Volume 3, Chapter 4: A Quiet Outbreak of War Part 2

Lets talk a little about the first semester and the day of the closing ceremony, just before the test on the desert island. I was over the moon, digesting the idea that I was going to fully enjoy my summer vacation for the first time in my life. However, as if to take away this pleasure from me, a god of death with his sickle appeared in front of me without a sign.

Ayanokouji, before you leave I have to talk to you a little. Please come to the Instructors room

This is what Miss Chabashira said just before our homeroom class ended and left the classroom.

What is this? Did something happen?

Sudou, who was getting ready to leave, asked while putting his bag on his shoulder.

Im innocent.

Thats right. You are neither good nor bad, you are living a meaningful life, steady and quiet.

What is that sarcastic tone in your voice?

Sarcasm? That wasnt my intention. Did it feel that way?

What a horrible guy. My wounded heart wept in sorrow.

In comparison, Sudou was a good guy. Now that I think about it, he got worried about me and that is why he said this

Hey Horikita! Erm Since its summer vacation Are you free? Maybe we can hang out a little.

Sudou sat on my desk as he went crazy over Horikita who was next to meHe wasnt worried at all about my situation, after all.

Why?

Well, because its summer vacation, it will be a loss if you dont enjoy it. We can watch movies, go shopping.

Ridiculous. Summer vacation means nothing to me. Why are you inviting me in the first place?

W-why? Why are you so blunt? Sudou scratched his head as Horikita didnt understand his feelings, but then he turned the switch.

Because this is how it goes. Look, ok? A guy invites a girl to go out when its a holiday

Although I felt like I wanted to see Sudous efforts, I was called by Miss Chabashira earlier. I feel better when I finish unpleasant things quickly.

Hey! Where are you going?

Why is Sudou calling me, again?

Where do you think Im going? I was called by our teacher, so it cant be helped.

Just wait a little? Cant you be by my side?

That expression made me feel extremely uneasy. His thick hand grabbed my arm, holding my wrist.

Please watch over my fight. And respond well.

Dont speak nonsense! Bye.

While doing these worthless exchanges Horikita finished getting ready, leaving the classroom without hesitation. Sudou ended up watching in utter amazement.

Damn. Useless Should I go to the club activities, instead?

As soon as Horikita left, I was not needed anymore so I was free to go. As I was arriving in the Instructors room, I saw Miss Chabashira waiting in front of it holding the door half-open.

Get in.

I dont understand the reason I was called, at all.

Lets talk inside.

My depression degree meter rose steadily as she repeatedly returned my words with short answers. I wished this to end like those tricks at parties that end up being some funny joke.

Do you think there is a bad reputation around you if you are asked to come into the Instructors room? This is not a bad place contrary to your expectations. There are a lot of things that must be discussed away from all the monitoring eyes.

I couldnt see the surveillance camera which was supposed to be in a room like this.

So, what are we going to talk about? I am busy planning my summer vacation.

Thats a funny story. I believe you have no friends?

Thats an exaggeration. I have some.

Although I could count everyone using the fingers of both of my hands, the number of people wasnt important. Or at least thats what they said. Wouldnt it be just fine if I set up a summer vacation program alone to begin with?

Today Ive called you to hear my personal story.

Miss Chabashiras personal story? This was again a development that escalated in a completely different direction. I didnt understand the reasons behind her calling and telling me this story. Nor did I have any interest.

Its something I havent told anyone after becoming a homeroom teacher until now. Its silly but listen.

Should I make a tea before that? You must be thirsty.

I stood up from a pipe chair and opened the door of the kitchenette. Nobody was inside I wondered.

Dont tell this to other people. If you understand, return to your seat.

Alright.

Like that, I closed the door of the kitchenette and turned to Miss Chabashira.

As a homeroom teacher, how do I look to you, D class?

Another abstract question. Is it okay if I say you look like a beautiful woman?

The teacher didnt move an eyebrow at this joke, but I felt waves of menace on my skin.

Let me seeIf you dont mind being compared to other teachers, Id say youre a cold teacher that has no interest for students and feels indifferent about D classs future.

Shes neither as friendly as B classs teacher Hoshinomiya nor shes helping students as C classs teacher Sakagami.

Am I wrong?

No, youre right. I have nothing to deny. But thats different from the truth.

Miss Chabashira made a pause there, having looked at the ceiling as if she remembered something.

Ive been a student in this school before. In the same class as you D class.

Thats rather surprising. I thought you are more capable than that, Miss Chabashira.

Sigh In our time there wasnt an extreme difference as it is now. You could say it wasnt a three-cornered, but rather a four-cornered battle. Until the time we were approaching the graduation in the third semester of our third year, the difference between A and D class was not even 100 points. It was a close combat where one trivial mistake could break balance.

There wasnt a feeling of bragging in her speech, but rather one of a regretful past.

So, that trivial mistake happened, didnt it?

Indeed. It came unexpectedly. Because of my error, D class was knocked down to hell. In the end, my goals and dreams of becoming A class collapsed.

I thought that was unfortunate, but suddenly talking about such a past troubled me. It was a rather unpleasant feeling.

I dont get it. What do I have to do with this personal story?

I feel your existence is essential to move up to A class.

What should I say? Its a joke, right?

Words couldnt come out as I was happy about being flattered and praised unexpectedly.

Few days ago a man contacted our school requesting to expel Kiyotaka Ayanokouji from school.

Miss Chabashira suddenly changed her presence as if the real issue was about to get revealed.

Thats quite ambiguous. I dont know who it was, but you ignored his will without expelling me, right.

Of course. You cant expel someone regardless what a third party is saying. As long as you are a student of this school, you are protected by the rules. However If you cause problems its a different story. Smoking, stealing, cheating. If you repeat any scandal, expulsion cant be avoided.

Im sorry, I didnt intend to do anything.

It has nothing to do with your intentions. If I perceive it as a scandal, the expulsion becomes a reality.

Are you threatening me?

I thought her wording was fishy, and I was right.

Heres the deal, Ayanokouji. Youre going to aim for A class for me. And I will extensively follow you in order to protect you. Dont you think thats a nice trade?

I thought she changed a lot from the time I first met her, but never would I have thought shed cooperate with a student. I couldnt close my mouth and laughed.

Can I return? I have no intentions of listening to this anymore.

Thats too bad, Ayanokouji. Youre gonna be expelled and D class will once again not reach A class.

Her speech and behavior werent a stunt. She was seriously intending to cut me out. She was trying to use me for dreams she couldnt achieve.

Let me ask you one more time. Will you aim for A class or be expelled from school? Choose what you like.

I set my left hand on a long table and bent myself, pulling up Miss Chabashiras collar.

Ive remembered the time Horikita expressed discomfort for you. Was it a similar feeling? As if youre entering a persons house with shoes on.

Right

Miss Chabashira who was until now completely self-assured laughed in self-mockery.

I surprised myself. I hadnt noticed I havent given up on A class yet.

I felt her eyes got teary slightly. I couldnt feel the usual coldness. While I was grasping my arm holding her collar, Miss Chabashira regained determination back in her eyes.

I thought you would voluntarily lead D class, but I cannot afford to give any more time. Decide now! Would you lend me your hand or not?

Star Wars protagonist Luke chose to return to his uncles farmhouse, turning down the temptation of adventure. However, he was eventually dragged into the vortex of war. That was destiny. You might say I should have taken this womans past story with a grain of salt. We dont know to what extent lies the truth.

You might regret trying to use me

Calm down. My life is already full of regrets

This was a troublesome event that happened right before summer vacation. Something I dont even want to think about. Nonetheless, I cannot lose my school life now. Throwing away your freedom in order to protect it what a preposterous thing.