Classroom of the Elite Reaction: Past and Future

Chapter 1: The Structure of Japanese Society

I know this is kind of sudden, but, please, it will only take a moment. I want your honest opinion.

A voice emerged from the screen, capturing everyone's undivided attention. It was not a voice that was spoken out loud, but instead the speaker's thoughts describing some sort of things from their own perspective. This makes everyone wonder as to how it could be possible that they could hear the innermost thoughts of the speaker's in the screen. While those who recognized the voice swiftly identified the identity of the speaker.

"Ayanokouji-kun?"
Kushida's exclamation rang out through the classroom, causing everyone in Class D to snap their attention towards the screen. They soon realized that the person speaking on the screen was none other than their fellow classmate, the reserved and enigmatic Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, who typically sat quietly at the back beside Horikita.

"Who now?"

Shinohara: "Ah, that gloomy guy in the back of the class"

The individual in question maintained his usually stoic poker face, seemingly unfazed by the unexpected turn of events. It was as if the situation hadn't caught him off guard at all, or perhaps he had anticipated it beforehand. Regardless, it was evident to everyone that he had no intention of engaging in a discussion about the current circumstances.

"More importantly why can we hear what he's thinking on the screen?" somebody finally asked the question that's been weighing on everyone's mind

Naturally, no one could fathom an explanation for this peculiar phenomenon. It had all occurred so abruptly - the vanishing of the teachers and staff during our special exam in the middle of the sea, followed by an unexpected turn of events where my thoughts and life played out on the screen before us. It was utterly bizarre, and I could sense that everyone shared the same perplexity. And I couldn't help but notice Horikita's inquiring gaze fixed upon me, probably trying to question me as to if I have any idea, who knows why are you asking me? I had no inkling whatsoever as to why any of this was happening.

Are people equal or not?

As each person hears my thoughts, they all bear the same "?"-a question mark hovering above their heads, likely surprised by my abrupt inquiry about the essence of life.

They all turned their heads towards me, perhaps in search of an answer as to why I would contemplate such matters.
I simply shrugged my shoulders, as if to convey that I, too, am uncertain. After all, don't people occasionally ponder the meaning of existence?

"W...well, I didn't anticipate delving into such philosophical thoughts like this, but as much as I like to think that everyone should be equal, to answer your question Ayanokouji-kun, no we are not equal," Ichinose remarked with a strained smile appearing into her face.

"Kuku, I didn't expect to hear those words coming from your own mouth, Ichinose. Knowing you, I thought you would outright deny it and assert that everyone should be equal," Ryueen sneered.

Ichinose replied firmly, "Ryueen-kun, I am well aware of the distinction between facts and fiction. Just because I may appear to be a dreamer does not mean I lack the ability to discern the truth. Underestimating me would be a grave mistake."

Ryueen chuckled with an air of amusement, "Hoh, is that so?"

A proper society will constantly strive for equality. There are those who clamor for men and women to always be considered equal. As a result, we raised the employment rate for women, we made specialized subway cars only for women. Sometimes, women will even argue over the order of names in a family register. The public opinion of people with disabilities has also changed. We're now told that we should not use the term "disabled people" when referring to them, so as not to discriminate.