After a brief understanding, Ayanokoji already knew Class A's current situation and Hashimoto's purpose for coming here.
It was a coincidence, actually. Ayanokoji had originally planned to discuss with Amane and then launch a probing attack on Class A.
But he had been troubled by one thing.
That was the lack of a proper pretext. If they were to attack Class A, friction and even violent conflict would be inevitable. However, Class A, under Katsuragi's management, was well-disciplined, making it difficult for them to proactively provoke other classes.
Even if Amane agreed to attack Class A, Katsuragi's defensive tactics, even more formidable than Ichinose's, left Ayanokoji feeling helpless.
However, this difficulty was successfully resolved after Hashimoto arrived at Class D.
Although it was a bit far-fetched, it was enough for Ayanokoji.
"Ayanokoji-kun, I've told you everything I needed to say. Can you let me meet Miyako-san now?"
Although he had stated his intention and purpose.
Hashimoto was no idiot; he deliberately omitted crucial information.
But what he didn't expect was that Ayanokoji already had a thorough understanding of Class A's internal situation. Through Hashimoto's few words, he analyzed Class A's current state with great clarity.
"I'm sorry, it's not that I won't take you to see Amane-san, but she isn't here right now. She said she had something to do this morning and hasn't returned since."
Ayanokoji's words made Hashimoto's expression turn a little panicked.
"What? She's not here? What should we do? Tomorrow is the fifth day, and there are only three days left until the exam ends. We must take action within these three days..."
"What are you two discussing so late at night?"
Just as Hashimoto was excitedly explaining the importance of teaming up to Ayanokoji, a figure emerged from the nearby woods.
Amane looked at Hashimoto, who was excitedly talking to Ayanokoji, with a puzzled expression.
What could Hashimoto and Ayanokoji possibly have to talk about so late at night?
"Miyako-san."
"Shh."
Hashimoto was overjoyed to see Amane return. He had just called out when Amane's gesture interrupted him.
After making a shushing sound, Amane gestured with her eyes towards Horikita in her arms.
Seeing this, Hashimoto could only forcibly suppress his urgent feelings, watching eagerly as Amane carried Horikita towards the nearby cabin.
Although she didn't know where the tents had gone, her cabin could also be used for sleeping.
On the way back, Horikita initially had the energy to tease her, but then gradually fell asleep in Amane's warm embrace.
Not everyone had Amane's boundless energy.
Horikita, after being drenched in heavy rain and tracking for several hours in the woods, was already exhausted. It was only her desire to find Amane that kept her going.
And once she lay in Amane's arms, the last string of vigilance in her heart also relaxed, and she naturally drifted into slumber.
Looking at the sleeping Horikita, Amane secretly pecked her, then picked up the blanket and carefully covered Horikita.
After settling Horikita, Amane felt relieved enough to return and meet Hashimoto.
"Miyako-san, I've finally found you!"
Hashimoto immediately rushed forward to complain the moment he saw Amane.
Before Amane could even speak, Hashimoto dragged her along and poured out his grievances for a long time.
Amane had originally planned to get straight to the point, but seeing that Hashimoto had no intention of stopping, she could only force herself to listen to his complaints before finally speaking.
"I generally understand your situation. Helping you isn't a problem, but... how do you need me to help?"
Amane immediately cut to the chase.
Hashimoto and his group sought Amane's help in Sakayanagi's name, so Amane naturally had no intention of refusing. But what kind of help did they need?
Overthrowing Katsuragi sounded easy, but in practice, it was extremely difficult. Even if Amane was willing to help out of consideration for Sakayanagi being her close friend, she wasn't running a charity. If Sakayanagi didn't concede some benefits, Amane had no reason to involve Class D in this operation.
Moreover... there were some things Amane didn't want to state too directly.
Katsuragi's tactics, much like Ichinose's, were very conservative. In Amane's view, Katsuragi Kohei was just an enhanced version of Ichinose Honami. Defensive tactics would eventually show flaws; if they couldn't break through from the outside, they would break through from within.
Furthermore, Katsuragi Kohei wasn't adept at using unconventional moves; he was more or less a standard, top-tier high school student.
In short, from Amane's perspective, he was a very easy opponent in everyday confrontations.
So why should she help Sakayanagi defeat Katsuragi?
Wouldn't keeping Katsuragi to restrain the more powerful Sakayanagi be the normal class strategy?
Therefore, no matter the reason, Amane's willingness to help Sakayanagi was entirely due to their personal friendship.
But to ask Amane to risk her life or something like that...
What a joke.
Without personal gain, who would work for others' benefit?
From the perspective of Horikita and Hirata, they would rather Class A be in chaos with two strong factions fighting each other.
Not taking advantage of the situation was already good; helping? Don't even think about it.
Hashimoto's heart sank when he saw Amane's rather cold attitude.
It was exactly as he had guessed.
Amane was someone who couldn't be motivated without sufficient benefit.
He absolutely didn't believe that Amane had no strategy against Class A.
But if she wasn't willing to say anything, what could he do?
Hashimoto began to feel anxious.
Amane had given him an opportunity.
That was, Hashimoto needed to tell Amane what he wanted her to do.
Of course, Hashimoto only considered the unreasonable request of defeating Katsuragi Kohei; if he actually said it, Amane would likely turn around and leave on the spot, which wouldn't be surprising.
So what could he ask Amane to do?
The opportunity was right in front of him, yet he couldn't think of any strategy to defeat Katsuragi. Katsuragi's usual oppressive presence was too strong, so much so that let alone defeating him...
Hashimoto couldn't even think of a single strategy to cause him trouble.
Amane naturally saw Hashimoto's dilemma, but she had no intention of softening.
She could help for Sakayanagi's sake, who had helped her gather evidence against Ryuuen, but the precondition was that he had to tell her what needed to be done.
To make Amane take the initiative, that would be a different price; it would require more money.
As for Hashimoto thinking of a strategy to trouble Katsuragi?
Amane hadn't even considered that outcome.
If Hashimoto had such strategic prowess, he wouldn't be running to Class D in the middle of the night to complain, even about being denied a meal.
The capabilities of the people around Sakayanagi were somewhat concerning.
There were decent talents in both academics and martial arts, but only to the extent of merely existing.
In terms of quality... they were still somewhat uncomplimentary.
Hashimoto naturally knew that he wouldn't be able to come up with any useful strategies in a short time.
So he could only offer the only valuable thing he possessed in exchange for Amane's help.
"I am willing to provide the specific names of Class A's infiltrator and key card holder."
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