"It Takes a Great Deal of Talent and Skill to Conceal One's Talent and Skill."
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims by François de La Rochefoucauld.
Tanaguchi is seen in the classroom, all alone. He is sitting in the front of the room, quietly reading a manga. He yawned as he felt very sleepy. Earlier he let Class D have a break from seeing the anime. Although it is just Episode 1, it is nice to take things slow for the whole run.
Tanaguchi: *yawns* I feel so sleepy. What can I expect from staying up all night, just preparing things for today. Speaking of today, I remember that I still have homework to do for my school. *sighs* If I can replace homework for something, I could have replaced it with anything.
Tanaguchi sluggishly took his bag, brought out his books and notebooks and started answering all the things he needed to do. Although he enjoys doing them, he prefers having a friend or someone with him to answer them.
Tanaguchi: *stretches* That's Japanese Literature down. That was pretty quick to answer, now for Math. *open his book* Hm… I can't remember how to answer this…
?: I think you solve this part first before you move to this part, that way, you could just add them together.
Tanaguchi: Oh yeah! Wait… WHAT?!
Tanaguchi stood up from his table, and saw a little girl with a cane next to her, looking at his homework. She then looked at him.
?: Sorry for the sudden visit and surprise. I am Arisu Sakayanagi of Class A, nice to meet you, LJ Tanaguchi.
Tanaguchi: Nice to meet you as well. I suppose you know who I am already from the Student Council President.
Sakayanagi: Yes, although I didn't believe it at first as I thought it was too absurd. I went here to check on you but I saw you focused on your homework. And that's all the evidence I need.
Tanaguchi: Really? Well if homework is all you need as evidence, I guess your welcome.
Sakayangi: I find it interesting though, you look a lot younger than I personally think you are.
Tanaguchi: I guess you realized huh. I am just 15 years old. I started school very early for some reason so yeah. *sits down and took his pen* Well, I will be going back to my homework, what will you be doing?
Sakayanagi: *sits down in a chair* I am just going to be watching you work. Besides, there isn't really much things to do in our classroom and also this is my first time in the Class D classroom.
Tanaguchi: *sighs* Fine.
Tanaguchi continued with his works while Sakayanagi just watched him. At first he thought it was weird for her to come here, but he thinks it is much better than being alone in the room.
Tanaguchi: *closed the last book and stretches his arms* I am done! So what have you been doing?
Sakayanagi: Nothing. Just watching you work is fascinating enough for me. If I may ask, would you like to play a match of chess with me?
Tanaguchi: Chess? Hm… I never played chess for a while, the last time I played was with my friend last year.
Sakayanagi: It's okay, I just want to enjoy the match. Take it as a reward for your hard work.
Tanaguchi: Okay, I guess I can play one match. Did you bring a chess set?
Sakayanagi: Yes. *shows the chess set* Let us set it up.
Sakayanagi and Tanaguchi arranged two tables together and arranged the chess board. With Tanaguchi in the white, and Sakayanagi in the black, they started their match. While playing the match, Sakyanagi asked Tanaguchi.
Sakayanagi: Hey, can I ask you a question? *places a chess piece*
Tanaguchi: Hm? What is it?
Sakayanagi: What do you think about Kiyotaka Ayanokoji?
Tanaguchi: About him? Let me think… I think of him as an awesome guy who could just almost defeat anybody who comes in his way. He is very smart, athletic and also very versatile. Maybe it is because he was in White Room and stuff but either way, he is pretty cool.
Sakayanagi: Very interesting, so that's how you think of him. Now tell me, what do you think will happen when everybody finds out of his true identity?
Tanaguchi: *stops for a moment* Well, let me think… I don't know. But that is what I like about this mission, I never know what or how they will react. It is like watching somebody watch this series for the first time, we will never know how they will react. Everybody has different reactions and that is what I am here for, what will these characters' reactions to this show.
Tanaguchi placed his chess piece and it was Sakayanagi's turn. The match lasted for a while until Tanaguchi's was checkmated.
Tanaguchi: *sighs* I guess I am really rusty in this game.
Sakayanagi: But I must say, that was an enjoyable match. *stoods up and collected her chess set* I must get going, break time is almost over I assume.
Tanaguchi: *looks at the clock* Yep, you're right. And also why did you come here in the first place. I mean besides knowing if I am saying the truth.
Sakayanagi: Why am I here? Oh, I am just curious to see who you are. You know, there are many people talking about you and your other friend right now, so it is normal for me to see you personally. Besides, I am interested to see this screening through.
Tanaguchi: It's that so? I guess, I am looking forward to your cooperation.
Sakayanagi: Yes, looking forward to it as well. *goes out of the classroom and walks away*
Tanaguchi: *sighs* That was pretty weird… Well, I guess that is one character less to worry about.
Tanaguchi then went ahead and prepared everything for the next episode. A few moments later, all of Class D is already ready for the next episode. With the press of the play button, the episode begins.
[Episode 2 Title Card]
"It Takes a Great Deal of Talent and Skill to Conceal One's Talent and Skill."
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims by François de La Rochefoucauld.
Ike: Another mysterious quote. Who are those people anyway?
Ayanokoji: If you have been paying attention in class, then you would have known who are the people behind these quotes in the first place.
Yamauchi: But I don't get it, why is it a big deal to hide someone's talent and also who would do that?
[Setting: Covered Swimming Pool]
Kikyō Kushida: Hey, cut it out!
Chiaki Matsushita: Sorry, sorry~
Maya Satō: Isn't this so exciting?
Kikyō Kushida: Oh, now you've done it!
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): During free time at swim class, people naturally break up into groups, I guess ... I see. It seems I've thoroughly failed at making friends.
Hirata: Sorry again, Ayanokoji-kun. I have left you alone once again.
Ayanokoji: You really don't have to make it a big deal, Hirata. Besides, someone will keep me busy, see?
Suzune Horikita: What are you brooding about?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: I was immersed in a struggle with myself.
Suzune Horikita: How can they be so carefree after what just happened?
Yukimura: Hey, at least we are trying our best to cheer up the mood. Being sad and moody is not good for your health.
Sotomura: Besides, that time, we have something else to take our minds off the depression *look at the girls in the screen*
Tanaguchi: Pervert.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: You don't think they're trying to take their minds off it?
Suzune Horikita: Perhaps they are
Kikyō Kushida: Hey, stop that!
Tanaguchi: Okay, this is it! The opening I have been dying to wait for all of you to react.
Sudo: Wait, we have an opening?!
(Opening Song)
Kirari chou ga tonde itta sunabokori ga daichi ni mau
Haruka kanata soredemo sora ni akogareta Ah
Niramedo hoshi wa ochinai
Dou yatte tsukamaeyou, kono basho kara
Toozakaru gunjou no shita de byoudou ga wana o haru
Heya ni hari ga ochiru
Hikage to hizashi machiwabi entoropii ga michiteiku
Seigenteki jiyuu no naka de
Kimi wa dou ikiru no ka tte towareta mitai da
Step by step Sukoshizutsu tsukamitorun da hikari o
Henka wa kowakunai shinka o togeyou
Haiagaru nando demo sora wa itsudemo matteiru
Bokura wa chikyuu tte heya o aruku tabibito
Ike: Wow! That opening is the sickest and it is so… WICKED!
Kushida: Yeah. Although I don't get what is going on, the music is so catchy!
Tanaguchi: Right? This opening I will never get tired of listening. I can literally hear this music for a whole day straight if you challenge me to do so.
Hirata: What is the name of the song? Surely it doesn't exist in this world.
Tanaguchi: This opening is called Caste Room, performed by ZAQ. The opening, as you can see, has a lot of quotes and these quotes directly relate to what will happen, and also to the cast itself.
Ayanokoji: "The fool follows the pleasures of life and sees himself deceived: the wise avoids the Evils." What an interesting quote choice in the opening. Could it be a overshadow of the events?
[Setting: Covered Swimming Pool]
Suzune Horikita: They seem to be enjoying themselves.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Classes in the pool started early this spring. Besides, generally speaking, when there's a free period, don't most high school freshmen go little nuts?
[Kikyō Kushida is seen being splashed by Kokoro Inogashira with water and Mei-Yu Wang hugging her from behind.]
Most of the boys: God, she is so hot *nosebleeds*
Tanaguchi: Uh… what happened to you guys?
Ayanokoji: Just leave them alone with their imaginary… stuff.
Suzune Horikita: They're like little children. But I can't spite them for it, either. In the eyes of the S-system, they're the worst kind of defectives.
Yukimura: Defective? What does she mean by the eyes of the S-system?
Tanaguchi: Don't you get it already, Yukimura? The similarity of all of you here in Class D?
Sakura: Tanaguchi, would you mean that all of us here are in Class D because there is something wrong in each and everyone of us?
All of Class D was surprised to not just Sakura talking but also the thing she said. They never thought of it that way.
Tanaguchi: Yes. You might not know it but everyone in here has a flaw in them that deserves them to be in Class D, even those you think are perfect.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: That includes you, doesn't it?
Suzune Horikita: Yes
Class D suddenly realized inside themselves that they do have something wrong in each and everyone of them. This causes them to realize that what Tanaguchi said was true.
Tanaguchi: *sighs* I never really wanted to talk about this topic, not yet. Let's just focus on watching the episode.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): S-system …
[Setting: 1st Year D-Class Room]
[Flashback Begin]
Sae Chabashira: Yes, this is the S-system.
[Sae Chabashira wrote at the board something about the point list for freshmen classes (S-system). For Class A, B, C, and D, there are 940, 650, 490, 0 corresponding class points.]
Sae Chabashira: It assesses the students in real-time and assigns them numerical values. Look. Your lot in Class D has proven, wonderfully, that you deserve to be ranked last. That you're the worst kind of defective.
Yukimura: But still, Sensei, you could have softened the blow by saying it in a nice way to us. You have already hurt our feelings enough.
Chabashira: Why would I? Sooner or later, you guys need to find out that the real world is cruel and harsh. If this kind of thing could hurt your feelings easily then I am sorry, you will be eaten alive right there.
Hirata: But still...
Kikyō Kushida: Zero?
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji gazes slightly at Suzune Horikita]
Sae Chabashira: But I'm actually impressed, in a way, no class has ever before blown through all their points in a single month, not even Class D.
Class D continued to reflect on what they have done that month and soon started to get saddened and depressed.
Tanaguchi: I know I need to cheer them up but I think they need to know this. The upcoming challenges and exams are harder than this.
Yōsuke Hirata: Teacher, at least please tell us the criteria for how points are gained and lost.
Sae Chabashira: Just as in the real world, I cannot reveal the details of your performance evaluations. These are the "class points" currently held by each class. For each class point, 100 private points are assigned to each student in the class. When you first arrived here, each class had 1,000 class points. In other words, you people lost them all.
Kikyō Kushida: Um. Will we have a chance to get more points?
Sae Chabashira: You will. And if, as a result, you earn more points than Class C, you'll be promoted to C, while Class C will be demoted to D. Your soonest opportunity will be the upcoming midterms. Depending on your scores, we may be granted as many as 100 class points.
Sotomura: Oh yeah! We are able to do that during our midterm exams!
Sudo: And it was all thanks to Kushida's effort to get the old cheat sheets! Without those, I will surely be expelled that time.
Kushida: Um…
Tanaguchi: They still thought it was Kushida who was the one who helped them pass the midterms exams. But in reality it wasn't just her. They will soon figure it out.
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji looks at what was Suzune Horikita doing]
Kanji Ike: Only 100?
Haruki Yamauchi: Yeah ... but it's better than nothing, right?
Sae Chabashira: However. These are the results of the most recent quiz. And what garbage score they are! Starting next time, anyone who receives a failing score on their midterms or finals will be immediately expelled.
Hirata: That reminds me, Sensei, will Tanaguchi here be taking the finals as well?
Chabashira: That will be decided by Tanaguchi. Since he already took a harder version of the entrance exam, we see no purpose of him taking the finals.
Tanaguchi: Well, I doubt that I will still be here if that happens, the anime series is just 12 episodes long.
[Flashback End]
[Setting: Covered Swimming Pool]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Given the information we currently have, if we want to get even a few class points, each person in the class will have to change their habits and try to get high marks on the midterms.
Suzune Horikita: True
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: More to the point, in order to achieve the blessing of the outstanding college advancement and employment rate we all dreamed about when we came here, ...
Suzune Horikita: ... we need to overtake Class C. As long as we're in Class D, our hopes of advancement are out of reach.
Class D, having to hear this felt like a stab in their chest. I mean, how could they? The school already deemed them "defectives" so how are they going to achieve that?
Tanaguchi: Great job, Author, for ruining the mood. Just what we needed.
Ike: How could we do that, huh? The school already said we are lowest of the lowest.
Yamauchi: Yeah, might as well just go through high school and be over with it.
Hirata: No Yamauchi and Ike, we are not yet giving up. Sure, the school already put us in the lowest spot but if we just work together, we can do it, right Tanaguchi?
Tanaguchi: Hm? Oh yeah! He's right! I mean what else you need. You got Hirata, Kushida, Horikita and even Ayanokoji here.
Karuizawa: I understand the first four, but Ayanokoji? Sorry but I have really no expectation over him. I mean what can he do anyway?
Tanaguchi: Oh, a lot, Karuizawa. A lot, I say.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Was that an imitation of Ms. Chabashira?
Suzune Horikita: No
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: You sounded like her, a little.
Sudo: Yep, she does sound like Sensei, a bit too much.
Sotomura: Yeah, sometimes that scares me that much.
Horikita: Could you two please repeat what you guys said? *glares at them* I didn't hear that…
Sudo and Sotomura: *gulps* Um… nothing.
[Suzune Horikita was a little puzzled by what Kiyotaka Ayanokōji said.]
Suzune Horikita: Ayanokōji-kun, do you play sports?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: No. I'm not proud of it, but I was club-free in middle school.
Suzune Horikita: Still ... the development of your forearms, and
Hirata: Come to think of it, how did you get such defined muscles just by being club-free?
Ayanokoji: Well, I did do a lot of exercise and also a lot of tests, when I was a child so that may have been the reason.
Horikita: Really? What are those exercises you speak of?
Ayanokoji: Just normal and extremely hard exercises.
Kikyō Kushida: Hey, hey! Horikita-san! Wanna swim with us?
Suzune Horikita: No, thank you.
Kikyō Kushida: Horikita-san, are you not good at swimming?
Suzune Horikita: I neither excel nor fail at it.
Kikyō Kushida: Back in middle school, I was simply awful at swimming. But I practised really hard, and now I can do it just fine.
Yamauchi: Wow, you really did practice hard. You really are perfect in every way possible, Kushida-san.
Kushida: Um… I wouldn't say that…
Tanaguchi: Why wouldn't he? Surely you deserve all of the praise and worship you get, especially the hardwork and effort you put into getting them.
Kushida: Y-yeah, your right, Tanaguchi-kun. What is Tanaguchi trying to say?
Suzune Horikita: I see. How nice of you.
[Suzune Horikita walks out.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: She's totally unapproachable, isn't she?
Kikyō Kushida: I wish we could get along a bit better…
Horikita: I am very sorry, Kushida-san. Even though you went to the effort of being friends, I simply ignore them.
Kushida: Oh, it's okay, Horikita-san. Besides what I did earlier was not nice as well so we are fair.
Tanaguchi: I should do something about Kushida's plan to expel Horikita. With that still being active during the screening, it could seriously be a distraction for us.
Yōsuke Hirata: Everyone, I want you to listen to me seriously for a minute. We didn't get any points today. This is a problem that's going to haunt us for the rest of our time here at school. There's no way we can make it to graduation with zero points.
Kei Karuizawa: We can't let that happen!
Yōsuke Hirata: You said it. That's why we need to make sure we get some points next month.
Ken Sudō: You can do whatever you want. Just leave me out of it.
[Ken Sudō walks out]
Class D looked at Sudo with disappointment to which this annoys Sudo him but knows he deserves it.
Sudo: *sighs* I am sorry, I guess I was being a jerk that time and also I have no right to say that, especially what happened recently.
[Setting: Unwell-lit Room Next to the Swimming Pool]
Manabu Horikita: Class D. Class 1-A's Sakayanagi and Katsuragi. You're to be congratulated. Your class received 940 points this month. How much do you know about the S-system?
Ike: Wait a minute, isn't that-
Sotomura: Shhh! No spoilers! I wish to enjoy this anime with no spoilers, thank you very much.
Tanaguchi: Speaking of Sakayanagi, that chess match though was pretty interesting, maybe I should play chess again sometime.
Then a notification rang from Tanaguchi's phone. When he opened it, he saw that he already had Arisu's phone number.
Tanaguchi: Cool! So the phone now automatically adds the phone number of those I have already met. I don't know what to do with them but still!
[Setting: 1st Year D-Class Room]
Haruki Yamauchi: Hideo! As your best friend, I have a favour to ask! Would you buy this system off of me for 20,000 points?
Kei Karuizawa: Actually, I spent too many points, and now I'm totally broke. I thought if I could borrow just a couple of points from each girl in class ... we're friends, right? Just 2,000 points would be enough
Tanaguchi: *sighs* You know that kind of person just pisses me off. Just asking a friend something just because they are friends is just not cool. You are literally taking advantage of them.
Karuizawa: *realizes what Tanaguchi is saying* Oh… Sorry, Kushida…
Ike: Yeah, sorry as well, Sotomura…
Kikyō Kushida: Sure!
Kei Karuizawa: Thanks! It's great to have friends
Suzune Horikita: Do you have plans for lunch? I was wondering if you might join me.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Eh?
Sudo: Wait a minute… Horikita asking Ayanokoji out? Okay that is something you would not see everyday.
Sakura: Are they going on a date?
Ayanokoji: No, Sakura, you would soon realize that is not the case.
[Setting: High School Cafeteria]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Well, let's eat, I guess. Are you sure I can have this expensive special lunch set on your tab?
Suzune Horikita: Yes. I did tell you to get whatever you wanted, after all.
[Suzune Horikita stares at Kiyotaka Ayanokōji while taking his first bite]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): What?
Suzune Horikita: What's wrong, Ayanokōji-kun? Start eating already.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Right.
Kushida: Yeah, Ayanokoji-kun, what's wrong? Why are you not eating right away?
Ayanokoji: *sighs* I have a suspicion that time, just look.
Suzune Horikita: Now, I want you to hear me out. It seems Hirata-kun and the others worked out their plan of action earlier today. They're going to hold a study group to prepare for the next test.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Study group?
Suzune Horikita: Yes. But three classmates with especially poor scores have refused his invitation to join.
Ike: Oh yeah, I remember! I have an invitation from Hirata to join his study group!
Yamauchi: Me too! I remember it well because I was doing something that time!
Tanaguchi: Oh really! What did you guys do that is so important that you would not attend the study group? *going even closer to them* I am sure this is very important for the sake of your class's points, am I correct?
Ike and Yamauchi: Um… We… A...
Tanaguchi: *sighs* You two really are idiots.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Sudō, right?
Suzune Horikita: As well as Yamauchi-kun and Ike-kun.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Yeah, they didn't really look like the studious type, I guess.
Suzune Horikita: I personally can't imagine how someone could fail a test. But the fact remains that there are hopeless students out there for whom failure is nearly inevitable.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: That's pretty cold.
Sudo: Tell me about it! She kept on calling names and such and it's getting annoying. I could have worked better if you have been nicer to me.
Horikita: What I am saying is just the mere truth and if you can't accept that, like Senesi said, you are not ready to live in the real world.
Suzune Horikita: I'm stating the truth, that's all. If nothing changes, they'll likely fail. And if we want our class to be promoted, it's vital that we not only avoid losing points but that we also gain them. Right?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: You want to hold a study group, then? To help Sudō, Ike, Yamauchi?
Suzune Horikita: Yes.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Are you serious?
Suzune Horikita: Dead serious. If left to their own devices, they could damage Class D as a whole. If I really have been relegated to Class D, then I'll crawl my way up to Class A.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Wait a minute.
Suzune Horikita: What?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Did you just say Class A?
Suzune Horikita: I did.
Karuizawa: You mean, you want all of us *pointing at everyone* in here to reach Class A? That's impossible!
Yamauchi: Yeah, that is really impossible! I mean we can't even ascend from Class D to C, how much more to Class A?
Horikita: Oh please, stop with all of your complaints. With that kind of attitude, we certainly won't go to Class A. If all of us here would at least try their best and not just make some random excuse, then we can do it, right Ayanokoji?
Ayanokoji: Hm? Oh… um… yes, like what she said.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Not Class C?
Suzune Horikita: Class A. I find my assignment to Class D utterly unacceptable.
Ayanokoji: *sighs* And you still agree with that statement?
Horikita: Yes, as much I don't want to say it to everyone, I don't belong here in Class D. Not with these people.
Class D then felt a sharp pain in their guts, although they wanted to hate Horikita but they can't help but agree to what she said. Ayanokoji just simply sighs once more.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: So, step one is to rehabilitate the failures?
Suzune Horikita: If you've grasped that, you can guess what I'm about to propose.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Please don't drag me into this.
Suzune Horikita: You ate it, didn't you? You enjoyed the luxurious special lunch set I treated you to. I still haven't forgiven you for conspiring with Kushida-san and taking me out on pretences.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Foul play...
Suzune Horikita: If you want to square the debt between us, help me. Your job will be to round up those three and bring them to my study group.
Sudo: So that's why you were inviting me to the study group. If I knew that you were being blackmailed then I would attend it just for you.
Ayanokoji: I doubt that will happen.
Kushida: Oh my, Ayanokoji-kun, I am really sorry. I didn't know you weren't forgiven by Horikita.
Ayanokoji: It's okay, at least everything went okay. Besides, you don't have to apologize to me constantly, you know?
[Suzune Horikita stands up and gave a piece of paper to him]
Suzune Horikita: That's my cell phone number and email address. Contact me if you need anything.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): The first girl's phone number of my high school career. I'm not really happy about it, but I'd better save it anyway.
Hirata: Really, Ayanokoji-kun? I never knew you didn't have a girl's phone number ever before.
Ayanokoji: *sighs* Yes, Hirata, unlike you who could easily do that in just under a minute, I have no such experience of that. And also like Karuizawa said, I am definitely not like you, am I correct?
Karuizawa: Ayanokoji-kun… I didn't mean to-
Tanaguchi: Karuizawa, just enough for now. You will just soon realize how important he is soon enough.
[Setting: 1st Year D-Class Room]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): I guess I have to do it since I said I would. Okay, let's do it.
Kanji Ike: Nah
Haruki Yamauchi: Hmm, can't make it.
Ken Sudō: The hell did you say to me?!
Tanaguchi: Hm? Sudo, what did Ayanokoji even tell you?
Sudo: That, I will rather not tell.
[Setting: Dorm]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Knew it was hopeless. I'd better get help from someone they get along with. I wonder if she's in.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): The internal phone lines
[Telephone call begin]
Ike: Wait, who is he calling?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Yes. Could you put me through to Kushida-san, from Class 1-D? Yes, I need to talk to her about something for the class. Yes.
Kikyō Kushida: Hello?
Ike: Oh, her.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Hel- Uh, what's that sound?
Kikyō Kushida: Ayanokōji-kun? Sorry, can you hear me? I was in the bath. I just got out though, so don't worry. You surprised me. I've never used the dorm's internal phone line before!
Most of the boys: Wait a minute… She is calling her while she was taking a bath?! What the heck?!
Kushida: Ayanokoji-kun, you really did surprise me right there! I almost jumped from my bath when I heard the telephone rang.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: You surprised me, too.
Kikyō Kushida: Hmm?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Anyway, rejoice, Kushida. You've been selected as the goodwill ambassador. For the sake of our class, please give it all you've got.
Tanaguchi: To be honest, right from the beginning, she has always been the "goodwill ambassador" of the whole class.
Hirata: Tanaguchi-kun is right, anything that she may be asking anyone, everybody will just accept what she requested.
Ayanokoji: And that is the reason why I chose her to help me.
Kikyō Kushida: Um? Yeah. Sure. A study group for Sudō-kun and the others? And Horikita-san's running it? Well, when a friend's in trouble, you have to be there for them. So of course, I'll help.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: You're under no obligation.
Kikyō Kushida: It's okay. It's pretty cruel that anyone who fails gets expelled. The thought of having to say goodbye like that after only just becoming friends ... wouldn't that be awful? Oh, but can I ask you one favour in exchange? I want to join that study group, too.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Are you sure that's all you want?
Kikyō Kushida: Yeah. I want to study with everyone, too. Oh, I know! I'll give you my cell phone number.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Are you sure?
Kikyō Kushida: Yeah! I mean, we're classmates! I'm sorry I never had a chance to give it to you before. Call me anytime, okay?
[Call ended]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Kushida's contact info …
Hirata: So that means, Kushida's phone number is the second phone number you have from a girl?
Yamauchi: Yeah but to be fair, Ayanokoji, we all have received her phone number from the beginning of the school year.
Ayanokoji: I never really have the reason to ask her for it but for this situation, I have one.
[Kikyō Kushida sent him a message on his phone. She said that Yamauchi-kun and Ike-kun both said yes. She also just talked to Sudo-kun and he accepted the proposal.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Wow, she works fast. Way to go, Kushida.
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji sends Suzune Horikita a message with a subject: Rejoice, Horikita. The message says that he got Kushida's help, and the three idiots agreed. He asks if it is okay if Kushida joins in the study group.]
[As a response, Suzune Horikita called him]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: He-
Suzune Horikita: No.
[Call ended]
Everyone just becomes silent after that, just looking at Horikita with their faces both shocked and confused. While Ayanokoji on the other hand just continued looking at the screen.
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji tries to contact her immediately after she holds him up.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: At least hear me ou-
[Call ended]
[Suzune Horikita sent him a message that she has no idea what he was talking about.]
Sotomura: Okay, this is getting more confusing as this continues. What the hell is going on?
Ayanokoji: As you can see, she is trying to ignore me.
Horikita: What do you mean, Ayanokoji-kun?
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji tried to call her but to no avail, she doesn't want to receive the call, she instead sent him asking what he wants.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): What do you mean, you have no idea what I'm talking about? I was being as clear as I could. Aren't you glad? The three of them will come to the meeting, including Sudō. Thanks to Kushida, it's all going to work out.
Hirata: In the first place, why do you not want Kushida to be in your study group? With her around, I am sure the three will be motivated enough to study.
Horikita: Well, you see, for some unknown reason, I feel that Kushida somehow hates me. Whenever I see her and act friendly in front of me, I just feel something's wrong.
Kushida: Really… So she does know something about me, huh. Very smart of you to avoid me, Horikita-san but one way or another, I will expel you.
Tanaguchi: *sighs* Kushida, just stop it already. What about me, you, Horikita, Ayanokoji talk later after this episode, at dismissal time? We have to clear something about this, okay?
Kushida: Okay, sure… wait, what?
[Suzune Horikita denied her reply before Kiyotaka Ayanokōji sent his message.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): I hadn't even sent it yet.
Sotomura: Woah, she's a psychic!
Tanaguchi: Um… I don't think so.
Kikyō Kushida: I see. Is that what she said?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: I'm really sorry. After I asked you to help.
Kikyō Kushida: Okay! You just let me handle it, then!
[Eyecatcher]
Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School
At this school, each class is assigned a certain number of class points. Class points will fluctuate based on the affiliated students' behaviour and the results of certain tests. Every month, each student is assigned private points equal to their class points times 100.
[Setting: Library]
Ken Sudō: Did you call me incompetent?
Suzune Horikita: Yes. If you can't solve a single simultaneous equation, I shudder to think of where you'll end up in the future.
[Ken Sudō intimidates Suzune Horikita by dragging her ribbon.]
Kikyō Kushida: Sudō-kun!
Hirata: *sighs* This is too much to see, just two of my classmates fighting. Sudo-kun, I wish to expect that you improve that attitude of yours, it is really a big obstacle for us in the class and for you. And for Horikita-san…
Horikita: What about me?
Tanaguchi: What he is trying to say is that you should definitely change how you treat other people. Nobody wants to be treated trash in here, you know. Even if it's the truth, it is still possible to point that out in a nicer way.
Sudo: I guess I am sorry, Horikita.
Horikita: And I suppose I apologize as well for my harsh words to you.
Ken Sudō: Who needs these stupid problems? Studying is pointless, anyway. If I want a good future, I'm better off playing basketball to prepare for my pro career than sticking my nose in some book!
Suzune Horikita: Oh? How childish. Do you dream to be a professional basketball player? Do you really think the world will grant a dream like that so easily? Someone so lacking in commitment and dedication can never become a professional.
Ken Sudō: I skipped club for this crap. Damn waste of my time.
Kanji Ike: I'm out, too. Horikita-san might be smart, but I can't hang with someone who talks down to me.
Haruki Yamauchi: Same!
Suzune Horikita: If you don't mind being expelled, do as you wish.
[The three idiots walk out.]
Yukimura: I guess these three have enough of it as well. They may be idiots, but they are smart enough to realize they are being lowered upon.
Tanaguchi: Yeah, the THREE Idiots.
The Three Idiots: WHO ARE YOU CALLING IDIOTS HERE?!
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): I left it to you, and this is how it turned out? Kushida ...
Kikyō Kushida: Horikita-san, no one's going to study with you if you act this way.
Suzune Horikita: Yes, I can see that I was mistaken. I realized now that I was wasting my time on a fruitless endeavour.
Kikyō Kushida: You mean...
Suzune Horikita: I mean that if they're going to hold us back, they should drop out as soon as possible.
Class D was surprised and shocked by what Horikita just said on screen. Not just the three idiots but rather most of Class D started to realize that what if they are the ones holding the class back.
Horikita: *sighs* I need to apologize as well to you three, I have taken my insults and remarks too far. I hope you forgive me.
Ike: Oh… you don't have to…
Yamauchi: Yeah, to be honest, I kind of forget about it.
Sudo: And it is the truth as well. We have to realize that as well in the end.
Kikyō Kushida: Ah. I see. I'll work something out myself. I promise I will. I really don't want to have to say goodbye to them so soon. I don't want to abandon them. I think you feel the same way. That's why you started this study group, right?
Suzune Horikita: If you're saying that in all sincerity, I don't mind. But, rather ... What did you really come here for? Did you come here to sabotage me?
Kikyō Kushida: What do you mean? I don't understand ... How can you be so comfortable saying such hostile things? It makes me feel so sad.
[Kikyō Kushida walks out.]
Tanaguchi: *sighs* Horikita, Horikita, now you understand? Some people say that the power of words is much more powerful than the power of swords. Look at them *points at her classmates* These people are not like you who can take an insult like it is nothing, but rather they take those things seriously.
Sotomura: I-its okay, Tanaguchi-san, what she just said are the truth to not just them but rather to all of us here.
Tanaguchi: I am afraid it is not. Just look at you guys, you are taking this seriously.
Horikita: *sighs* Once again, I apologize to all of you here, especially you Kushida-san. I never realized the impact of the words I am saying to all of you.
Kushida: It's okay, Horikita-san. At least you apologized and that is enough. Besides, this is still Episode 2 and who knows what will happen next.
[Setting: Dorm]
[Kiyotaka Ayanokōji, while laying down, looks at his phone with the girl's contact number on his screen. After a while, he lets his hand down.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): Maybe I'll go buy something.
[Setting: Back Alley]
[As Kiyotaka Ayanokōji reached the ends of the alley to buy at a vendo-machine, he heard someone talking.]
Manabu Horikita: Suzune, I didn't expect you to follow me here.
Ike: Wait a minute, it's him again!
Sotomura: Who?
Tanaguchi: Shhh! No spoilers and just keep watching.
Suzune Horikita: Brother, I'm not the failure I was back then. I came here to catch up with you.
Most of them: B-BROTHER?!
Tanaguchi: Yep, her and the Student Council President are actually siblings. But how did you guys not know that?! I mean, just read their names and their last names are literally the same?
Yamauchi: Wait… Oh yeah, I guess I missed that.
Tanaguchi: Idiot. Such an idiot.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): Horikita and .. who? "Brother?"
Manabu Horikita: "Catch up?" You still haven't even realized your own shortcomings. You were a fool to choose this school.
Suzune Horikita: I'll reach Class A soon! When I do...
Manabu Horikita: Impossible.
Suzune Horikita: I will ... make it there.
Manabu Horikita: What an unreasonable sister you are.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): The student council president?
[Manabu Horikita forcefully pins Suzune Horikita's right hand on the wall.]
Everyone: HORIKITA!
Hirata: Wait, he is willing to punch her own sister like that?!
Kushida: *clutches her fists* You son of a b-ch, you are going to pay for that!
Manabu Horikita: My little sister, assigned to Class D, and I'm the one who bears the shame of it. Leave this school right now.
Suzune Horikita: Brother, I-
Manabu Horikita: You have neither the right nor the ability to aim for something higher. You must learn.
[Manabu Horikita is about to attack her but Kiyotaka Ayanokōji grabs his hand at the right time.]
Everyone: WOAH, AYANOKOJI!
Yamauchi: What the hell?! Where did he come from?!
Sotomura: Ohohohoho, so he is hiding something. He is not the main character of the series for nothing.
Karuizawa: But wait! I thought Ayanokoji isn't good at physical activities.
Suzune Horikita: Ayanokōji-kun?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: You were really going to drive that in, weren't you? Let her go.
Suzune Horikita: Stop it. Ayanokōji-kun.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): I've never heard her speak that way.
Sudo: He's right, neither do we. Horikita being like this seems a lot off to her usual self.
Horikita lowered her head, trying to hide the embarrassment she is experiencing. Never did she think that everybody would see her like this.
Kushida: *looks at Horikita* So she is really like this? Is this her real self? No way, no way we are similar. Maybe she is just acting like this in front of Ayanokoji.
Tanaguchi: I doubt that, Kushida, and who in the world would act weak in a moment like this?
[When Kiyotaka Ayanokōji lets go of Manabu Horikita's hand, the latter quickly tries to go on offence but Kiyotaka Ayanokōji instantly counters it.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Close call.
[Manabu strikes several more times but each time Kiyotaka Ayanokōji makes his counter to Manabu's surprise as he tries again and fails. Kiyotaka forces Manabu back.]
Yamauchi: What the heck?! How is he doing this?! How did he learn to do this?!
Manabu Horikita: You move well. Do you practice something?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Piano and calligraphy.
Most of them: PIANO AND CALLIGRAPHY?!
Ike: Wait, how in the world would that help him move like that?! Piano? Calligraphy? I don't think so!
Manabu Horikita: Oh, that's right. I'd heard there was a new student who got 50's in every subject on his entrance exam. You got a 50 on the quiz the other day, too. Fifty, exactly half of 100. Was that intentional?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Coincidences can be freaky.
Hirata: I heard that somebody did that as well, and it is kind of weird. So that was you, Ayanokoji-kun.
Ayanokoji: I don't even know how to achieve that. I was even surprised myself.
Tanaguchi: Ayanokoji, still fighting strong to keep his identity a secret. But it is useless in the end, after all everything will be revealed to everyone.
Manabu Horikita: You're a unique man, I see. Suzune, I'm genuinely surprised to see you've made a friend.
Suzune Horikita: He's not my friend. He's just my classmate.
Manabu Horikita: As usual, you've mistaken isolation for independence. Suzune. If you want to ascend to a higher class, struggle with every ounce of strength you have.
[Manabu Horikita walks out]
Kushida: Horikita-san, are you okay?
Horikita: Y-yes, I am. Fortunately, Ayanokoji was there to save me before the punch landed in my face, so please don't worry about me.
Kushida: I see… So she does have a hidden self inside of her. She is just too similar to me. What should I do?
[Setting: Street Near the Back Alley]
Suzune Horikita: I guess you caught me at an awkward time.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Actually, I was glad to see what a normal girl you could b-
[Suzune Horikita looked annoyed.]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: I didn't say anything.
Despite the big trouble that happened earlier, everyone laughed a little as the situation calmed down.
Hirata: Well, at least she is back to normal. Any normal person given in that situation will have a mental breakdown after that.
Suzune Horikita: You're incredible.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Yeah, I used to do piano and tea ceremonies.
Suzune Horikita: You said it was calligraphy.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: I did calligraphy, too.
Ike: WHAT THE HECK! ARE YOU SAYING THAT JUST DOING PIANO AND CALLIGRAPHY CAN HELP YOU BE ATHLETIC AS YOU?!
Yamauchi: ALSO WHAT THE HECK WITH THE TEA CEREMONIES?! WHAT THE HELL EVEN IS THAT?!
Karuizawa: Those two aside, I am really surprised by what Ayanokoji just did. Just who are you really, Ayanokoji?
Tanaguchi: All right, enough with the questions. Could we please focus back in the episode?
Suzune Horikita: Did you really rig your scores on the entrance exam?
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: It was a coincidence like I said.
Suzune Horikita: I don't understand you at all.
Class D just hit a realization. It was so obvious. They never noticed it but all this time, Ayanokoji has always been real low, to the point somebody doesn't even know who he is.
Hirata: I have to agree to Horikita, Ayanokoji-kun, I just don't understand you.
Sotomura: But isn't that why he is the main character? Something about him is just… suspicious.
Tanaguchi: Yes, but there is something more about him than just suspicious.
Horikita: What do you mean, Tanaguchi?
Tanaguchi: It is best if we just watch all of the anime first.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Are you really finished with the study group?
Suzune Horikita: Yes. I've determined those persistent failures to be a waste of my time. It doesn't benefit me in any way.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: They'll be expelled.
Suzune Horikita: I don't care what happens to anyone else. To the contrary, those who remain will be the better students. Their loss will make it easier for our class to rise. I couldn't ask for more.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji: Are you sure that's not a flawed way of thinking? Your shortcoming is that you assume others will hold you back and put them at a distance from the start. Couldn't that philosophy, looking down on others, be what got you thrown into Class D in the first place?
Suzune Horikita: I …
Class D was quiet after that, and it is because of how shocked they were at what Ayanokoji said.
Sudo: Wait a minute… I just realized just how smart and BADASS Ayanokoji can be!
Ike: Wow, he even found something about Horikita that he think the reason why she is in Class D in the first place.
[Setting: 1st Year D-Class Room]
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji (Monologue): And so, with everything looking hopeless, the day arrived. We, we of Class D, every student in Class D. In grammar, math, chemistry, civics, English, and every other subject achieved high scores.
Ike: Wow, that was one great episode! Time for the next on-
Tanaguchi: Wait a minute! We still have the ending song to watch.
Ike: Oh yeah, this is an anime, I forgot.
(Ending Song)
hontou no jibun ga ima itsuwari no egao de kakusarete,
tojite yuku... mienai hitori de daijoubu sekai wa kimi no koto tameshi tsudzuke jiyuu no hane o otosu no owaranai nichijou,
tatakai e... sou, mayowazu ni makerarenai... kimi to jibun no yume ni issho ni tsukanda keshiki, kagayaku no kodoku o sutetatte kimi wa kimi dakara…
Sotomura: That song sounds very… depressing?
Yukimura: I don't know how to describe it as well. Felt a bit strange.
Tanaguchi: Well, the song is called Beautiful Soldier, performed by Minami. As you can see, if you paid attention, we have Horikita in the end, holding a phone, and in that phone, we can see the current total class point values of the classes.
Kushida: Oh, yeah, I never saw that!
Tanaguchi: Um, it is literally there when the camera zoomed in on the phone itself.
Yamauchi: Now that's episode over, let's go to the next one!
Tanaguchi: Oh, sorry but we can't. I still have school to attend in my world.
Hirata: You guys attend school in the afternoon?
Tanaguchi: Oh no, you see the time in my world and the time in yours is completely different. But either way, time still continues even if I am here in this world.
Chabashira: Because of that, we are allowing all of you to go home much earlier than usual today.
Class D hearing the news jumped for joy as they were really happy. Everybody after hearing that, packed their things and started going home. Tanaguchi left behind so that he could pack up all of his things. He then realized that they are some people left in the classroom.
Tanaguchi: Ayanokoji! Horikita! Kushida! Could I talk to you three for a moment?
Ayanokoji: Okay *walks to the front of the classroom*
Horikita: What do you need?
Kushida: Yeah, what do you need?
Tanaguchi: I want to talk to you guys later but I still have school to attend. Can we four talk tomorrow, before class starts? I heard the cafe is open pretty early in the morning.
Kushida: Okay, I have no problem with that, what about you, Ayanokoji-kun?
Ayanokoji: Well, I do not have anything to do in the morning anyways, sure I will go.
Tanaguchi: Great! What about you, Horikita?
Horikita: I am not sure. I feel this is not important, what will you be talking about anyway?
Tanaguchi: *sighs* Of course you have to ask that. I just want to talk to the three of you about some things, you know what I mean.
Ayanokoji, Horikita and Kushida tenses up when Tanaguchi emphasizes what he just said.
Tanaguchi: I believe that if we want to continue on with this screening successfully, we need to clear up some things. That includes misconceptions and misunderstandings. I know this might sound weird but trust me, I need to. Besides, what's more fun than just a simple chat over some hot coffee early in the morning?
Horikita: Hm… Well, I guess I can attend. What will be the time?
Tanaguchi: Well, maybe 5:00 AM?
Kushida: Okay *typing something on her phone* I already set an alarm.
Ayanokoji: You are really prepared for these types of things, Kushida.
Kushida: *put her hands at the back of her head* Am I? *chuckles*
Tanaguchi: *opens a portal* Anyways, I better get going. I have a test today so wish me luck! *closes the portal*
After Tanaguchi left, the three of them immediately went their separate ways. With a meeting in mind, what are they going to expect?