Season 1 Episode 2
Fortitude501: Yes I've read many Wattpad stories regarding Class B. Very popular if you ask me. For the rest, you'll see
John Smith 135: Thanks and in my opinion, a harem will have too much planning for me to do and I'll be too overwhelmed by then
I forgot to mention one more important note from the previous chapter. I'm adding 5 characters from another anime into this story and they'll join Class B(Which is now Class A starting from this chapter). Doesn't hurt to make it a bit of a crossover(A few Wattpad stories had something like this). Should be worth it. Ha! Ha!
At the school swimming pool, Class A is in the midst of their swimming class. Well technically, there's no lesson and the students are having their free time in the pool and it began with a splash on Mako. "Hey! What gives?"
"Oops. My bad." Sayou apologized while grinning innocently when Kozue splashed her. "Ha! The real fun begins!" Mako declared and the 3 girls had a splash fight. Near them Chihiro and Yume are practicing their swimming while on ledge, Hamaguchi and Beppu are talking about some plans.
Across them, Kanzaki is sitting on the ledge of the pool deep in thought when, "What are you thinking now?" He looked to his right to see Himeno in her school issued swimsuit as she sat behind him. "Nothing much." He replied.
"I thought so. Our class is in a very good mood for being promoted to Class A." said Himeno.
"Agreed. But I can't help but ponder on the S-System that our teacher explained during homeroom." Kanzaki brought up.
"Yeah...the assumed school system that happened to exist the whole time from the start..." Himeno agreed as they recalled it.
(Flashback to Class A's Homeroom)
"As you can see on the board, this is the S-System. It assess the students based on their abilities." Chie-sensei told the class as they took notice of a class result.
Class 1-A-940
Class 1-B-1000
Class 1-C-490
Class 1-D-90
"You're seeing it right? Thanks to your surprisingly efforts, your class beat Class A causing them to be demoted to Class B while you guys are promoted to Class A."
"So a hierarchy did exist. Well done Ayanokouji..." Kanzaki thought as Chie-sensei began her explanation. "Now these are the class points held by each class. For each class point, 100 private points are allotted to each student in the class and when you first enrolled here, each class had 1000 class points and based on your current position and ranking, you guys have maintained all your class points and thus, you earned the ascension."
The whole class listened on attentively as, "And if you guys are not aware, there are special privileges that will instantly grant you guys outstanding college admissions and high employment rate when you graduate as Class A. The rest will get nothing at all." Chie-sensei briefed on.
"What a powerful benefit for our class now." Honami thought when, "One question sensei. Do you think we can still earn more class points?" Hamaguchi asked.
"Yes you can! In the future, you'll have special exams that will test your skills and abilities. Results in these exams will reward you with class points but take caution, you lose in them, you'll lose class points as well. In addition, your exams will also give you that opportunity. The closest will be your upcoming midterms."
"Things had become more interesting..." Ayanokouji thought as, "And finally, here the results from your quiz that you took a few days ago." Chie-sensei rolled up a sheet of paper on the whiteboard and stuck some magnets to hold them. "The results here have left me amazed! No one failed and that's something!"
The whole class has scored above 70 and interesting, "OMG! Ayanokouji-kun got full marks!" Honami noticed internally and also checked out the top 5 scores.
1. Kiyotaka Ayanokouji-100
2. Mahiru Shiina-98
3. Honami Ichinose-98
4. Yuta Kadowaki-96
5. Tetsuya Hamaguchi-95
Honami then checked out the bottom 5 scores.
21. Amane Fujimiya-75
22. Mako Amikura-72
23. Sou Shibata-71
24. Itsuki Akazawa-70
25. Chitose Shirakawa-70
"Well one thing's for sure, I'll give you guys a heads up." Chie-sensei announced. "Anyone who receives a failing grade in the written exams will be expelled in an instant."
The whole gasped in shock and awe over this. Things had become slightly challenging.
(End Flashback)
"Now that we're Class A, the other classes might try any means to demote us." said Kanzaki.
"But we shouldn't worry about Class D since they got the lowest CP." said Himeno.
"On one hand, yes. But on the other hand, they must not be underestimated. There might a few individuals that may hide their abilities in plain sight before us." Kanzaki stated.
"You sure are very cautious." Himeno described him.
"I'm ensuring that our class doesn't go overboard and become vulnerable enough for the other classes to make the first move against us." Kanzaki replied.
"Whatever you say. Also, where's Ayanokouji-kun and Ichinose-san?" Himeno asked.
"They are called for some important meeting with a VIP. Classified for us though." Kanzaki replied when, "Still dipping your legs in the pool? Come and swim with us!" Mako called out to them. "Sure thing." Kanzaki then pushed Himeno into the pool. "SPLASH!"
"You jerk!" Himeno resurfaced.
"Sorry." Kanzaki replied shrugging his shoulders when a splash hit him followed by laughter from the girls with Himeno smirking. "Oh what the heck..." Kanzaki got in the pool then.
Meanwhile, someone is watching the class have their swimming fun from a room just beside the school swimming pool and he's none other than Manabu. Peeking a bit through the curtains, he shifted his attention to 2 students on the room. Beside him is his secretary, Akane Tachibana.
"Once Class B, now Class A." He began. "In the history of ANHS, you guys are the first to ascend to the top in a month. Most impressive." He then clapped his hands commending them. "Class A representatives, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka and Ichinose Honami, firstly, congrats for the ascension which resulted in your full class points." He then got serious. "Now let me test you both. How much do you know about the S-System?"
"We don't know much at first but exactly on the first day, the massive allotment of private points and the discovery of the security cameras has raised suspicion in my mind." Ayanokouji explained.
"After classes, both of us went to shop for necessities and we came across 2 things. One is that there are free items which made us realize something regarding our future monthly allotment. The second is a minor dispute between a student from Class D and 3 senpais from a higher ranking class."
"Souka. It appears that you have hinted out the clues early. An astounding move you 2 made. Not to mention the security cameras. No student ever noticed it early until this term." Manabu stated. "Continue on."
"Using the information that we deduced and encountered, Ichinose proposed a class experiment to test the existence of the S-System." Ayanokouji spoke on.
"This experiment involves class behaviour and private point management." Honami added.
"And did your teacher explain the other factors of the S-System?" Manabu asked to test on whether they paid attention during homeroom period.
"Our sensei told us about class points and how they're linked to our class status." Ayanokouji answered.
"She also told us we can gain more or lose them through future special exams and written exams but warned us that expulsion is at risk when a students fails an exam." Honami added.
Well he has heard everything and applauded them. "You two are the most interesting students I've ever met." He told them with a warm smile as Tachibana nodded with a smile also. Afterwards, he let them go but first, "Ichinose. For your application to the student council, there'll be an interview after your midterm exams. My secretary will send you the details."
"Wakata." She replied as they left.
Later on...
Lunch hour has begun and in Class A, some students are making plans as, "Ayanokouji-kun...um...would you like to...join me for lunch?"
"Sure thing Ichinose." This answer made her beam in happiness as the 2 students left for the cafeteria. "By the way, the study groups are planned already right?"
"Yes. And-" That's when they stopped because someone is outside their classroom waiting by. "Do you guys have...any plans for lunch?"
"Horikita-san?" A surprised Honami exclaimed as, "May I...join you guys for lunch?" This was a rare thing to hear from someone who's from Class D.
It now cuts to the cafeteria as the 3 students are seated for their lunch. Ayanokouji had a philly cheesesteak sandwich, Honami had fish n chips and Horikita had baked rice with cream sauce, cheese and chicken. Plus, all 3 lunch sets come with a fruit bowl and a glass of water. "Alright then, let's dig in. Ittadakimatsu." said Ayanokouji as he and the 2 girls began eating.
"Firstly, congrats for surpassing Class A to earn the rank." Horikita began as she ate a portion of her baked rice. "And secondly, thank you."
"For what?" Honami asked.
"You 2 have hinted out something regarding the S-System and because of that, I told my classmate Hirata-kun about it and he spoke to the class about it. However, many did not take it to heart and as a result, our private points are little when allotted to us." Horikita replied.
"How come you never tried to share it to the whole class yourself?" Ayanokouji asked as he took a bite from his sandwich.
"They won't take me seriously. That's why I had my classmate explain to the class the important facts knowing that they'll listen to him and not to mention, he's the class representative." She replied.
"Okay...how many penalties did your class commit?" Honami asked as she ate a french fry.
"89 cases of lateness and absences followed by 319 cases of class distractions." Horikita answered. "Our teacher even had a 'fun' time explaining to us the S-System."
(Flashback to Class D's Homeroom)
"Yes, this is the S-system. It assess the students in real time and assigns their numerical values." Chabashira-sensei explained as her hand struck the board slightly hard beside Class D's position. "Look, all of you have proven wonderfully that you all deserve to be last in rank. Truly the worst kind of defectives you all are. Nevertheless, I'm incredibly impressed for no class have ever got the lowest points in a single month, not even the previous Class D that at least have around 200 class points. On the bright side, at least it's not zero."
Everybody was speechless in what they heard when Yousuke Hirata stood up for a question. "Sensei, at least tell us the criteria on how points are gained and lost."
"Just like in the real world out there, I cannot reveal the details of your performance evaluations." The teacher answered leaving Yousuke silent and looking at his desk as his classmates, Sotomura and Miyamoto looked concerned for him. Now using her black marker pen, she began writing down some important information while explaining some more on the S-system. "Currently, these are the class points held by each class. Each class point equals 100 private points allotted to each student in the class when you first enrolled here. Your class started off with 1000 but based on your current position and ranking after one month, you are reduced down to 90 points only."
"At least we still got private points deposited into our accounts. Getting zero class points would be the worst case scenario..." Horikita thought as she started noting down all the info written out and explained today.
"Ano...Is there a chance for us to get more points?" Kikyou asked. "Yes there is." The teacher replied smiling a bit with the same level of smug and sarcasm. "And if you earn more class points than Class C, the result will be that this class will be promoted to C while the other demotes down to D. "Your closest opportunity will be the upcoming midterms. Depending on your scores, you might be granted a maximum of 100 class points. A good start if the whole class takes their school life with seriousness."
So there is definitely a chance for Class 1-D to bounce back on the league even with some class points to gain. "However..." All looked to see their teacher unroll the sheet of paper she brought in and placed in on the whiteboard with 2 board magnets sticking on them. "These are the results of the previous quiz which you all took a few days ago. Just look at how garbage they are! Total trash! Are you even trying during the quiz?"
The results show that more than half the class score less than 60 marks but the worst is that 7 of the students scored below 40. So, "A heads up for all of you to know, anyone who receives a failing score on their midterms or finals...
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"Will be instantly expelled."
Everyone gasped in shock upon hearing this except for Koenji who's still relaxed with his legs on the desk and Horikita stared at her teacher. This is something to be serious about.
(End Flashback)
"How did your class react to the revelation?" Honami asked.
"A majority felt down and discouraged due to the ranking of being in a defective class and for blowing off too many of their private points despite getting the small amount deposited. Not enough to survive for this month most likely." Horikita answered.
"So what's Class D doing now?" Ayanokouji asked.
"Preparing for the midterms by organizing study groups. But there's a problem, 3 of my classmates refused to join." Horikita replied. "And they're all at the lowest ranks in terms of academics."
"And who are they?" Ayanokouji asked.
"One of them is the same person you saved from raging out back then."
"Sudou-kun..."
"And the other 2 are over there eating the awful vegetable set." Horikita pointed to a table not far from them. "It's Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun!" Honami exclaimed.
"How did you know them?"
"They tried to hook up with some of my female friends but they feel too uncomfortable in being with them so they just hastily walk away. They also told me about them."
Ayanokouji thought about these people Horikita mentioned as he observed Ike and Yamauchi eat their lunch miserably with some senpais smirking proudly when they passed by with their decent or exquisite lunch sets. "Horikita. You plan to rope these 3 into your study group do you?"
"You figured out my intention easily. Why am I not surprised?" She replied.
"And also, you need our help to do so right?"
She cringed from it and even Honami was speechless. "Ano...why do you need our help to get those classmates of yours into the study group?" She asked.
"Well...those 3 idiots were ignorant to take their studies seriously. Failure is most likely to be on their doorstep and if they're left alone, they could damage my class severely."
"Souka..." Ayanokouji thought a bit while sipping his drink. Once he finished his sipping, "Alright. I'll help you rope them into your study group." Horikita looked at him surprised. "But let me ask you this. Why are you so determined to seek our aid?"
She looked away for a bit and then, "The truth is...how should I put it...I did well in the entrance exam and the interview with excellence. However, I do not understand why I am put in Class D despite all this..."
"By seeking us, you hope to find the answer on your placement and at the same time, find a way to earn a spot in our class. Am I correct?" Ayanokouji guessed surprising both girls. "It's a long way for you Horikita. Still, I'll help you with the request."
"Arigato Ayanokouji-kun. And take this." She passed to him a piece of folded pink paper. "Here's my handphone number and email address. Contact me if you need anything. It also applies to you, Ichinose-san."
"Thanks! Let's also exchange contact!" Honami suggested as she and Ayanokouji shared their handphone number to Horikita and with everything settled, all 3 students continued their lunch.
After classes...
"Horikita's counting on me to help her round up 3 of her classmates to join her study group." Ayanokouji thought as he examined her phone number while still in class. "Well it's worth the shot and school's over for the day."
However, there was a big problem.
"Nope." Ike told him.
"No thanks..." Yamauchi told him.
"I don't give a damn and I got better things to do such as basketball practice." Sudou told him.
It now cuts back to his dorm as Ayanokouji pondered on how he can fulfil Horikita's request. And then, "I think I know of someone who can help me..." He set his sights on the internal phone lines and made a call. "Yes can you put me through Kushida-san from Class 1-D? Yes I need to talk to her about something for class, yes." He then waited and soon enough, the sound of a hairdryer can be heard and, "Hello?"
"Hel-uh, what was that?"
"Ayanokouj-kun?" There was silence for several seconds. "Sorry did you hear it? You see, I was in the bath and the dorm bathrooms really have a bathtub for nice relaxing baths along with a shower area. But don't worry, I just finished earlier." The scene reveals Kikyou with her towel wrapped around her body while talking on the phone. "You surprised me by the way. I've never used the dorm's internal phone line before until now. Not to mention that for once, you called me!"
"You surprised me too." She looked surprised by his comment and, "Anyway, rejoice Kushida. You've been selected as the ambassador of friendship. For the sake of your class, please give it all you got." She was a bit confused at first but an explanation was underway soon enough and she got it. "A study group for Sudou and the others? And Horikita-san's running it?"
"Exactly."
"Well when a friend's in trouble, you have to be there for them. So of course, I'll help."
"I'm not forcing you though..."
"It's okay. I mean it'll be pretty cruel that anyone who fails will be expelled right away. Even though we became friends a while ago but having to say goodbye to them just for that...wouldn't that be awful?" Ayanokouji said nothing when, "Oh right! Can I ask you just one thing? A request to join that study group."
"Are you sure that's all you want?"
"Yeah! I want to study with everyone and ensure no one fails and get expelled."
"I see...I'll talk to Horikita about it. For now, all you need to do is get those 3 classmates of yours to join her study group."
"No problem! And feel free to call if you need anything okay?"
The call ended and Ayanokouji decided to make himself a cup of hot chocolate so he went to his kitchen to make his drink. A few minutes later, it's done as he returned to check on his phone and found a new message. Opening it, "Too easy...Kushida managed to get those boys to join the study group. Better tell Horikita about it." He went to call her but was stunned to see his call get rejected. He tried again but same thing. He tried again and same thing as the previous 2 calls.
"Fine. I'll message her." He sent her a message about it but received a 'No' from her. He tried again but same result. Finally, "I think I know what's going on..." Third time's the charm so he texted this message.
You don't trust her do you?
The message is sent and this time, he received an incoming call. Picking it up, "Ayanokouji-kun. How do you know about my perspective?"
"When I first met Kushida, she wanted to earn my friendship but I was hesitant in doing so. Her behaviour is too good to be true. Nevertheless, we made it simple by exchanging contact number."
"So we have the same opinion about her. Most impressive." Horikita spoke to him and it cuts to her dorm for she's in the midst of her homework while chatting with him.
"Regardless, you're gonna have to suck it up and allow her to join your study group. It's the only way to get those 3 boys to pitch in."
"I hate it when there are no other options..." She replied sighing a bit.
"Why so glum? You got what you wanted and Kushida sure has a influential effect to boost the morale of anyone around her."
"That's what I'm afraid of. You see on the first day, her introduction involves a goal on wanting to be friends with everyone in our class and from the other 3 classes. This was enough for the boys to idolize her and the girls wanting to really be her friend. For my case, it really makes me uncomfortable so I tried to keep my distance from her."
"Has she tried to be your friend?" He asked.
"She's been very persistent from the first day till now. Like what you texted me, I really don't trust her and if I were you, better watch your back. As for the study, I'll handle it and having no choice, you can tell Kushida-san she's in."
"Glad to hear that. But don't worry, I'll ensure that she'll just look after the 3 students while you lead the study session."
"Fair enough and thanks Ayankouji-kun." The call ended as a relived Ayanokouji took a sip of his hot chocolate while messaging Kikyou. She replied with a thumbs up emoji as, "Now that it's done, I can finally focus on the study sessions with my classmates." He thought as he enjoyed the rich, warm, chocolate beverage.
The next day...
In the library, Ayanokouji is seen leading a study group. The students with him consist of Mako, Norihito, Chitose and Itsuki and the subject they're studying on is Japanese History. "Why do we have to memorise so much history crap..." A slightly tired Itsuki asked. "I feel you man. If I have enough spare time later on, I might hit the arcade and play Gran Turismo." said Norihito.
"And if you're done, I need to guide you guys in the chemistry subject." Ayanokouji told the boys and they got back to their studying. During the session, Ayanokouji guided his peers as they put in their effort to learn as much as he can. He then went to his own studying when all of a sudden, "BAM!"
"Did you just call me incompetent?!"
"Yes Sudou-kun. If you can't solve a single simultaneous math equation, I can't imagine where you'll end up in the future."
Excusing himself, Ayanokouji went to investigate the commotion and saw Horikita's study group consisting of herself, Sudou, Ike, Yamauchi and Kikyou.
"I skipped basketball practice for this crap and you look down on me? Who needs these stupid equations! Studying's pointless anyway! If I want a good future, I'd rather play professional basketball to prepare for my pro career than sticking my nose on some book!" Sudou complained angrily.
"Oh? You want to be a professional basketball player? How childish. You really think the world will grant you a future like that so easily? Someone who lacks commitment and dedication can never be a professional." Horikita criticized him.
Still furious, Sudou packed up and left. "I'm out too. Horikita may be smart but I can't hang out with someone who looks and talks down on us." Ike stated. "Yeah I can agree with that." Yamauchi joined in as they packed up and left with Sudou.
"Horikita-san...no one's going to study and listen to you if you act this way..." Kikyou spoke trying to put some sense in her. "Yes I can see that I was mistaken. I realize now that I was wasting my time on a fruitless endeavor that reaped no efforts at all." Horikita replied. "If they're gonna hold the class back, it's better that they drop out."
Kikyou didn't like to hear that so she packed up and left even planning to do something about Sudou, Ike and Yamauchi. Now Horikita's all alone by herself as she did her self-study leaving Ayanokouji to shake his head return to his group.
There, "Bro what just happened?" Norihito asked him.
"Not much. Just a failed study group that disbanded." He answered as they resumed their study session.
That night...
Ayanokouji lay on his head pondering about the commotion he witnessed just now. "Hmmm...maybe I'll go down and buy a drink."
A few minutes later, he's standing in front of a vending machine when, "Wait...is that..." He slowly treaded his way to the scene and there, "Suzune, I didn't expect you to follow me here." He took a quick glance to see Horikita and Manabu in the midst of the discussion. "The president of the student council? What's he doing here?" He thought as he observed it for a while and then, made his move.
Now before that happened, Horikita just got her right hand and arm pinned by her older brother. "My little sister is assigned to Class D and I'm the one who bears the shame of it." Manabu stated coldly. "Leave this school right now."
"Nii-san...I..."
"I'm serious. You have neither the right nor the ability to aim for something higher. Therefore you must learn to..." All of a sudden, he felt something grab his wrist and, "A-Ayanokouji-kun?" Horikita was surprised by his presence for he's standing behind her older brother grabbing onto his wrist. "You were really going to do it, weren't you? Throwing her onto the ground is not a wise move from someone who's suppose to lead by example as the older brother. Let her go."
"S-Stop it Ayanokouji-kun..." Horikita begged him.
"Huh? I've never heard her speak that way..." Still, he let go of Manabu's hand, only for him to swing it back but he dodged it by leaning back. "Close call..." He thought as Manabu executed a front kick but he bent down and countered a grapple. Surprised, Manabu spin kick on his left but he blocked it with his arm without pressure and likewise his right arm when countering a right spin kick. Manabu then used his own hands for some advanced close combat moves but he dodged every single attack without flinching not one bit.
"Nice moves. Do you practice something?"
"Piano, calligraphy and tea ceremony."
"Enlightening. First, you and your classmate hinted out the S-System early and now, your physical abilities are something else. Are you hiding more than those?"
"Coincidences can be scary, right." Ayanokouji replied relaxing his shoulders. "A unique man you are." Manabu complimented. "And Suzune, I'm genuinely surprised that you made a friend. Especially when he's from the class that ascended to the top."
"But...we're not friends...we're just classmates from different classes..." Horikita replied.
"And as usual, you've mistaken isolation for independence." He stated strictly. "If you want to ascend to the higher class, struggle with everything you have." He then took his leave but right after, "As for you, something tells me I may see you more often."
"Predictability can be enlightening, right." He replied back to Manabu as he left.
With the minor confrontation over, Ayanokouji bought himself a bottled coffe and Horikita a canned coffee. "I guess you saw my awkward side." She spoke first. "Actually, I was glad to see what a normal girl you could-" He was silenced by her glare so he continued drinking and her glare disappeared. "By the way, you're incredible."
"You're referring to the moves?" He asked as he finished his can. "Yeah. My brother masters aikido with a 5th-Dan high ranking and karate with a 4th Dan high ranking and yet you evaded all his moves leaving him surprised." She replied. "What did you practice to become this skilled?"
"Mixed Martial Arts." He replied. "I don't understand you at all." She replied staring down to herself. "So anyway, are you absolutely done with the study group?" He asked. "Yes, those failures are a waste of time. It doesn't do me any good." She replied. "So they're be expelled I see." He spoke. "I don't care what happens to anyone else." She added as she stood up. "In contrast, those who remain will be the better students. Their expulsion will make it easier for our class to rise. That's all I wish."
"Are you sure that it isn't the wrong way of thinking?" Ayanokouji asked surprising Horikita as she looked behind listening to him. "Your shortcoming is that you assume others will hold you back and stay away from them. Couldn't that philosophy of looking down on others, be what got you into Class D in the first place?" Horikita can only remain silent for herself. "I'll leave you to reflect upon it." He added as he threw his bottle in the recycling bin and left.
You have a long way to go to overcome your defect Horikita. Nevertheless, I would gladly observe your progress
Exam Period...
And so the day has arrived...
Yes, the midterm exams as Chie-sensei observed her class taking them.
Throughout the exam...every student of Class A...pulled through in English, Modern Grammar, Math, Chemistry, Civics, Japanese History and every other subject...
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And as a result, the whole class has achieved the high scores
The final scene shows on the day of the results, the whole class can see it pinned on the whiteboard with Ayanokouji opening his eyes and there were lots of high scores indeed.
Starting from this chapter, Horikita will learn to humble herself to overcome her defect and improve on her abilities. Soon, Ayanokouji will make use of her as an ally.
I've also been too busy in my job with little time to work on the story. So you guys can probably expect long waits or short waits depending on how things go in my job. Not to mention that the main website has serious issues which really messed up my story stats and other glitches and errors. I dunno if it has affected you guys as well but hopefully all this can be restored very soon.
And what are your opinions on the 5 new characters I added in this story? Feedback appreciated.