02x07 - To Doubt Everything or to Believe Everything Are Two Equally Convenient Solutions; Both Dispense with the Necess

[bunniefuu]

[MANABU] For the past two years,

I have served the student body

as the student council president with pride.

I will forever be grateful for the opportunity I was given.

Thank you all.

And with that, I'll conclude my resignation speech.

So farewell, everyone.

[applause]

[AYANOKOJI] Interesting.

She's taking it surprisingly well.

[ANNOUNCER A] Thank you for all of your hard work,

President Horikita.

And now, we'll hear a few words

from the incoming student council president.

Hello, everyone!

For those of you who aren't familiar with me,

I'm Miyabi Nagumo from classroom A.

I'll get straight to the point.

My vision for this school

is to turn it into a true meritocracy for every student!

Those with talent and ability will rise to the top,

while those without will be left behind.

Just as things should be.

I was surprised by your performance

in the sports festival.

Oh, thanks.

Give Horikita a warning for me.

She needs to be on guard for Ryuen.

I'm curious.

Didn't your class form an alliance with him before?

A mistake I'm still paying for.

I never should've gotten involved with that snake.

Ryuen is my enemy as much as yours.

I see. I'll let her know.

[KATSURAGI] Please do.

They're feeling the pressure, too.

Interesting.

[SATO] Hey.

So, um. You mind coming with me for a second?

There's something I wanna talk about.

I know this is kinda random,

but I've been meaning to ask you.

Are you seeing anyone right now, Ayanokoji?

Just you. No one's here?

I don't mean like who you literally see!

I'm asking if you have a girlfriend or not!

So, do you?

No, I don't.

Oh. That's good to hear.

[SATO] Why don't we exchange phone numbers?

You know,

since both of us are in the same class?

I'd be okay with that.

[AYANOKOJI] Hey. Where's this coming from?

During the sports festival...

When I watched your race,

I couldn't help but notice how impressive you were.

And I realized you're actually quite handsome.

On top of that that, you're nice, too!

[SATO] Um. Anyway.

That's all I wanted! Thanks!

[CHABASHIRA] It's clear you only have one thing on your minds.

Therefore, I'll reveal your midterm results now.

[STUDENT A] Are you kidding me?

Dreams do come true!

Whoa! Look at Ken's score!

Yeah!

Hardly worth shouting about.

Yeah, right!

[AYANOKOJI] Just like a puppy

[CHABASHIRA] Since you all passed,

no one will be expelled this time around.

In my three years with Class D,

this is the first group of students to go this long

without any dropouts. I'm impressed.

Excellent work.

[MIYAKE] Ms. Chabashira's saying something nice?

[IKE] It's about time we got the props we deserve!

[YUKIMURA] It's actually kind of unsettling.

Of course,

you're not out of the woods just yet.

You'll have to prove yourselves during the next special exam,

which will serve as your finals.

This test is called the Paper Shuffle.

Uh. What's that?

[CHABASHIRA] For this exam, you will be split into pairs.

In order to pass you'll need to work together

Will we be competing with each other?

What are the chances I get matched with Kikyo?

[KIKYO giggles]

Partners.

You'll wanna be with Hirata, isn't that right?

Uh. Yeah!

Although, do we even get to choose the pairs?

That's right!

Can you tell us how our partners are gonna be chosen?

[CHABASHIRA] All in due time.

You're getting ahead of yourselves.

Everything will be explained to you after next week's mini test.

[GROUP] Uh--

It's freakin' tests all the way down!

It's to ascertain your current academic prowess

and determine where you stand in the class.

There aren't any penalties. So don't worry.

[STUDENTS sigh]

[SATO] Thank goodness for that!

That said,

these test scores are crucial to the Paper Shuffle.

So, you ought to do your best.

[CHABASHIRA] If, on the upcoming special exam,

a pair's total score in any subject falls below points,

both students will be expelled.

[CLASS gasps]

Because only the total is considered, if one of you

gets a zero and the other scores a , both pass.

And one more thing.

There's a minimum total score for all subjects combined.

I'll give you a more accurate number later.

Just know that, on average,

the requirement is around points.

[AYANOKOJI] Across eight subjects.

That means, for each exam, everyone needs to get

an average of points.

And finally...

For this test, you'll be writing it.

All of you.

Huh?!

[CHABASHIRA] It's up to you to come up with

the questions for the exam.

Which will be answered by one of the other classes.

You'll also pick a class you hope gets your questions.

So, choose wisely.

If a class is picked multiple times,

the test they will get will be random.

Additionally, each classes' score will be compared

to that of the class that received their questions.

And whoever ends up with a higher score

will steal class points from the other.

The test is a direct challenge.

What if they ask something that can't be answered?

Doesn't seem fair.

Hah. How laughable, everything has an answer.

[CHABASHIRA] There's no need to worry.

We've accounted for that.

The teachers will be reviewing all questions.

Obviously, cheating will be severely punished,

resulting in immediate expulsion.

Every year,

a pair or two gets expelled during this exam.

It would be a shame if you broke our streak with this.

Something to consider.

[CHABASHIRA] I'll be sending out an email with more instructions

on how to write your exam questions.

Everything else will be up to you.

This "Paper Shuffle." What do you think?

I already know how to win it.

The teacher's explanation gave all the hints we needed.

Oh?

Call Hirata and the others. Let's have a strategy meeting.

--Yes, ma'am. --[phone chimes]

[KARUIZAWA] Hey, I've got a question for you.

Earlier. Sato asked you out, right?

[AYANOKOJI] Who told you that?

[sighs] It came from Sato, herself! Obviously!

It's not like it's a secret or anything!

She told a bunch of people she was gonna ask you out.

Well, it's not like he'd know anything about it.

Things work totally different for boys.

Ugh. He saw me?

Ugh... As dense as that guy is,

sometimes he's really perceptive.

[HIRATA] Karuizawa!

We're having a meeting to discuss the special exam.

[KARUIZAWA] Uh. Sure! Got it!

If it's all right with you all,

I'd like to start the meeting now.

What, right here? Can't we go somewhere else?

Maybe a café!

Come on! Right? It'll be fun.

Fine, then. We'll relocate.

[KIKYO] Excuse me.

Would you mind if I joined you guys?

If that's okay.

Well, if you ask me.

Kushida could really help, she's friends with everyone.

Yes, of course! Appreciate it.

This works out,

since I've been meaning to talk to you about something.

Thanks so much!

Why don't you all go on ahead without me.

I'll catch up.

I need to talk with Ayanokoji.

[KEN] We'll save you guys some seats!

You ok with that? Letting her come along?

Saying no would've only caused more problems.

Right. So, what did you want to talk about?

We can't keep them waiting too long.

I don't care to meddle in other people's business,

or air out their dirty laundry.

But you should know Kushida's past.

[SUZUNE] Both Kushida and I

went to the same middle school.

It was a rather large school.

So, we never got put into the same class.

Which is why I hardly remembered her.

But something happened during our final year at that school.

[SUZUNE] No one knew exactly what.

But it completely tore one of the classes apart.

From all the rumors that were circulating,

it was caused by one person.

A girl who was in that class.

You believe it was Kushida?

I honestly don't know what to think.

What could she have done to make her class break apart like that?

I don't get it.

They were in constant turmoil until graduation.

But how?

Can a single person really destroy an entire class?

I can think of a couple ways.

Let me ask.

What's the most surefire method to get what you want?

I don't know, I'd say v*olence, I guess?

Throughout history, there's been no better tool than that.

[AYANOKOJI] But that's not Kushida's style.

Whatever her method,

it seems that it's just as effective as v*olence is.

We could spend all day speculating.

At the end of the day, I'm an obstacle to her.

Even though I don't actually have a clue

what happened back then.

[AYANOKOJI] You'll have a hard time convincing her of that.

If you ask me, your best course of action

may be to take things into your own hands.

Are you saying I should get Kushida expelled?

If you do go on the offensive, it could save you the trouble.

Weren't you the person who got on my case

when I was thinking about cutting Sudo loose?

What's changed now?

Kushida will continue to plague us until you're gone.

She's quite stubborn.

[SUZUNE] Well, things have only gotten to this point

because I refused to confront her about it.

And she's a talented person.

She could be a valuable asset to our class.

So, you think you can convince her?

I can! I'll keep on trying to talk to her.

We aren't her enemy. I'll make sure she sees that.

Very well.

If you're really that determined,

I'll leave it up to you to handle.

Just watch.

And this time, don't interfere!

I don't want you to step in like with the festival.

So, you knew.

I had an idea.

I found it extremely annoying that you planned around

the assumption that I would fail.

That said, I guess you did help me back there.

That's good to hear.

[SUZUNE] Listen.

I'm not sure what I would've done without you.

Thank you.

[AYANOKOJI] Is it really so hard for her to say "thank you"?

[RYUEN] Now, call me crazy.

But there's been something fishy

about the last couple of special exams.

I don't believe for a second it's a coincidence.

Someone's out there pulling Class D's strings.

Not to mention a spy helping them out.

So, which one of you betrayed me?

Really? You can't be serious!

[RYUEN] A question for you!

Do any of you know what the strongest force in world is?

It's simple: unrestrained v*olence.

I'll give you one last chance.

Whoever the traitor is,

come clean, and I'll let it slide this time.

I feel like I'm being more than reasonable here.

And if you keep trying to play dumb with me...

[gasps]

[whimpers]

What's the matter?

You can't even look me in the eyes.

Manabe.

You're the traitor. Tell me that I'm wrong.

[gasps]

[yelps]

[BOTH gasp]

You think I didn't know it was you the whole time?

[MANABE] I'm sorry. They made me do it.

I'll forgive you!

But first, I want you to tell me.

Who put you up to this?

What's the name of this mastermind?

I see, now. Bullying's a fun pastime.

As long as you're careful not to get caught doing it.

[IBUKI] How are you this stupid?

You really betrayed our class because of some recording?

Go easy on them. They already apologized.

Let's focus on the person behind it all.

According to you, Yukimura and Ayanokoji witnessed it.

[GROUP whimpers]

In other words, the mastermind

has to be one of those two.

Wait a sec.

I've had some dealings with Ayanokoji

and I don't think he's that kind of person.

He is suspicious.

It seems almost too obvious.

But it is a possibility. It's time to call in a favor.

[KIKYO gasps] Hey, guys! Over here!

Wow! Look who finally decided to show up!

What took you so long, huh?

[SUZUNE] We can start right away.

[KARUIZAWA] Just brushing me off again.

Typical, I guess.

We'll be going over the Paper Shuffle, right?

Not yet.

We have a more immediate concern: next week's mini test.

[AYANOKOJI] Let's see how Horikita does on her own.

Since it won't affect our grades,

what's the point of it?

The only explanation is that it'll determine the pairings.

Remember what Ms. Chabashira said?

...a pair or two gets expelled during this exam.

It would be a shame if you broke our streak with this.

[SUZUNE] Doesn't that number seem a little low?

If the bottom students of each class were grouped together,

you'd have dozens of people dropping out each year.

[gasps] That's right!

Good point! That explains it.

The point of the test is to create balanced pairs!

Yeah.

The teacher also said we'd be ranked by our scores.

If they put the highest

and the lowest ranking students together,

it'd ensure everyone got roughly the same average score.

[KARUIZAWA] That makes sense!

That means our goal for this test is to pair up

highest and lowest scoring students.

We'll start by splitting everyone in Class D

into four different groups based on their academic standing.

And then we'll coordinate with the lowest group and make sure

that they all leave their test sheets blank.

Oh, that's smart!

That way, they'll definitely get paired with the top scorers.

Right. In the same vein,

everyone in the second-lowest block

will only try to get one question right.

[HIRATA] I see.

That'll reduce the chance of making a weak pair!

Are you still keeping up, Sudo?

Not even a little bit, man.

Just smiling and nodding over here.

Come on!

It's pretty simple if you think about it!

[KEN] Shaddap! Nobody asked you!

[STUDENTS laugh]

That's it for my proposal.

Besides, we still need to make a decision

on which class we should have answer our questions.

If we're talking academics.

It might be best to avoid Classes A and B.

Which only leaves us one choice.

Yes, Class C will be our best bet.

[phone rings]

[gasps]

[AYANOKOJI] I told you to only contact me in case of emergency.

[KARUIZAWA] Come on, what's the harm in talking?

Anyway, I just wanna know what you said to Sato earlier!

[AYANOKOJI] Really, this again?

I don't see why it would matter at all to you what I told her.

Huh! What are you even going on about?

You were blackmailing me

and then made me do a bunch of weird stuff!

Also, if Sato finds out about it,

then it's only a matter of time before it gets around!

[AYANOKOJI] I see.

I think I know what you're getting at.

[laughs]

[AYANOKOJI] You're worried that, if I get close with her,

I might get distracted and forget

about my promise to protect you, right?

[KARUIZAWA] You think I care about that?

Am I wrong?

[KARUIZAWA] Not exactly, but there's more to it!

I promise you, that won't happen.

[KARUIZAWA] So, are you going out or what?

[AYANOKOJI] Huh. I didn't say we were.

[KARUIZAWA] Yeah, but you didn't have to!

Honestly, all you boys are exactly the same!

You've shown your true colors.

Anything to get in a girl's pants, huh?

[AYANOKOJI] Where's this coming from?

That's a tremendous leap in logic.

Is it?

That was the first thing you did when you blackmailed me!

[AYANOKOJI] I see.

If I'm the kind of person you're accusing me of being,

what does that mean for Horikita?

Yeah right, you wish! Horikita would never!

[AYANOKOJI] By the way, Sato didn't actually ask me out.

Uh--

She just asked if we could exchange phone numbers.

There wasn't anything more to it than that.

[KARUIZAWA] Oh. Was that really it?

Do you see now why I told you it didn't matter?

[KARUIZAWA] You say that, but I bet you secretly hope

you'll get paired up with her during the special exam!

[AYANOKOJI] Absolutely not.

Well, I guess I'll let you off the hook just this one time!

[AYANOKOJI] Wow, how gracious of you.

Whatever. Anyway, that's all I wanted.

'Kay, bye!

[AYANOKOJI] Hold on a sec, I wanna ask you something.

What's up?

[AYANOKOJI] Those girls.

They haven't bothered you since then, right?

Not yet. They just ignore me.

[AYANOKOJI] If they do, make sure you come to me right away.

No matter what happens, I swear I'll protect you.

You'd better!

I just mean, those were the terms

of our agreement after all!

[AYANOKOJI] One more thing, make sure you that you delete--

...all my call history. I already know!

[AYANOKOJI] Perfect, thanks. See ya.

[KARUIZAWA] Ugh.

[AYANOKOJI] The next day, Horikita explained the details

of her plan to everyone else in the class.

They seemed pretty convinced by her presentation,

and they all agreed to go along with it.

In the s, a Swiss zoologist named Adolf Portmann

proposed the theory that all humans were born premature.

Naturally, a newborn can't walk on its own.

It has to learn by trying and failing.

Horikita is the same way.

But that same underdeveloped nature

doubles as the capacity for infinite potential.

[AYANOKOJI] This was the first time that Class D

was completely unified.

[AYANOKOJI] It seems leaving it to her was the right choice.

[CHABASHIRA] The tests have been graded.

I will now announce the pairs for the Paper Shuffle.

Go, Ken!

[AYANOKOJI] Oh, brother.