Chapter 066 Finally Settled / Amasawa Ichika Pummeled Nagumo Miyabi
After the two finished their meal, they returned to the starting point of the treasure hunt.
The person in charge of the service desk had changed to an ordinary Student Council member. Under the envious and resentful gazes of the staff member and those nearby, the two successfully collected one million points each.
According to their prior agreement, Shiraishi Asuka transferred another 500,000 personal points to him. In truth, she had intended to give him 800,000, but Shimizu Akira had spent the entire lunch persuading her before she finally agreed to accept only 500,000 back.
Clearly, the final result was that she had come out ahead, yet it felt as if Akira had troubled her once again. Recalling that meaningful smile she gave before leaving, he felt something was slightly off.
I'm probably overthinking it.
Returning to his dorm, Akira glanced at his phone. It was 2:00 PM. According to the rules, the deadline was 5:00 PM, meaning there were three hours left.
Speaking of his girlfriends—he had asked Honami, and she mentioned they hadn't found the special QR code yet. Apparently, none of them had eaten lunch and planned to keep searching for the remaining three hours.
He didn't know if their competitive spirits were just too strong, or if the temptation of being able to order him around for an entire day was simply too great. He shouldn't dwell on that thought!
Akira lay on his bed, picked up his phone, and sent a message to Ishigami Kyo of Class 1-A.
Shimizu Akira: Are you free this afternoon?
A minute or two later, a reply came.
Ishigami Kyo: I'm free, Shimizu-senpai. Is it convenient to meet now?
Shimizu Akira: Sure, let's meet at the cafe.
Akira changed into some cooler clothes and headed out around 2:30 PM. He arrived at a cafe on the upper deck of the luxury liner and ordered a cappuccino. Five or six minutes later, Ishigami Kyo walked in slowly.
Despite it being the height of summer, he wore a sun hat, shorts, and a short-sleeved shirt, yet his face looked somewhat pale.
"Ishigami, are you feeling unwell?" Akira asked with concern.
"Mmh, I've felt a bit of heatstroke these past few days, but I'm much better now." Ishigami exhaled and sat across from him.
This guy's physical condition was truly lacking. While not quite at the level of Sakayanagi or Hiyori, his physical ability was only a D; he was the type to fall ill at the slightest change in weather.
"I saw Shiraishi-senpai's post on the school forum. I caught a bit of the 'good luck' vibe; congratulations on getting that million points from the treasure hunt," Ishigami offered.
Akira hadn't expected Asuka to post about it. He waved it off. "It was just luck."
Ishigami signaled the waiter for an orange juice. "May I ask why Shimizu-senpai looked for me?"
Akira was direct: "There's a student in your class named Takahashi, right? Can you introduce me? I want to invite him out for a talk."
Ishigami took a sip of his juice, turning thoughtful. "Senpai, are you looking for him because of the matter regarding Yagami Takuya spreading Kushida-senpai's past during the Uninhabited Island exam?"
"Eh? Wait, he already told you?"
"Takahashi only told me. I have no intention of telling anyone, and I will personally tell Takahashi to keep his mouth shut. You can rest assured on that point, Senpai."
Akira hadn't expected things to go so smoothly. Before he could even say anything, Ishigami had already made a promise. Including these two, along with Utomiya Riku, Tsubaki Sakurako, Nanase Tsubasa, and Amasawa Ichika, it meant all the first-years who knew of Kikyo's past had been silenced by him.
Ishigami seemed to remember something. "Yagami Takuya from the neighboring class has woken up. However, because he checked GPS positions privately during the island exam and lost all his points, his two teammates were expelled. The class lost 300 points, and his reputation is completely ruined. I heard he was also dismissed from the Student Council."
'His reputation is ruined?'
In that case, no matter what he said in the future, as long as there was no evidence, it would have no impact on Kushida Kikyo. The problem of Kikyo's past, which had troubled them since the start of school, was finally coming to a close.
Akira breathed a huge sigh of relief. "I owe you a small favor for this."
Ishigami shook his head. "It's fine. Consider it a return for the way you took care of Kanzaki in your class for all those days."
Those two were actually on quite good terms. As expected of childhood friends.
Curious, Akira asked, "Besides Kanzaki, do you know any other children of financial conglomerates in this school?"
"Koenji-senpai, Sakayanagi-senpai, Kiryuin-senpai, and Tsubaki-san. I've met them a few times, but we haven't spoken in detail. I just know of them," Ishigami said slowly, reminiscing.
" Tsubaki Sakurako? Wait, she's a zaibatsu child too?"
"Yes, though her family is lower-tier, belonging to the third tier—subsidiary forces under other major families."
Akira didn't know what a "third tier" was. However, if she was from a zaibatsu, did she also know about the White Room facilities? Could that be the source of her unprovoked malice toward Ayanokouji Kiyotaka or the White Room?
But even if he asked Ishigami, the latter likely wouldn't have an answer.
Akira took a sip of coffee and asked, "When we chatted last time, you said you came to this school to evaluate me and Ayanokouji, and that White Room people aren't suited for a normal school. Is that right?"
"Yes," Ishigami nodded.
"But as far as I know, you didn't seem to make any strange moves during the island exam?"
This kouhai hadn't just avoided "strange moves"—he was practically invisible. If they hadn't crossed paths during a task once, Akira would have doubted he was even on the island.
Ishigami spoke candidly: "I didn't take much action myself because Tsubaki-san was doing it."
"Takahashi told you that too?"
"Indeed. He was present when the first-year leaders gathered on the fourth day. I thought about it and decided to let the flow go, handing over the capable people of Class A to her command."
Hearing this, it seemed Takahashi was more like Ishigami's puppet. Ishigami's physical condition was poor, so he needed someone to stand in the spotlight.
'Wait. Tsubaki Sakurako and Utomiya Riku from Class 1-C are in the same situation, aren't they?'
Akira rubbed his temples. "You two are quite similar. You aren't planning to continue cooperating to trap me and Ayanokouji, are you?"
Ishigami took a sip of orange juice. "Regarding the island incident, I knew from the start the plan would fail and only result in Yagami's expulsion, so I let it happen. It wasn't to trap you or Ayanokouji."
He stroked his chin and added firmly, "However, regarding cooperation with Tsubaki Sakurako... if it's to expel Yagami Takuya, I might work with her. But if the targets are Ayanokouji Kiyotaka and Amasawa Ichika... please count me out."
Akira looked at him curiously. "I understand Ayanokouji—he's your teacher's son and you're just observing. But why the sudden change of heart regarding Amasawa Ichika?"
Ishigami said slowly, "Mmh. After these months of observation, ever since joining your boxing club, Amasawa Ichika hasn't used her identity as a White Room assassin to attack students or do anything excessive. Furthermore, Acting Chairman Tsukishiro has already expelled her from the White Room. If she leaves this school, she will have absolutely nowhere to go. Therefore, her staying at this Advanced Nurturing High School is, naturally, acceptable."
"You're quite open-minded, unlike that Tsubaki girl!"
"Mmh! After all, most White Room children were forced in by their parents! If there is truly a possibility for reform, I believe they should be given at least a chance."
"What about Yagami Takuya?"
"That man's personality is completely twisted. From the start, he never treated the students here as people. There is no hope for reform. Expelling him and sending him back to the White Room is the most appropriate result for him."
It seemed both of them agreed that Yagami should get lost.
Ishigami sighed again. "It's a pity Acting Chairman Tsukishiro saved him before leaving."
Akira didn't feel much regret; in a sense, he had already beaten the guy to his heart's content last time. But he was still puzzled: "Since the commander of the White Room assassins has left, shouldn't Yagami follow him out?"
Normal logic suggested that development.
"No. According to the notice I received, Yagami Takuya seems slated to remain at this school."
Akira truly couldn't understand.
'Stay at school? Just him? His superior is leaving, so what use is he alone?'
Regardless, with Ishigami and Tsubaki around—both of whom despised Yagami—Akira felt he wouldn't even have to lift a finger. Yagami likely wouldn't survive the second semester.
-
-
-
Day six of the luxury cruise.
Waking up early, Nagumo Miyabi had dark circles under his eyes. He hadn't slept well, fuming with anger. Last night, he received word that the treasure hunt's top prize had been taken by Shimizu Akira and Shiraishi Asuka—totaling two million points.
Then, Koenji Rokusuke had managed to take first place in the general rankings, pocketing 500,000 points.
'Damn it.'
He had racked his brains to come up with this treasure hunt to boost his prestige, and yet the top spots were swept by those two annoying guys.
He headed to breakfast with a sullen face. His subordinates, as well as the female students he had "bought" with points to date him and keep him company, all seemed to sense his foul mood and kept their distance. Consequently, he sat alone.
"A bunch of useless trash. Can't you at least comfort me so I feel better?" Nagumo muttered privately while eating.
As if in answer to his prayer, a girl carrying a tray sat directly across from him. He looked up to see Amasawa Ichika. Seeing his sour face, she began eating and said, "President Nagumo, why the bad mood today? Say it out loud so I can have a good laugh."
Nagumo's lip twitched. He almost cursed on the spot.
'Is this how you comfort someone?!'
Recalling the island exam, she had mocked him then, too. Now she wasn't even acting; she was coming at him directly. Nagumo liked pretty girls, but that didn't include "bratty girls" who came looking for trouble.
He sneered. "Amasawa-kouhai , right? Do you lack proper respect for your senpai?"
Ichika yawned listlessly. "Oh, please. You don't really have anything worth respecting. It's embarrassing to even say it, but you're a far cry from my Shimizu-senpai."
"Your Shimizu-senpai?" Nagumo continued disdainfully. "Amasawa-kouhai , I recall you aren't one of Shimizu Akira's girlfriends, right? Calling him 'mine'—have you confused something?"
Ichika didn't care. She poked a fried egg into her mouth and chewed slowly. "I'm not now, but who knows about the future?"
"..."
"Besides," Ichika interrupted him with an innocent smile, "even if I'm not his girlfriend, Shimizu-senpai takes better care of me than my own brother would. Unlike some people who can't even keep their own childhood friend in check. If I'm not mistaken, those little tricks on the school forum were your doing, right? Watching the recording of Akira-senpai and Asahina-senpai getting intimate, then taking screenshots for someone else to post—how did that feel? Tsk, tsk. You couldn't be one of those 'cuckolds' who gets more excited the more they watch such things, could you?"
If there weren't so many students dining nearby, Nagumo would have flipped the table.
'Damn it, calling who is a cuckold?!'
Nagumo's veins bulged. "Nazuna was just temporarily deceived by that guy. What belongs to me will eventually be mine. As for you, Amasawa Ichika, you have no manners. I wouldn't mind teaching you a lesson on behalf of your parents."
Ichika smiled brightly. "Unfortunately, I've never met my parents. But you? Qualified to discipline me? I should be the one disciplining you on behalf of your parents. By the way, you're the one who inexplicably kicked Yagami Takuya out of the Student Council, right?"
Nagumo laughed out of pure rage. "So, you're here to pick a fight for Yagami Takuya? Tsk, tsk. Acting Chairman Tsukishiro said you're both from the White Room, basically childhood friends. Yagami likely got beaten by Shimizu Akira, yet you don't go to him; you come to me? You even fell for that guy? I've found that you women are truly fickle—you love changing your affections so easily?"
Ichika didn't get angry; instead, she clutched her stomach and laughed out loud.
"'You women'? Who are you referring to? Not Asahina-senpai, surely? President Nagumo is so funny; you still think she actually likes you. Also, Yagami and I are just graduates of the same term—at most, we're classmates. How do you jump to 'childhood friends' just because someone says something?"
"You've got a lot to say, don't you? I heard you White Roomers are good at fighting. How about we go a round?" Nagumo said through gritted teeth.
He clearly remembered Koenji saying he couldn't even beat Amasawa Ichika. Since he was in a bad mood and this woman had repeatedly mocked him so arrogantly, beating her up would solve everything. There was nothing in the world more satisfying than making a bratty girl cry.
Ichika cracked her knuckles. "While I don't really want to use force and cause trouble for my Senpai, if the opponent is you, he'd probably be very happy once he finds out."
The two walked out of the restaurant one after the other. Nagumo was in front, Ichika behind, maintaining a short distance. There were many students in the corridors, but neither spoke, moving toward a less populated area. This sort of thing couldn't be done in public.
Though Nagumo wanted to teach this sharp-tongued woman a lesson in front of everyone, reason told him that a Student Council President beating up a first-year girl at the restaurant entrance would be unacceptable, even in this merit-based school.
Ichika was indifferent, walking with a light step and her hands in her shorts pockets. "President Nagumo, where are you taking me? You aren't planning to take me somewhere secluded for some bad intentions, are you? I'm so scared."
Nagumo didn't look back. "Don't worry, I have no interest in an underdeveloped brat like you."
"That's good, that's good," Ichika laughed harder. "After all, I have no interest in anyone other than my Shimizu-senpai."
Nagumo couldn't be bothered with her. They crossed the corridor and turned into a service passage leading to the rear of the ship. Normally only crew members used this, and at this time, not a soul was in sight.
Nagumo stopped and turned around. "This will do."
Ichika scanned the surroundings and nodded with satisfaction. "Nice. It's spacious. I can run away after I beat you up."
Nagumo sneered, took off his jacket, and hung it on a nearby pipe. He flexed his wrists and cracked his neck. "Amasawa-kouhai , I'll give you one last chance," he said arrogantly. "Apologize now, and I can act as if nothing happened."
Ichika said innocently, "Apologize? Did I say something wrong?"
"..."
Nagumo stopped talking and moved toward her. His skills weren't bad. While not a professional fighter, no third-year student except Kiryuin could beat him. Against a seemingly frail little girl, he felt one hand would be enough. He reached out with his right hand, intending to grab her wrist and pin her to the wall to show her the meaning of "respecting a senpai."
And then...
His fingers met thin air. Ichika's body was like a leaf caught in the wind, drifting back half a step with ease, perfectly evading his grasp. Nagumo froze, but reacted quickly, swinging his left hand.
Missed again.
"Too slow, too slow," Ichika's voice came from the left.
Nagumo gritted his teeth, accelerated, and threw a series of punches. One, two, three... all missed. Ichika was like a nimble cat, weaving between his strikes, always missing by just a hair—just enough to make him think "I'll hit her next time," yet failing every time.
"Is this all you've got?" Nagumo panted. "Just dodging? Can't you attack?!"
Ichika stopped, standing three steps away, watching him with a smirk. "Are you sure you want me to attack?"
"Enough talk, you damn brat! See if I don't make you cry!"
"Oh?" Ichika's gaze darkened slightly. "You still dare to curse at me? I was going to let you off after a couple of random punches..." She cracked her fingers. "Seems I'm forced to turn you into a pig's head."
The next second.
Before Nagumo could react, Ichika's fist had already descended. The first punch landed squarely on his left eye socket, making him see stars.
"Still want to curse?"
"You bastard!" Nagumo roared, instinctively raising his hands to block, but Ichika was far faster.
The second punch hit his right cheek, snapping his head to the side. Third, fourth, fifth... they were as dense as raindrops, each landing on a different spot: forehead, nose, chin, cheekbone. Ichika wasn't even using much force; it was more like a game of Whac-A-Mole, and Nagumo was the mole that could never hide.
"This one is for Asahina-senpai.
This one is for Shimizu-senpai.
This one is for myself.
This one... no special reason, I just don't like your face."
She spoke as she struck. Nagumo tried to counter, but every time his hand moved, Ichika brushed it aside effortlessly, followed by another hit to the face.
"Stop... Stop it..."
"Eh? Begging for mercy already?" Ichika feigned surprise. "I've only just finished warming up."
She stopped her fists, stood up, and looked down at the man on the floor. Nagumo lay there, his face already swollen. His left eye was a bruised mess, his right cheek was bulging high, his nose bridge was red, and a cut on his lip was dripping blood onto his clothes. His once handsome face now looked like a crumpled ball of paper.
Ichika crouched down, examined him closely, and nodded with satisfaction, pulling out her phone to snap a photo.
"Mmh, symmetrical. Three on the left, three on the right. Though it's a bit lacking compared to Yagami's beating due to the strength difference, it's about a 70% replica. My Senpai should be very satisfied when he finds out."
She pulled a small mirror from her pocket and held it before Nagumo. "President Nagumo, take a look for yourself. Satisfied?"
Nagumo saw himself in the mirror. That pig-headed thing... was him?
"You... YOU!"
His face turned beet red. The Student Council President, the leader of the third years, had been pinned and beaten by a first-year girl without any room to fight back.
"What about me?" Ichika tucked the mirror away and stood up. "I'm helping you. See, that narcissistic face you had before—everyone wanted to hit it. This is much better, much more down-to-earth.
Alright, that's enough for today. President Nagumo, remember to ice that when you get back, or it'll be even more swollen tomorrow. If you accidentally end up disfigured... well, you don't rely on your face for a living anyway, right?"
She turned toward the passage exit. After a few steps, she looked back. "By the way, don't tell anyone about today," she smiled. "After all, letting others know the great Student Council President was soloed by a girl would be quite embarrassing. However...
If you cause trouble for Shimizu-senpai again or spread any more rumors, I won't mind letting the whole school know."
Finished, she hummed a tune and vanished lightly at the end of the passage.
Nagumo lay on the cold floor, staring at the pipes above, gasping for air. His face burned with pain.
'I, a grown man... was actually taken down by a frail girl?'
Impossible, absolutely impossible! Amasawa Ichika should be weak. Those White Roomers—they're all just talk, they're all useless trash.
Nagumo felt his worldview shattering. He, Nagumo Miyabi, couldn't even beat this man-made garbage! What kind of genius was he, then? What right did he have to be arrogant?
In that case, didn't it mean Yagami Takuya was much stronger than him? And he had personally dismissed him from the Student Council... That guy would definitely hold a grudge. Once he got out of the hospital, he would surely come for revenge.
When that time came, what was he supposed to do?
Read ahead (120 chapters) by supporting me on buymeacoffee com/varietl or ko-fi edwriting