Classroom of the Elite: Crimson Usurper (Volume 4)

Chapter 2.3

Ayanokouji's Point of view

AFTER encountering Kushida, I decided to go to the vending machine since I was thirsty. To my surprise, I found an odd three-person group: Chabashira-sensei; the Class B homeroom teacher, Hoshinomiya- sensei; and Mashima-sensei from Class A.

The teachers were relaxing on the sofa. The area wasn't technically off limits to students, but since things like izakaya and bars weren't open to us, no one came around. I'd taken this route just for a change of scene but had stumbled onto an opportunity. I hid myself and drew nearer.

"You know, it's been a long time since the three of us all got together."

"It is what it is. Fate. After bouncing around from one thing to the next, we all chose the teacher's life."

"Ah, that reminds me. You were on a date the other day, weren't you? You've got a new girlfriend, huh? Mashima-kun, you're quite the playboy. And here I'd thought you were the quiet, unsociable type."

"Chie, what happened to the man you were with?"

"Ah ha ha! We broke up two weeks ago. I'm the type of girl who breaks it off once the relationship starts getting serious. It's just like, see ya later!'"' Hoshinomiya-sensei said.

"That's what you'd usually hear from the guy."

"Ah, but I'd never do that to you, Mashima-kun. You're my best friend, after all. I'd hate to ruin our friendship."

"Relax. I'm not worried about that." 

"What a shocker."

Hoshinomiya-sensei poured whiskey into an empty glass. She downed it in one gulp. Must've been a drinker. On the other hand, Chabashira-sensei sipped her drink like a cocktail.

"What are you planning, Chie?" 

"Huh? What are you talking about? What'd I do?"

"It's customary to place all of the class representatives into the Dragon group, isn't it?"

"I'm not screwing around or anything. It's certainly true that as far as grades and attitude are concerned, Ichinose-san is number one. However, someone's true place in society cannot be measured by numbers alone. I determined that she needed a challenge. And besides, rabbits are just so cute, aren't they? The way they hop around. Doesn't that suit Ichinose-san? I wanted to put Amikura-san in the Rabbit Group but I placed her in the Rooster Group instead. It's not that important" Hoshinomiya-sensei asked.

"I hope you're right. I think what you're saying makes sense, Chie, but what are you getting at?" Mashima-sensei asked.

 
"We wouldn't want you to base your judgment on personal grudges." Chabashira-sensei stated.

"Oh, are you still talking about what happened ten years ago? I thought that was all water under the bridge."

"I wonder. I mean, you can't seem to stop yourself from running your mouth. You're not satisfied unless you're one move ahead. That's why you put Ichinose in the Rabbit group, isn't it?"

"I genuinely thought that Ichinose needed to learn a lesson, so I removed her from the Dragon group. You know? By the way, Sae-chan, I couldn't help but notice you've been focusing on Ayanokouji-kun and Shinjiro-kun. Anyway, it's just a coincidence. Coincidence, coincidence. When the island test ended and Shinjiro-kun became a kind of leader, you weren't surprised at all, were you? Besides, why didn't you put either of them in the Dragon Group, or at least Shinjiro-kun, no?"

"You think with the current situation going on with him, that'll be a bright idea?"

"Ha ha, I guess you're right. It's a bummer he has to get this kind of treatment from other students, he doesn't deserve it. I mean, he did all of that to get kicked out of the class during the exam. Why?"

"Why should I tell you?"

"No no, you're right. He probably had his own reasons. Since he was the leader, it was probably part of his plan to make Class D win?"

"Incorrect. Horikita made him do it."

Interesting. Chabashira-sensei wasn't pushing the win towards Shinjiro but instead to Horikita. Perhaps she didn't want them knowing that he was a unique student. 

"Horikita-san, hmmm. Then why is she more distant from him? And why would she make Shinjiro do something that will harm his reputation?"

"Don't ask me."

"I'll ask Horikita-san!"

"Don't."

"I'll ask... Shinjiro-kun!"

"You'll think he'll tell you?"

"What if I seduce him?"

Chabashira-sensei started to get up from the sofa, but Hoshinomiya-sensei grabbed her arm.

"You're going to make me spill my whiskey."

"Don't leave! We have so much to talk about!"

Chabashira-sensei sighed as she sat back down. Mashima-sensei, who appeared to be in deep thought, suddenly called out.

"Chie, you're using Ichinose and Amikura to gather information on Ayanokouji and Shinjiro, correct?"

"No! My plan has been leaked!" She whined. "I wanted to see what they will do in this exam. I'm just a tiny bit curious."

"Curious to the point of this?" Mashima-sensei shook his head. "There's no rule against this, but I want to be clear. Stop spying on other colleagues' classes, especially students in particular."

"Agh! It's like you don't trust me at all. Well, I'm not the only one to blame. Sakagami-sensei is part of the problem, too. If we evaluated the Class C students properly, another student should've been placed into Dragon. But they threw Ryuuen in there."

"That's certainly true. This isn't your average year. The students seem rather special."

With this newfound information, it was about time for me to head back. If I stayed any longer, I might be seen. Just knowing that Ichinose had been sent to spy on me was enough for this little reconnaissance. Apparently, me and Shinjiro were under heavy scrutiny, so it looks like I'm going to have to tell him this.

____________________________________________________________

Word Count: 902 Words