Chapter 29 : Group Formation for One Week Only

On a Thursday morning not long after the start of the third term, multiple buses traveled in a line on the highway. Inside the buses, not only first-year students like us but also second and third-year students were on board, and we hadn't received any explanation about where we were headed. At this point, all we knew was that everyone was required to wear jerseys, and it was strongly recommended to have multiple spare underwear and jerseys prepared.

The travel time was quite long, three hours, but students brought whatever they liked within the permitted range. Not to mention mobile phones, there were snacks, juices, manga, books, playing cards, and game consoles. Since we were arranged in alphabetical order on the bus, I ended up sitting next to a student named "Inokashira Shin," whom I had never spoken to.

"Huh? You're not eating?"

What does this guy think of me, anyway?

Since there was nothing to talk about and I had never interacted with him, I decided to listen to music with my headphones on. Damn, starting to feel motion sickness on the bus.

I feel like throwing up...

And, as I turned around with a weary expression after being tapped on the shoulder, Kei Karuizawa, a fellow classmate from Class D, looked at me with concern.

"Hey, Horagasaki-kun, are you okay? You don't look so good."

"...I'm bussick. Ugh..."

Karuizawa handed me motion sickness medicine. Thanks, you're a good person. Like a mom. I washed down the given medicine with the bottle of mineral water I had.

"...Isn't it ineffective?"

"Of course! It's not an instant remedy, and you endured for a good two hours."

"...Yeah, thanks."

Just as we emerged from the tunnel, Chabashira-sensei moved, seemingly timing it perfectly.

"Sorry to interrupt your excitement, but quiet down. The special test you D-class students will undertake is—"

Just as she began to say that, Chabashira-sensei fell silent. The surrounding classmates wore slightly proud expressions. Immediatelyafter, Chabashira-sensei bowed apologetically.

"Apologies, you're already students of Class C. Allow me to explain the outline of the test once again to those of you who have now been promoted."

In the clear third term, the students who had advanced to Class C didn't make the usual commotion and listened attentively.

"We will guide you to a certain mountain forest school from now on. You will probably reach your destination in less than an hour. The shorter the time spent on explanations, the more significant the 'grace period' given to you."

Speaking of forest school, it's usually associated with summer. I guess it's part of this school's policy to have it in winter.

"Normally, you may not have many opportunities to interact with upperclassmen at school... For students not involved in club activities, contact may be limited. However, this time, you will engage in group activities across grades for seven nights and eight days. The name of this test is 'Mixed Training Camp,' and I will distribute the materials now."

The materials were thick, spanning about 20 pages. They included information about the facility presumed to be the training camp site, featuring details about sleeping quarters, communal baths, dining hall, and more. It would seem like fun if it weren't for this special test. Well, that's just the way this school operates, and there's no helping it.

"We will collect the materials before getting off the bus, so make sure to understand them well. This time, the camp is primarily aimed at mental growth. We will confirm whether we can smoothly build relationships with people we don't usually interact with and learn from that experience.

Upon arrival, it seems we will separate by gender and engage in discussions as a whole year group. Six groups will be formed based on the discussions held there. While there are set minimum and maximum limits for forming a group, the actual number is calculated based on the total number of students per year and gender. Assuming there are 60 students in a year, the group size will range from 8 to 13 people; for 70 students, it will be 9 to 14 people.

As there are exactly 80 male students in the first year, it is likely that groups will be formed with 10 to 15 members. It is a condition that there must be at least 2 or more students from different classes within each group. Students from different classes will also join together to overcome this challenge.

"Think of the groups as temporary classes for this outdoor school. You will attend classes with your group members and share various daily activities, including cooking, laundry, bathing, and sleeping."

Formal classes will start tomorrow and continue until Wednesday. On the 8th day, there will be a school-wide simultaneous test, which will be graded.

Among the first-year students, one of the six groups, known as small groups, will merge with the second and third-year students, forming large groups. In other words, six groups, each consisting of 30 to 45 members, will be created.

The crucial results will be determined by calculating the average scores of all the large groups.

The large groups ranking 1st to 3rd in average scores will receive private points for all students along with additional points for the class.

'Basic Rewards'

1st place: 10,000 private points, 3 class points

2nd place: 5,000 private points, 1 class point

3rd place: 3,000 private points

The above rewards will be distributed to each student.

4th place: 5,000 private points

5th place: 10,000 private points, 3 class points

6th place: 20,000 private points, 5 class points

The above points will be deducted from each student. It seems that negative points are heavier than positive ones. 

Additionally, the last-place group may face the penalty of expulsion. However, not everyone will be expelled; if the average score of a small group falls below the school's designated borderline, the leader of that group will be responsible for withdrawal. 

While no one would willingly become a leader under such circumstances, the merit is that the rewards will double."

"If a leader is not decided, that group will be immediately disqualified, and everyone will be forced to withdraw."

Furthermore, if the leader is expelled, it is possible to order another member of the group to be expelled as a shared responsibility, almost like a companion. However, not anyone can be chosen for this, it can only be a student who contributed to the failure of the test. With that explanation concluded, Chabashira-sensei asked for questions, and Hirata raised his hand.

"If a student is expelled, is there any relief measure?"

"As a remaining option, in addition to the imposed penalty, expulsion can be revoked by paying 300 class points and a total of 20 million private points... but, considering your current low points, it seems impossible for you."

Trying to wrap up the conversation, Chabashira-sensei turned away, but Hirata borrowed the microphone and spoke up.

"How to overcome this test and what kind of group arrangement to aim for, I want to hear everyone's opinions."

Sudo suggested that it would be better to stick with classmates as much as possible. 

However, if other classes join, they will naturally be wary. Since some students wanted a chance to earn private points, Hirata proposed a method of distributing points equally. 

It seems that after the test is over and the points are confirmed to have increased, they will share them within the class. To this proposal, Chabashira-sensei turned away and laughed.

"Let me give you one piece of advice."

"Advice?"

"Transferring private points is allowed, but it is different from mere pocket money. For example, if a student makes a mistake and is required to pay 1 million points to avoid expulsion, but if they do not have that 1 million at that moment, they will be expelled. Continuously following a strategy of equal distribution might lead to irreversible consequences."

Hirata took a vote, asking everyone what they thought. After Chabashira-sensei's advice, only half of the students who had hoped for equal sharing were there.

"Was that unnecessary advice, Hirata?"

"No, I appreciate it. It's valuable information for us to know at this stage."

Well, from my perspective, it doesn't matter which group anyone ends up in; as long as there's no expulsion, it's fine to just get through it safely.

The bus descended from the highway and gradually ascended a paved mountain road.

"We will arrive shortly, and after that, you will start forming groups indoors immediately. After the room assignments are done, lunch will be served, and the afternoon will be free for each individual."

The three fools in the class couldn't hide their joy at the absence of studying. Chabashira-sensei collected mobile phones in attendance order, and as they got off the bus, unfamiliar faculty members approached.

It's quite cold here in the mountainous region, and considering the time and place, this is probably Nagano.

There are two large grounds and quaint school buildings. The other one is probably the girls' school building.

Is this where we will live for the next week?

Entering the building, a nostalgic scent of wood tickled the nostrils.

"It's an old-fashioned wooden school building. It looks old, but it seems well-maintained and in a very clean condition," Hirata commented, and those around him seemed to agree.

There is no air conditioning in the classroom, and only a stove is placed in the center.

Class A and B have already arrived, and Class D is also entering. Since everyone is calm without much chit-chat, it seems that some policies have been decided.

All students from different grades have arrived and are gathered in the gymnasium. The first-year students, feeling awkward, quickly assemble without making any noise, waiting for instructions. Shortly afterward, a man who seems to be a teacher from another grade steps onto the podium, holding a microphone and addressing the students.

"I assume you heard the explanations on the bus. So, I won't repeat them here. I'll provide time to create small groups. Large group formation is scheduled for 8 PM today, that's all."

Before creating large groups, they need to form small groups. Now, how will the other classes proceed? I expected some probing to continue for a while, but Class A blatantly forms one large group. They started creating it. Naturally, they attract attention, and a group of 14 members is formed. Then, they make this announcement to us:

"As you can see, Class A intends to form one group with these members. Currently, we have 14 members, and if one more person joins, we'll have the required number."

This was stated by a student named Matoba from Class A. Katsuragi's figure is also among them, but since Matoba is taking charge, maybe they left this to him?

"Hey, what the hell are you deciding on your own? Having 14 people is unfair."

Sudo glares at Matoba angrily.

"No, it's not like that. It's fair, if anything."

"Is that so?"

Not understanding immediately, Sudo seeks help from Hirata, who is behind him.

"That's how it is."

Matoba directs that kind of gaze toward Kanzaki and Shibata too.

"Well... I think it's not a bad idea, but what do you think, Kanzaki?"

"Sorry, but I can't give an immediate answer."

"Yeah, true. While I don't think the remaining 6 members of Class A will intentionally hold us back, it's still cautious."

Class A quickly tries to decide on the group, but Kanzaki, unlike others, doesn't make a quick decision and suggests putting the proposal on hold. However, Matoba, in response, strongly brings up:

"Then, I'll give you 5 minutes. Please decide during that time."

"Setting a time limit, huh? I think it's outrageous that Class A, unilaterally proposing this, only gives a 5-minute grace period, don't you?"

The strategy of each class forming a group with 14 members and claiming it is fair is a fake argument. It seems acceptable only for Class A, which is currently in the lead and doesn't mind having a lower point multiplier when winning.

"Yes, that's true, but please don't misunderstand. What we're saying is not that we'll only negotiate for 5 minutes, but that we'll only set a special time limit for 5 minutes."

Class A plans to create a group of 14 and welcome only one person from other classes, meaning they will provide a service to that person. If you join Matoba's group, you won't bear any risks at all. Katsuragi is the leader, and even if they end up in the last place, there won't be a companion for expulsion. However, it seems this applies only if you intentionally score poorly and don't harm your comrades.

This proposal is likely the best option for students like Ike and Yamauchi, who have poor grades.

Class B chooses to ignore Class A's proposal, and honestly, there are too many students in our C class with low skills. From my perspective, I don't care, but Hirata and others probably saw it as an opportunity to have someone protect them.

"Kanzaki, I have a proposal. May I present it to you?"

Approaching Kanzaki, the male leader of Class B, was a guy named Kaneda, the current leader of Class D without Ryuuen. He also approached Hirata for the same proposal. Is this the creepy glasses guy Hasebe was talking about? Well, who knows.

"We judged that we should consider this as a chance. Thanks to Class A solidifying, even if they win, they can only get a double ratio for two classes. There are risks, but this is not just a simple academic competition, so what do you think?"

Kaneda's strategy is to surround Class A with B, C, and D working together. While Kanzaki didn't show an immediate decision, appearing cautious, Hirata expressed agreement.

Despite Hirata giving his opinion to those who wanted to join Class A, not many hands were raised. Even when asking students from Class C, they seemed puzzled. However, A class guaranteed that even if the abilities were low, they wouldn't intentionally hold back, leading Ike, Yamauchi, and Hoshin to raise their hands.

A fair game of rock-paper-scissors was played, and Yamauchi ended up joining that group. To form provisional groups, Hirata from Class C, Kanzaki from Class B, and Kaneda from Class D raised their voices as one of the 15 members.

The process of selecting 11 suitable members from within the class began, and students volunteering for group entry rushed to Hirata. The adjustment was well-coordinated, with high-spec individuals like Kanzaki and Shibata from Class B forming separate groups, ensuring Sudo and Hirata weren't in the same group. While I was talking with Kiyotaka, Akihito, and Hirose, somehow, without knowing, I ended up being dragged into a 10-person team with 2 from Class A, 3 from Class B, 2 from Class C, and 3 from Class D.

Wait, who are these guys? I don't know any of them. Oh, wait, I recognize one face.

"Hey, Horagasaki! How have you been?"

"Why is it you..."

The one who approached me was Shibata, a leader from Class B. Upon closer inspection, Kitofrom Class A and Komiya from Class D were also present. But I don't know the others.

"Why? What's wrong with me? But let's get along!"

"Yeah, yeah, nice to meet you."

I settled, and as always, Shibata energetically linked arms with me. However, the remaining issue is Ryuen, who is alone. While everyone avoids being in the same group as Ryuen, I wonder what will happen to him.

Just as I was thinking about it, Akihito spoke up.

"I'll take care of Ryuen, and I can even be the leader."

To be honest, I was surprised, but it seems he wants rewards in return for securing the first place. But is it really just that? As no one else volunteered to take Ryuen, there must be some reason. With that, the group formation process concluded.

I don't know if things will go smoothly, but there's Shibata, an acquaintance. I haven't talked to him, but there's Onitou too, so it should be fine. While Kiyotaka and Keisei are in the same group, well, it's quite an intense lineup.

"So, let's get along for a week at least! If no one else wants to be the leader, should I take on the role? Is that okay?"

"Is it okay to accept so easily?"

I couldn't help but interject. Members from Class B also seemed uneasy, but Shibata confidently said,

"It's fine! Everyone is serious... Oh, except for Horagasaki!"

"Why is that?"

"But surprisingly, there are many high-spec individuals in this group, right? It's okay, it's okay. We definitely won't end up in last place."

Thanks for the positive opinion, Speedy Shibata-man. Thanks to you, this group can do its best. In fact, this group seems surprisingly calm. While Komiya and Kondo from Class D seemed rough, they weren't as bad as I thought. Furthermore, Machida and Satonaka from Class A appeared calm, and Kitou from Class B, along with others, seemed fine too. Thanks, but I don't really know.

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