Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju:Volume7 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 casualities 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.”" [1]
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:
“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 the.
“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 centred 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 LEVFEL 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 Tsuchikya 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.
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 fore, 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, rigtht? 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!!
“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...”
