Pushing open the heavy door, there was no one inside.
As the earliest First Year Class A to arrive, they became the first occupiers of this open space.
"It's really cold..."
Hashimoto Masayoshi folded his arms, although he was complaining, his eyes were looking around.
Not long after, the heavy wooden door was pushed open again.
Boys from First Year Class B, Class C, and Class D poured in one after another.
Next, there are the second and third graders Senpai.
When all the boys in the school were crammed into this space, the original openness was instantly replaced by crowding and noise.
The first-year students gathered together subconsciously, facing those Senpai who had been struggling in this purgatory for several years.
"Quiet."
A voice amplified by a loudspeaker instantly suppressed all the whispers.
"After the explanation in the bus, I assume that everyone has their own understanding of the test content. Then I will give everyone the time and venue to divide it into Small Group. Each grade will discuss it separately and divide it into 6 Small Group. In addition, at 8 o'clock this afternoon, we will arrange the time and venue for everyone to form Large Group. This is the basic situation."
Gymnasium On the wooden platform in front of him, a burly teacher appeared at some point.
School Authority gave instructions to all the boys to divide Small Group according to their own ideas.
Before forming Large Group, you must first form Small Group.
Each grade has distanced itself from each other, leaving its own buffer zone.
"Let's go."
Kazehara Tetsu did not hesitate at all, he was not searching blindly.
His gaze passed through the crowd of heads and locked directly on the target who did not need to shout loudly in the noise.
Kanzaki Ryuji is standing at the front of the team, frowning, seeming to be responding to the inquiries from several boys in the class.
When Kazehara Tetsu's figure blocked the light in front of him, Kanzaki Ryuji suddenly raised his head.
"Kagihara..."
"Don't be so nervous, Kanzaki."
"Ichinose Honami should have told you already, right?"
Those three names.
Ichinose Honami was one of the lists he sent to Sakayanagi Arisu in the car, and was also the key person he contacted personally.
Hearing that name, Kanzaki Ryuji's originally tense shoulders stiffened slightly.
"... Ah, I did say that."
"Just a few minutes before getting off the bus, she said that we Class B should cooperate with your Class A actions as much as possible. To be more precise... if you come to invite us."
"But, Kagihara."
Kanzaki's voice was so low that only two people could hear it.
"Are you sure? This big stew of Small Group that contains Four Classes... can it really work?"
"Can you really guarantee that there won't be any betrayal?"
This is what Kanzaki is most worried about.
Class A can completely use this opportunity to deceive the people of Class B, and then use some loophole in the rules at the critical moment to let the people of Class B take the blame for Expulsion, thus weakening the competitors without any blood.
Faced with this question that struck straight to the soul, the smile on Kazehara Tetsu's face did not waver at all.
"Of course."
"The so-called betrayal is usually to obtain greater benefits."
"But this time, Kanzaki."
"Winning with you and getting the high-magnification Points reward is the best choice for me."
"So, put away those Persecution Complexs of yours."
Kazehara Tetsu stretched out a hand in an inviting gesture.
Kanzaki Ryuji was silent for a few seconds.
He is weighing.
On one side is rational doubt, on the other side is Ichinose Honami's trust, and...Kazehara Tetsu's irrefutable logic.
Finally, he closed his eyes.
"... Okay."
Kanzaki Ryuji sighed and held Kazehara Tetsu's hand.
"Since Ichinose said so, I have no reason to refuse."
"I join your Small Group."
"However, if you dare to play any tricks..."
"Okay, okay, let's wait until we win to say such harsh words."
Kazehara Tetsu interrupted his non-deterrent threat, then let go of his hand and shifted his gaze slightly to the back.
"Okay, then the first step is completed."
"There is a small proviso next."
Kazehara Tetsu turned around and snapped his fingers.
Hashimoto Masayoshi, who had been standing boredly not far away, seemingly looking at the scenery but actually paying attention to this side, immediately came over with understanding.
"Hey, is it settled?"
Hashimoto had that signature frivolous smile on his face, and his eyes turned around Kanzaki.
"As you can see."
Kazehara Tetsu pointed at Hashimoto, "In order for you Class B and Small Group to gather the number of people..."
"Is it okay to let Hashimoto Masayoshi join the Small Group formed by you Class B later?"
This is a personnel replacement that has been planned for a long time.
"Assigning" Hashimoto Masayoshi, who is smooth and extremely survivable, to Class B's team not only solves Class A's staff overflow problem, but is also equivalent to placing an informant in Class B's team.
For Class B, getting Combat Power, a member of Class A, can also increase their Small Group probability of passing the exam.
Kanzaki Ryuji glanced at Hashimoto Masayoshi.
Although he didn't like this guy who always smiled playfully, he also knew that Hashimoto's ability should not be underestimated.
"... No problem."
Kanzaki Ryuji nodded and accepted the proposal.
"As long as he is willing to cooperate, we at Class B will naturally welcome him."
"Don't worry, don't worry..."
Hashimoto Masayoshi put his hand on Kanzaki's shoulder skillfully, completely ignoring the other person's stiffness.
"I'm the most obedient team member. As long as I can stop Expulsion, I can do anything. Please take care of me, Kanzaki."
"Since you decided to join my Small Group, let me ask you a question by the way."
Kazehara Tetsu turned his head slightly and glanced at the Class B boys who were hugging each other not far away.
"The main body Small Group on your Class B side... the Small Group that plans to accept Hashimoto Masayoshi, what is the remaining configuration?"
Kanzaki Ryuji adjusted his glasses and did not hide it, "It's 14 people."
"14 people? In other words, you chose the most conservative '14+1' mode to get the most basic reward?"
"Why don't you learn from me? Just replace those one or two people from other classes, and the multiplier will be Double? Ichinose should be able to solve such a simple arithmetic problem, right?"
Facing Kazehara Tetsu's almost tempting question, Kanzaki Ryuji's expression did not waver.
"We do understand."
"However, Kagihara. Our primary goal is to ensure the 'safety of all members.' Under such rules with Expulsion risks, introducing more uncertain factors is irresponsible to our companions."
"We dare not mix people from Four Classes together to walk a tightrope like you did."
"Even if we take less Points, as long as everyone can stay safely, it will be a victory for Ichinose and us Class B."
These words sound very consistent with Class B's style of "friendship first, competition second".