"That's right. I'd like our two classes to cooperate." Nanase Tsubasa's expression was earnest.
So far, a total of 71 pairs of first- and second-year students had successfully agreed to partner up, but only two of the 40 students in Class 1-D had found partners.
Horikita Suzune recalled how every student in Class 1-D had been absent from the meet-and-greet. Combined with the rumors about Hosen Kazuomi, that gave her a rough idea of the situation Class D was in.
"Forgive me for asking, but there's something I'd like to confirm first. Hosen is currently running your class, isn't he?"
"That's right." A shadow fell over Nanase Tsubasa's eyes as she continued. "But Hosen is an uncompromising individualist, so he has no intention of caring what happens to students with lower academic ability."
Since six second-year students had already been expelled, some first-years were bound to end up in one-person teams. If Hosen Kazuomi did not restrict the other students in his class, the high achievers he had deliberately held back to secure payment might end up without takers.
But if everyone in his class stayed put, 34 second-year students would be left without partners at the last minute. At that point, even students with C-grade academic ability could command a good price, let alone the excellent B-grade students.
After all, students who did not form teams would be assigned partners at random by the school and have their total scores reduced by 5%. First-year students did not have to worry about expulsion, but second-years with C-grade academic ability would be very likely to fail if they were matched with C-minus or even D-grade partners.
"What you're doing now is effectively defying him. Aren't you afraid?" Horikita Suzune asked in return.
"Yes." Nanase Tsubasa nodded solemnly.
Horikita Suzune could not