Kushida nodded in understanding. "Yeah. Ichinose was first in the grade on the entrance exam, and she also placed in the top five on this midterm. Her physical ability may not be outstanding, but it's above average. More importantly... she has talent as a leader."
"Class B is now united around Ichinose, and even the atmosphere throughout the class is very harmonious. Under those circumstances, Class B can definitely display strength beyond that of the other classes."
Hoshino murmured thoughtfully, "Does a class that seems so solid really have no weaknesses to exploit? It's only been a little over two months since school started. How united can forty people who were complete strangers before really become?"
"I've heard some rumors too... Class B is full of obedient, well-behaved kids, so some students privately have a lot of complaints about Teacher Hoshinomiya." As expected of Kushida—she could gather even such confidential information about other classes. "Apparently, Teacher Hoshinomiya performs terribly in class. She usually leaves homeroom meetings to Ichinose, often stumbles into the classroom drunk, and is generally completely irresponsible. She might even be worse than Teacher Chabashira."
"Teacher Chabashira..." Hoshino pondered. "Our homeroom teacher is pretty strange too. She seems deliberately detached from class matters..."
"Oh, right. Teacher Hoshinomiya and Teacher Chabashira have been friends for years."
"Hm? They do seem to be close..."
"Actually, Teacher Hoshinomiya and Teacher Chabashira attended Advanced Nurturing High School together back in high school. They weren't just in the same year—they apparently were classmates too."
"Huh? Where did you learn all that?"
"Once, when I was hanging out at Keyaki Mall, I happened to run into Teacher Chabashira and the others. I found out while we were talking."
"You're amazing, Kikyo. No one is probably better than you when it comes to socializing." Hoshino