Chapter 108: Karuizawa's Furious Departure
Just as Hikigaya Hachiman thought the exam would proceed smoothly under Ichinose Honami's leadership, Class A's members made a shocking statement.
"No matter what you want to discuss, don't bother with us. From now on, we won't participate in any discussions until the exam ends."
In an exam like this, any abnormal behavior demanded attention, and Class A's outright refusal to engage in discussions, whose strategy was this?
Since Sakayanagi Arisu wasn't on the ship, the leader could only be Katsuragi Kohei. But after the massive setback Katsuragi faced in the deserted island exam, Hikigaya didn't think he'd still be accepted by Class A's students.
Regardless of who proposed it, this strategy was definitely not the work of a clever mind.
If VIP students were "randomly assigned" by the school, there had to be a pattern to this so-called randomness. Finding that pattern would eliminate the need to focus on who the VIP students were in the immediate group and allow a broader perspective.
Clearly, this strategy was extremely one-sided.
When Class A's proposal was announced, everyone present was momentarily stunned. This exam relied on dialogue to gather information, much like the logic of a werewolf game, where identities were deduced from a mix of true and false statements and expressions.
If someone consistently refused to speak, it would severely limit the available information. And from the words of Class A's leader in the Rabbit Group, it was clear that all Class A students were adopting a strategy of complete silence.
This not only robbed Hikigaya of a chance to break through in his own group but also eliminated any opportunity to make progress through Kushida Kikyo's group.
To come up with such a plan showed just how desperate Class A was. They could only hold out until Sakayanagi returned, ensuring they didn't fall further behind other classes in the meantime.
Hikigaya and Ichinose exchanged a glance. The person who devised this plan was obvious, likely only someone as cautious as Katsuragi could pull this off.
Though he'd been abandoned and knew he could no longer lead Class A, he still cared for his class. That's why he chose this approach, ensuring Class A maintained its lead.
Since his strategic vision couldn't match Hikigaya's ability to account for other groups, he opted for a uniform tactic across the board: remain unchanged to counter any variables.
This was Katsuragi's brilliance. He clearly recognized his limitations and didn't let arrogance or overconfidence cloud his judgment.
No matter what discussions others initiated, they wouldn't participate. No matter what temptations were offered, they wouldn't budge. They didn't chase correct answers or risk betraying classmates, defending like a fortress until the end, aiming for a draw.
Hikigaya couldn't help but admire Katsuragi for devising such a plan. As expected of Class A, maintaining such composure even in times like these. Convincing an entire class to avoid falling into worldly traps sounded easy, but executing it was far from simple.
In truth, Katsuragi's approach wasn't much different from a high-stakes gamble.
This exam seemed complex, requiring overt and covert struggles, but for Class A, which didn't need to risk chasing points, standing still was the best choice. Ensuring their VIP students remained undiscovered would secure their position.
Choosing to avoid losing any points perfectly suited Katsuragi's style, steady and reliable. However, this meant Ryuen Kakeru's lowest-ranked class faced the toughest challenge in this struggle.
Ichinose slowly raised her deep, expressive eyes, looking at the dead-fish-faced boy sitting silently in the corner.
Hikigaya, what will you do now?
As if burying all her questions in her gaze, she desperately wanted to know how to break this stalemate.
Hikigaya pondered for a moment. Since the other side chose a strategy of silence, the simplest approach now was to shatter that silence or inadvertently expose a VIP student's identity during discussions, throwing Class A into disarray.
But executing such a plan with his current group composition wouldn't work. It was time to seek help from Class B.
If they could form a partnership, it might completely break the deadlock and even create new opportunities for other groups.
In the first discussion, Ichinose, the little angel, naturally became the Rabbit Group's "leader." Though Class A's members chose absolute silence, true to their word, they disengaged entirely after their statement, talking among themselves about unrelated matters.
Ichinose was truly remarkable. Even in this chilly atmosphere, she stabilized the other three classes, something Hikigaya could never do. Yet, facing her expectant gaze, he didn't respond immediately.
He was still thinking. They were now true rivals. Though the point gap between Classes B and C was significant, would she really agree to cooperate?
Hikigaya wasn't sure and couldn't respond.
Ichinose maintained her smile. "What should we do next? If anyone dislikes me leading, feel free to speak up."
Ichinose was too clever. By framing the question this way, the first person to object would likely take over as leader, shifting the pressure off her.
No one present had the ability to lead the discussion, and most would steer clear, including Hikigaya.
Ichinose: "Looks like no objections. I'll continue, then."
"First, I think Class A doesn't need to decide so quickly. If there's anything unclear, we can discuss it together. Personally, I hope we can all pass this exam together, aiming for Outcome 1. What do you think?"
This was a method everyone superficially agreed on, one no class would object to.
Students from Classes B, C, and D nodded in approval, and Hikigaya followed suit.
But Class A remained silent. No matter what Ichinose asked, they stayed quiet.
It seemed Class A was deeply committed to this approach. For a straightforward way to pass the exam, this was indeed the simplest and most ordinary method.
Hikigaya glanced at Machida, one of Class A's members. They likely believed the school distributed VIP students evenly, meaning each class had the same number. As long as they said nothing, Class A's position would remain unchanged.
This was a plan exclusive to, and only feasible for, Class A.
However, every plan had its flaws. Once exposed, it would collapse entirely.
Hikigaya fixed his gaze on Machida, watching subtly but steadily.
Class B's members began voicing concerns. If the distribution of VIP students wasn't even, the outcome might not align with Class A's expectations.
Machida shook his head. "Fairness across all classes has been consistent, as seen in the last exam. The school always upholds this rule. The number of VIP students won't be concentrated in one class."
Ichinose: "You're not wrong, but executing it isn't as simple as it sounds. All first-year students would need to avoid suspecting or betraying each other."
Hikigaya glanced at Ichinose. Her position as Class B's leader was no accident, nor was it solely due to her social charm. Ichinose was genuinely kind, but not just a pretty face. Underestimating her as a mere flower vase would lead to a big mistake.
As Classes A and B clashed, students from Classes C and D began to grow skeptical. Manabe Shiho and her group even seemed indifferent to the exam.
Ichinose didn't give up on persuading Machida. "Machida-kun, the plan you mentioned is something only Class A can execute."
Machida: "Is there a flaw in staying hidden?"
Ichinose: "For lower-point classes, it's like wasting a chance to turn things around. For higher classes, it's just a way to secure their position."
Machida: "That's… true."
Ichinose: "If we all act uniformly, the class rankings won't change."
Machida: "Isn't your Outcome 1 strategy also uniform?"
Ichinose shook her head with a smile. "Not quite. Our group has four members from Classes C and D, but only three from Classes A and B. If we pass with Outcome 1, Classes C and D will gain an extra 500,000 private points."
Machida was starting to feel the pressure from this formidable girl, sweat forming on his forehead. "You're right about that. So, is Class B willing to sacrifice itself?"
Ichinose, still smiling, replied, "If we don't, Class A might get away scot-free. If Class A has a VIP student, it'll be even trickier. As Class B, always trailing you, we're eager to surpass you."
Ichinose's smile never faded, even when issuing a challenge, exuding a gentle demeanor, likely her unique weapon.
Hikigaya watched the clash between the top classes, thinking, It seems they've already planned this out. Ichinose, saying such things so gently, you're bound to make enemies. But it's impressive…
Machida, realizing he couldn't continue without risking Class A's plan, said firmly, "No matter what, Class A's strategy won't change."
As expected, Class A stuck to their plan, and the discussion reached a stalemate.
No one offered confirmation or denial. Class C, lacking an overall plan, wouldn't. Class D, not following orders, wouldn't either. The discussion ending like this was within Hikigaya's expectations.
The first discussion concluded hastily in this atmosphere.
Everyone began to leave, and Ichinose glanced at Hikigaya before departing. He felt her gaze but didn't respond, remaining seated.
Karuizawa, too, didn't rush to leave, staying by Hikigaya's side.
Honestly, Hikigaya was still debating whether to ally with Class B. If he didn't, what other way was there to break this deadlock?
As he hesitated, three girls from Class C, led by Manabe Shiho, excluding Ibuki Mio, began an unusual move.
Unbeknownst to him, they approached Karuizawa, who was playing with her phone next to Hikigaya.
Manabe: "Karuizawa-san, got a moment?"
Karuizawa: "What?"
Manabe: "Didn't you have a run-in with Rika before the summer break?"
Karuizawa: "Huh? Who's Rika? Never heard of her."
Manabe: "She's in my class, wears glasses, ties her hair in a bun."
Hikigaya, listening nearby, could clearly sense the girl was lying.
This feeling unsettled him, making him reassess the girl before him.
Karuizawa's eyes darted away. "Don't know her. You've got the wrong person."
Manabe: "We definitely heard it. She said she was bullied by a ponytail girl from Class D, oh, sorry, Class C now."
Komiya: "She said you cut in line at a café and knocked her over."
Karuizawa, still on her phone: "I don't remember anything like that."
Yamashita Saki, growing impatient: "Don't remember? If you did it, I hope you'll apologize."
Karuizawa kept playing with her phone, ignoring them. Manabe took out her phone, intending to snap a photo of Karuizawa for confirmation.
At that moment, Hikigaya slowly stood, placing a hand in front of Manabe but facing Karuizawa.
Saki: "Who do you think you are, playing hero?"
Komiya: "Yeah, just because you're classmates doesn't mean you can ignore the facts."
Manabe: "Stop it. That's Hikigaya."
Hearing Hikigaya's name, the two girls froze. Manabe, looking at the boy with his back to her, feigned calm. "What do you want? We're just asking for an explanation for our classmate."
Hikigaya nodded, then picked up Karuizawa's phone.
Karuizawa: "What are you doing?!"
Hikigaya: "Did you do it?"
Karuizawa: "I told you, I don't know. I forgot about that kind of thing."
Hikigaya: "You're lying. I can tell at a glance."
Perhaps because her lie was exposed, Karuizawa grew flustered but kept resisting. "I said I don't know! What do you want? Why are you helping outsiders instead of me?"
If they weren't in a soundproof meeting room, their argument would've drawn attention. Hikigaya, bullying a girl like this, would've been vilified online instantly. Fortunately, it was just the five of them.
Hikigaya: "I told you I'm not the nice guy you think I am. We're not friends. Even if we were, I'd call you out when you're wrong."
The sudden shift stunned the three girls. They hadn't expected the man who'd never lost to Ryuen to side with them.
It was unthinkable, a moment that made them see the boy in a new light.
In an environment like this, people who stuck to the truth were rare.
Hikigaya was different. Wherever he was, he pursued what he believed was right, his defining trait.
Karuizawa: "You want me to apologize to them, is that it?"
Hikigaya: "It's not about what I want. You did wrong, and you should face the consequences."
Karuizawa: "If you can't protect me, I don't need you. Give me back my phone!"
Hikigaya didn't argue, handing her phone back. She stormed out without looking back.
Like a parasite, she needed a host, but that host wasn't absolute.
If she couldn't shed her parasitic nature or acknowledge her mistakes, she'd never grow.
Hikigaya sighed deeply. His plan would have to wait, as he'd lost the "VIP student" card.
Still, he didn't regret it. At least he'd done what was right.
Manabe: "Sorry, we misunderstood you. We thought you'd side with your classmate."
Saki and Komiya lowered their heads, recalling Ryuen's warning not to provoke this man.
"Sorry, we got carried away."
Hikigaya shook his head helplessly, saying nothing. He thought if Karuizawa could be like them, she'd avoid a lot of trouble.
After bidding Hikigaya farewell, the three left the meeting room.
Saki: "Are we still going after Karuizawa? She's definitely the one who bullied Rika."
Manabe: "Maybe, but didn't you hear Ryuen? You forgot Class C's position now? If we…"
Komiya: "No, no, Manabe. It doesn't seem like Hikigaya and Karuizawa are that close. He won't help her. If we deal with her quietly, no one will notice. I don't believe someone as prideful as Karuizawa, after fighting with Hikigaya, would stoop to ask for his help."
Manabe: "That's true… but if Ryuen finds out, it'll be a big deal."
Komiya: "It'll be fine. We just need to keep it under control. It won't blow up. Besides, Karuizawa definitely doesn't want this getting out either."
[Ryuen's Class…]
[Ryuen Kakeru: "Manabe, you've got some guts, huh? And you two as well, starting to make moves behind my back."]
[Manabe Shiho: "We didn't mean to hide anything from you. It's just that with what happened to Rika, we really wanted to get some answers."]
[Komiya Kyogo: "Yeah, Rika was bullied so badly. When did our class ever have to bow to others? Sure, we dropped to Class D in the video, but that's not set in stone. It's not forever."]
[Ryuen: "Have you forgotten how Ishizaki and the other two got expelled in the video? If you get caught committing school violence and another class grabs hold of that leverage, you can kiss this school goodbye."]
[Manabe: "Ishizaki and them didn't use their brains at all. We're not that stupid. Besides, it looks like Hikigaya won't help Karuizawa."]
[Komiya: "Exactly, Ryuen, you can see it too, right? Hikigaya and Karuizawa's relationship is beyond terrible. And it's not just that, when Yahiko punched Hikigaya, even with evidence, he didn't get expelled, right? As long as we keep things under control, nothing will happen."]
[Ishizaki Daichi sighed helplessly: "Even if we try to reason with you now, it's pointless. You can't change the you in the video. Hikigaya will definitely step in. He's the kind of guy who'd help a stranger, so how could he not help a classmate?"]
[Komiya: "You'd better pray he doesn't find out, or your fate won't be any better than ours."]
[Ryuen: "The reason Yahiko wasn't expelled is probably because Class A's teacher, Mashima, kept it under control. But if you get caught, I guarantee you'll be expelled. And as Ishizaki said, Hikigaya will definitely act. His biggest weakness is that he instinctively reaches out to help, but that's also his most unbreakable trait."]
[Ryuen's words were clear. He couldn't break through Hikigaya directly or through those around him unless the situation spiraled beyond his control. But by then, Ryuen's side would collapse first.]
[He originally planned to crush the other classes before challenging Hikigaya, but Manabe and her group's actions had clearly disrupted his strategy once again.]
[Honestly, if possible, he wanted the Manabe in the video to stop. Letting Karuizawa be could make her a potential breakthrough point later. Provoking her now would not only transform her but also guarantee failure.]
[Clearly, the Manabe trio in the video still hadn't realized this, still plotting where to corner Karuizawa.]
[Shiina Hiyori: "Some lessons you'll never learn unless you suffer them yourself. That's why our class can never truly break through and keeps ending up in a passive position."]
[Everyone nodded silently in agreement…]
(End of this chapter)