Incompetent Commander
'The abrupt proposal caught Yamauchi off guard.
He blinked in surprise, his mind racing to comprehend the unexpected turn of events. The weight of accusation and suspicion that had been building in the classroom seemed to intensify with this suggestion. For a moment, he felt a mix of disbelief and frustration, unsure of how to respond.
Before he could formulate a retort or gather his thoughts, the classroom environment shifted abruptly as the morning classes began.
The teacher's entrance interrupted any further discussion, redirecting the attention of the students away from the tense atmosphere that had gripped them just moments before.
Yamauchi found himself momentarily relieved by the interruption, grateful for the respite from the intense scrutiny and the daunting proposal that hung unresolved in the air.
As the teacher started the lesson, he sank into his seat, his mind still reeling from the confrontation and the implications of what had transpired.
However, as classes continued to end one by one, time moving towards lunch break, Yamauchi felt the gazes of his classmates being concentrated, as if it was inversely proportional to the time remaining.
He racked his brains over what to do next, and how to respond to that unreasonable proposition.
That was to be expected. He didn't have a protection point, and being the commander without having one is like suicide.
But that was not all. From the atmosphere itself, he was pretty sure that his classmates were dead set on expelling him.
As the crucial time approached, he made up his mind about something, and decided to act upon it.'
***
Yeah. Escaping is the last resort for me. I promised to meet with Shiina at the library too during lunch break.
A true man should keep his promise.
However, as I was making my way through the back door quietly, Horikita called out to me.
"Yamauchi-kun, we are not done here. I would appreciate if you spare some of your time in this crucial discussion."
".....Can't I just buy something for lunch?"
"That's alright. But I hope you to return as soon as possible and give us your thoughts. Although, if you don't, then we the rest of us can come to an unanimous decision on who to appoint as the commander."
"Got it."
Afterwards, I left the class and went towards the convenience store to buy a lunch box. Then, I strolled inside the library and but couldn't find Shiina.
Perhaps, she was not coming today?
Well, I can get that book on a later date too.
As I was returning to the class, thoughts regarding the current predicament were running like a wild boar inside my head.
From the looks of things, my classmates are almost set on making me the commander. There are a few students who would oppose, but I guess the impact player of this showdown is Horikita. Her action in the previous special exam went in vain.
So, probably, she is having the wrong impression that I am somehow, conspiring with the other classes. That implies I am a traitor. And a class having a traitor is bound to be doomed.
Some students would prefer to win the exam by appointing a suitable commander. Some would prefer to make Ayanokouji the sacrifice, to ensure no further expulsion. And, I don't know how much, but most are probably thinking of the same thing as Horikita.
But, what the hell should I do? Try to deviate attention from myself to Ayanokouji, getting a whooping 42 praise votes?
If they are having their showdown in this special exam, then Sakayanagi must be the commander for class A.
So, would Ayanokouji step forward to be commander, himself?
I reached the classroom and everyone's eyes fell on me. There were a few students absent though. Koenji and Hirata.
They don't have any interest in these discussions, perhaps. Well, Koenji aside, Hirata is beyond control for now.
Horikita resumed her position at the podium, and addressed me.
"So, as I was proposing, what do you think of being the commander, Yamauchi-kun?"
"Before that, I want to ask you a question. What is your goal in this exam?"
"Of course it is to win it regardless. But if you are wondering about your competency as the commander, then I assure you that, the whole planning would be designed by me, after considering everyone's strength and weakness. You just have to act on the plan itself."
"I see. What if we lose then?"
"Even if we go against higher classes, I would say, depending on luck, we have a good chance of winning."
"Well, I am talking about the unlucky case in which we lose, though."
"Are you perhaps, afraid of being expelled?"
"......"
"You must not be. Because in the previous exam, from your speech, the day before, I got the the impression that you left everything up to decision of the rest of the class. And you must have been expecting expulsion yourself, if not for the unexpected result of the voting, getting Sakura-san expelled. Is there any difference this time?"
"Is that what everyone wants, though?"
"A protection point is very much precious, so it shouldn't be used right off the bat. Moreover we conducted a voting to know everyone's opinion and a majority were in support of the notion."
"What?"
No, I expected it to be majority, but why are both Sudo and Ike silent this time? Ayanokouji is not budging a muscle himself too. Should I broach his topic now?
"Yamauchi-kun, if you are wondering about how Ayanokouji-kun got the highest number of praise votes, then I believe you know the answer yourself, and I have already explained to the rest that it was Sakayanagi-san's plot."
"If you have figured out that much, then wouldn't you say that I am the victim here, of Sakayanagi's plan?"
"No, I don't think so. It is already clear that you did have some personal goal yourself, to obtain by betraying the class, but got yourself betrayed instead. So, do you accept now?"
"What would happen if I refuse?"
"I have already told you, it's for your own good. Refusing would only solidify some claims against you."
That definitely was a threat. If I want to live peacefully, then it's best for me to accept it. But, there are some things, that I don't understand.
Words of agreement followed after Horikita said her piece. My classmates' piercing gazes reminded me of the hellish high school period of my previous life.
.
.
.
Ah! Now, I see. So, that's how it is. Well, there are various options in front of me, but this is the only option I have, perhaps.
Thinking backwards, I was manipulated to choose this only option, too. So, probably, I am being tested right now. By various eyes, that is.
At that time, a tinge of excitement ran through me, as I discovered such intricate plans these teenagers are making in order to prove their own ideologies.
Everyone has a different agenda.
And the most exhilarating thing is, this school is truly meritocratic.
"Okay, I would be the commander, but I want something in return."