Chapter 86: Is It Strange to Have an Ape in the Forest?
[Horikita: "It seems this exam hasn't sparked as many conflicts as the last one. It's a decent start."]
[Ayanokōji: "That said, the seeds of conflict have already been planted. It's unavoidable."]
[Horikita: "Even so, it's much better than last time. That's already progress."]
[Ayanokōji nodded. He couldn't deny that. In their last deserted island exam, the escalating tension between the boys and girls left a deep impression on him.]
[In the days that followed, the issue Ibuki stirred up instantly ignited conflict between the genders, becoming Class D's biggest mistake in that exam. Though they still took first place, a class like that could easily be broken. It was meaningless.]
[If they didn't resolve the conflict between boys and girls, they'd never achieve the unity of Class B. But it was true—Class D lacked a leader like Ichinose, and their overall quality was too scattered, so this situation was normal.]
[Hirata Yōsuke: "I think Horikita's right. No matter what, this is a good start. It'll definitely be better than our first day."]
[Under Hirata's reassurance, everyone's mood stabilized, and their attention turned back to the video.]
Horikita: "What, not interested?"
Hikigaya was too exhausted to engage with her, muttering: "Isn't it obvious?"
Horikita, with the glaring sunlight hitting her face, said calmly: "This exam doesn't suit me. I'm not good at this primitive lifestyle either. But that guy up front seems to be handling it just fine."
Hikigaya glanced at the person Horikita mentioned, then sighed helplessly.
"Obvious at a glance."
Ever since entering the forest, that guy had been completely at ease, standing out from the rest of the class.
It's like he's come home or something…
Hikigaya didn't comment. Though the guy was still with the group for now, who knew what he'd do next.
The Golden Lion King, Kōenji, raised his proud head, showing no fear in the unfamiliar jungle.
Just that alone was impressive.
Horikita's words pulled Hikigaya out of his thoughts again.
"I never thought this school would one day test abilities unrelated to academics. Honestly, I couldn't believe it until we actually set foot in this special exam."
Hikigaya wasn't surprised, responding nonchalantly: "School's for learning, that doesn't change. But clearly, this school isn't as simple as we thought."
Horikita: "If I'd let Sudō and the others get expelled back then, I'd probably regret it today. Thinking about it, maybe you were right."
Horikita gave Hikigaya an odd look, and he quickly averted his eyes.
"What? I didn't predict the school would go crazy and hold an exam like this."
"Nothing…"
Though she said that, Horikita was reflecting on her past self. If it hadn't been for his persuasion, would she have let Sudō leave the school?
She was certain of the answer, because that was the kind of person she was.
Horikita gripped her arms tightly, a mix of frustration and resignation in her sigh: "People like Ike, Sudō, and Yamauchi, who volunteer to scout, are rare in this class. I couldn't do it."
Hikigaya replied indifferently: "Neither could I…"
"Are you okay?"
Horikita's concern caught Hikigaya off guard, but before he could respond, she continued: "Your face has looked bad since earlier. Are you sure you're alright?"
"When did the great Horikita-sama start caring about people?"
"This isn't the time for jokes!"
Horikita's expression turned serious, completely different from her earlier casual tone. She was genuinely worried about him.
Perhaps this rare concern threw Hikigaya off balance. While he desperately wanted to leave this wretched island, causing trouble for the class—or for Horikita—wasn't something a background character like him should do.
Spending the seven days quietly was what he ought to do, so…
"It's nothing. I'm probably just not used to this. I'll be fine after a nap."
"Really?"
Horikita leaned in, placing a hand on his forehead, looking at him skeptically.
Her sudden move made Hikigaya blush, so it wasn't surprising his forehead felt warmer.
Though he was indeed feeling off, it wasn't as serious as a fever. Maybe, as he said, he just wasn't used to it. This discomfort wasn't fatal, but it made breathing feel difficult.
Horikita's expression showed surprise. To think there was someone even less suited to this than her.
"How long are you going to keep touching?"
His words snapped Horikita back, and she quickly pulled her hand away.
Hikigaya didn't mind being touched by a girl like that, but with so many classmates watching, and if she kept going, his forehead might actually start burning, so…
Left with no choice, he had to respond like that.
'Horikita-san, I didn't mean it, don't blame me.'
Horikita wasn't that petty, and she had indeed forgotten to pull her hand back, leading to this awkward moment, so…
She crossed her arms, reverting to her haughty demeanor, as if nothing had happened.
"Good to know you're fine. If you're okay, let's talk about strategy."
'Strategy? I'm like this, and you want me to strategize? Don't the first to die on the battlefield start with the sick?'
His grumbling didn't reach Horikita's ears, but she seemed to understand her deskmate well. Seeing his dead-fish eyes, she knew what he was thinking. Still, she had no intention of stopping.
"To reach Class A, this is something we have to go through."
"You mean you want to reach Class A…"
Hikigaya muttered under his breath, not expecting Horikita to hear.
A sly smile, uncharacteristic of her, crept onto Horikita's face as she whispered back: "If I told the class you don't want to rise to Class A, what do you think they'd do?"
"Everyone came to this school to reach Class A for the guaranteed future, or for other goals. Rising to Class A means endless opportunities. But if there's someone in the class who doesn't want that…"
"Horikita-sama, I do want to reach Class A!"
"That's more like it."
Horikita gave a somewhat satisfied smile, then said: "Though our goal this time is to surpass Class C, this is a great chance. I think closing the gap with Classes A and B isn't a bad idea either."
Hikigaya nodded.
"If Classes A and B are focusing on controlling strongholds, we need to keep up."
Hikigaya nodded.
"That means we need to find a decent stronghold and maintain a balance with Classes A and B through continuous occupation, at least to avoid letting them widen the point gap further."
Hikigaya nodded.
Wait, why are we ignoring Class C? Isn't our target Class C?
Perhaps Horikita already had her own strategy in mind, which was why she overlooked Class C?
Hikigaya couldn't be bothered to think too much about it and just nodded, letting her continue.
"What do you think?"
"It's good, but…"
"But what?"
"If we can do it, others can too. Can this really create a gap?"
This time, it was Horikita's turn to nod. Indeed, as Hikigaya said, this was a standard approach—something every class could think of to save points. Relying on this to crush the others was a bit too simplistic.
Horikita couldn't come up with a better plan either. Ever since entering the jungle, her mind seemed to have gone into hibernation.
"If that's the case, why not explore thoroughly first? Getting to know the terrain here isn't a bad idea."
Horikita nodded seriously again. Since they didn't have a better strategy for now, this would have to do.
During the break, Hirata stepped forward once more.
He spread his hands, his expression relaxed, clearly unaffected by the special exam.
"To find a place to set up camp, we'd better start exploring."
Karuizawa, looking innocent, asked curiously: "Is that so?"
Hirata, with his usual gentle demeanor, patiently explained to Karuizawa: "The choice of campsite will greatly affect how we use our points, so finding a good spot is key to our survival here."
He turned to face the group and said: "Anyone want to come with me?"
A leaf slowly fell from a tree, indicating some movement.
Hikigaya looked up, but it wasn't an ape or a monkey sitting there—it was the Golden Lion King, Kōenji.
Is this guy really a reincarnated ape? How did he even climb up there…
Kōenji still wore his beautiful smile. The moment he raised his hand, Hikigaya's hand instinctively went up too.
This was a chance to understand Kōenji. Back in class, he had no friends and didn't do anything unnecessary. Aside from looking in the mirror or combing his hair, he was barely noticeable. Observing him like that wasn't enough.
If he was just an idiot, that'd be one thing, but Kōenji wasn't. He was a free-spirited man, acing every surprise exam with perfect scores, solving any challenge alone. Even on the cruise, he ignored the staff, walking through the corridors soaking wet.
He was that kind of carefree person, yet Hikigaya knew almost nothing about him.
He hadn't spoken much to Kōenji, aside from their agreement during the midterm exam. He didn't talk much with most classmates, so this wasn't unusual.
Hikigaya's raised hand clearly surprised Horikita.
"I didn't expect you to be so proactive. Are you sure you're okay physically?"
"Just walking around shouldn't be a problem. Plus, I mostly just want to get away from the group."
Horikita sighed helplessly, then raised her hand too.
"You don't have to…"
"It's my choice. I just said we need to explore this island."
'That was my idea, idiot.'
Since Horikita was set on it, Hikigaya didn't feel the need to stop her.
Gradually, more classmates raised their hands, including Sakura Airi, who raised hers the moment Hikigaya did.
Hirata Yōsuke counted the raised hands and said with his usual smile: "That makes ten people. Since it's our first exploration, let's split into three groups—two groups of three and one of four—so we can look out for each other."
Perhaps by chance, or maybe due to Hirata's deliberate arrangement, Horikita, Sakura, Hikigaya, and Kōenji ended up together.
Though, calling it "walking" was generous—only three of them were walking. The other was swinging through the trees.
Horikita: "This guy really is a monster…"
Hikigaya: "Hey, Horikita-san, isn't it a bit harsh to call a classmate that?"
'Though I called Sakayanagi a monster too.'
Since Horikita didn't lower her voice, Kōenji, up in the trees, must have heard her clearly.
Kōenji didn't seem angry, though. He let out a hearty "Haha" and said in a magnanimous tone: "Horikita-girl, are monsters as beautiful as me?"
Horikita clutched her forehead, clearly unable to continue exploring with this guy. Being assigned to this team was her greatest misfortune.
To be fair, the other team had Kushida.
Kōenji: "Hahahahaha, so beautiful! Standing tall amidst the sea, sky, and green trees, I am the epitome of ultimate beauty!"
Watching Kōenji swing effortlessly between the tall trees, even the usually silent Hikigaya grew quieter.
Their team, aside from Kōenji, had abysmal stamina.
But…
It wasn't without gains. As Hikigaya had thought, keeping up with Kōenji was already a struggle.
Incredible athletic ability, completely fearless in this dense jungle—is this guy even human? Who is he?
At that moment, Hikigaya finally acknowledged Horikita's words. This guy couldn't be judged by normal standards. From a certain perspective, both his physical and academic abilities were double-A. What door had God closed on him?
Moreover, Hikigaya couldn't understand why the school placed someone like him in Class D. If it was just for lack of obedience or team spirit, that shouldn't negate all his strengths.
This school had far too many monsters. Angels, tyrants, fairies—Hikigaya had seen them all. Now, he was witnessing an ape, truly broadening his horizons.
Sakura and Horikita trailed behind Hikigaya, panting as they said: "Hachiman…"
"Airi, you okay?"
"I'm fine… but it's my first time in a forest like this. It's a bit hard to keep up."
Horikita flicked her hair and added: "And the heat in the forest is unusually high. Stamina drains faster than expected."
Hikigaya looked at them with concern: "Can you two keep going?"
Hikigaya was almost out of energy himself, but he still wanted to follow Kōenji to figure out what kind of creature this guy was.
In the end, though, he chose to stay. Leaving two girls alone in a place like this wasn't something he could do.
Forests were full of dangers, unlike summer camps or field trips.
Watching Kōenji disappear into the distance, Sakura Airi said in awe: "Kōenji is amazing."
Hikigaya nodded, fully agreeing.
Whether it was his flawless movements, sustained stamina, steady nervous system, or complete lack of hesitation, Hikigaya wondered if this guy truly felt no fear.
A normal person would be trembling just standing in a place like that, yet Kōenji swung through the trees with ease.
Hikigaya: "Kōenji, I don't care where you go, but I suggest you be careful."
This was someone he couldn't control or even approach. After seeing his "freedom," Hikigaya was certain.
The only reason they had any interaction was because of this class or this exam.
Otherwise, in three years, their only conversation might've been that one sentence before the midterm.
Though they were far apart, Kōenji's sharp senses caught his words. Hanging from a branch, he didn't turn around.
"Not bad. You're self-aware, and I don't dislike you, including during the final exam."
Is the world really just divided into like and dislike? That's ridiculous.
Kōenji continued: "Once I'm tired of playing, I'll quit this exam and go back to the ship to enjoy my vacation."
Horikita visibly panicked at his words.
"If you do that, Class D will lose 30 class points!"
"Oh? Really? But what's that got to do with me?"
"You'd drag the whole class down by yourself!"
Horikita was clearly provoked, her face flushed with anger.
"No, no, no, Horikita-girl, you're mistaken. I've never cared about reaching Class A. The guy next to you feels the same. You're the only one who wants it."
Kōenji's words hit a sore spot, and she glared fiercely at Hikigaya.
Caught in the crossfire again, Hikigaya felt he should just close his eyes for good.
At that moment, Sakura unexpectedly spoke up, stammering: "Hachiman… he's trying really hard."
In her eyes, Hikigaya Hachiman had made tremendous efforts for Sudō, for her, for Class D. Sitting beside him back then, she felt it most deeply.
Though Hikigaya claimed he didn't care about reaching Class A, she believed he was the one who contributed the most to the class.
Without him, Class D would've started school life with zero points. Without him, Sakura Airi would've remained unable to face herself and would've been eliminated eventually. Without him, Sudō Ken would've been expelled due to the midterm or Class C's scheme.
Everything was because Hikigaya Hachiman was here.
So…
"Hachiman is the one trying the hardest!"
Kōenji didn't dwell on it. He wouldn't accept anyone's preaching, as he was free, unbound.
Hikigaya's heart was inexplicably moved by her words, and he spoke up: "Kōenji, I said we won't interfere with whatever you do, just like we can't control you."
Horikita was about to speak, but Hikigaya stopped her with a gesture.
"But your situation is the same as ours, right? As Class D students, the points we earn are fixed, and your spending… it's probably already overdrawn, isn't it?"
This was pure speculation on Hikigaya's part.
Though he didn't know Kōenji well, he'd heard from many sources that Kōenji often took girls out for lavish entertainment.
If he attacked from that angle, it might work.
Kōenji finally seemed interested, turning around: "Oh? You're right. I don't have many points left."
Hikigaya knew he'd bet correctly and pressed on: "If we get through this exam, we'll earn a ton of points. It's a win-win. Why not?"
"Hahahahahaha! How about this: you keep working hard, and when I'm tired of playing, I'll go back to the ship for my vacation. The points will still come in. Isn't that a win-win?"
Kōenji's words left Hikigaya speechless. As a member of Class D, he could indeed do that.
And he would never be bound.
Clearly, Hikigaya had miscalculated.
Kōenji wasn't someone who could be swayed like that.
What he wanted was a simpler, more straightforward deal—like…
Point exchange.
Hikigaya understood.
But Horikita, standing nearby, wasn't willing to let it go.
(End of this chapter)