Part 1
We occupied two tables in a corner of the cafe and decided to have lunch.
A group of different members consisting of Class B and Class C.
"Sorry for the sudden invitation. I am willing to treat you all, so don't hesitate to accept it."
Ichinose apologized.
"Is this okay ... Ichinose?"
Kanzaki made a slightly exaggerated response to her statement in front of us.
Earlier, Ichinose made an agreement to help Ryuuen in the voting exam, so that no one dropped
out of Class B.
Currently, a large number of their class' personal points had been used for the exam, so they
were lacking.
"However, we don't intend to eat anything special, so I can pay for it. "
After Ichinose said that, the members of our group accepted it.
"I forced you to come along, so you don't need to worry about our situation ..."
"No problem. That way we can enjoy lunch without having to worry."
She hoped we could enjoy lunch at the table in return, thereby eliminating the idea of privileging
guests.
"So, why ... invite us?"
Keisei, who could not ignore this, asked Ichinose.
"I see that you were shocked by Shibata-kun's situation. So I think instead of strange rumors
from spreading, I plan to tell you the truth directly. It would be better to avoid confusion."
Maybe what Ichinose did was the right decision. If she had not come to contact us. I think we
would have ended up talking about Shibata. For example, why is Shibata so angry? And maybe,
we will also discuss the incident with others, so that it will spread indirectly.
"Is it fine to tell us?"
"Do you think we should be wary of you?"
"No, but there is a possibility that someone had connections with Class C."
"Even if that's the case."
"Yes, however this is only a simple complaint."
When Shibata said that, Kanzaki looked into his eyes sharply.
"I-Is there something wrong? Kanzaki."
"Not ..."
It seemed that Shibata did not understand what Kanzaki wanted to convey.
Kanzaki thought what Shibata said wasn't quite right, but fortunately the others didn't notice it.
"No need to worry, because they already know enough. Isn't it better to say everything that
happened on our side?"
"... That is true. "
Shibata's careless response was the final blow that forced Kanzaki to surrender.
"In short, Class D has made some small movements for us recently, and it is unrelenting."
"Small movements?"
Shibata was not satisfied.
"Me, Nakanishi and Beppu have experienced similar problems. Is it really just small
movements? We can't say it like that? Isn't that a stakeout? Beppu seems to be quite scared of
Albert who had pushed him against the wall."
Kanzaki, believing that since Shibata had already said this much, it would be fine to reveal
everything, so he also participated.
"I also asked for the details from two other people before, there should be no doubt."
In other words, after the special exams have begun, some students have been targeted by
Class D.
"Did it develop into a fight?"
"No."
They are only being watched by Class D, and are currently still investigating. It seems like it
won't end up in a fight, for now.
Of course, if the other party really uses violence, it will spiral out of control.
"Class D uses such methods to pressure us. They won't stop doing so until the day of the
special exam, they are trying to reduce our morale."
"It really annoys me. After all Class D has a history of doing things like that. Class C has also
dealt with Class D before, so you all understand?"
What Shibata meant was when there was a dispute between Sudou and Ishizaki and Komiya.
Keisei who had been listening carefully, began to speak.
"Although it may be strange too advise other classes, I don't think this is a serious problem. It is
true that Class D has a bad reputation, and it's normal to feel pressure from their actions.
However, at this time, we have also received surveillance from the Class A. "
"Is that true? "
Keisei nodded and told them that Class A students had recently been eavesdropping on our
class.
"Class D may be feeling hopeless at the moment, so they are trying to gather as much
information as they can get. "
Shibata listened to Class C's opinion, and from his expression, it seems as if he had accepted it.
However, the damage that Class B receives tends to be greater than ours.
"If everything goes well, this particular exam is clearly an advantage for our class. It's better to
say that they will continue to harass us without breaking school rules in an attempt to reduce our
mentality."
Kanzaki analyzed it like that. However, the question was why they only targeted certain
students?
Do they think it's too risky to spy on Ichinose and Kanzaki ...?
Or is there actually another purpose?
"I don't think Kaneda-kun would give such instructions. Is it Ishizaki-kun's order?"
"Maybe like that."
"It's normal to worry about them, but we must do what we can. We must continue to maintain
our unity and choose events in a coordinated manner, so that on the exam day we don't need to
try too hard to fight. Am I right?"
The people from Class B agreed with this statement.
"That means you don't plan to take any action against Class D? You won't even perform an
investigation?"
"Well, probably not. We will take care of the 10 events from Class D that will be announced next
week and make the best response for it."
In other words, until the end, he only intended to face the challenges with the class' strength.
Face reality without being fooled by it. This is a practical and solid strategy.
"I always thought that Class B was a great class."
Keisei said in admiration and continued.
"In order to win against the upper classes, generally they will do things that are immoral.
Whether it's threatening or reconnaissance, if it is effective, it will be done. However, you do not
take such actions against opponents. You feel confident in your beliefs and abilities. Our class
couldn't possibly mimic this. "
Although Class C does not take any action on Class A on the surface, in many places we are
trying to gather information from one another in several ways.
"Well, it's hard to say. I don't think we're just smart enough for something like that?"
That's what Ichinose said, with a little smile.
"In short, I already understand what you really want to say to us. If that continues, Shibata's
reaction is enough for Class D to know that their actions have succeeded."
Keisei understood why Ichinose invited us to eat together.
And if letting Class D know that their harassment of Class B had been effective, then it will
encourage their arrogance.
If that were to continue, Class B will have to respond. She wanted to tell Class D, by taking a
firm stand, proving that their harassment had no effect.
"So, I want to ask you not to spread it as much as possible."
"Spreading it out isn't good for us. After all, we don't want to turn Class B into an enemy."
Agreeing on this, Akito, Haruka and Airi did not hesitate to nod.
"I truly thank all of you."
When she thanked us, I was the only one who looked into her eyes.
At that moment, Ichinose flicked her hair slightly.
Then, the scent of orange in the wind lightly tickled my nose.
I immediately looked away and looked at everyone again. However, Ichinose seems to be a bit
strange today.
But, this is not something I can say out loud.