Classroom of the Elite, A Hypocritical Gray Life

Aside from the testimony of Class D, all evidence and public opinion could be said to be leaning toward Class C.

The people in Class C shouldn't be stupid enough to do something like that. I firmly believed this in my heart.

However, the subsequent developments proved that I was completely wrong, and it even helped me cover up the facts quite well.

The day after Teacher Hoshinomiya leaked the news, the people from Class D took action regarding this dispute... they surrounded our classroom so tightly that not even a drop of water could pass through.

No, saying "they" is quite inaccurate. To be precise, they led the students of our class to tightly surround the entrance of Class B.

I know that the goddess of Class D, Kushida Kikyo, has a high reputation among the first-year students, but how did things turn out like this just during my break to use the restroom? And they specifically chose a time when Ichinose wasn't around; this kind of statement doesn't have any representative value at all.

"Sigh~"

"I really want to go back..." While I was sighing, Ayanokoji struggled to retreat from the crowd and squeezed toward my position by the window.

"You participated too? Are you investigating the fighting dispute?"

"Hmm, so you already saw the news. You could have at least notified me beforehand."

"News... what news?"

"Raku, didn't you come out because you saw the text message I sent you?"

"Sorry, my phone is still in the classroom. I just happened to come out to use the restroom. When I returned, I found the class surrounded by a solid wall of people."

"Another coincidence, huh."

"If you don't mind, please stop using words related to fate... So, are you looking to ask me about the eyewitness?" I lazily stretched my body, leaned my relaxed frame against the window frame, and observed the track and field club currently holding their activities.

"The victim from our class said he saw an eyewitness at the scene, but it wasn't someone from Class D."

"Didn't the person involved come? Since he saw them, it should be easy to identify them, right?"

"Actually, he was in a fit of rage at the time and acted a bit impolitely toward the witness, so we thought it would be better not to have him come forward. Does Raku have any information? Or perhaps an impression of the eyewitness? It's said to be someone with gray curly hair, exuding a lazy aura..." Ayanokoji suddenly stopped, and in my peripheral vision, I saw him scrutinizing my face.

I could see the athletes on the field striving for their respective life ideals. Their vests were soaked with sweat, and the intensity of their efforts could be seen in the sweat flying through the air.

However, what is the point of doing all this?

A championship? Prize money? Being the center of attention?

Those hollow things are hollow in themselves; what exactly are they striving for?

"Raku wouldn't happen to be that eyewitness, would he?"

"Your evaluation of me is really poor..."

"Ayanokoji, who are you talking to?" Perhaps because they couldn't join the conversation, Ayanokoji's companion also squeezed out at this moment.

"I think I've already found the eyewitness, Ike."

"Found what?" The boy called Ike couldn't grasp the meaning of this sentence immediately.

"The eyewitness."

"The eyewitness... eh? Isn't that great! Kushida, we found the eyewitness."

Ike turned his head and shouted in a voice that could be heard throughout the entire hallway. Soon, Kushida's figure slowly emerged from the crowded throng.

"Did you find them?"

"That's right, it's this guy."

Hey, are the people in Class D all this rude?

"Sorry, he's just like that." Ayanokoji seemed to have sensed my inner thoughts and apologized to me in advance.

I shrugged, indicating that I didn't mind, while fixing my gaze on Kushida. Ever since I caught her cursing by the riverbank last time, I had been trying to avoid interacting with her, although we didn't have any communication to begin with.

"Isn't this Raku? Long time no see."

"Yeah, long time no see."

"Did you two know each other before?"

"No, we met after coming to this school. I happened to see Kushida on the first day of school." I responded to Ayanokoji's confusion unhurriedly; he seems to have some issues in this regard.

"But we haven't really been in touch since then, I'm so sorry."

"That's not Kushida's fault. It's naturally difficult for students from different classes to have time to interact often, after all, we have our own internal class matters to deal with."

"It's great that Raku can understand... By the way, is the eyewitness Ayanokoji mentioned Raku? Gray curly hair... sure enough, the characteristics match perfectly."

"If the victim from your class has a hot temper and fire-red hair, then I think the eyewitness is likely me."

"Then, could we take a little of your time now? There are some things we would like to ask of you." Before I could respond to their plea, Kushida stepped forward and grabbed my arm, staring at me with a pair of bright, watery eyes. The proximity was such that I could even feel the softness of her chest.

"...I understand. Anyway, let go first."

"Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to."

Damn it, who could handle such a cute gesture? If this continued, not only would I have to deal with Ike's murderous glare, but I might not be able to hold myself together either.

Following that, I went with Ayanokoji to a relatively secluded place. The scene before me looked just like the school bullying often seen on the internet. A "wicked girl" taking two thugs to corner a student and toy with them mercilessly.

Hiss, now that I think about it, it actually fits quite well. And the faint sound of Okabe shouting inside the class before I left—"Raku has been taken away by students from another class!"—also made the plot even more dramatic.

Could it be that I have a talent for writing novels?

"Let's do it here." Kushida looked left and right, and after confirming there was no one else around, she continued.

"Since Raku-kun is a witness, could you briefly describe what happened at that time?"

"I'm sorry, I can't do that." I shook my head, rejecting Kushida's request.

"Eh, why?"

"You haven't been bought off by the guys from Class C, have you?"

"Ike-kun, please watch your language. I'm sorry, he's just a bit anxious because of his friend."

"It's fine, I don't mind... I haven't been bought off by Class C. The reason I can't do it is simply because I can't."

"Could you tell us the specific reason?"

"Although I was at the scene, it was only at the very end. In other words, I arrived at the scene only after they had finished fighting. I don't know the full picture of what happened. If I were to testify, the conclusion would only favor Class C. After all, the only fact I saw was Sudo from Class D unilaterally beating up three students from Class C."

"How could that be... In other words, Raku-kun just happened to pass by there?"

"I heard some faint noises while at the bottom of the special building, and after walking upstairs, I ran into Sudo. I saw some blood on his knuckles and greeted him, but he pushed me away roughly."

After that, I even tried to help the Class C students, but I was pushed away mercilessly as well. Honestly, is it really this difficult to be a good person these days?

"Sudo-kun was in a fit of rage at that time. Please don't mind his rude behavior. If you felt offended, I apologize on his behalf."

"I won't get angry over such trivial matters, and besides, he didn't cause me any actual harm, so it's fine. If possible, could you tell me what exactly happened? Maybe I can find some relevant evidence from your description."

"Of course, that's no problem. It's not like it's a secret that can't be told."

Kushida then proceeded to explain the gist of the situation to me.

Because of his strong basketball skills, Sudo from Class D was chosen by the coach as a substitute for the regular team, and he was the only first-year student to be selected. Komiya and Kondo from Class C were jealous of this, and since Sudo also wanted to settle previous conflicts, they agreed to meet at the special building.

However, when Sudo arrived there, he discovered a fourth person, Ishizaki from Class C. He had intended to resolve the issue through verbal negotiation, but the other party struck first. Sudo had no choice but to fight back. That was what led to the tragedy.

"So, you're saying the people from Class C were in the wrong first, right?"

"That's exactly it. However, the school requires us to provide proof to clear Sudo-kun's name. The school hasn't given any credit to Sudo-kun's side of the story alone."

That makes sense; after all, being able to take on three people at once makes him a tough guy.

"Even so, both sides have some responsibility, right? What will happen if no proof is found?"

"If we can't do it, it will be considered Sudo-kun's fault, and he will be suspended until summer break. Furthermore, the entire class will have points deducted."

"That's too harsh."

"Not only that, but Sudo-kun's opportunity to be a substitute for the regular team will also go down the drain."

"...That's truly unfortunate."

"So, can Raku-kun provide any effective information?"

"I'm very sorry, but it seems I cannot." I spread my hands to show that I was powerless.

"...If that's the case, it seems there's no way to find an eyewitness."

Convinced that I was of no use, Kushida sighed, her purple eyes looking exceptionally pitiful.

"What the hell, it was useless in the end. If that's the case, I'm more inclined to believe that Sudo was the one unilaterally committing violence."

A moment ago, Kushida was defending her friend against Ike's worries, but the moment she turned around, Ike expressed his distrust of his own companion.

"Ike, I'll get angry if you say that. Sudo-kun isn't that kind of person."

"Ah, sorry, Kushida-chan, my bad. I was just joking." Saying this, Ike put his hands together and apologized to Kushida.

The human heart is truly difficult to fathom.

"It's not a failure yet, after all, I'm not the only witness—"

"Raku-kun, please explain that in detail!"

Please don't suddenly grab my hand; I'll explain it properly.

"O-okay. Actually, there was another witness who was already there before I arrived. However, after she ran into me, she hurried away. It was a girl with glasses and pink hair. If I'm not mistaken, she should be a first-year student like us."

"Is it the person we met in the office together earlier?"

"Ichinose doesn't wear glasses."

"Could you be more specific, Raku-kun? For example, does she have any unique features?"

"Is it impossible to confirm just based on this?"

"Well, I might have a lead, but then I think there might be quite a few people like that."

"I see. Then let me think carefully."

"Please!"

At Kushida's request, I recalled the girl I had encountered at the corner of the special building once more.

I had seen her appearance quite clearly, but how should I describe it?

She had a large chest!

No, if I say that, I will definitely be treated as a pervert.

A characteristic, you say... ah, I have one.

"A digital camera."

"Hm?"

"She was carrying a camera. Although she kept it hidden inside her jacket, I still managed to see it. Also, she might be a bit shy; that's just my own speculation, so please don't take it too seriously if it turns out to be unnecessary."

"Is this enough?" After I asked that, Ayanokoji and Kushida exchanged glances, as if confirming a thought they both shared.

"I think we can determine who it is now."

"You already have a lead this quickly? I'm sorry I couldn't be of much help."

"You've done well enough, Raku-kun. If we manage to find her later, I'll let you know. Thank you."

Chapter 22: Far From a Deep Self-Understanding

If something doesn't need to be done, don't do it; if something must be done, keep it simple.

This is the creed worshipped by an energy-saver, and it is the philosophy I have been practicing ever since I enrolled. Some people might feel that while it sounds easy, it is difficult to put into practice. However, returning to reality, it is actually just a matter of categorizing things based on whether they are meaningful or not.

To ensure my social interactions, I must communicate. To ensure my future, I must study. As for activities like clubs, they can be considered optional items. Of course, keeping things simple when they must be done does not mean doing them half-heartedly; solving problems must be done cleanly and efficiently.

Furthermore, one must never make excessive sacrifices just in case. For example, joining a dance club because you think the skill of dancing might come in handy one day in the future. Never hold onto such wishful thinking; it is pure nonsense. You will only end up putting yourself on the verge of death due to excessive exhaustion.

We have the room to choose, not a lack of ability.

Regarding the occurrence of events, we can choose to let bygones be bygones, or we can choose to spare no effort. In other words, none of these are points of energy expenditure; for an energy-saver, what truly consumes energy is the judgment of what is so-called necessary versus unnecessary.

This is the true face of an energy-saver.

No, thinking deeper into the truth, every kind of -ism is ultimately a pursuit of one's own interest and value...

After a long process of thought and deduction, I arrived at my own deep conceptual understanding of an "energy-saver."

Therefore, I am absolutely not making excuses for the fact that I am lost.