Season 1 Episode 2
School Swimming Pool...
Swimming class is ongoing but right now, it appears lessons are over and the students are having their free time frolicking in the pool. Well, most of them as at the audience seats, Haruka Hasabe, Airi Sakura, Hideo Sotomura who appeared to doing some recording and Rokusuke Koenji aka the blond dude with the ego at the bus in the previous episode are seated and they just watched their classmates have fun in the pool. In there, Kikyo, Chiaki and Satou splashed each other, Karuizawa and Yosuke skylarked about and Ike and Yamauchi did nothing but stare at the girls especially at their chest sizes jiggling in the pool.
During free time in swimming class, people will naturally split in groups I see...
Yes, Ayanokouji is having his point of view while watching his classmates have their fun while sitting on the floor in his school-issue swim trunks.
I got it. It seems I've completely failed at making friends...
He then sighed to himself when, "What are you lamenting at?" He looked up to see Horikita in her school-issued one piece swimsuit standing beside him. "I was just immersed in a battle with myself." He replied while looking down on the ground. "How can they be so cheerful after what just happened during homeroom period?" She asked as she sat down beside him. "Don't you think they're trying to not think about it?" He asked back. Horikita thought for a second and agreed with him as they continued watching some of their classmates splash each other. "They seem to be enjoying themselves." She pointed out as Kayano and Shinohara took a dive in the pool for fun. "Classes in the pool started early this spring on a short notice." Ayanokouji added. "Besides, when there's a free period, most high school freshmen would go a little nuts right?"
"They just like kids. But I can't hate them for it either." She then fixed her eyes on Sudou who's sitting on the ledge of the pool all alone and just looking away while Karuizawa dragged Yosuke by the arm while laughing. "In the eyes of the S-system, they're the worst kind of defectives."
"You're also part of it right?" He asked and she agreed as he recalled the S-system...
Flashback to Homeroom...
On the board, the S-system is shown with the 4 first year classes ranked with A on to and D on the bottom. "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."
Everyone can see that because their class got a big, fat zero in the rankings. Kikyo was shocked and Horikita clenched her teeth in frustration. Then, their teacher clapped her hands adding more sarcasm in her words now. "Honestly, I'm incredibly impressed. Somehow, no class have ever before exhausted all their points in a single month, not even the previous Class D."
Everybody was speechless in what they heard when Yosuke 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 Yosuke silent and looking at his desk and his classmate seated in front of him, Soshi Miyamoto also did the same thing. Now using her black marker pen, she began writing down some important information while explaining some more on the S-system. "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 have lost all your points."
The whole was dead silent over the mega loss. "Ano...Is there a chance for us to get more points?" Kikyo 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." Already Horikita is noting down the info with Ayanokouji eyeing on it carefully without being seen by her as, "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! What did you all study at middle school or elementary?"
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 Ayanokouji and Horikita in which both stared at their teacher. This is something to be serious about.
End Flashback...
"Based on the information we already have, if we were to get even a few class points, everyone in class will have to change their habits and try to get high scores on the midterm." Ayanokouji spoke to Horikita in which she agreed with him. "In order to achieve the special privileges of the outstanding college admissions and high employment rate..."
"We need to get higher scores than Class C." Horikita spoke up. "As long as we're in D, our hopes to advance will be out of reach."
"Heh. You sound like Chabashira-sensei."
"No way."
"You seemed to be imitating her a bit somehow."
That's when Horikita noticed something. "Wait a minute...Ayanokouji-kun, are you into sports?"
"Not in particular. I didn't enter any sports club back in middle school."
"Still...the development of your forearms, legs and-"
"Ne, Ne, Horikita-san!" From the pool, Kikyo called out for her to swim with the class but no thank you and she even stood up to leave. "She's totally unapproachable isn't she?" Ayanokouji described as Kikyo got out of the pool. "I wish we could get along a bit..." She added as they watched.
A while later, Yosuke gathered the class for a discussion. "Minna. I want you all to focus on me and listen to me. As of now, we can't get any points and this will haunt us for the rest of our school life and career. We can't possibly graduate with zero points at all."
"That's right! We can't let that happen!" Karuizawa agreed supporting him. "Mochiron daiyo. That's why we need to make sure we at least get some points for next month and the upcoming midterms is our only chance!" Yosuke continued but Sudou who was unhappy at the beginning of the discussion made his move. "Whatever you're doing, suit yourselves. Just leave me out of this!" He then walked away still having his anger with the whole class watching including Horikita.
Meanwhile in a concealed room, the student council president Manabu is observing the class a bit. He then turned his attention to 2 students. One is a short, petite girl with lilac hair and wears a black beret and she's seated on the sofa with a walking cane beside her and the other is well-built young man with a bald head and a large body frame.
"Class 1-A representatives. Sakayanagi Arisu and Katsuragi Kohei. Congratulations. Your class has 940 class points this month. This is something to be proud of." He then got serious as seen through his eyes worn with his glasses. "Now let me test you. How much do you know about the S-system?"
Later on...
Back at class, lunch break is on and those that saved up their points are seen eating in class like Miyamoto, Kayano and Haruka and those that blew most of their points are really in need of them. Right now, "Professor! Would you please buy this game console for 20,000 points!" Yamauchi asked Sotomura but, "I actually don't even have that amount..."
Nearby, "I really did blew off most of my points and now I'm sort of broke." Karuizawa can be seen chatting with some of her female friends requesting to loan some points from them and not wanting to bother much about those interactions, Ayanokouji decided to just sit down and do nothing when, "Do you have plans for lunch?" He looked as Horikita asked again with a different question and in humility. "Would you mind eating lunch together with me?"
"Eh? I thought you'll rather be alone..."
"I'll explain."
So at the cafeteria...
They already got their lunches and sat down. "Well, time to dig in. Itadakimasu." Ayanokouji then examined his lunch. It consists of a bowl of white rice, a plate of deep-fried food consisting of 3 tempuras and 2 pieces of torikatsu with some vegetables, a bowl of soup and dessert which is vanilla ice cream with some fruits.
"Sorry for having you buy me this expensive special lunch set." He apologized. "Are you sure you're fine with it?"
"Yes. I did tell you to get whatever you wanted. After all, it's my treat." Horikita replied. "Not to mention that it's impressive that you saved up a lot of points. Otherwise, you'll end up like our classmates over there."
Slightly far from them, Ike, Yamauchi and 2 of their other classmates, Ryotarou Hondou and Kyosuke Okitani are eating nothing but rice and vegetables for lunch and they're feeling miserable about it. Many senpais can be seen smirking at them as they pass by their table.
"Free vegetable meals are meant for those that lavished too much of their points." She explained as he picked a piece of tempura but hesitated. "What's wrong? Just eat already before it becomes cold." She spoke and he took a bite. Crispy it is as, "Alright. I have details to explain so I want you to hear me out." Horikita began as Ayanokouji paid attention to her as he finished the tempura. He even took a glance at her lunch which consists of a lasanga, a bowl of salad and a glass of water.
Now back to the main discussion, "It seems that Hirata-kun and the others have made plans to hold a study group to prepare for the next test." Horikita explained. "A study group?" Ayanokouji asked and already, he nearly ate half of his lunch. "Yes but 3 of our classmates who scored the lowest as seen from the quiz results refused to join us."
"Sudou...right?"
"As well as Yamauchi-kun and Ike-kun."
"Yeah they're not the type that's into studying actively I guess." Ayanokouji then took a bite on a piece of the torikatsu.
"True. A trio of idiots if you ask me." said Horikita. "You sure? Then did you ever wonder why Sudou is not eating with his peers?" Ayanokouji asked gesturing at the same table just now. She then looked and, "Wait...he didn't waste all his points?"
"Let's just say I tested him on the first day regarding the massive amount of private points we received. Just like you I also expected him to waste them all but it turns out to be a different result." He revealed.
"That was unexpected from you but still, I can't imagine how someone like these 3 could fail a quiz so easily...but the fact that there are hopeless students out there for whom failure is nearly inevitable remains." Horikita stated on. "That's a cold statement." Ayanokouji described as he finished the piece of torikatsu. "I'm just stating the truth. Because if things go as it is now, failure is most likely to be on their doorstep. And if we want our class to be promoted, it's important that we not only avoid losing points but we also need to gain them right?"
"You want to hold a study group then? For the purpose of helping these 3?" Ayanokouji asked as he ate some vegetables.
"Yes."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes I am. If they're left alone, they could damage our class severely." Horikita stated. "If I really have been consigned to Class D, then I'll seek my way to Class A."
"Chotto Matte. Did you just say Class A? Not Class C?" Ayanokouji asked. "Class A because I'm entirely opposed to my assignment to Class D." She explained. "So step one is to rehabilitate the failures?" He asked putting the focus back on the main class issue. "If you understand, then this conversation won't be long." She replied. "Besides, you ate it didn't you?"
He looked at his half-eaten lunch as, "I still haven't forgiven you for conspiring with Kushida-san and taking me out on false pretenses," She continued on. "That's dirty...to think you'll drag me to this..." He exclaimed sighing a bit. "If you want me to repay your debt, you'll have to help me." She stated. "Your job will be to round up those 3 idiots to my study group. In addition..." She placed a piece of folded pink paper on the table. "Here's my handphone number and email address. Contact me if you need anything." And with that, the conversation is over as Horikita began eating lunch. Ayanokouji just took the paper and looked at the details.
The first girl's contact number of my high school career...I'm not really happy about it but I'd better save it anyway.
After school...
Class is over as Ayanokouji examined the pink paper again. Knowing that he had no choice, he decided to get the job done.
The result? 3 refusals with a hot-tempered threat which he's not fazed over but right now, he's in his dorm lying on his bed. "Well that was unexpected..." He sighed as he sat up. "I think I'd better get help from someone they're friends with..." He then checked the time. 2 minutes past 8pm and, "I wonder if she's in her room..." He then set his sight on the internal phone lines.
And now, "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 Kikyo 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."
"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 our 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 since you called for my help, I can return the favour! I'll give you my handphone number through message!"
"Eh? Are you sure?"
"Yeah! I mean, we're classmates after all! I'm sorry I never had the chance to give it to you before. So, feel free to call if you need anything okay?"
And with that, she ended the call and sent not only her handphone number but a message that the 3 idiots have agreed to join the study group. "She's fast..." Ayanokouji thought as he messaged Horikita about it and to have Kikyo join the study but he got a call with one word, "No."
2 more calls were made by him but they were rejected and then, messaging took place between them and it's a bit debated one can say so after that, "I see. Is this what she said?" Kikyo asked via the phonecall. "I'm really sorry. Even though I asked you to help..." With understanding, "Okay! Could you let me handle this then?" She requested with a smile.
The next day...
Classes are over and it cuts to the school library. A peaceful environment where students can read, do their homework and host study groups.
"BAM!" That was unexpected.
"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."
The study group is underway but things aren't what Ayanokouji expects as Sudou grabbed her by the bow-tie. "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!"
"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." She replied without fear.
Still furious, Sudou let go of her, packed up and left. "I'm out too. Horikita-san 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.
Only Ayanokouji and Kikyo remain with her. "Horikita-san...no one's going to study and listen to you if you act this way..." Kikyo 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."
Upon hearing that, Kikyo decided to see how she can do something. Though Horikita allowed her to, she has a lot of doubt believing that there's more to this. It actually hurt Kikyo to see that her classmate compose something negative so she too left leaving Ayanokouji speechless at what transpired today.
That night...
Ayanokouji lay on his bed looking at the 2 contacts he got yesterday night. He then looked up at the ceiling for a moment. "Maybe I'll go buy something. Like a drink."
Outside and in his school uniform, he found a vending machine to buy a drink but before he could, "Suzune, I didn't expect you to follow me here." His presence was diverted to something else. No, someone else and it's more than one.
Exactly near him, he looked to see Horikita and Manabu in the midst of the discussion. "The president of the student council?" 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..."
"BSH!" (That's the sound of grabbing one's wrist with strength)
"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? Let her go."
"S-Stop it Ayanokouji-kun..."
"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. It reminded me of someone who scored 50 in every subject in his entrance exam. On the other day, you scored 50 in that mock quiz." Manabu's words surprised his sister as, "Tell me, was it intentional?"
"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."
"He's...not my friend...we're just classmates." She 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. "But now I wonder, did you really rig your own scores on the entrance exam?"
"I told you and your older brother, it was just a coincidence." 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.
Some time later...
And so...within the hopeless situation, the day has arrived...
Yes, the midterm exams as Chabashira-sensei observed her class taking them.
We...the students of Class D...every student of Class D...in English, Modern Grammar, Math, Chemsitry, Civics, Japanese History and every other subject...
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Have acheived 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.
Things had become quite interesting. I'd rather have Horikita eat lunch with Ayanokouji than see her leave to eat lunch alone in the anime. She did invite him and yet she chose to be alone. Also, I made Ayanokouji's lunch nicer because I'm dreaming of my favourite Japanese food to feast on.
And yes, the pool and homeroom flashback scenes have small changes in the dialogues and I extended the spar between Ayanokouji and Manabu. Plenty of reflexes and agility displayed from the protagonist.
Anyway, more info below! Canon to the anime and non-canon to my writing!
Quiz Results (Highest to the Lowest)
Suzune Horikita-98
Teruhiko Yukimura-98
Rokusuke Koenji-95
Yosuke Hirata-85
Kikyo Kushida-78
Soshi Miyamoto-75
Wataru Ijuin-70
Kayano Onodera-65
Airi Sakura-63
Wang Mei-Yu-60
Ryotaro Hondou-58
Chiaki Matsushita-55
Satsuki Shinohara-52
Haruka Hasabe-52
Kiyotaka Ayanokouji-50
Akito Miyake-45
Maya Satou-43
Kyosuke Okitani-40
Kei Karuizawa-38
Nene Mori-36
Kokoro Inogashira-34
Hideo Sotomura-32
Kanji Ike-28
Haruki Yamauchi-24
Ken Sudou-20
(Took me a long time to decipher their names and the last 7 scores are randomized by myself because in the anime, they're blocked by that displeased teacher of theirs in the anime)
Private Points List
1. Soshi Miyamoto-8390
2. Satsuki Shinohara-14,277
3. Kokoro Inogashira-51,126
4. Nene Mori-54,920
5. Teruhiko Yukimura-85,370
6. Yosuke Hirata-9826
7. Kei Karuizawa-12,437 (She did ask her female classmates for some loans)
8. Kayano Onodera-38,673
9. Kikyou Kushida-47,205
10. Ryotarou Hondou-60
11. Hideo Sotomura-12,002
12. Chiaki Matsushita-2985
13. Rokusuke Kouenji-3928
14. Haruka Hasabe-38,303
15. Haruki Yamauchi-18
16. Akito Miyake-25,864
17. Wang Mei Yu-16,353
18. Kyousuke Okitani-121
19. Maya Satou-1125
20. Kanji Ike-25
21. Kiyotaka Ayanokouji-67,235
22. Suzune Horikita-88,106
23. Wataru Ijuin-70,928
24. Airi Sakura-26,329
25. Ken Sudou-20,031
Class Points
A-940
B-650
C-490
D-0
Alright, this piece of work is done, I've got another one to do so next chapter you'll see it. Sayonara!