COTE: Y2V12 『Nutshell』

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Synopsis

The long second year is finally coming to an end, with the final special exam, the 'Year-End Special Exam,' set to take place.

Each class selects three representatives in advance—a vanguard, a middle guard, and a commander—who will compete against the representatives of other classes in an elimination battle. However, the content of the exam remains unknown until the day it is held.

"I'll show Sakayanagi and you what I'm really capable of. It's not my style, but I'll defeat you fair and square."

"Once the Year-End Special Exam is over, let's have a leisurely cup of tea. After defeating him, my next challenge will be against you, Ayanokoji-kun, in our third year."

Only one of Ryuuen and Sakayanagi will survive—

The climax of the highly popular school apocalypse, second-year arc!

"If we both make it through the special exam without being expelled, let's make some time to meet."

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Illustrations

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Table of Contents

1. Hoshinomiya Chie Soliloquy

2. An Unusual Year-End Special Exam

3. Things That Should Be Settled

4. The Beginning of the Year-End Special Exam

5. The Battle of the Vanguard

6. Katsuragi's Counterattack

7. Tears of Frustration

8. Ayanokoji's Strategy

9. The Awaited Opponent

10. The Truth Is――

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Year-End Special Exam

In the second week of March, as the school year for second-year students is nearing its end, Chabashira-sensei announces the details of the final special exam for the second-year students.

However, Chabashira-sensei herself is not informed of the specific exam content. It is communicated that each class must select three representatives—a Vanguard, a Middle Guard, and a Commander—by the deadline as part of the preparations.

The general flow of the exam, as revealed by Chabashira-sensei, is as follows:

• The exam will be a knockout format with three representatives from each class.

• The Vanguard will have 5 points, the Middle Guard will have 7 points, and the Commander will have 10 points of life.

• The team that depletes the Commander's life first will be the winner.

• There will be no ties; the exam will continue until a winner is determined.

Upon hearing this, Ayanokoji decides to talk with the leaders of each class and certain individuals before the exam.

You can read trial volume for more overview.

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Conversation with Horikita

Ayanokoji first decided to have a conversation with Horikita and made a certain promise with her.

The promise was that Ayanokoji would participate in the Commander match.

However, he proposed a condition: if the match reached the Commander and Ayanokoji led the class to victory, he would "no longer contribute to the class in any way."

Additionally, if Ayanokoji lost the Commander match, he would commit to contributing to the class to the best of his ability for the first half of the third year.

Horikita accepted these conditions and decided to appoint Ayanokoji as a representative.

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Conversation with Ryuuen

Ayanokoji and Ryuuen's conversation takes place in a karaoke room, just the two of them.

"I hear the loser will be expelled. If that's the case, we might not have another chance to meet. I thought I'd at least take a look at your face."

"Then you should meet Sakayanagi before it's too late."

Ryuuen didn't think for a moment that he would be the one to get expelled.

He then asks Ayanokoji if he is prepared for the exam.

"I'll show Sakayanagi and you what I'm really capable of. It's not my style, but I'll defeat you fair and square."

This special exam, with its unknown content, makes it difficult for Ryuuen to use his usual underhanded tactics.

Upon hearing this, Ayanokoji concluded that Ryuuen had no anxieties and ended the conversation.

"Then I'll look forward to it. Let's see what happens when you face Sakayanagi head-on."

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Conversation with Yamamura

After parting ways with Ryuuen, Ayanokoji heads to the vending machine in the break area to meet a particular person—Miki Yamamura from Class A.

The "Vending Machine Goddess" Yamamura appears. Ayanokoji’s habit of going to the vending machine whenever he wants to see her is amusing. (Frfr)

Ayanokoji seeks Yamamura's exceptional information-gathering skills to track someone's movements. Yamamura provides precise information about the "person" Ayanokoji is investigating.

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Conversation with Matsushita

Having obtained information from Yamamura, Ayanokoji uses Karuizawa to summon Matsushita to gather information. He cross-references the information obtained from Yamamura with what Matsushita have. (Uh Huh)

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Conversation with Hashimoto

After 10 PM, A-Class's Hashimoto visits Ayanokoji's room.

Ayanokoji had called Hashimoto in advance to confirm Hashimoto's stance in the upcoming special exam.

"Nothing's changed. To survive, I have to make sure Ryuuen wins. But it's not exactly a good situation. I never expected the rules wouldn't be revealed before the exam started."

Hashimoto remains loyal to Ryuuen, positioning himself in opposition to Sakayanagi.

Hearing this, Ayanokoji, while understanding, decided to give Hashimoto some advice.

"What will you do if Ryuuen finds himself in a tight spot? If it becomes clear he can't win, whether you support him or not? Will you switch sides and join Sakayanagi?"

"That's—"

"If you change your stance based on the situation, you'll only appear despicable to those around you."

"Then what should I do? I'll support Ryuuen, but if things get tough, I’ll have no choice. I'll have to grovel to Sakayanagi, or whatever it takes to get her forgiveness."

"At least don't lie to yourself. That's the least you can do."

Thus ended the conversation with Hashimoto.

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Conversation with Ichinose

On Sunday morning, Ayanokoji arrives at the agreed-upon location to find Ichinose already sitting on a bench, waiting for him ten minutes early.

"Ayanokoji-kun, what are you planning to do for the special exam?"

"I don't plan to participate in the special exam as a representative."

Although Ayanokoji is actually set to participate as a representative, he gives false information to Ichinose, as there's no need to reveal his plans to his opponent.

Hearing this, Ichinose, who didn't want to face Ayanokoji directly, looks slightly relieved.

"I called you here today because the promised time is approaching. Do you remember?"

"Of course I do. It's what we talked about in your room last year, right?"

"I want to meet like this a year from now."

Ayanokoji had made a promise to meet with Ichinose alone during last year's spring break.

Reaffirming this promise, Ayanokoji arranges to meet with Ichinose alone after the special exam.

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Conversation with Kanzaki

After parting ways with Ichinose, Ayanokoji contacts Kanzaki. Kanzaki has heard rumors that Ayanokoji will be participating in the exam as a representative and the Commander. He confronts Ayanokoji to confirm the truth.

Despite being warned to keep the information confidential, it gets leaked, causing significant ripples during the exam.

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Conversation with Sakayanagi

Ayanokoji wanted to meet and talk with Sakayanagi, but due to her busy schedule, they decided to talk over the phone at 10 PM.

"I apologize for the late hour. Is it okay to talk now?"

"Yes, it's fine."

Sakayanagi seemed to be looking forward to this call with Ayanokoji, and despite feeling sleepy, she was fully prepared for their conversation.

"Over the past two days, I've tried something new. I arranged one-on-one meetings with my classmates. It's something I never would have done before."

Previously, Sakayanagi didn't trust her classmates, but after losing Kamuro and being influenced by Ayanokoji, she started to take an interest in them.

Realizing that Sakayanagi was beginning to change, Ayanokoji shifted the conversation away from the special exam. He brought up the 'debt' from the uninhabited island test, the main reason he had scheduled this time with Sakayanagi.

With the upcoming showdown with Ryuuen over the expulsion, Ayanokoji suggested that he might not be able to repay the debt later and offered to settle it now.

However, Sakayanagi said, "You can repay it in our third year," so the debt remained deferred.

"Shall we end the call now?"

"Are you sure? I would still like to talk more."

Despite Sakayanagi's words, Ayanokoji felt both Ryuuen and Sakayanagi were well-prepared for the year-end exam and concluded the conversation, saying...

"That's enough for now.”

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After Meeting Everyone

The conversations with different individuals from each class were crucial. The dialogues contain numerous hints leading to the results. From this point on, reading while considering what might be foreshadowing will enhance the enjoyment of the story.

Ayanokoji's reflections after a conversation with Sakayanagi also significantly impact the story. (⁠ ͡⁠°⁠ ͜⁠ʖ⁠ ͡⁠°⁠)

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Beginning of Year-End Exam

The rules are extensive and complex, so here's a brief overview...

In essence, it's a werewolf game (AmongUs Reference).

The classess Sakayanagi vs. Ryuuen and Horikita vs. Ichinose will compete.

Each class will form multiple 7-member groups, creating a total of 14 participants (7 from each class) to play a game similar to a werewolf game. Three representatives from each class will observe the game from a separate room, trying to deduce the roles assigned to each participant.

Battle of Representatives:

The class loses if all three of its representatives are defeated.

Representatives gain "Life" points if they correctly guess a role and lose "Life" points if they guess incorrectly. However, the participants playing the werewolf game are not informed about actions that would benefit their class.

The main test involves discerning lies through participants' expressions and behavior.

Expulsion Risk: The Betrayer

In the werewolf game with 14 participants, there are various roles, including "villagers" and the most significant role, the "Betrayer"—essentially a traitor.

Each class can designate a Betrayer from the opposing class's participants once, who acts as a joker.

The Betrayer receives a substantial benefit if they remain unexpelled until the end, either 5 million private points or 50 class points. However, if their class representatives identify and accuse them as the Betrayer, they will be expelled. If the Betrayer confesses their role, they avoid harsh penalties.

Here are the representatives of each class:

Class A

• Vanguard: Kosei Sanada

• Middle Guard: Hayato Kito

• Commander: Arisu Sakayanagi

Class B

• Vanguard: Yosuke Hirata

• Middle Guard: Suzune Horikita

• Commander: Kiyotaka Ayanokoji

Class C

• Vanguard: Takeko Nishino

• Middle Guard: Kohei Katsuragi

• Commander: Kakeru Ryuuen

Class D

• Vanguard: Tetsuya Hamaguchi

• Middle Guard: Ryuji Kanzaki

• Main Candidate: Honami Ichinose

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Class B Vs Class A

Hirata, the vanguard, is swiftly defeated by Hamaguchi. However, Horikita avenges Hirata by defeating Hamaguchi quickly.

Next, Horikita faces Kanzaki, who pleads with her to lose. Horikita refuses and ultimately defeats Kanzaki.

The final battle is between Horikita and Ichinose. Ichinose demonstrates exceptional observational skills, identifying the roles of her classmates with ease. Horikita struggles and is eventually defeated 10:0 by Ichinose, who remains unscathed.

After the match, Horikita encounters Ayanokoji.

"I wanted to win not just for the class, but to be recognized by you. I wanted to defeat Ichinose and be praised by you for doing well..."

"Fortunately, no one else is here right now. There’s no need to put up a front. Even without seeing the details, I can tell just by looking at you. You fought well."

Ayanokoji embraces Horikita. (LET'S FREAKING GOOO)

"What are you doing, Ayanokoji-kun?!"

"For two years, I’ve probably observed you more closely than anyone else. I know both your weak and strong sides. Remember, you have allies."

Horikita tries to escape the embrace but lacks the strength, allowing herself to be held by Ayanokoji.

Ayanokoji's words imply that he might be distancing himself from Horikita.

The final battle between Ayanokoji and Ichinose ensues.

In a surprising turn, Ayanokoji shows Ichinose a plan on his tablet to end the match in a draw by designating roles for their classes. Ichinose agrees. They also decide to discard the right to appoint traitors, a move to prevent any class from expelling students. Ichinose requests Ayanokoji to designate Amakura as a traitor, and he does the same.

They discuss covering up their cooperation, and both play their traitor cards. Ayanokoji appoints Maezono, but then breaks the agreement and appoints Maezono as the traitor, leading to Maezono's expulsion. Shocked examiners allow Ayanokoji to confirm the decision, which he does.

Maezono had been a spy for Hashimoto, leaking information about Ayanokoji. Despite Maezono's please, Ayanokoji doesn’t relent, confirming the expulsion. (KARMA, not the reddit one)

Ichinose, stunned by the betrayal, listens as Ayanokoji reveals he was behind various schemes against her, including leaking the rumors that tormented her. (Blud left her flabbergasted, causing another depression arc)

Ichinose, devastated, loses her will to continue the exam, securing Ayanokoji's victory for Class B.

Quick Overview:

• Hirata vs. Hamaguchi

• Horikita vs. Hamaguchi

• Horikita vs. Kanzaki

• Horikita vs. Ichinose

• Ayanokoji vs. Ichinose

Victory: +250 class points (Class B)

No Betrayer identified: +50 class points (Class D)

The result chosen by unanimous vote is also added. The Horikita class, which chose Class B at that time, has +50 points.

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Class A Vs Class B

The initial match between Nishino and Sanada ends with Nishino’s quick defeat.

Katsuragi then defeats Sanada and continues to defeat Kito. During Katsuragi’s match with Sakayanagi, it’s revealed that Kito’s behavior was intended to unsettle Katsuragi, leading to Sakayanagi’s victory.

The final battle between Sakayanagi and Ryuuen begins.

There are also brief scenes of the non-representatives' debates. Ryuuen manipulates Tokito into making aggressive moves, which Hiyori calms down.

Initially, Sakayanagi holds the advantage against Ryuuen. The match becomes more balanced as it progresses. Near the end, Ryuuen makes a crucial mistake, nearly losing with only one life point left. He then concedes defeat but remembers Ayanokoji’s message, which piques Sakayanagi’s interest.

The message is supposedly known only to Hashimoto. Using the traitor’s right, Sakayanagi meets with Hashimoto, who denies knowing any message. Sakayanagi recalls her past interactions with Ayanokoji and realizes the true message: "Lose here."

Feeling humiliated, Sakayanagi intentionally chooses the wrong traitor, losing all her life points and the match. Though not yet expelled, her loss means potential expulsion per her agreement with Ryuuen.

Ryuuen, aware of the pre-arranged outcome, contemplates the surprising victory, knowing it contradicts his initial expectation of defeat.

Quick Overview:

• Sanada Vs. Nishino

• Sanada Vs. Katsuragi

• Kitou Vs. Katsuragi

• Sakayanagi Vs.Katsuragi

• Sakayanagi Vs. Ryuuen

Victory: +300 class points (Class A)

The result chosen by unanimous vote is also included in the speculation. The Ryuen class, which is believed to have chosen Class A at that time, has +100 points.

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Class Rankings and Points

The predicted class points (CP) after the test are:

• Class A: 1098 CP (provisionally 2nd)

• Class B: 1233 CP (provisionally 1st)

• Class C: 1030 CP (provisionally 3rd)

• Class D: 704 CP (provisionally 4th)

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Ryuuen vs. Sakayanagi: Who Gets Expelled?

The contract between Ryuuen and Sakayanagi dictated that the loser would voluntarily withdraw. Despite winning the mental battle against Ryuuen, Sakayanagi chose to relinquish victory due to Ayanokoji's intervention, preferring Ryuuen to remain in the school. This decision left Ryuuen, who acknowledged Sakayanagi's superior intellect, surprised by the unexpected outcome. Whether Sakayanagi will straightforwardly honor the contract and withdraw remains to be seen in the next volume.

Ayanokoji orchestrated several pivotal moves:

• Expelled Maezono from his class.

• Persuaded Ichinose to cooperate regarding the Betrayer.

• Revealed (with some fabrications) his involvement in previous defamatory acts against Ichinose.

Despite securing victory, Ayanokoji's intentions remain unclear, leaving his peers and readers puzzled about his ultimate GOALLSSS...

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Afterword

**Afterword**Hey everyone, Kinugasa here. It’s been five months since I last wrote, and unfortunately, my hernia still hasn’t healed. I managed to get this volume out a bit late, but I can’t make any promises about the next one. I’m really sorry for the delay! I didn't want to make you all wait so long between Volume 11 and 12, so I pushed myself hard.

As a result, I'm feeling worse now than I did after Volume 11. This one took me five months, which was twice as hard as the four months for the first volume. I really need more time.

I’ve tried everything – writing while lying down, standing up – but nothing beats sitting (obviously).

But instead of dwelling on the negatives, I'll keep doing my best. Volume 12 covers the third semester, and the next one, 12.5, will take place during spring break, which will also wrap up the second year. For me, it’s been both a long and short journey, how about for you?

Before 'You-Zitsu' started, my daughter wasn’t even born, and now she’s old enough to go to school on her own. Time really flies.

I sometimes wish I could’ve written more about the behind-the-scenes stuff. I won’t spoil anything from Volume 1 now, but I’ll dive into it another time.

I'll do my best to get the next volume out as soon as possible. I've aged, but my drive to create hasn’t faded. As long as my body keeps up, I want to keep writing.

Summer's almost here, so take care not to get heatstroke. I hope to see you all again before the year ends. See you later!

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Translator Note

OKAYYY~

Here's a quick summary of the volume! I focused on the main plot and skipped over many scenes, especially the cute rom-com moments, so you'll still have lots to read... ┐⁠(⁠ ⁠˘⁠_⁠˘⁠)⁠┌

As I mentioned before, please share this as much as you can so my hard work gets the love it deserves. I ain't making money with this crap, just pure self-satisfaction... (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)

Next is volume 12.5, a breather after the battle. It’s sure to be an important volume, reflecting on the second-year arc and looking ahead to the third year. I’m looking forward to the next volume.Thank you for reading this far. See you next time.