Chapter 89: Koenji's Strange Entrance
[In First Year Class D.]
[Sudo's mind had calmed. After watching the video again, he gradually accepted that this boy was steadily changing their lives.]
[He said softly, as if to himself, "As expected, if it was Hikigaya, he wouldn't let Class C infiltrate Class D, would he?"]
[However, Yamauchi nearby was puzzled. In his memory, he, Sakura, and Ayanokoji had brought her to Class D and integrated her, but now…]
[He said, "She didn't come to Class D? That's satisfying. I thought she was abandoned by Class C, but she was a spy sent to scout our class!"]
[Ike nodded, equally indignant about Ibuki's deception, and said excitedly, "If she didn't enter Class D, we wouldn't have had so many misunderstandings or troubles. Class D would definitely have earned more points than last time."]
[Ike's words stirred many, who nodded in agreement. In their minds, Ibuki was the one who stole Karuizawa's underwear and set fire to Class D's camp. Now, Hikigaya Hachiman had stopped her at the doorstep.]
[Everyone seemed satisfied with the video's development, but Hirata, unnoticed in a corner, watched with unease.]
Kushida followed Hikigaya Hachiman with a worried expression, clearly feeling guilty about abandoning Ibuki.
She said, "Hikigaya-kun, is it really okay to leave her there? She's just a girl…"
Kushida wore a sympathetic look and continued following closely, saying, "If she's not a spy from Class C and we don't help her, what will she do?"
Hikigaya Hachiman's steps slowed unconsciously, then stopped. He turned to look at Kushida, just looking.
He said, "There's no need to verify she's a Class C spy. Our encounter with her was likely part of their plan. Ryuen probably already thought of how to beat us in this special exam."
Kushida, being stared at, lowered her head guiltily, looking pitiful.
Perhaps it was her kindness or helplessness at work, but Hikigaya Hachiman also lowered his head, avoiding her gaze.
If it wasn't an exam, what would he do?
He had to ask himself this. Perhaps he wouldd pretend not to see and walk by, or maybe, knowing it was a trap, he would still dive in.
In his heart, this needed careful consideration, and he couldn't decide now.
Though he knew she was a Class C spy, his kindness made it hard to suppress his instincts.
Horikita remained silent throughout, following them out of the forest.
The trio said no more, silence enveloping them until the sun fully set, and no trace of it remained. They returned to camp with armfuls of firewood.
With everyone's help, the firewood was quickly distributed. Ike, confidently squatting by the fire pit, said, "Just branches won't light a fire, but this way, it'll work."
He arranged the wood in a "人" shape.
"Look…" he said.
Ike lit a match, igniting the fire. The flames burned steadily, and as thick smoke rose, someone nearby said excitedly…
"Indeed, someone with camping experience is different."
Ike Kanji scratched his head, seeming a bit embarrassed, then kept his gaze on the fire, as if recalling childhood memories, and said, "This is just the basics of basics. Remember it, and anyone can do it."
Sakura Airi said, "That's amazing…"
Hikigaya Hachiman, after a moment of daze, nodded.
Indeed, someone who could camp and survive in a place like this could be called "amazing," at least in Hikigaya Hachiman's mind.
Meanwhile, on the other side, the girls led by Shinohara Satsuki returned from the forest with a basket full of fruits.
Kushida Kikyo, seemingly back to her usual self, picked up a fruit and said with some doubt, "Can we eat this?"
Shinohara Satsuki said, "Who knows…"
Kushida Kikyo asked, "Is this a blueberry or something else?"
As the two discussed, Ike Kanji came over and said excitedly, "Isn't this a blackberry? Did you guys find this, Shinohara? That's awesome!"
Shinohara Satsuki seemed a bit shy under Ike Kanji's praise, but to ease the awkwardness, she pointed at a strange fruit and said, "Then, Ike, do you know what this is?"
Ike Kanji replied, "That's a fig. It's sweet and delicious. It bring back memories."
Saying this, he happily took a bite. Seeing him eat so eagerly, everyone gathered around.
Karuizawa Kei said, "I see…"
Hirata Yosuke said, "Ike, you know so much. It's reassuring. It's truly a blessing for Class D to have you."
Kushida Kikyo said, "Kanji, you're amazing."
Shinohara Satsuki said, "Yeah, yeah."
Sotomura Hideo said, "You found the water source, and you lit the fire. Having someone with experience is great."
Amid everyone's praise, Ike Kanji first glanced at Hikigaya Hachiman with gratitude, clearly pulling him out of his dazed state with this sudden look.
Ike Kanji didn't get carried away by the praise. Instead, he stood up slowly, bowed his head, and said sincerely to Karuizawa Kei, "Karuizawa, I'm sorry."
Faced with this sudden apology, Karuizawa Kei was puzzled, as in her eyes, Ike Kanji hadn't done anything wrong.
Naturally, everyone else was confused too, but Ike Kanji said earnestly, "I remember my first camping trip. I got into a huge fight with my parents over using the bathroom, and later, I threw a tantrum because I refused to drink stream water."
"Compared to that, you're a girl, and it's your first time camping, yet you're so much more mature than I was."
Hearing Ike Kanji's sincere apology, Karuizawa Kei, a bit embarrassed, touched her hair and said, "Don't worry about it, Ike. I've got my shortcomings too. Sorry."
"We should try to save as many points as possible since this exam is so important for us."
Through their exchange, both calmed down. Though there wasn't a big conflict to begin with, this brief talk resolved much of the tension between the boys and girls.
At that moment, Hirata Yosuke raised his hand and said calmly, "Everyone, listen. For this special exam, I hope we not only trust each other to overcome challenges but also aim to have at least 120 points left by the end. That way, we can surpass Class C. Let's work toward that goal!"
Yukimura Teruhiko, clearly displeased, said, "Hirata, you're planning to spend 180 points?"
To Yukimura Teruhiko's question, Hirata Yosuke didn't get upset. He took out his prepared notes and said, "If we buy all our food with points, the most cost-effective option is nutritional food and mineral water packs. One meal for the class costs 10 points, so 20 points a day. Tonight and the last day of the exam only need one meal each, totaling 120 points. Add the points for a portable toilet and boys' tents, that's 150 points. With 30 points as a reserve, 120 points left isn't bad."
Hirata Yosuke kept encouraging the class, shining like a sun dispelling their gloom.
"Think back to our midterm and final exam results. We could earn as many points in one go as we did in a whole semester."
Hearing Hirata Yosuke's words, Yukimura Teruhiko nodded in agreement, recognizing the narrowness of his earlier perspective.
Hirata Yosuke didn't dwell on it and continued, "If we can find enough food and water for a day, we can save 20 points. If we don't need to buy mineral water for a week, we can save 50 points."
Listening to Hirata Yosuke, everyone was clearly immersed in the joy of potential success.
Ike Kanji said, "Hirata, let's give it a try!"
Hirata Yosuke said, "Alright, let's do this together, everyone."
After the brief exchange, everyone returned to their tasks, while Hikigaya Hachiman sat on a rock, his thoughts lingering on his cold treatment of Ibuki Mio that evening.
Honestly, he could no longer judge whether he had done the right thing.
As Hikigaya Hachiman was still pondering, Sudo Ken's voice echoed through Class D's camp.
"Has anyone seen Koenji? That guy didn't die on this island, did he?"
Everyone was worried and uneasy, except for Hikigaya Hachiman, Sakura Airi, and Horikita Suzune, who knew how unnecessary this concern was.
Even if someone said Koenji Rokusuke had lived on this island for a decade, Hikigaya Hachiman wouldn't be surprised. He had seen firsthand how that man moved through the jungle.
As Sudo Ken spoke, Koenji Rokusuke leaped down from some tree, startling Hikigaya Hachiman, who was deep in thought, causing him to fall flat on his face.
Hikigaya Hachiman thought, 'Koenji-kun, can you not use this Tarzan-like entrance to show off your charisma?'
Using all his strength, Hikigaya Hachiman stood up, brushed off the dust, and looked at the boy before him.
Koenji Rokusuke was no longer wearing his school uniform, standing shirtless with tattered pants, using leaves to cover his private areas.
Hikigaya Hachiman glanced and recalled the task he had given him.
If he went to Class B, it might not have been a big deal, but Classes A and C? This outcome was expected.
"I'm so beautiful…" Koenji Rokusuke said.
Though the school prohibited personal items on the island, and his clothes were gone, Koenji Rokusuke boldly pulled out his familiar mirror from his pocket.
Hikigaya Hachiman coughed lightly and said, "As expected, you're fast, Koenji."
Koenji Rokusuke replied, "Naturally. In five minutes, I can go from the southernmost to the northernmost part of the island."
Hikigaya Hachiman didn't doubt his words but thought that even if Koenji was at the island's ends, he might not hear a call.
Putting that aside, Hikigaya Hachiman needed more critical information.
He asked, "By the way, Koenji, did you find the bases of Classes A, B, and C?"
Koenji Rokusuke smiled faintly, his beautiful smile appearing on his cheeks, and said casually, "Of course. Not only that, I know each class's leader."
Hikigaya Hachiman asked, "Who are they?"
Koenji Rokusuke shook his head, his smile unwavering, and said calmly, "Hikigaya boy, I'm not going to ruin the fun of this exam. If I told you, it'd be too boring. It's more fun to figure it out yourself."
Hikigaya Hachiman had expected this. When they made their agreement, Koenji Rokusuke had set this condition. Unless offered ten thousand points, he wouldn't spill.
Hikigaya Hachiman didn't press and asked, "Then, you must know their current locations, right?"
Koenji Rokusuke said, "Of course. No matter how much I harass Classes B and C, they won't change their bases. You know Class B has no hostility toward us, while Class C is like they're betting everything."
Hikigaya Hachiman frowned slightly but quickly regained his composure. In his mind, Ryuen Kakeru was indeed that kind of reckless madman. He asked, "So, Class A keeps changing their base?"
Koenji Rokusuke nodded proudly and said, "Their class isn't exactly harmonious. Katsuragi's caution, Sakayanagi's interference, plus my harassment—they chased me for half a day in a fit of anger."
Koenji Rokusuke showed no burden, as if not being caught by Class A was a point of pride.
Hikigaya Hachiman was at a loss for words but, after a brief silence, said, "So, your clothes were taken by Class A?"
Koenji Rokusuke replied, "No, no, no, Hikigaya boy. How could they catch me? After chasing me for half a day, they were exhausted, so I gifted them my clothes, drenched in my beautiful sweat."
Hikigaya Hachiman fell silent again, suddenly imagining Class A kicking Koenji's clothes like a ball to vent their frustration.
He asked, "Then your pants…"
Though his pants weren't gone, they were tattered.
Koenji Rokusuke said, "Of course, I made those marks with the trees. Doesn't it highlight the charm of a beautiful man?"
Koenji Rokusuke seemed to see himself as a rugged hero, while Hikigaya Hachiman just stared, speechless.
After revealing the locations of the three classes, Koenji Rokusuke vanished into the forest with a "whoosh," leaving only one sentence in the spreading darkness.
"Hikigaya boy, call me if you need me!"
Of course, he implied that unless it was important, don't bother him. Not rushing back to the ship for a vacation was already hard enough for him.
Watching this elusive figure, Hikigaya Hachiman couldn't help but sigh, "So martial arts movies weren't lying."
Meanwhile, Sudo Ken's constant calls for Koenji Rokusuke drew more classmates, puzzled by his disappearance.
Hikigaya Hachiman approached Hirata Yosuke and said softly, "Koenji is safe."
Hirata Yosuke, as if understanding, announced to everyone, "Koenji-kun is helping me with a task. He won't be at camp most of the time, so no need to worry."
Hearing it was Hirata Yosuke's task, everyone trusted his words and dispersed, as if they had never been concerned for Koenji Rokusuke's safety.
And why would they?
Koenji Rokusuke had no friends and always did his own thing. They only looked for him to prevent his recklessness from harming the class.
Watching the dispersing classmates, Hikigaya Hachiman thought of himself.
If he vanished like that, would the outcome be the same as Koenji Rokusuke's?
Probably. No one ever paid attention to him, so even if he disappeared, no one would look for him.
Hikigaya Hachiman didn't dwell on the thought. It wasn't something worth overthinking. If he could, he'd rather check on Class C to reassure himself about his afternoon decision.
Sakura Airi, unnoticed, approached him and said softly, "Is Koenji-kun okay?"
Hikigaya Hachiman replied, "Of course. You've seen him, right? Nimble as a monkey."
Sakura Airi sighed in relief and focused her gaze on Hikigaya Hachiman.
She said, "Hachiman, you seem preoccupied since you came back with Kushida and the others."
Caught off guard by her insight, Hikigaya Hachiman was stunned.
He asked, "Is it that obvious?"
Sakura Airi didn't know how to respond and just nodded lightly.
Perhaps it wasn't obvious, but her constant attention to Hikigaya Hachiman let her notice something was off.
Hikigaya Hachiman sighed softly, returned to his usual self, and gave a faint smile.
He said, "Airi, don't overthink it. I'm fine."
Sakura Airi asked, "Really?"
Clearly not believing him, she left Hikigaya Hachiman silent.
After a long pause, Sakura Airi stood up first, showing her sweet smile.
She said, "I know I can't help you much now, but Hachiman, if you're struggling, please tell me. I can share the burden with you…"
"Share the burden, huh…"
Hikigaya Hachiman's voice was so soft that even Sakura Airi, standing nearby, couldn't hear it.
"We have to keep working hard tomorrow. By the end of the exam, we might have more points, maybe even surpass Class C!"
Sakura Airi's eyes were filled with anticipation for the future, a kind of hope Hikigaya Hachiman had never possessed.
"Hachiman, rest early tonight."
Sakura Airi leaned down slightly, her cheek brushing against the boy's head, then waved at him.
"Good night."
"Yeah, good night."
Sakura Airi turned and left. Only after watching her enter her tent did Hikigaya Hachiman let out a long sigh.
It wasn't that he didn't want to share these things with her; he just didn't want this innocent girl to wrestle with such problems alongside him.
With a melancholic sigh, Hikigaya Hachiman entered his own tent.
…
On the second day of the special exam, it seemed the group still hadn't adjusted to this lifestyle, waking up early in the morning.
Hikigaya Hachiman was roused by the cheerful laughter of his classmates.
Though he couldn't say he slept well, if he could lie in bed, he'd prefer not to go out and work.
Such is the nature of a lazy person… even his spirit was filled with a lazy soul.
However, staying in bed wouldn't change anything. Hikigaya Hachiman finally threw off his blanket and walked to the river.
Sudo Ken shouted his name loudly, "Hey! Bro!"
Hikigaya Hachiman turned to see Sudo Ken and Ike Kanji returning from the river, having caught fish.
"Look at this! We caught so many fish!" Sudo Ken boasted.
Hikigaya Hachiman nodded at the enthusiastic boy. At the same time, Kushida Kikyo emerged from the forest with a group of girls.
"We picked a ton of fruit too!" Kushida Kikyo announced.
Everyone gradually gathered together. Seeing Sudo Ken and Kushida Kikyo return with heaps of food, the group's work enthusiasm visibly surged.
Hirata Yosuke said, "Great job, everyone."
Ike Kanji asked, "Hirata, what's next?"
Hirata Yosuke replied, "Could you start another fire?"
Ike Kanji said, "Sure."
Hirata Yosuke added, "Then I'll leave the food management to you, Kushida, and the others."
Kushida Kikyo responded, "Got it!"
Hirata Yosuke then addressed the group, "Those who are free, please help fetch drinking water."
Everyone quickly gathered around Hirata Yosuke, who politely and approachably handed bottles to those volunteering to get water.
Clearly, this leader had no issues so far. He continuously mediated class conflicts and assigned tasks fairly.
This was the core figure of Class D.
Hikigaya Hachiman stood up, clearly wanting to contribute something.
(End of this chapter)