Chapter 99: Genius Pickpocket Kushida Kikyo
Hikigaya's head felt as heavy as ever. After waking, his throat was nearly hoarse, and dizziness plagued him.
The sun's rays felt oppressive. Was it his body's condition, or had Class D lost its usual cheer due to the situation?
Hikigaya's gaze fell on Yamauchi Haruki, who was whispering to Hirata Yosuke. Hirata responded with a tolerant smile and nod.
They were likely discussing finding a new camp for Class A, but… that wasn't the issue. Even if they found one, would Class A really leave?
Hikigaya shook his head. If they were going to leave so easily, they wouldn't have come to contest this territory.
Sure enough, when Hirata approached Katsuragi to report finding a new camp, Katsuragi only gave a perfunctory nod, his body unmoving.
Hirata left tactfully, but Class D's students, upon hearing this, erupted in anger.
Shinohara Satsuki: "We can't just leave this place ourselves, can we?"
Akito Miyake: "I don't want to leave either, but with two days left, if we want to play it safe, we should go. Otherwise, they'll find our leader. That's why they're here."
Hirata nodded. At this point, retreating seemed the only option.
He recalled yesterday's meeting with Hikigaya and Horikita. Had Horikita deliberately shown Hikigaya's green card as part of a plan?
He alone couldn't make such a class-wide decision, and besides…
Ike Kanji, returning, fumed, "Why should we leave? Why don't they? They're the ones taking our territory."
Sudo Ken, relatively calm, soothed, "Chill, Ike. Our situation's not great, but don't forget, if they're this close to us, their green card could also be exposed. We're both at risk. Class A just made up their mind earlier."
Ike seemed swayed by Sudo's words, his tone softening. "You're right, Sudo. But they've given up claiming strongholds, so they won't show their green card. Are we supposed to copy them and stop claiming ours? Or actually leave?"
Ike's words silenced everyone.
Hirata couldn't decide. Kushida couldn't decide. Karuizawa Kei and Horikita Suzune couldn't either.
They all knew the answer in their hearts, but no one dared voice it. If they failed, the responsibility would fall entirely on the one who spoke up.
This wasn't ordinary pressure.
At that moment, Hikigaya finally spoke. "No need to retreat. We stay here and face Class A's challenge."
Someone had finally said it. Some were enlightened, others surprised, and some silently agreed.
Everyone looked at Hikigaya with mixed feelings, but he stood firm under their gazes, unflinching.
Hikigaya wasn't the same as before. At least in this situation, his words would gain some acceptance.
Sudo Ken's face was serious. "Bro, you sure about this?"
Hikigaya nodded.
Sudo's stern expression vanished, replaced by a hearty grin. "Then I'm with you. If we lose to Class A, I'll share the blame."
Shinohara Satsuki looked at Sudo's smile but didn't join in. "Are you serious? Do you know how big the consequences are?"
Horikita Suzune shook her head and stepped forward helplessly.
"But if we keep standing still, always treating Class A as an unbeatable opponent, we'll never surpass them."
Kushida Kikyo nodded in agreement.
Though she now wore a cold demeanor, many classmates, seeing her nod, began to side with Hikigaya.
Karuizawa Kei gave a meaningful smile, glanced deeply at Hikigaya, then turned and hugged Shinohara Satsuki.
"It's okay, Shinohara. I think Hikigaya's right. We're now qualified to challenge Class A. I don't want to stop here, so… we have to make up our minds, just like they did."
Shinohara, swayed by Karuizawa's words, softened her stance and said faintly, "Alright."
Sakura Airi, seeing the tide turning toward Hikigaya, smiled quietly.
She had little say in the class, and her support wouldn't matter much, but seeing Hikigaya shine like this filled her with inexplicable satisfaction.
No matter what he decided, she'd follow him.
Though a small group of classmates remained dissatisfied, feeling it was risky or even unthinkable, they fell silent as most of the class rallied behind Hikigaya.
They were all on this ship now, for better or worse. It was up to the captain to steer it.
Hirata Yosuke nodded heavily and raised a critical question. "Are we still going to keep claiming points?"
Though claiming a stronghold only earned one point at a time, it was a steady income. Abandoning it would be a shame, but continuing risked exposing the leader's identity.
As Hirata pointed out, it was a question worth pondering, and Horikita and the others were likely thinking it over too.
Hikigaya's words were concise, his expression unwavering. "It's too much of a waste to give up those steady points."
"But…"
"No buts. Even if the green card is exposed, I have a way."
Everyone looked at Hikigaya with doubt. What was this "way" of his? They desperately wanted to know.
But Hikigaya just raised a finger, clearly signaling he wouldn't reveal it, instantly dampening their enthusiasm.
Hirata, for the first time in a while, showed his usual smile and said calmly, "Since Hikigaya has such confidence, let's trust him."
With Hirata's words, the discussion ended. Some were still dissatisfied, but it wouldn't change the outcome.
After the class meeting concluded, Hikigaya quietly instructed Hirata, "Keep looking for a new territory for Katsuragi. Don't stop."
Hirata was puzzled. If Class A had no intention of leaving, why waste manpower? But his gut told him to trust Hikigaya without question.
[In Class 1-A, Sakayanagi Arisu's face still bore her unchanging smile.]
[Hashimoto Masayoshi, hands behind his head as if savoring the moment, said, "It's finally starting? I can't wait."]
[Kamuro Masumi shot Hashimoto a glare but said nothing.]
[Kitō Hayato approached Hashimoto, speaking just loud enough, "Are we really helping Katsuragi? Doesn't it feel odd?"]
[Though he spoke to Hashimoto, his voice unsurprisingly reached Sakayanagi and Kamuro.]
[Hashimoto didn't care, saying arrogantly, "Who knows? I'm the hardest person to read, even for myself. But if that bald guy and Hikigaya take each other down, it'd be pretty entertaining."]
[Hashimoto didn't mind his voice carrying to Kamuro and Sakayanagi, but Sakayanagi's smile remained unmoved.]
[Kamuro: "Princess, who do you think will win?"]
[Sakayanagi finally spoke, "Masumi, don't you already know the answer?"]
[Kamuro's body stiffened, her gaze falling on Hikigaya. Thinking back, he truly hadn't lost once.]
[Sakayanagi's smile widened. "Exactly, Masumi. You're right."]
[Hashimoto remained unfazed. "Princess, why are you so sure he'll win?"]
[Sakayanagi: "A person's strength lies in tying things together. From the current situation, Katsuragi can't win."]
[Hashimoto's brow furrowed slightly. "Not even with my interference?"]
[Sakayanagi's smile persisted. "It won't change the outcome."]
[Hashimoto relaxed his frown, saying calmly, "I see."]
In Class 1-A, Yahiko Totsuka watched Katsuragi reject Hirata again. After Hirata left, Yahiko approached. "Are Class D's people really that dumb, or are they faking it? Can't they see the obvious rejection?"
Katsuragi shook his head. "No, they're trying to find a breakthrough through us, which is why they keep pushing despite the setbacks."
"But if we slip up, so could they. Yahiko, if Class D keeps being this persistent tomorrow, go with them to check out this so-called territory. Maybe there's something to find."
Yahiko nodded, glancing disdainfully at Class D's tents.
Meanwhile, Hikigaya, dragging his exhausted body, ventured deep into the forest.
Perhaps because it was evening, he moved slowly, or maybe his body couldn't hold out much longer.
He needed to meet someone.
Koenji Rokusuke. He needed his help before executing the plan.
When he was far enough from camp, Hikigaya mustered all his strength and shouted, "Koenji!"
After a short wait, Koenji appeared above him, perched on a tree. "Hikigaya-boy, I don't appreciate being summoned so casually. It disrupts my hunting plans."
Hikigaya gave a candid smile, already aware of Koenji's capabilities. "For someone like you, this island got boring on day one. If you're still hunting, it'd have to be a monster like you."
"Hahaha, Hikigaya-boy, no one in this world could match my beauty. You should know that. So, what do you want?"
"Some fun. Interested?"
"Oh? Fun? What kind?"
Hikigaya gestured for Koenji to come down. Without hesitation, Koenji leapt from the tree.
Hikigaya whispered his plan into Koenji's ear.
"Hahahaha, not bad, Hikigaya-boy. I approve of your dedication."
"Before that, I need you to find something. If I'm not mistaken, there's a camera under the tree Ibuki Mio marked. It should be something Class C set up. Record everything tomorrow with it. It's up to you."
Koenji's smile froze for a second, unnoticed by Hikigaya. "You even knew about that? I dug it up long ago. Didn't expect it to be your trump card."
Hikigaya scratched his head. It wasn't hard to guess, considering Ryuen Kakeru's earlier plans.
With Class C's downfall, the camera was left on the island.
Koenji, satisfied, patted Hikigaya's shoulder, saying beautifully, "Your fun is good. I accept. I'll be a spectator tomorrow, hope it's not too boring."
Hikigaya smiled back. "That's enough."
He'd worried Koenji wouldn't cooperate, but he wasn't as unreasonable as rumored.
As the sun set, the fifth day of island survival ended. Like yesterday, Hikigaya ate dinner, updated the stronghold, and went to bed early.
[In the Service Club…]
[Yuihama Yui said excitedly, "Hikki, Hikki's finally making his move! This time, he'll give Class A a big surprise."]
[Hikigaya's expression was calm as he watched his video self. "I'm not that great."]
[The Service Club ignored his remark, continuing their discussion. Though Yukinoshita Yukino wasn't as excited as Yuihama, her gentle smile showed her mood.]
[Isshiki Iroha: "I've never seen Senpai so confident!"]
[Hikigaya quipped, "I've never seen myself so confident either…"]
[Isshiki, enlightened: "So the Senpai in the video is different from the real Senpai!"]
[Hikigaya: "Not really…"]
[Yukinoshita, pondering Isshiki's words, rested her chin in thought. "At first, there's no difference. But over time, adapting to that environment brings slight changes, or rather, growth."]
[Yuihama nodded, agreeing with Yukinoshita, then turned to Hikigaya with a warm smile. "Don't worry, Hikki. No matter how you change, your twisted personality and dead-fish eyes won't."]
[Hikigaya looked at Yuihama helplessly, unable to voice his thoughts.]
[I'm not like that…]
[They turned their attention back to the video, finding this unique Hikigaya somewhat unbelievable.]
[Hayama Hayato: "Now, let's see how you pull off a miracle, Hikigaya."]
[Hey, Hayama, can you talk normally? Don't catch Yuihama's vibe. Miracle? It's just me winning or him winning. Are you all assuming I can't beat Class A? That's too hurtful.]
[Sensing Hikigaya's resentful gaze, Hayama just laughed.]
The sixth day's sunrise arrived as expected. Hikigaya, as usual, got up slowly when the sun hit his tent.
Normally, this was when they'd update the stronghold. Such a routine might tip off Class A, but it didn't matter.
If all went as planned, he'd withdraw from the exam today.
And by tomorrow, Class D would defeat Class A.
After tidying his bedding, Hikigaya stood shakily, nearly tripping as his legs gave out.
My body's in bad shape. I need to exercise more when I get the chance.
Gritting his teeth, he stood again.
After washing his face, he ate some food Sakura Airi left and joined the others to update the stronghold.
Class A was noticeably more assertive today. When Class D claimed the stronghold, they didn't shy away but seemed eager to dig for information.
Hikigaya had no reservations, slipping the claimed green card into his pocket in front of everyone.
Katsuragi Kohei and Yahiko Totsuka saw it.
Time passed neither fast nor slow. Like always, Hikigaya idled by the river until dark clouds rolled in, signaling the impending showdown.
It seemed it would be in the rain.
As the sunset was fully obscured by clouds, Hikigaya, with Kushida Kikyo as planned, approached Katsuragi.
Katsuragi looked at the two, a sickly Hikigaya and a smiling, angelic Kushida, but remained vigilant, asking calmly, "What do you want?"
Kushida used her passive charm to slowly approach Katsuragi. As she reached him, she "accidentally" tripped on a rock, falling onto him.
Flustered, she said, "Oh no… I'm so sorry, Katsuragi-san, We wanted to tell you about a great spot which is perfect for your new stronghold."
Katsuragi, ever gentlemanly, stood up first and offered her a hand.
He'd heard of Kushida's reputation as one of the most innocent angels in their grade, alongside Ichinose Honami, though a bit clumsy.
Kushida: "Thank you."
Katsuragi glanced at the sickly Hikigaya, ignored him briefly, and called Yahiko over. "Yahiko, go with them. They say there's a good stronghold."
Katsuragi gave Yahiko a meaningful look, which Yahiko instantly understood.
"Alright."
Kushida, smiling, patted Hikigaya's pocket with a charming grin, then said to Yahiko, "I won't go. Let him take you. I've got a lot to do for our class."
Yahiko recalled the morning's stronghold claim, his excitement growing. "Sure, Hikigaya's enough. If it's suitable, we'll definitely move."
Kushida: "I knew Class A wasn't like that. I'll leave it to you, Hikigaya!"
"Mm…"
After Kushida left, Hikigaya touched his pocket. Sure enough, there was an extra card. This girl… she's something.
She really did it, slipping the green card into her hand without anyone noticing, then transferring it to Hikigaya Hachiman's pocket. Could this girl be a pickpocket?
If Hikigaya asked Kushida Kikyo about it, she'd probably smile and say she picked up a few tricks from Kamuro Masumi. Thanks to her vast information network, she knew Kamuro used to be a pickpocket.
If Hikigaya learned this, he'd be shocked at how unpredictable the girls around him were.
But surely there wouldn't be an assassin among them, right? Otherwise, he wouldn't dare sleep too soundly.
Following Hikigaya's lead, they slowly left the camps of both classes.
He didn't want to move so slowly, but he had no choice, his body had reached its limit. One punch, and he'd probably pass out.
Yahiko Totsuka, trailing behind, grew impatient after a few steps. "Hey, why are you so slow? Are you a turtle?"
Hikigaya forced a smile. "Maybe."
His perfunctory response earned a disdainful glance from Yahiko.
In Yahiko's mind, he couldn't understand it.
Why did Sakayanagi Arisu protect this guy so fiercely when Class A had so many other talented people?
Though he was on Katsuragi Kohei's side, this question lingered.
He even felt that if Sakayanagi had abandoned Hikigaya, she could've defeated Katsuragi long ago and become the true leader of Class A, no need for things to turn out like this.
But… it had nothing to do with him.
(End of this chapter)