SYNOPSIS
“I absolutely won’t let this woman win. She can’t graduate in Class A.”
With a major shock, the "Year-End Special Exam" came to an end. However――
"I want to clear up the thing that’s been bothering everyone, including myself."
"Are you saying Ayanokoji intentionally caused someone to get expelled?"
"I’m not satisfied with how that match ended."
"This is my responsibility. From here on, I’m not confident I can continue leading this class――"
"I will absolutely get us to A-Class. No matter what methods I have to use."
"Do we have any chance of turning things around with the time we have left――?"
Each class, burdened with new sources of tension, heads into their final spring break as second-year students――!
"It’s been a while, Kiyotaka. Glad to see you’re doing well. How’s school life treating you?"
"By the end of spring break, I promise... Well then, I’ll take my leave for today."
Table Of Content
Behind the scenes
Checking other's answers
See you again
The vacant throne
Getting ahead
Illusion
Even after graduation
Parent and child, child and parent
Celebration
The promised night
Goal
A new beginning
ILLUSTRATION
Chie Hoshinomiya’s Grudge
Before the previous test, Hoshinomiya attempted to negotiate with Ayanokoji, even going as far as implying she was willing to use her body to get what she wanted. However, Ayanokoji reported this incident to the other three teachers.
This revelation led Chabashira to learn that Hoshinomiya still holds a deep grudge over the events of the unanimous special exam from the past.
Despite this, Ayanokoji asked to handle the situation with Hoshinomiya personally. For now, the other three teachers decided not to take any immediate action regarding Hoshinomiya and agreed to monitor the situation for the time being.
Sakayanagi's Farewell
After the special exam, Sakayanagi met with Ryuen.
Sakayanagi mentioned that she had a message from Ayanokoji. She explained that as a result of that message, she had chosen to admit defeat and even shared the reasons behind her decision with Ryuen.
Although Ryuen wasn’t entirely convinced, he acknowledged that her decision itself was a sign of weakness and accepted her withdrawal from the competition.
For Ryuen, it was incomprehensible why she would choose to lose. This was precisely the difference between him and Sakayanagi.
In response, Sakayanagi offered Ryuen some Reality Check:
"Understand that you cannot defeat Ayanokoji-kun on your own. Let me create a weakness for him as a special favor. Even for someone with such exceptional intellect, unexpected weaknesses can emerge precisely because of their brilliance. One day, that may serve as an opportunity for you."
She then added:
"Let’s meet again someday. Until then, do try not to suffer a disgraceful expulsion."
Ryuen found her words strange, retorting:
"Meet again? There’s no ‘next time’ for you. Is this some kind of loser’s bravado?"
On the day she leaves the school, Sakayanagi meets Ayanokoji for the final time.
Present at the meeting are Yamamura and Morishita. These two seem to hold a special place in Sakayanagi’s heart, similar to Kamuro, and appear to be people she considers significant.
During this encounter, Sakayanagi makes two requests of Ayanokoji.
The first is more of a question:
“My role doesn’t end here, does it?”
When Ayanokoji replies:
“It doesn’t.”
Sakayanagi, despite her expulsion, makes a mysterious statement suggesting they might meet again someday.
The second request is for Ayanokoji to look after the class in her absence. She also entrusts him with the decision regarding the traitor (Hashimoto) within the class.
Finally, Sakayanagi jokingly asks for a passionate kiss. After the joke, she asks for a hug from Ayanokoji, which he obliges. Yamamura and Morishita are, of course, witnesses to this moment.
Afterward, Ayanokoji delivered a message from Sakayanagi to her class, outlining the steps needed to elevate them to A-Class. While the details were not revealed, this marked her final act before fully withdrawing.
When it was time for her to leave, Sakayanagi was seen off by Yamamura and Morishita.
Sakayanagi's transfer destination turns out to be none other than the high school Masumi Kamuro attends.
Sakayanagi predicts that Kamuro will likely sigh upon hearing about her expulsion. It’s heartwarming to think of these two being together again.
However, one can’t help but wonder how Sakayanagi will adapt to life at a regular high school.
Without the intense competition and challenges, her new school life might lack excitement.
Then again, considering she has never experienced a “normal” lifestyle, this might actually be a good change for her.
Interestingly, Sakayanagi’s home is just a 15-minute drive from the Advanced Nurturing High School, and her new school is also nearby. This means the Advanced Nurturing High School and her new school are close to each other. Could this be a hint of something to come?
Anyways... Thus, Sakayanagi’s time at Advanced Nurturing High School came to an End.
BreakUp with Karuizawa
The long-planned movie date finally came to fruition, though Ayanokoji had been postponing it for some time.
After the conclusion of the year-end special exams, on March 30th, the two went on their movie date. Karuizawa was excited about the outing, but Ayanokoji had resolved to break up with her after the movie. He revealed that this was something he had planned ever since they began their relationship a year ago.
Ayanokoji’s motive for starting the relationship was strategic. By guiding and influencing Karuizawa, who held a high position in the hierarchy of Horikita’s class, he believed it would make his school life more convenient. However, over time, his day-to-day school life brought subtle changes to his outlook. He started to see the value in fostering the growth of others.
Not only Horikita and Yosuke, but also Ryuen, Ichika, and even Karuizawa—each played a role in this process. Karuizawa was just one among many. Ayanokoji had realized that survival didn't mean clinging to others for support. Instead, breaking free from such dependencies and standing on one’s own was the true path to significant personal growth.
By giving Karuizawa the chance to grow, he also sought to learn something for himself. This experience would teach him about the opposite sex, love, and the pain of parting.
Karuizawa had potential, but she couldn’t realize it on her own. The question now was whether she would withdraw into herself, choose to drop out, or reject the world entirely. Today marked the beginning of her battle for survival.
Thus began their movie date.
Regarding Maezono's expulsion, the class suspected that Ayanokoji had orchestrated it deliberately. When Karuizawa asked if it was intentional, Ayanokoji replied that her guess was close to the truth.
At the movie theater, they Unexpectedly and expectedly encountered Ibuki. The situation was reminiscent of when they bumped into her during a movie outing in their first year.
To make things more coincidental, Ibuki was seated right next to Ayanokoji. During their interaction, she asked him about the reason for Sakayanagi’s expulsion.
However, Ayanokoji simply responded that he didn’t know anything about matters in other classes.
Then, the two of them headed to a karaoke room at Keyaki Mall. However, before they realized it, silence had fallen between them.
Though they sat close, feeling each other's warmth, there was a sense of growing coldness.
That was the signal.
Naturally, a small gap formed between them.
The moment had arrived.
Feelings that had been kept hidden deep within.
The invisible divide that now separated them.
While following the other’s gaze, countless thoughts swirled in their mind.
Soon, the words of farewell would be spoken.
It was a decision made long ago.
At the very last moment...
She thought that he realized a truth buried deep within him.
She thought that he didn’t want to let go.
She thought that he didn’t want to part ways with the girl in front of him.
She thought that he finally acknowledged it.
She thought that he liked her.
She thought that all the little things about her he had barely noticed until now became vivid.
She thought that his voice wouldn’t come out.
She thought that he had intended to say the words let’s break up, but now, even as he tried to force them out while looking her in the eyes, he faltered.
She thought that He couldn’t do it. And then, he understood. Somewhere along the way, she had become truly important to him.
This was love.
She thought that he hadn’t been able to admit it from the start because, deep down, he had always known—he had always liked her.
But still, he said it:
“Let’s break up.”
Yes, their feelings were aligned.
She thought that they cared for each other, so breaking up would be fine. They had always believed that. But in the end, those thoughts were just Delusions.
His emotionless eyes were looking at her, and slowly, his lips said the words let’s break up.
“That’s the only way, isn’t it?”
The words escaped his mouth as if even she couldn’t believe he'd said them.
Ayanokoji spoke:
“Yes. It’s not about whether it’s better this way or not. I’m not looking for that kind of discussion. Let’s end everything we’ve shared here and now.”
His words were cruel.
“That’s true. I had a feeling we’d have to do this sooner or later.”
Karuizawa said with a shake of her head.
Karuizawa responded that she had already realized Kiyotaka’s feelings had drifted away.
She admitted that she had always known he had never loved her, not even once.
She had just been pretending not to notice.
From the beginning, she had known their relationship was destined to end.
Ayanokoji suggested that returning to being friends would be the most natural outcome.
“Thanks for everything...”
She said. To that, Ayanokoji replied that if she wanted, she could tell others that she had been the one to break up with him.
Finally, he said:
“See you around, Karuizawa.”
and she replied:
“Yeah… see you, Ayanokoji-kun.”
Karuizawa's Inner thoughts:
Because this is what Kiyotaka wants, right? For someone like me, who couldn’t live without relying on others, to learn how to stand on my own. I’m not a remarkable person. But there’s something only I can do. I can at least understand your feelings when no one else can. Right?Isn’t that true? Even if I wished for a miracle, the door would never reopen. Alone in the silent space, I collapsed to the ground. Did I manage to do well in front of you until the very end? Did I show you that I can stand on my own? Kiyotaka... help me.
Ayanokoji's Inner Thoughts:
"Nuh huh."
And so, this was the farewell between Karuizawa and Ayanokoji.
Karuizawa broke down into tears in an incredibly emotional scene. However, despite its weight, the breakup was not as devastating as it could have been.
It was surprisingly less harsh than expected, as Karuizawa managed to accept it to some extent.
Even so, in the aftermath, Karuizawa retreated into her room, isolating herself entirely.
TL: Okay, I made a huge mistake here. I skipped that part Karuizawa become Schizophrenic (Not really but yeah) and illusioning/fantasizing about Ayanokoji loves her, while reading. So, I apologize for that. I'll make sure to do cross check again.
Interaction with Koenji
Ayanokoji is approached by Koenji, who comments on his increasingly conspicuous behavior as of late. Koenji adds:
"It seems you're seriously stepping into the role of a villain."
He then recalls their previous conversation, asking:
"Do you remember when I said you wouldn’t be able to distinguish lies from the truth?"
And holds up a hand mirror in front of Ayanokoji, adding:
"A mirror only reflects what’s directly in front of it."
"It seems like we’re looking at two completely different things here. Or maybe you’re just pretending not to notice what’s right in front of you."
"Let’s start with the basics—you're not exactly the class’s biggest fan, are you, Koenji? You couldn’t care less about what happens to anyone here. So why even bother warning me?"
Koenji replied nonchalantly:
"If a fly keeps buzzing around endlessly, wouldn’t you feel like swatting it away? Not because you’re interested in the fly, but just to get rid of the annoyance."
"So, no need for all this back-and-forth. If I’m that fly, why not just squash me and move on?"
"But you won’t do that, will you?"
"Sure, I might be an annoyance, but I’m not causing you any real harm."
Koenji wasn’t the type to act unless someone physically provoked him—like Yamauchi or Hirata had done in the past—he wouldn’t lift a finger.
"I’ll keep your advice in mind. But just so you know, I only act based on my own judgment."
Ayanokoji trying to push the conversation forward but Koenji seemed completely unfazed.
"Do whatever you want. Dissect someone’s heart, chase after answers to your desires—it’s all the same to me. In this world, the weak are silenced by the strong. Morals and common sense? They don’t matter in a place like this. If you can’t stop something, you don’t have the right to complain about it."
Ayanokoji hated to admit it, but he was right. That was just how Koenji operated.
And yet, Ayanokoji couldn’t shake the question: Why stop to warn me now?
His metaphor about swatting flies suggested Ayanokoji left some kind of impression on him.
"If there’s something you’re holding back, just say it. You’ve already gone out of your way to stop me,"
"You seem pretty determined to play the villain, don’t you?"
Koenji remarked, flabbergasting Ayanokoji.
"You think you’ve figured me out?"
"Of course. I see it all as clear as day. I’ve got sharp intuition, after all."
He also reveals that he intends to switch classes to stabilize the equilibrium, something Koenji had already discerned.
Koenji remarks:
"You’ll be satisfied playing with the likes of Little Girl or Dragon Boy, won’t you?"
"Sorry, but I can’t promise I’ll stay within those boundaries. Just like with Ryuen, if I decide it’s necessary, even someone like Wang Mei-yu won’t be spared."
But doubts whether Ayanokoji will limit himself to just that.
Ayanokoji retorts that, just as he did with Sakura and Maezono, he’ll take the necessary steps with Wang Mei-yu if needed.
"Fufufu."
Koenji chuckled, clearly amused.
"I’ve told you before—I have no interest. Or… could it be that you’re desperate for my attention?"
"Who knows? I never said I wanted you to do anything."
He warns Ayanokoji:
"I’ll admit you’re talented, but it won’t work on me. Whether it’s numbers or words on a page, I can surpass you anytime. If I got serious, you’d be the one embarrassed."
"Big words. Care to prove them?"
"I have no need to prove anything. I deliberately stick to the basics of conventional education. If I filled my head with society’s cookie-cutter knowledge, my thinking would lose its edge. It’d be dull and lack originality. Just look at you—you’re a perfect example."
Koenji criticizes the idea of absorbing only the knowledge created by society, calling it dull, and concludes:
"It’s clear from watching you. It’s precisely because I don’t understand everything that I’ll reach an answer that is mine alone."
Ayanokoji’s Father, Prime Minister Onijima, and Koenji’s Father
During the three-way meeting, Ayanokoji’s father plays the role of a Typical Caring Parent.
However, he deliberately spends extra time at the meeting, calculating it so that he would cross paths with Koenji’s father, who was scheduled to arrive next.
"I've spent the last year considering your future after graduation, in my own way."
"You don’t need to explain. I already understand, and I have no intention of resisting,"
"I plan to make you the new leader of the White Room, to create a new generation that will surpass even you."
"Looking at it from a long-term perspective, that’s the safest option. With you leading the White Room, in 20 years, I could have a multitude of individuals of the highest caliber, just as I desire."
"But that 'safe choice' is far off, and frankly, uninspiring. The world shifts constantly, and in just a single year, my environment has changed drastically."
"I’m not concerned with your circumstances."
"I don’t care about your interests either. What matters is how your talent is used."
"And what exactly do you want me to do?"
"Don’t you already have a slight idea?"
Ayanokoji’s father states that he won’t interfere with Kiyotaka during the upcoming year. He also discusses the topic of class transfers.
Later, Ayanokoji’s father encounters Koenji’s father but is dismissed. He then barges into the chairman’s office, where Prime Minister Onijima and Koenji’s father are present.
Onijima mentions that he has reviewed Kiyotaka’s test performance and is impressed by his abilities.
During their conversation, Ayanokoji’s father brings up the possibility of Kiyotaka transferring classes, which would result in him facing Koenji’s son in a competition. It is agreed that if Kiyotaka wins the competition, Prime Minister Onijima will set aside time to meet with Ayanokoji’s father.
Koenji’s father also remarks:
“If true freedom is what you desire, then graduate from your current class as part of Class A.”
He indicates that he will convey this directive to his son.
Afterward, Ayanokoji’s father gets into a car with Tsukishiro. He reflects on how surprising it is that Kiyotaka’s actions have managed to connect him to Prime Minister Onijima, remarking:
“It seems taking action can lead to unexpected results.”
A Night with Ichinose
One year later, as promised. Ichinose, still in shock, had been staying in her room, not venturing outside for some time.
Ayanokoji waited in his room, expecting Ichinose to come to him, but she never showed up. Curious about how things would unfold, he decided to go to her room.
After exchanging a few messages, she finally let him in. In truth, Ichinose had anticipated that Ayanokoji would eventually come to her. She had prepared herself, tidied up, and unlocked the door in advance. Despite everything that had happened, Ichinose still harbored feelings for Ayanokoji.
During their conversation, Ayanokoji spoke about the events of the past and discussed a way for Ichinose's class to climb to the top. He presented two options:
Either he would join her class while Ichinose herself would withdraw from school.
She could channel her resentment and rise as a formidable class leader.
However, Ayanokoji was secretly hoping for a third response, and Ichinose surprised him by choosing neither of the two options. She said that while the class couldn’t aim for the top with her alone, they could with Ayanokoji’s help.
Yet, she was adamant about not dropping out of school. Then, she voiced the slim hope that Ayanokoji had been waiting for.
Ichinose revealed her resolve to overcome her greatest flaw—her mental fortitude. To prove it, she made a bold move, pushing Ayanokoji onto the bed.
At this moment, Ayanokoji also admitted to her that he had broken up with Karuizawa.
Ichinose chose a path, and Ayanokoji told her it’d only work if they kept a certain distance between them.
Ichinose had tried to hate him all this time, but she just couldn’t. And honestly, him coming to this room? That was all part of her plan. She sent those messages that didn’t give away her emotions, left the door unlocked, tidied up the room, and even made herself presentable, expecting him to show up.
By now, it’s already past curfew. If she steps outside, someone might see her, and that could ruin the plan. So she tells Ayanokoji:
“You’re going to be my accomplice now.”
And she adds:
“No more secrets between us.”
Then, out of nowhere, she grabs Ayanokoji’s arm, pulls him hard, and pushes him onto the bed.
She tells him she thinks she finally understands Karuizawa. The darkness she’s faced, the way she was saved, and the fear of falling back into hell again — Ayanokoji thought all of that was necessary for Karuizawa’s growth.
She continues:
“Karuizawa, me, and everyone else — we’re all just dancing in the palm of your hand. Just like you use me, I’ll use you too. That’s only fair, right? But no matter what, I can’t change how I feel about you. In fact, I’ve been dying to see you. More than anyone else in class, you’re all I think about. The way you’ve carved yourself into my heart, I want to carve myself just as deeply into yours.”
When she says:
“This feels bad for Karuizawa, doesn’t it?”
Ayanokoji casually replies that he broke up with her before coming here. He warns her:
“This kind of thing won’t work as a threat.”
But she just smiles and says:
“It’s not a threat.”
Then, she kisses him hard.
Their teeth accidentally bump together. She pulls back and laughs.
“Sorry, I’m bad at this. It’s my first time.”
Then, she goes in again, slower this time, deepening the kiss.
“Is this right?”
“Yeah.”
Ayanokoji starts taking off her clothes.
From the moment he stepped into that room, his way out had already been cut off. But at the same time, he couldn’t help but be drawn to this unknown allure she had.
Like father, Like son. Ayanokoji is weak when it comes to THAT.
He thought he had learned everything he needed. But now, he realized this might just be the beginning. And as their night continued, it sank deeper into a pitch-black abyss.
This wasn’t some ritual to become lovers.
If it were, it wouldn’t have worked from the start. This was an absolute contract to need and to be needed. Bound by this agreement, they connected on the deepest level, devouring each other entirely.
This all happened on March 30— the day he broke up with Karuizawa.
The following day, Ichinose emerged in a cheerful mood and appeared before her classmates. Although people like Kanzaki were puzzled by her transformation, Ichinose openly admitted her feelings for Ayanokoji.
She also asked her classmates for patience, promising to come up with a plan to unify the class before the new semester began.
While the details remain unclear, it seems the strategy will involve Ichinose remaining the leader of her class while leveraging Ayanokoji’s abilities. In her own words, if Ayanokoji could use her, she would also use him.
This darker, more calculating tone in their arrangement hinted at the formation of a mutual agreement. It’s likely that Ichinose and Ayanokoji have now entered into a romantic relationship.
A few days after the intense confrontation between Ayanokoji and Ichinose, Ichinose gathered her classmates to discuss their plans moving forward.
The group included Kanzaki, Shibata, Hamaguchi, Amakura, Himeno, Shiranami, and Watanabe—a total of seven members.
Compared to her time spent in isolation, Ichinose now appeared much more composed and refreshed.
"Can we take it to mean that you've overcome what was troubling you?"
"Yes. I’ve had plenty of time to think, and I’ve finally managed to sort everything out. If you all are still willing to accept me as your leader, I want us to move forward together."
Everyone felt relieved hearing these words from Ichinose. However, Kanzaki remained skeptical. He had lingering doubts—how would Ichinose handle the class, which was already in dire straits? Was it truly right to keep her as their leader?
Despite Kanzaki’s concerns, Ichinose openly admitted:
"Ayanokoji-kun saved me."
She then shared her thoughts and experiences with the group:
She spoke of Ayanokoji’s actions up until now, how she had been drawn to him and ultimately fallen for him.
She also revealed how she felt betrayed during the exams, but even so, she still liked him.
Moreover, Ichinose shared that she had a strategy to aim for Class A, a plan she believed could work.
However, she requested that they wait until after spring break for her to reveal the specifics.
Horikita’s Feelings
After Karuizawa's belongings were picked up by Sato, Sonoda, and Ishikura, Ayanokoji was left feeling like his room had become completely deserted.
Around that time, Horikita reached out to him, and the two decided to meet and talk outside.
Horikita and Ayanokoji were having coffee together when Horikita. During their conversation, Horikita opened up, apologizing for putting a burden on him during the year-end exams and expressed sympathy to his breakup with Karuizawa and listened to the story.
She honestly expressed her feelings, saying:
"I want to be someone who supports you! I want to be your emotional support."
In response, Ayanokoji teased her, saying:
"That kind of sounded like a confession to me."
And continues:
"Now that I'm officially single, do you want to throw your hat in as a candidate for my girlfriend?"
Horikita brushed it off with a quick:
"Cut it out."
But deep down, she felt an unfamiliar flutter in her chest—a strange sense of unease.
Howeverrr...
Later, when she was alone, she felt her heart racing.
This was the moment Horikita began to realize a hidden side of herself, one she had never acknowledged before: feelings for Ayanokoji.
This scene strongly hinted that Horikita might be developing feelings for Ayanokoji.
Ishizaki's Proposal
Ishizaki attempts to recruit Ayanokoji into his class and even calls Hiyori to join the conversation. In a bold and somewhat presumptuous move, Ishizaki suggests that if Ayanokoji joins their class, he could even date Hiyori.
Hiyori, though embarrassed, shows that she would welcome Ayanokoji joining their class. However, there isn’t much romantic development for Hiyori here; the two share only a brief conversation.
In the end, Ayanokoji politely declines Ishizaki and Hiyori’s invitation.
The Mysterious Letter
Ayanokoji receives a letter from a first-year student named Negishi, with a phone number and the initial "N" written on it.
However, Ayanokoji deduces that the sender is not Negishi, as the letter's "N" is written in the Japanese style, and he realizes who might actually be behind it.
The sender's identity isn’t revealed in this scene. It’s implied the sender has a name starting with "N," though who this could be remains unclear. The only possibility that comes to mind is Ishigami. But what does the Japanese-style "N" mean?
Ayanokoji decides there’s no need to make the call right away and proposes handling this matter a year later.
Ayanokoji's Class Transfer
With Horikita's class achieving promotion to Class A, the students throw a celebratory party. During the party, Horikita encourages Ayanokoji to continue giving his best effort. However, before the conversation can progress, Ayanokoji disappears from the scene.
In the new school term, as the students begin their third year, Hoshinomiya-sensei informs Chabashira-sensei that efforts to prevent her class from reaching Class A are no longer necessary. She explains:
"There’s no need anymore, because the joker of your class is gone."
Before Chabashira can return to her class, she is stopped by another staff member, who informs her that one of her students has Transferred to a different class.
In his new class, Ayanokoji steps forward and introduces himself:
"I am Kiyotaka Ayanokoji. I have just transferred to this class using 20 million private points. While I cannot replace Sakayanagi, who voluntarily withdrew, I am confident that if every one of you still has the will to fight, I can help overcome the setbacks this class has faced."
The class Ayanokoji has transferred into is none other than Sakayanagi’s class.
This sets the stage for the ultimate competition between the four classes in the final battle for Class A, fulfilling Ayanokoji’s original vision of balancing the four classes and instigating a fierce rivalry for the top spot.
Afterword
Afterword
Hi, this is Kinugasa.
November’s here, and it’s definitely getting colder.
Lately, my son has become a huge Mario fan. For Halloween, he was super excited to dress up as a Red Koopa Troopa.
Even during his screen time, it’s all about Mario—he’s constantly talking about it. Our house feels like a Mario wonderland right now!
Seeing how much he loves it, I’ve been thinking about taking him to Universal Studios Japan one day. As a parent, I really want to make it happen, but I’m still figuring out if it’s doable.
On another note, my hernia is about 40% better than before. I can’t work as much as I used to yet, but I’ve started to push myself a little more. Hopefully, I’ll have even better updates to share next time.
About the second-year arc—this volume focuses on a spring break episode.
I think it’s a relaxing and heartwarming story that’ll leave you feeling good.
That’s just my opinion, though, so check it out for yourself and see what you think!
With this volume, the second-year arc wraps up. Sadly, some parts had to be cut because of page limits or felt like unnecessary extras.
Unfortunately, those didn’t make it in this time...
There were a few scenes that didn’t make it into the final version. While they’re not absolutely necessary, they could’ve added a little more depth to the story—well, maybe not that much, but still.
It feels like a waste for those moments to stay unseen. If I ever get the chance, I’d love to share some short spring break stories with a “this thing happened too” kind of vibe.
Thank you so much for sticking with the story through the end of the second-year arc! But don’t worry—the third-year arc is starting right away.
I hope you’ll keep supporting the series as it moves forward!
The third-year arc will go back to the series’ roots, focusing on battles within the same grade, similar to the first-year arc.
Since the setting and everyone’s roles have shifted a lot, I think I’ll be able to bring you a fresh and exciting story again.
I hope you’re looking forward to it and will stick with the series until the very end!
Also, the official Classroom of the Elite guidebook is coming out soon. It’s a great way to revisit the story so far and get ready for the third-year arc.
I’m excited about it too and plan to reflect on everything that’s happened in the series.
That’s all for now! I hope to see you again around March. Until then, take care!
Translator Note
Heyllo, This is Nemesys...
First off, let me apologize again for misunderstanding things earlier. I know it caused a lot of chaos in the COTE fandom.
Anyways... about the this volume—I have some thoughts.
So, we’ve got Ayanokoji and Ichinose involved in some really UnHoly stuff before GTA 6. Honestly, that part was just... ugh. The most off-putting moment in the entire story for me.
Speaking of disappointing things, many major canon series wrapped up this year.
Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia, Oshi no Ko—all of them had such awful endings, my goodness and I was worried the second-year arc in COTE would go the same way. And while the ending wasn’t terrible, it definitely wasn’t great either.
A lot of readers were furious about Ayanokoji hooking up with Ichinose right after breaking up with Karuizawa. It felt trashy and unnecessary. People were throwing around words like “trash,” “NTR,” and “piece of sh*t,” and honestly... I kind of get where they’re coming from.
That said, I still enjoyed the volume (except for the Ichinose part). There were also many funny and cute moments. There were a lot of interesting developments and foreshadowing, like:
That mysterious number, which might belong to Nagumo.
Horikita and Atsuomi’s upcoming confrontation.
The contract between Ayanokoji and Ichinose.
How Ayanokoji is benefit from Sakayanagi’s expulsion.
So yeah, while the volume had its low points, it also set up a lot of plotlines for the future. Like, if Ayanokoji gives Ichinose a task and she absolutely nails it, there’s might a chance of getting a second round of UnHolyness as reward. 🗿
Anyways, volume has 12 chapters with 295~ pages of readable content. So, it gonna take a while for translators out there.
I wish Kinugasa-sensei, Tomose-sensei, and their families good health.
Till then, cya.
Ohh right, I'm not Japanese btw... 🫠
thank you very much and I think this volume was a 9/10 even tho I think Ichinose sex stuff was overboard but tbf Ichinose is showing us to be a selfish version of herself and not caring about others think anymore that much so she can overcome her weak mental fortitude. I guess its good development so far and interesting for a darker version of Ichinose in the class battle since she knows about koji true nature making the dynamic unpredictable and interesting for future events, but thanks for the hard work cant wait to read full volume soon in digital form 😇