Classroom of the Elite

Koudo Ikusei Senior High School is renowned for its exceptional educational standards and advanced facilities. The school boasts a high success rate, with nearly all students progressing to university or securing employment after graduation. This reputation makes it one of the most sought-after schools in the region. The environment fosters academic excellence and personal growth, supported by cutting-edge technology and resources.

One distinctive feature of Koudo Ikusei is its strict acceptance of personal freedom in terms of appearance and personal belongings. Students are allowed to choose their hairstyles and bring any personal effects they desire, creating an atmosphere of individual expression. Despite this outward appearance of freedom and equality, the school operates under a hierarchical system that favors the most capable students, often under the guise of fairness and meritocracy.

The school’s grading and placement system segregates students into different classes based on their abilities. The so-called “inferior” students are placed in D-class, which serves as a place of exclusion and ridicule. This categorization is a mechanism used by the school to discipline and motivate students, but it also highlights the competitive nature of the environment. Students in D-class face social stigma and must work hard to improve their standing or prove their worth.

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka is an intriguing student in D-class. His placement was a result of a careless mistake on his entrance exam, which led to his categorization among the less privileged students. Despite this, Kiyotaka remains a mysterious and highly capable individual. His calm demeanor and strategic thinking give him an advantage even within the challenging D-class environment. His true abilities and motivations are initially concealed, making him a figure of curiosity and suspicion among his peers.

Throughout his time at the school, Ayanokouji begins to interact with other students, notably Horikita Suzune and Kushida Kikyou. These interactions mark the beginning of a transformation in his approach to social and academic life. Horikita, determined to improve her class’s standing, sees potential in Kiyotaka, while Kushida's complex personality introduces new dynamics. Their relationships and the unfolding events reveal that the true nature of the school’s hierarchical system is far more complicated than it appears on the surface, emphasizing themes of intelligence, manipulation, and personal growth.