Real teaching, hypocritical gray life

"............How did you come to this conclusion?"

I am a little concerned that Kanzaki was able to deduce this result, but in fact, it is not far from the difference. Kanzaki's actual action is much later than expected. It should be said that he is still hesitant. After all, if he can get to this point, he will not give up if he does not get an answer.

"Although we have only conducted three special exams so far, there are countless doubts. I can't even come to a definite conclusion on the ranking of class points. The B class we were originally in suddenly came to the A class............"

"If I'm not mistaken, you were already influencing the direction of the class as early as the very beginning of the special test for survival on an uninhabited island, right? The special unlocking card used to update the base was lost during the test. I don't know if this was part of your plan or a problem you solved. Maybe there were some changes in the results, but this cannot be called a conclusion. After all, there are not many directions that can be detected that are related to you, so let's put it aside for now."

"............No, maybe the impact of your plan goes further than I thought. It is precisely because of the impression I made during the first period of school that it is difficult for me to doubt you."

"In the other two special exams, your actions were not suspicious, but rather quite consistent with what a follower student would do. However, in these two special exams, you were inseparable from the results, especially after knowing that you were hiding your personal abilities."

"Hearing Kanzaki say that, I seem to be quite powerful............"

Kanzaki ignored my joke to ease the tense atmosphere, but he also took this opportunity to drink some green tea to solve his dry mouth problem.

Then, the other party's voice returned to its previous normal state, but it also sounded somewhat serious.

"——The Twelve Zodiac Signs Special Exam, or the Special Exam for the Favored."

"............It's the one held on a luxury cruise ship during the summer vacation. What's wrong with this special exam?"

"After the school announced the results, Long Yuan gave you trouble... You should still remember this incident."

"Of course, after all, I was pulled away by the teacher at that time to prove it."

He could clearly remember the points he had used in fulfilling the other party's request.

"【Sort the names of all participating members of each group in the order of the 50-character syllabary, and then select a person based on the ranking of the zodiac signs in the current group name. That person will be the favored person of the current group.】"

"If I remember correctly, this is what Ryuen said at the time."

Kanzaki never stopped looking himself in the eye, as if he wanted to seek my approval.

"Honestly, it's been so long, I can't remember clearly... But the general meaning is similar to what Kanzaki said."

"Ryuen thought you had falsified the content of the email sent by the school, so he wanted to use this to punish you for violating the rules. However, the fact is that there is nothing wrong with the email information you provided, and the class teacher of Class B, Mr. Mashima, also confirmed your identity. In other words, Ryuen's judgment was wrong............"

"But what if the rules of the special exam for favored students are really as Ryuuen said? If Okuki, who is ranked fourth in the group's syllabary, is the favored student of the Rabbit Group, then what will the result be? If the special exam for Paper Shuffle had not happened, I would have misunderstood it forever."

“…………..what do you want to say?”

"Excluding the request for help with personal points, if what Ryuuen-kun said and what the teacher proved are the truth, then there is only one possibility in the end."

"——You used the second account you had to participate in the preferential treatment special exam. Even if the account has the same name as the student, due to the uniqueness of the preferential treatment identity, only one of the two accounts can be a preferential treatment, so the second account will naturally receive emails from the non-preferential treatment identity. In this way, you are both a preferential treatment and a non-preferential treatment in that special exam. No matter which identity you start from, there is no right or wrong."

Should I say it's a brilliant deduction, or is it just the way it is? Maybe it's both. I've never doubted Kanzaki's ability, and it's only a matter of time before I come to this conclusion. Sakayanagi's situation is a bit unexpected. As a student who didn't take the exam, he can see through it to this extent. He is a formidable opponent worthy of attention.

"Do you admit this? Regarding the owner of the 41st account............"

"I have to admit that Kanzaki's deduction just now was very brilliant............"

Before I finished my compliment, Kanzaki approached me and placed a new cup of green tea in front of me, making a dull sound. It sounded like a blunt object hitting the back of my head. Kanzaki's narrowed eyes were also quite frightening.

If I didn't tell the truth in the next sentence, the other party would probably attack me... It's really a dilemma. If possible, I actually want to calm down for a while alone. It's not a bad thing to pretend that I know nothing.

"Yes, the extra student account is mine."

I told him the truth. I thought Kanzaki would fly into a rage after hearing this and would demand to know why I did this, but he was surprisingly calm and even retracted his [threatening] attitude.

Silence inadvertently descended upon the two of us. I guess Kanzaki was giving himself some time to calm down after the truth I had revealed. I wanted to take this opportunity to check the current time, in case Shiratori and the others arrived before we finished this conversation. Unfortunately, my phone was not with me at the moment, so I could only savor the sweetness of the black tea milkshake to pass the time.

"............I'm sorry, I can't think of any reason why you would do this. From the results point of view, it will not be beneficial to the class or to you personally. Can you please give me an explanation that can convince me?"

This level of judgment is not enough, and I still cannot confirm my purpose.

Since I cannot get the answer by my own strength, and I cannot discuss it with others at this special time, I want to confirm whether it is a comedy or a double tragedy, so I hope to know the answer in person.

But, Kanzaki——

"What if I refuse?"

It doesn't matter what the outcome is, you are just part of the plan.

Chapter 212 No one supports this kind of humor anymore

"What if I refuse?... I see. It seems that you don't plan to tell other students why you did this. Are you deliberately hiding it, or are you unable to say it at this stage?"

Kanzaki didn't get the answer right away, but he was calmer than I thought. He was even thinking about the reasons why I refused to answer the question.

It's a bit too much to ask. Even if I want to explain, the so-called reason cannot be understood without first-hand experience of my past experiences. I'm afraid that Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, who is praised as the "White Room's highest masterpiece" in Class D, is also too much.

That's why I'm going to answer with [Silence]. Compared to my answer, Kanzaki's attitude is obviously more important. There is a path that can be taken either way, just slightly different in the process, but the conclusion is absolutely certain.

"[Betraying the class]. If the purpose of my actions is exactly what you all suspect, how will Kanzaki respond? [Simply show trust] or something like that. I think even Kanzaki won't be able to do it after I make this purpose clear."

"I may not be able to turn a blind eye, but other people are different. Although it may be a bit self-righteous, in Ichinose's heart, you exist in a different place. It is impossible for you not to realize this, but your actions are quite concerning."

Kanzaki firmly believes in the rumors that spread throughout the school, and it is hard to help wondering how things have developed to this extent. Is his behavior really worthy of the other person?

At least as an ordinary student, I find it difficult to look down upon my own behavior. No, to be more precise, I should never overestimate my position in the hearts of others.

"............Is it going to be like that?" I muttered meaninglessly, but came to my senses after a moment. "Although Kanzaki said at the beginning that he couldn't turn a blind eye, his later words seemed to be saying that he wouldn't interfere with my actions, right?"

"It is precisely because I cannot turn a blind eye that I am sitting in front of you at this moment......" Kanzaki looked down at the teacup in his hand indifferently, "To be honest, I really have no intention of resisting what you have done."

"This is incredible... Even if Class A is completely defeated in this special exam, and Ichinose is at risk of expulsion... Even with these possibilities, Kanzaki still doesn't intend to take countermeasures against my methods?"

"Then please tell me what countermeasures I can take now. It's a foregone conclusion now, isn't it? Or do you want me to tell everyone in the class that you are the [class traitor]? If you don't want your identity to be exposed, it doesn't matter what you do; but if the opposite is true, I can't do it, and I will do my best to conceal it now."

"The only thing that can really change the situation is that I have a bargaining chip that can be exchanged with you, so that you will voluntarily give up the ownership of the second account and exchange it with Ichinose. That's all. Your personal will is the key to taking countermeasures in this dilemma."

It is an established fact that the partner combination cannot be changed. In other words, even if I abolish the existence of the second account, the partner combination table will not change. At first glance, if Ichinose fails to reach the passing score of the partner standard determined by the school in the final exam of this special exam [Paper Shuffle], then the only solution is to transfer the ownership of my second account to [Ichinose Honoki].

This way, at least Ichinose can have a partner on his second account, so he doesn't have to force himself to get a high score alone. At the same time, I am also safe.

For Kanzaki, this might be the best solution given the information currently known, and it is also the action he hopes I can take in the end. Unfortunately, however——

"I don't plan to interfere with this special exam anymore. All I will do is just take this final exam as an ordinary student in Class A and contribute to the class's overall score."

"............In other words, even if Ichinose's score is not up to the standard passing score set by the school, you are not going to help her? Are you going to just watch her drop out?"

"Maybe. The premise is that her team's combined score really fails to meet the standard............" I closed my eyes, "I'll ask you one last time. If I let that happen, our class loses to Class B in the special exam and loses Ichinose as a leader. In this case, you still don't plan to take countermeasures............?"

"One of the students who dropped out must be punished by changing the student account and making someone else in the class the scapegoat instead of Ichinose..."

After I repeatedly emphasized the solution to the problem, Kanzaki finally realized the only way out for the authorities at this moment, and told me the remaining solutions in front of me.

Scapegoat? This is an interesting term. All sinners must sacrifice a male lamb to atone for their sins. However, this time it is determined to be the [disaster of the firstborn].

"But... Ichinose would definitely not agree to this method. She would obviously protect everyone rather than expel the other students in Class A."

"It is undeniable that Ichinose's overall ability is higher than that of other students in Class A. The core qualities of a leader that our class needs the most and also the least are only evident in Ichinose. Any student in the class who receives the punishment is better than Ichinose... After making this clear, Kanzaki, are you still hesitating?"

"............You won't be immune to the consequences by then."

It was a boring fact. If I made such a choice, the class would immediately reveal the evil side of human nature. Protecting Ichinose, sacrificing myself, abandoning Ichinose... What kind of battle would that be? There was no doubt that I would lose my qualifications as a human being in this class.

"I won't do anything. At this point, do you still have any hope?"

"Rather than being caught in a dilemma and choosing a scapegoat, I prefer to bet that what you said is a lie. Even if you don't plan to do anything now, you can still come forward to save Ichinose after she is announced to be expelled... After her student account is cancelled, transfer the second account to her name. As an alternative... "

"............It's amazing that you still choose to trust me even at this point. I can tell you clearly that I will not take any action in the special exam from now on. As for the result, it seems that we can only wait and see. I hope what you think will not happen."

Kanzaki's eyes did not waver despite my repeated pressure. In such a passive situation, Kanzaki was still able to maintain a calm thinking mode, which also proved that Kanzaki was indeed a difficult person. But I didn't really intend to let him make a choice.

Just when I thought this conversation was over, Kanzaki suddenly said something unexpected, and the path I had envisioned began to unfold.

"I would make such a choice, which is probably within your expectations."

"............Is that what I expected? I'm just a student. If you treat me like a god, isn't that a bit too much............?"

“It may be impossible to see the future. But it is possible to predict and prepare.”

This kind of talk always makes me feel that Kanzaki has really considered that I can see the future. The conversation continues, and Kanzaki is still thinking about the connection between the possibilities.

"I'm not just worried about whether he can pass this final exam. I've been paying attention to Ichinose's recent performance from time to time. You should know the result."

"How is Ichinose's performance recently...? How is it?"

"............Although the situation is not bad, your performance in class has deteriorated noticeably in the past few days. You are distracted and tired. You are not as energetic as before. If I guess correctly, the other party should be aware of your bad behavior. The continuous pressure of study and emotion is unbearable for anyone."

Although I don't want to admit it, I can feel the pain of the person involved just by listening to Kanzaki's words.

"However, what does this have to do with your belief that everything is within my expectations?"

"It's impossible for you to forget. You described the situation yourself during the sports festival."

【However, you don’t have much time left. 】

[Ichinose is the student we least want to see a traitor in the class. If she breaks down because of this, who will step up and lead the class? This should also be your responsibility as the deputy, right? ]

When the familiar example reappeared in my ears, I was a little surprised. I saw a vague possibility of this happening, but I was still surprised for a moment when I was faced with it... But who am I still deceiving?

No, I am not deceiving anyone so far.

"Although we cannot know the content of the next special exam in advance, the goal you want to achieve has already been arranged at the time of the sports festival. What is missing is the means and methods to do it... No, maybe you have even thought of this."

"It is precisely because you thought of this that you specially created a traitor in the sports festival."

Kanzaki's head, which was originally lowered in thought, suddenly raised in the next moment. However, in just a moment, the thought that touched the threshold dissipated as the bright eyes dimmed, and was replaced by endless confusion in the sea of ​​​​heart. At this point in the conversation, the purpose of my actions is still difficult to explain. This is a threshold that is blocked in front of him that he cannot understand and cross.

"But what is the reason? Who are you targeting? Is it me, Ichinose, or someone else... I simply cannot understand your pattern of action."

"I mentioned this before, I won't tell you on my own initiative."

"............Then can I change the question? What is the connection between you and Class B? Putting aside the way you leaked the [Entry Form] to Class C during the sports festival, what are the questions that appear on the podium table of Class B every day?"

"At least give me answers to my questions about this photo."

Kanzaki once again showed the photo in the email, and Sakayanagi's figure was particularly conspicuous in the photo.

"Is there a cooperative relationship between me and Class B...? That's a really ambiguous way of asking. Since you chose to trust me, it doesn't matter anyway. Even if the facts later make you regret your actions."

"Then I will also take responsibility at that time. At the same time, I personally believe that... you also have a special purpose for Ichinose, otherwise you would not have done what you have done so far."

"Don't you consider that I've known Sakayanagi and Katsuragi before?"

"Surprise, expectation, joy, sorrow... I have never seen you truly show any emotion that can be shown on a human's face. Although your poker face shows that it is difficult for you to have considerable emotional fluctuations, it is also true that I cannot see the relationship between you, Sakayanagi and Katsuragi-kun. However, I can confirm that you had no intersection with Sakayanagi before entering this school."

"............How did you come to this conclusion?"

"I went to the same school as Sakayanagi from elementary school to junior high school. Your knowledge and abilities are not on par with ours. Also, I have never seen Sakayanagi so attentive to other people. Although she may be hiding it, it's just based on my personal understanding of her."

"............I see, is this why you are sure of my connection with Class B? It is not difficult to understand from your statement. I showed a face that could arouse the other party's interest, and then cooperated with her in all my actions to achieve my goal."

"However, unfortunately, my relationship with her is not deep. Class B only exists as an enemy of Class A. There is no cooperative relationship between me and Class B."

"............Then I understand it this way............I don't intend to interfere with anything you do from now on, unless you really need my help."

As he spoke, Kanzaki drank the already cold green tea in his cup. I also started to eat the remaining black tea milkshake while thinking about what Kanzaki had just said.

What a horrible statement. The concept of [trust] is so abstract and structurally complex that its meaning is inconsistent in different fields. The lack of a unified definition leads to uncertainty. This is why all the things that happened in the past happened.

——Trust is the basis of relationships involving transactions or exchanges.

It is difficult to understand the consensus point of view, and the oneness of the other side can be exchanged for fraud. The truth is confused with the false, the false is confused with the true... No matter which side is good, the result will become meaningless due to the complexity of human nature.

What you need to retrieve right now is something that you cannot understand at all, so that you can clearly realize your current situation. Only in this way can you move forward as usual.

"Well, now that we have reached this point in the conversation, I have roughly understood it. I will take my leave now."

"Wouldn't you like to stay a little longer? I don't know the time, but it's almost the time we agreed to meet up with Shiratori and the others."

"I'm a little tired, and I also need to go back and sort out my thoughts."

As soon as he finished speaking, Kanzaki stood up from the cushion, leaving the empty teacup behind. The sound of footsteps slowly rose on the floor, and I couldn't help but look forward to the year-end cleaning.

Is being able to see the same thing as predicting and preparing?

I laughed at myself for being worshipped as a "god" by that person. After clearing the fog, my understanding of myself became clearer, and that was also why I became confused.

What will be the result? I am just an ordinary student.

"To bother you——"

[By the way, the last relay race at the sports festival a few days ago really surprised me. I'm afraid other classes didn't expect that speed, right? Whether it's you, former president Horikita, or Ayanokouji from Class D...]

Katsuragi's voice suddenly appeared in my dormitory room, and the suddenness of the situation left Kanzaki's figure in action. During this time, the two of us quietly listened to the conversation record named [Unknown]. How long ago did this happen? I'm afraid I have forgotten it.

There were very few things that he could remember, and what remained were almost all the defenses he had set up.

[Then it seems I can’t force you to stay. ]

【Sorry, excuse me.】

The conversation recording ended here. The content of the conversation fell clearly into the ears of both of us, and then the phone entered silence for 30 seconds...