Classroom Of The Elite 2nd Year - Full Volume
Chapter 2's
Ichinose asked Machida, confident in his approach. But of course, this was something that Class A had already predicted what he was asking.
"... Yes, there is a way to clear the exam easily and definitely" One of the students from Class A suddenly spoke up. Neither Ichinose nor Hamaguchi could hide their shock at this.
"... Can you explain your strategy to us?" he asked them
"Of course, we're a 'group', so it's natural to share that kind of information" Machida, no, the whole Class A comes with a very simple strategy.
"The strategy we got was .. to not speak at all from the beginning of the exam until it was over," He said it loud enough to us, sitting on the sidelines of the discussion, to hear it too. It seemed like Karuizawa and Sotomura also understood his point.
"well, that's a pretty unique plan, but how do you propose to complete the exam without discussion at all Or do you suggest that the identity of ‘target’ remain hidden until the end?" Rather than Ichinose, it was Hamaguchi who cut and spoke.
"Indeed, the real shortcut to completing this exam as efficiently as possible is to do it without talking to each other at all." Machida.
"I can't believe this, it's starting to make us think that ‘target’ is an A class student and this action was taken to help protect their identity while sharing information among your classmates only." Of course, if that ‘target’ is already in your class, there is no need to talk to anyone else or participate in any discussions. It was undeniable that Hamaguchi would suspect them afterwards. Not just Hamaguchi, but what if everyone suspects them afterwards.
"No, it doesn't matter which class ‘target’ comes from, if we don't talk to each other, we can win, that's the strategy Katsuragi-san made for us"
"Katsuragi-kun?. I understand" Ichinose seemed to understand as well when he heard the name Katsuragi mentioned. Machida then turned towards Yukimura who seemed to not understand his explanation, and began to explain his strategy.
"There are only four possible outcomes in this exam, I'm sure you've briefed them all. What do you think we should avoid in this exam?" Machida suddenly turned towards Karuizawa and asked him a question.
"Ehhh ... the result where someone takes into account the identity of ‘target’ and betrays
that group?"
"To be exact, when a traitor appears, we lose as a group. Whether the traitor answers correctly or incorrectly, both ways cause harm. But, thinking otherwise, what about the possibility of another outcome?" Machida looked towards Yukimura for an answer.
"Other possible results? Results where the negative results did not occur?"
"Right, there is no loss in either of the two possible outcomes that may occur. Class points will not go up or down drastically and in addition we also get a large amount of personal points. The only loser in this scenario is school. No need to search for "targets". By discussing among ourselves, we will only suspect each other as a hidden ‘target’ and eventually slip somewhere and make a mistake”
"We realize how powerful this strategy is to some extent, as long as we do not know which class belongs to ‘target ‘, there is always the possibility that the distance of points between classes can widen further. ‘target’ is owned by a certain class and eventually supports that class, saying that the class can earn millions of points in the form of personal points. Although the class points themselves will not be affected, I'm sure everyone understands the impact. Personal points can be made for the class."
Hamaguchi is right, personal points are also very useful. One can buy test scores for example, or even change classes depending on how one chooses to use them. Hamaguchi was right in assuming that "targets" could choose to support their class by using those personal points in such a way. But this argument will not work against Class A, after all, Katsuragi must have realized the "tricks" hidden in this exam. Instead, they would not boldly propose this strategy to us.
"Think carefully, schools will definitely not give classes an unfair advantage in tests like this. Essentially they emphasize their neutral attitude before the exam begins at the briefing. Of course there is no denying, the fact that there is only one ‘target’ in each group, but that is not important, the important thing is that every class has a 'equivalent' chance to have ‘target’. There is no denying the fact that in this exam, Class A and Class D will start with the same starting line" Machida said.
For those who ignore Katsuragi's strategy, they will naturally insist that there will be no discussion and allow points to be shared equally among the classes regardless of which class is the "target" But Hamaguchi responded to Class A's unexpected suggestion immediately.
"I admit the school made sure every class started together in fairness and if you took their word for it, of course you practiced unmistakable thinking. But we can't confirm that fact anymore". It was a difficult truth, but Hamaguchi did his best to voice it. The school will definitely try to avoid prejudice by not assigning "targets" in certain classes. That would be easy for anyone to guess.
"I'm sure you understand, too, but by talking to each other now, we will only create suspicion and doubt and can cause damage in our group relationships. There is a possibility that you will find ‘target’ like this, but you also run the risk of traitors appearing and causing the group to suffer for their own sake. " Machida continued.
"You're right, it's not a bad thing if we all benefit while the school loses in the process" Ichinose said as he accepted Katsuragi's strategy made for the test. Machida looked at us with a face that seemed to say that he was the one who proposed the logical course of action, but it seemed that Ichinose was unwilling to accept their strategy well.
"But to execute such a strategy would be difficult, perhaps even more difficult than if we were just talking to each other. I will not speak, I will not hesitate and I will not betray, unless every disciple here can obey that. Such a strategy is useless. Since this school has been guaranteed anonymity for students, mutual trust in each other is also an issue. It would be great if the points could be shared equally with all of us at the end, but wouldn't there be a risk of someone breaking that trust and taking the points for themselves as well? "
In this case, one student in one class will earn points for himself while hiding them from the rest of the class. It would indeed bring an awkward atmosphere. It seemed like Katsuragi's plan was to stand out to the defense, almost like building a barrier for the group. That's strategy.
Getting the cooperation of everyone in the group is bound to be difficult, but the strategy itself only requires someone not to talk at all, a simple tactic that everyone can easily follow. This can almost be said to be a strategy that overturns school plans and makes exam debates early on.
"Is this okay? I don't see any problem in this. Once the exam is over, we can talk to each other in our class and share the points from the exam" Sotomura's Sensitivity seems to also be given by the students from Class C, since the girl named Manabe also approves of it.
"I also agree, as long as we can share the points after the exam is over, it doesn't matter. Better than running the risk of a traitor appearing and sabotaging the group, it is also unrealistic to try and figure out ‘target’ just by talking to each other " Yukimura seemed to think hard while saying that, but even he did not raise any objections to the strategy. Feeling that the resistance had subsided, Machida laughed a little.
"I want to get the approval of the group, is it okay? If you agree with his strategy, please raise your hand" he said later. Yukimura and Sotomura from Class D as well as some students from Class C wavered at that moment, but after a while, despite scattering, they raised their hands.
"Ibuki-san, what about you? Maybe we can hear your opinion too?" Ichinose then asked Ibuki.
"I have absolutely no opinion, after all nothing is happening right now, so continue on as you wish" It seems Ibuki is not willing to give anything at this stage. He was clearly different from the other three disciples from Class C. Since Manabe and the others were not surprised by it, it seemed like this was the usual attitude of Ibuki.
"I understand, that's your response. What about Karuizawa-san?"
"that's right.. I'm very upset about this whole thing, do we get points, or do I get points is a different matter? not that we will get guaranteed points by talking to each other, right? ... I just thought this exam was quickly completed so that I could go back to having fun” Although Karuizawa only said what was on her mind, it seemed like her words were also rebounding to some other disciples.
"Then what about Hamaguchi-kun?"
"We will leave our decision to Ichinose-san" he quickly replied to her. It seemed like the trust towards Ichinose from his class was unshakable as the other two disciples from Class B also nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, then lastly, what about Ayanokouji-kun?" Ichinose then turned to ask me who was the last person who had not given their opinion.
"I think that strategy doesn't matter, besides, after all the majority have agreed with it and I'm the kind of person who is bad at talking" I said that for the sake of Katsuragi's strategy. But. that doesn't mean he will accept Katsuragi's proposed strategy obediently. Or rather, if they just needed to duck down and accept the current here, the future of Class B would be something dark because in Katsuragi's strategy, there was an element that was hard to agree on.
"It's been decided" Machida spoke.
"Wait, Machida-kun... It's not that Katsuragi-kun's strategy is a good thing, there's no need to doubt anyone, look for anyone or hurt anyone. I can understand why everyone wants to follow this strategy. It's hard to see any flaws in this strategy, but if you think about it carefully, isn't it because you're from Class A so you can propose such a strategy? There are flaws that we cannot see hidden in this strategy. “ Ichinose makes a nice answer that almost looks like a submerged submarine and suddenly emerges from the sea with a splash.
"The concealed? What'sthat?" Yukimura asked Ichinose in a voice that did not seem to think about it that far.
"Indeed, assuming each class has an equal chance of having ‘target’ assigned to it, not talking to each other is the best way to earn a lot of points for all of us. There is only the advantage of this strategy in that. However, it would be unfair for the lower classes to just let this opportunity go, "he explained.
"Th-that's! ...."
"We still don't know how many special exams there will be before graduation and the difference that Class A currently has from other classes is incredible. The strategy of cooperation with other classes also carried over during the exam on the island. In other words, whenever there is an exam, Class A will continue to use this strategy so that the final position of the class does not change until graduation "Ichinose explains.
Yukimura's face immediately stiffened to that explanation, as if wondering how she hadn't noticed such a simple thing. Machida has put forward his plans so cleverly that everyone's attention is focused only on avoiding "losses" that they don't consider anything else. That is why even Yukimura is quick to accept it without considering its long-term results.
"Even if we can really earn points this way, I can't ignore such a valuable opportunity" Ichinose concluded.
"It looks like Ichinose-san has already made his decision, we will follow in his footsteps" Hamaguchi said.
"Wait a minute, Ichinose, I know what you want to say, but if we act according to your plan, there is only one possible outcome. But even if we all work together, all classes will get the same amount of points. The result you want will not happen or are you trying to find out ‘target’ through discussion and Class B will betray us to get all the points in one blow? You purposely asked everyone if they wanted the first result now, but I don't think you can be trusted " Machida said.
"You said that the distance between classes would not change well, but it was wrong. Look at the number of students from each class. 4 from Class D and C. 3 from A and B. Wherever the point value of each class will be accepted will change and differences can also change, right?"
“Indeed, but did you and Class B with a smaller amount receive this result? Are you good enough to sacrifice your class position to help the lower classes improve?" Machida asked Ichinose.
"If not, Class A will definitely benefit from the current strategy. It would be very troublesome if ‘target’ was in Class A” of course, if "target" is not in Class A then Ichonose does not need to be aggressive. However, as long as there was such a possibility, he would be noisy with certainty from the conversation.
"I also agree with Ichinose-san, we can't let Class A take the lead with this kind of strategy" Hamaguchi followed up.
I was impressed when I first heard the strategy of the Katsuragi group but now that Ichinose and Hamaguchi have proven it, it now sounds more like a bluff than anything else. Something planned as they were briefed on the nature of the exam. I guess it's just because he knows the Class A plan so he can counter their arguments like this. Even the disciples who used to support their strategy might now be neutral or might even stand on Ichinose's side.
The battlefield has now been transformed into Class B led by Ichinose and Class A led by Machida while D and C are classes contested by them and can sway to either side. And now the tide will turn away from Class B.
"So, you've also made your decision. Remember that we from Class A have made our choice. Whatever the reason, we won't talk to you. Next you are all free to discuss whatever you want among yourselves"
Splice....