Season 3 Episode 12
At the gymnasium, it's the graduation ceremony for the 3rd year students. At the gymnasium hall, all the 1st and 2nd year students are there attending it and likewise, the teaching staff.
"Representative of the graduation ceremony, Class 3-A, Horikita Manabu."
He appeared on stage to give a graduation speech as all paid attention to him. "Even though Nagumo tried to hinder him, he's able to graduate from Class A safely." Ayanokouji thought as Manabu began his speech. I also remembered vowing to make my 3 years here rewarding as well.
"Greetings. On a day where the fresh spring air carried the scent of plum blossoms, we gathered to celebrate our graduation. 3 years ago, I vividly remembered entering ANHS with great responsibility for the future. Having passed through numerous and challenging special exams in the midst of competition and friendly rivalry, I am truly grateful to be able to graduate with everyone today. And the resoluteness of our former friends who unfortunately are not here, was not in vain, and their bravery is deeply engraved in our hearts. I promise you that what you are learning at this school will be more valuable and useful in your lives ahead. Those of you who are lost now, do not be afraid and take a step forward. And I believe the world that was cold and closed to you will gently welcome you." Manabu then looked up straight at the audience. "Next year and 2 years from now, those who will stand up here and give a speech will understand as well. Thank you very much for the past 3 years!" End of speech.
During that, Nagumo has a displeased look on his face while listening and Asahina smiled at this, Sakayanagi had a small smile on her face while behind her, Kamuro and Yoshida listened, Honami had a concerned look, Ryuuen just closed his eyes and pretend to listen or listen half of the speech and Kikyou has no clue on understanding his speech at all.
Later in class...
"Now today, I would like to give a brief summary for this semester." Chabashira-sensei spoke to the class. "First of all, I would like to commend you all for putting up a good fight in the final special exam against Class A. You've all changed significantly since last year, when you first started attending this school. And here the class points for the overall first year."
Class A-1084
Class B-713
Class C-480
Class D-702
"How did Ryuuen-kun win some many points?" Horikita thought to herself. "I better ask Ichinose-san about this."
"Sensei, the results show that we're back to being Class D again." Ike pointed out.
"It certainly seems like we've been sent back to square one." said Satou and she felt a bit sad about it.
"We moved up to Class C and then, moved down to Class D for this semester." said Shinohara and sighed about it.
"Yes although we dropped to Class D, you all have matured so much in one year that I could barely recognize you now." Chabashira-sensei commended the whole class. "You gained the most points in terms of class points throughout the year."
"The fact that you're complimenting us this much freaks me out." said Sudou. "There's got to be something up, right?"
"No there isn't. But the other classes have matured as well. Whether or not you can move up to a higher class again depends on your ability to keep putting in a certain level of effort from here." She replied. "Today is the thank-you party but even though there are no classes, don't forget it is still a school day."
"One question. You mentioned before there are consolation rewards but we don't see it." Yousuke pointed out.
"Okay. In the exam, you earn 30 class points for winning an event and lose 30 if you lose in an event. For consolation rewards, if you are able to win events in a row, you earn 15 class points and it will increased by another 15 as long as the winning streak is maintained. And at the end of the exam, the class that wins the most events earn 100 class points."
"Based on the result, Ryuuen-kun's class is really this close to ascend over Class B..." Horikita thought and she did her math on the event exam between their class and Class A.
Outside...
Ayanokouji, Horikita and Honami are seen sitting together on a picnic table with canned drinks on their hands. "It looks like you had a hard time during the final exam." Horikita spoke to Honami.
"I feel like I was totally overwhelmed by Ryuuen-kun's strategy. The result was a complete defeat for us, Class B." She replied to her.
"What happened during the exam?" Horikita asked.
"The events that Ryuuen-kun selected...is something I was not prepared for." Honami replied. "As a result, I was trapped by him."
A flashback is being played and it shows that Class B won 2 events and Class C won 3. Honami is a bit frustrated during the exam while Ryuuen is relaxing with a calm and amusing behaviour. Mashima-sensei and Chabashira-sensei are the facilitators for these 2 as the lottery is on and it selected the Judo event.
Honami gasped in shock while Ryuuen wasted no time and selected Albert for this event. Honami however can't decide on which of her classmates she'll chose for and is full of doubt and worry. Seeing this convinced Mashima-sensei that she lost so he forfeit her entry on the event, walked to her and she noticed him as he shook his head. Class C won a landslide victory and Honami hung her head in defeat.
"Something tells me that most of Ryuuen's events involve close combat." Ayanokouji assumed in his mind as he sipped his canned coffee.
"In the end, the biggest reason for our loss was me, the commander who couldn't get my mind right until the end." Honami told the two Class D students.
"I think you should report this issue to the school." Horikita suggested.
Honami just gripped her canned juice a bit. "Not necessary. I want to use this as a lesson."
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"If this had happened at a critical time in our second or third year, I don't know how much trouble we would have been in. So I'm okay with it." She replied.
Horikita didn't expect her words but she understood her statement. "Souka. Then there's no need for me as someone from another class to say anything else."
"I heard you and your friends put up a good fight against Class A." Honami exclaimed. "You're all steadily getting stronger despite being demoted to Class D. We can't let our guard down either."
"About that, frankly speaking, I would like to terminate our cooperative relationship starting at our next school year." Horikita revealed to her as Ayanokouji sipped his canned coffee and placed it down on the table.
"I had a feeling you were probably going to suggest that." Honami replied with expectation. "But I think we can still maintain this relationship. For example-"
"No. Starting next year, I have a goal that I'm definitely going to be in Class B or higher." Horikita declared as Honami was surprised by her declaration. "And in order to overtake Class A, I plan to get us within the range of points we need."
"You sure are serious." Honami can see that.
"I'm grateful to you for offering to help us out when we were helpless, Ichinose-san." Horikita thanked her with a smile.
"I guess starting next year, we're clearly enemies and Class B will go all out." Honami then extended her hand to her and knowing the gesture, Horikita shook her hand as they smiled at each other while Ayanokouji finished his canned coffee.
"One more thing. I'm now aware of your bond with Ayanokouji-kun." Horikita revealed and Honami blinked for a second and squeaked about it. "Tell you what, you're free to spend your time with him. I won't stop you therefore."
"Wow...this is so unexpected..." She replied shyly as she sipped her canned juice.
After the talk, Ayanokouji and Horikita headed out as he asked her this. "Are you going to the thank-you party?"
"Are you asking if I'm going to see my brother? If you do, I have no plan for it." She replied.
"I thought this was your chance to have a talk with him." He stated.
"It's none of your business." She replied as he said nothing for a few seconds. "I'm going to see him." She halted herself upon hearing that. "Is there some kind of problem?" Ayanokouji asked.
"Not really. You're free to go meet with him." She then went ahead as he looked around. "Before that, let's do what needs to be done." He thought as he walked to another direction while thinking about something else.
(Flashback)
A few days ago at nightfall, Ayanokouji is at the park chatting with a certain individual on the phone.
"I am currently under house arrest due to allegations to fraud and embezzlement. I don't think I can stop Tsukihiro." Mr Sakayanagi told him.
"If I move according to his strategy, the resulting uproar may spread to the entire school." He replied.
"I guess that means you want a backer who can oppose him, right?" Mr Sakayanagi then suggested someone. "Mr Mashima would be the right person for the job. Now the school is filled with surveillance cameras so you can leave me to set up the meeting for him. I'll also arrange the date and time for this."
"Arigato Goizamasu. Also, thanks for accepting my request." Ayanokouji thanked him.
"It helped you did it?"
"For now, I used some of it to help save 2 expulsions. I still have a ton left in my phone." He replied.
"Requesting 100 million private points is no easy task and almost impossible to be accepted. But yet, knowing that the current situation was expected to happen true to your words, it clearly proves that you're one step ahead." Mr Sakayanagi stated.
"Thanks."
"May I ask you one last question?"
"Go ahead."
"You came to this school with dreams of a normal life." Mr Sakayanagi stated. "But have you thought about what comes after graduation?"
"It depends on the course of action that will revolve around me .That is why I intend to protect these 3 years to the bitter end. Once I completed it, I will decide my future."
"Then I hope this school will be a good memory that you will never forget for the rest of your life." Mr Sakayanagi then ended the call.
(End Flashback)
Ayanokouji reached the meeting room. The same room where he met his father last year. Knocking on the door and opening it, "Excuse me."
In the room, Mashima-sensei, Chabashira-sensei and Sakayanagi noticed his presence. "You're purposefully going through Director Sakayanagi to orchestrate the secret meeting before the thank-you party." Mashima-sensei spoke first as Ayanokouji closed the door behind him. "It must be something very serious, right?"
"You have taken the plunge. I thought you wanted to lead a peaceful life." Chabashira-sensei asked as he began. "This is an important matter regarding Acting Director Tsukihiro."
"What on earth are you talking about?" Mashima-sensei asked.
"What if I told you that Director Sakayanagi is currently under house arrest and the victory or defeat in the final special exam were all orchestrated by Acting Director Tsukihiro?" Ayanokouji revealed to the people and this shocked the teachers and Sakayanagi smirked about it. The explanation is given regarding Class A and C's final event in the special exam and Tsukihiro's involvement leaving the teachers more shocked.
"I'm not completely convinced yet, but if it's true, then we can't overlook it." Mashima-sensei stated as he clenched his right fist.
"However, Mr Mashima just received a pay cut this morning for violating the rules during the final special exam." Chabashira-sensei revealed to the students.
"Oh? How did this happen?" Sakayanagi asked.
"The judo competition between Class B and Class D. In Class D, Albert Yamada was selected for the event." Chabashira-sensei explained.
"I didn't know Albert can do judo." Ayanokouji thought.
"Naruhoto. If Class B has to select a student to fight him, Albert will easily break the student leading to a terrible accident." Sakayanagi concluded.
"That is why Mr Mashima-sensei deemed the fight to be unwinnable for Class B and this lead to their ultimate loss." Chabashira-sensei finished her statement as she looked at Mashima-sensei. "I suppose that's what the Acting Director didn't like."
"So he doesn't allow teacher's discretion, huh?" Ayanokouji asked.
"If we judge a match to be too dangerous for the students, we must stop it for safety measures. If there is injustice, we must correct it." said Mashima-sensei as he frowned to himself. "What kind of teacher would we be if we didn't follow what we taught out students?"
"It seems I can't stop you." Chabashira-sensei replied to him and made her decision. "If Mr Mashima is agreeing to put his neck out for you, then I'll aid you on this one."
"As will I and with that, we've reached an agreement for the time being." Sakayanagi spoke up as the teachers looked at her. "Of course, this is only until we get rid of that treacherous villain. But if he becomes an obstacle to Class A, I will give him a merciless crushing at any time."
"Though she doesn't show it, her anger against Tsukihiro over his interference in our match is greater than before." Ayanokouji thought to himself.
"Since we've agreed to a common goal, then I guess our secret meeting is conlcuded. The thank-you party is about to begin and you, students will leave first and for us teachers, we'll each leave the room separately later." Chabashira-sensei instructed the students and they complied as Sakayanagi stood up and walked with Ayanokouji out of the room.
Once they have left, "Such a messy problem he brought to us." She told Mashima-sensei while looking out at the window to keep watch on the 2 students.
"Will eliminating the current Acting Director really be enough to put an end to this?" He asked her.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"There is no guarantee that the next assassin or instigator won't be sent after that." Mashima-sensei explained. "If that were to happen, this would grow from a personal problem for Ayanokouji to something that affects the entire school and in some cases, it could have a negative impact on it."
"A dire situation we cannot extricate huh?" Chabashira-sensei exclaimed.
"I hope that my prediction won't come true." He added.
"You're right. And we better leave the room according to the plan." She also added.
"Agreed. We'll discuss this again another time." He stated and the plan is in motion so that nothing will suspect them and speaking of which, it's party time.
The Thank-you Party...
All the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students are gathered together hanging out and mingling. Professional chefs cut up pieces of roast beef and serve other party food to the students and there's unlimited orange juice for everyone to help themselves.
Ayanokouji soon arrived meeting up with Horikita who was being a bystander in the party. "You came I see."
"What? Is it bad that I'm here?" She asked him and they both had a glass of orange juice on their hands.
"I just thought if you were the same person as before, you wouldn't have come." He replied.
"Is that so?" She asked as she sipped her juice and Ayanokouji looked around.
"It seems even if you don't graduate from Class A, you're still happy that you managed to graduate." He stated and they can see many students enjoying themselves.
"Even if the shortcut to your dream doesn't come true, you can still forge a path to yourself." said Horikita and she can see her older brother mingling with his classmates.
"You should go." Ayanokouji encouraged her. "Claim your rights as his little sister." He then lightly pushed her forward leaving her surprised and a bit flustered by his gesture as she looked up for a second. "It's just unnatural and impurity if I rush off towards him right now. It's also not like I'm being timid or anything. I came here because I wanted to see what these past 3 years have brought for my brother."
And Manabu is seen being praised by his peers for everything he did for his class as he talked with them with a positive smile.
"I've done what I needed to do. I'm leaving now." Horikita told Ayanokouji as she finished her drink. "How about you?"
"I'm going to stay here a little longer." He replied.
"Souka. See you later, then." Horikita then left the party.
Some time later as the party goes on, Ayanokouji went one level up to observe the atmosphere. He can see Honami and Asahina chatting with Tachibana as they spent time with her for the last time. And then, "Were you waiting for me?"
"I thought this might be the last chance I had to talk with you." He replied to Manabu as he approached him. "Looks like Suzune left the party."
"She burned the image of your 3 years at this school into her memory for now." Ayanokouji told him and also, "I'm sorry. I probably should have done a little more for you about the student council stuff."
"It's fine. You did much. Whatever personal plan Nagumo has schemed, you were able to thwart it. That's a start." Manabu replied.
"Yeah. And I'll find a way to remove him from power soon enough." Ayanokouji assured to him.
"There's one more thing. You might have to not only deal with him but a certain classmate of yours also." He knew what's going on as Manabu revealed this. "Kiriyama recently was able to get access to the Event Exam results. And he dug into the Math Test event and found some unexpected results."
"Kushida did something did she?"
"Exactly. According to Kiriyama, her paper shows that she intentionally gave the wrong answers in most of the questions. In other words, she held back on purpose to make the class lose on this one. In truth, this event could have been won by your class if only she takes it seriously."
"Did she do it under Nagumo's orders since she made contact with him before?" Ayanokouji asked.
"That's one theory to assume but if she did this out of her own deed, then it proves that she's willing to do anything to see you get expelled." Manabu concluded. "Who knows what worst nightmares she might unleash once she succeeds in expelling you. She'll most likely go after Suzune and anyone she deems as enemies in her deranged mindset."
"Worse, she can get Nagumo to back her up and the expulsion rate will increase." Ayanokouji added.
"In conclusion, Kushida is beyond redemption and when your next school year begins, I implore you to remove her from this school as soon as possible before she plots to damage your class and the school's reputation." Manabu requested.
"No worries, I'm already planning her downfall." He assured to him.
"One step ahead I see..." Manabu is impressed by this and he got serious. "I need a favour. I'm leaving school on the 31st with my girlfriend. Tell Suzune I'll be waiting for her at the front gate at noon that day."
"Wouldn't it be better if you told her that yourself?" Ayanokouji asked him.
"I want you to be the one to tell her. Since she would probably not be able to be honest." He replied with a smile. Well, it's settled then.
And so...
For the next few days, the graduating students left the school and plan their future now that they've completed their 3 years in ANHS. At the dorms, they are to pack their personal belongings, clean their dorm rooms, lock it, pass the key card to the reception at the front desk and take their leave.
And on that day...
"Today is the last day my brother will be here at this school." Horikita thought and she just finished washing her face since she woke up just now. "I'd barely be able to show him how much I have matured this past year." She continue to reflect about it and even pondered about her relationship with her brother until she unclipped her hair and she looked at her reflection in the mirror. She then smiled for she found her answer and took a pair scissors.
Later on at the front gate, Ayanokouji checked the time through his phone and looked up. He can see Manabu and Tachibana approaching the school gate with their luggage and as of now, they're the last 2 students left to take their leave.
As they faced each other, "You're sister isn't here yet." He began.
"Souka." Manabu then asked him a question. "Ayanokouji, in the early months since you started here, why did you spend your days hiding your talents?"
"It's simply because I don't like standing out." He replied. "But things have changed and now, there's a feeling of being part of something that urges me to showcase what I've hidden."
"Then is it really worthwhile for you to continue your school life while hiding who you truly are even though you have already showcased a part of yourself?" Manabu asked a second question. "Didn't you come to this school to leave something behind?"
"Leaving something behind...that's something that can only be done by people as radiant as you." Ayanokouji answered him.
"If you can't leave something for the school, leave something for the students." Manabu advised him as he paid close attention to him. "The students won't forget their memories of the student named Ayanokouji Kiyotaka which have been inscribed in their minds. I appreciate that you've been helping my little sister but I've understood that you aren't the kind of man who would stop there. Which is why...I ask you not to disappoint me."
"I'll think about it."
"That's fine. You will have to figure out the answer yourself." Manabu replied as Tachibana checked them. "We better get going Manabu."
"Alright Akane. And Ayanokouji, I'm sorry for taking up your time even until my last minutes here." He told him.
"Maybe you should contact your sister at least once before you and your girlfriend take your leave." Ayanokouji suggested with Tachibana nodding in agreement.
"No. My temporary feelings might stun my little sister's growth. I know this is a one-sided wish but I leave Suzune to you." Manabu then approached Ayanokouji and offered a handshake. He shook his hand without hesitating and after that, "See you again. Ayanokouji."
"Yeah...see you again...and likewise, you also Tachibana-senpai." Ayanokouji shook her hand and after that, "It was nice meeting you. You really are special. I also hope to see you again."
Manabu smiled at their interaction as she rejoined him and they stepped out of the school with Ayanokouji watching them.
For once in my life, I'm already missing them. Yes, I feel the sadness in my heart for the first time as they depart for their future. If ever we see each other again, I will aim to make the changes around me and survive my remaining 2 years here. I'll become something else to the point that they will be able to see the new person in me. I will not forget our moments, interactions and memories between us, Horikita Manabu. Respect to you and your girlfriend
As they left the school, "Nii-san!" Ayanokuji saw her run past him and Manabu looked behind and gasped.
Right before him, Horikita Suzune is dressed casually and interestingly, she cut her hair short with the braid also short. "Sorry I'm late!"
"And looks like you've changed." He replied with a smile as she approached him. "No...you've returned to your old self, Suzune." He corrected himself as Tachibana was somewhat surprised by Horikita's new look.
"It took me a year...no...it took me many years." She told him as from behind, "Looks like I'm done here." Ayanokouj smiled at their last moments together and then, headed back to do his own things.
Back to the siblings, "From now on, I have decided to walk forward on my own for the sake of my classmates." Horikita declared to her brother. "And in order to find my own way, I'm going to keep learning together with my friends at this school."
"You have truly returned to your old self." Manabu never felt much happiness in himself as his sister smiled at his words. He then asked this question. "Do you know the main reason that I coldly pushed you away?"
"No."
"You were trapped in the illusion of me. I just couldn't forgive you for that." He told her the answer as he placed his hands on her shoulders surprsing her. "But now, you're okay and I'm sure of it."
Horikita never felt much happiness in herself as her brother gave her some advice. "Be strong and kind to others. Continue to be a friend to them, lend them a helping hand when they need it and enjoy your school life socially."
"Hai."
"And I owe you an apology too." He then gently felt her hair as she wasn't expecting it. "I lied when I said that I liked long hair."
She was somewhat confused by his words and likewise, Tachibana who took 2 steps back to give them their sibling moment.
"I lied to you, who had always preferred short hair, to see if you would take me at my word or not." Manabu continued on. "Please forgive me Suzune." And then, he pulled her in for an embrace as she teared up with joy. "I forgive you nii-san. I'm sure because of that lie, that I'm here today." She replied with the tears flowing down her face.
"Suzune. You're very precious to me." He told her as she looked up facing him. "Two years from now, I will be waiting for you outside this front gate." They let go from the embrace as, "Show me how much you have matured."
"Hai. I will fight through to the very end to the best of my abilities." Horikita declared to her brother.
"See you again." Those were his last words for now as they embraced each other again. Horikita also embraced Tachibana as she returned the gesture. "Take care of my brother until then."
"I will. And I'll also be waiting here with him when that day comes." Tachibana and with that, everything is concluded as Horikita watched her brother and girlfriend depart.
2 years from now, she will definitely prove to him how much she has matured and most importantly, pursue her goal to reach Class A with the best of her abilities and the aid of her friends.
Farewell Manabu Horikita. For he is a noble character with strong leadership qualities, instincts, skills and abilities. This is why Ayanokouji has full respect for him and unlocked the emotion where he can sadly admit that he's really gonna miss him.
And he was bold enough to tip him about some new and dire information. Yes, I've thought of it in a specialized way that once the 2nd years begins for them. Kikyou will be more hellbent in plotting ways to expel Ayanokouji and her other enemies in her unstable mindset.
I also included Tachibana in the final scene since they're dating and probably they're going to the same college or university together. She really has full respect for both Ayanokouji and Horikita.
Private Point List
Class 1-A
1. Arisu Sakayanagi-943,205
2. Kohei Katsuragi-2,009,734
3. Masumi Kamuro-791,379
4. Masayoshi Hashimoto-713,869
5. Hayato Kito-789,432
6. Takuro Morishige-1,264,862
7. Koji Machida-1,398,060
8. Shigeru Takomoto-1,326,849
9. Miki Yamamura-876,218
10. Kenta Yoshida-928,771
11. Emi Tamiya-850,980
Class 1-B
1. Honami Ichinose-3,380,300
2. Ryuji Kanzaki-994,365
3. Chihiro Shiranami-613,286
4. Yume Kobashi-1,026,692
5. Mako Amikura-541,820
6. Sou Shibata-549,337
7. Tetsuya Hamaguchi-982,803
8. Ryouta Beppu-1,019,816
9. Sayo Andou-1,039,269
10. Norihito Watanabe-560,116
11. Makoto Sumida-672,640
12. Susumu Moriyama-654,286
Class 1-C
1. Kakeru Ryuuen-791,393
2. Mio Ibuki-728,642
3. Hiyori Shiina-410,405
4. Albert Yamada-239,400
5. Daichi Ishizaki-243,562
6. Kyogo Komiya-260,180
7. Reo Kondou-259,108
8. Satoru Kaneda-300,770
9. Shiho Manabe-749,675
10. Nanami Yabu-778,990
11. Saki Yamashita-763,088
12. Rika Morofuji-302,561
13. Minori Kinoshita-261,504
Class 1-D
1. Soshi Miyamoto-250,412
2. Satsuki Shinohara-251,880
3. Kokoro Inogashira-227,903
4. Nene Mori-250,793
5. Teruhiko Yukimura-552,485
6. Yosuke Hirata-574,203
7. Kei Karuizawa-458,774
8. Kayano Onodera-263,155
9. Kikyou Kushida-1,100,249
10. Ryotarou Hondou-237,737
11. Hideo Sotomura-493,628
12. Chiaki Matsushita-242,699
13. Rokusuke Kouenji-285,412
14. Haruka Hasabe-209,688
15. Akito Miyake-239,678
16. Wang Mei Yu-234,685
17. Kyousuke Okitani-205,645
18. Maya Satou-159,312
19. Kanji Ike-401,607
20. Kiyotaka Ayanokouji-65,549,850
21. Suzune Horikita-729,611
22. Wataru Ijuin-250,885
23. Airi Sakura-175,408
24. Ken Sudou-211,667
Class Points
A-1084
B-713
C-702
D-480
It appears the next episode will have some bonding between classmates. Let's see how I'll work on them. See ya!