Chapter 132

Introduction Hey. What did you think about all that talk the other day? The other day… Oh, you mean what happened at the “handover ceremony” with the outgoing graduates? Yeah. Do you believe their story? I’m not sure. You don’t? I have my doubts. Every year, around this time in March, they hold a “handover ceremony” like that one. The outgoing third-years in Class 3 pass the torch to their incoming counterparts. They do that once the rosters are set—once they know who will be in that group at the start of April. The school administration is also aware of the situation and immediately delivers the news to the students who are going to be placed there, without waiting for the official announcement in spring. It’s not just a problem for the students, after all. Come on—that’s totally crazy… I do remember hearing the rumors, though. About the cursed class? Yeah. Didn’t you? I haven’t heard a thing about it. That’s because it’s supposed to be some kind of secret, yeah? They say bad things will happen if they go around telling everybody. Even if someone told me, I’d have a hard time buying into it right then and there. So you don’t think it’s true? What about you? Do you? I can’t say for sure. See? Besides, there weren’t really any “accidents” last year and the year before that, so… Apparently, the year before we started school here was an “on year.” They say all sorts of disturbing incidents took place. And a lot of people… Died. They died. When you put it like that, it sure sounds scary. Sure does. But… But? But I just can’t get myself to take it too seriously, all that talk about how there’s really a “curse” or whatever. I see how you feel, but… You didn’t get the impression that even the outgoing students weren’t entirely convinced? Is that how they seemed? Yeah, to me, I guess… Hmm. Doesn’t the whole story about such-and-such happened to Misaki from twenty-nine years ago sound kind of fishy anyway? Mm…it kinda does. Like some sort of game the graduates have kept going to frighten the incoming class. Mm-hmm. I mean, it would be great if that was all it was. There’s another meeting at the end of this month, huh? Yeah. They said it was a “strategy session” or something. Man, what a pain. There are some people who take it pretty seriously. Guess it would be bad if we played hooky. Yeah, it doesn’t seem like something we can skip. I heard the homeroom teacher will be there, too. I think I remember hearing that. Ugh, guess there’s no getting out of it. Last year and the one before that—the 1999 and 2000 school years—were fortunately “off years.” As the century draws to a close, we hope there is a chance that the phenomenon is also finished. It’s possible that this year, nothing will happen, either. That’s what some of us believe, at least… …and yet, we have no proof it’s going to let up. If it is still active, and this year—the 2001 school year—happens to be an “on year,” we must be prepared. We’ll need to set up countermeasures like last time. That is why I have asked all of you, who will be joining Grade 3 Class 3 this April, to gather here today. There are two important things that we need to discuss. The first is the selection of our “countermeasures officers.” The second thing is determining who shall bear the burden of playing the “non-exister,” which is essential for the success of our contingency plans in the event that this is an “on year.” We have to settle that. Apparently, people used a variety of different methods to select both the countermeasures officers and the “non-exister” in the past. But this year, we’ve set up this meeting to hear as much input from you all as possible on how things should play out… ………… ………… ………… …Well then, let’s begin, shall we? As I’ve just explained, if we see any signs that this year is an “on year” once the new semester starts, then at that time, we— —Excuse me, teacher. Yes? What is it? I wonder if that’s enough? What? I mean, is that really the only countermeasure we need to take? What do you mean? Um, well, the thing is, according to what I heard, three years ago—in 1998, when it was an “on year”… ………… ………… ………… …So I was thinking, this year, wouldn’t it be better to set things up like that from the beginning? Wouldn’t that be safer? I see… Well, obviously, the best outcome would be for this year to also be an “off year.” But we should do everything we can regardless… Your proposal is worth considering. What do you think, everyone?