Volume 5, Chapter 2: Intro - The Strategy Planning of Class D

Full-scale preparations have begun in anticipation of the sports festival that will be commencing in a month's time. The 2 hour long homeroom provided to us once a week has been declared a free period where we may utilize it as we wish, the manner in which we spend that time is left up to the judgment of the class. There are two things which we must decide on in preparation for the actual event.

How to decide the order of participation for the Universal Participation events? And also, who will be participating in which Recommended Only Participation events? It is clear that these two decisions will have a massive influence on the outcome. Here, above everyone else, the leader-like existence of this class, Hirata, took the initiative.

Chabashira-sensei, who moved towards the back of the classroom as though she were vacating the stage, did not say a single word. She likely intends to watch over the situation.

"In preparation for the sports festival we will begin to take action, but before we start our practice there are several things we need to decide on I believe. The important things are the order of participation for events and the Recommended Only Participation events. I think it's important to decide how to approach those".

"Even if you say decide, how are we going to do that?".

From Sudou's perspective, a rather uninteresting discussion is starting.

"Yeah. For instance, in the case of Universal Participation---".

Perhaps it's to make it easier to understand than an explanation here, Hirata gripped the chalk and began writing on the blackboard.

He appears to be a man who handles this sort of thing capably. 'Raising Hands' and 'Ability'. Those two were written down.

As he explains, Hirata adds a postscript.

"It's still a rough sketch but basically I think it boils down to these two. This is the 'Raising Hands' system where we'll listen to your desired order of participation. And this is the 'Ability' system where we'll ascertain your abilities to raise efficiency. It has to be one of these two, right? They have their own pros and cons. The 'Raising Hands' system's pros are, of course, that everyone would get their desired orders of participation and be able to have fun that way. The cons are that in the case that the desired orders overlap, not everyone can have it their way and the outcomes will become uneven".

If we adopt the system where we let everyone have it their way in regards to the order, inevitably that would be the result.

However, it can smoothly lower the emotional hurdles.

"Next is the 'Ability' system. This is extremely simple and it's the optimal arrangement to ensure that the ones with the highest abilities win. The pros are that it could raise the chances of winning beyond that of the 'Raising Hands' system but since it relies only on the strong individuals it could decrease the chances of winning for the others and it worries me that it'll end up ignoring what each one of you want. In theory, I think we can say the same for the Recommended Only Participation events as well. I've thought about it roughly but if you have any ideas other than these two please feel free to speak your opinion".

Hirata finishes his brief explanation. Even the students who could not understand the verbal explanation, from the details written on the blackboard, could slowly comprehend the pros and cons of each system.

The thoughts of the most of the students must have fallen under one of the plans Hirata had proposed. Especially since no other plans were forthcoming.

"No matter how you look at it, we should decide based on ability, right? You know yourself best, after all".

It seems Sudou has no intention of choosing anything other than that as he said those words.

"If I win then the chances of the class winning will also rise. That's a cause for celebration".

The way he put it was a mess, but it is true. Sudou putting his high physical ability to maximum use is an indispensable element in this sports festival.

"Well.....it pisses me off but that may be so".

Towards Sudou's words which were by no means illogical, the girls whispered in approval.

Following that, from the boys too, words of support towards Sudou started to come.

"I'm not very good at sports. Leaving aside Universal Participation, if Sudou is willing to take over the Recommended Only Participation events then I don't mind consenting".

For students like Yukimura who specialize in academics, athletics is a field they're weak in.

"Then it's decided, right? I'll be participating in all Recommended Only Participation events".

Sudou who fiercely declared that and the students who supported him. It covered for students who were unathletic and prioritized the class's victory both.

"If everyone's fine with that strategy then as for the Recommended Only Participation events we could do it this way---".

"Wait".

It was just before the proposal was approved.

"I have a supplementary proposal to make".

The usually taciturn Horikita, said that and joined the conversation.

Many students, surprised by the unexpected speaker, focused their attention on her.

"If we have to choose between these two strategies we should go with the 'Ability' system like Sudou-kun said. I have no objections this far. But with just that, there is no guarantee that we can win against the other classes".

"Of course that's true".

"If so, then it's obvious that we should prioritize letting the most athletic ones participate in the Recommended Only Participation events of their choosing and similarly in the Universal Participation events we should have them form the best possible combinations for victory and compete as such. This will allow us to unlock their maximum potential. If I have to put it simply, the fast ones should team up with the slow ones".

Basically it means that for Hirata and Sudou who are both fast, to avoid a clash between them, adjustments would be needed. Of course, if it's to win that's also one option.

But simultaneously, it is also an option that cruelly cuts off the weak.

"Hold on a minute. That strategy also means our chances of winning will fall, right?".

The first one to object like that was the schoolgirl named Shinohara. In order to secure the higher rankings no matter what, it's necessary to force a collision between the weaker and stronger individuals. Inevitably since the opposite of that is also established, the possibility of the weaker students winning becomes extremely low.

"I can't accept it. Just because you're unathletic, if you're forced to compete against someone stronger there's absolutely no winning. Privileges are given down to 3rd place so I don't want to throw aside that possibility though".

"It can't be helped. Because it's for the sake of the class".

"I know it's for the class.....but I don't want to lose my private points".

"If the class wins, there will be a proportionate compensation. Are you dissatisfied with that?".

"You can get a large amount of test scores if you win a prize, isn't giving up unfair?".

"I understand your desire to think that way. However, that is also strange. From the start, even without relying on the privilege of those scores, it would be just fine if you studied as usual. Besides, if the possibility remains even down to 3rd place then there'd be no problem even if you don't win the prize, right? In the first place, the contests aren't so simple that you can win a prize with your level of athleticism, right?".

Both of them were insistent and showed no signs of yielding. In particular, Horikita capitalized on her advantage and stubbornly attacked.

"Not everyone is as smart as Horikita-san. Don't lump everyone in the same boat".

"Study up daily then. I don't want you to bring up any excuses here".

'That's right, that's right', opinions like that supporting Horikita resounded through the class in no small quantity.

Horikita's opinion which focused on efficiency was favored by athletic students starting with Sudou, as well as students aiming for Class A and students who have trouble with sports. Shinohara, while still looking frustrated, seems to have lost her will to fight. In all likelihood, there are students like Shinohara who think they might still be able to slide up to 3rd place at least.

Being put together with strong students like Sudou, or being paired up with unathletic students in the cavalry battle and three-legged race, it's a fact that the victory stand would become distant.

"Let it be already, Shinohara. If we lost because of you, are you going to take responsibility for it? Huh?".

"That's....".

In this sports festival, the ones with high athletic ability dominate. Sudou, who is seen as being beneath everyone else as far as academics is concerned, is emitting a powerful glow here and holds authority. The ability prioritized plan that Horikita and Sudou proposed is a solid plan and is not one that is easily broken apart. Shinohara no longer has the ability to object. A conclusion is rapidly drawing close.

"Honestly how troublesome, to have to talk with dumb people.....you yourself don't seem to hold any interest in this situation though. If you're carefree enough to be playing around with your phone then why don't you think of ways we can win?".

"It'll be fine if I leave it up to you and Hirata, right?".

I closed the screen on my phone and placed it inside my pocket. The discussion is over---it was just when I had thought that.

"Ahh---can I have a moment? I object. Like Shinohara said, what's up with getting the rest of the students in trouble? Are you saying that by doing that, you can bring the class together as one?".

The one who said that was Karuizawa. As though shielding Shinohara, she glares at Horikita.

"To bring together as one, means exactly that. Do you understand?".

"Not all. I don't understand. Hey, what do you think, Kushida-san?".

Karuizawa calls out to Kushida, who was being 'uncharacteristically' quiet and watching over the situation. Kushida seemed slightly surprised but immediately after appearing to think about it she makes her declaration.

"It's a difficult problem. I was thinking I understand the feelings of both sides. Like Horikita-san, I'd like to win as a class. Like Shinohara-san said, I also want to leave behind the possibility of everyone winning too, I guess".

Saying that, she continued to speak.

"If there is an alternative plan, then combining both their opinions would be the ideal form. A way that both the person who takes 1st place and the one who places bottom could be convinced of".

As she answered like that, I could hear a lot of consenting voices from within the class. That flow, perhaps she had already assumed a similar statement would be made in advance but Horikita immediately cut in.

"Of course I've thought of it. A way that both sides could accept. That is, for the students who feel like they have no need of the test scores to rank highly and use the private points they've gained from that to offset the points lost by the students who rank at the bottom. The entire class will share the rise and fall. If it's like this, there are no complaints right?".

A plan which, in exchange for lowering the possibility of victory, offsets the risk in case of defeat. If it's like this, a bit of acceptance would rise in the opposition. Of course, that still leaves the bottom 10 across all school years in trouble though.

"Oh, that'll do fine right? There'll be no loss no matter how much we cut corners this way".

Sudou said that and scornfully laughed as if to say 'what a pathetic bunch'.

"But that's only for points, right? The possibility of winning the prize goes down. What does everyone think?".

Even in that situation, Karuizawa still voiced her disagreement. Then calls out to the girls belonging to the Karuizawa faction.

".....if Karuizawa-san objects, then I guess I also object".

One after another, the girls following Karuizawa's lead began to show their opposition.

"Are you all idiots? Objecting just because she objects? Completely illogical. This is an exam so it's obvious that we should build up a strategy based around winning efficiently. The other classes absolutely don't have any imbeciles like you".

"That's something Horikita-san doesn't understand, right? Currently I'm against it. There are also others who are against it so think about those people too. I won't accept it unless the competitions are decided impartially".

The influence of Karuizawa, who has united the girls, was strong and support for the plan that prioritized the class's victory that Horikita advocated ceased to exist.

"Calm down, both of you. If we cannot agree on our opinions then we have no choice but to take a majority vote".

It was inevitable it'd end up like this. To ameliorate the stalemate situation, Hirata cut in like that.

"I think we should impartially resolve this by taking a vote here".

"If Yousuke-kun says so, I agree---".

"...that's right. I also think it's not the time to be quarrelling with each other. In any case, I've protested. I hope you all will make the right judgement".

Horikita sat down in frustration and glared at me.

"Ayanokouji-kun, can you shut her up?".

"There's no way I can shut her up, right?".

"Recently, you've been in touch with Karuizawa-san right? Isn't that what's causing her to act spoiled?".

"No, Karuizawa is that type of person from the start right?".

Perhaps Horikita was convinced by that point but she quietly uttered 'certainly'.

However, she could not hide her irritation towards Karuizawa who could not provide a basis and the girls who changed their opinions based on their feelings.

"Now then, the thorough ability focused plan that Horikita-san wove and the plan that emphasizes the individual that includes Karuizawa-san's opinion. Which one is better, shall we decide it by a show of hands? If there are people who find it difficult to choose I'm thinking of accepting a non-vote as well".

Horikita's plan that gives preferential treatment to the capable ones. Karuizawa's plan that respects the individual and cares for the whole.

It appears the class's future and the impact on the exam will depend on which one of those the class leans towards. Of course it's not like I have any interest in that though.....

"Then first, those in favor of Horikita-san's plan".

"Yeah. I, of course, agree with Horikita's plan. The reason for it is simple, to win. The more athletic people participate, the more we win. Isn't that just fine?".

Sudou took the initiative and raised his hand. And following him were students like Yukimura and Sakura, the students who had no confidence in their athleticism gave their approval. On the other hand, the students who cannot win against the talented but are still capable to an extent, or Karuizawa's group, did not raise their hands.

"16 votes. Thank you, you can lower your hands now".

Whether this number is large or small, is something that will be decided based on how many non-votes there are.

"Hold on, Ayanokouji-kun. Could it be, you agree with Karuizawa-san's plan?".

Horikita, who naturally realized that I did not raise my hand, hit me.

"Relax, it's my policy to be a non-voter".

".....if that's the case then wouldn't it have been fine to go along with my plan?".

"It's not like your plan is necessarily a just one, right?".

"I don't understand. Choosing the option that gives the class the best possibility of winning, ultimately results in the acquisition of large amounts of private points. The points won from winning matches here and there are insignificant. If you say that's wrong, then I'd like you to give me a clear reason why".

"I didn't say you were wrong. I'm just saying that's not the only answer".

The 'expendable pawns' sent to collide into and crush the formidable enemies will end the sports festival without having gained any points. Well, Horikita understands that much at least. It's just that she's taken that as a necessary sacrifice in order to rise up.

"It's just that the other students aren't all looking ahead like you are".

"Then, next up is the composite plan from Karuizawa-san. Win where we have to, and have fun where we can. People in favor of this plan please raise your hands".

Other than the Karuizawa group, while scattered hands began to rise. There were several votes. However, just by Karuizawa having raised her hand, one after another girls followed her example.

However---

"...the result of the majority vote is.....16 votes for Horikita-san's plan and 13 votes for Karuizawa-san's plan. Can I assume the rest are non-voters?".

The total count was completed without any objections. It can be said that the votes Karuizawa had gathered weren't due to the contents of her plan but rather because they were instructed to do so.

It's not that this is because confidence in Karuizawa is low but rather simply because Horikita's plan is realistic for a victory and efficient, is what everyone must have realized. Class D's strategy will be to act to win not as individuals, but as a class, is what has been decided.

".......".

Since it was approved by a majority vote, Karuizawa won't let any dissatisfaction leak here.

"This concludes it then, Karuizawa-san. Now then, Hirata-kun, I'll leave the rest up to you".

Changing her mind, Karuizawa too needs to choose this draft presently in order to win. Of course, I don't think a bad option's been chosen either. In the first place, the unathletic people won't be taking the initiative to say they'd like to participate in this and that now.

Inevitably, the role of the recommended will fall to athletic guys like Sudou and Hirata.

"Then, regarding the number of participants for the Recommended Only Participation events---".

"I'll be competing in all the contests. If there's anyone objecting to that then I'll have a direct confrontation with them".

Strongly declaring that, Sudou talked about the strategy that has not changed from the start. Moreover, he seems intent on forcing anyone who complains into surrender. It's an overly bullish declaration but its effect is preeminent as there were no discontent or grumbling from anyone. Since talented students will be assembled from now on, Sudou being the first candidate on the list is something of a confirmed matter.

"I'll also be participating in as many competitions as possible".

As expected, the one who recommended herself was Horikita. Karuizawa slightly hardened her expression. The girls around them whispered into each other's ears. I wonder if they're trash-talking.

Then, self-declarations and recommendations happened side by side and one after another the recommended participants were decided. But not all the competitions were filled up that easily and only about 1/3rd of the Universal Participation events were filled. As he declared, Sudou will be participating in all competitions and other than him, in most of the competitions, Horikita and Hirata and most definitely Kushida and Onodera and the other athletic students will be competing. And the rest are still blank.

"Oi, Kouenji. Aren't you going to be cooperating?".

Sudou said that while glaring at the man who has not said a word since the discussion began. It's because Sudou himself acknowledges that this man possesses a potential equal to his, if not greater.

If Kouenji participates seriously, at the very least in individual competitions the top spot is already promised to him.

"Earlier, you didn't raise your hand either".

"I am not interested. You people can do as you wish".

"Don't fuck around, you bastard".

"I am not fucking around. There's no reason why I'd be forced to by you. In the first place, even if you had the authority to force me I have no intention of listening to you".

In other words, it means no matter what happens Kouenji has no intention of changing himself.

"I don't think there's any need to decide everything here, Sudou-kun. Kouenji-kun too must have his own strengths and weaknesses, and unreasonably inviting him is not always the right thing to do".

Following up for Kouenji and urging Sudou to calm down was Hirata.

"At the very least, what's been decided from today's discussion is the class's strategy and the wills of those who wish to participate in the individual competitions. I think we can afford to decide the rest carefully".

And with that remark, the discussion has reached its end.

However, a portion of the students may have felt discontent towards this discussion.

Why Karuizawa continued to oppose Horikita's plan? In regards to her athletic ability, she's neither passes nor fails. For her, Horikita's plan which involved sharing both joys and pain with each other, should not have been a bad thing by any means.

I'm not sure how many people felt that though.