Classroom of the Elite Year 2 Volume 2

determined to go it alone, then how about this? Try not to lose against me,
even if you and I are in a group together. If you can manage to beat me in that
situation, I’ll give you at least some credit.”

“…Not good enough,” snapped Ibuki.

There was no way the two of them were going to form a group.
Negotiations had broken down. However, I was sure deliberately provoking
her all through the conversation like that would strengthen Ibuki’s
motivations.

I offered Ishizaki a small apology and then decided to head back to the
classroom with Horikita.

“You knew from the beginning that there was no way Ibuki was going
to accept that last offer you made, right? You’re too kind,” I told her.

“My intention was to provoke her so she’d do something reckless and
get disqualified,” answered Horikita.

It wasn’t an honest answer. But, I thought, it did sound very much like
her.

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Chapter 7:
The Calm Before the Storm

THE CLOSING CEREMONY for the first semester arrived much sooner

than I had expected. So much so that it was kind of staggering. We had to
move onto the next goal as soon as possible. Just like last year, we would
leave school and head toward the port. There, we would board a large cruise
ship and depart for an uninhabited, unknown island somewhere at sea.
Finally, with no time to relax, tomorrow morning would mark the beginning
of the special exam.

The students, who were supposed to gather in their classrooms to hear
a brief explanation, arrived at school as usual that day. They waited for their
homeroom instructors to show up. A short checklist was displayed on the
monitors in each classroom to help students make sure that they hadn’t
forgotten anything.

We were allowed to bring up to one week’s worth of changes of
underwear, as it would be essential for proper hygiene. Cell phones seemed
to be categorized as essential items, but it looked like they would be
confiscated at the start of the island exam. I supposed that even if we were
allowed to bring our phones onto the island, they’d be nothing more than
paperweights without an available signal. They’d probably only be used for
paying off penalties or for buying things while on the ship.

While we waited for the bell that signaled the start of class, Keisei
came over to my seat, going over the checklist to make sure he hadn’t
forgotten anything. He had a grim look on his face.

“To be honest, I’m really not good at this whole uninhabited island
exam thing. This special exam might as well be asking me to catch a cloud,”
said Keisei.

“Well, that’s understandable, though. This test is so far outside of what
we do normally every day.”

“It sounds like it’s going to be especially tough for the girls. I suppose
I shouldn’t really complain,” said Keisei.

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This exam had some challenges that were unique to the girls, so you
could say that this exam was stacked against them. Of course, the school
seemed to have taken their situation into consideration as much as possible,
but there was no changing the fact that it was going to be hard.

“Although we’re going to be competing while in separate groups, I still
plan to back people up however I can,” said Keisei.

Even though this was a special exam that he wasn’t personally
comfortable with, Keisei expressed a determination to do everything he could
to protect his friends.

“Yeah. I’m sure we can try to work together, in some shape or form.
I’ll lend a hand when the time comes,” I replied, promising to help as much
as I could.

“But are you really okay with tackling this by yourself? If you get sick
or hurt, you’ll be disqualified. In the unlikely event you get penalized and
have to pay six million… It’ll be all over,” said Keisei.

“Well, if nothing else, my perfect attendance record up until this point
is one of the few things I’m proud of.”

“You’re starting to sound a little bit sarcastic lately, you know that?”
said Keisei with a laugh as he went back to his seat.

Not long afterward, we heard the bell that signaled the start of a new
battle. All thirty-nine students in Class 2-D took their seats. After she entered
the classroom, Chabashira’s expression naturally turned stern, and there was
a heavy, oppressive air in the room.

“Today’s the start of summer vacation, but it looks like you’re all
feeling depressed. Well, I suppose that’s understandable, though,” said
Chabashira, turning on both her tablet and starting her presentation on the
monitor. “Well then, we’ll get started on the final check. Also, if you’re not
feeling well now, please report to me.”

We were going to check our belongings and our physical conditions.
The schedule and a list of the necessary items for this exam were once again
displayed on the monitor. Fortunately, no one in our class was feeling ill, so
things progressed smoothly. Even Kouenji, who had, as expected, chosen to
go it alone rather than form a group, was quietly behaving himself at this
stage.

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“It seems there are no problems. That’s great,” said Chabashira.

A few minutes after we finished going through the checklist of things
we needed to confirm before our departure, the monitor was shut off. Then,
in order to get the attention of the class, she lightly smacked the podium once
with the palm of her hand.

“This is not the first time that you have taken a special exam. You have
been here at this school for over a year now, and you have managed to fight
your way through many hardships. But this particular special exam isn’t
going to be easy to pass,” said Chabashira.

She was giving us advice, but it also sounded like a warning of sorts. It
was the kind of advice a teacher could give her class… A class that was by
no means complacent.

“This is going to be tougher than any exam that you have taken so far.
That is the inescapable reality of the situation,” said Chabashira.

She looked at each student carefully, almost as if she were trying to
etch each individual face into her mind.

“I have just one request for all of you. If possible, please do not allow a
single one of you to disappear. Please return to this classroom once more,”
she added.

She was saying she hoped this wasn’t going to be a one-way trip for
any of us, so to speak.

“We’ll gather outside on the field in about ten minutes for roll call.
Please use the restroom now, if necessary,” said Chabashira.

Since we didn’t have that much time to spare, the students hurriedly
left the classroom. When Akito and the others gathered around my seat near
the classroom entrance, I got up from my seat with my luggage in hand. At
almost the exact same time, Kouenji stood up as well, and called out to one of
the students who wasn’t standing out in the hallway.

“May I have a minute? Horikita Girl,” said Kouenji.

It was a rare sight. What Kouenji did had attracted not just my
attention, but the gazes of other students in the classroom as well.

“It’s unusual for you to come and talk to me of your own volition.”
Apparently, Horikita seemed to feel the same way.

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“There is a small matter which I wish to discuss with you regarding the
special exam that is about to begin,” said Kouenji.

“Oh my, so does this mean that you’re finally willing to help us? Do
something proactive?” she asked.

“Let’s just say that you’re half right,” replied Kouenji.

Horikita eyed Kouenji somewhat suspiciously after hearing this rather
unexpected response. She understood quite well that Kouenji wasn’t the kind
of person who’d aid others that easily.

“What are you after? Can I ask that you tell me what the other half is
about then?” asked Horikita.

“You want the Class Points that will be awarded to the groups that
place in the top three positions so badly that you can practically taste it. That
is the case, no?” asked Kouenji.

“Of course. Depending on how many points we can acquire, there
could be significant changes to the class rankings,” said Horikita.

“In that case, please allow me to make a modest proposal. If I perform
well during this uninhabited island survival test, I want you to promise me
total freedom until graduation,” said Kouenji.

Kouenji’s unbelievable proposal caused the entire class to fall
completely silent for a moment. Even though his help came with conditions,
he was expressing a willingness to truly participate in the special exam.

“Promise you total freedom…? What a dramatic proposal. Are you
saying that you want me to grant you permission to just keep doing whatever
you please?” said Horikita.

“Exactly. Not only will I require your permission, of course, but I will
also ask that you work diligently, and I mean with your undivided attention,
to negate any malady or abuse that may come my way. Hm?” said Kouenji.

To give an example, this was basically what happened during the class
vote that took place last year. This more or less meant that if another special
exam came our way in the future where we had to select unnecessary students
in class and have them expelled, Kouenji would be protected unconditionally.

“This isn’t something I can simply agree to. I’m sure our fellow
classmates would think the same if they heard your request,” said Horikita.

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If you were part of the class, then helping out, at least at the bare-
minimum level, could be considered a kind of obligation. There was no way
you could just casually grant someone permission to dispense with that.

“Consider this an advance payment until graduation,” said Kouenji.

Kouenji was proposing that, if he contributed to our efforts in the
upcoming special exam, we let him do whatever he wanted from that point
onward.

“It seems even you’re feeling threatened. Your classmates will not
tolerate your typical antics forever. If another special exam like the class vote
were to be held in the future, you’d be directly put in the line of fire,” said
Horikita.

Even an eccentric like Kouenji would be in trouble if he were put in
such a difficult position, depending on what the exam was like.

“It would really be best if you didn’t make such ridiculous proposals,
but instead just followed everyone else’s lead,” said Horikita, naturally
turning him down.

Even if she refused him here, though, Kouenji probably wasn’t going
to be helping us out in any future special exams anyway. If he did, it would
only be when he himself had been forced into a tight situation. Given that, we
did have the option of at least getting him to be motivated during the island
exam, but…

“I’m sorry Kouenji, but I value your talents. I just don’t think it’s
worth it to have you give us a ‘so-so’ performance in this special exam only
to have you sit on the sidelines during exams to come,” said Horikita.

After weighing her options, that was the decision that Horikita had
come to.

“I see. I suppose our negotiations have broken down then,” said
Kouenji.

“…No. I am open to accepting your proposal, albeit with the addition
of certain conditions from my side,” said Horikita.

For a moment, it had seemed like she had outright refused his offer, but
apparently Horikita had other ideas.

“I won’t accept something as vague as a ‘good performance.’ The

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group that takes first place in this exam will be rewarded handsomely. If you
can manage to get first place all by yourself, that might be good enough
reason to convince me to count your efforts as an advance payment until
graduation,” said Horikita.

If Kouenji won, since he wasn’t partnered up with anyone, he would
earn 300 Class Points. In terms of how much he could contribute to our class
prior to graduation, you could say that was more than enough. But at this
current point in time, there were over a hundred rival groups and taking first
place would be no easy feat, even for Kouenji.

“Fu fu fu fu fu. I see, I see. Certainly yes, it seems like you’d be quite
satisfied if I were to claim first place on my own,” said Kouenji, laughing
loudly after hearing about a deal that sounded delightful to him. “Very well!
Let us proceed with our arrangement then, with those terms. Shall we?”

“Hold on. That’s not all.”

Kouenji had showed that he was willing to accept what sounded like an
absurd proposal, but without a moment’s delay, Horikita responded that she
wasn’t finished yet.

“I haven’t fully laid out all of my terms yet. You’re forcing us to work
with a boastful braggart like you, so if this exam ends without you taking first
place, it’ll be trouble for the rest of us,” said Horikita.

“Meaning?” asked Kouenji.

“Meaning that if you do not get first place, you must promise to
cooperate with the class in the future, whether for upcoming special exams or
anything else. And promise you’ll produce good results,” said Horikita.

In that moment, I could hear Keisei’s breathing as he stood there,
staring at the two of them. That was nothing short of a brilliant condition. In
the unlikely event that Kouenji did get first place, that would be great. And
even if he didn’t place first, the condition Horikita had put in place meant
Kouenji would have to contribute to future special exams. Class D had
nothing to lose form this arrangement. Now, the only question was whether
Kouenji would accept this added condition…

“It sounds as though you’re giving me a strongly-worded order,
Horikita Girl,” said Kouenji.

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“If you agree to the conditions that I’ve just given, then I will accept
your proposal,” said Horikita.

“In that case, I’d say that these negotiations have proved fruitful,
Horikita Girl. We have a deal. Do not forget my own conditions, now,” said
Kouenji.

Even though Horikita had added on conditions of her own, Kouenji
didn’t refuse the deal.

“You’re seriously planning on getting first place by yourself?” asked
Horikita.

“Absolutely. Nothing is impossible for me,” said Kouenji.

Horikita had demanded something outrageous, but she couldn’t hide
her shock at the confidence that Kouenji was displaying.

“Now then, I believe this conversation is finished. I shall be on my
way,” said Kouenji.

Satisfied with the successfully conclusion of his negotiations with
Horikita, he left the classroom. No one could say a word to him, or do
anything other than just watch him leave.

“I have absolutely no idea how seriously he’s actually going to take
this…” said Keisei.

“Yeah, it’s hard to tell,” I replied.

“But this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. We got him to commit to
something himself,” said Keisei.

I wasn’t sure I believed Kouenji was being honest about his pledge, but
it was certainly true that this was an unprecedented development. Kouenji
would need a certain degree of support for him to live his life freely and
according to his own whims at this school. If he continued to just do as he
pleased, he would inevitably plummet down the ranks of classmates who
deserved to be protected. Even if he didn’t speak up this time, he would need
to enact countermeasures at some point.

However, if Horikita, the leader of Class D, acknowledged this plan,
then that was a different story.

“Even in the unlikely event that he does break into the top spots, it

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would be even better if we managed to place above him. That would be
fantastic,” said Horikita, turning to me. “If we managed to get first place and
Kouenji-kun got second or third… If we could accomplish that, the benefits
to our class would be substantial. We could make up for all of the setbacks
we’ve suffered.”

If you performed some simple calculations, we could get between 400
and 500 Class Points. If we managed to do that, our total would be around
700 or 800 Class Points, which would promote us to Class B in one shot. And
on top of that, as a bonus, Kouenji would have to produce satisfactory results
in upcoming exams. Hm.

“I still feel uneasy about this, though. When it comes to Kouenji, it just
feels like you can’t completely fathom him,” I answered.

Whether you were talking about academic or physical ability, if the
question was whether or not he was demonstrating his full potential, then the
answer was no, he probably wasn’t. It was certainly true that he possessed
extraordinary talent.

“You’re right. But whether he’ll get first place so easily is another
matter,” said Horikita.

The competition was fierce. The representatives from the other classes,
Sakayanagi, Ichinose, and Ryuuen, were also seriously shooting for first
place. And that wasn’t all, of course. Just based on what I knew now, there
were some up-and-coming groups among the first-years, like Housen and
Amasawa. And there were formidable third-year students too, like Nagumo,
Kiriyama, and Kiryuuin.

And although I hadn’t actually said anything out loud about it so far, I
was planning on shooting for the top myself. Who was going to be sitting in
first place two weeks from now? And who would be leaving the school?

Our long summer was about to begin.

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7.1

“IT’S ALREADY THE latter half of July. It has been getting quite hot

lately, hasn’t it?” muttered Tsukishiro as he looked down at the large buses
arriving at the school, one after another.

“Yes, it certainly has been,” replied a first-year student, without a hint
of emotion.

Tsukishiro continued speaking without turning to look at the student.
“No more time spent on analysis, please. There is nothing to be gained by
delaying action any further.”

“Are you…telling me to expel Ayanokouji Kiyotaka now?” asked the
student.

“Is that too much for you to manage?” asked Tsukishiro.

“I have established that he’ll be an easy opponent. Well, actually, I
knew that all along,” said the student.

“I will help you as much as I possibly can. That being said, I cannot
provide you with more support than this,” said Tsukishiro.

Upon hearing that, the student thought that Tsukishiro was
aggressively pushing for this plan to move forward.

“Are you saying that you have been pushed to act recklessly yourself?”
asked the student.

“Yes. I had to jump through some impossible hoops to scrape together
the budget needed for this special exam. More importantly, I had to force the
rest of the school administration into submission when they objected to the
exam’s strict rules,” said Tsukishiro.

“Will it be difficult for you to continue in your position as Acting
Director then?” asked the student.

“Quite. The fraud allegations made against Director Sakayanagi are
about to be cleared up, and it is obvious I’m going to be relieved of my
duties. That’s precisely why I’ve prepared a massive display of fireworks for
the very end. I hope you will use whatever means necessary to remove

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Ayanokouji Kiyotaka from this school. Is that clear?” said Tsukishiro.

“…Yes. There will be no more hesitation.”

“I am glad to hear that. In that case, please…be as violent as you wish
during this special exam. Go on a rampage. Once everything has been taken
care of, you will return to your old life. Let us both return to the places that
we are supposed to be, hm?” said Tsukishiro.

A girl’s left hand—her dominant one—clenched tight, naturally
swelling with strength. Tsukishiro, seeing that out of the corner of his eye,
smiled gently and broadly.

“I am expecting great things out of you…Nanase Tsubasa-san.”

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Postscript

HELLO, DEAR READERS. First, please allow me to sincerely apologize

for the delayed release of this volume. As a result of a combination of my
daughter’s preschool being closed due to current circumstances in the world,
my wife not being in the best of health for an extended period of time, and
the birth of our second child, I had to prioritize supporting my family over
writing for a time. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, my family has now grown
and things have begun to settle down somewhat, so I have started to devote
more time to writing again.

Also, it’s precisely because we’re in the midst of such challenging
times right now that I’ve realized once again that I must not forget that there
are people who really look forward to these works as a source of
entertainment. I hope to make up for the delay in the release of this volume at
some point in the future. For the time being, I humbly ask that you please be
patient.

Okay, so anyway…yeah. Syougo Kinugasa here. Are you doing all
right, everyone? I am a total mess right now.

Seriously, because of everything I’ve been through, I am utterly
exhausted. I’ve got a lot of stuff I’ve got to vent about. Usually when I have a
lot of free time on my hands, I feel like I get totally disheartened and
discouraged about writing, but this time, I experienced the total opposite.
“LET ME WRITE!!!” I was shouting that from the depths of my heart. When
you don’t have the time to do so, you truly realize just how grateful you are
to be able to work.

Well, there are a lot of depressing events going on in the world right
now, but I think there are some small things that have happened that weren’t
all bad. Since people haven’t been going out and have been encouraged to
stay at home, many restaurants have started selling bento boxes to go. This
has given me a chance to experience flavors from restaurants that I normally
used to just pass right by. When businesses are back to running like normal,
there are definitely a few restaurants that I’m going to visit.

Anyhow, this particular volume, which is the second volume of the

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year two arc, is on sale now. It acts as a prelude to the story in volumes three
and beyond. It was basically my idea to try to write about one special exam
per each book, but I can’t really say that’s the case this time around. Students
from each grade level are fighting hard to achieve victory. That alone makes
the story much longer.

This volume, more than any before it, really has that “To be continued”
feeling. So, in that sense, I think I’d really like to get the next volume out as
soon as possible. I think I’d like to get…two more books out before the end
of the year. Can I do it? Or not…? Anyway, please pay attention to that kind
of stuff sometimes too. You can’t get your hopes up too high though, okay?
☆

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