Chapter 106: Leader Katsuragi! How many points... do we even have left?! Crying!
On the beach, students had begun to arrive one after another.
The students of Class A were undoubtedly the most imposing group present. Led by Katsuragi Kohei, they stood in a neat formation on the eastern side of the shore. Even without explicit orders, they carried an innate air of elite pride.
In truth, they had every reason to be confident.
Katsuragi Kohei stood at the very front of the line, his frame upright, his gaze steady and sharp—like a solid rock in a deep pool. He had just submitted the decisive form for guessing leaders to his homeroom teacher, Mashima-sensei. The moment his fingertips left the paper, he had already calculated all the scores in his head.
On the form, he had clearly written the answers he reached after careful deliberation and weighing of risks: Class B's leader, Hikigaya Hachiman; Class D's leader, Hirata Yosuke.
The identities of these two leaders had been confirmed. Guessing them correctly meant a guaranteed 100-point gain for Class A. This was low-hanging fruit and the most stable part of his plan.
As for why he didn't fill in Class C?
Hashimoto Masayoshi had indeed approached him yesterday, looking flustered, to reveal his speculation that "Ryuen Kakeru might be Class C's leader," suggesting Katsuragi write it down to net another 50 points.
But in Katsuragi Kohei's dictionary, the word "might" was synonymous with "uncertainty." At such a critical juncture, where one wrong move could lose everything, he would never risk a 50-point penalty for an unconfirmed 50-point gain. Especially since Hashimoto belonged to Sakayanagi's faction—who knew if he was just jealous of Katsuragi's achievements and trying to bait him into a mistake?
Stability was king. Avoiding a 50-point loss was far more important than the temptation of a 50-point gain. Besides, Class A already possessed enough capital to look down on the rest; they didn't need to gamble on the whole game for petty points.
The brilliant results of this trip flashed through Katsuragi's mind, every number crystal clear:
Katsuragi's Projected Scorecard
Category
Points
Calculation
Spots Occupied
+270
15 spots × 18 points
Hidden Spot Bonus
+50
Occupied once
Base Points
+270
300 base - 30 (Sakayanagi's absence)
Leader Guesses
+100
Correctly guessing B and D leaders
Total Projected
690
690 points! It was a dazzling number, one that would leave the other classes in the dust.
Of course, achieving this result came with a price: a private point debt note of 52.8 million points signed with Hikigaya Hachiman, and a 2 million point debt (also an IOU) to Ryuen. However, as long as he secured a class evaluation score of 690, those debts were secondary. This exam was his victory! A triumph for Class A!
Katsuragi felt he had successfully completed his mission. He, Katsuragi Kohei, had taken the reins in Sakayanagi Arisu's absence and despite internal factionalism, single-handedly led Class A to glory. This merit would become the solid foundation for his leadership.
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Just then, a slightly disorganized sound of footsteps broke the peace. Class C, led by Ryuen Kakeru, arrived on the sand.
Unlike Class A's uniformity, Class C looked disheveled. Their uniforms were stained with dirt and grass, and their faces bore the fatigue of days spent camping and fighting for spots. Dark circles hung under their eyes, yet beneath the exhaustion lay a complex mix of anxiety and anticipation. This was the first time since the school's founding that Class C had a chance at such a high score—their only chance to shed the "bottom class" label.
At least, that's what the average student thought. Ryuen's mood was entirely different.
Though he walked at the head of his group, his expression was as dark as a storm over the ocean. His naturally violent gaze was sharp enough to pierce bone. Sensing the tyrant's mood, the Class C students instinctively kept their distance. No one dared to cross him; they could feel the anger and agitation radiating off him.
Ryuen was indeed in a foul mood. He had already broken down internally back at the camp. Not only was his identity as Class C's leader discovered by Hikigaya, but even if Hikigaya hadn't written it down, Class D's Ayanokoji certainly had.
This meant all of Class C's spot points and hidden spot bonuses would be wiped out. Furthermore, being correctly guessed as leader meant another 50-point deduction from their base points. In an instant, 316 points had vanished.
It was a disaster: seven days of toil, 12 spots (216 points), and a risky hidden spot (50 points) all turned to ash. Even their 300 base points would drop to 250. For Ryuen, who wanted to lead Class C to a reversal, this was a catastrophe—an insult!
'Ayanokouji! I'll kill you!'
While cursing internally, Ryuen noticed the Class D area was still empty; Ayanokoji hadn't arrived yet. However, Class A was all there.
Ryuen's eyes landed on Katsuragi. Seeing Katsuragi's smug, confident smile and the relaxed posture of the Class A students, the "evil fire" in Ryuen's heart surged.
'Heh, Katsuragi, you think you're having a good time? You idiot, you're still living in a fantasy! Your leader's info has been filled in by three different classes!'
A petty, childish urge for revenge took hold: 'If I'm suffering, you're coming down with me.' Since the results hadn't been announced yet, now was the perfect time to nauseate Katsuragi.
Ryuen walked over with a malicious grin.
"Yo, Katsuragi!" Ryuen initiated the greeting, striding toward the front of the Class A line. "Congratulations! Looking at that smug face of yours, is Class A taking home nearly 700 points? Tsk tsk, impressive. As expected of the elite Class A, and the great Katsuragi Kohei. A winner wherever you go!"
Katsuragi's brow furrowed, a flicker of vigilance in his eyes. He knew Ryuen's reputation—violent, ruthless, yet cunning. This sudden "warmth" was anything but friendly.
Suppressing his suspicion, Katsuragi maintained his composure. "Class C occupied many spots as well. With the hidden spot bonus, you should achieve a decent score—enough for a comeback."
In his mind, Katsuragi calculated Class C's potential: 12 spots (216 points) + hidden spot (50) + base (300) + 100 for guessing B and D leaders = 666 points. For a class usually at the bottom, it was an unprecedented height.
"666 points?" Ryuen burst out laughing as if he'd heard a joke, his voice booming so every student on the beach could hear. "Yeah, it sounds like a lucky number! But unfortunately, Katsuragi..."
His tone shifted instantly. The playfulness vanished, replaced by cold mockery and eyes full of malice. "Unfortunately, your Class A isn't getting that 690 points you're dreaming of!"
The statement hit like a tidal wave. The Class A line stirred; their confident expressions froze. If their score was being threatened, it could only mean one thing: the leader-guessing phase.
'Does Ryuen know our leader?'
Katsuragi's heart sank.
"What do you mean?" he asked, trying to stay steady, though his voice wavered.
Ryuen's malicious grin widened. He stepped closer, closing the gap to less than half a meter, whispering loud enough for everyone to hear: "I mean, I know who your leader is. Guess who I put on my form?"
He paused, relishing the flicker of panic in Katsuragi's eyes, then dropped the bomb: " To-tsu-ka Ya-hi-ko!"
Boom!
The name struck Katsuragi like a thunderclap. The color drained from his face as he stared at Ryuen in disbelief and burgeoning fear.
How was it possible?! Totsuka Yahiko's identity as the leader was a carefully designed feint—his most crucial protection for Class A's victory. How could Ryuen, an outsider from Class C, know this top-secret information?
'Was there... a traitor in Class A?!'
The thought sent a shiver down his spine. Had the factional infighting reached a point where someone would sabotage the class's massive interests?
Katsuragi's first instinct was to deny it fiercely. "Absurd! Ryuen, do you think you can shake our morale with lies? Do you think I'd fall for your provocation? Yahiko is just my assistant, how could he be the leader?"
"Provocation?" Ryuen threw his hands up with exaggerated innocence. "I don't have the energy to sow discord. It was just a simple deduction."
He cleared his throat and raised his voice again, addressing the entire beach like a lecturer.
"Deduction one: Class A has two camps—Katsuragi's and Sakayanagi's. They hate each other. Since Sakayanagi didn't show up but her people are here watching like hawks, would you, the cautious Katsuragi Kohei, ever trust a Sakayanagi loyalist with the leader card? Basic logic says no."
"Deduction two: As the faction leader, you could pick yourself. But you? You're too conspicuous. Would a smart guy like you put yourself in everyone's crosshairs? Obviously not."
"Deduction three: Eliminate the Sakayanagi faction, eliminate yourself... who's left? Your most trusted lackey—Yahiko Totsuka! He's your shadow, obedient to a fault. Letting him be the leader allows him to clock in at spots while you draw the heat. It's the perfect choice, isn't it?"
Ryuen's analysis was surgical. It hit every core point of Katsuragi's strategy as if he had watched the plan being made. The phrase "your shadow" pierced Katsuragi's greatest weakness—his blatant over-reliance on Yahiko.
Katsuragi felt a chill run from his toes to his scalp. Ryuen's "deduction"... was almost entirely correct.
"But hey, it's just a deduction," Ryuen added nonchalantly. "My Class C got so many points this time, I can afford a 50-point penalty if I'm wrong."
Katsuragi remained silent, his mind racing. Would Ryuen really risk 50 points—a 100-point swing compared to other classes—on just a "deduction"? No. Given Ryuen's desperation to climb to Class A, he wouldn't gamble like that unless he was certain.
There was a mole. Someone had leaked the secret to Ryuen.
Katsuragi turned, his gaze like a torch scanning the Class A students. He saw panic, anger, and confusion on their faces. Everyone was looking around, trying to spot the traitor. He met Yahiko's eyes and saw pure terror; Yahiko had clearly just found out his identity was compromised. It wasn't him.
When his gaze passed over Hashimoto Masayoshi, he saw the same shock as everyone else. But seeing Hashimoto triggered a spark of suspicion. Hashimoto was the one who suggested guessing Ryuen as the Class C leader yesterday. Was that "intel" just a smokescreen to hide his own betrayal?
But Hashimoto's expression was flawless.
Had he misunderstood?
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.
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At the back of the Class A pack, Hashimoto Masayoshi was weathering a silent storm. Ryuen's "deduction" was brilliant enough to fool most, but Hashimoto knew the truth.
'It was total bullshit!'
The only reason Ryuen knew was because he, Hashimoto, had sold that fatal piece of intel to him for a cool 2 million points.
'Dammit, Ryuen' Hashimoto cursed internally.
'You got the info, why couldn't you just keep your mouth shut? Why did you have to broadcast it and weave this elaborate lie? Katsuragi isn't going to believe that 'deduction' crap for a second.'
Hashimoto ramped up his acting, maintaining a look of shocked indignation. He even furrowed his brow and let a flash of "pain" enter his eyes, as if grieving the leak of Class A's secrets. He even added a hint of "Sakayanagi-faction-schadenfreude" regarding Katsuragi's failure.
It worked. Katsuragi's gaze moved past him. He was safe.
Class A's score would plummet, but that was acceptable to Hashimoto. By his math:
270 Base - 50 Guessed by C + 100 Guessing B and D= 320 points}.
Their deal with Hikigaya was for 400 points' worth of private points. A 320-point result meant they were only 80 points short—a mere 8,000 point monthly deduction per student. Class A would stay in the lead.
This betrayal served two purposes: it gained him favor with Sakayanagi by undermining Katsuragi, and it lined his pockets with Ryuen's money. As long as Class A didn't actually fall from its position, he was fine. He had crippled Katsuragi's leadership, and that was the ultimate prize.
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The scene on the beach was spiraling out of control. Class A students were shouting at Ryuen, demanding to know if he really wrote Yahiko's name.
"What are you screaming for?" Ryuen waved them off dismissively. "I've already submitted the form. Who I pick is my business. The rules don't say I can't guess Class A. Besides, making you suffer makes me happy."
He smiled cruelly, then suddenly pointed to a lone figure standing on the other side of the beach.
"And you think I'm the only one who wrote your leader down? Don't forget him! Hikigaya Hachiman from Class B. He filled it in too! And guess what? He wrote Totsuka Yahiko! You've been sniped by B and C together! Hahaha!
Not only are your spot points gone, but you're losing another 100 points from your base!
You think he stayed behind just to play? He stayed to hunt you down!"
The beach fell into a deathly silence. Every eye turned toward the northwest corner where a single, thin figure stood in the Class B area, facing the sea.
Hikigaya Hachiman.
Hachiman, who had just been spacing out, realized he was once again the center of unwanted attention.
"..."
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At that moment, the remnants of Class D arrived: only Sudo Ken and Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. They looked lonely.
Ayanokoji stood behind Sudo, watching the "noob fight" in the distance with an expressionless face. He had heard every word of the argument. He knew Ryuen had correctly identified Yahiko. He had known the leaders of all classes since the first day when he and Koenji split up to track them.
Ayanokoji's mind drifted back to "that man's" words.
"Kiyotaka, listen. The 'meritocracy' this school preaches is just another form of closed, hypocritical elite education. Like the White Room, it is a place to screen and mold 'talent' according to their standards. I want you to use everything you learned in the White Room to smash this system."
He had come here with a mission, but he had his own struggles.
He wanted to find something for himself, to experience a "normal" life. But his days of laying low were over. From the intel Chabashira provided, he knew "that man" was forcing his hand.
Class D's 300 base points were gone, but that didn't matter. In fact, sending the "dead weight" students back to the ship early was a benefit.
He had confirmed with Koenji on the first day: if Class D didn't retire, Koenji would retire himself out of boredom, costing them 30 points anyway.
By having the class retire, he could manipulate the leader position. He had arranged for Hirata to be the leader, but then used the "injury" rule to change it at the last second. Because Classes A, B, and C were all convinced the leader was Hirata, they would all guess incorrectly and suffer penalties.
Class B wouldn't gain points anyway since Hachiman was alone and couldn't change his leader. But Ayanokoji had filled out the forms for A, B, and C.
Ayanokoji's Math:
Leader Guesses: 150 * 3 = 450 points (Correctly guessing A, B, and C).Spots & Bonus: 6 *17 + 50 = 152 points.Total: Over 600 points for Class D!
By trading Class D's base points to Hachiman and then securing this score, Class D would finally have a seat at the table. The counterattack had begun.
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Back at Class A:
"Wait, if our leader was guessed by both B and C, our score drops below 400?" a Sakayanagi loyalist chimed in. If they lost points, Katsuragi would have to take the fall.
The Reality of Class A's Points:
Spot points: Invalidated (0)Base points: 270 - 100 (Guessed by B & C)} = 170Leader guesses: +100 Guessed B & D correctly... or did they?Current Standing: 170 + 100 = 270 points.
But they owed Hachiman private points equivalent to a 400-point score. They were now in the red.
Katsuragi felt hollow.
The drop from 690 to 270 was soul-crushing.
Suddenly, a Class C student shouted, "Hey Ryuen-san! Where's Hirata Yosuke from Class D? Isn't he their leader? Why isn't he here?"
The focus shifted. Ryuen's eyes lit up as he saw another chance to twist the knife into Katsuragi. "Yeah, Katsuragi! You didn't put Hirata down as the leader, did you? Because I don't see him anywhere!"
Katsuragi's bad feeling intensified. He sent a student to Class D's area to investigate.
"Where is Hirata Yosuke?" the Class A student asked breathlessly.
Sudo Ken rolled his eyes.
"Hirata? He was med-evacuated back to the ship last night."
"What?! Why?"
"Snake bite," Sudo said with a smirk, pointing to his leg. "Stepped on one in the dark. It wasn't venomous, but Mashima-sensei said for safety he should be observed in the infirmary. He left by boat at midnight."
"Then... Class D's score is void?" the A-class rep stammered.
"Void? In your dreams!" Sudo laughed, pointing to the silent Ayanokoji.
"Mashima-sensei said this falls under 'leader unable to perform duties due to injury.' We processed the paperwork last night. Ayanokoji here is the new leader. The exam continues!"
Sudo raised his voice, basking in the despair on Ryuen and Katsuragi's faces. Even he knew they were screwed. Ayanokoji had told him they would likely write Hirata's name.
"Yo, Ryuen! Katsuragi! You guys didn't fill in Hirata, did you? Guess you're both losing another 50 points for guessing an inactive leader! Hahaha!"
It was the final nail in the coffin.
Ryuen glared at Ayanokoji. Hikigaya was right—Class D hadn't given up. They had used their own leader's "leak" as bait, then swapped leaders at the last possible second using a legitimate medical excuse. It was a masterstroke.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka... as Hikigaya said, he was a monster.
Katsuragi felt the world go dark. He had calculated every variable, yet he missed the ultimate reversal.
Katsuragi's Final Math:
Base: 270Guessed B Leader: +50Guessed by B & C: -100Guessed D Leader (Hirata) WRONG: -50Final Score:170 Points.
On top of that, he owed Ryuen 2 million and Hachiman 52.8 million. Every student in Class A would now have to pay out 23,000 points a month just to cover the debt.
Katsuragi Kohei had gone from the certain winner to the ultimate loser.
"Leader Katsuragi... after all our hard work this week... how many points do we have left?" a Katsuragi faction member asked, trembling.
"About... 170," Katsuragi wanted to say, but the words wouldn't come out.
"Only 170? Dammit!" Hashimoto realized his betrayal had backfired.
He thought he was just hurting Katsuragi while keeping the class stable at 270 or 320. Now, he was also on the hook for 23,000 points a month. His 2 million from Ryuen would vanish in no time just paying off the class debt.
He had lost too much. He realized he could never tell anyone he was the mole—not even the Sakayanagi faction. If he did, both factions would tear him apart.
At that moment, Mashima-sensei stepped onto the beach with a megaphone. It was time to announce the official results.
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