"Hey Kiyopon. Are you okay?"
When Hachiman leaves the classroom, Hasebe from the group he usually hangs out with comes into view of Ayanokoji.
Behind her, Sakura looks at him with tears in her eyes, looking worried, but he doesn't care.
"Are you talking about becoming Hikigaya's subordinate? If that's the case, I have no intention of accepting it. The reward is attractive, but I'd be scared if he cut me off."
The atmosphere in the classroom loosens at those words.
The students who were listening intently were also anxious in case a second non-cooperator appeared.
In reality, there is a traitor named Chiaki Matsushita. Moreover, she has improved herself for the sake of points, and her true ability has reached a level that is second only to Koenji, Ayanokoji, and Hachiman.
"I believe that, but what about love?"
Ayanokoji, who knows of Sakura's love for him, can see that Hasebe cares about Sakura.
In Ayanokoji's true opinion, he completely agrees with Hachiman's words.
I don't deny that I want to experience love. However, he has no intention of falling in love with a weak person and wants to fall in love with a D-class student, Sakura and Sato are the first to be excluded, and there are no girls other than Karuizawa or Matsushita as options.
Among Karuizawa, who has the ability to gather information and command, Matsushita, who has the greed inherited from Hachiman who goes for points even if she is injured, and for Ayanokoji, these two are the two top girls in D class.
However, taking Matsushita would put Karuizawa in a bad mood, so Karuizawa is essentially the only choice.
Of course, if I fully endorsed Hachiman's opinion, he would be seen as a cold-hearted person and there was a high possibility that things would get awkward, so I won't say it.
On the other hand, if you completely deny Hachiman's opinion, there is a high possibility that Sakura and Sato will cling to you at a critical moment and get in the way.
During this year's desert island exam and paper shuffle, I had no problems getting involved with the two of them.
However, starting next year, a troublesome person named Tsukishiro will intervene. If that were to happen, the existence of the two of them would only serve as a shackle, so there was no way he could completely deny Hachiman's opinion.
Therefore, Ayanokoji chose to affirm Hachiman in a roundabout way.
"I've never been in a relationship, so I don't know if what Hikigaya is saying is correct. However, looking at the potential of Hikigaya's three lovers, I think his opinion may be correct.''
Sakura trembles at those words, and Hasebe has a bitter expression on her face.
However, it is difficult to withdraw that opinion. This is because Ayanokoji's opinion itself is not wrong.
Arisu and Hiyori have some of the highest academic ability in their grade. Although her athletic ability is low, it is clear that they are capable because they have Protect Points, which is proof that they are recognized as excellent by the majority of the class.
As for Masumi, she pales in comparison to the two of them, but her academic ability is not bad and she won prizes in all events at the sports festival, so she has high physical ability and is definitely at the top of her grade in terms of overall strength.
Looking at the potential of these three players, it is difficult to completely deny what Hachiman is saying.
However, from Hasebe's point of view, there was no way she could approve of that opinion, and there was no way she could make Ayanokoji accept that idea.
If Ayanokoji accepts this idea, Sakura, a friend who can't even be called excellent, will be turned away and it's obvious that she will suffer a mental shock, so she thinks of words to persuade him.
"It's true that I can't deny it considering the nature of this school, but if you think like that, it's difficult to choose a partner, so wouldn't it be better to choose a girl who you usually get along with?"
Although Hasebe says this, there is not a single ripple in Ayanokoji's heart, and he realizes that his thoughts will never change.
From Ayanokouji's point of view, who is fine as long as he is good, there is no way he would date a girl just because they are good friends.
(Wow...Haruka is so intent on getting me together with Airi. If this was the case, should I have abandoned Airi at that time?)
Ayanokoji inwardly sighs and thinks about something vulgar.
Although his vulgarity was different from Hachiman's, his output was about the same.
However, since we're in a classroom right now, it's best to give a generic answer.
"That kind of thinking might be an option. Anyway, I don't know much about love, so I don't know which one is correct."
In other words, he is showing understanding of both ideas, but from Hasebe's perspective, that is not a good idea.
Just as Hasebe was about to speak, her homeroom teacher, Chabashira, arrived.
"It's time for the first years to go to the gym. Everyone go to the hallway."
Hearing those words, everyone got up from their seats and headed toward the hallway.
"I guess I'll go to the graduation ceremony anyway."
"Ah, yeah."
Saying that, Ayanokoji gets up from his seat and heads towards the hallway.
Hasebe wanted Ayanokoji to abandon the idea of cutting off the weak, but now that the graduation ceremony is about to begin, she has no choice but to cut it off.
When Ayanokoji goes out into the hallway, Sakura approaches Hasebe and talks to her.
"I'm sorry Haruka-chan. I made you worry..."
"It's nothing. But if this continues, Kiyopon might be taken over by another girl, so Airi has to do her best."
"Yeah..."
If Hachiman comes into contact with Ayanokoji in the future, there is a possibility that Ayanokoji will come to the same opinion as Hachiman.
If that happens, since Hachiman called Sakura the weakest in her class, there is a high possibility that Ayanokoji will become cold towards Sakura.
Hasebe, who supports Sakura's love life, must avoid this at all costs.
Hasebe decides to do this again, but Ayanokoji is already planning to fall in love with a girl other than Sakura.
''--I entered the High School for Advanced Development, felt a different atmosphere from other schools, and felt a great responsibility for the future...''
In the gymnasium, Horikita Senpai gave a response speech as a representative of the graduates.
As a result, Horikita-senpai's class barely managed to hold on to its place in A class despite President Nagumo's interference.
As a result, Horikita Senpai is on stage, but who from our generation will give the answer?
I think Arisu and Ichinose would give a rather manly response, but I can't help but laugh just thinking about Ryuen giving a response.
Since it's about him, it looks like he's going to use words like violence and conspiracy that aren't appropriate for a graduation ceremony.
Well, that seems interesting though.
"This is a personal matter, but I would like to say this as a representative of the student council. I can feel how much you have all grown compared to when I saw you from this place last year."
One year is a long time, and people change after that amount of time. In fact, at last year's entrance ceremony, D-class students were yawning and talking privately, but now they don't do that at all.
However, it cannot be said that everyone has changed for the better.
Ichinose and others are so fixated on protecting their classmates that they don't lead them.
Well, in that case, that's fine.
I also want to see how her classmates will react if someone is expelled as a result of her insistence on protecting them.
As for Ryuen's class, there is no doubt that it has turned a corner since
Ryuen returned after a setback.
Perhaps because he was prepared to drop out of school, he is now able to perform special attacks such as acting as a control tower even though he has no protect points, and from now on he will use scary strategies.
Arisu's class was sluggish in the early stages due to Katsuragi's rise to power, but since the second semester, the class has been unified, so there is no sign of any fluctuation. Starting next year, she will steadily earn points in every exam.
As for my class, I can't make a decision.
In addition to substandard students like Ayanokoji and Koenji, there are multiple students who specialize in one point, and when it comes to explosive power, they are second to none in any class.
However, on the other hand, the weak point is that there are more students who are useless than other classes.
In the future, there will likely be exams that place more emphasis on individual ability, and if that happens, there is a high possibility that some small fry will hold back.
In conclusion, this is a class where you can't predict what will happen in the future.
Well, it doesn't matter to me which class wins. I have no problems as long as I can live a school life that satisfies Hiyori and the others in addition to myself.
Even if a large number of students other than us were to drop out of school.
While I was thinking about this, the graduation ceremony was still going on, but from my point of view, I wasn't really interested in it.
What is important to me now is the thank-you party that will be held after the graduation ceremony, or more precisely, the secret discussion that will take place behind the scenes of the thank-you party.
Once the graduation ceremony was over, we returned to the classroom and waited. At that time, Hasebe was talking to Ayanokoji, but most likely she was trying to persuade him not to accept my idea.
But that's impossible. This is because the exchange just now was just an exchange to make a third party think that she liked Ayanokoji, and even before that, he had no intention of getting into a deep relationship with a small-time woman.
As I was thinking this, Chabashira-sensei entered the classroom, so everyone stopped talking and returned to their seats.
"We don't have classes today, so we'll be disbanding after HR is over. I don't mind talking about it at the closing ceremony tomorrow, but I'd like to briefly summarize this year."
Everyone's expressions turned serious at those words.
"First of all, it was the end-of-year exam, but even though you lost, you did a great job. I'm honestly impressed that you were able to beat A-class that much.
With the crushing defeat of D-class, it's almost certain that you guys will be promoted to C-class."
Current class points are...
Class A with Arisu 1049
Class B with Ryuen 800
Class C with Ichinose 378
Class D with me 421
That's what it feels like. Class promotions are decided at the beginning of the month, so we're still in D class, but if we don't cause too much trouble during spring break, we'll be promoted to C class.
However, if word got out about what was going on behind the scenes during the year-end exams, there would be a riot.
Regarding the end-of-year exam, it is clear that if Tsukishiro had not intervened, Class D would have achieved a record of 5 wins and 2 losses against Class A, and would have taken away the protection points from Arisu.
Class points as of the beginning of March are... Class A with Arisu 919
Class B with Ryuen 550
Class C with Ichinose 528
Class D with me 451
However, what would be the class points after the year-end exam without Tsukishiro's intervention...
Class A with Arisu 919-90=829
Class B with Ryuen 550+250=800
Class C with Ichinose 528-150=378
Class D with me 451+190=641
As a result, the gap between Class A and Class B had narrowed significantly, and Class C was now far behind of the other three classes.
Well, I don't think there's any proof, and it would be troublesome if I said anything, so I won't say it.
"However, starting next year, there will be a special exam with even more difficult content, and other classes are also improving. Therefore, unless each student recognizes the incredibly harsh reality and improves, there is no way they will be in A class. It would be impossible."
"Wait... aren't you being too strict, Sensei? It's true that Class A is strong, but aren't we the best in class point growth?"
When Ike says that, Chabashira-sensei sighs and then looks at me.
"Did you forget? The highest contributor in the class is Hikigaya, and he will be transferred to Class A around next year."
"Oh!"
Those words made everyone's atmosphere tense, and some of them turned to look at me.
Well, in reality, I helped Sudou avoid expulsion, made Class A a complete wreck in the desert island exam, increased class points in the shipboard exam even though I sold information to Ryuen, and won prizes in all the events in the sports festival.
In the paper shuffle, I created a liberal arts problem, eliminated the traitorous Kushida, was beaten by Watanabe and drastically reduced the funds in Ichinose's class, gave the best answer by eliminating Yamauchi in the class vote, and won the first place in the year-end exam.
I snatched the victory.
It's hard to say this myself, but I'm probably the one who contributed the most to D-class this year.
but...
"Chabashira-sensei. I plan to transfer not until next year, but in the middle of my second year."
"Huh? So you'll be in this class in the second semester?"
"Yes. There will be a large-scale exam during the summer vacation anyway. At that time, I plan to attack C-class, which will fall to D-class next month, after showing them such hell that my attacks so far will be considered gentle. Ah, until then, don't worry, I have no intention of destroying the students in this class.''
The upcoming exam is one where there will definitely be some students who will drop out, so I plan to have some students drop out from Class C and then launch an additional attack.
"...In other words, if you transfer, you'll destroy us without mercy?"
Chabashira-sensei narrows her eyes. I was surprised because I thought she wasn't that interested in the students.
"Of course. Although there are a lot of grains in this class, there are also a lot of small fish, so it's not that difficult."
Looking at each class, there are a certain number of students who are growing, but in class D, the ones who are showing visible growth are those who have some kind of weapon, like Sudo, Yukimura, and Karuizawa.
On the other hand, small fry like Sakura, Shinohara, and Sato have hardly grown since entering school.
It's not like they haven't done anything at all, but as long as it doesn't function as a weapon, it's still a small fry.
"Let me tell you, if you act in a way that deviates from the school rules, you will be penalized without mercy, right?"
"Excuse me. Chabashira-sensei should know best that I have never broken any rules."
They are just doing things that are on the verge of breaking the rules and things that are completely out of line from an ethical standpoint.
Unlike Ryuen, I'm an honest student who keeps to the line.
"...Well, that's right. Let's get back to the topic for now, but with your current ability, it will be difficult to move up to a higher class and keep that position, so please keep this in mind."
I guess so. Even if Ichinose's class is to be destroyed in the future, it will be difficult to destroy Ryuen and Arisu because they are of a different class.
Especially Ryuuen, he wouldn't care at all even if his class fell to D class.
While I was thinking about that, Chabashira-sensei tapped the blackboard.
"This is the end of HR. Tomorrow is the closing ceremony and there will be no classes, but don't forget that it's still a school day."
With those words, the HR on the way home came to an end, and everyone began to prepare for the trip home.
I also try to leave the classroom to go see Arisu, but Horikita stands in front of me.
"I won't let you do whatever you want and let anyone drop out of this class."
"Try it. I don't think you'll be able to stop me by trying to persuade me like Kushida in such a lukewarm way."
If you want to stop me, bring in Koenji or Ayanokoji. The two most likely won't move unless they are harmed.
I replied to Horikita as I pushed her away and left the classroom.
"I won't let you do whatever you want and let anyone drop out of this class."
"Try it. I don't think you'll be able to stop me by trying to persuade me like Kushida in such a lukewarm way."
Ayanokoji watches with his characteristic blank expression as such an exchange takes place in the center of D-class.
Then, as Hachiman leaves the classroom and the others slowly leave, Horikita looks at Ayanokoji.
"Ayanokoji-kun, you're not thinking of becoming his subordinate either, are you?"
"That's not my intention (I just want him to be a collaborator)."
Although he denies it on the surface, there is actually a high possibility that he will borrow Hachiman's help.
Horikita has some value as a cover, but Hachiman with his ability, points, and connections is far more valuable.
I think Sakayanagi will be the best in today's discussion, but I think Hikigaya will be more persuasive, and I can also praise him for reading my intentions and defeating Tsukishiro's strategy in yesterday's chess game.
(However, I would like to know Hikigaya's exact ability.)
"Then it's fine. Since you are also a member of Class D, I will ask you to cooperate with me to protect my classmates."
That's what she says, but Horikita can't beat Hachiman.
This is certain.
However, that alone does not reveal Hachiman's true ability.
I'm sure Hachiman's ability will become clearer after he transfers to A class.
If you look at his ability to break through the defenses and crush his classmates, you'll understand more clearly.
From Ayanokoji's point of view, he has no intention of taking the initiative to help his classmates if he is safe.
It would be dangerous for him to oppose Tsukishiro while trying to help her, so he only pretends to help Horikita.
In this way, the monster of Class D decided once again to do the bare minimum for the sake of the class.