Ryuuen had already left. Sendoh and Shiina returned to the shopping district.
The environment was still bustling. Sendoh noticed many new students engaged in shopping activities.
'The expressions of curiosity and admiration can't lie,' thought Sendoh.
Senior students, who had been at Koudo Ikusei High School for a year, were used to the facilities. Their expressions were flat.
But...
"Was what Sendoh said earlier true?" Shiina suddenly asked.
"What?"
"That people like us can't pass normal exams to top universities," said Shiina.
Shiina wondered how Sendoh knew Ryuuen was a poor student.
'Or is Sendoh himself a poor student?' thought Shiina.
Shiina found it hard to accept that Sendoh, who appeared hardworking, was a bad student.
"How are Shiina-san's grades?" asked Sendoh.
"What do you mean?" Shiina blinked gently.
"Shiina-san gives the impression of being good at studying and enjoying reading," said Sendoh.
"Oh," answered Shiina. "My grades are pretty good. I was ranked first or second in junior high."
Ranked first or second? That's very good.
While talking, Shiina lifted her silver hair that was blown by the wind past her ear. Her movement was graceful.
Usually, the more beautiful a girl is, the more she becomes an obstacle in class.
But Shiina, with her high academic abilities, turned rejection into motivation.
'I want to surpass her,' thought Sendoh.
Sendoh's heart was clear.
"I have average talent," said Sendoh. "I only get results if I study hard. Even though I was ranked first in junior high, that's not enough to get in here, so I have to work harder."
So Sendoh wasn't a bad student, but an achiever.
Shiina seemed relieved.
"But why did you say Ryuuen is a bad student?" Shiina was curious.
"On Ryuuen's hands, there are marks from fighting, but no marks from holding a pen for long periods. Let alone writing, he probably rarely reads books," said Sendoh.
I see.
Ryuuen's reaction earlier proved Sendoh was right.
"But this might make things difficult for Shiina-san," said Sendoh suddenly.
"What?"
"After knowing the school's secret, Ryuuen will probably unite the class soon. The class's focus will be on promotion to Class A, competing with other classes. You recorded the video with me, so Ryuuen might give you an important task," said Sendoh.
The battle between classes would happen. That was Sendoh and Ryuuen's plan, but they didn't ask about Shiina's wishes.
Shiina was involved.
Shiina thought for a moment.
"I like reading," said Shiina. "If I weren't talking with Miyama-kun, I would spend my time in the library."
"But now, I have to work hard for the class."
"Besides, I'm also a member of Class C."
Shiina had already decided. Ryuuen would unite the class, Sendoh would study, so Shiina might contact classmates.
First, create a class group.
The phones from school were useful, but there were limitations.
The school prohibited contacting the outside world carelessly, and phone numbers for internet access were limited.
But all phones had a chat application.
The school must allow chatting.
A class group would be easy to create to notify if anything happened.
Shiina decided to try.
"Come to think of it, Shiina-san doesn't mind that I encouraged Ryuuen to unite the class with violence?" asked Sendoh, remembering something.
Seeing Ryuuen beat someone without stopping him, even encouraging Ryuuen to use violence, wasn't the action of a good student.
"After all, this is for the class," said Shiina. "I don't like violence, but if it's used well, it's a tool."
"From the current situation, it's almost impossible for Class C to rise from the bottom. So, leaving it to Ryuuen to unite the class is the right solution, isn't it?" said Shiina calmly.
Sendoh was surprised to hear this. Shiina, with her sweet appearance, long silver hair, and slight smile, made people touched.
She looked kind, but turned out to be somewhat chaotic.
At that moment, the narration voice appeared in Sendoh's mind.
[Shiina Hiyori is actually very special. Although in Class C and her grades are good, her values and outlook on life are different from ordinary girls.]
[She likes reading, but is somewhat closed off, almost having no close friends in elementary and junior high school. Maybe this is why she's in Class C.]
Shiina appeared extraordinary, but was in Class C.
The narration used "assigned."
This meant that Class C and D students might be those unwanted by Classes A and B, marginalized by comprehensive evaluation.
'So, students who seem good have shortcomings?' thought Sendoh.
That's why Shiina was in Class C.
Sendoh knew why he was in Class C.
Though academically decent, he was good at cooking and household matters, he had many shortcomings.
He didn't know much about the world.
Couldn't sew.
Physical fitness was good, but sports skills were poor. Not good at basketball, tennis, or volleyball.
His singing was off-key, once asked to lip-sync in a singing competition without sound.
Couldn't play guitar or dance.
Afraid of insects, hated disgusting things.
'...'
'So many shortcomings,' thought Sendoh. 'Lucky not to be in Class D.'
"Miyama-kun," said Shiina, pulling Sendoh's sleeve.
From the voice, it was Shiina.
But Shiina was staring ahead.
Sendoh turned, understanding why Shiina held him.
Earlier he had asked Shiina if she saw a silver-haired girl who walked with difficulty, using a cane?
Now, he saw her.
But Sakayanagi was not alone now.