Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Horikita and Ayanokōji walk together after parting from Kaede and Hiyori.
• Horikita realizes Ayanokōji's invitation was to help her clear her mind after the previous night's incident.
• Ayanokōji acknowledges his feelings for Horikita, labeling her a "Love Textbook."
• Kaede and Hiyori's relationship progresses slowly, with Kaede planning a surprise for Hiyori's birthday.
• The third semester begins with a special school trip exam, causing chaos in Class A due to the vacant class leader position.

Character Developments

• Horikita: Realizes Ayanokōji's intentions and feels a mix of emotions, including anticipation.
• Ayanokōji: Admits to himself that he has feelings for Horikita, labeling her a "Love Textbook" due to her potential value in his life.
• Kaede: Struggles to find the right moment to kiss Hiyori, decides to plan a surprise for her birthday.

Significant Themes

• Love and relationships: Horikita and Ayanokōji's relationship takes a subtle turn, while Kaede and Hiyori's relationship progresses slowly.
• Personal growth: Horikita learns to accept Ayanokōji's help, and Kaede finds peace in focusing on his relationship with Hiyori.
• Manipulation and strategy: Ayanokōji continues to view people as tools for his own purposes, including Horikita.

Character Interactions

• Horikita and Ayanokōji: Their conversation clarifies Ayanokōji's intentions, leaving Horikita with mixed emotions.
• Kaede and Hiyori: Their relationship remains physical but progresses slowly, with Kaede planning a surprise for Hiyori's birthday.
• Kaede and an unknown person: Kaede engages in a long online conversation with someone, hinting at potential new developments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Class A is heading to the Forest School Mixed Training Camp, a Special Exam held shortly after the start of the third semester.
• The exam focuses on four basic abilities: "Morality," "Mental Training," "Discipline," and "Independence."
• The exam results determine rewards and penalties for the class, with the top three groups receiving rewards and the bottom three facing penalties, including possible expulsion.

Character Developments

• Tennoji Kaede, the former second-in-command, is reluctant to take over the position of class leader after Ryuen Kakeru's transformation.
• Kaede decides to act as an "ordinary student" during the exam, despite the class's nervousness about challenging the difficult Special Exam.

Significant Themes

• Leadership and responsibility: Kaede's refusal to take on the class leader role highlights the theme of responsibility and leadership in the face of adversity.
• Meritocracy: The increased difficulty of the Special Exams and the usurious loan-like penalties emphasize the school's meritocratic principles.
• Unity and teamwork: The exam's rewards and penalties based on group performance underscore the importance of unity and teamwork.

Character Interactions

• Kaede and Ryuen Kakeru: Kaede's decision not to take over as class leader creates tension, as the class looks to him for guidance in the absence of Ryuen's leadership.
• Kaede and Sakagami Kazuma: Sakagami laments the class's decline and emphasizes the importance of deciding on a leader for their group to avoid expulsion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Students arrive at the Forest School and have their personal items confiscated.
• Kaede explores the school building and finds it primitive and cold.
• Students are told they will be arranged into large groups before 20:00 and small groups by grade level immediately.
• Kaede is approached by Class B students who propose a '14 to 6' strategy and invite him to join their group.

Character Developments

• Kaede shows strategic thinking and indifference to potential risks.
• Kushida is determined to rally Class A girls to her side.
• Ishizaki seeks strategies from Ryuen but is rebuffed and turns to Kaede instead.

Significant Themes

• Strategic alliances and betrayals in the Special Exam.
• Personal growth and adaptability in the face of challenges.
• The importance of maintaining one's stance and independence.

Character Interactions

• Kaede interacts with Class B students, accepting their invitation to join their group.
• Kushida seeks Kaede's advice on handling Class A girls.
• Ishizaki attempts to seek strategies from Ryuen and later Kaede, but is unsuccessful.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kaede replaces Yamauchi as the leader of Class A.
• Representatives from Classes B, C, and D approach Class A to discuss group cooperation, proposing a distribution plan for the Mixed Training Camp exam.
• The boys' groups are finalized, with Kaede's group (Class B seed group) securing the first priority choice for upperclassmen teammates.
• Nagumo challenges Horikita Manabu to a competition between their respective male major groups.

Character Developments

• Kaede demonstrates strategic thinking and adaptability, inheriting Yamauchi's position and navigating the complex political landscape of the school.
• Nagumo reveals his manipulative nature, orchestrating a challenge against Horikita Manabu to further his own goals.
• Horikita Manabu shows determination and acceptance of Nagumo's challenge, hinting at a deeper rivalry.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Kaede's rise to power, Nagumo's orchestration of the challenge, and the strategic alliances formed between classes.
• Prophecy and fate: Kaede's "prophecy" for Horikita Manabu comes to pass, suggesting a larger, predetermined narrative at play.
• Competition and rivalry: The challenge between Nagumo and Horikita Manabu highlights the intense competition and personal stakes involved in the Special Exam.

Character Interactions

• Kaede and Yamauchi: Kaede's indirect expulsion of Yamauchi and his subsequent rise to power.
• Kaede and Tachibana: Kaede's hidden presence and Tachibana's shock at the unfolding events, hinting at a potential confrontation between them.
• Nagumo and Horikita Manabu: Nagumo's challenge and Horikita's acceptance, setting the stage for a high-stakes competition between their respective groups.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Horikita Manabu accepts Nagumo's challenge to reach Class A.
• Koenji declares his "Method of Certain Class A" strategy, which involves buying and selling Private Points from graduating students to reach the 20 million required for a class transfer.
• Kaede reveals that he has learned the exchange rate of Private Points to cash and will use his status and name to guarantee fair transactions.
• Nagumo vows to prevent Koenji's strategy from succeeding.
• Kaede's group begins the Special Exam, with Kaede and Katsuragi discussing leadership and strategies.

Character Developments

• Koenji: Reveals his unique strategy to reach Class A, showing his confidence and disregard for Nagumo's provocation.
• Kaede: Demonstrates his strategic thinking and willingness to negotiate, revealing his "Method of Certain Class A" to Katsuragi.
• Katsuragi: Shows curiosity and trust in Kaede, engaging in a deeper conversation about leadership and strategies.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination to reach Class A.
• The power of money and negotiation in achieving goals.
• Leadership and trust among classmates.

Character Interactions

• Koenji vs. Nagumo: Koenji remains unfazed by Nagumo's provocation, while Nagumo feels threatened by Koenji's unique approach.
• Kaede and Katsuragi: Kaede shares his strategy with Katsuragi, fostering trust and understanding between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kaede observes the exam's scoring criteria during morning zazen.
• Boys and girls interact during lunch, with Kaede meeting Hiyori and her group.
• Kaede learns about the girls' groups and shares information about the boys' groups.
• Kaede reassures Hiyori about her role as a group leader.

Character Developments

• Hiyori shows determination to lead her group effectively.
• Kaede demonstrates support for Hiyori's decisions.
• Wang Meiyu is revealed to have connections with Ryuen and Kōenji.

Significant Themes

• Leadership and responsibility (Hiyori's determination to lead her group).
• Communication and cooperation (boys and girls sharing information about their groups).
• Trust and support (Kaede's reassurance to Hiyori).

Character Interactions

• Kaede and Hiyori strengthen their bond, sharing personal thoughts and goals.
• Kaede interacts with Ichinose and Wang Meiyu, gathering and sharing information.
• Hiyori and Ichinose discuss the challenges of being a group leader.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The students gather in their dormitories after the second day of the exam.
• Nagumo, the Student Council President, visits Class B's dormitory, inviting them to play Old Maid, but they refuse.
• Kaede secretly meets Horikita Manabu in a secluded corridor.

Character Developments

• Kaede is shown to be humble about his abilities and well-integrated with his classmates.
• Katsuragi, the leader of Class B, shows maturity and responsibility in refusing Nagumo's invitation.
• Kaede's true allegiance is revealed when he meets Horikita Manabu secretly.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Unity: Class B's acceptance of Kaede and their support for Katsuragi despite his past mistakes.
• Power Dynamics: Nagumo's attempt to assert his influence over other classes.
• Secrets and Deception: Kaede's secret meeting with Horikita Manabu highlights the ongoing political intrigue.

Character Interactions

• Kaede interacts positively with his classmates, showing his ability to integrate into a group.
• Katsuragi and Nagumo have a tense interaction, with Katsuragi standing his ground against Nagumo's pressure.
• Kaede and Horikita Manabu have a secret meeting, hinting at their alliance against Nagumo.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Horikita Manabu reveals he's found evidence supporting Kaede's assessment of Nagumo's incompetence and ugliness.
• Kaede deduces that Nagumo is targeting Tachibana, the leader of a cross-grade girls' group.
• Nagumo's plan involves manipulating both third-year Class A and Class B to suffer heavy losses in the Mixed Training Camp Special Exam, aiming to expel Tachibana and another girl, and deduct 400 Class Points from each class.
• Horikita Manabu is in a dilemma: save Tachibana and lose 400 Class Points, or don't save her and lose a classmate, affecting the remaining two Special Exams.

Character Developments

• Horikita Manabu shows regret for not cultivating a proper successor for the Student Council.
• Kaede demonstrates his strategic prowess and understanding of the situation, impressing Horikita Manabu.
• Nagumo's arrogance and manipulative nature are further exposed.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and influence within the school.
• The consequences of manipulation and deceit.
• The importance of strategic thinking and foresight.

Character Interactions

• Horikita Manabu and Kaede discuss Nagumo's plans and potential countermeasures.
• Kaede offers a hypothesis to Horikita Manabu, suggesting a way to widen the gap between Class A and Class B, and potentially outmaneuver Nagumo.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kaede proposes transferring 15 million points to Class B's leader to cancel Nagumo's conspiracy, understanding Horikita Manabu's strategy.
• Horikita Manabu admires Kaede's understanding and agrees to the proposal.
• Kaede reveals his true intention: to acquire a high amount of Private Points upon graduation.
• Horikita Manabu agrees to Kaede's request, intrigued by his long-term plans.

Character Developments

• Kaede demonstrates his strategic thinking and understanding of Horikita Manabu's character.
• Horikita Manabu shows admiration for Kaede's abilities and agrees to his request, showing trust in Kaede's future plans.

Significant Themes

• Strategic thinking and understanding of others' motivations.
• The value of companionship and integrity versus practical benefits.
• Long-term planning and ambition.

Character Interactions

• Kaede and Horikita Manabu discuss and agree on a strategic plan.
• Kaede encounters Asahina Nazuna in the restroom, leading to a brief conversation about their previous interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Asahina Nazuna (senior) meets Kaede (underclassman) in the restroom area and asks to talk.
• She warns Kaede about Nagumo's grudge against him, Horikita, and Ayanokōji.
• Kaede lies about Nagumo not bothering him yet.
• Asahina hints at wanting to see Nagumo fail but then retracts her statement.
• Kaede proposes a bet with Asahina that Nagumo will fail in the upcoming Special Exam.

Character Developments

• Kaede shows maturity and cunning in his conversation with Asahina, trying to understand her true intentions.
• Asahina is revealed to have a complex relationship with Nagumo, not fully supporting him but not openly against him either.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and rivalries between students, particularly Nagumo's influence and grudges.
• The theme of bets, with Kaede using this as a tool to manipulate situations to his advantage.

Character Interactions

• Kaede and Asahina's conversation reveals their individual perspectives on Nagumo and the upcoming exam.
• Kaede's lie about Nagumo not bothering him hints at his strategic thinking and willingness to deceive when necessary.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The students are to participate in a long-distance relay race up a steep slope as part of their Mixed Training Camp.
• Katsuragi suggests a strategy to conserve energy by power-walking uphill and running downhill.
• The group encounters a wild boar on the course, which charges at them.
• Kaede, using his exceptional senses, spots the boar first and takes action.
• Kaede dodges the boar's charge, mounts it, and after three punches, subdues it with a side-throw.

Character Developments

• Katsuragi demonstrates his leadership and strategic thinking.
• Kaede showcases his exceptional senses, combat skills, and bravery in protecting his group.
• The other students display varying levels of panic and hesitation, highlighting their lack of combat experience.

Significant Themes

• Leadership and Strategy: Katsuragi's calm and calculated approach helps the group navigate the challenging course and the unexpected wild boar encounter.
• Bravery and Combat Skills: Kaede's quick thinking and fighting prowess save the group from potential harm.
• Teamwork and Cohesion: The group's initial panic and disorganization contrast with Kaede's decisive action, highlighting the importance of unity and quick decision-making in crisis situations.

Character Interactions

• Katsuragi and Kaede work together to protect the group, with Katsuragi providing strategic guidance and Kaede taking direct action.
• The other students look to Katsuragi and Kaede for leadership and support during the crisis.
• The group's dynamic shifts from initial panic to awe and relief after Kaede subdues the wild boar.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Mixed Training Camp Special Exam is postponed by a day due to safety hazards.
• Kaede keeps the details of the "wild boar attack" incident secret.
• The Special Exam begins with four segments: Zazen, Relay, Speech, and Written Exam.
• Kaede faces Ryuen in the Zazen exam.
• Kaede estimates a perfect score in the Zazen and Written Exams.
• Kaede runs the penultimate leg in the Relay race and encounters Ayanokōji.

Character Developments

• Kaede maintains secrecy about the incident, showing responsibility and discretion.
• Kaede aims for a high standard in the exams, demonstrating his competitive spirit.
• Ayanokōji is struggling with his group's dynamics, hinting at internal issues within Class C.

Significant Themes

• Secrecy and trust: Kaede keeps the incident secret, trusting his group members to do the same.
• Competition and teamwork: Kaede balances his personal goals with the needs of his group in the exams.

Character Interactions

• Kaede and Ryuen face off in the Zazen exam, showing tense rivalry.
• Kaede and Ayanokōji encounter each other during the Relay race, displaying a friendly rivalry.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Special Exam concludes with Kaede's group (First Year) securing first place in the relay race, and Ayanokōji's group coming in second.
• Kaede's group is expected to take first place overall, but Kaede intentionally underperforms to minimize the impact on Class A's points.
• The results of the Mixed Training Camp exam are about to be announced, causing tension among the students.

Character Developments

• Kaede maintains his strategy of slacking off to avoid significant fluctuations in Class A's points.
• Katsuragi reflects on Kaede's potential as a class leader and remembers the Class Points contract Kaede gave him.
• Horikita Manabu and Nagumo have a tense exchange, hinting at Nagumo's manipulative intentions.

Significant Themes

• Competition and strategic thinking, as seen in Kaede's approach to the exam and Nagumo's manipulation.
• Leadership and class dynamics, explored through Kaede's interactions with Class B students and the exchange between Horikita Manabu and Nagumo.

Character Interactions

• Kaede interacts positively with Class B students, leading to their respect and admiration for him.
• Kaede receives congratulations from Hiyori, Kushida, and other Class A students for his first-place win.
• Horikita Manabu and Nagumo have a tense confrontation, with Nagumo hinting at a potential issue with the girls' results.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nagumo's elaborate scheme to frame Horikita Manabu's companion during the Mixed Training Camp fails.
• Nagumo confronts Ishikura, who reveals he was bribed by Horikita Manabu with 20 Million Private Points to switch sides.
• Horikita Suzune approaches Kushida for a private conversation, causing unease among Class A students.

Character Developments

• Nagumo's arrogance and overconfidence are exposed, leading to his humiliating defeat.
• Ishikura shows cunning and opportunism, switching sides for personal gain.
• Kushida's integration into Class A is solidified, with most students expressing unease rather than suspicion about her conversation with Horikita Suzune.

Significant Themes

• The theme of overconfidence leading to downfall is emphasized through Nagumo's character.
• The power of Private Points and their influence on student actions and alliances is highlighted.
• The importance of trust and relationships within classes is explored through Kushida's situation.

Character Interactions

• Nagumo's interaction with Ishikura reveals the latter's betrayal and Nagumo's shock and anger.
• Horikita Suzune's approach to Kushida for a private conversation creates tension and unease among Class A students.
• The dynamics within Class A are explored, with students expressing concern about Kushida's potential return to Class D and the possibility of greater upheavals in the future.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Students return to campus after the Mixed Training Camp.
• Class points update: Class A (1340→1304), Class B (881→920), Class C (610→634), Class D (420→453).
• Hiyori's birthday is approaching (January 21st).
• Kaede plans to use this opportunity to advance his relationship with Hiyori.
• Hiyori invites Mio, Kikyo, Ichinose, Airi, and Wang to her birthday party.
• Kushida invites Horikita to her birthday party (January 23rd).
• Kaede and Hiyori go shopping for her birthday celebration.
• Kaede gives Hiyori a necklace as a birthday gift.

Character Developments

• Kaede: He is determined to advance his relationship with Hiyori and shows thoughtfulness by helping her with the party preparations and giving her a personal gift.
• Hiyori: She is content with a low-key celebration and shows consideration for others by inviting a mix of friends from different classes.

Significant Themes

• Relationship development between Kaede and Hiyori.
• The importance of personal connections and friendships.
• The impact of Special Exams on class points and rankings.

Character Interactions

• Kaede and Hiyori: They spend time together shopping and preparing for the party, strengthening their bond.
• Hiyori and Kushida: They discuss their respective birthday parties and invitees, revealing their different social circles and priorities.
• Kaede and Kushida: They have a brief exchange about Kushida's invitees, hinting at Kushida's guardedness towards Class D students.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter focuses on the impending end-of-year exams and a predetermined Special Exam, the "Class Vote," for the First Year students.
• Rumors about Ichinose Honami spread across the school, including involvement in violence, compensated dating, theft, and drug use.
• The rumors are discussed in Class A, with Ibuki and Kaede having differing opinions on their credibility.

Character Developments

• Kaede remains casual and indifferent towards the rumors, while Ibuki is more concerned and analytical.
• Hiyori shows concern for Ichinose's well-being and the potential harm from the rumors.
• Sakayanagi Arisu is revealed to be the mastermind behind the rumors about Ichinose.
• Nagumo Masa invites Sakayanagi to his office, expressing his desire to break down Ichinose's mental defenses and vent his frustration on Ayanokoji and Kaede.

Significant Themes

• The impact of rumors and gossip on individuals and their reputations.
• The upcoming exams and Special Exam adding pressure and tension among students.
• Nagumo's growing frustration and desire for revenge against Ayanokoji and Kaede.

Character Interactions

• Kaede and Ibuki argue about the rumors and Ichinose's past, with Hiyori trying to keep the peace.
• Sakayanagi meets with Nagumo, discussing her plans for Ichinose and Nagumo's intentions towards Ayanokoji and Kaede.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nagumo finds Class A difficult to manipulate, especially with Tennoji Kaede in it.
• Nagumo invites Yanagi to discuss controlling Ichinose and Class C for his purposes.
• Yanagi sends her confidants to spread rumors about Ichinose and track other classes.
• Valentine's Day approaches, causing a stir among students, but Kaede remains uninterested.
• After Valentine's Day, Kaede encounters Kamuro Sumire, who wants to talk to him.

Character Developments

• Nagumo is irritated by his inability to control Class A and is focused on manipulating Ichinose and Class C.
• Yanagi is cunning and strategic, using her confidants to gather information and spread rumors.
• Kaede remains disinterested in Valentine's Day, focusing on his studies and helping his classmates.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and control: Nagumo and Yanagi both seek to control other students and classes for their own purposes.
• Valentine's Day: The holiday causes a stir among students, highlighting romantic interests and social dynamics.

Character Interactions

• Nagumo and Yanagi discuss their plans and goals, with Nagumo being secretive about his true intentions.
• Kaede helps deliver chocolates and gifts for his classmates on Valentine's Day, showing his kindness and willingness to help others.
• Kamuro Sumire approaches Kaede to talk, hinting at potential future interactions or revelations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kamuro meets Tennoji to repay a favor by revealing Sakayanagi's plan to use her to deceive Ayanokoji about Ichinose's past.
• Tennoji already knows this information but plays along to maintain appearances.
• Ayanokoji contacts Tennoji with a request to use the current situation to target Ryuen.
• Ayanokoji reflects on Tennoji's unexpected approach after the Deserted Island Exam and his synchronized objectives.

Character Developments

• Kamuro shows signs of rebellion against Sakayanagi's control, questioning her motives.
• Tennoji is revealed to have a deeper understanding of the school and its classes, with plans already in motion.
• Ayanokoji acknowledges Tennoji's strength and potential as an ally, but remains cautious.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception: Characters use information and plans to manipulate others for their goals.
• Trust and caution: Characters struggle with trusting others, even when their goals align.
• Power dynamics: Characters navigate complex power dynamics, with Sakayanagi, Ryuen, and Ayanokoji all playing significant roles.

Character Interactions

• Kamuro and Tennoji: They maintain a friendly dynamic, with Kamuro seeking to repay a debt and Tennoji playing along with her betrayal.
• Ayanokoji and Tennoji: They communicate briefly, with Ayanokoji asking for Tennoji's help and Tennoji agreeing. Their interaction is cautious and measured, with both parties aware of the other's strength and potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

• End-of-year exams conclude, and students await the end-of-year assessment.
• Ichinose Honami, Class C's leader, secludes herself due to malicious rumors.
• Kaede receives a request from Kanzaki Ryuji to help open Ichinose's locked door.
• Kaede contacts Ryuen Kakeru to confirm Class A's remaining Private Points.

Character Developments

• Ichinose's mental state deteriorates due to rumors, reflecting her immaturity as a leader.
• Kaede's determination to help Ichinose grows, marking a significant step in his "Four Classes to A" plan.
• Ryuen reveals he still possesses around 11 million Private Points and that Class A has over 20 million in total.

Significant Themes

• Leadership and its responsibilities.
• The impact of rumors and public opinion on individuals.
• The strategic use of Private Points in the S System.

Character Interactions

• Kaede and Kanzaki collaborate to help Ichinose.
• Kaede and Ryuen discuss Class A's Private Points, showcasing their mutual respect and understanding despite their rivalry.
• Kaede's concern for Ichinose highlights his empathetic side, contrasting with his usual competitive nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kaede confirms Class A's current Private Points: Kaede (11M), Ryuen Kakeru (11M), and the rest (20.5M+), totaling over 42M.
• Ichinose Class's points are estimated to be around 30M, due to their austerity after the VIP Exam and the rewards they received.
• Kaede's grand strategy is to have Ryuen Kakeru transfer into Ichinose's class, creating a "New Ichinose Class" with over 40M points, allowing them to save a student and transfer one in.

Character Developments

• Kaede: Shows strategic thinking and planning, aiming to manipulate Ichinose and Ryuen Kakeru to achieve her goals.
• Ryuen Kakeru: Detached from Kaede's influence, his true intentions are uncertain, adding unpredictability to Kaede's plans.
• Ichinose: Struggles with her role as a Leader, feeling guilty for not being more active in her class's well-being.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and strategic planning: Kaede's actions highlight her ability to manipulate others to achieve her goals.
• Leadership and responsibility: Ichinose grapples with her role as a Leader, feeling guilty for not being more present.
• Uncertainty and unpredictability: Ryuen Kakeru's detachment from Kaede's influence adds an element of uncertainty to her plans.

Character Interactions

• Kaede and Ryuen Kakeru: Kaede attempts to manipulate Ryuen Kakeru to further her goals, but his detachment makes him unpredictable.
• Ichinose and Kaede: Kaede visits Ichinose, aiming to persuade her to accept Ryuen Kakeru into her class, while Ichinose struggles with her role as a Leader.
• Kanzaki and Kaede: Kanzaki supports Kaede's visit to Ichinose but feels awkward about Kaede's forceful knocking on Ichinose's door.