So, does anybody have anything else to add?

It looks like we've covered everything, so I'll call an end to our regular meeting today.

Good work, everyone! Things are really starting to look up now!

That's true, but we've got a long way to go. There's still a pile of problems we need to address.

But we're still making real progress! I'm sure we'll be fine!

That's right. We're all going full speed ahead! Aye aye!

Yeah! We can do anything if we all work together! Scoring a 60 on our exams should be a walk in the park!

*Sigh* It's not a walk in the park.

I feel like I've been dragged right back into reality.

Does it have to be a score of 60? Couldn't she just let us get away with a passing grade?

Complaining won't get you anywhere. If this is what it takes to make the next step, you simply have to do it!

Right then, time to split up into subjects to start our study session. Everyone, split up!

Over here for the Japanese group. Those of you who are good at Japanese, please gather here.

Okay! Ruby, you should come on over here too, zura.

S-Sure.

We three will be teaching here.

Rina and I will be the students here. Here's to a good study session.

Thanks.

[Fade in/out.]

Okay, let's get started. Kanji can be memorized on your own time, so why don't we focus on reading comprehension?

Yeah, I'm not very good with longer written pieces.

Same here.

Don't the two of you read books, zura?

Um, it takes me a while to read books written in Japanese, so not really.

I like manga if that counts.

Hmm, that's a real shame. There are so many interesting books out there, zura.

You sure do love your books, Hanamaru.

Books aren't only for expanding your knowledge, but also for enriching your mind, zura! I'd like you to expose yourself to as many different works as possible, zura.

*Chuckle* I agree with Hanamaru. Hmm, let's see… How about we start with this question?

“Read this passage and explain what the writer is trying to tell us…” Oh geez, I'm kinda bad at questions like this.

I know. Rina-chan Board says, “Ding-ding!”

Yes, Rina? What's your answer?

They're saying, “I can't take this anymore. I'm not gonna make the deadline.”

Wha? There's nothing like that here at all!

I heard the writer's true voice.

And that's what you heard…?

Settle down, Rina. The answer can be found hidden in the text. Why don't you try giving it another thorough reading?

I got it! It's, “I want to finish this up quickly and get something good to eat!”

They may have thought that at some point, zura.

I know, right?! Yay! I got it right!

N-No! That's not what they mean when they ask you what the writer's trying to tell us!

The answer is that the world is uncertain, zura.

Where does it say that?

Have a look, it's written right here in the last line.

The answer was hidden in a place like that?

That's cheating. The person who wrote this question is a meanie.

It's not cheating, and the question's not mean either!

Well, let's move on to the next question. “Select the words within the text that most accurately express Yukiko's feelings towards Miyuki.”

I've definitely got the right answer this time.

What's your answer, zura?

Yukiko should live her life with a more positive outlook.

Yes, exactly. I think so too.

Th-That's just how you feel and not the actual answer.

Another trick question! I'll never trust again.

Don't lose faith in people that easily, zura.

Oww… Japanese really is tough, huh?

Let's continue studying. We instructors will not give up the fight! We will make sure you understand that the answer can be found within the text!

Let's do whatever it takes, Hanamaru, Ruby!

Right!