Classroom of the Elite, Vol. 4.5

ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ [Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e] (Novel) #4.5

by Syougo Kinugasa, Tomoseshunsaku (Illustrator), Claudia Semeraro (Translator)

Sai cos’è la sindrome della domenica pomeriggio?

Nonostante i vari incidenti, intrighi e colpi di scena, l’esame speciale è terminato.
Finalmente sono arrivate le vere vacanze estive!
Fra divinazione, regali di compleanno, un pizzico di coraggio
agrodolce e l’immancabile episodio in piscina, gli studenti della Scuola
per la Formazione di Alto Livello di Tokyo si godranno i loro ultimi
giorni di spensieratezza prima dell’inizio del nuovo semestre.
«Non so quali sfide nasconderà il prossimo esame, voglio iniziare i
preparativi per un certo piano.»
«Piano…?»

Genres: Light Novel, Fiction, School, Manga, Drama, Slice Of Life, Audiobook

294 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 2016

About the author

Associated Names:
* Syougo Kinugasa / Shōgo Kinugasa (English)
* 衣笠彰梧 (Japanese)

Reviews

[Mika (Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume was just a filler for the last week before the next semester starts.

Each chapter had their own little story, I liked the one the most where the leader of class A was spotlighted. Katsuragi is way different than I imagined as this chapter was left out of the anime, which made him also appear different than he actually is. From my point of view, he might be direct but he is honest and kind. When he noticed that he could have come across as impolite he immediately changes into apologising to indicate that he meant no harm. Him being so considerate to another person also shows that he has a soft side and since the anime did it so poorly I'm interested to see how things turn out with Ayanokouji and Katsuragi.

Another chapter I liked was with Horikita as something bizarre happened to her which was hilarious to read from the beginning to the end.

The rest of the chapters were great too, but I noticed that most of them focused on girls and sometimes even vulgar comments about them, which made me wonder why this filler volume was more like this than the others.

The only thing that would be necessary to read this volume was the end of chapter 5, as Ayanokouji revealed his next move. Also, in case one wants to understand why Horikita out of nowhere works with class D even though he is the leader of class A and wouldn't profit from it one might read this volume as well for better understanding.

[Dxdnelion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volumes is just an extra 'chapter' on what happen after the mission in Volume 4. It is where the summer vacation happen. Pretty much where all the students spent their time either on their own, or with their friends. As for Ayanokouji, he's been busy with various things only because of some classmates that force him too.

I would like to see Ayanokouji to at least punch the guys especially Sudou, Ike and Yamauchi. Cause damn they getting so annoying. A piece of shit especially the extra chapter at the end. That was so fcking disgusting.

Anyway, nothing much to say about this volumes as they just having fun before the semester 2 start. But it still enjoyable to read.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once every 5 volumes or so, this series gets a little too horny for its own good. However, also once every 5 volumes or so, this series highlights an unfortunate bald boy who is the only character sane enough to be having a bad time at this awful school, and that's what keeps me going.

[Joshua Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

when i read this book, it was pretty decent and i think this is a nice book to read if you watched the anime tbh

[Razvan Popa · Rating 5 out of 5]

refreshing summer story before second semester

[Kristin ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually really dislike short stories but this one made sense and since it all took place during the summer break it still felt cohesive. I like that we got a deeper understanding for many of the characters and got to see more of them and their personalities. There are so many characters that they sometimes have to fight for the spotlight but here many got chances to get flashed out. I am looking forward to se how this plays out in the main story.

[jarne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bunch of short plotlines. The situations Ayanokoji gets into are so dumb & silly that they're funny. Some of them were excessively horny, but if you can look past that, these stories are hilarious & very enjoyable to read. Even the guys being horny teenagers in and of itself is pretty funny to read. I like how Ayanokoji judges them in his inner monologues.

[kii · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5 stars

Finally, a break from the excruciating tests that the school administers. The volume contains short stories of what transpired during the summer break of their first year. I immensely enjoyed seeing other characters flesh out and relationships develop. Below are bulleted sentences of my thoughts when I read it:

• I loved exploring Katsuragi’s character plus his possible friendship with Ayanokouji.
• Horikita Manabu being interested in Ayanokouji but is constantly being rejected is funny.
• Tachibana is pure, I love her. You go get your mans, I guess.
• Horikita and Ayanokouji’s dynamic is hella entertaining. I ship it, platonically or romantically.
Either way, I am happy.
• We have some character development from both Sakura and Yamauchi, too.
• Why am I sensing some possible romantic vibes between Karuizawa and Ayanokouji?
• Ey, low-key Sudou and Horikita? Hm, thoughts are being thunk. I can already imagine the superior athletic prowess those two have based on the volleyball game. To think, Horikita praised and acknowledged Sudou for it, too.
• And so we also meet Nagumo whom I am interested to further know.
• High school boys are hella disgusting. The chapter of the Three Idiots—absolutely dasurv everything that happened to them. The way they try to justify their perverted actions disgusts me.

Anyway, on to the trials and tribulations of the 2nd Term!

[Rusty Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Emily Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars, not 5, because of the unnecessary fanservice and pervy teenage boys. Most notably, Ike. But I am glad that Sudou is starting to become more mature about that.

I loved the scene where Ayanokouji and Ibuki get stuck in an elevator together. Getting stuck in an elevator with someone is just bound to be chaotic. I just love their dynamic. They're neither friends nor enemies; although I believe they understand each other a bit more now.

Ah, finally, I know why people always talk about the "water bottle" incident with Horikita. That whole scene where her hand got stuck in her water bottle was ridiculously funny. I also loved how Ayanokouji tested it out himself and got his hand stuck also.

I'm glad to see character development with Sudou and Sakura. They are both growing in development and I love that. Sudou is starting to take his life more seriously and Sakura is learning to get out of her shell a little. And let me just say, I absolutely love the romantic development that's starting between Ayanokouji and Kei. I found myself smiling when Ayanokouji pushed Kei in the pool and she pulled him down when he offered her hand. In the anime, they replaced Kei with Horikita in this scene and I hate that they did that. Especially since Ayanokouji, in his inner monologue, loved seeing Kei act this way since she became less guarded when she playfully dunked his head in the water after she pulled him in the water.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rather enjoyed this volume. It is filled with a number of connected side stories that are the end of the summer vacation for the students. It is filled with a number of shenanigans that you might expect. Some secrets, some plots, some summer love. And of course Ayanokoji's working behind the scenes.

While it doesn't have any momentous moments like the special tests, this feels a lot more down-to-earth and it makes the series even more likeable because of it.

As usual it was a fast, easy, enjoyable read.

Verdict: Volume 4½ doesn't take the plot massively forward in any real way, but it does give you some insight into the characters that I'm guessing will be useful.

[Donte McNeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Break

This was a nice little aside from the usual stress and tension of the main story. We get to see the students with their guard down...well, I think it’s more accurate to say that we get to see them relax a little. We see love confessions, swimsuits and presents from unlikely students. I’m curious to see what’s up next with the start of the new semester. I feel like this volume showed a different side of some of the students we’ve seen so far, and there have been promises that new characters are on the way!

[Viszed (II) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historias ubicadas después del examen en el barco, en el que podemos ver a los personajes en lo que restan de sus vacaciones, lo cual al principio pense que se me haria largo, pero fue bueno verlos interactuar fuera del contexto de examenes especiales, verlos convivir como estudiantes normales.

Me gusto como hicieron un intervalo de historias que se complementaban, empezavamos con una historia y en la siguiente se nos revelaba un como se dio un suceso importante de la historia anterior, también fue bueno conocer más de los estudiantes.

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strangely, I have very little opinion on this collection of side-stories taking place right after the cruise ship. They're pretty middle-of-the-road and standard slice of life stuff, with some humorous situations, but nothing very big.

That being said, it develops characters, so isn't bad.



Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews is be interested in reading my SF (Very hard SF, mind you), I'm open to requests.

Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.

Arctunn.com

[Da · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this volume after I've read volume 9, and now some things that happen in the story after this one makes sense. I skipped this volume since I thought it would only be a side story that has nothing to do with the next book but apparently I was wrong. This one is indeed not the main arc but it definitely has something to do in the next arc.

An enjoyable read, though I wouldn't say it's exceptional.

[HardLight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this is going to be a thing, see every now and then Kinugasa decides to just stick characters together and see what happens, we have a stupid idiot with her hand stuck, a lucky bastard stuck in an elevator with the worlds BIGGEST Tsundere, development of characters we've only rarely been introduced to and that pool episode from the anime that had said stupid idiot replace best girl for some stupid reason (it's one of the directors I just know IT!) and it is entirely light hearted and fun.

[novemberninth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The class is having their summer break, so the plot isn't too heavy and the tension isn't high. However, this is the perfect chance to show off Ayanokouji's multifaceted personality. In the anime he's way too cold, stiff, and expressionless, and while I like that Ayanokouji, I also like the light novel Ayanokouji who can tease, joke, and fool around when no one's looking. Yet he can easily switch to that genius mastermind manipulating everything. So excited to continue reading the series!

[Linart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the stories. It was pretty creative how the plot was structured to be completely honest. The interactions between characters, old and new alike, were really interesting to see.

It may have not been as exhilarating as the main parts of the story, but I do believe that this volume is still crucial to the whole series.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this collection of short stories. It really felt like these stories helped to develop the depth of the characters and their motivations, as well as their relationships with Ayanokouji. I appreciated having a bit of fresh air and variety In between the much denser full volumes.

[Cress · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean… this is basically filler, but I liked seeing more of Ibuki and Katsuragi. Just kinda wish we got to see more of other characters too, instead of focusing on Horikita and the stupid water bottle thing, and the three idiots being perverts. That said… it did gave me some Ayanokouji and Kei moments, so I guess some good came out of it!

[Elisha Reads For U · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a fun filler volume and loved to see more of the characters interact with each other. They all so much different personalities so it was so cool to see their contrasting dynamics! I especially love Suzennes part with the whole water bottle situation 😂. This was pretty comedic and just a break from the main plot which was refreshing.

[Kristian Dobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite it just being a short story collection it was actually pretty good. The last story, however, was cringe fan service that felt forced considering most of this series isn’t like that (so far). That knocked a star off.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

[Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun. Enjoyed!

[M. Langlinais · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite so far and yet also the most inconsequential... I like that the characters in these are various shades of gray rather than being all good or bad. Makes them more interesting.

[Plynnt]

awesome

[Nobody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ayanokouji's character is going little darker
I am curious about his past
As he said people are tools for him
He found very useful tool as Karuizawa

[qetsiyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

[gift/thermos/pool]

[Hursh Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

the stories are good. It gives a deeper insight into Ayanokoji's mind with examples.

[IMalwareI · Rating 5 out of 5]

English