COTE V10 - Chapter 1 (Revised)

The Calm Before The Storm

A few days have passed since the end term exams were over, and we finally entered the month of March from today.
Everyone has been anxious about the end term exam results that will be announced on Monday, which is today.
If we got the failing grade, in the worst-case scenario, the school expulsion measure will be waiting for us.
“Sensei, you are going to announce it now, right?”
Ike, who was in high spirited and couldn’t sit still, leaned his body forward and asked our homeroom teacher, Chiyabashira.
“Don’t be so anxious. You will know it in less than a minute.”
Chiyabashira performed the regular procedure, and spread out the large sheet of paper that she brought on the blackboard.
Generally, this school circulated the announcement by using digital platforms such as cell phone or bulletin boards, but it seems the school is maintaining this method, only to announce the written exam results related to the school expulsion.
“Do you have confidence? Ike.”
“That’s, of course, well. I have studied very hard……”
“You studied very hard, really. Even so, your anxiety remains.”
Chiyabashira was slightly amused by his words rather than surprised, and she laughed a little.
Judging from Ike who usually gets low scores, I suppose it’s natural that he felt anxious no matter how hard he has studied.
“Sudō, who has been struggling in last place every time, how about you.”
It’s not surprising if he was supposed to be the student who felt anxious the most.
In the written tests so far, it’s no exaggeration to say that he has been staying in last place in almost all subjects.
Chiyabashira had thought if she would receive a similar answer as Ike, but he said the unexpected words.
“……At least I’m confident. I definitely won’t have a failing grade.”
“Heh?”
Sudō has no strong points besides his athleticism, but his expression and voice showed that he has some kind of confidence.
Of course, I think he would be slightly anxious too, just like Ike. However, his efforts were enough to overcome his anxiety, and that experience let Sudō to have a confidence.
It was the knowledge that he gained through studying repeatedly with Horikita. It’s different from superficial knowledge that he memorized through cramming overnight.
It takes some time, but little by little that knowledge will be planted in his mind.
There was also no worry on Horikita’s face, as the mentor of Sudō’s studies.
Well, she seemed a bit displeased with Sudō being conceited.
“Hmm── ……You guys, children’s growth is really interesting. I can’t predict who will continue to grow. You guys have easily surpassed my expectations. Well then, let’s announce the long-awaited results of the end term exams.”
Everyone’s test results were posted on the blackboard.
After that, Chiyabashira will draw the failing grade’s line. Anyone whose name was below that line will be forced to drop out of school.
“The result this time is──”
Chiyabashira held the red marker pen in her hand, pressed the marker pen tip against the paper and drew a straight horizontal line.
That’s the red line of fate.
The student whose name was below that line── was no one. In other words……
“All of you have passed the exams splendidly. It was your most impeccable result so far.”
Chiyabashira has announced that all of us in C-Class passed the exams.
“Oh── yeah!”
Ike was the first person who shouted out.
I suppose he was extremely terrified. Since Ike was in last place in the overall score.
“Well── I narrowly passed the exams. Ha ha ha ha…… It was dangerous!”
He said it while repeatedly looking at the red line that was placed right under his name.
“I just studied a little the day before the exams, isn’t it?”
Furthermore, Yamauchi who was second to last place also spoke up after Ike.
“You are a liar, Haruki, you were studying desperately every day, weren’t you.”
“Is that so? Aha ha ha ha!”
Anyway, both Ike and Yamauchi passed the exams, so I suppose no one will be complaining.
Chiyabashira was looking at such situation with a gentle gaze.
Even so, it was a surprising result.
Ike was in last place, Yamauchi was the second to last, and then followed by Hondō, Satō, and Inogashira.
Sudō’s name was written and placed above Inogashira’s name.
Judging from Sudō’s grades so far, I suppose it can be said that he has made a huge improvement.
“In this one year period, Sudō, you were the best in terms of improvement in tests. It’s also reasonable that you had the confidence to pass the exams. It also makes me look forward to your improvement in the future.”
Chiyabashira also spoke out her impression similar to mine.
“Humph. There’s nothing to be proud of.”
Although Sudō said so, he looked quite pleased.
On the other hand, the persons who listed on top ranked were basically the same as usual. The 1ST place is Keisei and the 2ND place is Kōenji.
Keisei originally has high academic ability, and he always stayed in the 1ST place since he never neglected his studies, but it’s a mystery in relation to Kōenji.
We normally didn’t see that he was studying, and he didn’t exchange opinions with anyone either.
If we are talking about the academic ability that he originally owned, perhaps his potential even surpassed Keisei’s.
Since his rankings situation was somewhat inconsistent, there’s a possibility that he was slacking off depending on the exams.
The 3RD place was Horikita.
I had the impression that she isn’t very good in English, but she obtained a high score this time.
I suppose she also successfully improved her own academic ability while studying with Sudō.
“What about the other classes, Sensei?”
“The same as you guys, they have passed the exams safely. In the average score by class, you guys are in the 3RD place.”
I suppose there’s no need to ask which class is in the 1ST place, the 2ND place and the last place respectively.
“Just as I thought, it’s pointless if we don’t raise more the whole class’ scores in order to surpass A-Class and B-Class.”
Horikita wasn’t proud of the results, and she began to record the rankings and the scores.
Those guys at the top-ranked were close to the perfect score, so their scores are almost standstill.
In fact, we have no choice but to raise the lowest score of those guys at the bottom ranked in the end.
“You have well-accomplished with Sudō so far. I’m impressed.”
“It is the result of himself efforts. This time I have succeeded to crush his weakness completely.”
Sudō’s weakest subject was also in English, just like Horikita, but his score has improved drastically.
We could also notice the fact from their scores that both of them have focused on English in their studies.
“I wonder if he can aim a bit more higher in the next exam. Of course, if he hasn’t lost his concentration, you know.”
I suppose there’s no need to worry about that aspect. Sudō will continue to work hard as long as Horikita is there.
Perhaps Sudō himself should have begun to feel comfort with the thing called studying. Perhaps he can squeeze into the upper half ranked of our class in the near future.
“It seems Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun also have a small margin from the failing grade, and I think it was right that we held the study groups regularly. Then if a certain someone who is next to me would do it to the best of his ability, our average score will rise up a little more, you know?”
“Today’s result is my utmost.”
As usual, I was neither good nor bad. My result this time was in 18TH place.
“I’m not convinced with such remarks. Therefore, I will make you take the exam seriously one day.”
“I will try to do my best to meet your expectations.”
Anyway, it was great that we could overcome the exam this time too.
Ike, Yamauchi and friends, those students who barely passed the exams were relieved, and they began to make fun of each other.
Chiyabashira as C-Class’ homeroom teacher was staring at such situation with a calm gaze.
“It’s a simple expression, but I will praise you guys, well done.”
Chiyabashira has never praised the class she is in charge of, but she began to change considerably in recent days.
Perhaps she also had predicted that everyone will pass this end term exams safely.
“We did it!”
“However, Ike, being overjoyed is also a problem. If we are leaving aside the special exam, it’s natural that you guys didn’t get a failing grade in this kind of written exams with regards to the academic aspects. Moreover, if we judge it from a nationwide, then the difficulty level of these written exams is not really top-class.”
The difficulty level was certainly higher, in comparison with the written exams in one year period so far. However, it can be said that the scope has been prepared properly at the level that we can overcome, and in order to maintain the school prestige.
“Well, it’s pointless if we talked about joyful matters all the time.”
Chiyabashira immediately changed our classroom’s atmosphere, which was filled with lively atmosphere to a serious atmosphere. It was the usual development.
“I suppose you guys also have vaguely anticipated it, but the exam hasn’t over just because the written exam has ended. After this, we are supposed to hold an essential special exam. As in previous years, it’s scheduled to begin on March 8TH.”
Chiyabashira began to explain.
March 8TH, that means next Monday.
The written exams have just ended, but it’s not surprising since the school year calendar is only a few days left too.
As for the 3RD grade students, it seems there’s one more exam again shortly, aside from that special exam.
“In short, the next special exam is our last exam. Let’s cooperate and do our best together. In that case, everyone in this class should be able to aim for A-Class without anyone being expelled from school.”
Many students who received the encouragement from Hirata, nodded in unison.
Chiyabashira who was looking at such situation, was smiling faintly.
“I think perhaps you guys can really be graduated in 3 years period like this, without anyone being dropped out of school, I began to hope so.”
There was a little time until the homeroom session was over, but Chiyabashira concluded it with that one remarks.
“I feel like we have received the highest compliment from Sensei somehow, didn’t we?”
Ike and Yamauchi were laughing happily.
“But aren’t you being conceited? The last exam next week definitely won’t be easy to overcome.”
Chiyabashira gave them both a warning gently, and she concluded the homeroom session once again.

1
Our daily life as the 1ST grade student is only a few days left.
In the morning class interval, I headed to the restroom during the break.
On my way back to the classroom, I encountered 2 familiar faces of the 2ND grade and the 3RD grade students were engrossed in a conversation.
They were the Student Council President Nagumo and the former Student Council President Horikita Manabu.
I suppose it was a mere coincidence, but Nagumo noticed my presence immediately.
He has already waved at me, I couldn’t just pretend I didn’t notice him and returned to the classroom.
“Yo, Ayanokōji. Did you pass the end term exams?”
Nagumo was such straightforward.
As for Horikita’s brother, he only looked at my direction quietly.
“Somehow.”
We had begun the meaningless conversation.
“You don’t think it was an impolite attitude to the Student Council President right in front of you, do you.”
“……Is that so.”
I straightened up my posture just a little.
I don’t know if he will be satisfied with that, but I suppose it would be a bit better.
“Never mind. Leaving that aside, you were arrived in perfect timing as well. There’s one thing that I wanted to ask you.”
As if he was saying it was fortunate that no one was around, Nagumo began to talk with a delighted expression.
“The incident where someone has posted rumors of various students on the school forums, in order to divert the topic of slandering and defamation from Ichinose Honami, I wonder who the heck did those things?”
His remark seemed to test me.
No, perhaps it seemed he was saying that he has already seen through me.
No matter how much information Nagumo has grasped, my attitude won’t change.
“Who knows, I have no idea. But it just brought me nothing but trouble as a matter of fact, you know.”
“Now that you mentioned it, you were also a victim, right. What was the subject……”
“The school authorities have already warned us regarding that matter, so we shouldn’t do unnecessary things anymore. I think even the Student Council President is no exception.”
Therefore, an attempt to conduct an investigation like that was naturally something that should be avoided as well.
“Ayanokōji was right, Nagumo. I think you should refrain from making inappropriate remarks.”
Nagumo immediately retreated, after I received the supporting statement from Horikita’s brother. It seemed it wasn’t the special topic that he wanted to talk about either.
“What you 2 famous people were talking about here?”
“I had a few matters to discuss with Horikita-Senpai. Am I right?”
Horikita’s brother nodded quietly towards Nagumo, who cast a glance at him with a certain intention.
I was bothered by the location they chose for their conversation. This place is the floor where the 1ST grade classrooms were arranged, so the uncomfortable feeling will remain.
“Before the 1ST grade and the 2ND grade exams, the preliminary actions of an important battle to decide if Horikita-Senpai can be graduated in A-Class safely, will begin from tomorrow. I was asking him the story of that matter directly. You are interested too, right?”
Different from us, the 3RD grade students have to anticipate one more special exam soon. I thought it’s not surprising whenever it will begin.
I don’t know what Nagumo wanted me to say, but I will answer him honestly at this moment.
“I’m not particularly interested. After all, I don’t have such time to worry about the upperclassmen.”
Nagumo slightly showed a displeased expression, since I expressed that I wasn’t interested to that matter.
“You are mean. You are the person who received Horikita-Senpai’s affection too, you know.”
I can’t remember I was being endeared in particular. In fact, I could only count a few of such incidents where I actually got involved with Horikita’s brother during 1 year period.
“No, you have received a special treatment, Ayanokōji. However, that’s not because you are a special student. It just happened that you were placed into a special environment. That’s right, since you were in the same class with that Kōhai right there, who was looking at us so anxiously.”
Kōhai?
I looked back, and there was Horikita’s figure, who was looking at us from a distance.
There were too many participants who were gathering up for a coincidence, right.
“Did you call her out, Nagumo.”
“I think it’s natural to get in touch with Senpai’s younger sister. Since I will be leading our Kōhai as the Student Council President next year.”
Apparently, it was Nagumo who planned this situation, where both Horikita’s brother and sister were here. That means I was the only participant by coincidence.
“Come here.”
Nagumo called out to Horikita’s sister so straightforwardly.
“……The person who sent an email to me, was it you, the Student Council President Nagumo.”
“It’s not entirely correct, but pretty close. You are Horikita-Senpai’s younger sister, right?”
“Yes…… my name is Horikita Suzune.”
She replied to him even though she was panicked, since she was talking in front of her brother.
“I have never thought that Horikita-Senpai’s younger sister had been assigned to D-Class when she enrolled into this school, it was surprising.”
“What’s your intention, Nagumo.”
Horikita’s brother urged him to talk, without looking at his sister even once.
He should have some intention, if he has setup this situation.
However, Nagumo shook his head, as if saying he has no intention.
“I just wanted to meet her, you know. Senpai and this younger sister of yours.”
Perhaps he had the intention to evaluate her.
Horikita’s brother had that conclusion, that’s why he took the initiative first.
“Let me tell you in advance, but you had better not think you can make me surrender, even if you used my younger sister.”
“Surrender? No way. Do you think I would lay a hand on a cute Kōhai, who is also Senpai’s younger sister?”
“Since you would do anything in order to win. That should be your mindset.”
Nagumo didn’t affirm nor deny the harsh remarks from Horikita’s brother.
“Even so, you shouldn’t treat me like a stranger, you know. It would have been better if you told me sooner that you have a younger sister. In that case, I would have invited her to join the Student Council sooner, you know.”
“What?”
Nagumo said unexpected words, and both brother and sister were surprised.
“I think Senpai’s younger sister can also be appointed to the Student Council President position, after I graduated, right. I believe her status as the younger sister of the man who has given many merits to this school is sufficient, I suppose.”
“Don’t conclude her competency only by our blood relationship. My younger sister is entirely irrelevant with how competent I was.”
“……That’s true. I’m not qualified for something like the Student Council officer.”
In order to support her brother’s denial, Horikita’s sister was also being modest in order to decline the invitation to join the Student Council.
After all, she personally has refused it, even when I mentioned the topic about the Student Council to her in the past.
It seemed Nagumo has noticed something from Horikita’s sister attitude that can be taken as such a humble attitude.
“For today, I just wanted to meet you in person for the time being, I will invite you again in the future.”
In reality, as for whether she wanted to join the Student Council is another matter, it was like Nagumo was saying that he will actively get in touch with Horikita’s sister from now on.
He did so to make Horikita’s brother upset, perhaps he was trying to find out Horikita’s brother weakness.
“……In that case, well, I──”
Horikita said so and tried to end the conversation, in order to get away from her brother, not from Nagumo.
“Senpai’s school life is only a few days left too, don’t you think that you should be spoiled some more?”
“I’m sorry. I will excuse myself with this.”
Judging that any further conversation would be unpleasant for her brother, Horikita walked toward the classroom direction in quick steps.
Judging from the younger sister’s appearance, it’s obvious how bad these 2 brother and sister relationship to anyone’s eyes.
“It seems both of you have a very ‘Good’ relationship, Horikita-Senpai.”
“Are you satisfied? Nagumo.”
It seems Horikita’s brother wasn’t concerned to whatever Nagumo was planning to do.
“I would treasure more the remaining time that I have with my younger sister, if I were you, you know.”
It was almost like a provocation by Nagumo, but in reality Horikita who should have come to this school to follow her brother, had only been able to get in touch with her brother for a short time so far.
“Anyway, Senpai. Please show your existence to the current students by graduating from A-Class somehow. If by any chance you dropped to B-Class on graduation, there’s no way you would be able to laugh at it, you know.”
If that happened, I suppose he will become the figure who betrayed the expectations of the school and the students. It was a great pressure……
No, he isn’t the kind of guy who will feel such a thing.
Horikita’s brother felt that the conversation was over, and he walked away without saying a word anymore.
“Oh well. Just as I thought, this isn’t enough for him to consider me as his opponent.”
It seems Nagumo is going to bother Horikita’s brother to the very end.
“It’s so important to have a match with the former Student Council President, is it.”
During the Training Camp that was held not long ago, Nagumo began his attack towards Horikita’s brother, and he has taken an underhanded method that involved the entire 3RD grade students who have no relationship with him.
“It’s obvious, right. The only goal I have left in this school is defeating Horikita-Senpai.”
Since there’s almost no such stage where the 2ND grade can compete directly against the 3RD grade. I suppose he intended to make it happens, even by using any kind of brutal measures.
“Well, as for what I would do is depend on the exam content and Horikita-Senpai himself.”
It seems Nagumo intended to settle their match before Horikita’s brother graduation, no matter how many enemies he has made.
Nagumo was saying that it will depend on the exam content, but I think he will interfere no matter what it was.
Since there’s almost no time left to decide the winner against Horikita’s brother.
“The Student Council President Nagumo, won’t your side have a problem with the special exam that begins next week? When it comes to the 2ND grade students, I think the exam won’t be easy.”
“Well, I wonder what would happen. At most, you are expecting me to fail, right.”
Since the break time will be over soon, Nagumo ended the conversation.
Soon after I returned to the classroom, my neighbor, Horikita turned her gaze towards me.
“The Student Council President Nagumo and Nī-san…… what were they talking about?”
“If you are curious, I think you should have stayed to the end.”
“That’s……”
Well, it was asking too much of her, right. Unlike her usual, this fellow will be quiet and docile in front of her brother.
“In the first place, it’s unusual for you to listen to the conversation between those 2 persons. I think you have been noticed by quite many people. I wonder if it was because you had a Relay Race with Nī-san in the Sports Festival.”
She mocked me splendidly.
However, it’s not like I can predict the future either. Therefore, it doesn’t mean that everything will always proceed perfectly.
“However, it seemed you almost had no chance to get in touch with your Nī-san over this 1 year period.”
“……Will it be a crime?”
Horikita’s mood got worse as soon as I slightly mentioned her situation with her brother.
In that case, I wish she shouldn’t have got me involved with Horikita’s brother topic upon her curiosity.
It appeared that she was curious about whether Horikita’s brother topic was mentioned during my conversation with Nagumo.
“Don’t you think you had better try to meet him in person once before he graduated and left?”
“You know nothing. There’s no way Nī-san would pay attention to me, you know. It would be the most stupid thing to get near him, since I know it myself that I will be treated harshly.”
So, that means she has satisfied just by enrolling into this school, and could only see him around.
“If we assume that Nī-san was interested in someone, that’s…… I’m not pleased by it, but Nī-san is only interested in you.”
That’s not true. But I stopped trying to say so.
Horikita wouldn’t believe me, even if we talked more in-depth at this moment.
Above all, it’s meaningless while she doesn’t have the courage to go and confront him by herself.
“Really. In that case, I guess you were right.”
I ignored her in order to end the conversation.
I suppose Horikita was still dissatisfied, but she didn’t say anything else.