Synopsis
"Today, I'm going to make you confess all of your secrets."
Now recognized as the leader, Ayanokoji begins interacting with various students in Class C with whom he had no prior connections— including Shimazaki, Yoshida, Shiraishi and Nishikawa.
Meanwhile, a new special exam is announced, though its details remain shrouded in mystery.
They are given only two pieces of information:
"Starting from tomorrow, a new exam will begin." and "Details of it will only be announced a week later."
Class C demonstrates its excellence by immediately discussing all possible scenarios based on previous exams and ways to handle them.
In contrast, Horikita's Class A is unable to unite. Weighed down by the damage accumulated since spring, they start taking out their frustration even on their teacher, Chabashira. However, Horikita herself begins to show signs of growth, consulting with Karuizawa, Kushida, and Ibuki about the problems in her class and the student council instead of tackling them alone—
The hit series continues! The second volume of the third-year arc arrives, where the students' feelings clash and intertwine!
Prologue
"How could this happen…?"
In the hospital room, as he was laying unconscious, I murmured quietly.
"He's been diagnosed with a prolonged disorder of consciousness, hasn’t he?"
The voice was devoid of emotion, stating the fact with clinical detachment. As the words hung in the air, the man gently brushed his fingers across the nameplate affixed to the bed with Matsuo Eiichiro written on its surface.
A prolonged disorder of consciousness. In simpler terms, a vegetative state.
His eyes may open. He may breathe on his own. But there is no awareness, no recognition of the world around him, no response.
Doctors said it is possible he would regain consciousness within a few weeks or months, but... but even so, that hope was faint.
"I heard Matsuo-kun was a very kind-hearted man."
"Yes.. If I.. If only I had noticed something was wrong, none of this would've happened to Eiichiro-kun. No... I never would've let it happen..."
Overwhelmed by regret and sorrow, tears kept streaming endlessly.
"Kindness alone isn't enough to survive in this world. Rather it will make you prey to the most evil, unforgivable of demons..." The man murmured those words, then turned to me with a faint smile.
"This world is built on give-and-take. You understand that, don’t you?"
"Yes, I do. I appreciate your generous protection."
After being turned away from one hospital after another, this man was the one who eventually found somewhere for him to be treated. Had we been even thirty minutes late, Eiichiro-kun’s life could have been lost.
"What is it you want from me?"
"I have brought you an opportunity to settle your grudge."
"An opportunity…?"
"I will tell you how to get close to the person you want to take revenge on."
As he said this, the man placed an enrollment form and a photo on the table
"What is.."
"Enrolling in the Advanced Nurturing High School is the only way to get close to your target—"
"…Before that, I just realized I never asked your name… Who are you?"
"Pardon me. My name is Tsukishiro. I've known you and Matsuo-kun since you were both little."
"I’ve seen plenty of adults who pretend they know everything about us but truly don’t."
"Is Shirogane-san doing well?"
Just hearing that name made my body tense despite my attempt to remain calm. I tried to keep my composure, but the reaction was instinctive.
He did know us.
And in that moment, I realized that he wasn’t lying.
"So you are an acquaintance of Shirogane-sensei?"
"Back in my younger days, I was deeply indebted to Shirogane-san."
He looks to be about the same age as Shirogane-sensei. If that’s the case then that debt must mean something very different from what it means for us.
"You are not evil. But in the world I live in, no matter where I look, it’s filled with nothing but evil. Either doing evil deeds under the pretense of justice, or not even pretending at all. But you, Nanase Tsubasa-san, are different. Ordinary, yet capable. Ordinary, yet unpolished. Ordinary, yet talented. Sometimes this is what can defeat evil. That is my belief, born from living in this world."
"Tsukishiro-san, right? Is this boy connected to the evil you spoke of?"
In the photo before me was a boy about the same age as me.
"He is Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. A key link to the one you seek revenge on. As of now, he is enrolled in Advanced Nurturing High School one year ahead of you and is living his life among the ordinary students."
"So you want me to get close to him?"
"Yes. I’ll give you instructions along the way. Everything is in service of your revenge. We’ll adapt as the situation demands, but be careful. That boy may seem emotionless, but he’s sharp, his instincts are refined. If you approach him carelessly, he’ll see right through you."
"Then, what should I do?"
"You have to weave lies with truth. It is a fact that you adore Matsuo Eiichiro-kun and your desire to avenge him is genuine. You should create a new identity using that as a foundation, and act accordingly so he cannot grasp your true intentions. Naturally, he will doubt you, but he won’t dig too deep. He’ll dismiss you as insignificant."
"Let me ask you one last question. Why me?"
"Because you are in just the right position. Neither left nor right, it's unclear which way you'll fall, So, I judged you to be the ideal person to send."
"And.. what if I side with Ayanokoji?.."
"I will think about that when it comes to it."
'You’ll do it, right?' being asked that, I nodded without hesitation.
Sometimes I still remember this exchange as if it was just a dream. At that time in the hospital, my mind was made up on taking revenge. I was set on Ayanokoji Atsuomi, the man who drove Eiichiro-kun to this state.
But now, things have changed.
I want to help Ayanokoji-senpai.
I wish to do so from my heart.
If he graduates from Advanced Nurturing High School as he is now, he will tread a path of pure evil. More victims, like Eiichiro-kun, may be created by his hand.
I don’t want that to happen.
I, who knows about the danger, have to be the one to keep it from happening.
For this, even today, I continue to search for that small key, deep within the forest.
Nanase Tsubasa's Monologue
Chapter 1
Sunday morning. Peering out the window of my room, I saw that it would unfortunately be one of those days with rain stretching from morning till night. Not quite a downpour, but the kind of weather which is enough to make you reluctant to step outside, even with an umbrella.
By the time it was nearly ten, I had finished getting dressed and grabbed a single umbrella before heading down to the dorm lobby. As I stepped into the elevator, I noticed the floor was wet, evidence that students had been going in and out since early morning.
"Yo, mornin'."
As soon as I reached the first floor and the elevator doors opened, a male student in a hoodie standing by the entrance turned around, raised a hand, and greeted me. It was my classmate, Yoshida.
"Morning."
After we finished our brief greetings, Yoshida immediately turned his gaze toward the sofa.
"Shimazaki came down a little while ago too." he said
As if he heard those words, Shimazaki stood up and removed a single white wireless earbud from his right ear. He slipped it into a small case he’d taken from his bag, probably one made just for those earbuds.
"What were you listening to?"
Keeping pace with Yoshida, I approached Shimazaki and asked him.
"English listening practice for the entrance exams. I'm personally not what you'd call good at English, so I want to make use of every spare minute while I can."
It seemed he didn't want to waste even the slightest bit of time he spent waiting for his classmates.
"Huh? You're bad at English? Don't you get better scores than me?"
Yoshida looked up at the ceiling and groaned, as if trying to recall past test results.
"It's meaningless to compare myself to you. It's actually my weakest subject."
"Yeah, whatever? My bad for makin' the comparison then."
Though he looked displeased, Yoshida apologized.
Shimazaki has the academic ability and grades to naturally rank among the top of our year, but it's likely because he's aware of his weaknesses and diligently works on them that he achieves such results.
As third-year students with entrance exams approaching. This level of awareness is just what you'd expect from former Class A students.
"I thought that was a sarcastic remark, but you're not getting angry?"
I had the impression that Yoshida is quite short-tempered, but he didn't seem particularly angry at Shimazaki's comment.
"Well, it bugs me a little, but this guy is always studying and nothing else. I'm not that passionate about studying, and it's a fact that there's a gap between us."
That's how Yoshida answered, but it might also just be that the two of them are good friends.
"Seriously though, haven't you done nothing but studying lately?"
"I wonder. I make sure to set aside at least five hours a day on it, but that's about it."
This five-hour period, of course, does not include school classes.
I don't know how much time the average third-year high school student devotes to self-study, but that’s certainly not a short amount of time.
Yoshida made a dramatic gesture with his hands, as if to say there was no way he could do five hours.
"The right given to Class A graduates is just a trump card. Doing this much is a given if you want to get into a good university, and it's not just me saying this. I'm heading to the cram school at Keyaki Mall this evening too."
[TL Note: Cram school, or 'Juku' (塾), is a private school that holds lectures to many students at a time to help them prepare for exams or help people who failed a year. Lectures usually take place in the evening, and students can only attend for a fee.]
"Seriously? Just how much are you gonna study…?"
Come to think of it, there was a cram school in the Keyaki mall set up by the Advanced Nurturing High School. It was a place irrelevant to me, so I'd never stopped by. I'd heard that even without private points, you could attend for free if you met certain conditions, such as having no problems with your usual conduct and having a clear vision for your future, like a specific university you want to attend.
"A cram school, huh. How many students actually go there?"
When I asked Shimazaki out of simple curiosity, for some reason, he glared at me slightly.
"You don't know? Speaking just for the third-years, there are 20 students as of now. Even then, compared to normal high schools, that’s a pretty low percentage. It’ll probably increase even more as we head into summer."
So that's how many students are starting to prepare for their entrance exams.
"It's not like your grades are bad, but shouldn't you at least show your face there?" Shimazaki said trying to be encouraging
Compared to Shimazaki, Yoshida is certainly inferior, but he still possesses high academic ability.
If he's considering a university, it wouldn't be strange for him to start attending.
Shimazaki probably recommended it with good intentions, but Yoshida immediately refused.
"No way, no way. I'm fine with just a so-so university, just a decent one. I can't stand being holed up studying even on my days off when I'm supposed to be hanging out with friends. It's suffocating, isn't it? Just studying all the time."
He said this, declining as he glanced at Shimazaki, who always studied so seriously.
"If that's the case, then fine. I have no intention of forcing you to study. That’s exactly why, as long as I’m not bothering anyone, I’m free to do whatever I want, whenever and wherever I please."
Shimazaki's brow furrowed as he glared at Yoshida, perhaps feeling that his attitude toward studying had been dismissive.
"O-of course, it's your choice. Don't get so mad."
In response, Yoshida frantically held up his open palms and offered an apology.
"Ahem, so anyways, What's the reason you called me and Ayanokoji out on our day off?"
Clearing his throat, Yoshida asked Shimazaki, as if to change the subject.
It was a precious day off, a day he would normally spend studying on his own. It was only natural to wonder why someone like Shimazaki would call us out.
"To be honest, my business is only with Ayanokoji, but we're not exactly on terms where we can just go out or consult each other one-on-one. I figured things would go more smoothly if you were here."
So Yoshida wasn’t actually involved in the main reason for this meetup. But with the word ‘consult’ now in the mix, the real motive behind Shimazaki’s invitation was starting to take shape.
"So that's it. Well, I'm the type who's naturally relied upon a lot."
Yoshida squinted his eyes slightly in amusement, pretending to be troubled by it.
"Anyway, since you asked, I'll cooperate properly. Ayanokoji, make sure you give Shimazaki some proper advice."
He added, casually resting a hand on my shoulder.
"That depends on the topic of the consultation. What exactly were you planning to consult me about?"
As Shimazaki said, my relationship with him isn't close at all, there's still some distance between us. There must be a clear reason why he'd go out of his way to consult someone like that. Another thing that bothered me was that he'd asked me to bring an umbrella.
If it was just for a consultation, there would be no need to force ourselves to go out on a rainy day, we could have just as easily talked in someone's room.
Shimazaki glanced around briefly before looking me straight in the eye.
"Today, I'm going to make you confess all of your secrets."
"…Secrets?"
"Talking about it here won't help. For now, you'll understand if you just follow me."
With that, he stepped out of the lobby, immediately opened his umbrella, and started walking at a rather quick pace.
"What the heck? Where do you think he's going?" Yoshida said, squinting after him.
"Who knows. He did mention Keyaki Mall, but—"
After briefly exchanging a glance with Yoshida, we both followed after Shimazaki.
Blending in
Shimazaki, walking ahead of us, headed straight for Keyaki Mall. When we got to the entrance, he closed his umbrella and put it into the umbrella holder in a smooth motion. We followed suit, and entered the Mall right behind him. When we arrived at the bookstore, he finally turned to face us.
"A bookstore? Are we making a detour?"
Without replying to Yoshida's murmur, Shimasaki stepped into the store and made a beeline for the 'gakusan' section stacked with prep books and academic references.
[TL Note: 学参 (gakusan) is a shortened term for 学習参考書 (gakushū sankōsho), meaning academic study guides or reference books.]
"This is where I wanted to bring you, Ayanokoji." he said firmly
It wasn't just a small detour, this was apparently the destination, the final stop.
"I want you to tell me what kinds of reference books you usually use and what your study routine is like."
Hearing those words, I finally began to see the nature of Shimazaki's consultation.
"So that's what this is about."
"Seeing the results of the last special exam, I understand that you're on a higher level than me. I don't expect to catch up to you overnight. But that doesn't mean I intend to stop chasing after you."
The slight glare he gave me when we talked about the cram school was likely due to an unconscious sense of rivalry.
He wanted to adopt a more efficient study style to get even a little closer to my academic ability. That strong determination was coming through clearly.
“C’mon, help him out, Ayanokoji,” Yoshida nudged.
Acting as the go-between, he urged me, but I didn't open my mouth. Or rather, it'd be more accurate to say I couldn't.
I was more than willing to grant his wish, but I didn't have the answer he was looking for. While most high school students were currently tackling and learning unknown subjects, I had completed that process in my childhood. The studying I was doing now wasn't learning, but complete revision, so I couldn't provide the answer he was hoping for.
"Hey, Ayanoko—"
"It's fine, Yoshida. As expected, he's probably not willing to teach me so easily." Shimazaki said, furrowing his eyebrows at my silence.
"It's a study method you developed on your own. I don't expect you to teach it to me for free. If necessary, I can pay with private points, or if there's something else you want—"
I cut off Shimazaki, who was trying to start negotiations in hopes of learning my secret.
"If today's consultation was a problem I could solve, I would’ve gladly cooperated."
"I would’ve, huh? Is it a trade secret when it comes to studying? Or do you need a bigger reward?"
"No, I don't need any reward. If Shimazaki's academic ability improves, it will naturally contribute to raising the class's overall level. I'll get my reward from that. Besides, it's not like I'll have any trouble no matter how much you improve your grades in the future."
I tried to explain in a way he could understand as much as possible, but I knew it wouldn't be easy.
"I see. I understand the logic, for the most part. But the reason you still don't seem willing to teach me… Is it that you want to avoid me catching up to you at all costs?"
"That's not it either. If you think I’m just trying to protect my top spot, you're mistaken. I have no desire to show off or cling to being number one."
In this school, there are definitely students who are better than me in various fields.
I want them to exist, they must exist.
If someone can surpass me in the field of academics, I'd like to see them do it.
"If you're going to say that much, then tell me what reference books you use. Also, I'd like you to tell me in detail about your usual study methods and how you manage your time."
With the resolve to analyze everything about me, he asked without holding back.
"Of course, I will absolutely not blame you if it's not effective. I'll just accept that the method didn't suit me, so don't worry." he remarked further.
His sincere attitude towards studying seemed genuine.
And riding that same wave of resolve, Yoshida steps up beside Shimazaki.
"Ah, could you tell me too? If I can study more efficiently, I'll copy it."
What should I do?
The general study methods I taught Karuizawa, the way a normal student would teach a classmate, wouldn't work for high-level students like Shimazaki and Yoshida.
On the other hand, I couldn't possibly implement the full-fledged study method I'm currently considering, which incorporates the philosophy of nurturing White Room students.
Prepared to be met with suspicion, I chose to reveal just a sliver of the truth.
"Honestly, I don’t really use these kinds of reference books anymore."
"...What? But you don't show up at the cram school either. You were solving problems that you haven't even been taught, not just the difficult ones. How do you explain that?"
"To be honest, a big part of it was just coincidence. I usually pick up knowledge from the internet. These days, there are video sites where people solve and explain difficult problems, right? I just happened to have seen a similar problem in a video I was watching, so I was able to solve it."
"Well, I guess things like that might happen sometimes, but..."
It was precisely because Shimazaki was so sharp that my explanation made him even more skeptical. He trailed off, not looking convinced.
Despite his doubt, I made sure to emphasize that I didn't watch any specific sites or channels.
In the end, I would probably be perceived as a secretive person, but that couldn't be helped.
"However, there was a reference book that I felt was helpful."
I often browse bookstores. In doing so, I've had the experience of skimming through several reference books to see what kind of information they contained and to what extent.
Relying on that memory, I could tell them which one I felt was most suitable for studying.
"If you're okay with that, I'd like to give you some advice."
It’s not that I was refusing to teach entirely, I would tell them what I could, and I wanted them to use what seemed helpful. I made sure to clearly show that much intent.
The rest was up to Shimazaki and how he takes it.
Would he decide I was an annoying guy who wouldn't tell him the truth and leave it at that, or would he choose the option of moving forward for his own sake, even while having doubts about me?
With almost no time for hesitation, Shimazaki nodded in reply.
"Alright. I'll gladly accept your recommendation."
It seemed he decided to start by trusting me, all for the sake of raising his own level.
In response to his request, I recommended a reference book that seemed good to me.
Both of them picked it up without hesitation, but Yoshida soon gave up on buying it. This was because, naturally, the information needed in a reference book varies greatly depending on the level and direction of the university one is aiming for.
Even if it was a fit for Shimazaki, who was aiming for a high level, it might be irrelevant to Yoshida.
So, after having a talk with Yoshida, Shimazaki and I searched for a reference book that we thought would suit him.
For about thirty minutes, we wandered around the study guide section, looking at various books, discussing back and forth, picking them up and tossing them back. Some of it might’ve seemed like pointless back-and-forth, but I didn't feel it was a bad time at all, rather, it was a fulfilling and fun time.
Bit by bit, we got a clearer idea of what Yoshida was looking for, and finally, we decided on the reference books he would buy.
Although it was nothing major, it gave a sense of accomplishment akin to working together to create something.
After that, the three of us split up for a moment to check out other books we might want, then circled back and met up again.
I found a few interesting magazines and novels, but since I didn’t have any spare personal points, I decided to pass on all of them this time.
"What are those books?"
Shimazaki pointed out that Yoshida had returned holding a bunch of books in addition to the ones both of us had recommended.
Part 1
“Oh, these? Come on, I’m allowed to buy something besides textbooks, aren’t I?”
The books Yoshida was holding were men's fashion magazines and manga. There was one about appearance and clothing to be popular with the opposite sex, and another about conversation skills and techniques.
“Studying is important, sure, but I want to cherish love too. We’ve got less than a year of high school left, you know? I’m not gonna waste my last shot at dating a high school girl.”
Yoshida said that as the three of us headed for the register.
"I don't think it's necessarily the last chance, though..."
Shimazaki muttered, looking a bit taken aback, but he was certainly right.
Even as a college student or a working adult, the chance of dating a high school student isn’t necessarily zero. Then again, if the age gap is too big, that brings its own set of issues.
While I was seriously considering such things, the main reason was probably something else.
"Is it because you wouldn’t be able to see Shiraishi anymore?"
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say there was a condition attached: Until graduation from the Advanced Nurturing High School.
I only wanted to confirm my hunch, but upon hearing Shiraishi's name, Yoshida became extremely flustered and dropped one of the books he was holding.
"H-hey, Ayanokoji, don't say unnecessary things!"
He looked ready to cover my mouth, but the words that had already been spoken couldn't be taken back.
"I was just genuinely curious... was that out of line?"
"O-of course it was! I-it's not like I like Shiraishi or anything! I told you that before, didn't I!?"
Indeed, Yoshida himself had denied it, but his behavior had always said otherwise.
Even Shiraishi was certain that Yoshida had feelings for her.
It wouldn't be a stretch to say that there’s 99, no, 100% chance he’s into her.
"...Shiraishi? You like Shiraishi...?"
Shimazaki, who had been walking a little ahead, turned back and muttered this as he watched Yoshida pick up the book.
This marks the end of the trial version released on July 18, 2025 for Year 3 Volume 2.
As for the full release schedule, it’ll follow the same format as last time. Around one chapter per day, though some chapters may take two days.
We’ll begin releasing on July 24, and the entire volume will be fully translated by July 31.
Also, if an extended trial version is released, we'll be working on it immediately and aim to have it done within a day.
Thanks to the efforts of our multiple team members, we were able to complete the trial version faster than expected, while also pushing the quality even higher than before. In fact, our team has grown significantly since the last volume, which means faster releases and more polished work going forward.
Thank you so much for reading!
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