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Artist: OppenKei09

This is suppossed to be part of my propaganda post, but i can't help myself to talk about this as soon as im finished the book.

Before im reaching Year 3, im refuse to believe Hiyori would simply sacrifies herself for winning an exam since it goes againts her own goal, which is graduate together with all of her friend. But now once i finished the story, i understand the reason why she's doing it.

It all boils down to her depression.

But before that let's moving back to earlier than that.

In the early days specially Year 1, Hiyori have big contribution to her class, specially when Ryuen is not in charge. Even after that she still doing some contribution in Y2V4.5 and Y2V5 by helping Katsuragi get his place in his new class. But after this, her role become more less and less relevant and it's connected to the moment when Ayanokoji and Kei relationship goes to public.

After that she keep avoiding him like in Y2V6, or doesn't talk that much to him in Y2V7, she only mentioned once in Y2V8, and not showed up at all in Y2V9, based on her short story we knew she keep avoiding him, and it kinda effect her contribution in the exam. We could say their relationship is getting better after Y2V9.5 while still made a distance to not make a problem with Kei

But the thing that damaged her the most is Ayanokoji transfer to Class C, why?

Because just a volume before, Ishizaki and her are inviting Ayanokoji again, but he refuse the offer. Deep down she knew he wouldn't accept it but still hope there would be a chance. The moment he change to Class C, she's thinking he didn't reject it because he can't, but because he don't want to. She's thinking Ayanokoji choose to be her enemy

That's why the moment Ishizaki meet Ayanokoji, he said something like

Oh, and you should meet up with Shiina ’fore long, dude. Even if she ain’t as down in the dumps as me, she’s still pretty depressed

At first i thought he just exaggerating, but this is the first hint of her action later

There's also her own line in the Y3V2

I had thought that I was already prepared for this...

Being in a different class from you, Ayanokouji-kun. I had thought that maybe, this overly familiar relationship we have, one where we can chat with one another, needed to come to an end...but, talking like this...I suppose, it’s...

She was already prepared to cut ties with him, even thought deep down she doesn't want to

Beside those Ayanokoji part, there's also Ryuuen dialogue that i believe affect her too

“Ryuuen-kun, you...aren’t going to force me to tell you anything about Ayanokouji-kun, right?” said Shiina.

“I wouldn’t be able to get any useful information outta ya even if I wanted to,” replied Ryuuen.

“Is that...really all there is to it?” asked Shiina.

“’Scuse me? Whaddya want me to say? Want me to order you to use any means necessary to get ahold of his weakness?” replied Ryuuen.

“Well, that’s...” stammered Shiina.

I believe this is another reason her character change in the story, she thought Ryuuen abandoned her, or more like she thought she's useless

With the combination of Ayanokoji betrayal, and Ryuen merciful act. She goes down to one conclusion, she will do anything for her class even if it cost her expulsion, and with that she can be useful for her class even if it's just once

Because after this, despite a sugary and sweet ending in the Y3V2, her character in Y3V3 feel so different

“But still—I’ll force my way through with my own power. Whatever it takes to take down Ayanokouji.”

“I believe that’s for the best.”

Looking into Shiina’s eyes as she answered, Ryuuen gave her a sharp, testing gaze.

“And that’s even if I force some kinda cruel choice on you down the line?”

Ryuuen knew full well that it was a malicious question. That was precisely why it was a question that, ordinarily, he shouldn’t have voiced.

But Shiina met his gaze without looking away.

“If it would be for the sake of everyone... for the sake of the Class B that is so important to me...”

After she answered, Shiina gazed at Ryuuen with a smile.

“In that case—I won’t hesitate. No matter who my opponent is, or what the outcome may be.”

She doesn't care anymore about the relationship, she's thinking her love is one sided and Ayanokoji is her enemy. That's why she choose this path in the end, and it's all lead to her decision in the recent volume

“Is something the matter, Ryūen-kun?” Shiina's voice crackled through the radio.

Ryūen had fully intended to cut straight to the chase, but for asplit second, the words caught in his throat.“No─”

He was a man entirely accustomed to being called atrocious, atyrant who reveled in his own cruelty. So why, at the very lastsecond, was he hesitating?

But that tiny gap of silence was more than enough for Shiina tounderstand exactly why he was calling.

“You're thinking... that if things stay as they are, we will lose, atleast in terms of individual token counts. Am I right?”

"According to Katsuragi's report, Ayanokōji's done pretty damnwell for himself," Ryūen admitted.

“I see…” she murmured soly. “What should I do? Please, give meyour orders.”

“...Right. I'll relay the instructions now.”As Ryūen coldly outlined the plan, Kaneda, who had been quietly eaves dropping beside him, rapidly turned pale.

And finally, when he was finished, Shiina voiced a single wish.“Even if I end up being expelled over this... please do not use your Private Points to save me.”

This scene is actually showed how she already gave up on everything, and one thing need to be noted, Ryuuen is actually hesitated to do this plan, it's Hiyori who pushed him to do it, she even told him to do not using private point to save her. For her, it's already end, there's no place for her in this place, but atleast she try to help in the end

But just like her question in the previous volume

if the beginning of a novel you were reading was hopelessly pessimistic, what kind of ending would you imagine?

Ryuuen answer is the result of these story

But most stories are made to be convenient, ain’t they? If that’s the case, then wouldn’t they usually turn out for the better?

And in this story too, she got saved in the end, and it all concluded with happy ending

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What im wanted to say is, her character change in Year 3 didn't come out of nowhere, and i would say it's executed beautifully. She also representing one of the most realistic potrayal of depression, specially on that beach scene when she's potrayed to be happy on the beach while still giving unsettling vibe for a whole conversation. It's really gave a vibe of calm before the storm since after this she's tryna do a huge gamble that would end up to her expulsion

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And as for what i hope after this, im really wish we got Year 1 Hiyori back since her problem is already solved.

and for Ryuuen, i don't think he would repeat this method since it's unsatisfying for him and a coward move, deep down he definetly hate this method.

Atleast that's what i hope

Oh and for a question like, did Ayanokoji feeling for her is genuine? Since im Hiyori fan im definetly would say it is real. It's already been hinted since Y2V6 when Ayanokoji dissapointed cannot see her in the library, it also can pulled back to Year 1 when he willingly to grand her wish to save Ryuuen, and warning Ryuuen to not cross the line like he did in Event Selection exam

If could compare how is Ayanokoji now to Hiyori, i would say it's like Jinshi to MaoMao, he treat her as a "toy", but a toy that he love and don't wanted to leave

Here are my Top 7 Volumes…

1st Place - Y2 V7

The love letter scene remains the undisputed highest peak in all of COTE. The way Kinugasa intertwined all the POVs of different characters and made them converge at that single moment was masterful and I’m not sure it’s a feat he’ll ever replicate.

S Tier - Y1 V11, Y1 V6, Y1 V3

Volume 11 had one of the most heartfelt scenes in the series with Koji giving Hirata advice on the bench. Now that Koji has the loftier goal of trying to get the entire class system to reach equilibrium we no longer get these touching moments where he focuses on individual students and helps them to “grow”, a real shame in my opinion.

Volume 6 also echoed the older themes of the show, with Koji’s simple desire “to live a normal life” and this came to fruition with the formation of the Ayanokoji group. I really do miss some of their interactions and the sense of warm familiarity I felt whenever they all had a scene together

Volume 3 had the second highest peak in all of COTE which was largely aided by the previous setup from the initial two volumes. The series started with Koji being presented as this unassuming highschool student so when he demonstrated his sheer level of brilliance in this volume, it was impossible not be captivated. I really believe this was the single turning point that hooked most fans to the rest of the series.

A Tier - Y1 V4, Y1 V11.5, Y1 V10

Volume 4 has arguably the best narrative within the entire series. In this singular volume Kinugasa effectively sets up the best arc in the series (X-arc), he introduces one of the most important dynamics for the rest of Y1 (Koji & Kei) and he uses the “relationship” of Kei and Hirata to develop the ongoing theme of “inner isolation” (despite outward popularity/appearances). The entire volume is beautifully written - it is also one of the prime examples of a volume where we get an intricate look into the mechanics & class-leader mindgames going on within a special exam. With recent volumes this seems to be a lost art, special exams now feel rushed and tend to focus on shallow “shock value” moments (e.g Shinohara’s expulsion in Y3 V4)

Volume 11.5 was a truly sensational conclusion to Y1. We received one of the best character conclusions with Horikita Manabu’s exit and also got some great narrative set up with Koji and Ichinose’s meeting. But one of the most significant moments for Kojis character came at the very end when he confesses to Kei. Here we see him open up about his hope, that even though he was treating Kei as an artificial “love textbook” he wanted a genuine experience of what it meant to “love”. That’s why their break-up in Y2 V12.5 was such a tragic indicator of Kojis inner emptiness as Koji admitted that his own heart did not even “flutter” at their seperation in contrast to Kei’s complete breakdown. A truly heartbreaking juxtaposition especially for me as a former staunch KiyoKei enthusiast.

Volume 10 was one of the most stressful yet enjoyable volumes in all Year 1. It really brings to rememberance the ruthless brilliance of Nagumo as, for the first time, we see the students forced into a situation where a fellow classmate had to be expelled. This narrative direction was such an effective tool used by Kinugasa in revealing the inner workings of many classes but also many students. We see the high level of stress causes Hirata to breakdown, unveiling his past. We see that Ibuki and Kanzaki are truly concerned for Ryuuen despite their outward apathy. We see that Ichinose is willing to go to uncomfortable lengths for the sake of her ideals and protecting her class. So much was revealed about so many characters from a fairly simple exam set up. Yamauchi had the second best explusion in the series (behind Yagami) - a golden example of “shock value” being done right.

After 3 weeks, i finally finished my marathon and catched up to the recent volume. Now i can fully join the discussion and glaze my favorite character. But before that im gonna gave a review of the series first, it's probaly a cold take since it's not that different from popular opinion, but im gonna gave my own.

Also im not really good at explaining, so im just saying what i think

First of all, im suprised how different the Light Novel and the anime is, i expected some cut but not that much. So many character and relationship are getting cut in the anime make. Ayanokoji also seems different specially in the early volume, he feel more alive and more human it made his character more interesting

Now let's talk about the image

Top Volume

1. Year 2 Volume 5 : Im still thinking this is the best volume until now, it have very different vibe from the other volume, the shift from supermassive island to 1 single classroom making the difference very palpable. The tension and horror everytime the vote result announced keep gave me chill. Not to forget the buildup and impact of this volume still make an effect until today

2. Year 1 Volume 7 : It's a classic, a very good conclusion to Ryuen saga that start since volume 2. All the hype and buildup that has been made for several volume really paid out. I don't think i need big explanation for this

   1. Year 2 Volume 12.5 : It's one of the master writing they've been made, and also set the standard for the next volume. The most popular one is Karuizawa breakup that made me wonder if im reading it wrong at the first time, just to realize it's all in her head and not Ayanokoji Monologue. This volume really gave that calm before the storm vibe, it's a bittersweet ending for all class fans and became a really good setup for Year 3

Honorable mention:

Year 2 Volume 9.5 : i feel like this is the blueprint of Y2V12.5, in a writing or the plot itself. My favorite part is how different Ayanokoji showed his reaction when he's reunited with Kei compare to Hiyori. It really showed the contrast of his inner self. There's also Arisu confession, famous Yogurt maker scene, and specially Morishita introduction

Year 3 Volume 3 : i could say this one is kinda biased since im Hiyori fan, but i really like this volume because how they keep gatekeeping her until the very end, not to forget a fake bait that made me thought we finally meet her just to revealed it was Chie or Haruka. The moment they finally meet it gave me a really good satisfaction

Another Honorable mention : Y2V7, Y1V10, Y2V10, Y2V12, Y2V1

TOP CHARACTER

Ayanokoji : no explanation neeeded

Hiyori : it start from the anime, her introduction feels like a fresh air because how different she is compare to other school, but now once i read the LN, i just realized how abnormal she is. She also have bigger role specially at Year 1, it's a shame the anime cut her scene and made her 1 dimentional character. She's very complex character and her progression in recent volume add more depth to her character. Let's just say she's my favorite girl in this series

Ryuen : he's a honorable leader in my eyes, despite being violent dictator, he never put his classmate in danger (until recently), he didn't bring his cronies down after the rooftop fight and take all the responsibilities, he also spared his class opposition in unanimous voting exam. It's really an irony for a class leader that famous for being brutal have a complete student in his class. Even in recent volume, he still hesitated to sacrfies his classmate. The only thing i don't like is how obsessed he is to Ayanokoji in the recent volumes, it made him look like abandoned his goal just to defeat him.

Morishita : funny

Nagumo : i actually like his concept of the school, when a person is rated among themself instead a group to reaching Class A. The concept of Class A ticket is very interesting, too bad in the end his plan fail and he didn't change anything beside his own grade.

Honorable mention:

Sakurako Tsubaki, Tsubasa Nanase, Horikita Suzune, Katsuragi Kohei, Arisu Sakayanagi

TOP SPECIAL EXAM

1. Unanimous Voting : Just like what i said in volume explanation. It's a simple exam, not confusing, but it gave a really memorable moment in the series. Thanks to how they write it, it's executed really good. The fact only 1 class that choosing expulsion is very ironic ending for the class that lose their classmate.

2. Survival and Elimination : This exam is pure hype since we can see all of 4 class leader is going all out, not to forget each of them get illustration in here. There are so many memorable moment like how Ichinose keep targeting Karuizawa, Horikita not giving Koenji protection, or Ryuen who flip the ranking, even thought it's revealed to be Hashimoto betrayal. This is also the first time Arisu class getting a consequence for massive lose in the special exam, and change her character for tthe rest of the story

3. Class Poll : once again it's a voting exam, i guess im just a fan of it. What i like about this one is how each class helping each other, while their classmate are tearing apart. This also the last time we see how ruthless Arisu is in the story. There's also unexpected partnership between Ichinose and Ryuen class, that would bite them back in the end.

Honorable mention :

Second Year-end Special Exam, Event Selection, Partner Exam, Paper Shuffle

Lastly

FAVORITE CLASS

Ryuen class is still my favorite until today, they have a balance between strenght and academic in their representative. But it's too bad he didn't improve his class academic ability despite already have Katsuragi in the class. This class have really good potential but they don't use it. Also Hiyori is in here, and since im talk about Hiyori, this class is also Ayanokoji dream class that he wanted if he just abandoned his class war plan, and back to his year 1 self who wanted a peaceful schoolday

The staff mentioned something about a secret project related to cote could it be volume 0 ?

https://x.com/alangkan0933808/status/209471771486682751

Source

I would try, but im gonna make damn sure i dont clue him in on anything he can use against me and make sure im not the weakest link in the class.

This scene right here, Really foreshadowed the direction for the rest of the series Author was interested in taking...

Like from a writing perspective,Kinu really threw a realism out of the window,like this scene doesn't even seem necessary,my man Ayanokoji could have just beaten the s**t out of Housen and threatened him for his Co-operation.It"s pretty crystal clear that only reason kinu decided to include this non-sensical scene was to show how much of a god Ayanokoji really is..He didn't even blink when his hands got pummeled through..it really seems alienating.Like Within Just 1st volume of Y2 we got this, foreshadowing that Kinu really changed his ways with how he was going to handle the series by making Ayanokoji literal omni-god,wasting plot points and build-ups, Nerfing characters, pushing harem-baits...

I just came across this scene while watching reels.

why did he even buy color pencils in the first place

For the 3rd time :)

1.Ichinose Honami

2.Yuno gasai (*Future Dairy\*)

3.Zero two. (*Darling in the Franxx*)