Chapter 320 It's Amazing Having a Reliable Boyfriend / Who is Cheshire Cat?
"There are 79 boys in total."
"True, so for the boys' side, one group can have at most 14 people."
"But I think even if we send out a team of 11 or 12, other classes might not necessarily bother to split one person off to join us."
"However, simply agreeing to Hirata-kun's suggestion and giving the leader position to another class doesn't seem right either... If we aren't willing to take any risks, our class's ranking in this exam will likely be in danger."
"Exactly! If the winning team ends up being the one with the most people and a leader from the same class, they could widen the gap with other classes in one go."
The students quickly engaged in a heated discussion. To put it bluntly, between these two proposals—one leaning toward risk and the other toward stability—neither was a perfect strategy.
Horikita Suzune frowned slightly. Just as she was about to speak, the phone of Kushida Kikyo, sitting next to her, vibrated. After checking the message, Kushida Kikyo slowly showed a look of realization. She stood up and spoke clearly, word for word:
"The proposals from Hirata-kun and Horikita-san—one leans toward being conservative to protect classmates, and the other aims for more class points. However, both are a bit too idealistic. This exam requires us to form teams with other classes. If we hand the leadership entirely to an outside class while our own class takes zero risk, or if we ask the other three classes to only let one of our students join each group, it's simply unrealistic from a practical standpoint.
Students from other classes... won't be that kind-hearted to cooperate with us."
"That makes sense..."
"True! I was thinking that too!"
"Then Kushida, what do you mean?"
"Hmph." Horikita Suzune immediately understood what was happening and couldn't help but let out a soft snort.
'Reasonable and well-argued... but these don't sound like words Kushida could come up with on her own.'
How many times had this been now? Three or four times? Shimizu Akira... was giving her advice behind the scenes again.
Kushida Kikyo smiled again.
"Don't be in such a hurry to discuss grouping! Right now, the most important thing—and what we need to avoid most—is being targeted by the other three classes and losing the initiative entirely.
According to the rules, joining a group requires the consent of all members, and a group must contain at least two classes. Take the girls as an example: there are 80 first-year girls. Each group is 10 to 15 people. Each class has exactly 20 girls. This means the other three classes have 60 people total; they could easily form six minimum-sized groups of 10 people each. This would completely isolate one class, preventing any girls from that class from joining."
"Chabashira-sensei!" She turned to the front. "Do the rules explain what happens if a class is completely isolated and the other classes refuse to let them join?"
Chabashira Sae stood up slowly and responded: "According to the rules, in such a case, all students who fail to form a group will be immediately expelled."
"What?! You can eliminate a whole class like that?"
"Wait, wouldn't that mean 20 people getting expelled at once?"
"If our class gets targeted, we won't even have a chance to take the exam?"
"Please don't worry, we still have Class B as an ally. In fact, we can be the ones targeting other classes," Kushida Kikyo replied with a smile.
"I'm raising this point not to actually force others into expulsion; personally, I don't agree with that method. Besides, Ichinose-san from Class B wouldn't agree to that plan in the first place. However, uniting with other classes to target a specific class and weaken their overall win rate is a strategy that is necessary to implement."
She paused and continued: "The target this time is Class A, the only one with class points exceeding 1,000. If Class B, C, and D form six groups and scatter Class A students into these six groups, it will be almost impossible for Class A to achieve a high rank in this special exam.
As for the specific personnel distribution of each group, we need to maintain fair negotiations with the two classes other than Class A. Whether it's a '14+1', '13+1+1', or '12+1+1+1' model, it can be decided through slow deliberation.
For groups seeking stability, we can give the group leader position to a Class A student. For groups like Horikita-san's that prioritize the probability of winning, we can negotiate with the other two classes to adopt a configuration of 12 people, adding 3 students from Class A, B, and D.
Actually, I have already contacted several well-known senpaisisters from the second and third years via phone. When we get off the bus to form groups, our class's larger teams can prioritize grouping with teams that also have strong overall strength. The probability of an overall victory will increase significantly.
I will be contacting the leaders of Class B and D soon to discuss this thoroughly.
That is 'my' thinking! This way, we can improve the class win rate without taking excessive risks. What does everyone think of this arrangement?" After finishing, Kushida Kikyo cast a slightly triumphant glance at Horikita Suzune, who had suddenly turned her head away, before slowly sitting down.
"Cooperating to surround Class A! I think that's a great idea!"
"Yeah, Class B, C, and D don't have many class points. The leaders of other classes shouldn't refuse!"
"There are both safe and adventurous groups. Personally, I want to take a challenge! I want to contribute to the class, and I'm running a bit low on private points anyway..."
"I still prefer to be safe. Joining a more insured group is better."
"Thanks to Kushida-san, we can already contact reliable senpais! Formulating groups this way makes it much easier to win!"
Horikita Suzune unconsciously pursed her lips.
She had to admit, as expected of Shimizu Akira's plan, it was nearly flawless in every aspect. It satisfied the majority's needs, allowing them to choose a group based on their own preference. Even while still on the bus, before arriving at the destination, the groundwork had been completely laid out.
However, after thinking for a few seconds, she couldn't help but pose a question: "I trust our classmates, and with Ichinose-san in Class B, it shouldn't be an issue. But how can you ensure Class D will cooperate? What if they betray us halfway through?"
Kushida Kikyo was clearly prepared.
"Horikita-san probably isn't aware, right? Since the winter break, the overt leadership of Class D has shifted to Kaneda Satoru and Shiina Hiyori. They are both rational people who understand mutual benefit, especially Shiina Hiyori on the girls' side, who has an excellent reputation. I don't believe they would lightly break an agreement."
These few words were almost a finishing blow.
Horikita Suzune had nothing left to say.
Her social circle was small to begin with, and she really hadn't paid much attention to Class D's movements lately. But if the counterpart was Shiina Hiyori—the girl she had briefly faced off against in reasoning on the island—it was indeed easy to trust.
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The discussion regarding the specific grouping didn't continue, as the boys and girls were eventually separated. Since the specific group numbers hadn't been finalized, they didn't discuss which specific people from other classes to team up with. In truth, discussing this on a bumpy bus was meaningless; it would ultimately depend on whether people from other classes were willing to cooperate.
Many suggested asking reliable seniors they were acquainted with to see if they could be assigned to the same Large Group. Partnering with acquaintances always made things run more smoothly.
Afterward, Ike Kanji specifically confirmed with Chabashira-sensei whether boys and girls could meet normally. He learned that they were only allowed to meet during the one-hour free time after dinner; otherwise, they had to remain strictly separated.
Hirata Yousuke then proposed that since the boys and girls lived separately, each side should elect a representative to facilitate timely coordination if problems arose. On the boys' side, Hirata Yousuke proactively took on that responsibility.
As for the girls' representative, it was naturally Kushida Kikyo.
"However, I might be a bit overwhelmed alone. If possible, I hope Horikita-san can also contribute to the class by acting as my deputy. Is that okay?" Kushida Kikyo seized the chance to invite Horikita Suzune.
"I understand. I will do my best to assist you." Horikita Suzune froze for a few seconds.
Though somewhat reluctant, she agreed for the sake of the class.
She gritted her teeth inwardly. According to her original plan, she should have been the one leading this special exam, with the other acting as her deputy. She hadn't expected the positions to be reversed.
'The natural order is totally flipped! Having a reliable boyfriend really is something!'
Kushida Kikyo: Just as I wrote in my diary~ as long as I bring up 'class contribution,' that woman will obediently take the bait.
Shimizu Akira put down his phone and shook his head helplessly.
This was a direct demonstration... Speaking of which, Akira hadn't actually flipped through many pages of Kikyo's diary. If it was really this effective, perhaps after this special exam, he should find time to read this masterpiece.
In a sense, the function of that diary was no less than his own daily intel.
Akira picked up his phone and sent a message specifically to Karuizawa Kei:
Shimizu Akira: How are things on your end? Do you plan to pick a safe route or a slightly riskier one?
She was sitting in the front, so he couldn't see her expression, but the phone soon vibrated.
Karuizawa Kei: Hmm... still considering. But I'll definitely be in a group with Maya and Chiaki. By the way, I've already contacted a senpai sister from the boxing club; she said she could consider grouping with our team!
It seemed he didn't need to worry too much about Karuizawa Kei's side. Akira remembered that the senpai sister who practiced boxing was from Class 3-A. Ichinose Honami's side wouldn't be an issue, and as for Haruka and Sakura Airi, Kushida Kikyo would likely look after them as well.
However, he added one more instruction.
Shimizu Akira: Kikyo, please also look after Kamuro Masumi and Yamamura Miki from Class A a bit.
After all, the main goal of this special exam was targeting Class A as a whole; he couldn't let his own people suffer regardless.
Handling this through Kikyo was perfect; she had agreed to his request for a harem, so there was no need to feel embarrassed asking. He would just repay her later.
As for Horikita Suzune, who was sitting not far away, constantly turning her head to glare at him or Kikyo... he would leave that Pokemon alone for now.
Since Kushida said she would make her the deputy, she wouldn't be left hanging.
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On the Class D bus.
Shiina Hiyori sent a message to Ryuen Kakeru:
Shiina Hiyori: I plan to unite with other classes to target Class A. What do you think, Ryuen-kun?
Ryuen Kakeru: Hmph, suit yourself. Just leave it to you and Kaneda for now.
Ibuki Mio, who had switched seats with a female classmate to sit next to Shiina Hiyori, curled her lip irritably.
"Why do you have to ask him everything? Isn't it better now that he's not the leader? If you ask me, he's just been beaten senseless—maybe he's never been thrashed that hard in his life. By the way, do you know exactly who did it?"
Shiina Hiyori let out a soft laugh.
"There are quite a few people Ryuen-kun can't beat. Koenji-kun, Ayanokouji-kun, and Sudo-kun from Class C, Kito-kun from Class A, and the senpai... however, this time it was actually Shimizu-kun."
"?!" Ibuki Mio's eyes widened. "What's the evidence?"
"I asked Ishizaki Daichi afterward. I tested him by mentioning a few names, and his eyes clearly twitched only when I mentioned 'Shimizu-kun.' Later, I went to Kondo Reon and told him 'Ishizaki has already confessed everything,' and he ended up telling me everything he knew." Hiyori's tone was peaceful.
"It was just as I thought. It really was Shimizu Akira."
"Ugh... as expected of you." Ibuki Mio was momentarily speechless.
"But it was really that guy? I always feel like with his personality, he doesn't seem like the type to get directly involved in a fight."
"...It's hard to say. You can't judge someone's true character based solely on how they usually look." Hiyori looked out the window.
"Just like how Ryuen-kun seems to have given up the leader position now; to me, it looks more like he's waiting for a certain timing to re-enter the field."
"Hah—can we stop talking about him!" Ibuki Mio snorted.
"Anyway, about targeting Class A... didn't that Sakayanagi woman help us during winter break? I feel a bit bad about it."
"Class stance is class stance; personal sentiment is personal sentiment." Shiina Hiyori turned her head.
"Regarding the issue of class confrontation, Sakayanagi-san and I have already reached an agreement."
"Oh... I see." Ibuki Mio replied in a low voice.
'Shiina is really excessively calm.'
Ibuki Mio suddenly felt a perverse desire to see her get emotional or agitated, even if just a little. And that sort of thing... probably only Shimizu Akira could achieve, right?
So, why on earth does that guy get to have a harem! He's just that... greedy for other girls' bodies, wanting the best of all worlds!
'No, I have to ask him properly when I have the chance.'
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The bus finally exited the highway and turned into a maintained mountain road. Since it was a forest school, the site was naturally selected among mountains and forests. After a few more minutes, the vehicle slowly stopped next to a wide sports field.
Chabashira-sensei stood up again.
"Next, we will immediately arrange for you to form groups indoors. After room assignments, you will have lunch, and the afternoon will be free time. In other words, today is a rest day; the special exam officially starts tomorrow. Is that understood?
I will now temporarily collect your phones. Please hand them over in order of the name list."
Students began getting off the bus with their luggage. When it was Akira's turn, he followed the person in front and placed his phone gently into the box.
'It seems I won't be able to contact others via phone again!'
Just like the island exam. To exchange info, one would have to rely on face-to-face communication.
"From here, I will not be accompanying the boys' group; female teachers will not go to the boys' area as a matter of principle." Chabashira-sensei added, "Shimizu Akira, step out for a moment. I have something to say to you."
Akira paused slightly.
' ...What is she planning now?'
Whether it was his imagination or not, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, standing behind him, seemed to cast a few extra glances this way. Since it was a teacher's command, Akira thought about it and followed Chabashira to a secluded corner.
"Shimizu-kun," Chabashira-sensei turned around and asked in a flat tone, "Do you know who 'Miao Miao' (Cheshire Cat) is?"
'Miao Miao... isn't that Sakayanagi Arisu?'
But then again, while Sakayanagi Arisu usually acted like she loved teasing people, she did use that account to provide cover for him in front of Shiina Hiyori back then. He had his own alt account as well; the two of them had a tacit agreement not to reveal each other's identities.
Thus, Akira answered bluntly: "It's not convenient to disclose."
Chabashira Sae frowned.
"You won't even tell me?"
'Who are you? Are we that close?' Akira almost said it out loud, but after a thought, he just twitched his mouth.
"Yes."
"...I see." Chabashira Sae's expression was not great. She waved her hand.
"Then head back to your group."
The two returned to the group one after the other. At that moment, a male teacher came over and signaled for the boys to follow him to a large area resembling a gymnasium for grouping.
"See you guys tonight!"
"Yeah, we'll see each other in the evening!"
The boys and girls said their goodbyes. Akira nodded to Horikita Suzune, Kushida Kikyo, and Karuizawa Kei, without saying anything. They would meet at night anyway.
He followed the lead teacher, scouting the surroundings. The sports field here was very wide, with two school buildings side-by-side nearby: the Boys' Wing and the Girls' Wing. After entering the building, they passed several classrooms along the way; those were likely the places for future lessons.
"What did Chabashira-sensei want with you?" Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, walking behind, suddenly asked.
"Nothing much. Just asked me who 'Miao Miao' is."
"It's Sakayanagi Arisu, right?"
"You figured it out?"
"Yeah.
Cheshire Cat is the cat from Alice in Wonderland. In this school, I only know one 'Alice' (Arisu)."
"Well... the hint was indeed quite obvious."
In fact, when Sakayanagi Arisu chose that name, she probably anticipated people might guess it. But then again, what message did she send to Chabashira-sensei using her alt account?
To make Chabashira run over and directly question him about her identity...
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A few minutes later, the Class D boys were brought to a spacious area resembling a gymnasium. Students from other classes seemed to have arrived earlier. From a distance, Akira saw Ryuen Kakeru leaning against the wall alone. On the other side, Hashimoto Masayoshi waved his hand with a smile:
"Shimizu-kun, and everyone from Class C, good afternoon!"
As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face; Akira nodded in response.
"Hashimoto, good afternoon." Speaking of which, because of that flashlight, Akira had specifically found Hashimoto on Christmas to return a gift of similar value.
A few minutes later, the second and third-year senpais entered the gymnasium. Nagumo Miyabi, Horikita Manabu, Club President Sato... Kiriyama Ikuto—familiar faces appeared one after another.
Kiriyama Ikuto was following behind Nagumo Miyabi, the two of them saying something to each other. During the winter break, Kiriyama had messaged him to wait a few days. He had waited three days after three days, but until now, the two hadn't had a chance for a proper private talk.
It seemed the other party was indeed swamped in the Student Council.
About ten minutes later, a male teacher stepped onto the stage and picked up a microphone.
"You should already understand the exam content. Next, each grade is to discuss internally and form six groups and corresponding Large Groups. The final decision must be completed by 8:00 PM tonight. Additionally: regarding the formation and decision of groups, the school will not interfere regardless of size, nor will it act as an arbitrator.
At that time, those who fail to form a group and teams that have not decided on a Responsible Person will be subject to expulsion. Please conduct yourselves accordingly."
"Must decide by 8:00 PM..."
"And have to pick a leader or the whole team gets expelled? That's too much!"
After the teacher stepped down, the surroundings immediately erupted with noisy discussions. Just then, Class A separated into a 13-person team. The leader, Matoba, said:
"Everyone, we in Class A have decided to adopt a '13+7' model. Our group is currently short one person. It would be great if a student is willing to join."
"Wait! You guys are thinking wishfully! Why should our class cooperate with you?" a student from another class immediately retorted.
"If you don't agree, you can do the same," Matoba responded calmly.
"You three classes can adopt a '13+1' strategy and let the rest form groups freely. Why call me despicable? Rather, I personally recommend the rest of the classes do the same."
Kanzaki Ryuji of Class B stepped out: "Why must it be '13+1'? Why can't it be '12+1+1' or '11+1+1+1'? If it's one of those, I could personally accept it."
"That would leave too many people isolated," Matoba retorted immediately.
Kaneda Satoru of Class D adjusted his glasses.
"Alright, Matoba-kun, let's stop beating around the bush. None of us are idiots. Everyone knows a two-class combination doesn't get any base multiplier rewards. If the other classes do what you say, even if they win, they'd only get thirty or forty class points—that's the result most beneficial to Class A. You really went to great lengths to stabilize Class A's position. Then don't blame us."
He continued with a cold smile, "We have decided to join forces with Class B and Class C to form six groups together. I hope the members of Class A will follow the arrangement and join our groups separately. Otherwise... hehe..."
"What?!" Matoba was stunned. He turned to Kanzaki Ryuji: "Hey, Kanzaki! You guys are being this cold? Isn't your class full of good-hearted people?"
Kanzaki Ryuji's face was calm.
"That was Ichinose-san's decision; it has nothing to do with me personally. Furthermore, this is inherently part of class confrontation."
Matoba then turned to Hirata Yousuke: "Hirata! Even you are targeting us? Haven't you always advocated for peaceful coexistence?"
"Please rest assured, we will not allow any member of Class A to be expelled, nor will we ask you to cover private points," Hirata Yousuke lowered his head.
"In this special exam, we only hope that Class A can be split up. This is all for our respective class interests, to protect our classmates as much as possible, so... I'm sorry."
Matoba wanted to say something, but the teacher's words flashed through his mind.
'Grouping, regardless of size, has nothing to do with the school. The school will not intervene as an arbitrator.'
This meant if he persisted in objecting and offended these people, these three classes really could force all 20 of them into expulsion.
"...I understand." Matoba grit his teeth.
"We will do as you say. I only hope that within the groups, you won't target our classmates too much... I'm asking you." He turned and retreated to the Class A group.
'Checkmate!'
On the boys' side, it was basically impossible for Class A to achieve a high rank. But then again... whether it was his imagination or not, since Sakayanagi Arisu took power, Class A seemed to lose especially thoroughly in every special exam.
He couldn't help but look back at the bald boy who originally planned to be the leader.
"Don't be too discouraged, and don't blame Sakayanagi. This couldn't be helped."
Facing the low-morale Class A, Katsuragi's voice carried an air of reassuring reliability.
"The rules of this special exam were intentionally designed by the school to prevent Class A from dominating alone. As long as the other three classes aren't stupid, they will definitely team up like this. However, there is good news. Although we are split up, the risk we need to bear and the expected returns are minimal. If a group doesn't want to bear the risk and insists on a Class A member being the leader... I can take that role."
Katsuragi spoke very objectively. He didn't take the opportunity to kick Sakayanagi Arisu while she was down, nor did he incite dissatisfaction; instead, he led by example, volunteering for the risk.
So, would Sakayanagi Arisu lead by example and volunteer as a leader too?
This person... might actually be a quite reliable leader. Such a thought involuntarily flashed through the minds of many Class A students present.
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