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Perhaps wanting to see what he was writing, Horikita Suzune left her seat and came over to Hachiman's side.
Hmm.
It felt as if the girl's smooth, long hair brushed against his face.
However, Hachiman focused on writing.
He wrote two sets of numbers.
610 points and 110 points.
"You remember these two scores, right?" Hachiman said.
"These are Ryuen Class's scores. Initially, because I damaged the cameras, their score was revealed to be 610 points. But after a week, following Sudo's incident, Ryuen Class's score..."
"According to Horikita's deductions, Ryuen Class was docked 400 points during the Sudo incident." Hachiman said.
"Which means..." Horikita Suzune finally paid attention.
"Yes."
Hachiman said, "Ryuen Class is indeed a formidable Class. Even the students in Class A, who are very disciplined, might still lose a few scattered points."
"But Ryuen's Class managed to go a whole week without losing a single point."
"Are you saying their students are more disciplined?"
"I don't think so. I think it's Ryuen's control over his Class." Hachiman said.
"And that control is very strong."
"But they're already at 0 points, aren't they?" Horikita Suzune continued.
"0 points is dangerous, you know." Hachiman said.
"Because we can't confirm if it will turn into negative points after 0."
"So what's the point? What happens if it doesn't turn into negative points?" Horikita Suzune immediately asked.
She felt that Hachiman must be considering something she hadn't thought of.
"I'm thinking, if they hit 0 points, then maybe they won't be penalized for continuing to violate school rules. And if they won't be penalized, they could go around collecting protection money from other Classes.
For example, they could pick fights to create a situation where both Classes are equally punished, or where students from both Classes are suspended for a week or two."
"This could drag down other Classes that want to study. And if failing the exam not only leads to that student's expulsion but also results in a point deduction for their Class, then that would be even better.
Other Classes definitely wouldn't dare to cross them, so they'd have no choice but to pay protection money."
"..."
That's simply shameless.
"So, Ryuen Class did all this for that purpose? They controlled their Class for a week to not lose a single point, and now they've deliberately lost all their points just for such a shameless goal?" Horikita Suzune said.
But Hachiman shook his head.
"I don't think Ryuen thought that far ahead." Hachiman said.
"If he really thought that much, then he wouldn't have caused Sudo's incident."
"So, Ryuen Class going to 0 points is probably because he lost too many points, and with only a hundred or so points left, trying to keep students in line might lead to opposition, so he might as well just give up entirely."
From this perspective, Ryuen might be an honest person within his Class.
"However, let's contact Ichinose from Class B this evening." Hachiman said.
"You mean..."
"Borrow some academic elites from them." Hachiman said.
"Remember the agreement with the students in our Class? If we have 400 Class evaluation points left, then everyone is happy."
"At the same time, because we exceeded 400 Class evaluation points, if there's an exam where students might be expelled next time, we need to protect those who might be expelled."
"And now we've gained so many points, and our Class's students are the type to take advantage of favors." Hachiman said.
"Are you thinking too badly of the students in our Class... Hmm... Then let's go see Ichinose."
Horikita was about to deny it, but then suddenly remembered during the Sudo incident, Yamauchi, as Sudo's friend, directly said Sudo might have really hit someone.
Indeed.
Some students are not trustworthy.
However.
"I still can't understand it." Horikita Suzune said.
"It's just a simple exam, and exams are a test of one's daily learning. If they listened carefully in Class from the beginning, would failing even be a possibility?"
Okay.
So that's why Hachiman wanted to ally with Class B.
He just felt that the academic elites in his own Class were unreliable.
It's truly too Versailles.
Thus.
He took out his phone and contacted Kushida.
He didn't have Ichinose's contact information, so he needed Kushida.
...
Evening.
Cafeteria.
"Ding-dongā"
Two students from First Year Class B walked in.
One male, one female.
The male had slightly curly purple hair, while the female was quite striking, possessing beautiful golden-pink long hair.
These were Kanzaki Ryuji and Ichinose Honami, whom they had met before.
Among them.
According to the information Kushida obtained, Ichinose ranked first in the entrance exam's written test.
Of course.
Having witnessed Sakayanagi Arisu's intelligence and genius.
He felt that Sakayanagi was most likely the true first place.
And comparing ordinary people to geniuses is a very cruel thing.
However.
"So, 70% of the students in your Class have scores of 70 points or higher?"
Horikita Suzune said.
"Ah... Yes. How are your grades, Horikita?" Ichinose asked after sitting down.
"Usually in the nineties." Horikita Suzune said.
"Oh." Ichinose nodded.
Just now, Horikita had looked surprised, which made her think perhaps Horikita was a poor student, but now that she was an academic elite, there was no problem.
So Ichinose looked at Hikigaya.
Ichinose had already noticed that even though Horikita, Kushida, and Hikigaya were together, Hikigaya was the one in charge.
And Horikita seemed to be following Hikigaya's orders, while Kushida, rather than being an ally, seemed more like Hikigaya's contact method for them.
Of course.
Thinking that way was a bit rude.
"Actually, it's like this." Hachiman explained his purpose.
"For this written exam, I hope to borrow the strength of your Class."
In other words, he hoped Ichinose and her Class would provide some academic elites to tutor Class C.
"I see..."
Kanzaki and Ichinose seemed to consider this request for a moment, but quickly agreed.
"We are allied Classes, of course we should help each other."
"And while helping with tutoring, we can also review and solidify our own knowledge." Ichinose said.
"I think the students in our Class would be very willing."
After all, the students in your Class are Little Angels.
Hachiman thought to himself.
This was information provided by Kushida.
"And also, regarding the Ryuen incident earlier, your Class worked hard." Ichinose said, seemingly with lingering fear.
And Kanzaki, beside her, also nodded.
They initially thought that allying with Hikigaya's Class wouldn't bring them much benefit.
But then Ryuen directly entered the fray.
One could imagine if Hikigaya's Class was defeated, then Class B would be next.
And there were also some utilitarian thoughts.
Among the current four Class evaluation scores, Ryuen's Class had already dropped to 0.
And while Hikigaya's Class still had 450 points, there was still a gap compared to their Class B.
At the same time, the overall academic level of Hikigaya's Class was not good.
And now they needed to ask for help.
So, it would be difficult for Hikigaya's Class to catch up, and the dangerous Ryuen Class, which posed a threat to Class B, had also gone down.
It was reassuring.
So, this could be considered defeating one Class first, which was quite a good outcome for them, who had aspirations of rising to Class A.
Therefore, lending some students for tutoring was something they could certainly do.
Only.
As they successfully arranged for the help, Ichinose suddenly looked at Hachiman.
"Hikigaya-kun, let's exchange phone numbers."
Eh?
Was this the first time in his life a girl had actively given him her phone number?
It was a novel experience for Hachiman.
So, Komachi, isn't high school super good?
You should come quickly too!
...
"Ichinose and her Class are really good people, aren't they, Horikita?"
As she watched Ichinose, who was leaving due to the busy after-school period, Kushida, next to Hachiman, said softly.
Her presence today was not strong.
However, they had now reached an agreement with Class B, and Class B had also agreed to lend academic elites to tutor everyone.
So the students in their Class probably felt very good about it.
And it was only the 2nd now, with the exam dates on the 24th and 25th.
There were still 3 weeks. If they worked hard and studied diligently, it was still possible for everyone to pass safely.
And Kushida was trying to interact with Horikita Suzune.
"..." Horikita.
"Oh."
But Horikita's attitude seemed a bit cold.
And Kushida just maintained a polite smile.
She was used to it.
However.
Horikita Suzune, who showed no interest in Kushida's questions, looked towards Hikigaya.
"What are you thinking now?" Horikita Suzune continued to ask.
"I'm thinking about something." Hachiman said.
"Chabashira-sensei said, didn't she, that this special exam, the midterm written exam, will be taken by the entire Grade 1 together."
"It seems similar to last month's conduct exam. Both seem to be standard assessments after new students enroll."
"So you're wondering if there's another solution?" Horikita Suzune understood.
If it was a conduct exam, then if they knew the content of the conduct exam, they could avoid losing points through self-discipline.
Class A did very well in that regard.
"But." Horikita Suzune shook her head again.
"For a written exam, besides studying on your own, there's no other way to pass, is there?"
Because with conduct, you can be self-disciplined and restrained, or even pretend to be serious.
But a written exam tests genuine knowledge and ability.
But Hachiman didn't think so.
Because if this school were to recruit students based on written exam scores like schools in the outside world, then it shouldn't have admitted so many students from Class C or Class D in the first place.
Because if they fail one exam, they will be expelled.
So, wouldn't that mean a large number of students would be eliminated from the start?
Then why bother recruiting them?
What would be the point?
Therefore, he believes there is some kind of workaround solution.
"And so." Hachiman looked at the lovely Kushida.
"Kushida, could I ask you for a favor?"
"Eh heh?" Little Angel Kushida blinked her eyes cutely.
"I hope you can get in touch with the upperclassmen." Hachiman said.
"See how they deal with exams."
"Ehā¦"
Kushida drew out her words.
Although her social circle is wide, she is currently still working hard to expand and solidify her friendships within Grade 1.
She hasn't had time to infiltrate the upperclassmen yet.
After all, it's easy to imagine that after a year of getting along, upperclassmen have already formed relatively independent cliques.
And they don't change Classes, so trying to infiltrate them would be incredibly difficult.
So she hasn't been able to infiltrate them yet.
And now, Hikigaya is giving her such a heavy responsibility?
"Although Hirata obtained the number of upperclassmen students through his own sacrifice."
Hachiman said, "But looking at the situation in our own Class, if Class C and Class D of the upper grades also have to go through these mandatory written exams every year like us."
"If they didn't take a shortcut, it would be impossible for them to still have so many people left."
I see.
Kushida nodded gently.
Hikigaya is asking her to gather information.
Yes.
Logically, the Class evaluation scores of the upper grade's Class C and Class D are also very bad, indicating that they cannot compete with the upper Classes.
So, in the same situation of being 'trash', how do they manage not to be expelled?
It is indeed worth investigating.
"And if a solution is found." Hikigaya said, "Then it can be told to our classmates in Kushida's name."
In other words, the suggestion comes from Hikigaya, but all the credit goes to her, Kushida?
Eh!
Kushida looked at Hikigaya.
Because.
This Hikigaya seems to understand her very well.
Indeed.
If she is highly regarded by everyone, it would certainly be a good thing.
Thus.
On one hand, there was the normal arrangement of inviting top students from Class B to tutor the weaker students in their Class.
On the other hand, there was the arrangement for Kushida to gather information from the upperclassmen.
The tutoring time was set for one hour after school every day.
Anyone with a score below 60 points had to stay and study.
There was nothing to say about this.
Because everyone now enjoys free tuition, and the school also provides living expenses.
It's simply an unthinkable life.
Moreover.
Isn't it possible that they suddenly became Class C last month, and then inexplicably become Class A a few months later?
Therefore, there are also quite optimistic individuals among the classmates.
Only.
"The problem with Chemistryā¦"
Hikigaya's Kokugo (National Language) score is very high, but this is not tested in the midterm exam.
And in the 60-point requirement, Hachiman's Chemistry lagged behind.
So he also had to stay.
And the one responsible for him was Hirata.
However, Hirata didn't seem to be preparing to teach academic matters.
Because Hachiman noticed that the other party looked at him twice, wanting to speak but hesitating, then hesitating again.
Only.
It should be said, as expected of the original Class D.
"So, you're saying I'm both ignorant and incompetent!?"
Sudo stood up, slamming the table, and spoke across to Kanzaki Ryuji, one of the top students invited from Class B.
"That's not what I mean. I'm just saying that simultaneous equations are the most basic, and you at least need to master that."
"And Sudo, you have a goal for the future, right? I think studying is a way out." Kanzaki said.
Class B arranged a total of 10 top students to come over, 5 males and 5 females.
Ichinose was not among them.
According to Ichinose, she also needed to tutor some students in her own Class.
After all, even Class B might have a few students who want to score higher.
So, this group of top students was led by Kanzaki.
As a result, Kanzaki was responsible for Yamauchi, Ike Kanji, and Sudo's group, and Sudo immediately exploded.
"Huh? What's the use of studying? My future is to be a Basketball player, so what does it matter if I don't study?"
Sudo looked terrifying.
He already had short red hair, and he was very tall, with great arm strength.
When he slammed the table, the entire table shook.
It's not hard to imagine that if a girl had been teaching instead.
She would have been scared by now.
However, Kanzaki himself was also an athletic male.
Although he seemed a bit introverted, he was not someone who feared others.
"I'm just stating my opinion. I think studying is a way out, and if you can't pass the current written exam, you'll be expelled."
"Sudo!" Kanzaki said, maintaining his composure.
And on the other side.
Horikita Suzune's side.
"Why do you do it like that, Horikita?"
"I don't understand at all. If you don't explain, how can I possibly understand?"
"By the way, my grades were pretty good in elementary school."
And Horikita Suzune's side was also as expected.
She was responsible for teaching Karuizawa and Sato.
Sato often hung out with Karuizawa.
She had orange, slightly curly hair, but delicate features.
Although she dressed like a gyaru, she didn't wear much makeup.
She was considered a good-looking girl.
In Class C, a place with many beauties, she also stood out.
However, her academic ability and Karuizawa's both seemed to be poor.
Then, under Horikita's remarks, they began to argue, saying they weren't stupid and could even score 100 points in elementary school.
This is natural, because Horikita is a super straightforward person, and she can't even understand why others would fail exams.
So, having her teach is a difficult task.
And also as a top student in this Class.
As for Kouenji, he said, "I don't teach people. Rather, I can't understand your way of thinking. I am a genius." and so he is not among the top students who teach.
It seems that the study group for Grade 1 Class C still needs further improvement.
And observing this, Hirata showed a troubled expression.
He looked at Hachiman apologetically, then quickly went to mediate.
It was a good thing that the students from Class B were willing to help, and it would be terrible if their own classmates scared them away.
Moreover, there weren't many top students in their Class.
If they were to be divided, one person would probably be responsible for seven or eight students.
So now that top students from Class B had come, they could do one-on-one or even one-on-two, at most one-on-three.
Efficiency would improve.
However, progress was still slow.
However.
The one hour of study time finally passed.
Hachiman reviewed 19 reaction equations again.
His memory was only average, so he had to take it slow.
From this point of view, he felt a bit envious of that trash loli, Sakayanagi Arisu; having a good brain and excellent memory is truly nice.
Only.
"Hikigaya."
And at the end of today's self-study, Hirata called out to Hachiman.
"Hmm?"
Hachiman originally wanted to find Horikita to ask her to calm down a bit.
Although she had no problems with academic ability, she also needed to understand that there are such beings as academically weak students in this world.
Just as some people score high, there will certainly be others who fail.
Or, if she isn't good at teaching, then she shouldn't teach for now.
Otherwise, if one side is in a bad mood and the other feels they aren't learning anything, it would deviate from the purpose of the study group.
But he was called by Hirata.
"Could you accompany me for a bit?" Hirata said.
"ā¦" Hachiman.
Hey.
Hirata, your wording is strange.
What do you mean by accompany?
However, he felt that the other person's mood seemed off today, so Hachiman agreed.
The two went together to Horikita's mortifying scene, near the vending machine without cameras.
"Clang!"
Hirata bought 2 drinks from the vending machine.
He handed one bottle of coconut juice to Hachiman.
Actually, Hachiman wanted coffee more.
....
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