Baka to Tesuto to Syokanju:Volume2 The Second Question

The Second Question

Please answer the following question:

Please write down the names of the three Baltic states.

Himeji Mizuki’s answer:

Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia.[1]

Teacher’s comment:

Correct.

Tsuchiya Kouta's Answer:

Asia, Europe, Urayasu.[2]

Teacher’s comment:

Sensei is more worried about what Tsuchiya-san defines as ‘country’.

Yoshii Akihisa's Answer:

Kagawa, Tokushima, Ehime, Kochi.[3]

Teacher’s comment:

Before I correct your answer, sensei wishes that you notice that you didn’t answer the correct number of answers.

“Aki, can I talk to you for a while?”

Right now, school is over. Just as I plan to go home with nothing special in mind, Minami called me.

“Un, you need my help?”

“Instead of needing your help, it’s more of discussing something with you.”

She seems rather normal now, seems like she’s not planning to say anything random.

“Discuss? I’ll listen if you like.”

“Um, thanks. I feel that Aki’s the most suited person to talk to regarding this—about that, is there really no way to get Sakamoto involved?”

Speaking of Sakamoto, that’s my best bad friend, the representative of class F—Sakamoto Yuuji.

Seems like Minami believes that the teahouse would only be successful if Yuuji is the one leading class F. by not trying to do this the foolhardy way, it seems that she’s a pretty smart girl.

“Mm—this is going to be hard…I just said it before, Yuuji won’t care about anything that he’s not interested in.”

That guy probably doesn’t even know what the class would be doing.

“However, if Aki is to ask him, maybe he might do something?”

Minami stares at me with an expectant look.

“Eh? I feel that even if I’m to ask him myself, that guy won’t change his answer—”

“No, this won’t happen. He will definitely accept Aki’s request, because—”

“Even though we’re together often, there isn’t really much difference…”

“Because both of you guys are in love, right?”

“I CAN’T GET MARRIED ANYMORE!!”

Why can you say such a thing with a straight face…

“Who wants to be with that Yuuji in the first place? Even if that’s the case, I’ll prefer Hideyoshi!”

“…Ah, Akihisa?”

At this moment, Hideyoshi, who’s just standing beside us, stopped his movements. Oh dear? Is the situation somewhat weird now?

“That…about that, I’m grateful for your feelings, but even if you’re to say that, there are many obstacles that can’t be overcome. That, let’s think, something like age difference…”

“Hi…Hideyoshi! It’s not like that! You completely misunderstood me! It was just a figure of speech! And the biggest obstacle between us isn’t the age difference!!”

Hideyoshi blushes as he lowers his head. What, what now! I’m starting to think that it’s fine if it’s Hideyoshi!

“Then, you mean that you can’t convince Sakamoto as well?”

“Eh? Ah, mm, that’s basically it.”

I shook my head, trying to get these dangerous thoughts out of my mind, and turn to look at Minami.

“Isn’t there any way we can do this? If this keeps up, the teahouse will be a failure.”

Her eyes are looking down, her face looking gloomy as well. That’s right, I’m also thinking about how to get Yuuji involved in this.

Once the teahouse succeeds, we can use the money to improve F class facilities, and lessen the burden on Himeji-san’s body as well. if possible, I’ll also want this shop to succeed.

“Oh yeah, what are you talking about? Seeing both of you looking so troubled, it should be serious.”

“It’s not really something serious, we’re just talking about store management and class equipment.”

“Aki, it’s not really like this. This is really serious.”

“Eh, what’s it about?”

Minami looks rather weird. She’s not really unhappy with the facilities, but for her to be this enthusiastic, what is she thinking?

“Though she told me not to tell this to anyone, but this situation…can you keep a secret about it?”

“Um, mm, I got it.”

I’m rather shocked by Minami’s serious expression.

“Actually, this has something to do with Himeji.”

“Himeji-san? What’s wrong with Himeji-san?”

“She may end up transferring school.”

“Eh?”

Himeji-san’s transferring school? How is that possible! We’re finally in the same class, and just getting started. Now she’s about to transfer schools! I haven’t created any wonderful memories with her, nor have I lay on Himeji-san’s lap and let her dig my ears. Come to think of it, what will happen to this class? As the class idol, the whole class would be left to ruin if she’s not around, and would be reduced to a hell full of violence and plundering. The hairstyle of the whole class will become a Mohican that’s of a late-century savior, after that, it’ll be an all out bloody war for Hideyoshi—

“Ugh, not good, Akihisa’s losing it.”

“That idiot! He really can’t deal with this unexpected situation!”

“Akihisa, snap out of it!”

Who’s shaking my shoulders so hard? Ah, it’s Hideyoshi. You’re cute today.

“Hideyoshi…even if I have a Mohawk, would you still like me?”

“…How did you associate that with Himeji’s transfer?”

“In a certain sense, this may be a rare talent.”

…Ack! Damn it, I thought too much!

“Minami, what’s with Himeji-san transferring school out of a sudden?”

“Exactly what I said. If this keeps up, Himeji may end up transferring schools.”

“If this keeps up…?”

This is really a strange way to say it. I thought that in normal circumstances, once someone decides to transfer school, it’s inevitable.

“Shimada. Isn’t the reason Himeji-san’s transferring school unrelated to what you’re talking about?”

Hideyoshi reveals a puzzled look.

“It’s not like this. The reason why Himeji is transferring school is ‘the environment of F class’.”

“In other words, it’s not because of her parents’ jobs—”

“Yeah, it’s basically the facilities.”

Hearing her say this, I suddenly realized it.

Anyone can easily understand that the facilities of class F isn’t suitable for Himeji-san. Though I’m not against the school’s method of increasing the competition through education, it’s weird for Himeji-san, who’s at such a high level, to have to endure this poor treatment. We have only straw mats and cardboard boxes. Even if she has to study with our class, there are only idiots all around us. She hasn’t done anything wrong herself, yet she’s forced to study in this poor environment, any parent would want her to transfer schools.

“And besides, Himeji’s condition isn’t very good.”

“That’s true, this is really troublesome…”

Like what Minami said, this poor conditions may end up damaging Himeji’s health in the long run. Though we do sweep the floor sometimes (well, rarely), it’s still not a hygienic place. Right now, the conditions are okay, but when winter comes blowing through the windows, even if it’s not Himeji-san, a lot of us will end up falling sick.

“I see, so you want the teahouse to be successful so that we can upgrade the facilities?”

“Hm, even though Himeji wants to change her dad’s view of F class by winning the ‘summoning tournament’, if we don’t upgrade the facilities…”

One of the reasons why Himeji-san is transferring is because F class is full of idiots, so Himeji-san’s actions aren’t just for show. However, the most important thing is still Himeji-san’s health. If we don’t find a way to improve it, her parents will never change their mindset.

“…Aki…you don’t like the idea of Himeji transferring school, right…?”

Minami looks at me with a tentative look. This is really unexpected; do I really look that cold-blooded?

“Of course, I don’t like it! Not just Himeji-san, even if it’s Minami and Hideyoshi would also feel the same.”

If it’s because of family problems, then it can’t be helped, I don’t want to be separated from my friends because of this stupid reason.

“Really…well, I guess you’re that kind of person.”

Incidentally, if it’s Yuuji, I won’t even bother.

“If so, we have to get Yuuji involved no matter what.””

“That’s right. After hearing this, I can’t stand around and remain silent.”

“Then we better contact Yuuji.”

I took out my handphone and dialed Yuuji’s number. That guy has his school bag in school even though he’s not around, which means that he’s still in school.

Duludulu. The phone chatter bell continues to ring on the phone.

“Hello—”

“Ah Yuuji, I got something I want to—”

“Akihisa? Good timing. Sorry, can you help me get my bag—Argh! SHOUKO!”

“Eh? Yuuji, what are you doing now?”

“Damn it, I was discovered! Anyway, I’ll leave my bag to you!”

“Yuuji? Hello, hello—!”

The phone line was cut, leaving behind a ‘du du du’ sound.

“What did Sakamoto say?”

“Eh, something like ‘I was discovered’ and ‘I’ll leave my bag with you’.”

“What on earth does that mean?”

Minami is glaring at me with a ‘you useless bum’ expression, how rude!

“Seems like he was being pursued by Kirishima Shouko. Despite his outer looks, he’s rather weak to the opposite gender.”

Hideyoshi folds his arms, nodding and making a ‘mm’sound in agreement.

Kirishima-san is the school representative, jet-black hair and slender limbs, a charismatic and talented girl. However, for some reason, there is something wrong with her, to fall for Yuuji like that…

Um, why must Yuuji run around and hide? If it’s an ordinary boy, they won’t be pursued by her, but would pursue her instead. Yuuji, to think that you would waste this opportunity!

“If so, it’ll be hard for us to contact Yuuji.”

“No, this may be our best opportunity.”

“Eh? What does that mean?”

“In this current situation, it’s the best moment to get Yuuji to lead us in preparing the teahouse. Mm, can both of you help out?”

“Well, there is no problem…but do you know where Sakamoto is?”

“No problem, I can most probably guess what he’s thinking.”

“Seem like you have a plan in mind.”

“Well, most likely.”

I reveal a cunning smile, bringing both of them out of the classroom.

“Oh my, Yuuji, what a coincidence to see you here.”

“…Can you tell me how it is a coincidence that we’re meeting each other in the girls’ changing room?”

That’s right. Like what Yuuji said, this is the girls’ changing room. Because it’s Yuuji, I don’t think that he’s honestly hide inside the male toilet or changing room, where the girls are not allowed to enter, ad would use reverse psychology and hide inside places that guys are forbidden to enter…it’s just that I never expected myself to find him so easily.

“What are you talking abou, it’s just a coincidence.”

“Don’t lie, as if you’re supposed to be here.”

Kacha—

The door is opened as soon as the sound is heard, a girl wearing P.E. attire is standing at the door.

“Erm…eh? Aren’t you guys the problematic duo from F class? This is the girls’ changing room, you know!”

“Oh my, Kinoshita Yuuko-san, what a coincidence.”

“OH, Hideyoshi’s sister, nice meeting you here.”

“Ah, yeah, what a coincidence.”

I tried to let out a casual laugh. Hmmm, this IS too coincidental.

“SENSEI! THERE ARE PEEPING PERVERTS HERE!!”

“HURRY UP AND RUN, AKIHISA!!”

“Got it!”

We leaped out of the small window in the changing room, seems like there’s no way we can get past this.

“YUUJI AND SAKAMOTO, YOU SAY? THOSE TWO AGAIN?”

“Damn it, Yuuji! It’s Ironman!”

“Anyway, let’s run!”

Though we’re wearing only slippers, we still continued to run. The opponent is Ironman, we’ll be dead if we’re caught.

“Found you! I’m not going to let you get away!”

The gruff voice can be heard from behind. Damn it! He’s chasing up!

“Akihisa!”

Yuuji’s voice came from behind. His eyes are aimed at an open window on the seconds level of the new campus. Are we going to escape through there?

“OK!”

After receiving Yuuji’s signal, I took off my coat as I ran. At this moment, Yuuji starts to run past me.

“There’s no way out there! Give up and accept your supplementary lessons!”

“Ironman’s voice is becoming closer and closer. To be honest, I’m rather scared myself.”

“Come on, Aki!”

Yuuji, who was running in front of me, stops and turns towards me.

“Got it!”

I jump onto the platform formed by Yuuji’s hands, and at that moment, Yuuji swings his hands up, allowing me to get up to the second level easily.

“Ugh, those idiots! Having such athletic abilities only in stupid events like this!”

Ignoring Ironman’s loud roar, as I got into the school compound, I lowered the coat that I just took off.

“Whoosh!”

This time, Yuuji kicks the wall, using the momentum to lift himself up into the air and grab my coat.

“Ha!”

At this moment, I swing my coat up. Though the coat creates an irritating flapping sound, at least we managed to get in safely.

“YOSHII! SAKAMOTO!! I WON’T LET YOU GET AWAY TOMORROW!!”

Even if it’s Ironman, he can’t get up to the second level. What we are hearing is the sound of a defeated dog barking.

“Sigh…now our bad reputation has just went up again…”

Wearing my coat again, I let out a sigh. This is too much.

“I should be the troubled one. If you weren’t here, this wouldn’t have happened.

Yuuji acted as if he wasn’t in the wrong.

“What are you saying. Aren’t you the one in the wrong? To hide in the girls’ changing room?”

It’ll be alright if Yuuji were to just hide in a random classroom.

“It, it can’t be helped! It’s Shouko we’re talking about here! It’s not like I can hide anywhere when it’s her!”

Certainly, she does give the vibe that she’ll enter a male changing room without any hesitation.

“Come to think of it, why are you hiding form Kirishima-san?”

“…She wanted me to go to her house.”

Yuuji reveals an unhappy look. What’s so irritating about that?

“From my perspective, this is something worth being envious about right? Is it to Kirishima-san’s room? I want to go in—”

“She wants to introduce me to her family.”

“…You’re not going out with her yet, right?”

Maybe her emotions are a bit too much. I start to feel some pity to Yuuji. However, this regret has nothing to do with why I’m looking for him!

“Then Yuuji, since you’re in quite a fix, I got something good to say to you.”

“Really? I’m gonna kill you if it’s bad news.”

“…”

Yuuji’s serious tone makes me speechless momentarily.

“Anyway, please use my phone.”

I pull out my phone, presses Shouko’s number and passes it to Yuuji.

“Really, what sort of plan are you thinking of?”

Yuuji reveals a surprised look as he receives the phone and places it by his ear.

“Hello? Is it Sakamoto?”

“Oh Shimada, what are you guys doing?”

“Wait a sec, I’m handing over the phone.”

“To who? Hello—hey, hello hello? ”

From the sound of it, it seems like Minami has handed the phone over to the other person.

“…Yuuji, where are you right now?”

“Wrong number.”

Such a scary split-second decision. Not a lot of people in the world can immediately reply ‘wrong number’.

“I’ll kill you…”

This phrase gives me an unprecedented chill down my spine.

“Now, now, calm down. If you’re willing to help, I won’t do anything bad to you.”

“Help? Humph, it’s about the teahouse, right?”

Every time this sort of situation pops up, I’ll have to remember the fact that Yuuji was known as a prodigy, because his mind reacts extremely fast.

“Really, you didn’t have to do it in such a roundabout way. If you just said that ‘I want to do something for my beloved Himeji-san! Please help me!’, I would have helped even if it’s a hassle.”

“Wha? I haven’t even said such a word!”

“Ah—okay okay. I know your request. Guess I’ll help you then.”

Yuuji immediately puts on an enthusiastic expression. Why is he always like this…!

“Never mind. Anyway, thanks for your help.”

“No problem. Come to think of it, are Shimada and Shouko close?”

At this moment, Yuuji reveals his probing eyes. Seems like he’s wondering why Kirishima-san from class A would be together with Minami from F-class.

“Un--you won’t be angry after listening?”

“Idiot. Since I’ve already agreed to help, there’s no point in getting angry, right?”

That’s true, Yuuji has agreed to help.

“Then let me tell you. Actually, the one who was imitating Kirishima-san’s voice was Hideyoshi.”

“CLOSE YOUR EYES AND CLENCH YOUR TEETH!!”

Yuuji! You liar!