Chapter 97: Class A's Plan
Torrential rain poured, and the night had fully settled.
In Class 1-A, Katsuragi Kohei maintained his heavy demeanor. He wore no clothes, letting the rain soak him.
He didn't mind the sensation of being drenched. This rare experience made him feel as if the impurities in his body were being cleansed by the heavens, over and over.
Katsuragi closed his eyes, ceasing to think.
Behind him, Yahiko Totsuka approached with an extinguished torch, standing silently by his side.
Morning wasn't the time for them to talk. Only at night did secrets become clear.
After a long while, the rain stopped. Katsuragi finally opened his eyes but didn't turn to the boy behind him.
"Is that you, Yahiko?"
"It's me."
"It's late. Why aren't you resting?"
"I… I'm not that tired."
Yahiko grabbed the pants he'd hidden earlier, putting them on before turning around.
He was still shirtless, as he had been for days, now used to it.
"You came to me for something, didn't you?"
Katsuragi's words made Yahiko uneasy. After weighing the pros and cons, he spoke, "Ryuen's withdrawn from the exam. Our deal with him is off. Only three classes remain in this exam, so we're on our own now."
Katsuragi nodded. Yahiko was right. Katsuragi had planned to use Ryuen to uncover the leaders of Classes B and D, but now that task fell to his own people.
Katsuragi wasn't naturally aggressive, but this time, he had no choice. With Sakayanagi Arisu absent from this exam, it was a rare chance to gain more influence in the class. Simply ending the exam quietly was meaningless.
Because Classes B and D could do that too.
His goal was to identify the leaders of the remaining two classes, secure his authority in the class, and then challenge Sakayanagi.
Ryuen's withdrawal had undoubtedly disrupted his plan.
Yahiko said worriedly, "We're out of options. The risk of forcing things is just too high."
Yahiko's words reflected Class A's current predicament. Katsuragi was a meticulous planner, someone who prepared far in advance, but he wasn't great at making on the spot decisions.
Ryuen's withdrawal meant Katsuragi's plan was already eighty percent doomed.
Finding the leaders of two classes in the next three days or so was impossible, and Katsuragi's mind was drawing a blank.
But as a leader, the most basic requirement was maintaining composure at all times, and Katsuragi managed that.
Katsuragi said, "You're right, and I appreciate your concern. Maybe Ryuen played us, but it's not like we're out of options."
Yahiko Totsuka's expression finally showed a hint of change, looking at Katsuragi Kohei with anticipation.
"So, Katsuragi, you've come up with a plan?"
Katsuragi nodded. "At this point, we can only choose one class as our opponent, and Class D is the best choice."
Yahiko, as if grasping something, said with a trace of doubt, "Because Class D's overall strength is weaker?"
"That's one reason. Compared to Class B, Class D lacks strong bonds and doesn't have someone like Ichinose Honami or Kanzaki Ryūji to lead the entire class. The only one to watch out for is that monkey, Koenji Rokusuke."
Yahiko nodded heavily. While Class D indeed lacked a proper leader, they had seen what Koenji was capable of, he was a disaster.
Katsuragi continued, "Secondly, we need to exploit the issues left by Sakayanagi Arisu. You know most of Class A belongs to her faction, a fact even I can't deny."
Yahiko hurriedly countered, "We'll gain more supporters in the future!"
Katsuragi nodded. "You're not getting my point, Yahiko. When the class faces an external enemy, your words show you're unprepared."
"I…"
"Sakayanagi once went all out to protect Hikigaya Hachiman in Class A. That's the biggest issue within her faction, including core members like Hashimoto Masayoshi, who's always been annoyed about Hikigaya."
"What do you mean?"
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Though Sakayanagi and I are at odds, we're both part of Class A. Hikigaya, however, is an outsider. If we can leverage our classmates effectively, we'll gain tremendous strength and maybe even turn the tables on Sakayanagi in this operation."
This time, Yahiko truly had an epiphany.
"As long as I defeat Hikigaya and prove with facts that he's nothing special, just another Class D student, people will start doubting Sakayanagi and shift to our side."
Yahiko's eyes were filled with admiration and aspiration as he looked at Katsuragi.
"Katsuragi, you're brilliant. This way, Ryuen Kakeru, Sakayanagi Arisu, Hikigaya Hachiman, and even Class A's students are all being played by you. And Kamuro Masumi's departure must've been your doing too, right?"
Yahiko's words grew more excited, but Katsuragi remained calm.
Until the dust settled, he wouldn't show any emotion.
He didn't deny his actions. He did feel some guilt about Kamuro.
But it was a necessary sacrifice to secure his place in Class A.
Though the plan was set, he never let his guard down. No matter who he faced, he refused to become complacent, determined to control every unfavorable factor.
Yahiko asked, "Katsuragi, what's your plan? We don't have much time. Figuring out their leader in three days isn't easy."
Yahiko's question was exactly what Katsuragi was pondering, where to start was always the biggest issue.
After a moment of thought, Katsuragi said, "Tomorrow, we move our base next to Class D's stronghold. And this green card will stay with me."
Yahiko was taken aback. "You mean?"
"Strongholds refresh every eight hours. For the next three days, we go all in, abandon the points from strongholds and focus entirely on breaking their defenses."
"We're not breaking any rules. The school never said two classes can't rest in the same place."
"Wherever they go, we follow, until we expose their leader's identity. As for the dirty work, leave it to Hashimoto and the others."
In making this decision, Katsuragi was prepared to go all in. If Class A continued playing it safe, they might maintain first place, but that wasn't the outcome he wanted. He aimed for a crushing victory.
The two vanished into the depths of the forest, likely to bring change by sunrise.
[In Class 1-A…]
[Kamuro Masumi, arms crossed, spoke defiantly, "You guys are something, abandoning me like that and daring to take such a risky move."]
[Katsuragi remained composed, saying softly, "This special exam has always been a tough hurdle for me. If I could do it again, no matter the cost, I'd ensure Class A takes first."]
[Sakayanagi Arisu merely smiled. "Katsuragi, even if you tried again, you'd still lose."]
[Yahiko, annoyed, snapped, "What's that supposed to mean, Sakayanagi?!"]
[Sakayanagi's face held her unchanging smile. "Exactly what I said, Katsuragi. Whether in the video or outside it, you'd lose every time."]
[Katsuragi ignored her taunt, watching the video seriously. "I won't lose. Not this time, at least."]
[Hashimoto Masayoshi shrugged helplessly. He couldn't say much about Katsuragi's blind confidence, but… the princess was rooting for Class D, the video's Class D. Did that mean Class D would win this exam?]
[Hashimoto watched his video self. He wasn't acting for the class but out of personal motives to help Katsuragi.]
[He still believed he wouldn't lose. At least this time, he was ready to face Hikigaya. Even after watching the video, he saw Hikigaya as a weakling, unable to resist absolute force.]
[In Class 1-B, Kanzaki Ryūji's expression didn't change with the video's developments. He approached Ichinose Honami and said calmly, "Looks like this exam has nothing to do with our Class B again."]
[Ichinose Honami smiled brightly. Though they'd only placed second in the recent exam, she was satisfied with the result.]
["This time, first place will either be Class D or Class A, right?"]
[Shiranami Chihiro quickly agreed, and Ichinose nodded while watching the video.]
["It feels like it'll be interesting… After all, this guy called Hikigaya Hachiman has never let us down. I'm looking forward to seeing what strategy he'll use against Class A."]
[In the Service Club…]
[Yukinoshita Yukino, resting her finger against her head, looked disappointed. "Why is it always about fighting? I'm tired just watching. These people have too much energy."]
[Yuihama Yui sighed helplessly. "These guys, wouldn't it be nice to just get through the seven days peacefully? Why stir up so much trouble?"]
[Hikigaya shook his head. "The burdens they carry don't let them accept such an outcome."]
[It made sense. As the strongest class, if they fell to the same level as others, the criticism would be overwhelming.]
[People are born with pride, and when reality falls short of expectations, their values crumble.]
[To reclaim what's theirs, they'll use any means necessary. Like Katsuragi now, perhaps before joining this school, he was a prominent figure in his own right. But in Class A, everyone sided with Sakayanagi Arisu, shattering his expectations and values.]
[Hayama Hayato shook his head with pity. "Looks like you're in trouble again, Hikigaya."]
[Hikigaya didn't care much. He'd already expected these people wouldn't let him off easily.]
[Miura Yumiko, indignant, said, "These people have too much time on their hands. Class D didn't provoke them, right? You didn't either, Hikigaya, but they keep coming after you, only to embarrass themselves. I don't get it."]
[Hikigaya was glad Miura spoke up for him. She was right, he hadn't treated them as enemies, yet they saw him as a target to defeat. Their self-righteous attitude was hard for him to accept.]
[Sometimes, he wondered if he should lose once or twice in the video to satisfy them and make them back off. But he gave up on that idea. For one, he was just a bystander. For another, in this school, one or two losses could cost you everything. If he could keep winning, Hikigaya would fight for it.]
[Some might not care for success, but no one enjoys failure.]
[This applied to everyone, including Hikigaya. Though he often downplayed his competitive drive, too many losses would affect him psychologically.]
[Isshiki Iroha: "Senpai, you're such a flirt, picking fights everywhere. What a bad guy."]
[Hikigaya was speechless, finally managing, "I'm innocent! I'm so kind, you know."]
[Yukinoshita, seemingly affected by Isshiki's "flirt" comment, had already mentally tarnished Hikigaya's innocence, saying calmly, "I think those dead-fish eyes of yours are what make enemies."]
["Hey, that's a personal attack! A blatant personal attack!"]
[Seeing Hikigaya still so spirited, Yuihama just smiled. The video clearly hadn't affected him.]
[The Service Club remained lively, at least as powerless bystanders.]
Perhaps because he slept so long yesterday, the day passed quickly. After returning to camp, eating a simple dinner, and chatting briefly with the isolated Kushida Kikyo, Hikigaya went to bed.
So, on the morning of the fourth day, he woke up unusually early.
Of course, for a "dead pig" like him, "early" was relative to his usual self. Others in the camp were up even earlier, like Hirata Yosuke, who was tirelessly busy. He not only directed everything but also managed everyone's morale. Rumor had it he'd tried talking to Kushida yesterday with no progress.
As the guy who slept the latest and woke the earliest, Hikigaya deeply admired him.
Then there were Sudo Ken and Ike Kanji, whose contributions in this exam were extraordinary. One had boundless energy, the other rich experience. Together, they formed a team that always returned with something impressive, ensuring not every meal was just wild fruit, which boosted everyone's mood.
As for the girls, concern for Kushida never stopped, though some began to think she was putting on airs, and dissatisfaction grew.
In truth, Kushida wasn't slacking. She was still doing a lot, just working alone more often.
People's hearts are complex. As your friend, they praise your strengths. But when you change even slightly or face difficulties, they're quick to push you into the abyss.
This let Hikigaya see the true faces of many girls.
Kushida didn't care. Since yesterday, she brushed off others with cold indifference, though she'd still talk to Hikigaya for a bit. It seemed she was starting to show her true self, which wasn't a bad thing.
She might lose many friends but could gain one or two true ones.
Without Kushida as the girls' anchor, many responsibilities fell to Karuizawa Kei.
Karuizawa was kind, though sometimes lazy and picky. Her straightforward nature made her stand out in the class. Though Hikigaya wasn't close to her, he didn't dislike her.
But…
Hikigaya vaguely sensed she was afraid of something.
Rumor had it she and Hirata Yosuke were dating. Hikigaya didn't care, high schoolers dating was their freedom. But despite hearing about it, he'd never seen them act intimate.
On the surface, their relationship seemed fine, but behind it?
Hikigaya slowly felt this class was a bottomless swamp. Everyone wore the mask they wanted, hiding their true selves.
Hirata was like this, Karuizawa too, as were the past Kushida and Sakura Airi. Everyone was.
The class had people like Hirata and Karuizawa, Koenji Rokusuke and Matsushita Chiaki, and of course Horikita Suzune and Yukimura Teruhiko. But no matter who they were, they were one class, and that wouldn't change.
Someone once offered him a chance to switch classes, but he refused, seeing a future for Class D. That future was still far off.
There was a long road ahead.
Hikigaya's thoughts halted. After washing his face by the river, he sat there calmly.
He never imagined he'd camp in a place like this, yet here he was, listening to cicadas and birds, feeling the sun and breeze.
Perhaps because of last night's rain, the air felt cleaner. While enjoying the peaceful morning, Hikigaya noticed his physical condition deteriorating.
From slight dizziness on the first day to severe fatigue yesterday, he feared he wouldn't last until the seventh day.
He knew his stamina wasn't bad, not on Hayama Hayato's level, but not terrible either, especially since he used to bike to school daily.
But now… he couldn't even keep up with Horikita.
He touched his forehead. It wasn't hot, but he had a bad feeling.
'Looks like I need another plan.'
'If I can't hold out, Hirata, Koenji, and Horikita can still get us through this exam.'
'Class A's probably about to make their move…'
Lost in thought by the river, he didn't notice Kamuro Masumi sitting nearby.
She still looked disheveled, though she'd bathed in the stream yesterday. This stark contrast to her usual self made Hikigaya pause.
"You're up early."
"When you've slept enough, you wake early. You, on the other hand, didn't sleep well, did you?"
Seeing Kamuro's dark circles, Hikigaya could guess. Though she thought he hadn't overheard her talk with Hashimoto, he'd been right there.
Being abandoned by her classmates must feel awful. Kushida probably understood that feeling.
"Thanks for your kindness, but I can't help you."
Kamuro's sudden words made Hikigaya turn to her. After a long silence, he said, "I didn't help you. Horikita did."
Kamuro turned, leaning closer to Hikigaya, her resentful gaze practically screaming, I know you're behind this, so don't play dumb. You can fool anyone else, but not me! Accept my thanks, idiot! Hikigaya could only nod and thank her repeatedly.
'Wait, I'm the one who helped her. Why am I groveling like this…'
'Whatever. I'm a big person, I don't sweat the small stuff.'
Seeing his sincere thanks, a satisfied smile appeared on Kamuro's dirt-smudged face.
But it quickly faded.
"Sorry for dragging you into this."
"I should be the one saying that. Without me, you wouldn't have been…"
Kamuro Masumi shook her head, cutting off Hikigaya Hachiman's words.
"Katsuragi and the others won't let you off. You need to be mentally prepared."
"Mm…" Hikigaya responded softly, then fell back into silence.
After a long pause, Kamuro lowered her head, her expression unreadable, and let out a choked sob. "I really… can't help. Not you… not Class A… I can't do anything…"
(End of this chapter)