One of the most interesting things that we got to witness with this Volume 3 of the Kotenbu series is an outside perspective of what the other members of the Classics Club think of Oreki. Ibaras is the most straightforward one their relationship is platonic at most due to proximity and longevity. Ibara does seem impressed with how Oreki goes about his ways but doesnt usually go out of her way to express it. Its only when Oreki pigeoned holed himself with the Empress Incident that she really speaks up and likewise she doesnt really go out of her way to thank him for anything unlike Chitanda does outside of the wheat flour for the bakeoff. Satoshis is very interesting as it is more akin to jealous than anything as of this culture festival especially since he feels this pressure from others around him like Takikun. Outside of the big 4 families children or other people in leadership roles Satoshi doesnt really care much for them. Oreki since joining the Classics Club has been impressing Satoshi so much. Whatever Oreki went through with these high expectations that were fed to him by Irisu is what Satoshi wanted more than anything. That even someone like Oreki couldnt possibly get the answer because he is tucked away in a corner while Satoshi is on the frontlines. For once it seems that he wants to be in the center stage but alas learns the bitter words that he has been uttering this entire time that databases cannot form conclusions. I believe the anime conveys this jealousy a little better by adding Satoshi to when Oreki meets with the Student Council head as that is something that I vividly remember Satoshi overhearing which I didnt notice showed up in the text itself. Will double check and verify this later. Chitandas insight into what she thinks about Oreki is most intriguing. She is super appreciative and inquisitive but of course on how Oreki even gets to these answers or conclusions that she could never. The way that Oreki views the world is completely different than the way the world looks to Chitanda. And she also sees that when Oreki puts his mind to something it is completion to as close to perfection as possible within his limits which is a wonderful thing. However the biggest caveat is that Oreki doesnt try his hardest most of the time. Its interesting that Chitanda doesnt know if he is a reliable person which is completely valid. The thing that spurs Oreki is out of annoyance of Chitandas pull. He also pretty much uses the energyconserving mantra as a catch all which Ibara and Satoshi joke about if when Oreki does take action it is considered energysaving because of how Oreki rationalizes the action. It would be interesting to see a future where Chitanda doesnt feel almost burdened to rely on Oreki and Oreki wants to be of use to Chitandas endeavors. I would die from that wholesomeness for sure. Maybe beyond Volume 5 or that ending of Volume 4 will shine some light on this hopeless romantic that is too invested in the Classics Club.
100 /100
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