I start with a brief introduction.
"Good morning, everyone. My name is Kōenji Rokusuke. My concern is this: is the school intentionally withholding critical information from us?"
At my question, I catch Chabashira's expression shift for a split second. I lock eyes with her fiercely, like a predator sizing up its prey.
"What are you getting at?"
She fires back with a question.
'Classic defensive move.'
My question caught her off guard, and instead of answering straight, she's playing dumb.
'The sharp ones in the room must already sense something's off. Sorry, dear Chabashira, I'm not letting you lead me by the nose.'
"My apologies if my question wasn't clear. Let me rephrase it. Sensei, have we been told everything we need to know, or is there more we should be aware of?"
This time, she can't brush it off.
She stares at me for a moment, as if trying to read me. A pointless effort.
"Of course, there are still many things you don't know yet. However, the entrance ceremony and your time here will help you understand the full scope."
'Nice dodge. But…'
"Thank you, sensei. Would it be alright if I raise a concern about the points you just explained?"
"No, you may, as long as it's something I can answer."
'Thanks for handing me free ammo.'
"Thank you, sensei. My question is: will we receive 100,000 points every month, or is this just for this month?"
My question hits hard—not just with Chabashira but with the other students too. Nowhere was it stated we'd get the same allowance every month. Chabashira deliberately skirted the topic, but I've just dragged it back into the open, much to her dismay.
"Silence."
With that single word, the classroom's chatter stops.
Chabashira turns back to me.
"As I said, this amount of money reflects your skills. There's nothing more to add. Any other questions, student Kōenji?"
'I could push further, but it's not wise to make an enemy.'
We'll have to work together for the next three years. That's why I've kept my tone formal and respectful throughout our exchange.
'Still, I need one more thing…'
"My apologies, sensei, but I have one final concern."
"Go ahead."
Her tone's a bit annoyed but not angry.
"Since this school is quite unique, I'd like to know if we need to elect a class representative, as is customary."
Chabashira remains unfazed and replies, "The school leaves such matters to you. You can bond with each other and choose a representative—or decide not to."
Of course, I knew that already, but I asked to bring it up for the class.
In the novel, it took another student to suggest introductions, and as expected from a problem class, it wasn't without hiccups.
"Thank you, sensei, for addressing my concerns. I'm done."
With that, I sit back down.
Chabashira scans the room again, and after confirming there are no more questions, she wraps up for real this time. "Alright, the session ends here. The entrance ceremony starts in one hour. Until then, you're free."
Once the teacher leaves, the students start buzzing.
"I don't vibe with that teacher. She's giving off some shady energy."
Hasebe shares her thoughts about our homeroom teacher, Chabashira. She's not far from the truth.
I stand up again.
'Time to unite the class.'
"You heading out?"
Hasebe asks.
"No."
"Huh?"
Leaving her completely confused, I walk to the teacher's desk.
The class quiets down a bit as they notice me.
'Good. Their impression of me seems solid. Now, let's steal someone's spotlight.'
I reach the desk and stand tall, facing the class. To grab the attention of the distracted students, I clap my hands. The sound isn't too loud or too soft. Three claps are enough to have everyone's focus.
"Thank you for your attention. Sorry for taking your time, but I have an announcement for the whole class."
I make eye contact with everyone before continuing.
"Starting today, we'll all share this classroom, and based on what we've just been told, we'll go through the same curriculum for three years. So, I suggest we take this moment to get to know each other. The sooner we bond, the better it'll be moving forward. What do you think?"
My question isn't really a question. It doesn't need an answer. It's just a way to get my suggestion accepted.
"I'm cool with it."
"Yeah, let's all introduce ourselves!"
"True, we don't even know each other's names yet."
"I'm in."
Each student responds positively in their own way.
Whether they agree or not, I didn't give them a choice to begin with.
"Great. As the one who suggested it, I'll start. I'm Kōenji, Kōenji Rokusuke. I'm thrilled to be at this elite school, and I fully intend to graduate. Outside of studies, I enjoy swimming, working out, and hanging out with friends. Nice to meet you all."
I bow slightly to the class, then straighten up and address everyone again.
"Now it's your turn. Let's go by seat number order."
With that, I look at the student in seat number 1.
He's a lanky teen with brown hair and a sullen gaze—the kind of guy who screams background character.
He stands without hesitation, probably pumped up by my intro.
"Hey, I'm Miyamoto Soshi. As for my goals, I want to become a lawyer someday. I'm not great at sports, but I love video games and anime. Hope we all get along."
'Not bad. Looks like our extra's got some spark.'
Next is his neighbor, a girl with short, bluish hair down to her neck.
Unlike Miyamoto, she doesn't stand right away, staring at me intensely. I respond with a warm smile and meet her gaze. Eventually, she can't hold it, looks away embarrassed, and stays seated as she speaks. "I'm Shinohara Satsuki."
'Short and sweet. At least she gave her name—that's what matters.'
"M-my…"
The next is another girl with a childish face and medium-length brown hair. From her stammering, it's clear she's super shy.
'In the novel, her classmates tried to encourage her, but it backfired. It took the right words to get her to open up.'
"Take it easy, no rush. Go at your own pace."
At my words, she calms down, takes a few breaths, and tries again. "I'm Inogashira… Kokoro. Um, my hobby is sewing. I'm pretty good at knitting. Nice to meet you all."
Thrilled to have spoken without freezing, she sits back down, satisfied.
The introductions continue after her.
"Guess it's my turn. Hey, everyone, I'm Hirata Yōsuke. Back in middle school, people called me Yōsuke. Feel free to use my first name! I guess my hobby is sports in general, but I'm really into soccer. I plan to play soccer here too. Nice to meet you!"
Time for the major players to step up. This is one of them, Hirata Yōsuke. In the novel, he's the one who suggested introductions. He's all about group unity but also a naive idealist.
I took his role because he fumbled in the novel. Though he's not cut out to lead, his charisma and friendly vibe can still be useful.
A few desks later, it's the turn of a pretty girl with a cheerful face and short beige hair. Her figure is notably developed for her age in certain areas.
"Hi, hi! I'm Kushida Kikyō. None of my middle school friends made it to this school, so I'm here alone. I want to learn all your names and faces ASAP and become friends as soon as possible!"
Kushida Kikyō, one of the core trio in the first three volumes of the novel.
On the surface, she's a caring girl who looks out for everyone and tries to get along with all. But that's just a mask she forces herself to wear daily. Deep down, she's full of grudges and hates being sidelined for attention. In the novel, she has no qualms about playing dirty as long as it hurts those she resents.
At first, I felt for her. Knowing her backstory, I thought she was just a troubled girl driven to do her best, with a simple inferiority complex. But I changed my tune when later volumes revealed her as a psychopath who doesn't care about anyone. She's the one person in this room I think is beyond saving. A real piece of trash.
'What am I gonna do with you, Kushida Kikyō?'
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