Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju:Volume7.5 Me and Doubt and a Man's Pride

2012-05-09T04:51:09Z

ShimadaMinami: /* Me and Doubt and a Man's Pride */

==Me and Doubt and a Man's Pride==

[[Image:BTS vol 07.5 020.jpg|thumb|Me and Doubt and a Man's Pride]]

“Akihisa-kun, if I win the next round, can you please put on this girl's outfit?”

“Ahaha, you really like to joke around, Himeji-san.”

“Akihisa-kun, if I win the next round, can you please put on this girl's outfit?”

“Ahaha, your joke's quite good, Himeji-san.”

“Akihisa-kun, if I win the next round, can you please put on this girl's outfit?”

“Aha...ha, really, Himeji-san, you really like to joke around. Is that it? That should be a joke, right?”

“Akihisa-kun, if I win the next round, can you please put on this girl's outfit?”

“HIMEJI-SAN! I BEG OF YOU, HURRY UP AND TELL ME THAT WAS A JOKE!”

“...Yuuji, I'll make you take off your pants when you lose next time.”

“Shouko! Don't think you can beat me every time...you're the one stripping next!”

As we hold our cards in one hand, the atmosphere around us felt abnormally tense.

“Oi, Yuuji...how did it end up like this?”

“How would I know...”

Right now, Yuuji and I could only look up and sigh.

<center>☆</center>

--Everything started from something trivial.

“Everyone, since we're free, want to play doubt?”

As the teachers had to organize a staff meeting, lessons ended earlier today, so I took out my poker cards and asked Yuuji, Hideyoshi and Muttsurini.

“Doubt? Are you talking about poker?”

“Yeah.”

I nodded at Yuuji. It's not as well-know as old maid or sevens, but 'doubt' can be said to be a rather well-known poker card game, so quite a few people should know it.

“What's the matter, Akihisa? Did you have a lot of money recently?”

“Sort of. There hadn't been any new games released that I had to buy recently.”

The reason why Yuji asked me whether I was well-off was simple, and to be honest, this wasn't something worth showing off, but we do bet when we play poker games. A loser who lost once had to treat everyone juice, 3 times would be Gyudon, and a hamburger set after 5 losses. The level of treat would continue to increase with the number of games. I was thoroughly beaten the last time, so I had to treat them hamburger sets. This time, I have to win.

“...I don't mind.”

“The drama club had no practice today. I can play with you guys.”

“Count me in too. How can I let you go off with free money without squeezing you dry?”

Seems like they never thought that they would lose anyway as they accepted my proposal without thinking. They must be waiting to see me lose terribly like the last time right? Damn it, I'll make your smiles become crying faces of despair!

“Then it's decided. Rules are as per normal, right?”

After everyone nodded their heads in agreement, I started to shuffle and distribute the cards.

Now, let me explain the rules of doubt first.

1.When the first person (to us, the one who got Ace of spades) shout 'A', he has to put the card face down (it doesn't matter whether it's Ace or not).

2.Then, we continue to call '2', '3', '4' to 'Jack' Queen' 'King' as we throw out cards (for example, if the order is me→Yuuji→Muttsurnini→Hideyoshi, I'll call 'Ace', Yuuji will call '2', Muttsurini will call '3', and Hideyoshi will be '4'. Everyone will throw the number of the card they have, and after 'King' is called, we'll start from 'Ace' again).

3.The number that was called need not be the same as the card that was thrown to the center, but if someone called 'doubt' and the card did not match the number, the one doubting had to keep all the cards back.

4.On the other hand, if someone called doubt and the card was the same as the number given, the one who called 'doubt' would have to take back all the cards.

5.Amongst the participants, if one player has only 2 cards left, the game would be over. At this point, everyone would see how many cards the remaining players have to decide the loser.

That's basically the gist of it.

Normally, the rules of doubt state that we have to play until someone doesn’t have any cards left, but we’ll end up playing on non-stop, so we came up with special rules. Once someone has 3 cards left, the person will win if one of the remaining cards is one that he needs to call. Even if he lies, he’s the winner of this game of doubt if he’s not caught.

“Oh, I’ll start first then, ‘Ace’!”

Yuuji threw a card face down at the middle. That must be the Ace of spades, right?

“I’ll throw ‘2’ then.”

Then, Hideyoshi threw his card out. There are only 4 cards with the same number. If I have four ‘2’s in my hand, I can tell that Hideyoshi’s lying…but my hand has a ‘2’, so it’s not enough proof to call doubt.

“…‘3’.”

Muttsurini threw his card down, and it’s finally my turn. I need to call ‘4’, uu…too bad I don’t have a ‘4’ in my hand. Oh well, I guess it should be alright. They can’t possibly call doubt on me so early now, so I just need to slip a card through. Since I have three ‘10’s in my hand, I’ll just use one.

“‘4’.”

“““DOUBT!!!”””

I took back the 4 cards immediately.

“Uu…humph! That’s part of the plan, no problems at all.”

“Really, your expression can’t fool anyone.”

“Yeah, Akihisa’s ‘it’s okay to bluff since it’s just the beginning’ attitude was really obvious.”

“…You’re really not suited to playing poker.”

Damn it, you guys just had to say it.

It’s alright though. The game’s just beginning, and I only took 4 cards. There’s still time for a turnaround.

“No problems. I’m different from you guys. I won’t show my cards foolishly like that right at the beginning. You’ll suffer in the end anyway.”

I gathered the 4 cards and added them to my hand.

The cards I got were,

‘6’, ‘9’, ‘Jack’.

“…You guys…none of you…! Nobody was honest at all!”

At least there was no need to bluff for the first ‘Ace’.

“Stop yapping, Akihisa. Hurry up and put your card down.”

“Humph, I know that without you telling me, liar Yuuji.”

As I interrupted the game when I called ‘4’, I have to start now. In this situation, the person starting the game can call whatever number he likes. If that’s the case…since I have two ‘5’s, let’s start from 5 then.

“My turn, ‘5’.”

“‘6’.”

“‘7’ then.”

“…‘8’.”

The game continued smoothly. Nobody called doubt on me when I called ‘9’ and threw ‘Jack’.

As the game progressed, the cards started to accumulate, and the pressure that came was even greater.

Also, as of now,

‘’’Me: 13 cards, Yuuji: 9 cards, Hideyoshi: 9 cards, Muttsurini: 10 cards, center: 11 cards.’’’

At this point, if someone’s lie was seen through, he has to take 11 cards, and if someone failed in calling doubt, he will take 11 cards too. This made us unable to take action simply.

“…‘3’.”

After I called ‘King’, Yuuji called ‘Ace’, Hideyoshi called ‘2’, and Muttsurini silently threw ‘3’. Now, it’s my turn to call ‘4’…this is bad. I didn’t expect this round to last this long. Now I have to call ‘4’ when I don’t even have one—nn?

“? What’s wrong, Akihisa?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

Looking closely at my hands, I do have a ‘4’ after all. Maybe it’s because I didn’t see it since there were too many cards stuck between. How lucky.

“Here, ‘4’.”

“…Muu…”

Hideyoshi flinched, and the mouth that was slightly opened shut itself again. It seems that he didn’t intend on calling doubt. Even though he may be thinking that I was lying, my movements weren’t unnatural at all, so he wouldn’t dare to take action so quickly. Hideyoshi can really observe the changes in other people’s expressions.

“Akihisa, doubt.”

At this moment, Yuuji, who was beside me, called doubt. Under different situations, this guy’s relies more on logic than instincts. Maybe he felt that I didn’t have a ‘4’ in my hand because I was caught just now. Fufu, you big idiot!

“PRESENT FOR YOU!”

“WA! NO WAY!”

Yuuji reached out and opened the top most card that was face down. There’s nothing to say, that was a real ‘4’ of diamonds. Now Yuuji has to take more than 10 cards now.

“Damn it, this guy’s an idiot and yet he could still come up with tricks like that. Looks like you were setting bait at the first round, right?”

Yuuji murmured and kept the cards in the center.

Now, the number of cards in our hands changed.

‘’’Me: 12 cards, Yuuji: 22 cards, Hideyoshi: 9 cards, Muttsurini, 9 cards. Center: none.’’’

Right now, the situation is like this.

Let’s talk about something rather useless. After the game ended, Yuuji told me that he already had three ‘4’s in his hand, so once I bluffed in the beginning, he deduced that I didn’t have any ‘4’ in my hand. As for the others, even if they had a ‘4’ in their hands, he couldn’t take too much risk, so he would call doubt when I threw the card.

“Nice going, Akihisa. You nearly fooled me too.”

“…You’ve grown.”

Right now, how can I say that I didn’t notice the ‘4’ in my hand in the first place.

“Either way, I don’t want to be the loser. I’m broke this month. ‘10’!”

“I’m on a tight budget too. I definitely can’t lose to you guys. ‘Jack’.”

“…‘Queen’.”

Muttsurini stealthily threw his card out.

“Muttsurini, doubt.”

“…Damn it.”

On hearing Yuuji call doubt, Muttsurini could only keep the cards in the center back into his hand. Yuuji had so many cards, so he should have 4 ‘Queens’, right? I have to take note of that.”

After that, the game started as Muttsurini called ‘Ace’.

The game then continued.

Hideyoshi’s cards started to reduce one by one, and now, he had only 4 cards left. I’m next with 6 cards, and Yuuji and Muttsurini have so many cards that they didn’t look like there’s any difference.

“I call ‘3’.”

As Hideyoshi threw this card, there are 9 cards in the center. If these cards end up with Hideyoshi, I’ll definitely be the winner, but if I’m not careful, these cards may end up in my hand, and I’ll have to fight for last place with Yuuji and Muttsurini. In that case, Hideyoshi will have only 3 cards in his hand, and he would definitely consider hard before throwing the next card. Thus, now’s the time to decide the winner. What do I do now?

““…””

Yuuji and Muttsurini were hesitating if they should be calling doubt. If they let Hideyoshi go now, they’ll definitely lose, but once they fail, they’ll be in last place.

“Muttsurini, it’s your turn to call ‘4’.”

“…‘4’.”

As Hideyoshi prompted him, Muttsurini, who was still hesitation, hurriedly threw his card. Uu, that move was too strong! Anyone would throw the card out when they’re prompted at this moment.

“…Muu!”

Beside me, Yuuji gave a ‘we’ve been had’ look. In such a situation, the winner would be decided.

“I’m ‘5’ then.”

I threw a ‘5’ of hearts. Even if Hideyoshi wins this round, I’ll take second place, and at least I don’t have to treat them.

“I’m ‘6’.’

Yuuji called his own number and threw the card in his hand. Looking at things now, Muttsurini, who was in last place, didn’t move at all. Maybe he’s wondering whether Hideyoshi had a ‘7’ in his hand. Hideyoshi wouldn’t act rashly, and would likely choose to maintain the current ranking.

However, just when Hideyoshi was about to threw the final card,

“Eh? Akihisa-kun and everyone’s still in class?”

Himeji-san suddenly walked into the classroom, and she seemed to be holding something. I don’t know what she just went to do.

“Himeji-san, you didn’t go back with Minami?”

“No. Sensei asked me to help, so I was delayed till so late.”

Himeji-san smiled as she explained. It’s troublesome to help a teacher, but she didn’t look troubled at all. Himeji-san’s really a kind and understanding girl.

“And sensei even gave me chocolates as reward. Everyone, want some?”

Himeji-san opened the box in front of us. Since she most likely agreed to help, sensei was so nice to her. When Yuuji and I (were forced to) help, we never got any reward.

“Thanks. Then please wait until we play this game, okay?”

“Okay…oh yeah, what are you playing?”

“Ahh, we’re playing doubt, with bets on,”

Before we could even finish, I sense some movements on the corridor. This humid, humid and pressuring feeling…is that Ironman?

The other 3 who noticed the enemy’s presence also gave me a warning look. It’ll be bad if Ironman knew that we were playing poker cards, and that’s what they’re telling me with their eyes.

“A betting…game? What did you bet on?”

“Of, of course it’s not about money. Eh, it’s more about a penalty game, and that’s…”

For a moment, I couldn’t find any good excuse at all as I stuttered while I spoke.

Let me think…no betting, entertaining, and a penalty game that can be controlled until it’s not that cruel…

“We’re playing a penalty game where ‘the loser takes off two pieces of clothing, and the second-last will take off one’.”

“SOMEONE CALL THE AMBULANCE! MUTTSURINI’S DROWNING IN A POOL OF BLOOD!!”

Hideyoshi’s dangerous words immediately caused Muttsurini to fall to the edge of death.

“Take, taking off clothes…that won’t do! This penalty game’s too unhealthy!”

Though there’s no betting of money, taking off clothes didn’t seem right too. Ironman didn’t seem like he intended to enter the classroom, but this penalty game’s not too good. Did Hideyoshi misjudge?

“Why are you panicking, Himeji? Even if this penalty method isn’t worth praising, this little penalty isn’t worth being mindful about, right? Either way, I’m a real man after all “““DOUBT, HIDEYOSHI!!!!””” WAIT A MINUTE! WHY ARE YOU DUMPING ALL YOUR CARDS TO ME!?”

Now, Hideyoshi has 15 cards, and the winner can’t be decided now.

“An, anyway, we’re not betting money, and it’s not some unhealthy penalty. It’s just a simple poker card game. There shouldn’t be any problems, right?”

“Bu, but…”

Himeji-san still didn’t seem to agree.

It couldn’t be helped that she would feel this way. Even if everyone here is recorded to be a male, but Himeji-san, who treats everything seriously, obviously can’t possibly accept that we’re playing strip poker.

“But, Akihisa-kun’s interested in nude male bodies…”

“DOUBT!! HIMEJI-SAN, DOUBT!! OI, HIDEYOSHI! WHY ARE YOU THROWING THE CARDS HERE!? WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME CALLING DOUBT!?”

“Give it up, HIdeyoshi. These cards belonged to you once you were called doubt. When Akihisa threw his card, there wasn’t any new cards out at the center, so it’s pointless to call doubt now.”

“WAIT A MINUTE, YUUJI! DID YOU JUST AGREE WITH WHAT HIMEJI-SAN SAID IN A ROUNDABOUT MANNER!?”

These baseless and negative rumors spread out like this. Really, why do they think that I’m interested in guys?

“But, but, I still think that this penalty game’s bad…”

“No, no, no, things aren’t as bad as what you think.”

“That’s right. This level of penalty is rather common to us guys.”

“Everyone’s all guys. It’s alright if we’re not completely naked.”

“EHH!? WHEN DID EVERYONE COME BACK TO CLASS!?”

On hearing that someone was going to strip, unknowingly, everyone from F class gathered inside the classroom silently. Even the firemen who were specially trained would definitely be amazed by our unique gathering ability.

“YOSHII! I’LL LOOK DOWN ON YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE IF YOU DARE TO LOSE!”

“SAKAMOTO, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO WIN THIS EASILY, RIGHT!?”

“MUTTSURINI, IT’S JUST A FEW DROPS OF NOSEBLEED, DON’T LOSE! YOUR ABILITY SHOULDN’T BE JUST LIKE THIS, RIGHT!?”

Everyone was hoping for Hideyoshi to lose. To prevent the game from ending because of an accident, some students even formed a life-saving team and transfused blood into Muttsurini. How trained are they?

“NO NO! I SAID NO, NO MEANS NO! AKIHISA-KUN, STOP PLAYING AND HAVE SOME CHOCOLATE!”

To prevent our card game from continuing, Himeji-san deliberately changed the topic, opened the chocolate, and popped a piece into her mouth.

“Akihisa-kun, this chocolate’s really nice. You should try some…he….”

At this moment, Himeji-san suddenly went silent. What’s wrong? Was that box of chocolate bad?

<big>“““CONTINUE! CONTINUE! CONTINUE”””</big>

Everyone shouted out in unison, requesting for the game to continue.

Perhaps affected by this presence, Hideyoshi called “ha, ‘8’.” And threw the card out. Hideyoshi was used to lots of pressure on the performing stage, so for him to be this panicky, anyone can tell that the boys of F class are so perverted and horrifying.

“…‘9’.”

“I’m ‘10’ then.”

“’Jack’.”

“Then, I’m ‘Queen’.”

“Hideyoshi, doubt.”

At this moment, Yuuji caught Hideyoshi cheating. Right now, Yuuji had four ‘Queen’s in his hands, and it’s Yuuji’s hands, and it’s extremely important to be careful now. Unexpectedly though, Hideyoshi started from ‘8’. It seemed that this tremendous pressure rattled him.

Right now, the number of cards we have is as followed: me, 4 cards, Yuuji, 14 cards, Hideyoshi, 18 cards, and Muttsurini, 16 cards. I have the least cards, and Hideyoshi’s in last.

“KINOSHITA’S LAST! IS HE GOING TO TAKE OFF TWO CLOTHINGS!? HE’S GOING TO GO HALF-NAKED!?”

“DON’T LOSE, YOSHII! CHARGE TO THE FINISH LINE!”

“GO YOSHII! GO YOSHII!”

Once I throw in two more cards, I’ll definitely win this game, and Hideyoshi will end up having to take off two pieces of clothing. It’s to be expected that the atmosphere was this intense.”

“Mu, mu…”

Hideyoshi couldn’t help but moan. Looking at things now, he will lose, and because he knew that, he gave such a painful look.

“Can’t be helped then…since we’re all guys, even if you want me to take off two pieces of clothing…”

Hideyoshi murmured as he prepared his cards. At this moment—

“…(Thud).”

Hideyoshi collapsed onto the floor lifelessly. What happened?

“Ara ara, Kinoshita-san must be tired now.”

Himeji-san stood at where Hideyoshi was standing, holding a small handkerchief.

[[Image:BTS vol 07.5 038.jpg|thumb]]

‘Tired’? She basically knocked Hideyoshi unconscious in a very suspicious manner…

“Really, since Kinoshita-san fell asleep, I’ll play the remaining game.”

Himeji-san gently picked up the unconscious Hideyoshi and even took a seat for him to lie down. That action’s really gentle…

“Oi, oi, Himeji, did your handkerchief have some drug on it?”

“No, Kinoshita-san was too tired.”

“Bu, but Hideyoshi was okay just now.”

“No, Kinoshita-san was too tired.”

As Himeji-san answered us just now, I seem to see a dead sea in her eyes.

Yuuji and I felt some uncomfortable sweat on our backs. Muttsurini twitched his nose and muttered,

“This sweet smell…trichloro—”

Swoosh—DONK.

“Ara ara, Tsuchiya-kun must be tired now.”

““MUTTSURINI!!!””

As she spoke halfway, Himeji-san’s handkerchief fluttered in mid-air, and that short moment destroyed Muttsurini’s consciousness. That handkerchief’s really dangerous!

“Really, let alone Tsuchiya-kun, Kinoshita-kun’s definitely tired. Wanting to strip in front of Akihisa-kun? That’s not something a normal person would do.”

“No…I think Himeji-san now is even weirder.”

If it were the normal Himeji-san, she’ll definitely not do that, right? I can’t tell what happened that caused her to do suchy a thing.

Suddenly, I glanced at the packaging of the chocolate box. The box had the large words ‘Bonn Whiskey’.

Oh, Bonn Whiskey…I seem to have heard of that before—wait, Bonn Whiskey!? Isn’t that something that has whiskey inside, right? That means Himeji-san’s drunk, right?”

“Akihisa-kun, what’s wrong?”

As she asked, Himeji-san grabbed another whiskey chocolate and put it into her mouth. Her face was completely red. I’m definitely right. The reason why Himeji-san couldn’t control herself must be because of that box of chocolate (with whiskey inside).

Since things ended up like this, it’ll be really bad on many different levels if the game continued. Should I ask that we end this game now?

“Eh, nothing. Speaking of which, since Muttsurini’s asleep now, there’s only 3 people left. This game can’t continue, so I think we might as well end this game—”

“End? Akihisa-kun, what are you saying? Aren’t there 4 people?”

“Eh?”

“…I’ll do my best.”

“Shouko! When did you…”

Muttsurini’s seat was taken by Kirishima-san out of a sudden. What’s going on!?

“…It’s a wife’s duty to forcefully strip a husband off his clothes.”

“Ahh damn it! I don’t know how to even comment about that.”

The participants changed, and unknowingly, this game of doubt ended up with me, Yuuji, Himeji-san and Kirishima-san as the participants.

Glancing at each other because of their sudden appearance, Yuuji and I looked mystified, and Himeji-san and Kirishima-san just sat on their seats and started talking.

“Ah, Shouko-chan, do you want some chocolate?”

“…Thank you.”

““ARRGGHHHH!!””

Before we could even stop them, Himeji-san passed the chocolate to Kirishima-san.

“…It’s nice.”

“It’s great that you like it. Please have as much as you want.”

“…Un.”

The first chocolate disappeared into Kirishima-san’s mouth. As expected of a girl, she didn’t resist the sweets at all. It’s not a bad thing to like sweets, but…

“Eh, Kirishima, are you alright?”

I timidly asked.

The problem’s with the alcohol in the chocolate. Though the chocolate doesn’t have too much alcohol, eating lots of it will increase the drunk feeling. Besides, the whiskey that in the chocolate is a powerful alcohol. Don’t tell me Kirishima-san’s drunk…

“…Alright? What do you mean?”

“No, well, that chocolate, it should have some alcohol inside it, right?”

On hearing my words, Kirishima-san nodded her head slightly and said,

“…It’s alright. The alcohol content of whiskey is only 40%. If this chocolate has 40% alcohol, it will only fill up 0.07% of my blood, so there won’t be any problems.”

“Is, is that so? That’s good.”

As expected of the valedictorian, she really counted it too quickly. She’s definitely not drunk,

“…This isn’t like the smart Yoshii I know, not being able to calculate such an easy thing.”

““SHE’S A LOST CAUSE!!!””

SHE’S DRUNK! KIRISHIMA-SAN’S DRUNK!

(What do we do now, Yuuji? The situation now looks really dangerous!)

(Even if you ask me, I…)

I kept my voice down and whispered to Yuuji.

The rules of this game had now become such that the loser has to strip. Never mind that this was a proposal Hideyoshi just mentioned, for some reason, Himeji-san and Kirishima-san were sitting at the table. This penalty’s really intimidating, and besides, we’re being watched by those guys from F class.

(Can’t be helped. Let’s hurry up and make them lose this game and end it before they strip.)

(Yeah. It’s better to win this and end this.)

When they need to face the (stripping) penalty, they will regain their senses because of shame. Once they regain their senses, it won’t be too difficult to ask them to stop.

Okay. Since it’s decided, let’s go!

“Himeji-san, doubt!”

“Too bad, Akihisa-kun.”

“Shouko, doubt.”

“…Wrong.”

“Himeji-san, you’re definitely lying!”

“I didn’t lie.”

“This must be a doubt, Shouko!”

“…I’m always honest.”

NOT OVER YET!!

“Akihisa-kun, doubt.”

“Uuu….”

“…Yuuji, doubt.”

“HOW DID YOU KNOW!”

““…””
Psst, our clothing were taken off one by one.”

“Akihisa-kun, those are socks. You’re too sneaky.”

“…Yuuji, using a tie to sneak by, are you a man?”

We’re only left with our T-shirts, pants and boxers, and now, we’re finally backed into a corner.

“Yoshii and Sakamoto alone can’t beat Kirishima and Himeji…”

“it’ll just be a waste of time to continue watching this game…”

“How about we head to the playground on our way there?”

Our classmates from F class, who were looking forward to seeing Kirishima-san and Himeji-san strip, muttered and left once they saw their overwhelming abilities. That’s true, even if they stay, they’ll just see Yuuji and me being completely embarrassed. No maniac would be so interested in seeing such a thing.

That’s right! Even if we strip, there’s no benefit at all! It’s better to end this game now!

“Himeji-san, well…shouldn’t we end now?”

“What are you saying, Akihisa-kun? Now’s the main course.”

“Shouko, that’s enough, isn’t it?”

“…I want more.”

No way! They have no intention of stopping at all!

“But Akihisa-kun, it’s alright if you don’t want to strip, you know?”

“Eh?”

“If you really don’t want to strip—”

“I DIDN’T SEE IT! I DIDN’T SEE HIMEJI-SAN TAKE OUT THAT GIRL’S UNIFORM FROM THE BAG! HOW CAN THAT HARDWORKING AND DILIGENT HIMEJI-SAN ASK ME TO DO SUCH A THING! THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE!”

The situation gradually got out of hand. If I knew this was going to happen, I might as well let Ironman find out that we were betting money with cards and let him tell us off.

“Fufu, this is all your fault, Akihisa-kun. You wouldn’t stop no matter how many times I told you not to stop.”

Himeji-san said this as she shuffled the cards.

“Okay, and now, it’s time to continue to the next game.”

Am I thinking too much? For some reason, I find that Himeji-san’s actions are much more alert than usual when she’s drunk.

<center>☆</center>

Himeji-san continued to deal the cards, and the curtains of this poker card game ‘strip doubt’ started again.

Right now, I have only a pair of boxers, pants, and T-shirt on. Let alone shoes, I already got my 2 socks removed. It’s now dangerous mode.

(Akihisa, now that it ended up like this, we have to do whatever it takes.)

Yuuji, who’s stripped as badly as I am, whispered to me. He glanced at my bag.

(Are we going to do it?)

(No other way.)

Yuuji’s right. We have far few clothing now, and the situation’s getting out of hand. Can’t be helped. If it were an ordinary bet, we wouldn’t stoop so low, but now’s not an ordinary bet! We have to do this to protect ourselves even if we don’t want to. Okay, let’s begin!

(Akihisa, let’s begin.)

(Okay Yuuji.)

To match the movements, both of us glanced at each other…now!

“Oh my…”

Yuuji’s cards accidentally dropped onto the table, and Himeji-san and Kirishima-san’s cards landed onto the table as well. Good! They’re distracted!

I quickly reached out for another deck of identical cards from my bag. To make it easy to take action, I hid the other deck in my pocket—

PAK!

“Akihisa-kun, you’re playing dirty.”

“HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE!!!“””

Just when I was ready to hide my cards into my pocket, Himeji-san suddenly grabbed my hand even when she wasn’t looking at me. How is that possible! How did this happn!

“You two did mess up, right? It’s understandable if Akihisa-kun dropped the cards, but how can Sakamoto-kun possibly make such a simple mistake of dropping the cards onto the table when the game’s going on?”

“…Too naïve.”

As she said this, Kirishima-san showed something she was holding in her hand to us. That’s…a makeup mirror? Did they see through Yuuji and me attempting to cheat, and used the mirror to watch our actions?

“You two just love to play pranks.”

“…Feisty bad kids.”

On catching Yuuji and me cheating, Himeji-san and Kirishima-san didn’t blame us as they smirked. That’s scary! They’re really scary when they look like this!

“Then, I’ll start. ‘Ace’.”

As if nothing happened, Himeji-san continued the game again. It was just a minor trip-up, so it was alright after a little adjustment.”

“…‘2’.”

Kirishima-san said this and threw the ‘2’ that’s face up. I then threw a ‘3’ that’s face down…under such a pressuring atmosphere, this game continued.

“Akihisa-kun, doubt.”

“Yes…”

“…Yuuji, doubt.”

“Why do I feel that we just couldn’t win…”

As the game progressed, we again realized that they’re really smart. After dealing the cards, they seemed to have remembered what cards they had, and when they should throw their cards. Also, they knew who picked up the cards that were thrown, and how many cards there were for which number.

“Shouko, that ‘3’ was a bluff, right?”

“…Un.”

Occasionally, Yuuji and I could have correct calls, like when we have all four cards of the same number in the hand, but that’s what they expected, right? As for why, it’s because when they were called doubt, there wasn’t many cards at the center. They made us call doubt when there wasn’t many causes, and it seemed that they could understand what we were thinking and crushed us easily.

“Then, ‘7’.”

Himeji-san said as she threw the card to the center.

Now she has 5 cards in her hand, and Kirishima-san also has 5 cards in her hand. Yuuji and I have about the same number of cards, and it’s now time to take action. But if we fail to call doubt correctly here, it’ll be a tragedy now. What should we do…

Just when I was hesitating about what to do, a familiar voice rang in my ears.

(She’s lying, Yoshii-kun.)

Does this voice belong to Kubo-san? Did Kubo-san become one of the onlookers here?

(Thank you, Kubo-san! You’re the only one on my side!)

(No, no need to thank me, Yoshii-kun.)

After Kubo-san reminded me, I deliberately covered my mouth to thank Kubo-san without letting the rest now.

Even when those guys from our class murmured and left unhappily, he stayed here to watch the game because he was worried about me. Why is Kubo-san so good to me? Thank you! You’ve given me a chance to revive. I’ll definitely live this life well!

I take a deep breath, and declared loudly as I pointed at the card Himeji-san thrw out,

“THAT ‘7’S A DOUBT!”

“Sorry, this card’s really ‘7’.”

“KUBO-SAANNN!!”

SORRY, YOSHII-KUN!”

Kubo-san hurriedly ran to the corridor, but still hid behind the door and watched our actions in the classroom, even holding onto a camera. WHAT IN THE WORLD IS KUBO-SAN THINKING!

(Akihisa, you bastard! What in the world did you do!?)

(But, that’s the suggestion the ranked 2 Kubo-san gave me. Wouldn’t anyone normally trust him?)

(DON’T TRUST THAT GUY! THAT GUY’S OUR ENEMY WHEN WE SAID THAT THE BET’S STRIPPING CLOTHES!)

Ku…! Either way, Kubo-san’s from A class, so he would naturally side with Kirishima-san instead of me…

Just when Yuuji and I were whispering to each other, Himeji-san suddenly said carelessly,

“Well, I’m feeling really complicated in this situation…”

And she sounded really bothered.

On hearing what Himeji-san said, I couldn’t help but empathize with what she’s feeling now.

As a member of F class, she would definitely feel conflicted since she often fought alongside us. No, the kind and understanding Himeji-san would never want to play such a cruel penalty game. She just want to play the game, but the game has a penalty behind it. She doesn’t want to lose, but she’s hesitating over whether she should penalize her classmates. She’s bounded in her heart—

“From tomorrow onwards, the Akihisa-kun I’m familiar with will become the internet idol ‘Aki-chan’, and then he’ll be further from me…”

“HOLD IT, HIMEJI-SAN! I NEVER AGREED TO WEARING GIRL’S OUTFIT OR TAKE PHOTOS THAT’S TO BE UPLOADED!!”

WHO! WHO GAVE THOSE DAMNED CHOCOLATES TO HIMEJI-SAN! SHE WOULD SAY SUCH SCARY STUFF WHEN DRUNK! THAT’S RIGHT! SHE’S DRUNK, SO THOSE…THOSE WEREN’T HER TRUE WORDS! I MUST THINK OF IT LIKE THAT!”

“Really…Himeji, that’s really troubling. Don’t you say, Shouko?”

“…Un. If it makes the other party ashamed, we should think from the other side’s point of view.”

Kirishima-san’s words seemed to take a huge load off Yuuji’s heart. As Kirishima-san’s not drunk, she could still think that way.

“…So Yuuji.”

“What is it, Shouko?”

“…If you’re feeling ashamed when you take the penalty—it’s alright to close your eyes.”

“SHUT UP, YOU IDIOT!!!”

The topic has already changed to our penalty game. I, no, we haven’t admitted defeat yet! If we work hard to win here, they might not want to take off their clothes and will suggest ending this game! We still have hope!”

“Oh yes, Akihisa-kun.”

“Wha, what is it?”

“Even if I have to take off my last piece of clothing, I don’t intend to end this game halfway through~”

SHE’S COMPLETELY MESSED UP!!!

“Shouko, you—”

“…I’m rather confident of the underwear I’m wearing today.”

“Not good…these girls aren’t hesitating over taking off their clothes at all!”

Why are these two manlier than us guys!? Girls would normally not want to let others see their underwear, right!?

“Unbelievable…normally, I wouldn’t feel anything about having to take off my boxers…”

“Un…but we just don’t feel like taking them off when they’re enthusiastically waiting for us to take off our clothes…”

On the other hand, Yuuji and I, the two guys, are feeling completely apprehensive about having to take off our clothes for some reason. That’s really strange. Everything just feels really weird.

“Hurry up. It’s now Akihisa-kun’s turn.”

As Himeji-san prompted me, I could only prepare to throw the card in my hand. Yuuji got four ‘3’s. In other words, once Himeji-san calls ‘3’, I can make her take those cards.

—If possible, it should be alright…!

(Eh, I don’t even have an ‘Ace’…!)

(Damn it, I don’t have a ‘Jack’ here…!)

After we glanced at each other, I found that Yuuji had three ‘Aces’ in his hand, and I had three ‘Jacks’ in my hand. Here we go again…!

To set Himeji-san up, we have to make her call ‘3’ no matter what, but even so, I have to get an ‘Ace’. But I don’t have ‘Ace’ in my hand, so I’ll definitely be called doubt. And then, Himeji-san or Kirishima-san will realize the fact that I was bluffing. So we can’t make Himeji-san call ‘3’ either way. Also, all the cards will end up in my hand.

Other than that, I really want to know what cards Yuuji has…

“Akihisa-kun, how can you continue to look at Sakamoto-kun? That’s not right.”

Himeji-san’s is smiling as she’s exerting pressure on me, causing me to be unable to deliver my message to Yuuji properly. Seems like she has already seen through our tricks.

“The, then, ‘5’…”

In the end, to make Himeji-san call ‘Jack’, which I have three of, I could only choose to throw ‘5’. Damn it, this isn’t good!

“‘6’!”

“I’m ‘7’ then.”

“…‘8’.”

Himeji-san and Kirishima-san didn’t even have many cards in their hands, but for some reason, I feel that the cards they threw were real. Eh? Hold it, why am I thinking this way? Am I losing to them psychologically?

“Then…‘9’!”

To get rid of this bad feeling, I deliberately increased my volume. Yuuji then called ‘10’, and it’s now Himeji-san’s turn to call ‘Jack’.

“I’m ‘Jack’ then.”

Himeji-san threw the card to the center. Now she has the final three cards left. Though I can’t confirm if Himeji-san’s bluffing, but it’ll be over if we don’t settle it here. Can’t be helped. No matter what, I can only console myself that Kirishima-san has the last ‘Jack’ and doubt Himeji-san—

(Wait, Akihisa!)

Just when I was ready to call out, Yuuji stopped me. What’s going on?

(Watch it, Akihisa. Himeji’s just a bait. I think the one they really wanted to protect is Shouko…!)

After Yuuji reminded me, I suddenly realized. Himeji-san doesn’t have many cards left, but Kirishima-san has only 4 cards left. Even if Himeji-san has to keep all the cards in this round, it would only let her have 10 cards in her hand. On the other hand, Yuuji and I will have a complete defeat, and she will be second in this game. To Himeji-san and Kirishima-san, this would be the best outcome. If I call doubt on Himeji-san, Himeji-san will start the next round, and she will definitely start the next round with a number that’s beneficial to Kirishima-san!

(Ah, that was dangerous! Thanks Yuuji.)

(That’s nothing. We’ve been losing, but who can stand having to lose so many consecutive times…!)

It seem that they don’t mind as long as our eyes aren’t indicating anything about the cards. Himeji-san didn’t say much as she just waited silently for me to declare doubt on her.

“Akihisa-kun, Sakamoto-kun, is this really alright?”

“Ahh, it’s alright.”

Ignoring Himeji-san’s reminder, it’s finally Kirishima-san’s turn to call. The reason Himeji-san asked this is most likely Yuuji’s guess wasn’t too far off.

“Oi, Shouko, your turn to call ‘Queen’.”

Yuuji prompted. Most likely, he wanted to call doubt on Kirishima-san when she throws the card out.

“…”

Kirishima-san held onto the card, but didn’t move.

I see. Himeji-san was acting as bait because Kirishima-san didn’t have any ‘Queens’. That was a close shave. We were nearly fooled by them, and nearly lost the game.

In contrast to Yuuji, who saw through their plans and believed in his own victory, Kirishima-san didn’t move at all as she said.

“…Sakamoto Yuuji is.”

“? What are you going to say?”

Is she going to set a trap? Yuuji naturally braced himself.

“…Sakamoto Yuuji likes girls more than guys, and is a healthy young high schooler.”

“Doutt!?”

Yuuji was instantly speechless.

This, this is way too sly! How can Yuuji call ‘doubt’ when she said this? If we’re not careful, it’ll just end up with some weird negative rumor!

If Yuuji can’t say it, I have to say it for him. Even if I doubt that Yuuji’s a healthy young man, it wouldn’t hurt me anyway.

To call doubt on Kirishima-san, I deliberately took a deep breath.

“Okay, it’s Akihisa-kun’s turn to call ‘King’!”

“Eh? Ah, un.”

Himeji-san smiled kindly as she prompted me, and I just answered blankly.

Eh? I can’t answer at this moment! What stupid thing did this idiot here do! Now I have to throw the next card without calling doubt on Kirishima-san!

“Eh, I, I didn’t mean that just now.”

I hurriedly tried to correct the mistake I made a second back.

“Then I’ll say it, when Akihisa-kun throws the next card, I’ll call ‘King’ is doubt.”

Himeji-san said that without holding back. This, this move’s way too powerful! Now I have to put the card now. That sentence alone forced the situation into my hand. Now it’s too late for me to call doubt on Kirishima-san.

“Uu, ‘King’…”

I wanted to cry as I threw the ‘King’ in my hand. After Himeji-san flipped the card open to check the number, she kept the cards wordlessly

“My turn to start, ‘5’.”

“…‘6’.”

And the most cruel thing was that Kirishima-san got away.

“Shouko, doubt.”

“…Wrong.”

As it was the last card, Yuuji could only call doubt on her, but the card she threw definitely had the number ‘6’ written on it. Now this game is over. Kirishima-san’s first, Himeji-san’s second, I’m third and Yuuji’s last.

“Too bad, Akihisa-kun’s third, so he only needs to take off one piece of clothing.”

“…Yuuji needs to take off two.”

Himeji-san and Kirishima-san looked at Yuuji and me expectantly. This feeling’s way too weird…

“Damn it! We’re guys! We don’t need to feel ashamed!”

“That’s right, Akihisa! It’s just taking off one, two pieces of clothing. Just treat it as if we’re swimming!”

As we said this, we took off our clothes. I became naked on top, and Yuuji’s only left with the boxers.

“Ah, Akihisa-kun and Sakamoto-kun must have trained hard…”

“…How firm.”

Forget about Yuuji, the reason why I give the impression that my body’s rather sturdy is likely because of the lack of nutrition…

Himeji-san seems shocked, but it seems that she’s somewhat awake now. Really…it’s because Himeji-san couldn’t hold her liquor that it ended up like this…

“Yuuji…let’s not play trump with Himeji-san and Kirishima-san…”

“Ahh…I don’t want to suffer this ridiculous humiliation again…”

Yuuji and I sighed hard and regretted our actions. We were really foolish to take these two as our enemies…

But just as I reached my hand out to take the clothes that were taken off and put aside, Himeji-san kept the poker cards on the table and said softly with a slightly flushed look,

“In, in that case, I can finally strip Akihisa-kun fully in the next game.”

“…My heart’s racing.”

<big>““YOU TWO AREN’T STOPPING!!!???””</big>

<center>☆</center>

“RUN, AKIHISA! THEY’LL CATCH US IF THIS KEEPS UP!”

“I GOT IT! DAMN IT! WHY MUST HIMEJI-SAN BE SO FAST IN SUCH A SITUATION!”

“Mu…Yoshii, Sakamoto!? Didn’t I tell you to stop running on the corri—dor…huh?”

“AH! IRONMAN! PLEASE! PLEASE SAVE US!”

“PLEASE! THE REMEDIAL CLASS OR ANYWHERE WILL DO! PLEASE SAVE US!!”

“You two…are not even wearing your uniforms. What’s going on…”

“WE’LL EXPLAIN LATER! HURRY UP AND TAKE US AWAY!”

“THAT’S RIGHT! TAKE US AWAY! EVEN IF WE HAVE TO TAKE REMEDIAL—OWAAAHHHH! THEY’RE HERE!!!”

“Akihisa-kun, please wait! You haven’t put on the girl’s uniform yet!”

“…Yuuji, you haven’t taken off your last piece of clothing.”

““PLEASE SAVE US, NISHIMURA-SENSEI!!””

“Really, you two…what did you do that caused you into such an embarrassing situation?”

<center>☆</center>

‘’’~2-D’s Tamano Miki-san’s eyewitness account~’’’

“Yes, that’s right. After school, I accidentally met an almost completely naked Aki-ch—Yoshii-kun and Sakamoto-kun when I walked on the corridor, begging Nishimura-sensei hungrily…I was really shocked, so I subconsciously took my camera up and shot that image…”

On the school newspaper that was published by the newspaper club, the headlines had a photo of Yuuji and me half-naked. This report created a lot of horrifying rumors in school.

This humiliation…we’ll never forget about it…!

</gallery>
<noinclude>
{{BakaTest Nav|prev=Baka_to_Tesuto_to_Syokanju:Volume7.5_Our Song by Yoshii Akihisa|next=Baka_to_Tesuto_to_Syokanju:Volume7.5_Special Bulletin-Ironman's Life Counselling Session}}
</noinclude>

Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju:Volume7 The Third Question

2012-05-09T03:42:55Z

ShimadaMinami: /* The Third Question */

==The Third Question==

'''Please read the text below and answer the following question:'''

:“The forces of King Xiang has arrived at the wall, having suffered casualties and lack of food."
:"The Han forces and the warlords surrounded them."
:"During the night, forces of Han surrounded the encampment of King Xiang and started singing folk songs of Chu. The leader of Chu was startled by this."
:''"Has Chu falen into the Hans' hands? Since when did Chu has so many?"''
:"King Xiang stood up in the middle of the night and starting drinking.”" [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Baka_to_Tesuto_to_Syokanju:Volume7_Translation_Notes_and_References]

Please write the idiom that was formed to describe Xiang Yu's attitude.

'''Himeji Mizuki's answer:'''

“Chu Song from 4 sides (四面楚歌, shimensoka).”

'''Teacher Comment'''

Correct answer. When the enemy forces started singing the 'Chu folk songs' his own comrades should be having, this means that Xiang Yu's forces are trapped yet have no way to fight back. 'Being isolated and surrounded on all sides' is thus called 'Chu Song from 4 sides'.

'''Tsuchiya Kouta's answer:'''

[[Image:BTS vol 07 055c.jpg|thumb]]
“Strike first.”

'''Teacher's comment'''

He struck later.

'''Yoshii Akihisa's answer:'''

“Strike first.”

'''Teacher's comment:'''

He lost after attacking later, okay?

“The summoned beast baseball tournament will be held at the 2nd sports hall. Will all participating students please—”

The broadcast was aired through the loudspeakers all over the school.

Just like that, it's now the day of the sports meet.

After the boring opening ceremony ended, we stood up from the seats that we specially sat for this sports meet and head towards the baseball arena.

“Yuuji, who's our first round opponent?”

“I remember it should be our neighboring class in the same year. We're facing class E. See, this is the schedule.”

Yuuji handed an A4 sized paper to me, and there's a pyramid-shaped diagram schedule.

So we're facing class E...though it's our neighbor class, it seems like we didn't interact much with each other. We never faced them in a summon battle, and yet didn't really interact with them during the test of courage event. If I have to say it, the only time we really interacted with each other was during the peeping. In other words, I don't have any information on them.

“Is it okay for us to go up against class E? Will there be any problems?”

I asked Yuuji, who's walking beside. Besides, we have Himeji-san and Hideyoshi on our side, so I have a duty to make sure that they're alright.

“Mm...I don't think there will be much of a problem. I just said hello to their class rep for a bit, and her reaction was rather cute.”

“Eh? Really? You said cute, what sort of person is she?”

“If I have to say, it's...”

Yuuji would actually call her cute. Even if she's the opponent, I'm rather intrigued. How did class E's rep greet Yuuji.

“'Hello, I'm class E's rep, my name is Nakabayashi! We will definitely win today's match!' Or something like that.”

“That person must be pretty muscular, right? She's not cute at all, right!?”

No matter how I think of this, I can't possibly link this sentence to the word 'cute'!

“I'm joking. She basically said, 'let's have a good game, we'll definitely not lose~☆ '. Well, that's roughly the tone class E's rep used.”

“I see. Okay~ we won't lose as well!”

“But she's from the rugby team.”

“That's someone who's ridiculously muscular, right!?”

Someone from the rugby team uses such a tone? That's annoying!

“I lied. Class E's rep is the leader of the girls' tennis club, Nakabayashi-taichou. She has a similar personality to Shimada.”

“And her appearance?”

“About the same as Iron—I was kidding!! Where're you running to, Akihisa!?”

“Your jokes aren't good for the heart, Yuuji!”

If she really has Minami's personality and Ironman's offensive power, we can't possibly win.

“Really...Yuuji, stop bullying Akihisa too much. That doesn't involve the main objective anyway. Speaking of which, how's E class like?”

This time, Hideyoshi, who's walking beside us, asked as well. It seems like he's not familiar with class E as well.

“Sorry, well...if there's a need to describe class E, it's that they're a 'sports class'.”

“A 'sports class'?”

“Yeah, Those guys from class E seem to be focused on sports. As they're busy with club activities, their scores were atrocious. However, their physical abilities and senses are amazing.”

So they're a class centered around club activities? No wonder they never took part in summoning battles much. To them, having good club facilities is better than class facilities.

“I see, so they're just a bunch of sporty idiots.”

Hmm...just when I nodded my head in understanding, a figure's walking up to me from the front. Hm? Who's that?

“I DON'T WANT TO BE CALLED AN IDIOT BY YOU, YOU IDIOT!”

A girl with a headband saw me and started scolding me. I, I guess this is the first time I met her...

“Well, that...”

“IF WE'RE IDIOTS, THEN YOU CLASS F GUYS WHO'RE OF A LOWER LEVEL THAN US ARE SUPER BIG IDIOTS! YOU BIG IDIOT!!”

This girl with the head band looked really angry as she pointed at me and started scolding me. This is...

“Akihisa, this is class E's rep, the Nakabayashi I just told you about.”

Seeing me with the puzzled look, Yuuji gave me a rare kind explanation to solve the doubt in my heart.

Ahh, I see, so this is—

“So this is the girl who we just said was muscular all over the place and—”

“MUSCULAR ALL OVER THE PLACE? HOW DID YOU INTRODUCE ME!?”

The girl with the headband widened her eyes and shouted in disbelief.

Ah, sorry. I said the wrong thing. Should call her class E rep.

I use this time to recollect my feelings and stare at Nakabayashi-san. Her appearance does give the impression of being strong, but other than that, there's nothing too weird. That's great...finally, a normal person I didn't get to interact with nowadays!

However, my stare just seemed like it created a misunderstanding in her, so Nakabayashi-san suddenly uses her arms to wrap around her body and gets away from me, shouting,

“WHA, WHAT'S WITH THAT EXPRESSION OF YOU!! THAT'S WHY I HATE CLASS F IDIOTS!! LOOKING AT OTHER PEOPLE'S BODIES LIKE THIS, YOU GUYS ARE REALLY PERVERTS!!”

That's a serious misunderstanding, I didn't look at you like that.

“That's not true! I just thought that Nakabayashi-san plays rugby, so you should look somewhat like Ironman—”

“YOU'RE PICKING A FIGHT WITH ME, RIGHT!? YOU'RE JUST LOOKING FOR A FIGHT, AM I RIGHT!!?”

Not good, she just stared directly at me and looked extremely angry.

“Ahhh, calm down, brawn-haired girl, Akihisa just said that out accidentally.”

At this moment, Yuuji saved me at the right time just when I don't know what to do. But what's with that brawn-haired.

“Brawn-haired? You mean blond-hair? You idiot, I didn't dye any blond hair or anything like that. Do you want a checkup at the hospital?”

Nakabayashi-san seem to be harboring the same doubt as me as she stared at Yuuji in disbelief.

“No no, I'm not talking about brawn-haired as is 'the hair is blond', but that even your hair is so trained that even muscles came out.”

“And you dare to say that...”

“—That's what Akihisa thought.”

“WHAT DID YOU SAY!!”

“THAT'S A HUGE MISUNDERSTANDING!!!”

I got hit! I didn't say anything all all!!

“Oh ya, Nakabayashi, I forget to ask you. Will E class be batting first or later?”

“I DON'T KNOW! JUST DO WHATEVER YOU WANT!”

“I see. Since you say that, we'll pitch first and bat later.”

“ANYTHING! ANYWAY, REMEMBER THIS! I WON'T LOSE TO YOU GUYS!!”

Leaving these words behind, Nakabayashi-san took forceful steps as she returned back to class E's rest area.

“Nice going, Akihisa. That taunt just now was good.”

“What do you mean 'nice going'? Because of Yuuji, she already had a huge bad impression on me! How do you intend to compensate me!”

“Don't mind, Akihisa. If you are willing to work hard, the difference between humans can be patched up, dreams of different magnitudes can be fulfilled, and we can get back those A-books of ours.”

“Hearing you say it like that, the last sentence was the most impactful!”

Sigh, but it's true that the A books are important.

“It seem like a quarrel happened. Are you two alright?”

“We're okay. Or rather, things went as I expected. Can't be better.”

“For me, it's really bad...”

What should I say? The mental trauma's too great.

“Sigh...if that's the case, another person thinks that I'm a weirdo...”

I always tried to live under the hood, and yet this society's approval of me seem to go downhill. That's too illogical.

After sighing for a bit, I guess it's time to call of the summoned beasts. The first inning of this match will be refereed by Mukai-sensei. Seems like we're competing using Ancient Literature.

“Here I go, summon!”

After saying these words out, some little array appears beside my foot. Then, a little figure that's of my appearance appears in it. The summoned beast that normally wears a student uniform and has a wooden sword is...

“So it got baseball clothing. Actually adjusting the system for this tournament, the principal sure is hardworking on some weird aspects.”

My summoned beast looks rather cute with the baseball bat and glove in hand.

“It seems like they automated some aspects of the controls to help smooth-flow this baseball tournament.”

Well, that's right, or else we can't play baseball.

Looking at how the summoning system used to work, even though everyone wants to wait for a ball, no one will be able to throw the ball accurately. It's good that the principal managed to think of it.

“As for the problems with the system, I guess it's pointless to think too much about it. Right now, the most important thing is that we should focus and get ready for the match.”

“Hideyoshi's right. No matter the circumstances or what, anyway, this is a good chance to get back out confiscated items.”

Though Yuuji says this, he hasn't mentioned anything about the brilliant plan.

“Okay, I'll announce the defensive lineup and batting order. Oi, everyone, listen up!”

Yuuji raised his voice to the other classmates who are ready to take part in the baseball tournament. Every time this happens, it means that Yuuji's has something planned out, so there's no need to worry. That is why everyone would gather and listen to Yuuji.

“Basically, this will be the defensive lineup and batting order.”

# First batter: 1st baseman Kinoshita Hideyoshi
# Second batter: Shortstop Tsuchiya Kouta (Muttsurini)
# Third batter: Pitcher Yoshii Akihisa
# Fourth batter: Catcher Sakamoto Yuuji
# Fifth batter: Right fielder Himeji Mizuki
# Sixth batter: 2nd baseman Shimada Minami
# Seventh batter: Center fielder Sugawa Ryo
# Eighth batter: 3rd baseman Fukumura Kohei
# Ninth batter: Left fielder Yokomizo Koji

Bench players: Kimishima Hiroshi and Kondou Yoshimune.

[[Image:BTS vol 07 075.jpg|thumb]]

So I'm the 3rd batter and the pitcher? That feels like a nice position...

“But Yuuji, is it alright that I be the pitcher? Wouldn't you or Himeji-san be more suited?”

If we're to battle using summoned beasts, the ones with the highest scores in our class, Himeji-san or Yuuji should be the pitcher, since wouldn't that make it more difficult for the opponent to bat? And it I'm placed in the outfield, my points may be too low and I can't throw the ball back time. I think it should be alright if I defend the infield.

“If I could, I really want to do that.”

On hearing my question, Yuuji just smiled bitterly.

“If you could? What do you mean by that?”

“If Himeji or I are to pitch, which catcher do you think can catch the ball?”

Hearing him say that, I start to imagine the situation.

Uu. Now that he mentioned it, it's true...

“Oh ya, since the summoned beasts aren't like an ordinary human body, and that it has 10 times or more that of a human...”

“That's the case. Though it's a relatively minor issue, it's like how we can't touch the summoned beasts, so we can't touch the ball as well, but there will still be weight. And considering that the ball is to be used by the summoned beasts, I guess that old granny would increase the points of the ball.”

“I, I see...”

Hearing Yuuji say this, I am a little shocked, but I feel that I can understand it. Even if the summoned beasts strength are of our points, they're still several times stronger than a human. Just with class F's abilities alone, we are already able to throw with such force, let alone the students of class A.

“If that's the case, it can't be helped. If someone like Himeji or Yuuji is pitching, I don't think anyone in our class can catch the ball.”

Of course, it's not that we can't catch their pitches in the gloves...but if there's an accident, like being hit on the body or something, It seems that I can fly off into the Heavens.

“Then can't Himeji pitch and Yuuji catch?”

Hideyoshi raised his hand and asked, but before Yuuji could answer, Himeji-san already answered first.

“I, I'm sorry, but I don't understand baseball at all...in fact, I never played it before...”

“That's the case. We'll consider everything else later, but right now, I need to let Himeji understand the rules of baseball in this first round, which is why I left her at right fielder. However, looking at the scenarios in the future, I may need to do some defensive alignments.”

Forget about those guys on the baseball club, in a tournament of baseball that's held with summoned bests, I think it's not easy to hit the ball to either left or right, right? Besides, when the ball is hit out, it will be harder to hit to right field, and the infield situation is rather messy, since it would be harder for people who are not used to playing there, so Yuuji's judgment should be correct.

“This is all I have to say. Any questions?”

Yuuji looks around at everyone. It seems that nobody has any questions.

Thus, all of us naturally form a circle around Yuuji, and Yuuji shouts to encourage everyone present.

“Okay, let's go—ARE YOU GUYS READY!!?”

“OOSSUU!!”

“SO WHAT ABOUT E CLASS? THEY'RE JUST A STEPPING STONE!! WE CAN'T POSSIBLY LOSE!!”

“OOSSUU!!”

“OUR AIM IS TO ADVANCE TO THE FINALS AND TAKE REVENGE ON THE TEACHERS!!! OUR GREATEST AIM IS TO KILL THEM OFF, GET THEIR SCALPS AND OFFER THEM TO OUR FALLEN COMRADES (A-books) GRAVES!!”

“WWWWWWOOOOOOHHHH!!”

“EVERYONE, THE TIME HAS COME!! THIS WILL BE A WAR FOR OUR IRREPLACEABLE FRIENDS (A-books)!!!”

“““LEAVE IT TO US!!!”””

The guys' eyes are burning with passion. Those enemies of ours who took away our friends without remorse—the teachers' team led by Ironman will suffer DIVINE PUNISHMENT!! WATCH AND LEARN, YOU TEAM OF DEMONIC TEACHERS!!!”

“Well, about that, Minami-chan...things have developed like that. It feels like...”

“Yeah...it's like we got those kinds of books confiscated from us...”

“I didn't bring any A-books to school...”

Our class F is finally united. Because we must remain united and beat those classes above us!!

<center>☆</center>

“PLAY BALL!!”

Mukai-sensei, who's acting as the umpire, shouted as the voice echoed throughout the sports arena, and with that, the match officially begins. The real match is played with summoned beasts, so it doesn't matter where we stand...but for easy control, everyone's standing behind their summoned beasts, so it basically not much different from being on the field ourselves.

“Let's have a nice game! Summon!”

The first batter of class E said hello as he stepped into the batting box. The defensive side isn't required to stand at a particular place, but the batter has to remain in the batter box. It seems that it's to prevent the batter from see the defensive signals and the location of the glove.

Ancient Literature

Class E, Sonomura Toshiya, 117 points

vs

Class F, Yoshii Akihisa, 71 points.

The subjects tested for every inning are, Ancient Literature for the 1st inning, Maths for the 2nd inning, Chemistry for the 3rd, English for 4th and Health Education for 5th. So right now, it's a battle of Ancient Literature.

My summoned beast holds the ball in its hand, waiting for the catcher's signal. As the breaking ball can't be used, Yuuji can only indicate the trajectory and the speed. Let me see, the first ball. Yuuji's summoned beast is putting its hands at—the middle!?

(Can I really throw it right down the middle!?)

I use my eyes to ask Yuuji, who's behind the catcher summoned beast. This would be the common way we would communicate with each other, as Yuuji answered me in the same manner.

(No problems. This is the first ball, and the opponent isn't used to controlling the summoned beast. I just want to test out the opponent.)

(Okay, I see.)

On getting Yuuji's reply, I understand that he wants me to throw a strike down the middle. Considering that we have to taunt the opponents, let's give a slow ball. Since I have to throw a strike, it's best for me to preserve my energy.

(I'm pitching, Yuuji.)

(Okay, bring it on!)

I just need to follow the trajectory Yuuji pointed out and throw the ball. Ready...

KLANG!!

“HOMERUN!!!”

“THROW THAT DAMNED BALL BETTER, YOU IDIOT!!!”

“I SHOULD BE THE ONE SCOLDING YOU! GIVE A BETTER DIRECTION, YOU SCUM!!!”

The ball let out a sharp sound and disappears behind the blue sky.

That damned Yuuji, that's basically what I just said.

“You two...no matter what, throwing a slow bullseye down at a club member was really dumb...”

The first pitch was sent flying for a homerun, and we immediately fell behind, 0-1.

“Let's have a good game! Summon!”

With no one out and no baserunners, the 2nd batter's already standing in the batter's box. I receive the box and exchange looks with Yuuji.

(Akihisa, you bastard! If you mess up next time, I'll stuff that bat up your butt!)

(Right back at you, Yuuji! If you make another mistake, I'll break you leg bones with the bat!)

After confirming the signal through eye contact, I launch the first pitch to the 2nd batter.

KLANG!

“HOMERUN!”

““GIVE ME THAT BAT!!!””

Yuuji and I immediately ran to the rest area and sounded out our request. We lost points again! This damned bastard...how useless is he!? This is stupid!!

“I CAN'T STAND YOU TWO IDIOTS!! WE CAN'T LEAVE THIS TO YOU TWO!!!”

“ACTUALLY TRUSTING IN THOSE TWO IDIOTS YOSHII AND SAKAMOTO!! WE'RE THE BIG IDIOTS!!!”

“IF THAT'S THE CASE, I'LL PITCH! YOSHII, SUB!”

“I'LL BAT THEN! SAKAMOTO, SUB!!”

--KLANG!!

“Class E 3-0 Class F”

“...Arr, suddenly a large crisis...”

“No no no, this isn't a crisis anymore. Only one side is getting the points...”

Even if the pitcher and catcher were changed, the opponent still hit a homerun off us. Right now, the score is 0-3. Those class E bastards, to think that they're rather impressive.

We asked the umpire for a timeout at the pitcher's mound. At this moment, Himeji-san, who was guarding the outfield came running over in small steps.

“Well, Akihisa-kun...”

“Hm? What's wrong, Himeji-san?”

“Is it really alright to change pitchers like that?”

“Mn, it's alright as long as we're not changing with bench players.”

There're a lot of rules in real baseball, but the summoned beast baseball tournament doesn't seem to have too many restrictions. However, if we're overboard with our efforts, some people may have issues with regards to this.

“Anyway, let's regroup. Akihisa will still be the pitcher, and we have to attack cautiously. Akihisa, you better throw the ball better this time.”

“Mn, got it.”

After deciding the plan, we all return back to our defensive positions. I'm the pitcher again...got to pitch seriously this time.

After returning back to the pitcher's mound, I wait for the batter to get ready. Now, I'm facing the 4th batter, which means--

“Yoshii Akihisa, you actually called me muscular...I, I definitely won't forgive you!”

So as expected, it's Nakabayashi-san from class E. As expected from the 4th batter, she has amazing presence.

(Akihisa, it's the 4th batter now. Just pitch with all you got.)

I nod my head to respond to Yuuji's eye signal. I'm not so stupid to mess up here.

Trying to hold down the nervous feeling in my chest, I sigh deeply and get ready to pitch.

DONK!

“HIT BY PITCH. BATTER WALKS.”

“LET'S ME BEAT HIM UP! JUST ONCE, JUST LET ME BEAT HIM UP!!”

“Calm down, Nakabayshi! We have the upper hand now. Wouldn't our efforts be futile if you make the match invalid because you were too much?

The guys in class E are trying desperately to calm the raging Nakabayashi-san.

I used too much force and missed...would Nakabayashi-san be willing to forgive me if I immediately take off my cap to apologize to her?

Even though I'm feeling despair with regards to the relationship with the neighboring class rep, the match still continues. Baserunner on 1st, and nobody out. It's now the 5th batter.

(Alright, no time for games. Pitch seriously now.)

(I was being serious since the beginning...)

I sighed, and pitched the ball to where Yuuji's glove is. Maybe the batter felt pressurized as there were consecutive homeruns before, as the batter in the batter box frantically swings at a fly ball that falls in front of the second base and sends him out. With that, we finally got our first out.

(Good, good, very good. Now, pitch here.)

Yuuji readies his glove. I missed and hit Nakabayashi-san, but right now, I'm getting used to the rhythm of the game, so there shouldn't be any problems now.

“STRIKE! BATTER OUT! SWITCHOVER!”

Next, the 6th and 7th batters were out, so now it's finally time to switch sides. This time, we'll be batting.

“Alright! There was a little miscommunication, but it's basically still within my plan! Let's hurry up and get the points back and kill off class E!”

“““YOOOOSSSSHHHH!!!”””

Speaking of which, our class's normally disorganized. It's only when we're attacking that we can finally fulfill our abilities.

“Our first batter will be Hideyoshi. It's up to you.”

“Leave it to me.”

After saying that, Hideyoshi turns and walks to the batter box. Do your best, Hideyoshi!

“Kinoshita, I'll immediately crush you and use this momentum to get all the way to the finals!”

Standing on the pitcher's mound is Nakabayashi-san, who's acting as pitcher. She's burning with passion all over. Being the class rep of the class full of people in clubs, her attitude right now is basically what I would expect.

After confirming that Hideyoshi entered the batter's box, Nakabayashi-san starts to pitch. Hideyoshi stares carefully at the ball that flew here, and just lets the first ball fly past.

“BALL!”

The umpire shouted out 'ball' really loudly. The catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher, and the 2nds ball is thrown.

“BALL!”

The second ball never landed in the strike zone cleanly as well. Nakabayashi-san looks somewhat troubled as she receives the ball, and gets into position cautiously before throwing the next pitch.

“STRIKE!”

This time, it finally entered the umpire's strikezone. It seem that Nakabayashi-san was unable to pitch well because she couldn't decide on the pitch as it made her look anxious.

As the match continued, it's now 2 balls and 2 strikes. As Nakabayashi-san starts to pitch again, Hideyoshi, who hasn't been moving up till now, finally takes action.

“FOUL BALL!”

Hideyoshi seems like he's deliberately not swinging with full force as the bat grazes the ball. This is what they call 'cut', right?

“Oi, Yuuji, that swing Hideyoshi just did...”

“Yeah, he's most likely trying to get base on balls.”

This is a baseball tournament that's played with summoned beasts instead of being there themselves, but the basic rules of baseball hasn't changed. If the opponent throws 3 strikes, it'll be a strikeout. But if the opponent throws 4 balls, the batter can walk on to first base. However, it seems that the umpire isn't too stringent on pitching fouls.

“FOUL BALL!”

He used the same method to hit the next ball. This method can lure the opponent to throw a large amount of pitches, it can also cause psychological burden on the pitcher. Already unused to controlling summoned beasts in this tournament, the 1st batter's already being so tough to handle. I guess the opponent must find it tough, right?

“BALL!”

And another ball. Now it's 3 balls and 2 strikes.

“Damn you...KINOSHITA, YOU'RE BEING TOO DESPICABLE!”

Being on the pitcher's mound, Nakabayashi-san's gritting her teeth in anger. Right now, in this world that so emphasizes on winning and losing, this is a common tactic, but Nakabayashi-san doesn't seem like she would forgive him.

“SWING HARD, KINOSHITA! IT'S TIME TO SETTLE THIS!”

“Sorry, but I can't oblige. We're now 0-3 down, and this match only has 5 innings. We must get points from you.”

Due to time constraints, this baseball tournament matches are only 5 innings long. As the attacking side, Hideyoshi's judgement is correct.

“WHAT! ARE YOU AFRAID OF ME? FORGET ABOUT BASE ON BALLS AND SWING A BASE HIT!”

“It's useless no matter how you taunt me. I just want to do my part.”

“DAMN YOU! STOP SAYING TO MUCH AND PLAY—CAN'T YOU BE MORE LIKE A MAN!”

“...You say that you want me to be more like a man?”

“--STRIKE! BATTER OUT!”

“Sorry everyone. I can't do it.”

“No worries, this can't be helped...but why did you swing so hard at the last minute?”

“Don't mind, it's just that I won't back away with regards to certain things.”

“Eh? Uu...”

I don't really understand, but anyway, Hideyoshi got forced out. Right now, the second batter's Muttsurini. This guy's pretty good at sports, and is very used to controlling summoned beasts. He probably won't let us down.

Ancient Literature, Class E, Nakabayashi Hiromi, 105 points.

Vs

Ancient Literature, Class F, Tsuchiya Kouta, 22 points.

“What do we do now, Yuuji? I feel that Muttsurini will die really badly!”

“That's a coincidence for once, Akihisa, I feel this way as well.”

Even if he can hit the ball, with the unique difference in scores, he can't possibly hit the ball far, right?

“But Akihisa, you don't have to worry too much.”

“No, even if you ask me not to worry...”

Is there a way we can think of?

“WE MUST BELIEVE! IF WE BELIEVE, EVEN THE YOUKAIS WILL STAND ON OUR SIDE!”

“AH, NOW WE CAN ONLY PRAY TO THE GODS!”

And we're doing this in such a ridiculous manner.

“Please, killer youkais...”

“Watch out! That guy's using the name of evil spirits!!”

If the prayer really comes true, maybe the evil god would ask for a sacrifice from us?

“OUT!”

As we're talking about this useless thing, Muttsurini hit a rolling ball to the batter and got struck out. Now, it's 2 men out. Next, it's the 3rd batter—ahh, time for me to take the bat.

“Alright, I'll hit a big one!”

“Oh! Akihisa, we'll leave it to you then!”

“Leave it to me!”

Thomp thomp! I beat my chest as I enter the batter's box. No problems. I'll do well!

DONK!!!

“--Hit by Pitch, batter walks.”

'IT HURTS! IT HURTS! MY ORGANS GOT RUPTURED!! OUUUCCCHHHH!!”

The first ball was a hit by pitch on the face. The impact of the ball that hit my summoned beast's face was transferred onto my body. You don't have to go that far!

Facing me, who's rolling on the floor in pain, Nakabayashi-san, who's standing on the pitcher's mound, says seriously,

“FROM THIS MOMENT ON, AS LONG AS YOU'RE THE ONE BATTING, I'LL THROW THE BALL AT YOUR BODY!”

“THAT'S A LOUSY DECLARATION! YOU'RE HATING ME FOR WHAT HAPPENED JUST NOW, RIGHT!?”

Can someone replace me for my next bat?

I drag my body that's in pain to 1st base, Uu...that was just a misunderstanding...

“Alright, now the real powerhouse is here.”

Now, it'll be the 4th batter Yuuji.

Ancient Literature, Class E, Nakabayashi Hiromi, 105 points.

Vs

Ancient Literature, Class F, Sakamoto Yuuji, 196 points.

Like usual, both their scores are displayed to everyone.

Yuuji's scores are so high, has great control over his summoned beast, and he's pretty athletic, so there shouldn't be any problems. Facing off against the opponent from class E, he should be able to take one down.

“Ugh...that's guy's terrifying, but the next batter is 'that' Himeji...better settle it here.”

Nakabayashi-san glared at Yuuji's score and muttered.

If the next batter after Yuuji is just a little prick, maybe Nakabayashi-san would deliberately throw a Base on Balls to avoid the confrontation, but unfortunately, behind Yuuji is the second in our year, Himeji-san. Of course, she doesn't want to deal with Himeji-san when there are baserunners on, so she chose to face off against Yuuji.

“Class F's rep, I'm going!”

With 2 men out and 1 baserunner on, Nakabayashi-san gets ready and pitches the 1st ball at Yuuji. The white ball flies straight at the glove--

“HA!”

KLANG—the sharp sound echoed, and the white ball flew into the air. There's no need to see where it went, this is a real homerun.

Class E 3-2 F Class

Yuuji and I return back to home plate, and we got 2 points. Now we're just 1 point behind class E.

“Damn it...it seems that I need to deal with Sakamoto through hit by pitch...”

““JUST USE A NORMAL BASE ON BALLS!!!””

Yuuji and I shouted out at Nakabayashi-san. We thought that she was a normal girl. Only after we started playing against each other that we realized that Nakabayashi-san's really weird somewhere.

“It's been tough on you, Sakamoto.”

“...That was a nice hit.”

“Good one, Yuuji.”

Once we returned back to the bench, everyone received Yuuji warmly. Isn't anyone concerned about me being hit by the ball?

“Alright, it's time for Himeji to go up. The way I see it, let's use this chance to hit another homerun and even the score.”

“Uu...that's a bit hard for Mizuki, right? Her grades are good, but she's not really good at sports.”

Minami gave a wry smile. Himeji-san's body is already extremely weak, and she doesn't really get the chance to play sports, so this can't be helped.

“I thought that way as well, so I told Himeji just now that she doesn't need to swing the bat.”

“In other words...you want Himeji-san to get Base on Balls?”

“That's right, besides, Himeji's marks can't be underestimated. It's okay if the bases are loaded, but when nobody's on base, I think the opponent won't want to fight it out.”

That's right. Besides Yuuji and Himeji-san, everyone here is of class F level, so with nobody on base, it's best to let her walk and fight it out against someone else.

“Base on balls, batter walks.”

“Ah, okay, thank you very much.”

While we're talking, Himeji-san got base on balls. Right now, it's 2 men out, a baserunner on 1st base, and the next batter is--

“Uu...it's me...”

The 6th batter is Minami, but it seems that she doesn't look confident...

“Eh? Minami, you don't know how to play baseball?”

Minami's pretty good at sports.

“Ah, it's not that I don't know how to play it. It's just that...”

“?”

Minami sighed and walked towards the batter box in a lonely manner. What's wrong?

Ancient Literature, Class E, Nakabayashi Hiromi, 105 points.

Vs

Ancient Literature, Class F, Shimada Minami, 6 points.

“ALRIGHT, EVERYONE, TIME TO DEFEND! WE HAVE TO DEFEND WELL!!”

“““WOOOHHH!!!”””

“I HAVEN'T EVEN BATTED YET!”

Minami's shout is ever so hollow. In the blink of an eye, she hit a rolling ball to the 3rd baseman and was immediately thrown out.

Sigh, too bad that the subject for this inning is Ancient Literature. Minami's not good with this subject at all, so this can't be helped.

Anyway, this series of offense is over. After the switch in sides, the 2nd inning is carried out through maths. Alright, time for me to--

“Hold it, Akihisa. You're not the pitcher in this inning.”

“Eh? Not me?”

Just when I was about to step up on the mound, Yuuji suddenly called me to stop me. Now what?

“This round will be conducted with maths. Shimada will be the pitcher.”

“Maths...ah, I see.”

Maths is one of the rare few subjects that Minami's good in, and Yuuji's rather good in maths too, so he should be able to catch Minami's pitches. Looking at this inning, they should be at around class B's level.

“That's the case, Aki, leave this inning to me. I'll do my best to hold them off.”

Minami patted me on my shoulder and I said,

“Mn, then I'll leave it to you then, Minami.”

“Okay, leave it to me.”

PA! Minami and I exchange high fives as I walk off the pitcher's mound. Minami's been through the baptism of the summoning battles and the summoning tournament, and she's already outstanding at sports, so I can leave the pitcher mound to her. If that's the case, I'll defend the second base Minami was defending.

Just when I was thinking this as I walked down the pitcher's mound, I find Himeji-san walking towards where I'm defending as well, staring at me for some reason.

“Hm? Himeji-san, is there something?”

“Ah, yes, that...”

Himeji-san came running over with small steps. What's wrong?

While we talking, Himeji-san raises her hand like she's hailing for a taxi. Eh, so I just need to copy her action?

“Like, like this?”

I followed what she did and raised my hand. Himeji-san immediately revealed a radiant smile--

“Yes!”

Pa, she high-fived with me.

[[Image:BTS vol 07 097.jpg|thumb]]

“Let's do our best, Akihisa-kun.”

“Ah, mn, let's do our best, Himeji-san.”

“Okay!”

Himeji-san is smiling as she ran off to the outfield. I don't know what's going on, but she wants to encourage me by clapping hands together? So she's feeling the same as us?

Is that so? Then Himeji-san...

“She really wants to see our precious A-books...”

That's bad. These aren't things that girls should read.

“...What's going on? I feel that there's a severe misunderstanding here...”

Alright, time to wake up and defend. With class E as our opponents and Minami maths marks, they most probably won't be able to perform too well. The ball can't possibly fly into the outfield, right? In other words, I'm more important as an infielder now.

Mathematics, Class E, Oumura Shintarou, 65 points

Vs

Mathematics, Class F, Shimada Minami, 193 points.

The huge difference in points can be expected, the opponent's the 8th batter, so there shouldn't be any problems.

After the 1st and 2nd pitches, the chemistry between the pitcher and catcher makes us not worry for them. But Yuuji missed the 3rd ball, and it landed in his chest. The pitch Minami threw with such a high score was extremely fast, so missing it is to be expected.

Mathematics, Class F, Shimada Minami, 193 points.

&

Mathematics, Class F, Sakamoto Yuuji, 175 points.

Minami and Yuuji's marks are shown in front of us. Up till now, Yuuji's marks have been hovering around the 200 mark, so that slip up caused him to lose 25 points. If even Yuuji's summoned beast can suffer such damage even with those kind of marks, I think it will be bad if it's anyone else, right? If I'm the one catching, the pain would even end up on me, so I have to avoid being the catcher no matter what.

While I'm thinking about this, the match is still ongoing. After that, Yuuji slipped up on another ball, but both of them managed to hold off the 3 batters. Minami's maths is really strong.

“It's been tough on you, Minami. Nice pitching.”

“Thanks, Aki.”

“Your pitching was strong, amazing.”

“Fufu, that was because I didn't managed to do well during batting just now. Of course I have to compensate through defense.”

Minami blinked one eye as she said that to me. Uu, it's cool when she does it--

“ONEE-SAMA! ONEE-SAMA'S THE BEST! SEEING ONEE-SAMA LIKE THIS, MIHARU...MIHARU HAS ALREADY...”

A certain girl from class D was shouting and cheering from the stands.

--Wouldn't girls fall for Minami if she does this?

“It'll be our offense now.”

“It's the 7th batter now, so Sugawa starts.”

“Osu! I'll hit that ball high and far!”

After saying that, Sugawa-san storms towards the batter box with mojo. Unfortunately, he knocked a high fly ball and got tagged out. Though the next batter Fukumura-san managed to get a base hit, Yokomizo-san and Hideyoshi didn't perform, and we ended the 2nd inning without earning a point.

3rd inning, 4th inning. Both us and class E didn't manage to get a point.

It's now the final inning. The subject for this round should be Health Education, so--

“Muttsurini, we'll leave pitching to you then.”

“...Got it.”

Speaking of health education, this will be the guy we first think of. This guy has points that surpasses a health education teacher, and it's now time for him to perform. If this guy's to throw the ball, I don't think anyone can hit it.

“No no, hold on. Muttsulini will be the catcher in this round. I'll be the pitcher.”

But Yuuji dampened my mood.

“Eh? Yuuji's going to be the pitcher? Why?”

Yuuji's health education marks shouldn't be lousy as well, but it's a whole lot less as compared to Muttsurini's. We're only behind by one, so shouldn't Muttsurini be pitching?

“I say...didn't I say it just now. If Muttsurini's to pitch with all he got when Health Education's the subject, the catcher will die if he's hit.”

That's right. It was a similar situation when Minami was on the board.

“That's true...but you just need to catch the ball well. Wouldn't there be no damage if you catch the ball in the glove?”

“In other words, I'll die if I miss one!”

On a side note, the summoned beast that's acting as the catcher in this tournament doesn't have any defensive equipment. In this situation, if Yuuji's hit directly by Muttsurini on the body, even Yuuji's summoned beast will suffer severely.

“Really, Yuuji...you're so spineless. If you're a man, you should bet your life and finish the match.”

“I see, so I'll let you be the catcher and show off your manly side.”

“I'm sorry, I'm really sorry.”

It'll be a joke if my summoned beast is to catch that ball with such low marks. Even if I can catch it well, the damage on me will be tremendous.

“What's wrong, Akihisa? Aren't you good at controlling your summoned beast? Forget about the score difference, I think you should be able to catch Muttsurini's pitches.”

“No, it's not that easy no matter how you say it.”

Having just seen the power of Minami's pitch when it was about 200. The speed was already terrifying. Compared to that, it'll be easier to hit against a pitch that's flying at 130 km/hr. Even if we can't pitch curveballs, it'll be too terrifying to throw pitches with that kind of speed with just summoned beasts. Besides, if the pitch hits me while I'm the catcher, the pain the summoned beast takes will be inflicted on me. This will be way too risky. Even if I'm really used to controlling the summoned beast, I can't take such huge responsibility.

“Besides, the opponent's class E, so I can still hold them off if I pitch. More than defense, right now, we need to worry more about offense. Remember, we're still 1 point behind.”

After Yuuji said that, he turns to walk towards the pitcher's mound. He's right. Even if we can hold off the opponents, we'll lose if we can't score. More important than the defense now is that we have to find a way to score in the bottom half of the inning.

Health Education, Class E, Yumata Hirofumi, 52 points

Vs

Health Education, Class F, Sakamoto Yuuji, 147 points.

The scores of the pitcher and the batter are out. As Yuuji said, there won't be any problems with such a difference in score.

“STRIKE! BATTER OUT! SWITCHOVER!”

In the blink of an eyes, Yuuji already struck all three out, and it's now the bottom half of the inning. Though Muttsurini missed the catches twice, health education's his speciality, so he didn't suffer that much damage, and we managed to end this inning safely.

“Alright, time for us to make a comeback! Who's starting?”

“Me, I guess.”

We've been through exactly 2 rounds of batting, so now it's Hideyoshi up as the 1st batter again. Okay, we're settling this in this round.

“Please, Hideyoshi, you must hit the ball out.”

“There'll be no problems if it's Hideyoshi. Do your best.”

“...I'm looking forward to it.”

“Kinoshita, no matter what, you must hit the ball out!”

“Show them what you're made of Kinoshita! All hope is on you!”

“That's right! Do your best! And try to hit the ball out!”

“U, uu, I'll try to hit—”

“““THIS IS FOR THE SAKE OF OUR A-BOOKS!!!”””

“...”

“STRIKEOUT!”

“What's wrong, Hideyoshi? You didn't swing hard at all!”

“Those encouraging words of yours drained strength from me...”

For some reason, Hideyoshi looked really tired. That's weird, even if Hideyoshi's summoned beast is tired or hurt or what, it shouldn't bounce back onto Hideyoshi himself.

“Alright, everyone, don't be disheartened. Muttsurini's next. There will be something good!”

Yuuji said this, seemingly to encourage everyone. That's right, sending Muttsurini in health education, we're really looking forward to it.

“...I'm going up.”

Muttsurini walks into the batter box. His score is--

Health Education, Class E, Furukawa Ayumi, 102 points

Vs

Health Education, Class F, Tsuchiya Kouta, 589 points.

Such a shocking difference. If he can hit the ball, Muttsurini would definitely hit a homerun.

“Tsuchiya-san amazing. If that's the case, he can hit a homerun.”

“Mn. If he can, it should be a homerun.”

Standing beside me, Himeji-san clenches her fist and makes a little victory pose. It seems that she and I have the same thought. Unfortunately...

“However, I think it can't happened. Tsuchiya's unable to hit it.”

Minami said to break Himeji-san's wonderful imagination.

That's right. Muttsurini can't perform now.

“Eh? Why?”

Minami's words made Himeji-san, who still doesn't understand baseball too well, have all sorts of question marks on her face.

“Because there's too much of a difference between both of them. The way I see it, Muttsurini will be forced to walk.”

“Walk—ah, you mean that the opponent will throw a Base on Balls and let Tsuchiya-san on base?”

“Mn, that's the case.”

If they're to face off now, it'll be extremely likely that Muttsurini will hit a homerun. But if they send him on base, they won't lose points if it's just a baserunner. on. The opponent will win if they can keep this point, so they'll try and avoid facing off against Muttsurini.

“Base on Balls. Batter walks.”

“...(Nods head).”

As what we expected, Muttsurini got sent on base. In that case, we can't get a point now.

“The way I see it, class E's plan is to deal with Akihisa and send Yuuji and Himeji on base first before taking on Shimada.”

Seems like the opponent checked through our scores. Of course, they won't take on Yuuji or Himeji-san, but rather attack Minami. If that's the case, even if I bunt, I can only gift the opponent with an out...

“Oh yea, Akihisa, I don't know what's your score?”

“I remember my health ed score is around 23.”

“That's really pathetic.”

“Tha, that's because, because...my reference books (A-books) got confiscated...”

“WHAT WERE YOU READING ALL THIS TIME, IDIOT!”

With such a score, if there's no miracle, I can't possibly hit the ball into the outfield. But if I can get on base, I can get Yuuji or Himeji-san to get one back.

“Don't think too much, Akihisa. Just relax. It'll come to us.”

Though the situation is disadvantageous to us, Yuuji still looked rather casual.

“What do you mean? Have you thought of a plan?”

“No, I don't mean a plan or anything...stop saying so much. Get on board. If you don't get there, the umpire's going to be mad.”

“Ah, okay, I'm going then.”

“Akihisa-kun, do your best.”

“Thank you, Himeji-san.”

With Himeji-san seeing me off, I turn to walk to the batter box. Seeing Yuuji look so confident, I know he's planning something, but I don't know what it is. What does that Yuuji plan to do?

“Yoshii-kun, please hurry up.”

“Ah, okay. Sorry.”

The umpire's staring at me now, and I can only scamper to the designated batter box. Once my summoned beast got ready, the opponent confirms Muttsurini's position before getting into a pitching position.

“Oh ya, Sakamoto, Aki just asked. Is there a plan you prepared?”

“No—ut just look at the field. You'll understand, we won't lose this match.”

“Won't lose? But the situation's disadvantageous to us.”

“No, you're mistaken. The one in a disadvantage is them. Think, it's now the bottom half of the 5th inning, we're behind by one, and that subject's health education.”

“I know that. But Tsuchiya's already on base...”

“And on base—is that Muttsurini.”

“STEAL!”

A call can be heard from class E.

After confirming that the batter won't throw over to hold him at first base, Muttsurini dashes towards 2nd base. I see! So that's how it is!

The pitcher threw the pitch, and it flew to the catcher's glove. In order to help Muttsurini steal base, I try to swing as wildly as possible. If I can block the catcher's vision, I can increase Muttsurini chances of stealing base greatly.

“Damn it...”

After catching the ball, the catcher immediately throws the ball to second base. Damn it! At this moment, it'll be hard for Muttsurini to steal base--

“...Eh? Hard? That Muttsurini?”

Of course not! This is health education, Muttsurini's unbeatable! If the opponent's class A, it can still be talked off, but when the opponent's only at about 100 points, how can it be tough for Muttsurini?

As I say this--

The moment the catcher throws the ball towards second base, I seem to see a glint in Muttsurini's eyes.

“...Baited.”

Muttsurini's summoned beast sudden accelerated. That guy was deliberately running slow!

“Fa, fast!”

Muttsurini's summoned beast steps onto 2nd base at a speed the human eye can't catch, and he didn't stop as he dashes towards 3rd base. At this point, the catcher just threw the ball to second base. Muttsurini slowed down to confuse them, causing the catcher to throw to second base and not third base! It's true that if Muttsurini did that, the catcher would have ignored second base and went straight for third base right from the beginning. That's a brilliant plan!

“THIRD BASE!”

“GOT IT!”

The catcher immediately gave the instruction, and the second baseman immediately throws the ball to third base. Will Muttsurini be tagged out?

It's also tough for him to get from second base to third base. Now, what will he...

“...Accelerate.”

At this moment, Muttsurini muttered that code word. This is a special activation command that only summoned beasts with more than 400 points can have. Muttsurini has this unique ability, and like what the term means—it can cause the summoned beast to increase speed.

“HOW IS IT POSSIBLE!?”

Class E just let out a cry of disbelief.

Muttsurini steps onto third base at a speed where only the afterimage is left behind, and the ball is still in mid-air.

“STOP MESSING AROUND!”

The third baseman finally catches the ball and throws the ball back to home plate. However--

“...Final acceleration.”

Muttsurini ran faster than the ball as he steps onto home plate, taking a point in an exciting fashion.

“““BRILLIANT!!!”””

Class F's bench erupted into roars. So now we're 3 all. We're tied!

“Alright! Let's get it back at one go!”

Getting ready for the next pitch, I let my summoned beast raise the bat and get into position. It should be alright if I can use the chance when the opponent's wavering due to what Muttsurini did--

DONK!

“HIT BY PITCH. BATTER WALKS!”

“Why...why is it that I always get hit by pitch...”

If you're affected by what Muttsurini did, just send me a base on balls!

Health Education, Class E, Furukawa Ayumi, 102 points

Vs

Health Education, Class F, Yoshii Akihisa, 0 points.

“Yoshii Akihisa, KIA!”

[[Image:BTS vol 07 105c.jpg|thumb]]
“Eh? Hold on! The match's still not over! What happens if my health ed drops to 0?”

Does this mean...

“Akihisa, go take the replenishment tests. I'll let Kondou be the pinch baserunner.”

“Damn it! Isn't this way of getting off too lousy!?”

Why is it that I have to take the tests in this rare sports meet? I feel that the summoning system's not right!

“Well, you don't have to worry about the match. As things stand, we'll definitely win.”

“Uu...that's too much...”

I drag my heavy steps to the staff room.

In the end, while I was taking my health education replenishment tests, class F was able to send class E home with a base hit. But for me, who's unable to take part in the match, I'm feeling really uninvolved...

<noinclude>
{{BakaTest Nav|prev=Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju:Volume7 The Second Question|next=Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju:Volume7 The Fourth Question}}
</noinclude>

Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju:Volume7 The First Question

2012-05-09T03:13:11Z

ShimadaMinami:

"Shouko."

"..."

"Shouko."

"..."

"Oi, Shouko."

"...Ah...sorry. What is it, Yuuji?"

"Hand it over."

"...Eh...I think it can't be helped."

"What do you mean it can't be helped? Just hand that thing over to me."

"...But..."

"No buts. Stop saying so much and hand it over to me."

"...But...I'm not pregnant yet..."

"Hold on, we seemed to have skipped a lot of parts and into some unbelievable part!"

"?"

"Why are you revealing such a puzzled look...what in the world are you thinking I was asking you to hand over?"

"...Breast milk."

"Okay. This isn't a question about the word usage, but a communication breakdown."

"...Am I right?"

"DAMN RIGHT YOUR ARE! WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR BRAIN? HOW CAN THERE BE SUCH A RIDICULOUS ANSWER!?"

"...I'm thinking of the life I'll have with Yuuji after we get married."

"Really? A family life after getting married. I see. But even so, your answer's way too creepy!"

"...I'm discussing with Yuuji about having 10+ children."

"Hold on, I think you just added one more digit there."

"...Yuuji wanted 37, but I wanted 38, so we ended up quarreling over it."

"If we ended up with that many children, I don't think having one less will matter much anyway."

"...No matter how good the relationship between husband and wife are, there are some parts where I can't back away."

"Oh, okay okay. I'm fine with it, is that alright?"

"...Oh yeah. If it wasn't breast milk, what does Yuuji want me to hand over?"

"I feel like I'm one huge pervert after hearing such a sentence..."

"...I won't forgive anyone who treats a pervert as Yuuji."

"YOU'RE THE BIGGEST REASON! AND DIDN'T YOU JUST MIX THE ORDER WRONG!? YOU'RE NOT MUCH DIFFERENT FROM SOMEONE WHO SUPPORTS PERVERTS!"

"...So, what is it about."

"You don't care about it and want to bring this to an end...ah, never mind. It's troublesome. What I want you to hand over is that large bag
you're holding tightly onto."

"...There's nothing inside."

"Shouko, I got a wedding ring for you. Please hand your hand over to me."

"...I'm so happy."

"Sigh, really. You would hand your left hand over without hesitation when I mentioned a wedding ring? I don't know whether I should be freaked out by that or what. Okay let me see, there're...wedding magazines, hypnotism guidebooks, books on how to train dogs--HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, DAMN IT!"

"...Return it to me."

"WHO'LL RETURN IT TO YOU! I'LL KEEP ALL THESE FOR MY OWN SAFETY!"

"...I'll be bothered. There are things that I agreed to hand over to Kubo."

"I see. It's bad not to follow through your agreement. Take it back."

"...And your true thoughts?"

"Though I have to take some risk, since something fun will happen on Akihisa, I'll just close one eye about this."

"...Yuuji can really be cruel at times."

"Shouko, what are you blabbering about? I'm just thinking about that guy's happiness."

"...If that's the case, let me think of how to have a happy family together with Yuuji."

"No need to think about that. Or rather, I don't want to listen to it."

"...First, it'll be Yuuji's marriage proposal...then, the confession..."

"Oi, are you listening to me? Anyway, you mixed up the order already!"

"...Wedding ceremony...honeymoon..."

"Not good...she's not listening to me anymore. It's like she just took drugs and got some hallucination."

"...A happy couple's life...a sweet honeymoon..."

"Ah, that's right. My mom seems like she got something she wants me to hand over to you. I remember she said something about the edge of the headdress or something."

"...Worth celebrating...the first child..."

"Oi Shouko, I'm putting that in."

"...Her name's Shoyu (soy sauce)...is a girl..."

"Oi, are you listening?"

"...A beautiful house...the children running around...and a puppy with a leash..."

"Oh well, I'll just put it in then."

"...And then, a tied and locked up Yuuji..."

"THERE DEFINITELY WON'T BE ANY HAPPINESS IN THAT FAMILY! THE WORD 'HAPPINESS' DEFINITELY CAN'T BE LINKED TO ME!"

"...Ah, I'm sorry. I'm just thinking about something...what did you say?"

[[Image:BTS vol 07 009c.jpg|thumb]]
"If the definitely of a happy family is me using a dog house as a home, then where will the puppy stay in...there're too many things I could
argue about...anyway, take this."

"...Ah, thank you for returning it to me."

"Make sure to hand it over to Kubo!"

"...I'll hand it over to him after school."

"Hm, with that, Kubo and Akihisa should be rather happy."

"...Yoshii? Why?"

"That's because a lot of things will happen. Akihisa's life is going to be a lot more interesting."

===The First Question===

'''Please read through the following passage and answer the following question.'''

At the end of the 19th century, the Prime Minister of Germany developed the world's first Health Insurance Policy with the aim of helping the poor. At the same time, he also introduced the Socialist Legislation. The Legislation is often called the '( ) and Whip Policy'.

First Question: Please state the name of the Prime Minister at that time.

Second Question: Please fill in the blanks.

'''Himeji Mizuki's Answer:'''

'Q1: Bismarck Q2: (Candy) and Whip Policy'

'''Teacher's comments:'''

That's correct. Under the name of politics, Bismarck pushed hard for a Health Insurance Policy--in other words, it was to give 'candy' to the people. On the other hand, the socialist legislation's 'whip' suppressed the citizens. Giving them candy and the whip at the same time. There are many instances of this method being used, not just in politics.

'''Tsuchiya Kouta's Answer:'''
[[Image:BTS vol 07 011c.jpg|thumb]]

'Q1: Elizabeth'

'''Teacher's Comments'''

Whip--> Your Highness--> Queen Elizabeth.

Recently, I started to understand your trail of thoughts. Sensei's emotions are really complicated.

'''Yoshi Ahikisa's Answer:'''

'Q2: (Whip) and whip policy'

'''Teacher's Comments'''

That's too many whips.

In front of us, Ironman's arms are folded as he silently stares at us class F students. Facing our homeroom teacher, our class representative Sakamoto Yuuji says in a lecturing tone.

"Nishimura-sensei. Don't you think we need more details to satisfy our thirst for knowledge?"

Yuuji's eyes are stared deep into the other person's eyes. These words can most likely reach the ears, and even the heart.

But Ironman doesn't answer as he stares at Yuuji and waits for him to continue on.

Yuuji smiles, perhaps satisfied with his attitude and says,

"Since ancient times, all the technological development had a shadow of war behind it. The development of iron wasn't meant for industrial purpose, but to create swords and armor. Horses weren't bred to be domesticated, but to be trained into war horses for soldiers to ride on. If I need to specify a few modern examples, the development of nuclear technology was meant to be created for war."

"..."

Ironman still remains silent and doesn't say anything.

"With technology developed into such a positive outcome, the darkness of humans warring with each other still remains. This may be an exaggeration, but because of the dangerous intent of 'war', technology was able to develop so rapidly, and this is a fact that can't be changed."

"..."

Ironman still doesn't say anything.

"The original technology was developed with curiosity as the driving force. Since ancient times, no matter where it is, this logic won't change."

"..."

"But if we need to have a more effective outcome to this motivation--through real examples, most of the scenarios are 'a detailed motive' of fighting, called the 'victory of war'."

"..."

"What I mean isn't that war is necessary. A lot of people will die, and we'll be killing each other--in terms of animal instincts, isn't this the biggest cardinal sin and act of stupidity that goes against what we are?"

"..."

"However, even though we know that it's stupid, as long as well can learn the lessons behind it, there will be value. This is the truth behind a curious mind will have a detailed aim and get a good outcome-having said so much, I suppose sensei understands what I mean."

After Yuuji said till here, Ironman, who kept silent up till now, finally responds,

"Sakamoto, I understand what you mean. Like what you said, having a sense of curiosity is unrelated to the aim, and I don't deny it. However--"

Ironman puts down the folded arms and clearly tells everyone.

"--I won't be returning those A-books to you people."

<big>'''"""DAAAAMMMMMMNNNNNNNN IIIIIIIITTTTTTTT!!!!!!!"""'''</big>

Ironman's merciless words cause all the boys in class F to weep tears as we cry out in protest.

The new term started, and a large squad of teachers that don't seem to have any blood or tears got their defensive line set up and blocked us, the people who still worked hard to get to school even while rubbing our sleepy eyes. Before we could even resist, we could only see all our personal items get confiscated, so that's why we were giving a speech to Ironman.

"WHY, NISHIMURA-SENSEI!? DIDN'T YOU LISTEN TO THAT IMPASSIONATED SPEECH BY YUUJI!? IF WE WANT TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THE SUBJECT 'HEALTH EDUCATION' AND INCREASE OUR KNOWLEDGE OF IT, IT'S NECESSARY FOR US TO 'UNDERSTAND THE A-BOOKS'!!"

"Stop reading those hi-class A-books that have no relation with studying. How old are you anyway?"

"ASKING ME HOW OLD I AM!? HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT!? THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH AGE!"

"Look carefully, isn't it clearly labelled '18 and above'!!?"

Uu...this damned teacher actually used such logic against us!

"PLEASE NISHIMURA-SNENSEI! PLEASE RETURN THOSE BOOKS TO US!!"

"WE...WE MUST HAVE THOSE BOOKS NO MATTER WHAT!!!"

"PLEASE! PLEASE GIVE US A LIFELINE TO HEALTH EDUCATION!!"

"PLEASE, NISHIMURA-SENSEI!!"

"""PLEASE!!!"""

"QUIET! STOP USING THAT CASUAL PLEADING TONE THAT WOULD APPEAR IN HOT-BLOODED TV DRAMAS FOR ME TO RETURN THE A-BOOKS TO YOU!!"

The class' sincere wish never reached Ironman's heart. How can there be such a cruel and heartless teacher in this world!?

"If that's the case, would you consider something, sensei?"

"What do you want, Yoshii? I don't have time to listen to your nonsense."

"Those aren't A-books. Those are reference books for us to study health education."

"Everyone, go get ready. We're starting lesson. Self-study period is about to end as well."

We at our wits end. If this keeps up, our precious treasures will...

"DAMN IT! IF THAT'S THE CASE, WE'LL GET THEM BACK WITH OUR ABILITY! WE'LL BET OUR LIVES AGAINST IRONMAN FOR OUR REFERENCE BOOKS (A-BOOKS)!!"

"WOOOOHHH!!!"

Everyone stood up and surround Ironman. We have the advantage in numbers, and even if the enemy's a superhuman freak, we can't possibly lose.

"Kuku...so you brats have guts."

But even when he's facing such a dangerous situation, Ironman doesn't look like he's about to waver.

"ALL OF YOU, BRING IT ON!!!"

"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

Facing the hated sworn enemy of ours, all the boys in our class F clench our fists and charge at him.

<center>☆</center>

"That guy's...definitely not human..."

My bad friend who was talking enthusiastically just now—Sakamoto Yuuji muttered bitterly. He has solid physique and is used to fighting, but after he just punched hard, he couldn't even get up even till now.

"Yeah...why is it that he could take on 47 high school guys like that..."

Before I could even summon my summoned beast, I got choked on the neck and fainted. My classmates who fell beside me either got choked or got tossed over the shoulder. And after one cross immobilization, Ironman proceeded to crush us all with all sorts of judo techniques. And even against so many people, he was able to win easily even after controlling his force such that we don't have any wounds on us. Ironman's not an ordinary person no matter how we see it! Are all people who like Ironman triathlon this amazing?

"...Those movements are already equivalent to that of a human weapon."

Another classmate of mine, Muttsulini—real name is Tsuchiya Kouta lowered his shoulders and muttered dejectedly. Anyone can tell from his nickname that he's a guy whose driving force in this world is on ERO. The bitter loss of having his A-books confiscated, he should be more dejected than anyone else. On a side note, Muttsulini used a taser attack, but in a short moment, his weapon got taken and he ended up being tasered instead. To be able to take away the weapon from the fast Muttsulini, it's impossible to do this without being at the pinnacle of martial arts.

"I say, you guys. Why are you always united in such situations...."

Giving us a 'really, what's with you guys look' is one of the few girls in class F, Shimada Minami. She's a girl with long slender limbs and a ponytail and a part that's a lot flatter than normal...but I'll just add the wounds on me if I say that. Better not say that. If I continue to take more guilt and pain, maybe my daily life will be badly influenced.

"United? Do we look that united?"

"Well, more than being united...I just want to say, why would the guys in class...bring such stuff to school..."

Saying that, Minami's face start to blush a bit. She should have seen the covers of some of those books.

"Well, guys have some things that they have to do no matter what."

"What exactly was the reason why all the guys in class would bring such a thing..."

As summer vacation ended, Muttsurini Company organized a 'Collection report festival (summer)', only to be met with an inspection. Did someone leak the news to those teachers? To actually detect our underground information network, we shouldn't underestimate those teachers' information network after all.

"But it can't be helped that they were confiscated. Well...I feel and Akihisa-kun, it's a little too early, for all of you to touch those books..."

Speaking up as well is another one of our healer girls—Himeji Mizuki-san. According to rumours amongst the 2nd years, the long, gentle hair on her, the presence she gives, and a certain part of her body seem to release anions. Also, her voice causes my dejected will to recover.

"Uu...even if you say that, I really can't accept it..."

THAT WAS MY PRIZED COLLECTION!! I WAS BARELY ABLE TO HIDE IT FROM MY SIS, AND NOW IT GOT CONFISCATED AT SCHOOL BECAUSE I WAS UNAWARE...IS THERE A PLACE IN A WORLD FOR ME TO HIDE SAFELY!!?

"Spot-check? It wasn't too long ago that they had a sudden spot-check. No wonder everyone let their guard down."

Another one of class F's opposite gender—Hideyoshi consoled me. He has slender limbs and a soft and shiny hair, and a cute smile with that. Though he kept stressing that he's a guy, I feel that Hideyoshi should open his eyes wide and look at reality.

"It's true that it was unexpected. I got some little things confiscated by sensei, like DVDs, magazines, and my little pillow..."

"Yeah....I got a few things confiscated...like CDs, lights novels, and my little pillow..."

What's going on? I seem to have heard something that an ordinary high school student normally won't bring to school.

"What the heck, so Himeji and Shimada got things confiscated. What about you, Hideyoshi?"

"Um...some props I wanted to use in drama was confiscated by me, and I actually got a handheld console game confiscated..."

Hideyoshi answered Yuuji bitterly.

Speaking of which, Hideyoshi seem to be acting in a modern drama now. Since his costumes got confiscated the last time, it's impossible to ask Ironman to return that to him.

"...I actually forgot to be cautious of spot-checks..."

Muttsurini, who's already frail-looking, curls his back, looking even smaller. If this guy actually cautiously analysed the situation, he should have noticed that the teachers intended to carry out a spot-check. This time, everyone seem to be too careless. I suppose one of the reasons why we were so careless is because we focused on the preparation of the 'Collection report festival (summer)'.

"To actually come up with a spot-check plan on the 2nd years...the teachers should have planned this in a meeting while we were still having summer vacation."

"Really, those teachers' methods are so underhanded."

And it was on the day after school opening. That's really too much. If it happened on the day itself, everyone would have some sense of cautiousness, but everyone would definitely drop their guard on the second day. It's true that the school rules indicated that 'items that aren't related to the teaching curriculum are forbidden', but this is too strict no matter what.

"Sigh. Good thing our handphones weren't confiscated. That's the only good thing, I guess..."

"But it will still be confiscated immediately if it suddenly rings in the middle of class."

Perhaps considering that there may be a need for a sudden emergency call, the teachers didn't confiscate handphones even when finding them. But Yuuji's right. If it rings in the middle of class, it will definitely be confiscated,

"Oh yeah, Akihisa, do you have anything else that got confiscated other than those picture albums?"

Hideyoshi asked as he pointed at my back. I really feel regretful about that he sounded like I got other things confiscated besides those picture albums, But facts are facts, so I can't argue back. Speaking of what Ironman confiscated...

Well, books, CDs, games, photos (of Himeji-san, Minami and Hideyoshi in swimsuits..."

"So not only those picture albums got confiscated, even ordinary photos were confiscated...those teachers have stone hearts."

"Yeah...I just bought them from Muttsurini's Company today, and I didn't even manage to see any of them..."

And I came here so early in the morning just to buy them. What a waste...

"Really a pity...I always looked forward to hugging this photo...and even wanted to put a picture of of the person in the swimsuit on it.

"Me too. I thought that I could have a good dream tonight..."

Why would Himeji-san and Minami agree with me?

"Then what about you, Yuuji? What else did you lose?"

If I'm to continue asking Himeji-san and Minami, I feel that I will be severely depressed, so I decided to ask Yuuji.

"My MP3 got confiscated. I just added a few new songs into it yesterday. Damn it! That infuriates me!"

Yuuji said that unhappily. I see, Yuuji's MP3 got confiscated again. I remember something like that happened before...

"Speaking of which, Muttsurini, your camera got confiscated again, right?"

"...(Nods head)."

Muttsurini looks devastated as he nods his head. If he joins the photography club, he would definitely be allowed to carry a camera—NOT! Besides, he's always taking those kinds of pictures anyway...

"...Even the memory card with those photos got confiscated. I can't sell them for the time being."

"""EEHHHHH!!!???"""

[[Image:BTS vol 07 033.jpg|thumb]]

How, how did this happen? He can't sell photos at this time? Being unable to see the greatness of these photos even when knowing that they're there, that's basically torture for me!!

"DO SOMETHING, MUTTSURINI! DON'T YOU PREPARE BACK-UPS OR SOMETHING?"

"THAT'S RIGHT, TSUCHIYA-KUN! DON'T YOU HAVE BACK-UP DATA!?"

"Should be able to find them by searching the computers, right?"

How can Muttsurini possibly make the error of not backing-up ordinary people would do? Saying that he's unable to sell them, that's definitely a lie!!

"...I do have time, but it'll be a while before I can retrieve them."

"""How, how did it end up like this..."""

On hearing his answer, Minami, Himeji-san and me inadvertently collapsed onto the floor, using our hands to support ourselves. It's true that Muttsurini has way too many photos. If he has to recover the data of all the photos, it may really take a long time. In other words, we have to wait for him to save those photos and refine them before we can finally get the finished product, and we can only wait and wither.

"Oi, did you hear that?"

"I did! Seems like he said it will be a while before he can finally sell them...I might as well die if I have to wait until I can see Himeji, Shimada and Kinoshita in swimsuits!"

"Not just that. I heard that there were also photos of Kirishima and Kudou and other beatiful onee-sans....if I can't see those photos, I'll, I'll actually..."

Moans of agony could be heard from all over the classroom. To us guys who aren't popular with girls, Muttsurini's photos are the only ones who can give life to us.

"Oi, Yuuji, now what? 'Are we doing that'?"

"That's right...if we just allow this abuse of power to happen, there will be even more troubles to our school life...alright, let's do this, Akihisa! Wait till those teachers—especially Ironman to leave the staff room at lunch break. We'll sneak in and get back our dreams and hopes!!"

"ALRIGHT!"

In order to get back those confiscated items, Yuuji revived.

"...I can't just let Yuuji and Akihisa fight this tough battle."

Muttsurini's rejuvenated as well. His eyes are as determined as before. As expected of Muttsurini, the nickname 'silent pervert' isn't just for show!

"Hold it, you guys!"

"It's a no-go if you forget about us!"

"Hehe, aren't we good buddies?"

"Ev, everyone..."

Before I noticed it, all the guys in class F have already stood up.

That's right, even though our precious treasures were confiscated, we will never cry to bed. Once we snatch the possibility back, we will get back what belongs to us with courage, perseverance and teamwork! Even if there's a little hope, we will never give up!

"Well, actually, everyone, please calm down..."

At this moment, a voice stopped us. The person who stopped us from rushing to the office—

"...Himeji-san?"

—Is Himeji-san, whose hands are cupped in front of her chest.

After everyone turned to look at her, Himeji-san finally says what she feels.

"Akihisa-kun, Sakamoto-kun...I feel that this isn't right."

"What you're talking about...is it referring to sneaking into the staff room?"

"That's right."

Himeji-san nodded her head slightly. Well...even if you think that it's bad, but...

"But if we don't do this, those confiscated items won't come back. Himeji-san, you want to get back those things Ironman confiscated, right?"

We already tried whimpering to beg for them, but it was futile. If that's the case, we have no other choice but to forcefully grab our own things back with our own hands.

"As, as for that, if sensei's willing to give us back those things, I'll be really happy...but besides, we were the ones who broke the school rules in the first place..."

Saying that, Himeji-san lifted her head and looked up at me. Uu...seeing her look at me like this, I really feel that I'm doing something bad here....

"Sigh, Mizuki's right. Who asked us to break the rules first? If we won't accept our punishment and create another problem, it would be too..."

Minami agreed with Himeji-san.

"That's right, so I feel that it's bad to sneak into the staff room. And...it's sly no matter what I think."

Sly, is it...it's true that we broke the rules and got our stuff confiscated. And sneaking into the staff room to get back those stuff isn't a manly thing.

"...Yuuji, what do we do now? Himeji-san already said this. Sneaking into the staff room, it's a bit too..."

Really, my enthusiasm subsided.

"Ah...what do you mean by that. Since Himeji and Shimada already said that, we can only think of another way..."

No, not just Yuuji. I guess everyone else in class is thinking the same, because they're all looking rather awkward.

"Akihisa-kun, Sakamoto-kun, everyone...do you understand what I mean?"

"Yeah. We understand what Himeji and Shimada meant. So it came down to that, huh?"

Trying to retract back what he just said, Yuuji declares,

"—THIS ISN'T THE TIME FOR LITTLE SNEAKY TRICKS!! WE'RE GOING TO KILL IRONMAN AND GET BACK OUR ITEMS HEAD ON, ISN'T THAT RIGHT!!?"

"THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!!"

It's really not manly of us to do such sneaky stuff in front of the girls. How can we let them see us in such an embarrassing manner. If we're going to do that, let's party!!

Thus, us class F guys decided to launch a sudden battle during lunch break.

<center>☆</center>

"So I say, why are you guys so simple-minded..."

After that, we sat straight and ended up kneeling on the hard floor of the detention room (without chairs too). Under Ironman's supervision, we could only finish the pile of supplementary questions obediently.

"Damn it, that's too dirty! Taking our precious and beating us up badly, now they even set an ambush of summoned beasts in the staff room...those teachers are too despicable!!"

"Yeah. They actually set an ambush against our manly head-on attack...that's not something a mature adult should have!!"

"Yoshii, Sakamoto. Both of you actually have time to talk. I'll give you a present.

""AAHH!!""

Pomp! Another book was added on us. I don't think it's possible to answer them all today...

"THAT'S TOO DESPICABLE!! YOU'RE DEFINITELY NOT HUMAN, YOU BLACK GORILLA!!"

"YOU BLACK GORILLA!! YOU NEVER INTENDED TO LET US GO HOME TODAY!!"

"Speaking of which, it seems like both of you haven't handed in your holiday assignments, right?"

Pomp! Another assessment book landed in front of us.

"That's interest for handing in your homework late. If you hand them in a week later, I'll add another book."

""AAARRRRGGGGGHHHH--!!!""

We can't take it anymore! This demonic teacher's just trying to wreck us mentally before killing us!!

"Yoshii and Sakamoto are both idiots...they clearly don't want their lives when they went against that gorilla."

"Wouldn't we be alright if we followed that gorilla obediently?"

"It's because they spent all their energy resisting that the gorilla has his eyes on them."

"Speaking of which, I just remembered. You guys haven't handed in your summer holiday assignments. Well, relax, I'm impartial, so I'll let everyone pay the same amount of interest."

'''"""UUUBBBOOOOOOAAAAAHHHHHHHH---!!!"""'''

The holiday assignments that weren't handed in, the supplementary questions, and the additional questions...our homework load just increased. Forcing us to this extent, what kind of sick interests do they have!!!

"Damn you, Ironman...I'll pay you back for this!"

"That bastard, we'll wait and see!"

"...I will never forget this grudge!"

"Watch out when you walk down an empty dark street at night!"

"Watch it, I'll stick tacks in your shoes!"

"If that's the case, I'll spread the rumours that Ironman's a homo in school..."

"And another book."

'''"""UUUBBBOOOOOOAAAAAHHHHHHHH---!!!"""'''

The 3 girls who didn't take part this the raid are having lessons with class E, and the 47 guys of class F are imprisoned in the detention room. This is really too tragical. Just looking at all the class F guys being unable to take the heat and having the few girls of hope from him, and the lecturer's this Ironman, our anger rose to unlimited edges.

"Really, why don't you learn...since you can spend so much energy on such useless stuff, use that exercise to spend off that excess energy. It's about time for the sports meet too."

Ironman sighed and said.

The 2nd semester just started, and the grand-scale activity--Fumitzuki Gakuen's sports meet is suddenly around the corner.

The main aim of this event is to ensure that the students who spent the long summer vacation relaxing to rejuvenate themselves. Since everyone's gotten giddy over vacation and can't concentrate during lessons, how about having a sports meet to get everyone on track--I guess that's what the school thinks, right? It's really something that that principal would think of."

"Okay, I still have to go back to clear up that staff room you guys messed up, so stay here and do your homework. If you dare to run...I'll show you what Hell's like."

Leaving behind this ominous threat, Ironman turns and walks out of the detention room, and even locks the room up from the outside before leaving. Don't think of leaving, he basically set up all precautions.

"Oh yeah, it's soon to be time for the sports meet. Speaking of sports meet...about that, right?"

Yuuji smirks.

"Yeah, that."

I smirk as well. Looking closely, every student around us is smirking as well. It seems that we're all thinking the same thing.

"Recalling these past 5 months...no, including the past 1 year 5 months ever since we entered this school, the teachers in this school really made us suffer."

"Like kneeling on the corridor, confined in the detention room, and even taking away our Bibles (A-books), and even throwing us into that classroom with such lousy facilities, and even letting all the 2nd year guys get suspended. And also....we saw the principal naked!!"

Everyone here started letting out 'yeah, that's right' and sighs, nodding away forcefully in agreement. All the guys in this class are comrades who've been through the same situations. Up till now, we were bullied and looked down on. There's nothing different.

"But the sports meet's about to start. At that time--we can take revenge on those teachers!!"

These words seem to burn the passion in Yuuji's heart, as he clenches his fists and stands up with swagger.

"ALRIGHT!! LET'S PARTY!!!"

"WE DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR, BUT THIS YEAR'S GOING TO BE DIFFERENT!!"

"THOSE DAMNED TEACHERS...WE'LL MAKE THEM CHANGE THEIR OPINIONS ON US!!"

My classmates energetic roars can be heard from all over the place. It seems like everyone felt the same way about the teachers. Including what happened today, the teachers' violent actions made us swear deep inside that we have to take revenge.

"YOU GUYS BETTER LISTEN UP. THERE WON'T BE SUCH A CHANCE IN THE FUTURE! UP TILL NOW, EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED IN SCHOOL, ALL THAT ANGER OF BEING HUMILIATED, BEING ABUSED. WHEN ELSE ARE WE GOING TO TAKE REVENGE!!!"

"THAT'S RIGHT! WE MUST TAKE REVENGE!!"

"USE THIS CHANCE TO TAKE REVENGE ON WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST!!"

"WE MUST USE THE CHAOTIC SITUATION OF THE SPORTS MEET TO MAKE THE TEACHERS SUFFER!!!"

That's right. Such a chance to take revenge is there for the taking. Our sworn enemies are the teachers, and we can use the sports meet as excuse to take revenge on them. It's the perfect opportunity.

"FROM NOW ON, EVERYONE'S TO GET READY! EVEN IF WE HAVE TO CRAWL ON THE FLOOR TO ENDURE THE HUMILIATION, WE HAVE TO STORE ENERGY FOR THIS GREAT CHANCE! WHILE WE WON'T BE DECLARING WAR ON THEM, IT WILL BE THE BEST CHANCE TO TAKE REVENGE ON THEM DURING THE SPORTS MEET. UNDER THE GUISE OF COMPETITION, WE WILL ACT AS IT WERE AN ACCIDENT AND TAKE REVENGE ON THEM. LISTEN UP, OUR REAL AIM IS--"

"""--TEACHERS-VS-STUDENTS BASEBALL MEET!!!"""

Everyone clenched their fists and shouted out in unison.

Watch it Ironman, damned old granny and the other teachers! During this teachers-vs-students baseball meet, we'll definitely inflict the great amount of grudge on you...!!!

<noinclude>
{{BakaTest Nav|prev=Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju:Volume7 Novel Illustrations|next=Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju:Volume7 The Second Question}}
</noinclude>