Chapter 128: People in Action! Ayanokouji Moves, Ryuen Follows
At 9:00 PM that evening, in the Dragon Group discussion room. This was the second discussion meeting of the first day of the exam.
When Hachiman, Ichinose, and Kanzaki arrived, the room was already full. Just like in the morning, it was the same long oval table, the same twelve people, and the same subtle, tense atmosphere.
But this time, the seating order had changed.
Sakayanagi Arisu was not sitting by the window but was instead in the chair next to Hachiman. Her cane rested against the table, her beret was perched neatly on her head, and strands of silver hair peeked out from under the brim. She looked even more refined and delicate than she had in the morning.
Hachiman glanced at her, said nothing, and pulled out his chair to sit.
Ichinose took her seat on his other side. Her gaze swept over Sakayanagi and then toward Hachiman with a hint of confusion in her eyes, but she didn't speak.
Ryuen remained as arrogant as ever, leaning back in his chair with his legs crossed.
His gaze scanned the room, finally landing on Ayanokouji with undisguised hostility.
Katsuragi sat silently in his original spot, with Hashimoto beside him, maintaining his low-profile demeanor and trying to minimize his presence.
Opposite them sat Ayanokouji, Hirata, and Kushida from Class D.
Hiyori maintained her soft aura, while Kaneda Satoru from Class C pushed up his glasses. He held a notebook and was currently writing something in it with a pen.
"Well then, let's begin," Ichinose spoke first, her tone still gentle. "Just like this morning, it's a free discussion with no limits on content."
However, the room fell silent for several seconds.
No one spoke.
After waiting a moment, Ichinose added, "Does anyone have anything they want to discuss? Regarding the exam or the groupings—anything is fine."
Still, no one spoke.
Ryuen leaned back with his eyes closed as if asleep. Katsuragi held his water cup, sipping slowly. Sakayanagi sat quietly, her gaze fixed on Hachiman, a faint, phantom-like smile playing on her lips.
Ichinose blinked, feeling somewhat surprised.
She had prepared several rhetorical strategies to deal with Ryuen—what to do if he mocked them like in the morning, if he provoked a dispute, or if he targeted someone. As it turned out, nothing happened.
Ryuen was exceptionally quiet today.
She subconsciously glanced at Hachiman.
Hachiman felt her gaze, turned his head slightly, and gave her an "I don't know either" look.
Ichinose withdrew her gaze, feeling a bit strange.
Ryuen actually wasn't causing trouble? That didn't seem like him.
But on second thought, it seemed understandable. No matter how arrogant Ryuen was, he knew he wouldn't gain any advantage in the Dragon Group. Sakayanagi, Katsuragi, Hachiman, Ayanokouji—none of them were easy targets. Rather than wasting time here, it was better to conserve energy and look for a way to break the deadlock.
Last night, she had also received news that Class D had reached an agreement to be self-sufficient and against betrayal. Moreover, Hirata was dedicated to pushing for Outcome 1, so it seemed Class D wouldn't be easily bribed.
Ichinose let out a soft sigh of relief.
Fine, at least this discussion would be a bit easier.
As expected, the next hour was incredibly peaceful.
No one mentioned the "VIP," no one mentioned exam strategies, and no one even brought up any sensitive topics. It was as if they were attending an ordinary tea party, chatting idly about irrelevant things—tonight's dinner, tomorrow's weather, and the entertainment facilities on the ship.
Ryuen didn't say a word the whole time, simply leaning back with his eyes closed, whether sleeping or thinking.
Sakayanagi did speak a few times, but each time it was to Hachiman.
"Hikigaya-kun, what did you think of tonight's dinner?"
"It was okay."
"Hikigaya-kun, are you free tomorrow morning?"
"Maybe."
"Hikigaya-kun, what are your thoughts on berets?"
Hachiman glanced at her, his eyes lingering for a second on the beret atop her head.
"They look good."
Sakayanagi chuckled softly and stopped talking.
Hachiman looked away, but his mind was spinning rapidly.
He knew very well that Sakayanagi was here to eavesdrop on his inner thoughts. She wanted to know Class B's VIP list, his plans, and everything about him.
And he had already prepared that "fake intelligence" about the VIPs following a specific pattern.
But now wasn't the time.
If he revealed it too quickly, Sakayanagi wouldn't believe it. She was too smart, too sharp, and knew him too well—or rather, she knew the identity of a "transmigrator" too well. Ordinary fake intel wouldn't deceive her; it required a more complex trap and patient maneuvering.
So, he decided to leak something else first.
For example, complaining.
'This Sakayanagi girl... she came all the way from the school to take part in the exam. If she ends up losing miserably, won't it be a huge loss? A million points down the drain and getting trampled by our Class B—I almost feel bad for her just thinking about it.'
He deliberately thought this in his mind, ensuring Sakayanagi could hear it.
Sakayanagi's expression twitched slightly but quickly returned to calm.
'Then again, her outfit today looks pretty good. She wasn't wearing a hat when she got off the plane, but wearing that beret now makes her look cuter than usual. The hat was a good choice; it suits her.'
The corner of Sakayanagi's mouth twitched slightly.
Cute?
She had indeed heard it.
Hikigaya Hachiman, that man whose head was full of calculations, was actually praising her as cute in his heart?
And the focus was a hat?
Sakayanagi picked up her water cup and took a small sip, trying to hide her subtle expression.
As if she cared about being called "cute"... How shallow. It seemed that, just as Kamuro-san said, this guy's heart had been invaded by hormones; he was beyond saving.
Just then, the previously silent Hirata Yosuke suddenly spoke up.
"Ichinose-san." His voice was gentle yet carried a hint of seriousness. "I've been thinking about the suggestion you made this morning."
Now, everyone's attention shifted to him.
Hirata paused before continuing, "Aiming for Outcome 1 so everyone gets points—I really think it's a great plan. It benefits everyone and carries no risk." He looked at everyone present, his tone sincere.
"I know everyone has their own considerations—Class C and Class B need points—but I want to say that if we can achieve Outcome 1, our Class D is willing to cooperate.
If the Dragon Group can reach an agreement for Outcome 1, I represent Class D in supporting this plan.
Or rather, not just the Dragon Group—our Class D will fully support other groups as well!"
The room fell silent for a few seconds.
Ryuen opened his eyes, glanced at Hirata, and sneered, but didn't speak.
'Represent? Hirata, you're from Class D, but can you really represent them?'
Though, the idiots in Class D would indeed be willing to go for Outcome 1—free money.
Ryuen didn't even want to waste energy thinking about such a trash class. He looked at Ayanokouji, but Ayanokouji didn't speak.
Sakayanagi remained expressionless, completely unmoved by Hirata's proposal.
Katsuragi just watched the scene quietly.
"If Class D chooses that as well, then they are indeed an ally," Hachiman said. "Congratulations, Hirata. Your Class D has chosen the correct path."
Despite his words, the people around them didn't budge.
After all, everyone knew this "rotten old man" (Hachiman) was very crafty. Every exam ended in a total victory for his Class B, so the other classes had to consider how to get a piece of the pie or sabotage his continued success.
Ichinose looked at Hirata, her eyes showing a hint of being touched, mixed with complexity.
"Thank you, Hirata-kun," she said softly.
Hirata shook his head. "No need to thank me. I just feel that this plan is truly the best one."
He paused and looked at Ryuen and Sakayanagi. "Ryuen-kun, Sakayanagi-san, I know you have your difficulties. But if we can achieve Outcome 1, Class D is willing to cooperate. Truly."
Ryuen rolled his eyes and ignored him.
Sakayanagi smiled gently. "Hirata-kun, I appreciate the sentiment. But the situation for Class A isn't something that can be solved with personal points."
If they really went for Outcome 1, what would be the point of her even participating in the exam?
Even Katsuragi-kun could have accomplished that.
Furthermore, she didn't believe Hikigaya-kun would completely let go of this exam. Specifically, she was very concerned about how he deliberately had the Class B students use backup phones—an act of "covering one's ears while stealing a bell" specifically designed to hide information from her.
She felt that might be the true solution to the exam.
Seeing that both Class A and Class C were ignoring him, Hirata opened his mouth to say something, but ultimately remained silent.
He lowered his head and sighed softly.
The smell of gunpowder in this group was still too strong. Most students in Class A and C followed their class representatives' leads, so if their attitudes didn't soften, it would be difficult for other groups to move toward Outcome 1.
It was difficult.
However, if they could hold out until the final day of the exam, perhaps they would trend toward Outcome 1.
Hirata thought optimistically. He hoped the students of Class D could all have points and live a decent life in this school.
.
.
.
The hour passed quietly in peace.
"Attention students: the second group discussion has ended. Please leave the rooms in an orderly fashion. The third discussion will take place tomorrow at 9:00 AM. Please do not be absent or late. Repeating—"
As the broadcast rang out again, the discussion was declared over.
Everyone stood up one by one and began to leave.
Sakayanagi did not leave immediately. She stayed for a short while, waiting for most of the students to depart. Then, leaning on her cane, she stood up, looked at Hachiman, and said softly, "See you tomorrow, Hikigaya-kun."
Hachiman nodded. "See you tomorrow."
Sakayanagi turned and left, her steps still elegant and composed.
Masumi Kamuro was already waiting at the door. Seeing Sakayanagi come out, she hurried to meet her, but suddenly froze when she looked at Sakayanagi's face.
"Sakayanagi, why is your face a bit red?"
Sakayanagi's pace faltered slightly.
"It's nothing," she said, her voice very calm. "It's just a bit hot."
Kamuro looked at her suspiciously but didn't ask further.
The two walked side-by-side toward the Class A resting area.
After a few steps, Kamuro couldn't help but ask, "How was the Dragon Group discussion? Any gains?"
Sakayanagi was silent for two seconds.
"Gains..." she repeated the word softly, then sighed. "Hikigaya-kun is truly a terrifying guy."
Kamuro nodded in deep agreement. "Exactly."
Kamuro paused and lowered her voice. "When I went to watch him this evening, I heard his inner voice, and he was extremely determined—'I will not leak any of Class B's VIP names.' That guy's defense is too tight; there isn't a single opening."
Sakayanagi stopped in her tracks.
She turned to look at Kamuro, her eyes filled with a complex emotion.
"You're saying... that's what he was thinking this evening?"
Kamuro nodded. "Yeah, he was very firm about it. So it feels like obtaining information won't be easy."
Sakayanagi fell silent.
She suddenly didn't know what to say.
Because her version of "terrifying" and Kamuro's were not the same thing at all.
Kamuro thought Hikigaya was terrifying because of his airtight defense.
Sakayanagi thought Hikigaya was terrifying because that man could actually think about such messy, random things in his head while looking completely unbothered on the surface.
"Cute"... "Berets"...
Sakayanagi shook her head slightly and continued walking.
"Sakayanagi-san?" Kamuro was confused. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Sakayanagi said. "I just feel that the 'terrifying' we are talking about might be different."
Masumi Kamuro frowned slightly. She didn't quite understand, but she didn't press for details. After all, Sakayanagi acted strangely like this sometimes, and digging deeper would only make her own life miserable.
Having been Sakayanagi's classmate for three months and her "puppy" for over two, she already knew how to stay by Sakayanagi's side.
Thus, the two continued forward, their footsteps echoing softly in the corridor.
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Meanwhile, Hachiman had returned to his room.
He took a shower, but he didn't go straight to sleep. Today's performance from the Dragon Group had been calm, but he felt that one person would definitely not be calm.
At that moment, his phone vibrated.
He opened it; it was a message from Kushida.
[Ayanokouji's GPS location just overlapped with Shiho Manabe's. They stayed together for about fifteen minutes.]
Hachiman looked at the message and remained silent for a few seconds.
Then he let out a soft laugh.
As expected.
Ayanokouji wouldn't do nothing. In this exam, because of Class B's "blank paper" strategy and his inability to fully control Class D, there wasn't much he could do in an exam where Class D students were taking it individually.
Therefore, there was only one thing he could do:
Recruit a new tool. And he had identified that tool as Karuizawa.
So he still chose to contact Manabe Shiho—the leader of the Class C "gyaru" girls, the one who had a grudge against Karuizawa.
And fifteen minutes was enough time to discuss many things.
Hachiman gripped his phone and opened a contact from another class—Ryuen Kakeru.
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Rewinding twenty minutes.
In the ship's corridor, the lights were dim and quiet.
Having finished the Dragon Group discussion, Shiho Manabe was walking up the stairs toward the top deck, her steps unusually light. In her hand was a love letter. Though she had read the words countless times, she couldn't suppress the smile on her face.
Ten minutes ago, she had returned to her dorm, opened the door, and immediately saw a white envelope on the floor.
"What's this...?" she picked it up, turning it over; there was no sender.
Upon opening it, there was only a single sheet of paper with neat handwriting and concise content:
"I have feelings for you. If it's convenient, let's meet at the top deck area tonight at 10:15 PM. — Ayanokouji Kiyotaka."
Manabe stared at those words, stunned for several seconds.
Kiyotaka Ayanokouji.
That boy from Class D.
To be honest, she didn't have much of an impression of Class D students, except for the handsome ones. She knew Ayanokouji's looks could rank in the top five for their school year. Those emotionless eyes and that expressionless face actually made him seem a bit mysterious.
"Ma-Manabe, why are you spacing out at the door?" Her roommate, Saki Yamashita, had returned with her and immediately spotted the letter. "Eh? A love letter?"
Before Manabe could hide it, Saki Yamashita had already leaned in.
"Let me see, let me see—Wow, 'I have feelings for you'? Who wrote it?" Saki snatched the paper, scanned it quickly, and her eyes lit up. "Ayanokouji Kiyotaka? That handsome guy from Class D?"
"Give it back!" Manabe snatched it back, her face feeling hot. "What's there to see!"
"Hehe, Manabe, you're blushing," Saki teased. "10:15 at the top deck... this is a confession, right?"
"Who knows." Manabe folded the letter and stuffed it into her pocket, her tone forcedly casual. "Maybe he just has something to talk about."
"Oh, come on, what could it be?" Saki winked. "He's definitely into you. Our Manabe is so cute, it's normal for boys to like her, right?"
Manabe didn't reply, but the smile on her lips betrayed her. Even as a "gyaru" leader, being pursued by a boy—especially a handsome one—was an achievement.
"So, are you going?" Saki asked.
"I'll go," Manabe shrugged. "I have nothing else to do anyway, just consider it pitying him."
Saki covered her mouth and laughed. "Pity? You look pretty happy to me."
"Shut up!" Manabe glared at her, but she immediately set out for the meeting.
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The top deck was darker than she expected.
Beyond the railing was the pitch-black sea, with a few ship lights flickering in the distance. The sea breeze was strong, making her hair a bit messy. Manabe looked around but saw no one.
"You're early?"
A voice came from behind her.
Startled, Manabe jumped and turned around. Kiyotaka Ayanokouji was standing a few steps away, still wearing that same expressionless look, hands in his pockets, his gaze on her.
"Wh-When did you get here?" Manabe subconsciously took a half-step back.
"Just now." Ayanokouji walked closer and stopped by the railing. "I didn't think you'd come."
Those words made Manabe a bit annoyed. "What's that supposed to mean? You wrote a letter, I came. Isn't that normal?"
Ayanokouji looked at her without speaking. Because he had dropped the letter at 10:05 PM and it was now 10:11 PM, and the group discussion had only ended at 10:00 PM, Manabe arriving at this time meant she must have come immediately after reading it.
Being watched by him made Manabe feel a bit uneasy. She cleared her throat. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
Ayanokouji was silent for two seconds, then spoke slowly.
"Actually, since the start of school, I've noticed you."
Manabe's heart skipped a beat.
"Noticed... me?"
"Yes." Ayanokouji's tone was still flat, but with the "handsome guy" bonus, his words carried weight. "You're special. Different from other girls."
Manabe was surprised, trying to keep her cool. "How am I different?"
Ayanokouji looked at her, and his emotionless eyes seemed to carry a hint of seriousness.
"You're very assertive and take responsibility for your actions. In Class C, you're the type of person who drives the atmosphere. And..." he paused, "you're very cute."
Cute.
Hearing that word from Ayanokouji's mouth had a much greater impact than Manabe had imagined.
Manabe didn't expect a confession from such a handsome guy. "I-Is that so...?"
"Yes." Ayanokouji nodded. "So, I want your contact information."
Contact info?
Not a confession?
Manabe froze, feeling a bit disappointed. So it was just for contact info. She thought...
But on second thought, getting contact info was a start. And just playing around wouldn't be a loss. After all, he was one of the top five handsome guys in the school year. She'd have bragging rights.
"Fine." Manabe pulled out her phone. "Scan me."
The two added each other as friends.
As Ayanokouji put away his phone, he suddenly spoke, "Actually, there's a question I've been wanting to ask you."
"What?"
"The girls in Class C... do they generally dislike people from Class D?"
Manabe was stunned for a moment, then laughed. "What, are you afraid of being hated?"
"A little." Ayanokouji's tone was still flat, but his words made Manabe feel very good. "After all, being hated by someone you like isn't a pleasant thing."
"Someone you like."
He said "someone you like."
The corners of Manabe's mouth couldn't help but curl upward. She felt she could definitely brag about this later. "Don't worry, I don't have any issue with Class D. However..."
She paused, suddenly thinking of something. "You just said I was cute, but isn't Karuizawa from your class cuter?"
Ayanokouji's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Karuizawa?" He shook his head. "She won't do."
"Won't do? What does that mean?"
Ayanokouji was silent for two seconds, seemingly weighing his words.
"Her personality isn't very good. In class, she has a bad relationship with all the boys. She loses her temper over the slightest thing and speaks very harshly. Most of the boys in class don't like her."
Manabe's eyes lit up.
"Really? She's that unpopular?"
"Yes." Ayanokouji nodded. "And, I heard she had a conflict with Rika from your class before?"
Manabe immediately became energized.
"You know about that too?" She leaned in closer. "I'm telling you, that was clearly Karuizawa's fault! Rika was just queuing normally, but she insisted Rika cut the line and said some really nasty things. Rika came back crying!"
Ayanokouji's brow furrowed slightly. "That much?"
"Right!" Manabe got angrier as she spoke. "Rika is one of mine; who does she think she is bullying her? I've been wanting to settle the score with her, but these last few days she's always with that group of gyarus, I can't find a chance to corner her alone."
Ayanokouji was silent for a few seconds, then spoke slowly.
"What if... I could help you get her alone?"
Manabe was stunned.
"What did you say?"
Ayanokouji looked at her, his expression still calm, but his words made Manabe's heart race.
"I can help you get Karuizawa alone. We'll find a place where no one is around, and you can talk to her about whatever you want."
But Manabe stared at him, a hint of suspicion in her eyes. As a veteran gyaru leader, she did have some intelligence.
"Why would you help me? Isn't she your classmate?"
Ayanokouji sighed softly.
"It's precisely because we're in the same class that it's more troublesome." He paused, his voice carrying a hint of helplessness. "She's too arrogant in class, and many people are dissatisfied. But she's a girl, so it's not easy for us boys to act directly. If you can help us teach her a lesson and humble her a bit, it would be a good thing for us too."
Manabe frowned. "You aren't lying to me, are you?"
Instead of defending himself, Ayanokouji took his phone out of his pocket, pulled up a video, and handed it to her.
Manabe took it and looked.
The video was in a convenience store. Karuizawa was standing at a shelf when a boy accidentally knocked over her eraser. The boy quickly bent down to pick it up and was about to apologize when Karuizawa started shouting at him.
"Are you blind? Don't you look where you're going?"
The boy's face turned bright red. "I-I didn't mean to..."
"Just because you didn't mean to, you can just touch other people's stuff? This eraser is ruined now!"
The video ended there.
Manabe was dumbfounded.
"That's a bit much..." She opened her mouth, not knowing what to say. Even she wasn't that aggressive in class.
Ayanokouji took back his phone. "Do you believe me now?"
Manabe was silent for a few seconds, then looked up.
"What do you want me to do?"
Ayanokouji looked at her. "It's simple. Once I've set a time and place, you bring your people. You don't need to do anything too extreme, just let her know she needs to dial it back."
He paused and added, "Of course, I won't let you do it for free. I'll pay fifty thousand points as a reward."
Fifty thousand points.
Manabe's eyes lit up. In Class C, although Ryuen was constantly talking about Class A, they actually didn't have much money—they might even be worse off than Class D.
So, being able to beat up Karuizawa and get paid for it was a win-win. Furthermore, she had been looking for a moment when Karuizawa was alone, but Karuizawa had been essentially inseparable from her gyaru group lately, making her untouchable.
"Deal." She nodded without hesitation.
Ayanokouji gave a soft "mm" and said no more.
The sea breeze blew past, carrying the chill of the night.
Manabe gripped her phone, her mood excellent.
Not only could she vent for Rika, but she could also earn fifty thousand points. This was a great deal.
"Then it's a promise." She waved at Ayanokouji. "Waiting for your good news."
With that, she turned and headed for the stairs, her steps even lighter than when she arrived.
Ayanokouji stood in place, watching her figure disappear into the stairwell.
The sea breeze continued to blow, carrying a salty scent.
But his expression never changed from beginning to end.
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