Classroom of the Elite Reaction to Checkmate

Harry's Gambit (Part 1)

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka POV:

Like yesterday, everyone was now back in the Auditorium. I settled back into my seat, the one in the back on the left, and began to ponder.

Unlike yesterday, today's viewings are in the afternoon rather than the morning.

Using Horikita's theory that the weather of the viewings indicates a different "atmosphere", this means that something mild or intense may show on the screen.

But what could it possibly be? We're still in the beginning of the school year and the perspective is on the first years.

I propose a major deviation from our Timeline, compared to Checkmate's Timeline, will occur.

Once everyone settles down, the Chess-Themed Man walks up to the stage with a mic in hand.

"Hello students and teachers, welcome to the second viewings of Checkmate"

He spoke seriously.

"Like I said yesterday, you'll all be watching two chapters today. This process will continue once this is over. To begin the new viewings, I'll present to you the title of the new chapter."

The Chess-themed Man then activates the screen again by pressing the controller.

Harry's Gambit

Harry's Gambit.....

"Uh...what does that mean...?"

Someone in the crowd spoke out.

"Harry's Gambit is an aggressive opening strategy. Harry Golombek, a British International Master, Honorary Grandmaster, and writer, was a prominent figure in the world of chess, renowned for his extensive study and writings on various openings, including gambits. A gambit arises where a player sacrifices a pawn early in the game to achieve some form of advantage."

Sakayanagi spoke with a grin on her face.

...Sacrifice.....

Harry's Gambit depends on sacrificing a pawn early on into the match to gain control of the center. Using Checkmate Kiyotaka's board, which represents people as chess pieces, to get rid of a pawn would mean.....

Before I could think of that word the screen turned on, initiating a new chapter.

"Good morning, Yamauchi!"

"Good morning, Ike!"

For some unknown reason, the two of them were in an extremely good mood. I wasn't sure why, but it couldn't be something important. Glancing at the clock, I noted that they arrived around 10 minutes earlier than they usually were in the morning, which was already plenty surprising.

Like a tidal wave, most of the boys in Class D paled because what's going to be inevitable shown on the screen.

On the other hand, the girls groaned in annoyance and their faces expressed disgust.

"What's going on with them?"

Ishizaki pointed out.

"I don't know, but the screen will obviously show why the guys have a shell-shock expression on their face. So stop asking questions and watch."

Ryuen spoke as he relaxed into his seat

"But it was only one question..."

Ishizaki grumbles to himself.

"I barely slept last night. Today is going to be great!"

"This school is amazing. I can't believe it's already time for our swimming lessons. And when I say swimming, I mean girls. And when I say girls, I mean girls in swimsuits!"