02x01 - Remember to Keep a Clear Head in Difficult Times.

[bunniefuu]

I have news.

The special exam results.

After spending an entire week on a deserted island,

--the winners were... --[MANABU] Class D.

[AKANE] Yes.

[MANABU] How will you overcome this next challenge,

Ayanokoji?

That man who called me.

Who, I am sure you've figured out by now, is your father,

said "Someday, Kiyotaka will choose to leave the school

of his own accord."

[AYANOKOJI] "Everything humans do

is in service towards some goal." Indeed.

[STUDENTS chattering]

[STUDENTS chattering, laughing]

[GIRL A laughing]

[GIRLS laughing]

Now this is what I call a summer break!

Heck yeah!

[YAMAUCHI laughs]

[yelps]

Watch where you're splashin'!

Damn it, knock it off!

[KIKYO] Hey, Horikita! What are you up to?

[SUZUNE] I thought it'd be obvious.

Is the book good?

It's not a romance novel, is it?

Of course not.

Must be nice.

[HIRATA] Ayanokoji! You busy?

I was wondering.

A couple of us are gonna get lunch, if you wanted to join us.

I'm good, thanks.

All right, what if it was just you and me?

I'll pass.

I get the feeling Karuizawa wouldn't be too happy with that.

[KARUIZAWA] Hirata! There you are!

Ready to go?

Karuizawa.

Hey, so, mind if Ayanokoji comes along?

Huh? Do we have to?

He's always so gloomy. He'll just bring the whole mood down!

[ANNOUNCER A] Attention, students.

We have an important announcement.

The second special examination will begin shortly.

All first-year students on board will receive an email

from the school administration. Please ensure that you read it

carefully and follow the instructions.

[SUZUNE] "Regarding the special exam:

Make sure you arrive at your assigned room

at the time indicated below."

[AYANOKOJI] "Students who are more than ten minutes late

may be subject to penalties."

Looks like I have no choice.

"Come to room by PM today."

[doorbell rings]

[MASHIMA] The door's unlocked.

[AYANOKOJI] Yukimura and Sotomura?

I was wondering who else was gonna show up!

After Ayanokoji, there's one spot left!

Something doesn't feel right.

--Yeah. --[MASHIMA clears throat]

We're waiting on the last person to get here.

Please refrain from talking.

[KARUIZAWA] Sorry, I'm late!

[KARUIZAWA] Ew, seriously?

Don't tell me I'm stuck in a group with you guys.

Enough chatter. Hurry up and take your seat!

[KARUIZAWA] Whatever.

[AYANOKOJI] What's got her so upset?

[MASHIMA] Now that everyone's here,

I'll explain the rules of this special exam.

All first-year students will be split

into eight different groups,

each named after a planet in the solar system.

You all will be part of "Mars."

Look here. Every group will include students

from each of the classes.

[AYANOKOJI] There're people in each group.

[KARUIZAWA] We have to work with Class C?

Plus, three from Class A and Class B!

But aren't we supposed to be competing with them?

[AYANOKOJI] For this test, we're no longer students of Class D,

and instead, we'll be acting as members of the "Mars" group.

Our test results will go towards the group's overall score.

The exam will last four days,

with day three set aside for everyone to rest.

At AM, the school will send out an email to one member

of each group, who will then be "the VIP"

Two times a day, the group will meet up

and have a discussion and try to find out the VIP's identity.

Thirty minutes after the sixth discussion ends,

everyone will mail their answer to the school.

Each person can only submit one guess.

For obvious reasons,

the VIP isn't allowed to send in an answer.

Let's see. It says here...

There are four scenarios.

"In case one, if everyone in the group, aside from the VIP

and their classmates, correctly guesses the VIP's identity.

Then all members of the group will be awarded

, private points.

And The VIP will receive an extra , points."

Whoa! That's crazy!

So, the VIP gets ,, points?

"In case two,

one or more people, aside from the VIP and their classmates,

fails to submit an answer in time, or guesses incorrectly.

If this happens, then only the VIP will be awarded

, private points."

[AYANOKOJI] So that's how it is.

Case two represents the scenario

where the VIP keeps their identity hidden.

And if they succeed, they'll be the only person in the group

to get points.

[MASHIMA] Just so you know, you don't have to wait

until the end.

You can attempt to expose the VIP at any time.

Of course, that scenario is covered by cases three and four.

Everything he said is true, according to this.

"Answers will be accepted at any time during the testing period.

Regardless if answers are submitted early

or at the end of the last day.

Any incorrect answers will result in a penalty.

In case three, someone, other than the VIP,

emails the school before the end of the last day,

and correctly guesses the VIP's identity.

In that case, that person's class will have

class points added to their total.

Also, that student will be awarded , private points,

and the testing for that group will immediately end.

However, correct answers from students in the VIP's

own class will be declared invalid

and the exam will continue.

And case four:

someone, other than the VIP, emails the school

before the end of the last day, but incorrectly guesses

the identity of the VIP.

If that happens, then that person's class will have

class points deducted from their total.

Additionally, the VIP will be awarded , private points.

Furthermore, their class will have class points

added to their total."

[AYANOKOJI] And the moment the incorrect answer is received,

the testing for that group will conclude.

Oh. It says here if the wrong answer comes

from someone in the VIP's class,

their answer is invalid and won't be accepted.

[YUKIMURA] I see, this won't be easy.

Honestly, I still don't really understand what's going on.

I'm in the same boat. This test is surprisingly complicated.

I'll explain it to you both later.

Don't bother the teacher over it.

Last thing. The school is committed

to protecting our students' anonymity.

After the special exam is over,

We'll take steps to make sure that only your group's

final result and class-wide point changes are announced.

What about the VIP's identity?

[MASHIMA] That will remain secret

along with everyone's answers.

--[GIRL A] This is so weird! --[GIRL B] Right?

[AYANOKOJI] It seems there are four ways this can play out.

What a pain.

The VIP is identified.

Then the whole group answers correctly and wins.

If, on the last day of the test,

at least one person guesses wrong,

only the VIP is victorious.

Someone betrays the group and wins points

for their class instead.

[AYANOKOJI] And the final possibility:

someone betrays the group,

but their guess turns out to be wrong.

They're evaluating our "thinking."

Which students will be able

to accurately analyze the situation,

and if they can effectively manage their group's actions.

In short, they're testing our problem-solving ability.

This special exam is all about anticipating

how others will act and manipulating their actions

to your benefit.

How annoying.

It's almost time.

Yeah.

I got the same message.

That's a shame. Neither of us were selected as VIPs.

Agreed. This limits our options.

What do you think of this whole thing?

The special test, I mean.

It depends on how the VIP approaches it.

That said, I've come up with a few ideas for how we can win.

Of course you have.

Seems I can leave the Mars group to you.

Sure.

I am curious to see how you handle things with your group.

Do you need my help?

No thanks. I'm fine.

Anyway, I wanted to ask you.

Is there anyone you're wary of in the other classes--?

[RYUEN] Oh, what a coincidence!

You don't mind if I join you, right?

Suzune, you're not the VIP, are you?

I wouldn't tell you even if I was.

Really. Who would freely give away that kind of information?

[RYUEN] I would, if you just asked.

But I couldn't care less about that.

What I want to know is how you managed

to pull off that stunt on the island.

Based on Ibuki's daily reports,

you did absolutely nothing, from beginning to end.

It's laughable how much you trusted those.

I mean, she struggled to b*at me even when I was sick.

So.

Then how about a rematch, right here and now?

If I'm being honest,

the way you guys won wasn't all that special,

once you understand it.

That said, few people could've come up with that plan

and actually pulled it off under those conditions.

It's certainly not something a strait-laced little girl

like you could've cooked up.

Suzune.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but it was my idea.

You see, the truth is,

Anyanokoji, over there is the closest thing I have

to a friend. Though he's so useless,

I wouldn't rely on him for anything.

The kind of bottom feeder I'd expect from Class D.

[camera shutter clicks]

Delete that picture!

This'll be a fun game.

I can't wait to find out who's pulling your strings.

They can't hide in the shadows forever--I'll drag 'em out.

Why are you so obsessed with the students from Class D?

You're just a bunch of new toys.

I know what the other classes can do.

They aren't a thr*at to me.

[AYANOKOJI] You've suddenly become the woman of the hour

Oh, spare me. All this is your fault.

[AYANOKOJI] I see. The more they pressure her,

the more she wants to fight back.

Seems there's nothing for me to worry about, then.

What now?

It's nothing.

[sighs] What did I do to get lumped into a group

with these losers?

Uh--

[ICHINOSE] All right, let's get started!

Let's go around and introduce ourselves!

After all, the instructions specifically mentioned it!

I don't see the point in wasting our time with introductions.

We're not here to make friends with each other.

Well, yeah, I guess I can't force you to participate.

Although, it's entirely possible

that the school put a bug in this room!

That's a good point.

And you know how the school is about their rules.

If you don't play along, you could get punished.

[MACHIDA sighs] Let's get this over with.

Thanks so much!

[AYANOKOJI] Ichinose's seized the initiative.

Interesting.

[ICHINOSE] I'd like to nominate myself as the group's moderator!

If anyone has any objections to that, please let me know!

I won't mind!

[AYANOKOJI] So that's how she's playing it.

If anyone here objected,

they'd basically be volunteering themselves.

The moderator gets to lead the discussion.

But they risk revealing too much.

It's safer to let her lead.

Well, since I don't see any objections,

I guess I'll accept the position!

To start with, let's all get on the same page.

Are we all clear on the rules of the exam?

Does anyone have any questions?

Great! Then, I have a proposal!

If it's possible, I'd like for all of us to work together!

In other words,

I say we should try to aim for case one!

That way we can all win points!

What do you guys think?

Obviously yes, it's a no-brainer!

Naturally, we're in agreement.

I'm on board.

This is a good chance to earn more points.

And it'll be easier to cooperate.

Right you are!

We'll overcome this challenge, post haste!

Jeez, could you get any weirder?

[MACHIDA] Sorry. Unfortunately, Class A has decided

not to participate in any discussions.

Wait. They're saying no?

But why?

Would you mind explaining why you won't join in?

Don't worry, it's nothing personal.

I promise you.

It's just that the safest and most certain way to win

is for Class A to abstain from any discussions

during the special exam.

[AYANOKOJI] Katsuragi's idea, I'm sure.

But with that strategy, you're basically making sure

only the VIP walks away with points.

Tell me, what is the worst possible result from this test?

[gasps] Uh, let's see.

I guess, if someone figured out the VIP's identity

and then betrayed the group?

Close, but not quite.

The worst-case scenario in this test is if someone

tries to betray the group and guess early

but submits an incorrect answer and loses class points.

In order to avoid that, you're withholding information

to ensure that case two occurs.

That conservative strategy might seem like it's the safest route.

But ignoring the VIPs

could create a point disparity between the classes!

We can't be sure how they decided

who the VIPs were going to be.

And what if, through a stroke of luck,

most of the VIPs were from one class?

[AYANOKOJI] Hamaguchi's got a good point.

Without knowing the class distribution of the VIPs.

Class A's strategy would be too dependent on luck.

But he's forgotten something very important.

The school's policy.

"Fairness for all classes."

As you know, our school goes to extreme lengths

to adhere to that doctrine, even in these tests.

Because of that, I'm confident that there is

an even distribution of VIPs all across the classes.

I see, makes sense.

[ICHINOSE] I have to admit, you're making some

very compelling arguments.

Although, executing your strategy won't be easy.

You're betting that no one from Class A gets greedy

or lets any info slip out.

Not gonna happen! We completely trust each other.

Sounds to me like it'll be less of a hassle.

Well, what do you think, Yukimura?

Perhaps it would be better to go along with them.

Doing nothing would be easier.

However, I can't help but feel this strategy

gives Class A an advantage over other classes.

Sorry, I'm not following what you're saying.

By forcing a case two result, you're making students

from other classes lose a chance to catch up!

Well, that's, uh...

The major downside with your strategy

is that no one can earn class points

to raise their class ranking.

If you wanna talk about class points,

your plan doesn't help the lower classes either!

You're wrong! It does help!

You see, the Mars group has four members from Classes C and D!

But only three from Classes A and B!

In other words, if we can get the case one result,

Classes D and C, on the whole, will each be awarded an extra

, private points!

That may be true. But hold on. Going with your idea

would also be disadvantageous for your class!

A small price to pay.

This works out better for us than letting you

do whatever you want.

After all, if the VIP was from your class,

then only you would win!

I'm inclined to agree.

[AYANOKOJI] That was well done.

Class B must've guessed what Class A was aiming for.

Doesn't matter.

Class A's strategy remains unchanged.

We won't participate in the discussion.

Oh, my. What are we gonna do with them?

[AYANOKOJI] Both Machida and Ichinose have good points.

It's hard to argue with them.

And I'm sure each class has their own schemes.

[MANABE] Yo, Karuizawa, got a second?

Hey! Don't ignore me, I'm talking to you!

Whadaya want?

Did you get into a fight with Rika?

Before summer break.

Huh? Rika who?

What are you talking about?

She's a girl in our class who wears glasses

and puts her hair in buns.

Now do you remember her?

Out with it!

Can't say that I do. You've got the wrong girl.

Nice try, but Rika told us what happened!

She said that a girl with a ponytail

from Class D bullied her!

She was just minding her own business, then somebody

cut in front of her and shoved her aside!

[KARUIZAWA] Too bad for her, but that wasn't me.

Don't give us that crap!

You should own up to what you did and apologize to her!

Let's just get a picture of her and check with Rika.

Don't you dare take my picture!

What's wrong with you?

Are you crazy? You could've broken her phone!

Well, you can always just get a new one from the school.

And what about my pictures and personal stuff, huh?

Who cares? What do you want?

If you're really innocent, then why are you being so pissy?

Let us take a pic!

[KARUIZAWA] I told you, no!

[MANABE] What's your problem?

[YAMASHITA] Would you look at that?

She's all shy, now!

[MANABE] You're kidding me.

[YABU] Stop freaking out. It's just a picture!

Leave me alone!

[MACHIDA] Hey. You girls are causing a scene!

[KARUIZAWA] Machida!

Stop picking on her. She's nearly in tears.

This is none of your business, so buzz off, Machida!

Do I need to call a teacher?

Fine, whatever. Come on, let's go.

[YAMASHITA] Oh, right!

Hey. Do you think that she was telling the truth?

If we had a picture, we could show Rika.

[KARUIZAWA] Thanks for saving me, Machida.

If we want to avoid playing into Class A's hands,

we need to have open group discussions.

[KARUIZAWA] But even then, it's not like the VIP

is gonna reveal themselves.

It's no use. This test is too hard.

I'd say that depends on our approach.

This is kind of like the last test, while it may seem

difficult at first, I just know we'll find a way to overcome it!

Worry not, Karuizawa, for I--

I just love being on this cruise!

Isn't it so fun?

Even if we have to sit through these meetings,

we can still chat!

And we can use our phones as much as we want!

I guess it's not so bad.

Exactly! We can talk about anything!

It must be boring sitting in silence the entire time!

There's nothing stopping you all

from spending the whole hour talking.

Just don't expect us to chime in.

After all, who knows what you guys from Class B are plotting.

You sure?

Maybe your classmates wanna join in?

Obviously not.

[whimpering]