Chapter 322 Kei: A Massive Profit / Chabashira: I'm Contributing to the Class!
The cafeteria was enormous. According to the materials distributed on the bus this morning, it can accommodate up to 500 people, putting it on par with the school's main cafeteria.
Shimizu Akira scanned the room; it was a sea of people, seemingly even more crowded than usual school mealtimes.
This was an isolated residential exam, after all.
With no convenience stores, no other restaurants, and no way to cook for themselves, everyone had to eat here. Long queues snaked from every service window; for a moment, it felt like the chaos of the first day of school all over again.
Akira carried his tray and finally managed to find an empty seat. He didn't see a single person he knew. Again, there were just too many people. From queuing to getting his food, nearly twenty minutes had passed. Without a phone, even if he wanted to find Kushida Kikyo, Horikita Suzune, or Ichinose Honami, he had no idea where they were.
"Akira-kun!"
"Shimizu-kun is over here!"
Just then, he heard familiar voices. Turning, he saw Karuizawa Kei, Sato Maya, and Matsushita Chiaki waving at him. They came over and sat down beside him.
"Kei, Sato, Matsushita!" Akira let out a breath of relief and waved back. Finally, some classmates. Kei sat naturally next to him, while Sato and Matsushita took the seats opposite.
"How are things on your end? Did grouping go smoothly?" Akira asked casually as he snapped his disposable chopsticks apart.
"Mhm... our group was very smooth. we've joined a Large Group with the senpais from the boxing club. The senpai said she'd look after us," Kei nodded.
"The overall class arrangement went well too. Thanks to Kushida-san's push, we formed '12+1+1+1' structures with Classes B and D. Most of the main groups found reliable senior teams," Matsushita added, providing the broader details.
"But Sakayanagi from Class A didn't seem bothered at all. She actually took a girl named Kamuro and joined a group made of the leftover scattered students," Sato Maya remarked with a pout.
'So the Little Princess had a plan all along.'
At least Akira now knew Masumi's status. If she was with Sakayanagi, there shouldn't be any major issues.
"I still don't quite get why the school set up this joint responsibility," Kei complained instinctively.
"The three of us didn't go with the main force; our leader is from Class B. What if we get picked for expulsion? That would be awful."
Akira explained: "Take Hirata's group, for example. If someone from another class intentionally caused trouble and scored a zero, our group would definitely be last. In that case, the leader can forcibly drag that troublemaker down with them. So, joint responsibility is a necessary deterrent to ensure every student takes the exam seriously. Just follow the school's arrangements and prepare; there shouldn't be much of a problem."
"Oh!" Kei nodded, finally understanding.
"Then, Shimizu-kun, what do you think the final exam will be?" Sato Maya looked up, her eyes curious.
"I'm not sure yet, but there's a high probability of a public speaking component," Akira answered slowly.
"When Horikita-senpai was moderating the grouping earlier, the school staff reacted very noticeably to the self-presentation stage. Plus, the handbook mentioned a speech section."
"Wow, you noticed a detail like that?! You're amazing, Shimizu!" Sato's eyes sparkled.
'Is it just me, or is Sato being exceptionally proactive today?'
"Hmph..." Kei glared at her best friend. She knew exactly what Sato was up to—trying to rack up favor with Akira by praising him.
Since Sato hadn't managed to win him over in the second semester, she was clearly planning to fulfill her promise to officially pursue him starting in the third!
Matsushita Chiaki cut in, "Shimizu-kun, could you briefly tell us about your side? We can relay it to Horikita and Kushida when we get back."
Akira briefly explained the boys' grouping situation.
"What?! You're in a group with Ryuen Kakeru?" Kei gave him a worried look.
"He won't try to get revenge, will he?"
"He won't." Akira shook his head instantly. If Ryuen dared to act up... he'd just give him a thrashing at night. If one wasn't enough, he'd do it twice. If twice wasn't enough, three times.
After another ten minutes, they had mostly finished eating.
"...Sato, Matsushita, you guys go ahead. I want to talk to Akira-kun a bit more," Kei said with a light cough.
"What about you? Can you get back alone? It's pitch black out," Sato blinked. It was winter, nearly 7:00 PM, and total darkness outside. Returning with the crowd was safe, but going alone was a bit worrying. Sato knew Kei wanted alone time, but her concern for Kei's safety outweighed any jealousy.
"Don't worry about me." Kei pumped a fist playfully.
"I'm much braver now!"
"I happen to have a flashlight. Use it on your way back. Boxing really has changed you!" Matsushita shook her head helplessly, handing a small flashlight to Kei.
With that, Matsushita and Sato picked up their trays and left. Once they were gone, Akira flicked Kei lightly on the forehead.
"Don't make them worry. Let me see if I can find a girl to walk back with you."
Perhaps he was overthinking, but given her history, the idea of her being locked in a locker in the dark wasn't impossible. He truly cared about her fear of the dark.
"It's fine, I'm really not afraid of the dark anymore!" Kei insisted.
"Right, I got it."
"Akira-kun, do you think... the three of us will really be okay? Actually, I have zero confidence in public speaking..." She lowered her head, her voice trailing off.
'She still gets nervous easily...'
Not afraid of the dark but still a scaredy-cat—what a combination. Silly girl.
The cafeteria was mostly empty now. Akira reached out and gently ruffled her hair.
"Relax, you'll be fine. When you give your speech, don't look at their eyes—look at their noses. Your group leader is from Class B, right? I'll ask Honami to mention it so you don't get selected for expulsion."
Kei felt her cheeks flush at the hair-ruffle; it felt wonderful. But hearing the second half, her expression slumped.
'Asking his girlfriend to protect me...'
Her feelings suddenly became complicated.
To be fair, she liked Akira, but she didn't plan to rush into a confession.
She had thoroughly reflected on her previous attempts—the first was too utilitarian, the second too hasty. As the saying goes, third time's the charm. She had to plan this properly. She was going to follow the "man-catching experience" passed down by the senpais in the boxing club, step by step.
"Actually... I noticed a few more details on the girls' side," Kei whispered, lowering her voice.
"For example, Sakayanagi-san's group has zero members from Class B. She told Ichinose-san to her face that she 'doesn't trust anyone from Class B,' and she blamed the three classes' alliance against Class A entirely on Ichinose, saying she isn't a 'purely good person' at all."
"What the hell? Targeting Class A once makes her 'not a good person'?" Akira was speechless. Not being expelled was already a courtesy, yet she was being picky? By her logic, a good person should just obey her and pursue low-multiplier groups?
"I feel something isn't right... Sakayanagi looked extremely confident, while Ichinose-san looked terrible. Ichinose has been very down since this afternoon. I wonder how she is now," Kei added.
"I see. Thanks."
'Honami is in a bad mood...'
He scanned the cafeteria but didn't see her. He'd have to find a chance to talk to her later.
"Oh, and a third thing! Remember that white-haired senior we met while running last time? Kiryuin Fuka—she's in our group, but she doesn't seem to get along with the others. Do you think I should try to help her?"
"Mhm, help if you can. But don't worry about her too much," Akira nodded.
"Kiryuin-senpai... is actually quite good at fighting."
"Is that so! Another impressive senpai!" Kei's eyes sparkled.
Kei's luck with protectors was actually quite good. She met him at the start, joined the boxing club, and met reliable senpais. If she could befriend Kiryuin Fuka, she wouldn't have to worry about bullies even after becoming a second-year.
"Akira-kun! I'll secretly keep an eye on the other classes and check on the girls' side for you. In the future... should we meet regularly near this table? I can tell you what I've found!" Kei seized the opportunity to make her request.
"Yeah... sure. Thanks, Kei." Akira agreed without hesitation.
"Mhm!" Kei looked down, a triumphant smile spreading across her lips. It was exactly as the senpais said—with a guy like Akira, just acting spoiled isn't enough. You have to be useful. Helping him is how you increase favorability! Sato definitely wouldn't have thought of this. This move didn't just help him; it secured regular meetings.
'A massive profit!'
Then she got flicked on the forehead again.
"What are you giggling about? Think about what you want as a reward. Since you're helping me so much, I have to repay you."
"You protect me so much already, doing this is a small thing!" Kei blurted out. But a second later, she realized—this was a rare chance to make a demand!
"Ahem! I take that back!"
"You can take it back?"
"I-I was just being polite! So... give me some time to think about what I want you to do for me!"
"Fine, fine. Take your time." Akira smiled helplessly.
She was his manager, after all; her intel was genuinely useful, so a request wasn't overboard. Besides, he really did need someone to monitor the girls... Kushida had to watch the class, Horikita wasn't suited for it, Honami was exhausted, and Masumi was with Sakayanagi. Kei was actually the perfect candidate.
"By the way, even in a residential camp, keep up your exercise. Wake up on time to run, don't miss boxing practice, and don't get lazy."
"Got it!"
She agreed quickly. Finally, Akira still wasn't comfortable letting her walk back alone. Checking the time, there were ten minutes left before the curfew—the period when boys and girls were forbidden from meeting. He walked her all the way to the girls' dormitory entrance.
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The next day, Akira woke up exactly at 5:00 AM. He dressed quietly, scanning the dorm. Except for Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, who suddenly opened his eyes and gave him a silent look that startled him, everyone else seemed asleep. Ishizaki Daichi was snoring loud enough to shake the walls.
Eh?
On the single bed, Koenji Rokusuke was also sitting up.
"Yo? Shimizu-boy, care to follow behind me for a pleasant morning workout?" he asked with a chuckle.
"No thanks, I'm used to training alone. You go ahead."
Akira put on his tracksuit and watched Koenji leave first before climbing down. Following Koenji... who knew what kind of training that would lead to? By the way, the single bed was eventually given to Koenji by Miyake Akito.
The condition was that Koenji should try to cooperate during the exam and not cause trouble. Koenji neither agreed nor refused; he just snorted and took the bed.
Akira shook his head and started his morning routine. He had just lectured Kei yesterday—he had to stick to it himself.
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Around 6:00 AM, a cheerful assembly tune played over the speakers in the sports field. Akira jogged back to the dorm, running into Koenji, who had also finished his workout, at the door. Inside, the music had woken everyone up.
"Koenji, Shimizu, you just got back from training?" Yukimura Teruhiko asked, sounding relieved.
"Quickly wipe the sweat and change. Don't slow down the group's cleanup routine," Katsuragi reminded them.
"Hehe~ I thought you'd complain more," Koenji laughed. "But I'm curious, how did you know Shimizu-boy went to the field to train?"
"Because I left a note." Akira picked up a slip of paper from the desk.
"Since this is a group effort, we don't have phones, and it's the first day, I wanted to avoid worrying anyone."
"As expected of Shimizu, so thorough," Hashimoto Masayoshi called out from the top bunk.
"Since assembly is at 6:00, I'll be back ten minutes early tomorrow and leave a note in the same spot," Akira said as he wiped sweat and started brushing his teeth.
Yesterday, the school had given every student an electronic watch. Without phones, managing time was vital, and this was one way the school reinforced time discipline. Akira had asked for pen and paper during the voting stage; the habit of leaving notes was unexpectedly convenient.
Hearing this, Ryuen Kakeru, who had just woken up with morning grumpiness, was slightly speechless. He had expected an argument this morning because those two had disappeared! Instead, this guy had solved it in three sentences.
"Ryuen! Change your clothes! You're the slowest; even Ishizaki is done. Are you going to make everyone wait for you?" Miyake Akito criticized him out of the blue.
"Screw off! At worst, we all get expelled!" Ryuen cursed, but his movements noticeably quickened.
A few minutes later, the group reached the designated classroom five minutes before assembly. They were relatively fast; they saw students from several other dorms still scrambling to change clothes. Moments later, the 2nd and 3rd year senpais entered the room. A male teacher pushed the door open.
"I am Onodera, the homeroom teacher for Class 3-B. We will begin roll call. Afterward, please proceed to the designated outdoor area for cleaning. This is a fixed daily task. If it rains,
outdoor cleaning is canceled, but indoor cleaning time will double; the total duration will not decrease.
Also, starting today, classes will be handled not just by school teachers, but by instructors from various fields. Mind your manners; be proactive in greeting them and remain polite."
Roll call ended quickly. Akira's Large Group was assigned to the fallen leaf area on the east side of the teaching building.
"Tch, how long is this going to take?" Ishizaki grumbled, holding a broom reluctantly.
"Complaining is useless, just start." Katsuragi was already sweeping with efficient movements.
Koenji Rokusuke didn't touch a tool; he just stood leisurely to the side.
"I don't have the habit of acting as a subordinate~"
"Koenji, these are school rules," Miyake frowned. "If we don't sweep, the whole group loses points."
"Hehe~ losing points is fine. After all, isn't Miyake-boy the one at the bottom?"
"If you're going to be that arrogant, I can take you with me when I get expelled."
"I don't mind~ I don't care if I'm expelled anyway."
Previously, Akira hadn't cared what Koenji did because it didn't directly affect him.
But now it was different.
They were a group. If Koenji acted out or performed poorly, the one getting expelled would be Miyake Akito. Akira actually liked Miyake; he didn't say much, but he was sincere to his friends, even willing to protect Ryuen, taking the risk of being the leader, and even dragging Koenji into the group. A good person like that shouldn't be expelled because of Koenji's whims.
"Koenji?" Akira spoke up. "Do you really not care about being expelled?"
Koenji turned.
"Shimizu-boy seems to be about to say something very interesting?"
"You're lying. If you truly didn't care, you wouldn't have bothered coming to school on time every day since the start, and you wouldn't have followed the rules in previous exams. You actually don't want to be expelled."
He paused, looking at Miyake and then back at Koenji.
"Miyake took the risk to bring you into the team, he gave you the single bed, and he's not asking you to walk through fire—just to sweep the ground. Refusing to cooperate is a bit much, don't you think?"
"Koenji, please," Yukimura joined in.
"You helped Ike in the last pairing exam. You aren't taking any risk in this camp; what's the harm in putting in a little effort? Think of it as exercise."
"There's a difference between being a bit lazy and doing nothing at all, Koenji," Ayanokouji added flatly.
Koenji's gaze swept across his classmates, and he suddenly laughed. He took the broom Hashimoto offered.
"Fine, I admit it—I indeed don't want to be expelled, and I've always wanted to finish this exam with minimum participation. My, my~ Shimizu-boy has stated it so bluntly again."
He shook the broom.
"Since you all took turns and even brought up 'exercise'... fine, I'll cooperate. But, Ayanokouji, I don't intentionally suppress my strength like you. Everything depends on my mood that day~ Hehe, maybe on the last day I'll be in a good mood and carry you all to first place?"
"Hey, Koenji, you're just tamed like that?!" Ryuen shouted.
"Where's your dignity and backbone?! Weren't you the one who claimed to be a free man?!"
He had dealt with Koenji before. The guy always looked down on everyone; when did he become so easy to talk to? He was too soft-eared! He listened just because Akira advised him? Pathetic!
"Ryuen-boy, don't mind me," Koenji glanced at him lazily.
"Where is your dignity and backbone? Didn't they vanish completely back on that rooftop? I'm not very interested in losers~ go back to pestering Shimizu-boy."
"What?!"
"You dare insult Ryuen-san like that?!"
Albert and Ishizaki charged over. The impulsive Albert even threw a punch. But before Koenji could act, Miyake Akito stepped forward and firmly caught Albert's arm.
Miyake was a former delinquent; he knew how to fight. Yukimura and Ayanokouji immediately surrounded them, taking a protective stance around Koenji.
"Hey! Albert, what do you think you're doing?!"
"My, my... interesting! How fascinating!" Koenji laughed and clapped his hands.
"I never thought the day would come where I'd be protected by my classmates~"
It was all because Akira had improved the class too much. Now, when they saw someone attacking a classmate, their first instinct was to protect their own.
That feeling—actually, it wasn't bad.
"Dragon-boy! I personally don't mind a trip to the rooftop either!"
Koenji gave him a half-smile.
The feeling of being protected was much better than being hated and nagged at. Koenji had been very comfortable in Class C lately.
Occasionally, he didn't mind lifting a finger to brush away annoying insects from other classes.
'Damn it!'
Ryuen felt a chill down his spine. Koenji remembered him now?! And mentioned the rooftop? He hadn't intended to start a real feud; he was just running his mouth, but his underlings had charged in.
They were digging a hole for him! And wait—was this group actually becoming more united because of his presence?!
"Hey! You over there, what are you doing?! Stop at once!"
Finally, seniors from the 2nd or 3rd year noticed the commotion and shouted them down, preventing a conflict that would have lost them points.
The cleaning work finally continued.
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The Girls' Building.
"Alright, next is the Zen (meditation) class."
"You will need to practice Zen during the day and evening. Please keep that in mind."
Chabashira Sae cleared her throat.
"Eh? I thought we could eat after sweeping..."
"Exactly, meditation on top of that..."
The complaints came mostly from other first-year groups.
Kushida Kikyo and the other Class C girls said nothing, giving their homeroom teacher plenty of face. Unlike cleaning, meditation classes involved mixing several Large Groups.
After giving the instructions, Chabashira's mind drifted back to this morning. On the bus, the "Cheshire Cat" account had sent another message.
Cheshire Cat: In this special exam, make Ayanokouji Kiyotaka or Shimizu Akira act seriously. Given your IQ, I'll be explicit: make sure the group they are in takes first place to counter other classes. Understand? Chabashira Sae.
Recalling it now, she still felt a flash of anger.
'Who is this?!'
Issuing her orders again... and "given your IQ"? That was too insulting! She had to find out who this was, or she'd be blackmailed forever.
That's why she had been so eager to ask Akira about the identity of the "Cheshire Cat" this morning, only to be flatly brushed off.
Seriously... he wouldn't even tell her?
Then again, Chabashira had suffered at Ayanokouji's hands at the end of the second semester and was warned not to threaten him anymore.
Akira was also off-limits for threats. But then she shook her head. She never felt she was "threatening" Akira.
From the start, she had used clear benefits in exchange for his help. Continuing to give him perks to make him move shouldn't be a problem, right? Ayanokouji shouldn't have any objections to that!
It was decided. She'd try to pry the identity of the Cheshire Cat out of him while, as usual, getting him to lead his group to first place. The problem was she was in the girls' area, and teachers ate separately from students.
To pass a message, she had to go through a female student.
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After the morning meditation, Sakura Airi felt unwell. Her neck and shoulders were incredibly stiff. Her constitution wasn't great to begin with, and... the weight of a certain part of her body made maintaining the posture extra difficult. While many girls in class secretly envied her figure, saying it was a "blessing," for her, it was mostly inconvenience and fatigue.
'Ugh... after Shimizu-kun massaged me last time, it felt so good... I wish there was a next time.'
Unfortunately, since that time, the three of them hadn't had a chance like that again. In this camp, with boys and girls separated, it was hard even to see him.
"Sakura-san, step out for a moment." While eating with her group, her name was called. She looked up to see Chabashira-sensei beckoning her from a distance. She quickly stood and walked over.
"Ch... Chabashira-sensei, did you need me for something?"
Chabashira Sae quickly stuffed a folded note into her hand.
"Sakura, please deliver this note to Shimizu-kun. It's official business regarding the class's development. Don't peek. Find a chance to give it to him during dinner tonight."
Chabashira lowered her voice, her tone serious.
"You must even keep this from Hasebe Haruka. Don't tell anyone, understand?"
"U-um... I understand." Sakura Airi nodded timidly. With her personality, she wouldn't ask questions.
"Good. Thank you. Good girl, Sensei will remember your contribution to the class." Chabashira smiled satisfactorily and turned to leave.
Sakura held the note, standing there in a daze before tucking it into her pocket. A moment later, she had a delayed realization.
'Official business regarding class development...?'
If she remembered correctly, the rules of the special exam prohibited teachers from directly interfering in student decisions... If Chabashira-sensei did this, wasn't it a violation of the rules?
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