This is quite an attractive offer.
Twenty thousand personal points and a chance to influence the leadership candidates of other classes—both are valuable.
But for Yukinoshita Haruno, who is determined to reach Class A, the ability to manipulate the gap between class points is far more significant.
"Well? Do you accept my terms?"
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's voice was calm, his gaze steady.
He had already noticed that, despite being gathered nearby, many students lacked direction.
Without a leader to issue orders, they hesitated, unsure of their next move. Class B had also begun casting glances their way. It wouldn't be long before someone approached to ask what was happening.
Yukinoshita Haruno studied him, her expression amused yet thoughtful.
"May I ask why?" she inquired, tilting her head slightly.
As if expecting the question, Ayanokoji replied smoothly. "No particular reason. I simply want the freedom to move without restrictions. Of course… I'll still follow the basic rules of the game. At the very least, I won't be a burden to the class."
After a brief pause, he added, "You can refuse. But if you do, I'll have no choice but to withdraw from this exam."
"...Hah."
What a troublesome guy.
Yukinoshita sighed internally, though she maintained a perfect smile.
"Fine, I accept your conditions. But after this exam, I'd like to have a proper conversation with you, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka."
"I don't mind."
On the surface, it seemed like Haruno had no other option—but in reality, it was Ayanokoji who had none.
He had made it appear as though he'd leave if she refused, a move that would cost the class valuable points.
Naturally, that wasn't an outcome Haruno could afford. But in truth, Ayanokoji had no intention of withdrawing. He would've simply found another way.
Still, as expected, she took the deal.
Handing over the bracelet, Ayanokoji took a step back, his face unreadable, before turning to leave.
Haruno, watching him go, found herself lost in thought.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka—someone who had never stood out before, someone with no close connections—had suddenly approached her with this proposal. No matter how she thought about it, it was suspicious.
And yet, she had agreed.
Not because she trusted him.
But because she needed the points.
And because, in the end, there was no real downside to this deal.
Even if Ayanokoji failed to deliver what he promised, she would still gain points—a seemingly risk-free situation.
But…
She glanced toward the students of Class B.
"Alright. The other squads have already started moving, so let's get going. Our first priority is securing a campsite before noon," she announced. "But moving in a large group would be inefficient. Everyone, split into teams of three or four."
As soon as she finished speaking, Kushida Kikyo wasted no time grabbing Karuizawa Kei's arm, waving at Kure Ragna.
"Kure Ragna~! Kei and I are teaming up. Wanna join us?"
"Pass," Kure Ragna replied without hesitation.
"I have something to take care of, so I'll be going solo. Oh, and Kei—why not team up with Sakura? She doesn't have anyone yet."
"Oh, right."
Karuizawa, who had looked a little down earlier, perked up and started scanning the area for her friend.
Meanwhile, Kushida shot Kure a slightly annoyed glance, as if silently questioning what was so important that he had to go alone.
"Well, see you later," Kure said casually, shrugging.
Turning away, he headed toward the forest alone—only to be intercepted.
"Ah~ Kure, didn't Haruno say it's best to be in a group of three or four? Going solo seems a bit… off, don't you think?"
"You want to listen to yourself right now?"
Kure didn't even bother turning his head, continuing toward the trees.
Koenji, walking beside him with his hands behind his head, seemed utterly relaxed, as if basking in the surrounding nature.
"You don't seem like you're heading to secure a campsite," Koenji remarked, a grin on his face. "That makes me… curious."
"Me?"
Kure Ragna smirked.
Before he could respond properly, someone else jogged over.
"...Hey."
A flat, slightly hesitant voice.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.
"Sorry, but I can't find anyone to team up with," he said. "I noticed that you and Koenji are only two, so if it's alright—"
"Sure, whatever."
Kure cut him off, a grin creeping onto his face.
"But I'm heading out to scout. If you're coming, you'd better be able to keep up."
With that, he leapt into the jungle.
Effortlessly, he grabbed onto a tree trunk, launching himself from branch to branch until his figure disappeared into the dense foliage.
"Hoooh!"
Koenji let out a hearty laugh before following suit, keeping pace with surprising ease.
And just like that, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka was left standing alone.
He sighed.
It seemed he'd have to put in some effort.
— Meanwhile —
Koenji quickly caught up to Kure, moving effortlessly through the trees. To an outsider, their acrobatics would've seemed like something out of a ninja anime.
"I'm impressed you can keep up," Kure muttered, glancing over his shoulder.
"Hahaha! Naturally! A truly perfect man can do anything!"
Koenji's words were confident, though a closer look revealed beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
"Do what you want," Kure said, unbothered.
"But if you keep following me, you might get in trouble. Or die."
Koenji grinned. "Trouble? Death? Those are nothing to me—"
"It's right ahead."
The moment Kure spoke, Koenji realized the terrain had shifted.
A steep cliff.
Acting fast, Koenji braked mid-air, twisting his body to avoid flying straight into the drop. His momentum still carried him forward, but with sheer arm strength, he caught onto a sturdy branch at the last second.
Kure, on the other hand, accelerated.
From Koenji's perspective, it was like watching a meteor soar through the sky.
With a loud boom, Kure activated his special technique, Liberation, embedding his arm deep into the opposite cliffside. Using the force to propel himself upward, he vanished into the heights.
Koenji, still dangling on his side of the valley, ran a hand through his slightly tousled hair, smiling to himself.
"...Yare yare."
— Later —
A muscular arm, veins bulging, gripped the cliff's edge.
With a swift pull, Kure Ragna launched himself upward, landing steadily at the peak.
He exhaled slowly, steadying his breath. The platform he had chosen wasn't large—just a small, elevated patch of rock barely wide enough for a few people—but it provided the perfect vantage point.
Crouching down, he lifted his telescope and scanned the island.
Southeast—Yukinoshita Haruno's team. Five people.
Fifteen degrees to the east—Karuizawa Kei, Kushida Kikyo, and Sakura Airi. They were moving slowly, likely because of Sakura's stamina.
Northeast—Ichinose. Her pink hair stood out, making her easy to track.
Southwest—another class.
His telescope caught the glint of sunlight reflecting off a smooth surface. A bald head.
Katsuragi.
Kure Ragna smirked. Guess I'll visit him first—
Then, his gaze drifted back to Class B.
Ichinose.
Unlike the others, she wasn't rushing. Every movement was calm, deliberate—like she had nothing to fear. There was an ease to her that set her apart from the rest, as if she thrived under pressure instead of being weighed down by it.
His smirk deepened. Now that's interesting.
Spending time around her seemed far more enjoyable than dealing with a bald head.
Lowering the telescope, he exhaled through his nose.
"Change of plans."
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