students from other classes outside the meeting hours."
Just as I was going to reply, a knock on the door caught everyone's attention.
With a sigh, Ayanokouji-kun stood straight and walked towards the door, opening it. We all let out a gasp when we saw the person who entered.
"Karma-kun?!" Kushida-san spoke first.
Karma-kun entered the room, hands in his pockets, and with his usual smirk.
"Yo, Class D's leaders... Heh?" he pointed at Karuizawa-san and looked towards Ayanokouji-kun. "I suppose she's here because this is her room, right?"
"What's that supposed to mean?!"
Ayanokouji-kun sighed.
"Cut to the chase Karma."
"Okay, okay," Karma-kun then sat next Horikita-san. "I'm calling for my favour."
"I assumed that much, what do you want?"
"Wait a minute. What favour? This isn't about our alliance?" Karuizawa-san asked.
"I must say that I'm a little lost as well, Ayanokouji-kun," I stated. "What favour is Karma-kun referring to?"
"Karma-kun paid half the points needed to save Sudou-kun and Ike-kun on the midterms, in exchanged for that, we owe him a favour." Horikita-san explained.
I nodded in understanding. So, that's how they managed to pay, Matsushita-san did tell me that they had saved Sudou-kun and Ike-kun by buying points but I knew nothing else about it.
"I see... But you're not going to go against us, right? Karma-kun? I mean, we're allies, are we not?" Karuizawa-san commented with a nervous laugh.
Karma-kun showed an amused grin and directed his attention to Ayanokouji-kun.
"I want your VIPs. All of them. Oh, don't look at me like that, Horikita! I won't betray you, Karuizawa said it, we're allies!"
"Why do you need our VIPs then?"
"You can ask your boss later... Or try to find out for yourself, you can do that, right? Don't worry, my class will cover your back and yours will over ours."
"So, that's your favour, Karma?" Ayanokouji-kun asked him.
"Yeah... Needless to say that you cannot give me false information, I want the real VIPs."
"Sure, I understand."
"Good. Now, what were you talking about?"
"I don't see why we would tell you," Horikita-san commented.
"Heh? So, you were planning... I could help, you know? After all, we're allies. I could also share some of my plans with you if you like."
"Then please do so. I'm all ears," Horikita-san replied.
Karma-kun let out an amused laugh and stood up.
"You're funnier than before Horikita. As for you, Matsushita... Did something happen? You know, it won't be funny if Class D loses one of their best elements."
"I'm completely fine, Karma-kun. Thank you for your concern. I was just thinking about what Sakayanagi-san said earlier."
"Sakayanagi-san?" I asked unable to contain myself. "What did she say?"
Just what has been happening behind the scenes all this time?
I was trying to help the class any way I could but since the Island exam ended, we had been learning more and more about what had been transpiring at the school and I couldn't help but feel that all my efforts had been in vain.
Matsushita-san and Kushida-san had been much more reliable when the unity of the class was needed, and I had never thought about what else could I do. At the midterms, I limited myself to the study groups. During the trial, I just relied on what Matsushita-san had told me and then at the island I failed to be of any use.
I was glad that our class was advancing, but at the same time I wanted to be useful to the best of my capabilities.
I wanted to help my classmates.
If Ayanokouji-kun, Matsushita-san and Horikita-san hadn't been there... The simple thought of it scared me. We would be in the abyss.
"Don't dwell over it," Karma-kun said to Matsushita-san. "She just wants to destabilize us. There's no way someone like Ryuuen will accept."
Does that mean that Sakayanagi-san had asked Ryuuen-kun for an alliance? That seemed unlikely considering Ryuuen-kun's personality, but if we considered the alliance we have with Class B, then the thought of Classes A and C uniting shouldn't be that crazy.
"And Misaka-san?" Matsushita-san questioned. "She had been moving on Ryuuen's back every time. She could accept without him knowing and—"
"Yeah... I don't see Mikoto and Nao working together... I'd be more wary of Nao and Sakayanagi's plan, that's something that's going to struck us badly if we don't prepare, right? Kiyotaka?"
"You think something will happen tomorrow?" Ayanokouji-kun asked.
Karma-kun sighed in frustration.
"You know, Kiyo? I would like you to follow me at least once."
"Stop playing with my classmates, Karma. If your business is done, then please leave."
Karma-kun chuckled and sent a message on his phone.
"Looks like there's no one. Okay then, see you tomorrow at the meeting, Kiyo. It'll certainly be amusing."
"If you say so," Ayanokouji-kun replied.
After those words, Karma-kun opened the door and left.
"Ayanokouji-kun? What was that Karma-kun did with his phone?" Kushida-san spoke again.
Ayanokouji-kun shrugged and replied that Karma-kun probably had someone surveying the hallway to make sure no one saw him leaving Karuizawa-san's room.
I suppose that made sense, if someone from another class saw the leader of Class B leaving Karuizawa-san or maybe people might interpret it as leaving Matsushita-san's room then questions would arise.
"Is that why you told us that we couldn't win this exam, Ayanokouji-kun?" I inquired.
"It's one of the reasons, yes," Ayanokouji-kun paused for a moment, before continuing. "We should get going, it's getting late."
I took my phone to see the hour and realized that it was almost 22:00. It was certainly getting late.
I stood up and told everyone that it would be better if at least Ayanokouji-kun and I left. Even if there weren't any specific rules about boys being on the girls' floor at this hour, it was better to avoid that kind of problems.
Horikita-san and Kushida-san stated that they would leave as well and after biding our goodbyes, Ayanokouji-kun and I made our way to our room.
We took the elevator to go up to the third floor.
"Ayanokouji-kun," I began. Since we were alone this was a good opportunity to thank him properly. "I wanted to thank you for all you've done for our class—"
"There's no need to thank me, Hirata."
"I think I have to, Ayanokouji-kun. I understand that you don't exactly like to take the spotlight but—"
"I don't mind you telling everyone what happened on the island was my doing."
I immediately looked at him with a perplexed expression. A sound was heard, and the next second, the doors of the elevator opened.
"You don't?"
He shook his head and walked out of the elevator. I followed him and continued walking by his side.
"So, you don't hate me or anything? I wouldn't blame you if you did, Ayaonokouji-kun, you have the right to do so. After all, it was selfish of me to tell everyone."
"I just told you Hirata. I don't really care. You did what you did and that's the end of it."
"Really? I mean—"
Ayanokouji-kun sighed and stopped in his tracks. I did the same.
"Listen Hirata. You did what you thought was best for everyone. Now, I found myself as one of the leaders of the class. You say I have the right to hate you or something, but that's pointless. It happened, it's in the past. Nothing we can do now."
"I-I see..." I couldn't think of anything else to respond. "The-then, please know that if you ever need any help with your plans, I'll help you gladly."
It seems that Ayanokouji-kun is not only someone incredible, but he is also kind. He got out of his way to save the class, and now he didn't hold any grudge against me even though he has all the rights to.
After my short and timid reply, Ayanokouji-kun nodded and resumed his way towards our room.
It really comforted me to know that someone as reliable as Ayanokouji-kun was my classmate.
______________________________________________________________________
The beds in the rooms are bunk beds? Or are they supposed to be four separate beds?