Chapter 101: Suffering Without Getting Points! Koenji: An Interesting Answer!
Hachiman said that the leader of Class C was Ryuen Kakeru.
The moment he finished speaking, the smile on Hiyori's face almost failed to hold. It was as if a bolt of lightning had struck right next to her ear; even "a bolt from the blue" wasn't enough to describe her shock.
This indicated that information regarding Class C's leader wasn't just "leaked"—it had been completely exposed.
However, this flustered state lasted for less than two seconds before Shiina Hiyori quickly adjusted herself. She regained her previous expression and spoke with feigned lightness,
"Sometimes Hikigaya-kun's guesses are truly bold. If it were really Ryuen-kun, he surely would have anticipated other classes targeting him."
She paused, deliberately turning her gaze toward the distant beach as if truly worried for Ryuen. "For example, Class D. Because they don't know our Class C well, they might only know Ryuen's name. Perhaps when the exam comes, they'll simply list Ryuen as a possible leader. Therefore, Ryuen-kun certainly wouldn't be that foolish."
The choice of leader happened before the B-D transaction and the B-Class trade with A and C. If Ryuen had initially predicted that Class D might be "stupid" and only fill in his name, wouldn't him actually being the leader lead Class C to immediate ruin?
Given Ryuen's intelligence, he surely wouldn't do that.
However, Hiyori knew very well that she was just covering up. Her heart had already gone cold. Ryuen's pride and self-confidence would indeed make him serve as the leader without hesitation.
Hikigaya-kun had guessed correctly.
It was a fact: Class C's leader was Ryuen Kakeru, and this information was already known.
She originally thought Hikigaya-kun was just capable of insight or knowing some exam details and solutions in advance, but now it seemed he had total control over the entire situation.
Hachiman looked at her feigned composure, a trace of understanding flashing in his eyes. He didn't expose her cover-up. Instead, he took a step forward, maintaining a half-step distance, and looked down at her.
"Shiina-san, I'm curious about something."
Hiyori looked up into his deep eyes, which seemed somewhat devoid of emotion. She could only ask, "What does Hikigaya-kun want to know?"
"Why take me in?" Hachiman chose the direct approach.
After all, Hiyori's performance and reaction speed were excellent—something Horikita-san couldn't achieve yet. Therefore, some things could be said more bluntly without worrying if she could handle the emotions.
He continued, "Judging from Ryuen's attitude just now, keeping me in Class C is a huge hidden risk for you. After all, I can still participate in the leader-guessing phase. I could fill in Class C's leader info at that moment, causing Class C to not only lose 50 base points but also have their spot points invalidated. If I sell this info to Class A, Class C will lose even more points.
You naturally thought of these risks. So, why did you choose the opposite and have Ryuen keep me in Class C?"
Perhaps feeling the atmosphere was becoming too silent, Hachiman maintained a bit of his "gentlemanly" side and adjusted the mood: "Or are you planning to become a traitor to Class C?"
Shiina: "..."
Hikigaya's words made her fall silent, but that last sentence almost crushed her. How could she possibly be a traitor to Class C?
Admittedly, as Hachiman said, taking in an outsider was no different from suicide. It was just like when Ryuen arranged for Ibuki to go to Class D as a spy; if Class D dared to take her in, their leader info would surely be leaked.
It was just unexpected that Class D had already been "harvested" by Class B, so Ibuki came up empty.
However, because the opponent was Hikigaya Hachiman of Class B—someone even Ryuen-kun found troublesome and perhaps the most terrifying class representative in the history of Class B—Hiyori knew her little schemes would be easily seen through.
Therefore, rather than continuing to pretend, it was better to be honest—especially since this was part of her strategy in the first place. Keeping him in Class C and then being honest with him was indeed what she planned to do. As for "betraying Class C," that was naturally false. She was doing this to seek a glimmer of hope for Class C.
Thinking this, Hiyori took a deep breath. Due to the height difference, she had to look up at him, but her gaze was clear and no longer hidden.
"Hikigaya-kun, you should be very aware that the rules of this exam are far more complex than they appear on the surface."
She pointed a finger toward the ground. "In this exam, you signed a total of three agreements. Your core focus isn't class evaluation points, but Private Points. You first bought Class D's base points at a low price and sold them to our Class C at a high price; essentially, you are conducting a high-stakes investment.
But if Class C is smashed in this exam and loses everything, unable to even retain basic evaluation points, then we won't be able to fulfill that agreement with you—the one worth 46.2 million.
So, the moment the agreement was signed, you became Class C's creditor, and we all owe you money.
Therefore, for me, taking you in is both to ensure Class C maintains a baseline in this exam and to ensure your 'investment' doesn't result in a total loss. Only if Class C doesn't suffer too badly can your interests be guaranteed. Thus, keeping you by my side is the optimal solution for Class C and for you."
This was the reason she could say out loud, and the plan most beneficial to Class C. As for the thoughts she couldn't speak, they surged quietly in her heart. She could hear Hachiman's inner voice—this secret, which she herself found incredible, was naturally her greatest reliance.
She didn't go so far as to think of herself as a light novel heroine just because she encountered such a supernatural occurrence. However, if this ability could benefit Class C, it was a good thing. Only by keeping him close could she hear his true thoughts in real-time and confirm vital information to secure a chance for Class C in this multi-million point exam.
Otherwise, if they got no points and were left with tens of millions in debt, Class C would be finished. Ryuen would probably resign immediately, and without him, Class C would likely revert to its true nature. And she, as a student who hadn't even entered the workforce, would be burdened with millions in debt.
The thought was terrifying.
Hachiman listened quietly without interrupting.
Only after she finished did he nod.
"As expected. Shiina-san, you are very smart, thinking of yourself and Class C."
Phew—
Getting his approval allowed Hiyori to breathe a small sigh of relief. It meant Hikigaya-kun might not intend to completely annihilate Class C. But that relief was short-lived.
"However," Hachiman's tone shifted, "I do know that Class C's leader is Ryuen Kakeru."
He said it again, like an important point mentioned twice, almost like a final ultimatum. "Ryuen is an extremely proud and confident person. He never trusts anyone. The only person he can trust with the leader's position is himself. Both you and I know this.
Therefore, the leader of Class C can only be him."
Hiyori's breath hitched, and her pale fingers tightened again.
"But, as you said, for the sake of my interests, I won't let Class C be completely without points. So, in the leader-guessing phase, I will not write down Ryuen Kakeru's name."
Hachiman paused. Hiyori knew there was no such thing as a free lunch; Hachiman's concession must come with conditions.
Sure enough. She heard him continue, "However, my condition is that you must be the one to represent Class C in the leader-guessing phase. There is a name I need you to write down."
"..."
Hiyori fell silent. She stood there looking at Hachiman's calm face, countless thoughts flashing through her mind.
An open scheme! This was absolutely Hikigaya Hachiman's open scheme! Once again, he had used a scheme on Class C that they couldn't refuse. If she rejected him, Class C would miss an opportunity and lose more; but if she agreed, she would become his tool.
As for the name he wanted her to write, Hiyori felt it was obvious without even thinking: it had to be the leader of Class A! He had deliberately stayed on the island for the purpose of attacking Class A. He hadn't abandoned his ambition at all.
Yet, she couldn't refuse. She could only hope that Hikigaya-kun's character was strong enough that he truly wouldn't attack Class C.
On second thought, a complex emotion rose in her heart. This actually aligned perfectly with her own thoughts. Although the island was currently split into East and West regions between A and C, she felt Ryuen wouldn't leave Class A alone. He might even want to attack them. If she could win Hachiman over, they could have Class B and C write down Class A's leader info together, causing Class A to lose massive points.
In this regard, their goals were identical. As long as lower classes wanted to reach Class A, they couldn't let Class A climb so high this time. Thus, even though it was Hikigaya-kun's open scheme, it happened to coincide with her own.
Thinking of this, Hiyori looked up, a gentle smile blooming on her face again—though this smile held a bit more helplessness and determination. "I understand, Hikigaya-kun. I will agree to your condition."
Hachiman nodded.
This Shiina Hiyori was indeed no ordinary girl.
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In the afternoon, Ryuen split the Class C students into two groups, placing them at two different spots. Hachiman's group at the vegetable garden had 18 people; with him, it was 19. The other 21 people, including Ryuen, were at a different spot.
Hachiman sat on a rock, seemingly dazing off. Just then, crisp footsteps approached.
"Hey, Hikigaya-kun?"
A somewhat coquettish and flamboyant voice rang out. Hachiman opened his eyes to see four girls walking toward him. These were the four Class C "gyarus" who, in the original story's VIP exam, were used by Ayanokouji Kiyotaka to bully Karuizawa Kei.
Walking in the lead was Manabe Shiho, who had short, dark-green hair. Her eyes held a mix of curiosity and a forced sense of closeness. Following her were Yamashita Saki, Yabu Nanami, and Rika, who had a grievance with Karuizawa Kei.
Hachiman recognized them instantly.
It wasn't because they were particularly outstanding, but because Manabe Shiho was the one expelled in Class C's first in-class voting expulsion exam in the original story. But that was it. These four were marginal figures in Class C and never received Ryuen's trust.
"What do you want?" Hachiman's tone was flat, lacking any warmth. As a "human observer," he knew these were the "dirty" type of gyarus—bullying the weak and fearing the strong.
When they were bad, they were bad enough to have no redeeming qualities.
Manabe Shiho stopped in front of him, a seemingly sweet smile on her face. "Hikigaya-kun, we've heard all about you. You're the big winner of this exam, making 99 million points all at once. That's amazing!"
Her words immediately drew the attention of the surrounding Class C students. 99 million points—to them, that was an astronomical figure. For a moment, everyone's gaze focused on Hachiman with envy and intensified curiosity.
Hachiman understood. Manabe Shiho was trying to get close to fish for benefits. In this school, a large amount of Private Points meant power and status. In the original story, Ryuen only needed 1 million points to get the athletes in his class to voluntarily injure themselves during an exam.
"It was just luck," Hachiman's tone remained flat.
While he was willing to gather 20 million points to ask Kushida to teach him how to woo girls, there were many girls he could choose to learn experience from. When Manabe and the others approached him, he was inclined to refuse. Girls have different "levels."
Unfortunately, Manabe and her group were the type where spending money on them felt like a waste. These were the types Yukinoshita would call "low-intelligence, habitually jealous, bullies."
Hachiman had zero interest in such girls.
"Luck is a part of strength too." Manabe Shiho didn't notice his coldness and leaned in closer. "Hikigaya-kun, you're an ally with Class C now, so we're all on the same side. The few of us have some connections in the class. If you ever need help, just ask, and we'll do our best!"
Yamashita Saki echoed, "Yeah, Hikigaya-kun. You're all alone at this spot; if something happens, we can back you up."
Their intentions were transparent. They wanted to use the alliance to cling to Hachiman, the "money tree," hoping to get some points or his protection during the exam.
Just as Hachiman was about to refuse, a cold voice interrupted: "What are you doing here?"
Everyone turned to see a girl with short hair and a gauze bandage on her face walking quickly toward them. She wasn't tall, but her eyes were sharp, carrying a "don't come near me" aura. It was Ibuki Mio.
The bandage on Ibuki's face was particularly noticeable. It was from that morning when she carried out Ryuen's mission, feigning a fallout and preparing to go to Class D as a spy; she had injured herself to gain sympathy. However, because Hachiman had directly bought out Class D, Ryuen's spy plan died in the womb, and she had to return to Class C early. But she still had new tasks from Ryuen.
Seeing Ibuki, Manabe Shiho's smile faded. Ibuki was a core member close to Ryuen and deeply trusted by him—far above marginal characters like them. She forced a smile and said, "Ibuki-san, we were just coming over to say hello to Hikigaya-kun."
"Say hello?" Ibuki raised an eyebrow, her cold gaze sweeping over the four of them.
"Have you forgotten Ryuen's arrangements? Right now is the time for supply organization and guard duty, not for you to be idling here."
Her words were cold and serious, directly citing Ryuen's orders. Manabe and the others' faces turned pale and then red; they knew Ibuki would actually snitch. Indeed, they were supposed to be organizing supplies but had slunk off to be lazy.
"We... we're going now!" Manabe bit her lip, gave Hachiman a resentful look, and left with the other three.
As they walked, Manabe couldn't help but complain quietly, "What's Ibuki acting so big for? Just because she can fight? If she were alone—"
"Quiet, Manabe! Ibuki is fierce when she hits people. She's fierce enough to hurt herself; I don't even want to imagine what she'd do to us," Manabe's companion interrupted. "If she hears you, it's over. The four of us can't even beat her!"
Their voices weren't loud, but in the relatively quiet camp, they reached the ears of Hachiman and Ibuki. Ibuki's expression didn't change; she was clearly used to people talking behind her back.
"They're just like that. Don't take it to heart," Ibuki said calmly as she stepped in front of Hachiman.
" I didn't," Hachiman stood up. "You're looking for me. Does Ryuen have some arrangement?"
"Mmh," Ibuki nodded. "Ryuen said you mentioned this morning that you'd go looking for hidden spots on the island this afternoon. He has his own arrangements, so he sent me to be in charge of following you.
Of course, if you have requests that aren't excessive, I can help. Like those girls just now, I can drive them away for you."
She was blunt: this was both assistance and surveillance. Hachiman had expected this and smiled slightly. "Fine, no problem."
Ibuki didn't expect him to agree so readily. A flash of surprise crossed her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. "When do we leave?"
"Now," Hachiman glanced at the sky. "If we leave now, we should be back by evening."
Ibuki nodded and turned to lead the way. Just then, a gentle voice spoke: "Hikigaya-kun, Ibuki-san, wait for me."
The two turned to see Shiina Hiyori walking over quickly. She had a small backpack and was holding a hiking staff—which was, of course, part of the supplies Class B exchanged using their 300 base points. Since there were a few dozen points left after securing a comfortable lifestyle, Ryuen let the students exchange for things they wanted. Hiyori chose this: two hiking staves.
"Shiina-san, you're going too?" Ibuki frowned, her tone somewhat confused.
Hiyori reached them with a gentle smile.
"Yes. Staying at the base all the time is too boring. The scenery of this island looks quite nice; I want to go for a walk and see if there are any interesting discoveries. I can't stay in this camp for seven days straight, can I? If I did, I'd go stir-crazy even after the exam ends."
Her reasoning was logical and hard to refuse. Ibuki looked at Hachiman, clearly seeking his opinion.
Hachiman looked at Hiyori's expectant eyes, remembering the tacit agreement they had just reached. "Sure, let's go together. One more person, one more person to watch out for."
Besides, he knew Hiyori wasn't just coming for the scenery. She wanted to be closer to him to get more info about the exam from his inner voice. And he could use this to transmit
information he wanted her to know. If you want the horse to run, you have to let it eat some grass occasionally. Their eyes met instinctively, both understanding the situation.
"But I want a staff too. There might be snakes in the ecology of this island," Hachiman said.
'Is that so? Aren't you a boy? Why aren't you more brave?'
"Snakes? You just have to grab them by the neck," Ibuki said nonchalantly.
Hachiman found that the person Ryuen chose to follow him wasn't just a monitor; she could also act as a bodyguard.
.
.
.
Soon after leaving the garden spot, the three followed a winding path toward the heart of the artificial island. The path wasn't man-made but formed naturally by people walking it. On both sides were dense tropical trees, their branches interlocking to form a natural canopy, blocking the scorching sun and making it feel exceptionally cool.
Shiina Hiyori walked in the middle with a curious expression, occasionally stopping to observe the plants. Although she was a literary girl who usually loved reading most, she had a deep interest in the natural sights of the deserted island.
"Ibuki-san, look, this flower is so strange." Hiyori pointed to a small red flower by the path with jagged petals.
Ibuki stepped up and looked.
"I don't recognize it. Don't know if it's poisonous. Don't touch it."
"Oh, okay." Hiyori nodded and moved away with some regret.
"Hikigaya-kun, look at those trees over there, they're so tall." Hiyori was attracted by a tall tree and couldn't help but tug on Hachiman's sleeve.
Hachiman looked where she pointed. It was a massive tree with a thick trunk that would take several people to encircle. Its branches spread out like a giant green umbrella.
"That's a Meranti tree. They grow very fast and are a representative species of tropical rainforests," he explained casually. "They grow to 20–40 meters, and given enough time, can reach 70 or 80 meters. They are the tallest trees in Southeast Asian tropical regions, known as the 'giants' of the rainforest."
Hiyori's eyes lit up, and her gaze toward him held a bit of admiration. "Hikigaya-kun knows so much."
"Mmh." Hachiman was just explaining randomly.
He liked reading and picked up a lot of miscellaneous knowledge.
Watching the interaction between the two, Ibuki's brow furrowed slightly. She felt Shiina Hiyori's attitude toward Hachiman was a bit too close. But then again, both were high-intelligence individuals; having more to talk about was normal. On the contrary, she felt a bit left out.
The three continued like this, stopping and starting. Before they knew it, they were deep in the interior of the artificial island. However, there was still a distance to the white tower area in the center of the island that Hachiman wanted to reach.
They decided to rest for a bit. Among the three, Hiyori's stamina was truly lacking; she needed to rest after a short distance, which was why she needed the staff.
Just then, a lazy voice suddenly came from the woods ahead: "Oh my, what a coincidence. I didn't expect to run into you here."
The voice was mocking and nonchalant, highly recognizable. Ibuki's expression changed instantly. She stopped abruptly and looked warily toward the voice. "It's Class D's Koenji Rokusuke! Why is someone from Class D still here? Weren't only Hirata, Sudo, and Ayanokouji left?"
Hachiman and Hiyori also stopped and looked ahead. On a branch of a large tree not far away, a muscular man in the same athletic wear as everyone else was reclining. He had signature blonde hair, wine-red eyes, and was resting his head on his hands with his legs casually crossed.
It was indeed Class D's Koenji Rokusuke—a man with a bizarre style but unfathomable strength. Even Class C students knew Class D had such a monster. This Koenji was currently on a branch seven or eight meters off the ground!
Hearing Ibuki, Koenji slowly sat up. His gaze swept over the three, finally landing on Hachiman with a smile.
"Hikigaya Hachiman, we meet again."
Ibuki's expression became more solemn. It was agreed everyone from Class D had withdrawn except for three people, yet a fourth had suddenly appeared. She was dazed.
"Koenji-kun, what are you doing here?" Ibuki asked coldly, her body tense, ready for any emergency.
Koenji leaped from the branch and landed steadily on the ground. He brushed off the dust and said casually, "Me? I'm waiting for Hikigaya-kun, of course. Though while waiting for him, I ran into you, little girl."
He paused, remembering the morning, and his smile widened. "I left the Class D area this morning and happened to run into you. Your act of trying to break into Class D was quite interesting. I wanted to offer some help, but you refused me."
Ibuki's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment and anger. That morning, she had feigned a fallout with Class C to go to Class D as a spy. Upon arriving, she met Koenji. He had seen through her intent immediately and commented to her face: "A self-injury ruse is somewhat smart, but not very. Going to Class D now is useless."
"So you got beaten up for nothing!"
Because of that, she had returned to Class C and found out Class D had been bought by Class B. She had assumed Koenji withdrew like the other Class D students, but he was still on the island!
"Koenji, everyone else in your class withdrew. Why are you still here? And why were you waiting specifically for Hikigaya-kun?" Ibuki's expression was full of suspicion.
"Don't be in such a hurry, self-injury girl." Koenji waved her off and turned to Hachiman. "I have something important to discuss with Hikigaya-kun. But since we've met, I'll withdraw and head back to the ship later. So you don't need to be so wary of me."
Koenji seemed to see through Ibuki's thoughts, knowing she was worried he would sabotage Class C's advantage.
He made a "please" gesture to Hachiman. "Hikigaya-kun, shall we find a quiet place to chat alone?"
Hachiman looked at him, a trace of thought in his eyes. Koenji waiting specifically for him wasn't just for a chat. He nodded. "Fine."
The two walked deep into the forest until they reached a grassy area with waist-high grass.
Koenji spoke first, his tone appreciative. "Hikigaya Hachiman, you haven't disappointed me. Cooperating with two classes to trade supplies and making 99 million points at once—that record is indeed excellent."
He paused and added, "I take back my previous evaluation of you. A talent like you would definitely be a leader at my family's company. How about it? Any interest? Just say the word, and you can name your price."
It was that proposal again. Hachiman refused without hesitation. "Sorry, Koenji-kun. I'm not interested."
As someone whose ideal was to be a stay-at-home husband, he had zero interest in the life of a corporate slave.
Koenji seemed to have expected the refusal. Instead of disappointment, he laughed. "As expected, talking to someone like you is refreshing."
His tone shifted to the main topic. "However, I didn't find you for that. Hikigaya, you must be curious why I stayed on this island instead of returning to the ship?"
Hachiman looked at him and spoke slowly.
"I guess you have a clue to tell me. For instance, that Class D hasn't truly given up on this exam. Or that someone commissioned you to get info on Class A and C's leaders. And you want to see which is more interesting: me or the remaining people in Class D."
The smile on Koenji's face froze for a second before he burst into a hearty laugh.
"Hahahaha! It seems Ayanokouji-boy really misjudged you. He thought after getting such a large amount of points, you wouldn't take any more action."
He stopped laughing, his eyes turning serious.
"Correct. After you went to Class D to buy the base points this morning, neither I nor Ayanokouji-boy returned to the ship. We separately went to the other classes' bases, waiting to see Class A and C's leaders scan their cards."
"Ayanokouji-boy showed me enough strength to pique my interest a little. So, I did him a small favor." Koenji looked at Hachiman.
"Hikigaya-kun, do you want to know the leader info for Class A? I can tell you."
It was a huge temptation. Class A's leader info was one of the most critical pieces of intel in this exam. Knowing it would allow a lethal blow to Class A in the guessing phase.
However, such known information was meaningless to Hachiman. Thus, he denied it: "I don't need it."
Koenji was stunned, clearly not expecting a refusal. "Oh? You don't want to know?"
"Just knowing you and Ayanokouji stayed on the island and that Class D hasn't given up is enough." Hachiman's gaze was deep.
"With this intel, me staying on the island has meaning."
Koenji immediately understood that Hikigaya Hachiman had his sights set on Ayanokouji.
"While I'm curious about the battle between you two, unfortunately, this artificial island with zero pressure fails to hold my interest." Koenji stretched lazily.
"Alright, I've said what I needed to. It's time for me to leave."
He waved at Hachiman and leaped onto a nearby tree. Like Tarzan, he bounded between the branches and disappeared into the forest within a few breaths.
Hachiman stood there, watching him disappear, his expression unchanging. After a moment, he walked back to where Hiyori and Ibuki were waiting.
Hiyori stepped up immediately, her eyes full of curiosity. "Hikigaya-kun, what did Koenji-kun say to you? Was it info about the exam?"
Ibuki also pricked up her ears, clearly interested in the conversation. Hachiman shook his head. "Nothing, just some private matters."
He naturally wouldn't tell them the truth. If they knew Class C's leader was known to Koenji and Ayanokouji, they would explode.
Facing the tight-lipped Hachiman, Hiyori didn't mind because she had a secret weapon. She assumed a listening posture.
'...So you're really going to eavesdrop.'
But Hachiman was a somewhat considerate person. So, the next second, a clear voice reached Hiyori's ears.
'Hiyori is indeed sharp. But Koenji just told me this is an artificial island with no dangers and he's explored it completely. Also, I probably know where the hidden spots are. Since this is an artificial island with vegetable gardens, wells, and buckets, someone must be tending to it. The hidden "easter egg" must be finding the residence of the staff who look after the island.
The exam theme is island survival, but in reality, it's a safe artificial island. So this is the easter egg: the staff residence is likely in the island's construction area, or not far from it.'
This was Hachiman's inner voice, clear and real. But Hiyori didn't know that this was information Hikigaya Hachiman had "transmitted" to her on purpose. This info was true, but not the most critical.
As Hiyori had said, because Hachiman was Class C's creditor, he wouldn't let them fail to pay. But as a rival class, he wouldn't let them have too easy a time either.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have let Class C and D both get 0 points in the first month.
He wouldn't leak that Ryuen was Class C's leader. However, according to Koenji, Ayanokouji already knew, so that was out of his hands.
Since Ayanokouji wanted to stay and fight, then they would fight.
He wouldn't let Class D rise up in this exam.
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