At first, Ichinose Honami didn't want to attack Class A.
Not only because it involved her boyfriend and her class, but also because she felt a deep sense of wariness toward Kaoru Mitoma.
The smoother things seemed, the more she feared something bad might happen.
However, according to Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, he had chased after Horikita Suzune out of concern for her condition and accidentally overheard Kaoru Mitoma and Kamuro Masumi' conversation on the way.
He also witnessed the scene where Class C switched leaders.
Combining Horikita situation with Class D experience and considering the fact that their class had taken in Kaneda Satoru, it was highly credible that Class C hadn't given up on the exam.
Class D couldn't possibly deceive Class B, could they?
As for Class A leader, this naturally sparked debate.
Kanzaki Ryuji believed it was worth the risk.
If successful, they could close the gap with Class A and even if they failed, they would only lose fifty points—a loss that wouldn't allow Class C to catch up.
Ichinose, however, felt uneasy.
If it really could close the gap, she would have chosen to attack Class A.
But she had no confidence when facing Kaoru Mitoma.
Hirata Yosuke shared similar thoughts, as Class D couldn't afford to lose fifty points.
Yet, Kanzaki quickly convinced them.
In the short term, fifty points might seem like something to hesitate over, but when considering the entire span of high school life, this is actually a good opportunity for the lower-tier classes to launch their resistance.
More importantly, the worst outcome of this exam won't result in a loss of class points.
"Heh, fifty points really isn't much when you think about the next two and a half years. I just wonder how long it'll take you to earn them back."
After listening, Ryuen Kakeru snorted coldly. He roughly understood the current situation.
Class C had attacked three classes simultaneously and in turn, became the target of all three, resulting in a deduction of three hundred points.
If it weren't for the fact that this exam didn't affect the original class points, Class C would likely take a long time to recover.
"Kaoru Mitoma isn't here and the leader isn't Kamuro, which means Class A has already guessed our intentions and taken countermeasures." Kanzaki Ryuji sighed deeply at this point.
Faced with both true and false information, the most crucial ability of a leader is to make accurate judgments—that is, to discern the enemy's smokescreen.
He was well aware of his own limitations.
Compared to those true geniuses, aside from inheriting a family business, his life was pretty much set.
That's why Kanzaki Ryuji chose not to compete or fight, instead supporting Ichinose Honami.
"No, this isn't your fault. After all, Class A is recognized by the school. It's fine if they're a step ahead from the start" Ichinose Honami said, taking a deep breath. "We'll still have opportunities. There will definitely be many more special exams ahead."
"You're quite confident. I hope you can maintain that fighting spirit."
Now that he had figured out the situation, Ryuen Kakeru saw no reason to stay any longer and simply turned to leave.
"That guy is so arrogant, acting like he's the winner when he lost the most!" Sudou Ken said, clearly annoyed.
Hirata Yousuke forced a bitter smile. "Well, the exam is over anyway."
"What about what Class C did to us? Are we just going to let it slide?"
Faced with this question, both Hirata Yousuke and Ichinose Honami fell silent.
Taking advantage of others' kindness, shamelessly engaging in espionage, and even setting things on fire—honestly, it was truly disgusting.
This kind of situation, where good intentions were trampled on, left Hirata Yousuke feeling disheartened.
However, someone answered the question before he could.
"Even so, when the next person in need appears, I won't hesitate to help."
Ichinose Honami eyes were firm, showing not a trace of doubt.
***
The storm from yesterday seemed like an illusion.
The sea had returned to its calm state, and a cool southeast breeze blew across the azure waters. A few seagulls perched on the ship's railing, and the sky was so blue it seemed to burn through the thin clouds.
The clear sunlight shimmered brilliantly around them.
The midday sun was too scorching, and few students could be seen on the deck.
Most were indoors, as this luxurious cruise ship was more than enough to meet the living needs of the first-year students, not to mention the numerous entertainment facilities available.
For example, Kaoru Mitoma had once seen a place that offered massage services.
"It seems the exam results are out. Can you tell me the exact scores?"
Under the shade of a parasol, Sakayanagi Arisu sat quietly on a lounge chair.
She wasn't wearing her usual thigh-high stockings but had instead opted for thin knee-high socks, revealing a large expanse of slender, fair skin that was smooth and delicate, like glowing white jade.
Her legs were neatly crossed, her cane resting on her knees, and she held a telescope in her hand.
She wasn't observing the beach anymore but had turned her gaze toward Kaoru Mitoma, her eyes slightly narrowed, a faint smile playing on her lips, as if she were teasing him knowingly or simply provoking him.
The sunlight was just right, and the youthful school uniform she wore, paired with her charming face, naturally drew the attention of many.
"We're in first place" Kaoru Mitoma answered her briefly before countering with a question.
"Aren't you worried I might make some outrageous demands?"
Sakayanagi Arisu should have been well aware of his perverse tendencies, yet instead of showing any resistance, she seemed intrigued, studying his expression as if trying to discern something from his demeanor.
"Aside from licking feet, do you have any other special fetishes?" Sakayanagi Arisu asked curiously.
"Plenty. For example, I'd like you to wear an elementary school student's one-piece swimsuit, give me a lap pillow like a mother, soothe me, and feed me with a bottle..."
"I'm not your wish-granting machine. Please refrain from making such perverse harassment toward a cute girl."
Before he could finish, Sakayanagi Arisu cut him off sharply.
"So, you're not planning to honor your promise?" Kaoru Mitoma didn't seem the least bit embarrassed, instead staring directly at her.
Sakayanagi Arisu fell silent for a moment before replying.
"I've always tried to restrain myself, but sometimes, your gaze is truly disgusting."
"If you don't want to, we can switch to a condition you're more comfortable with" Kaoru Mitoma suggested.
"No rush. I've long been prepared for your repulsiveness" Sakayanagi Arisu stood up.
"You seem to have plenty of free time right now. Why not accompany me for a walk?"
Kaoru Mitoma hesitated "Actually, I'm fine anywhere. There's no need to hide anything."
Sakayanagi Arisu finally glared at him, unable to hold back any longer.
"Put away your filthy thoughts. We're going to the game room now."
"What are we going to the game room for?" Kaoru Mitoma was momentarily confused.
"To play a game we were supposed to start from the beginning" Sakayanagi Arisu added "Do you know how to play chess?"
"No" Kaoru Mitoma admitted honestly.
Sakayanagi Arisu gaze turned distant, as if she had a headache.
"Aside from being a pervert, do you ever pick up any hobbies?"
She shook her head.
"Never mind, I'll teach you."
------------------------------
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