"Just thinking about swimming on a private beach is making me impatient!"
"Yeah, yeah! I mean, the cruise ship has a pool, but the ocean is where the real fun is!"
"I want to ride a jet ski!"
Perhaps because their destination was just around the corner, the first-years on the cruise were more excited than ever on the second day, loudly discussing the entertainment they planned to enjoy once they reached the island.
Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School apparently owned its own man-made island in the south. Just as the students caught their first glimpse of the island's outline on the sapphire-blue sea, a broadcast came over the ship's speakers:
"Attention all students. If you have time, please make your way to the deck. We will soon be seeing the island, and we believe what you are about to witness will be a very meaningful sight."
The sudden, oddly phrased announcement barely fazed most students. Their minds were full of fun and games, and they only grew more excited. But over in Class C, the atmosphere tensed immediately. Kitagawa Ryo, who had just been joking around with Ryuuen Kakeru, suddenly stopped smiling and raised a finger to his lips in a silencing gesture.
"I'll take the east side. You take the west."
He whispered to Ryuuen, who nodded with hands in his pockets. The school's wording was far too deliberate. And it wasn't just them—top students from other classes seemed to have noticed the phrase "meaningful sight" as well.
A few minutes later, the island came into view.
Students began pouring out onto the deck, forming a bustling crowd. Class C, having arrived early and maintaining their usual delinquent aura, was left relatively undisturbed. But in Class D's direction, some aggressive male students barged in, pushing aside D-class members who had secured good spots.
"Hey, you're in the way. Move it, rejects."
One boy barked, shoving Ayanokouji Kiyotaka roughly in the shoulder. The unexpected blow made Ayanokouji stumble, barely catching the railing to avoid falling.
Seeing how weak he looked, the boys laughed scornfully.
"What the hell are you doing?!"
Sudou, who had been near the front, rushed over. Since earning Class D an extra 100 points, most students now viewed him more positively. Of course, it helped that Class D no longer had to transfer points to Class C.
Ayanokouji slipped behind Sudou's broad frame. With Class D's crisis over, he'd returned to his usual laid-back behavior for the past two months.
"You know how this school works, right? It's all about merit. Class D has no human rights. Defective goods should act like defective goods. We are Class A—superior beings."
The boy from Class A sneered, his attitude completely unprovoked. Kitagawa Ryo turned to him, gaze sharp. Sudou looked annoyed but remembered how his rashness on day one had cost the class dearly. This time, he just frowned and used his presence to pressure the boy while quietly sending someone to fetch Karuizawa Kei or Hirata Yosuke.
The tension between the two classes began to draw attention, but when others realized it was between Class A and Class D, most lost interest. With such a power gap, it looked less like a confrontation and more like D-class pestering A-class.
"Totsuka Yahiko from Class A? If I recall, you're bottom-ranked in both academics and athletics. Maybe that's why Katsuragi uses you as a lackey—easy to discard when needed."
Before Karuizawa or Hirata arrived, Horikita Suzune spoke up sharply. Over the past two months, she had come to understand the importance of information. She instantly identified the boy and threw in a cutting insult. Her voice was weak, though, and due to being ostracized recently, few noticed.
Yahiko flinched, stung by her words. He knew he was among the weakest in Class A, but he still clung to the hope of graduating in Class A and enjoying its privileges. Being called out publicly made it hard to save face.
"You're Karuizawa Kei from Class D, right?"
Katsuragi Kohei, who had arrived with the rest of Class A, ignored the provocation and addressed her sincerely:
"I heard you bested Class B in negotiations. For a Class D student, that is very impressive."
Though it was clearly meant as praise, it still sounded a bit condescending. Karuizawa remained composed and retorted:
"Isn't there another student named Sakayanagi in Class A? She didn't come with you?"
"Due to health reasons, she couldn't attend this trip."
Katsuragi seemed like he wanted to continue the conversation, but the island was growing near. He apologized and, flanked by A-class students, moved to another part of the deck to study the island's layout.
The ship circled the island once before docking. Kitagawa and Ryuuen took opposite sides, memorizing landmarks and gathering intel as thoroughly as possible.
"Roughly 0.5 square kilometers. Highest point is around 200 to 250 meters."
Compared to what Kitagawa had expected, the island bore too many signs of human construction. Clearly, the school wasn't about to throw students into pure wilderness—this was still a high school exam, not military training.
"We will soon land on our school's private island. In thirty minutes, all students must change into sportswear and gather on deck with their assigned bags and belongings. Bring your phones. All other personal items must be left in your rooms. Restrooms are still available for now."
After the ship circled the island, a new announcement played.
Though students like Ishizaki had caught wind of the situation, actually hearing it made reality sink in. With a mix of frustration and resignation, they returned their swim trunks and sun hats to their rooms.
"We will now disembark, starting with Class A. Phones are prohibited on the island. Please hand them to your homeroom teachers before disembarking."
Once everyone had changed, the instructions continued.
Each class surrendered their phones and underwent strict body checks before stepping onto the island—not a vacation beach, but a desolate, sandy shoreline.
Once all classes had finished, they were arranged in formation by class, reminiscent of the entrance ceremony.
Class A's teacher took a megaphone and spoke:
"Welcome, everyone. Unfortunately, one student could not join us due to illness."
Kitagawa looked toward a nearby area where men in work uniforms were erecting tents and setting up tables and computers.
"We will now begin the first special exam of the year."
The announcement instantly changed the mood. Apart from Class C, which had been prepared, the others fell into confusion. But under the guidance of their leaders, they quickly quieted down.
"This exam begins now and ends at noon on August 7th. For the next week, you will live on this island in teams. This is the exam. It is modeled after real corporate training exercises and is highly practical and realistic."
"Living on the island? You mean we're not staying on the ship?"
A Class B student asked the obvious question.
"Correct. Without valid reasons, students cannot return to the ship. You will decide your own shelters and food sources. Each class will receive two tents, two flashlights, and one box of matches."
"Sunscreen is unlimited. Toothbrushes will be distributed. Girls may request unlimited access to sanitary products."
The Class A teacher continued explaining the rules:
"Each class will receive 300 special exam points. By spending these points wisely, you can make this week feel like a vacation. We have prepared guidebooks."
He handed thick booklets to the other teachers.
"The booklet lists everything you can buy with points. From food and water to BBQ supplies and recreational items, everything is covered."
Learning they weren't being completely abandoned eased the students' tension.
"So we can buy anything with the 300 points?"
"Yes, as long as you manage them properly. With careful planning, you can get through the week with no trouble."
But the next sentence shattered that illusion.
"At the end of the exam, leftover points will be added to your class points. The results will be reflected after summer break."
A summer wind swept across the beach, stirring dust and lighting a fire in every student's heart.
Here it is.
Kitagawa and Ryuuen exchanged glances. This was the true goal of the exam: to accelerate inter-class competition. Since the start of the first semester, the four classes had barely moved from their initial positions. Only the midterms allowed for a shift in class points—and even then, it was a modest 100-point bonus (excluding Class D).
With only academic tests until now, higher-tier classes like Class A had an advantage. But this island exam started all classes on even footing.
"Each class will get one guidebook. Replacements cost points. The student absent is from Class A. As per rules, their class is penalized 30 points. Class A starts with 270 points."
Kitagawa opened the booklet from his homeroom teacher. Each student also received a wristwatch that tracked vital signs and included GPS and emergency alerts.
The last page listed four additional rules:
- 30-point penalty for severe illness or injury resulting in withdrawal.
- 20-point penalty for environmental damage.
- 5-point penalty per person for missing the 8 AM and 8 PM roll calls.
- Immediate disqualification and loss of all personal points for acts of violence, theft, or sabotage.
Lastly, Sakagami handed Kitagawa a magnetic card.
"Each class must choose a leader. The leader uses this card to claim base camps on the island. Each base grants 1 point every 8 hours, but only for scoring purposes. Unauthorized use of another class's base results in a 50-point penalty. Leaders cannot be changed without valid reason."
"Anything else leaders need to know?"
"On the 7th day, each class may guess the leader of another class. A correct guess earns 50 points. A wrong guess costs 50. If your leader is guessed correctly, all accumulated base points are invalidated."
"You must report your leader by today's roll call. If not, the system will choose randomly."
After laying out the rules, Sakagami said no more. Kitagawa stood silently, deep in thought. Nearby, D-class students argued over toilet conditions. Karuizawa and Hirata tried to calm them, but the girls' complaints were too loud to silence.
Class A and B had already chosen their destinations and moved toward the island's center. Class D, realizing they were falling behind, stopped arguing and rushed to catch up.
Only Class C remained in place. Thanks to Kitagawa's leadership and track record, they waited quietly for his plan.
Pieces fell into place in Kitagawa's mind. He dissected the rules, identified loopholes, and merged them with his hidden cards. A strategy took form.
"Sensei, I need the restroom."
One student raised a hand. As Sakagami began assembling makeshift toilet supplies, Kitagawa stopped him.
"Sensei, the booklet lists flushable portable toilets, right?"
"Yes, but they cost 20 points."
"If our points drop to zero, we won't go into the negative, correct?"
"Correct. Zero is the minimum."
Satisfied, Kitagawa turned—and met Ryuuen's eager gaze.
"Wait, don't tell me you're—"
"Exactly."
Kitagawa snapped his fingers and looked at Shiina Hiyori, already swaying in the sun.
"How are you holding up?"
"I can manage. Don't worry about me."
Despite her poor stamina, she forced a smile. She didn't want to be the reason Kitagawa failed to surpass Class B.
"That's not what I meant."
He smirked and flipped open the catalog for Class C:
"Jet skis, banana boats, snorkeling, sea walking—which do you guys want?"
"Oh, and for a proper beach trip, we'll need lounge chairs, umbrellas, cold drinks, maybe a bonfire BBQ at night?"
"Showers and toilets are cheap. Let's buy them."
Seeing Kitagawa so cheerful, everyone was stunned into silence.
"Boss, shouldn't we, um... save our points?"
Ishizaki timidly asked.
"Save them? Why?"
Kitagawa tilted his head.
"Aren't we here on vacation? Or do you not believe I can lead Class C to victory?"
[Katsuragi Kohei's desire to solidify his position while Sakayanagi is absent.]
[The pawn given to me to undermine Katsuragi's prestige: Kamuro Masumi.]
[Shiranami Chihiro, still embedded in Class B.]
[Class C and Karuizawa-led Class D, firmly under my control.]
[Horikita Suzune's deteriorating condition.]
[The rules of the leadership system and the exam.]
[And...]
With a bright smile, Kitagawa raised his hand and declared:
"Class C has only one mission now—"
"Keep playing the music, keep dancing!"
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