1.2
With only a few minutes left until the time limit, Chabashira-sensei called out.
“Alright. It looks like everyone has finished, so that's the end of the list-making process.”
It seemed that everyone successfully completed their evaluations in time.
“It's a little earlier than we expected, but let's start talking about the school trip now.”
“Yes! Finally!”
Ike and the others clapped their hands, freed from the rigid list-making process. Unlike before, Chabashira-sensei paid no attention to Ike and began operating her tablet. We were told that we would be going on a school trip, but we still don't know where we're going.
The Unanimous Vote Special Exam offered us three choices.
Hokkaido, Kyoto, and Okinawa.
Each class had to cast one vote for each of these three locations, and the location with the highest number of votes would be chosen for the excursion.
Incidentally, I was among the minority who chose Kyoto, as did Horikita and Keisei.
The votes in this class went to Hokkaido, but that didn't mean there was no hope. If two of the three classes voted for Kyoto, our hopes would be fulfilled.
We now await what the results will be…
“First, let's see the results of the Unanimous Vote Special Exam.”
Chabashira-sensei took a pause for a few seconds for dramatic effect.
“...As a result of each class's choice, Hokkaido, which received three of the class votes, was designated as the school trip destination.”
Hearing this left me both delighted and disappointed. It was a mixed result.
However, the fact that the majority of the class had voted for Hokkaido also made it safe to say that many were happy. So, Hokkaido was decided.
From the appearance of Horikita's back, she didn’t appear to be disappointed. Even Keisei didn’t seem particularly dissatisfied.
Surprisingly, Sudō and the others, who had been wanting to go to Okinawa, also showed signs of having already accepted the situation from the beginning. Although we weren’t allowed to share the information regarding class decisions, it was possible that they heard rumors about the situation from other classes.
I felt a little disappointed, but Kyoto is Kyoto and Hokkaido is Hokkaido. For me, no matter where I end up, it will always be an unknown place, and I’m looking forward to it.
“As you're probably aware, a school excursion is, as the words suggest, a trip for learning and acquiring knowledge. Unlike a typical high school, there are many rules that you are expected to follow.”
Chabashira-sensei gave a mild warning to the upbeat students not to confuse it with fun.
“You don't think there would be any special exams, do you...?”
There was no way to be certain, and it was understandable that Hondō would want to confirm this on behalf of the students. Hearing the question filled with fear and seeing the students' faces, Chabashira-sensei laughed a little.
“Rest assured, there will be no special exam to compete for class points.”
A sigh of relief escaped from the entire class at her clear statement.
“Before I get into the details, let me tell you about the schedule for the five-day, four-night trip.”
[School Trip Schedule:]
[Day 1]
Depart from school → Haneda Airport → Shin Chitose Airport → Arrival at ski resort, training → skiing → back to Ryokan
[Day 2]
Free all day
[Day 3]
Visit sightseeing spots in the city center of Futsatsu Horoporo → back to Ryokan
[Day 4]
Free all day *Some conditions apply*
[Day 5]
Return
[TL Note: 旅館 Ryokan, is a traditional Japanese Inn]
The second day was a free day, as was the fourth, although apparently with some conditions.
“I was worried at first, but it's totally normal! No, it's better than normal! I can’t wait for this trip!”
Apparently, almost all the students seemed to have a favorable impression of the normal school trip schedule, which seemed comparable to that of a typical school, and they became unusually excited about it.
Certainly, this school would usually have some sort of irregular schedule.
“It's fine to be excited, but have you already forgotten what I said? While you are promised freedom of movement, you guys have a few assignments to do as students of Advanced Nurturing High School.” She clarified there would be no special exams, so what exactly would be required of us then?
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you will not be in danger in a hundred battles. That's the theme of this school trip.”
“What?”
Hondō tilted his head, unable to understand the famous quote from Sun Tzu's The Art of War.
“Understand the reality of the opponent you are fighting, and know your own strength. That way you'll be able to fight a battle you won't lose, that's what it means.”
Sudō, who explained the proverb before anyone else, broke it down into easily-comprehensible phrases.
“Oh, wow, you can understand all that?”
“It's not that amazing. It's just what the phrase means.”
I've come to like the fact that he doesn't show any conceit regarding his knowledge.
“Usually, on school trips, students form groups of several people. This is no different for you guys, but there is one obvious difference from other schools. That is, the formation of the groups is not completed only within the class, but from the entire school year.”
“Huh? Then, is it possible that there is a very high chance that we will be with someone we don't get along with?”
The students, who had been so excited about the new Hokkaido trip, were quickly brought back to reality.
As if to indicate this, Chabashira-sensei began to explain the details.
“That's right. Depending on your social circles and combinations of friends within the other classes, the majority of you may have to interact with new people.”
I don’t personally have a wide range of friends in other classes. Depending on how many people are in the group, it could very well turn out as Chabashira-sensei said.
“In a normal school, with a maximum of only 160 students in a school year, it’s likely that friendships would be more widespread. But the structure of this school hinders that.”
In a normal school, the number of friends should be greater because they all would have been studying in the same environment without any predetermined hostility. It isn’t hard to imagine now that the structure of this school makes that difficult.
“The most important thing for you is whether or not you graduate in Class A. This is accomplished through class competitions. This will continue even in the future. You are naturally going to be more aware of them as rivals than as friends.”
That environment is not supportive in forming wide-ranging friendships.
“Therefore, the opportunities to learn about the real lives of the students in the other classes and their personal situations are naturally limited.”
Certainly, we’ve learned a lot about our classmates over the past year and a half. However, many of us only have superficial knowledge of the situation in other classes.
If we show weakness, they may take advantage of it. In a completely different direction, there may be hesitation to defeat them.
I want my best friend from another class to graduate from Class A.
If such feelings arise, there could be significant hesitation in fighting. There may be many aspects of the world that we do not want to know.
“The purpose of this school trip is to remove those boundaries. It’s a great opportunity to get to know each other as students of this school and as a person, before being a student in another class.”
The five days and four nights may seem short, but it’s a long time. The more time you spend in a group during that period, the more likely you are to get closer.
On the other hand, there may be cases where the distance isn’t reduced at all. Even if the school removes obstacles, it won't help if the students themselves build walls.
“There’s no way I’ll be able to enjoy the trip with these conditions, and I don't feel like I’ll have fun at all!”
It was clear that there was no way to change the rules set by the school, but I saw several students like Ike who argued against them. Spending time with like-minded friends–I guess that’s one thing they don't want to give up. Especially for Ike, who has only had a girlfriend for a short period of time, it was understandable that he was upset; he might not have the chance to form a group with Shinohara, depending on the details.
As the clamor and noise spread, one student got up from his seat to stop it, Yōsuke.
“I agree with the school's idea.”
Amidst all the opposition, he took the initiative and expressed his approval.
“That's great for you, Hirata. I'm sure there are a lot of guys in the other classes that you get along with, but even if you're proud of it, there’s no need to rub it in.”
Indeed, Yōsuke's friendships are wide and diverse, and he seemed like he'd have little problem no matter who he was partnered with. However, there was no way that Yōsuke would say something like that to brag.
“That's not what I mean. Even I don't have anyone in the other classes who understands me better than my classmates. I don't think it's a good idea to think about it like that.”
First, Yōsuke insisted that he was essentially on the same side as Ike and the others.
“Then why are you in favor of it?”
“Because I felt it’s important, I guess. Except for club activities and the like, this school obviously doesn't have a lot of chances that allow us to connect, and I felt that there were few opportunities to get to know students from other classes.”
That was also inevitable. Although there are some special exams in which students temporarily become allies, the competitive nature of the classes means that students tend to avoid getting too deeply involved, as Yōsuke mentioned.
For a kind-hearted person, it would be even more difficult to do so.
“Then wouldn't it be strange to get along? It's easier for rivals to stay as friends if they keep a reasonable distance from each other.”
“Hmm... but I consider others to be friends regardless of class.”
Opinions were divided among the girls as well. This was a matter of perspective.
“I think it comes down to whether the chicken or the egg comes first. Were they rivals before they became friends, or were they friends before they became rivals? I’m sure both of those are correct. As the teacher mentioned, the school trip is a good opportunity to learn that. There is more than one choice. The more choices, the more possibilities you have.”
“I kind of understand what you're saying, Hirata. Besides, even if we were to get worked up about it now, it doesn't mean that the school will change its rules, does it?”
If the school was willing to accommodate our complaints, then there would be a point in resisting. But we knew better.
“There's nothing wrong with getting heated in an argument, but let me continue talking first. I'm sure you guys will be more comfortable speaking after you hear the specifics of the process.”
With that, the tablet switched from the itinerary screen.
“It's been decided to group the students in each class as evenly as possible during the five-day, four-night school trip, with each group consisting of eight students. There will be a male and a female from each second-year class. However, as of today, the total number of second-year students is 156, which cannot be divided into groups of eight, so there will be 18 groups of eight and two groups of six. Gender ratios will also be adjusted to be as equal as possible.”
The four students who have been expelled from the school were evenly split, two males and two females, but the problem of different classes arose. The eight-person groups will be neatly divided, but the six-person groups will inevitably have some disparity between the classes. However, this was unavoidable.
Of course, this is assuming that there are no new withdrawals or absences due to illness or other reasons before the day of the school excursion.
“As for how you and your groups will be navigating around the area, this will be decided when we reach Hokkaido.”
The group rules were both displayed on the monitor and conveyed in words.
Situations Requiring Group Action:
When the school assigns it; on site.
Free activity
Situations Not Requiring Group Action:
In the accommodation facility (the ryokan)
We will depart from the school in separate class buses and go to Haneda Airport, before flying down to Shin-Chitose Airport. While in the airport, it seems we'll be divided into the determined groups.
From then on until the final bus ride back to the school, staying as a group will be the general rule.
There’ll be a lot of travel by bus from the school to the airport and even after entering Hokkaido. It seems that nearly all our time, including bedtime, will be spent with those group members.
“Even in free activities, individuals are not allowed to do as they please. Group discussions are necessary, and group activities are absolute. If you cannot agree on a destination through discussion, you are not allowed to leave the ryokan.”
It's easy to concede when you're friendly with a specific person, but it can be tricky with others. If a group of insistent students gathers together, they won't be able to come to a consensus. As a result, there could be a situation where they can't go anywhere.
“Basically, you are free from group activities in the hotel. You may go to the public baths at any time you like, relax in the lobby, and eat at any time within the regulations.”
The only exception to group activities is the ryokan where the students stay. The rooms are shared by separate groups of men and women, but they are free to have breakfast and dinner, bathe, and otherwise explore the facilities on their own.
“We'll be staying at the same ryokan for all four nights, and it is a very well-known and respectable place to stay in the prefecture. I'm sure you'll never become bored and will have a comfortable stay.”
“Ugh, the ryokan may be the only place where you can have fun and relax.”
“Once again, this trip is a great opportunity to get to know the other classes’ students in depth.”
After the explanation from Chabashira-sensei, Yōsuke seemed to have another question.
“If we’re going to be in contact with a large number of people, isn’t it a little strange being in the same group for the entire trip.”
“You made a good point, Hirata. We were also considering rotating the groups on a daily basis, but after consideration, it would not be difficult for some to only form superficial acquaintanceships. However, the situation would be very different in a four-night stay. If you can't show your true feelings to your group, you won't be able to enjoy your trip.”
If it’s only for a day, many would be able to endure. Even if you don't like the group, you can be patient until the next day, when the group will be replaced. You will eventually form a group you are comfortable with.
“On the other hand, if you know that the group is fixed, you have to make it work. For those who have many friends in other classes, they may get along well no matter what group they are placed in. Meanwhile, those with few friends may suffer no matter what group they’re placed in. But, you shouldn't look at it as a step backwards, but as a good opportunity.”
Of course, relationships aren’t as simple as they sound. If you’re the type of person who wants to make friends but can't, you may find it a positive experience; but for those who think they don't need friends, it will be a bit of an uncomfortable school trip.
Well, the latter group may find the very existence of the school trip itself depressing from the beginning.
“If it turns out that group behavior isn’t being respected, there may be a deprivation of freedom.”
Deprivation of freedom, if it were to happen, it would mean that more than half of the school trip would be meaningless.
In other words, adherence to group behavior is absolutely mandatory.
Most students are disciplined, but some aren’t…
All the students' gazes turned at once to Kōenji.
“What is it, people? You've been giving me envious glances. I don’t mind though.”
Kōenji, who wasn't listening to Chabashira-sensei, questioned them while sporting a fresh smile.
He’s a man who can't read the air in many ways, but it’s also true that he comes to school like this and keeps quiet. He may be more mature than expected in a school trip group…
Either way, the future is completely uncertain, and many students would prefer not to be with Kōenji if possible.
“Here's how we're going to divide you into groups, not randomly, but based on the table you made earlier.”
The task we took the time to complete prior to the teacher’s explanation of the school excursion.
That seemed to have something to do with the groupings for the school trip.
“Also, your cell phones can be used during the school trip without any problem. However, the range of people you are allowed to call remains the same: calls to second-year students and current students, as well as to the police and emergency services in case of an urgent situation, while other calls to family members and people outside the school will continue to be prohibited. The school will also keep track of your outgoing calls, so please be careful.”
So this was going to be the theme of this school trip.
It’s hard to believe that this was simply to make the students get along with each other. It could be seen as a milestone for the future of school life. The only major difference between this school trip and a normal one was the group formation throughout the entire school year.
The only other thing to inquire about was handling currency.
We only had private points, so we had no way to make purchases outside of school premises. Therefore, if we applied in advance, the school would provide us with cash in exchange for private points. Furthermore, if we run out of money on the actual trip, they will exchange up to 10,000 yen. After the school trip is over and the students return, they can exchange the remaining cash into private points again, so it would be better to exchange a larger amount of cash in the beginning.
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