*Finally, the real special exam…*
*Will someone get expelled again?*
*Please not me… I don't want to end up like Yamauchi…*
The students panicked.
Chabashira placed 48 cards on the board.
Each card was poker-sized. The ten white cards were blank, but the yellow cards had student names.
However, there were only 38 yellow cards—one less than the students.
"These ten white cards represent the exam projects. You'll discuss and write ten projects—written tests, shogi, poker, baseball—anything you think you can win. You'll also decide the rules."
Chabashira smiled.
"Of course, there are rules. If you choose obscure games, only the proposer has a chance. Rules must be fair and simple. After proposing, the school will judge and adjust to avoid ties."
*Hmm, choose projects?*
Saiki thought about what he'd pick.
Flying, X-ray vision, shooting beams…
Obviously impossible.
Saiki had no idea what suited him.
*If I choose, it should be something I'm good at… But what? Can't think of ten. Let others decide—it's not my problem.*
"Let's start with an example. Ike, what are you good at?"
Chabashira turned to Ike.
"Uh… I'm good at… rock-paper-scissors?"
The class laughed, but Chabashira wrote 'Rock-Paper-Scissors' on a card.
"What are the rules?"
"Uh… Best of three?"
"Good."
Chabashira nodded and wrote the rules.
"This is simple and fair. No reason to reject it. Nine more to go."
*Rock-paper-scissors?*
Saiki recalled his undefeated kindergarten record.
Not a bad choice.
"The exam has three stages."
Chabashira wrote the schedule on the board.
March 8th: Exam announcement, opponents decided.
March 15th: Ten projects and rules finalized.
March 22nd: Exam begins.
"But 20 projects? Won't it take too long?"
Ike asked.
"On exam day, each class narrows it to five projects. Only ten projects total."
Chabashira explained.
Horikita thought quickly:
"So five projects are decoys… to mislead opponents?"
"Exactly. Even the final five might be decoys. The school system randomly selects seven projects for the exam."
Chabashira Sae continued to explain,
"As for the participants and other details, the school will distribute more specific rules later. Make sure to read them carefully."
At that moment, a meaningful smile appeared on Chabashira's face as she added,
"Aside from deciding on the events, there's another crucial element: a commander must be appointed to oversee the large number of students. The commander cannot directly participate in the events but can intervene in the exam to assist the students. The method of intervention is up to you. For example, if it's rock-paper-scissors, the commander could be allowed to join at any time and make a single move, or they could replace a student in the game."
*'A commander… this school always complicates simple things… but…'*
Saiki Kusuo narrowed his eyes slightly, thinking,
*'Maybe being the commander would be a good position for me. I'm not sure how many students will participate, but if everyone has to take part, being the commander would be the best choice for me.'*
*'First, the commander doesn't have to participate in the events, which is great. Written exams wouldn't be a problem, but physical events… if I lose control, the consequences could be disastrous…'*
*'So, I need to secure the commander position.'*
Saiki's mind raced as he made his decision.
Meanwhile, several other students also showed interest in the role.
"Being the commander means not having to participate in the exam—that's amazing!"
"But it should be someone capable, right?"
"Feels like the commander would have fewer problems than regular participants."
"The commander earns extra points if we win but also bears the responsibility if we lose," Chabashira added, scanning the classroom.
"That's right. If the class loses, the commander must take responsibility and drop out!"
"Drop out?!"
"The risk is too high, even with the benefits!"
"I don't want to drop out! Let someone else be the commander!"
Hearing Chabashira's words, the students who had been interested in the role fell silent.
"Now, discuss and decide on a commander. If no one steps up, I'll assign someone randomly. After school, the commander must go to the multipurpose room to finalize the exam objectives."
Chabashira finished speaking and distributed more exam details. Each student could participate in only one event.
After most arrangements were made, Chabashira left the classroom, leaving the students to decide on the commander.
"Does anyone want to be the commander?" Horikita Suzune asked, her gaze sweeping the room.
Everyone avoided her eyes.
"There are extra points, but… you could still drop out!"
"I don't want to drop out…"
"No one wants to be the commander, I guess."
Just then, two hands shot up.
"Can I be the commander?" Saiki Kusuo and Ayanokōji Kiyotaka asked simultaneously.
*'Sakayanagi will probably be Class A's commander,'* Ayanokōji thought. He intended to compete with Sakayanagi, which was why he volunteered.
*'Saiki wants to be the commander too? Probably for the same reason as me.'*
*'Damn, I forgot about Sakayanagi…'* Saiki realized. He had challenged Sakayanagi Arisu just days ago. He wanted to be the commander simply to slack off.
"Two volunteers?" Horikita raised an eyebrow, surprised.
Seeing Saiki raise his hand, Ayanokōji withdrew his and said,
"In that case, I think Saiki is a better choice than me."
*'Finally, you're being useful,'* Saiki thought.
"After all, Saiki has protection points, so he's the safest choice as commander." Ayanokōji added.
The others turned their gaze to Saiki.
"Is Saiki trying to protect us from dropping out?"
"He's so considerate…"
"We can't let him down in this exam!"
*'Wait, I didn't think that far…'* Saiki was at a loss for words.
Horikita studied Saiki intently.
*'Saiki… he's definitely the right choice. I still don't understand why he topped the last class vote. He's probably stronger than I thought!'*
*'Honestly, I don't get it either,'* Saiki thought.
"Anyone else want to be the commander?" Horikita asked, already knowing the answer.
*'Even if someone else wants it, they'd need to prove they're capable.'*
"It's the commander's role, but we can still plan carefully. As long as the commander follows the instructions, it shouldn't matter who it is." Ayanokōji added, which was why he stepped down.
"Alright, the commander is decided then."
*'Great, my plan worked. Now I can slack off during the exam.'* Saiki smirked.