Classroom of the Elite Volume 9 Chapter 6 Part 4

The provisional exam began despite the traces of the awkward, uneasy atmosphere that were still lingering within the classroom.

It was a critical time for the end of the school year.

The content of this provisional exam was more challenging than that of any of the exams we had taken so far. It was really difficult.

However, the students who managed to get through the previous exams without any problems should probably be able to get through this one smoothly as well. On the other hand, the students who have been just barely scraping by from test to test would probably have to study intensely moving forward.

I had gotten an invitation to study together with everyone in the Ayanokji Group, but I was already going to be meeting up with Kanzaki together with Horikita after school, so I got in touch with them and let them know to start without me. Kanzaki didnt appear to want to stand out very much, so he arranged for us to meet up at Keyaki Mall after the provisional exam was over.

After class, I followed Horikita to the spot where Kanzaki was waiting. It was near the southern entrance to the mall.

It was the place on campus furthest away from the school, so students would only rarely be in the area.

I had no interest in the inter-class struggles that were going on, but as a friend, I was still a little worried about Ichinose.

Getting more information couldnt have hurt as well.

Besides, Hashimoto had been continuously keeping an eye on me over the past couple of days.

If I was to get into contact with Class B, the looming shadow of Class A would continue to draw even closer.

And that was exactly the kind of development I was hoping for.

In fact, Hashimoto had tailed me from an appropriate distance all the way to the southern entrance of the mall.

Two days off in a row. And you still havent been able to get in contact with Ichinose-san yourself?

Its not that we cant get into contact with her, its just that shes been slow to respond to us. The most Ive gotten from her was a notification that shes been out sick with a cold.

Recently, Kanzaki has been in a constant state of stress, completely unable to relax. Ichinose has probably told him countless times to stop worrying about it by now, but it doesnt seem like its that easy for him.

Her poor physical condition may be one of the reasons for why shes so reluctant to meet her classmates face to face, but at the same time, she really didnt want to have to talk about the rumors.

What did your homeroom teacher say about it?

Nothing different from usual. Just that Ichinose is staying home again because shes caught a cold.

Their homeroom teacher shouldve been told the same thing as anyone else.

The reason why Kanzakis expression was heavy was that he couldnt help but question the true reason behind Ichinoses absences. Recently, Ichinose has been at the center of a maelstrom of rumors. Kanzakis uncertainty was entirely justified.

How about going to visit her? Wouldnt it all become clear if you go and meet with her in person?

Some of the girls from my class have tried to see her, but it doesnt seem like any of them have been able to get her to open her door.

Realizing that the situation wasnt very optimistic, Horikita carefully considered the options before speaking up.

I guess if theres a bright side, its that shes excellent with her academics. Even though she didnt take the provisional exam, I dont think shell run into any problems.

Sick students who missed the exam like Ichinose still had options. Theyd be able to take a make-up exam and reach out to other students to see what the exam was like.

Thats not what any of us are worried about. Were just concerned about her state of mind.

Horikita and Kanzaki.

Just as the two of them were beginning to come up with a plan, a group of people approached us.

It appears Hashimoto already gave her a report about our meeting

It seems that Ichinose-san is absent today as well. The end-of-year exams are going to begin at the end of next week. If her string of absences is to repeat itself until then it may turn into quite the problem, dont you think?

Sakayanagi.

Sakayanagi and her underlings approached Kanzaki, making it very clear who she had actually come to meet with. She was accompanied by Hashimoto, Kamuro, and one more student, a boy from Class A named Kit.

In other words, the main members of the Sakayanagi faction.

Now what in the world could you be discussing with these Class C students?

This has nothing to do with you.

It seems like were not welcome here.

If you wanted to be welcome, then you shouldve stopped spreading strange rumors everywhere before things got out of hand.

Sakayanagi and her classmates looked at each other and couldnt hold back their laughter.

Oh please. What are you talking about?

I hope you know that the unity of my class wont falter just because of a couple of rumors.

I do not know anything about what sort of situation Class B is in, but I am looking forward to the future.

Sakayanagi may have only come by in order to see the results of her plans in person, but Kanzaki was making it perfectly clear to her just how effective her plans truly were.

Dont let her get to you, Kanzaki-kun. This is all a part of Sakayanagi-sans strategy.

I know.

Faced with a problem like this one, Kanzaki was suffering precisely because of his modesty and concern for those around him.

Part 5 very soon. I wont even say anything else here. Expect it sometime tonight.