Chapter 95: I'm Not a High-Roller! Am I Going to Become Someone Like Horikita Manabu?
Class D compromised very quickly.
Once the agreement was signed, some students were already eager to return to the cruise ship. After all, being exposed to the wind and sun on a deserted island while worrying about survival supplies was far less comfortable than the luxury cabins and delicious meals on the ship.
Moreover, with the agreement signed, their steady monthly living expenses were secured; no one was willing to endure more suffering.
However, considering they still needed to "sell" the identity of the Class D leader, Class D intentionally left a few students behind to stay with the leader. Since the leader is only useful for occupying spots and the "Guess the Leader" segment, the exam rules explicitly stated that the leader's identity cannot be changed without a valid reason.
The person chosen as the leader for Class D was Hirata Yosuke, a decision met with almost no objection from the class. On one hand, Hirata was gentle and responsible, having quietly maintained the class's stability; having him as the leader wouldn't cause resentment and would put Class B at ease. On the other hand, Hirata was willing to endure hardship for everyone's sake. Staying behind meant suffering.
Thus, even though Hachiman suggested leaving a few students to accompany Hirata, not many were willing. In the end, only Ayanokouji Kiyotaka and Sudo remained.
Sudo's decision was purely out of gratitude. During the written exams, it was thanks to Hirata stepping forward that he avoided expulsion. Sudo kept this debt of gratitude in his heart. Despite his poor personality and short temper, he chose to repay the kindness. Even knowing he would suffer on the island and not understanding the complexities of "Guess the Leader" or "Spot Occupation," he insisted on staying with Hirata so he wouldn't be left alone on this unfamiliar island.
The other person staying was Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. His staying was a standard move, so Hachiman didn't say much.
However, since any Class D student withdrawing would result in a penalty, Hachiman needed to exchange points for supplies in advance, which took time. Therefore, the Class D students were told to wait three hours before withdrawing, meaning they would return around 1:30 PM.
Though it was a long wait, the thought of returning to the luxury of the ship made it a non-issue for the Class D students. They began heading toward the original disembarkation point.
In fact, aside from Ayanokouji and Sudo, a few other students had initially prepared to stay—mostly those who relied on Hirata daily or felt guilty—but Hirata gently comforted them.
"Everyone, there's no need for this. Since the exam plan is set, I just need to complete the exam as agreed. There's no reason for everyone to stay and suffer with me. Go back to the
ship and rest; opportunities to enjoy the ship's amenities are rare. Once the exam ends, we can all receive steady living expenses together."
And so on. Seeing Hirata's firm attitude and really not wanting to suffer on the island themselves, the others stopped insisting.
Hirata took the Leader Card handed over by the teacher. After Hachiman and Ichinose confirmed it, he tucked it away carefully. He nodded to Ayanokouji and Sudo, then followed Hachiman and Ichinose out of the Class D gathering point.
The remaining Class D students headed for the disembarkation point. On the way, they gathered in small groups, their conversations filled with anticipation for their future living expenses. Few bothered to think about whether this "guaranteed profit" agreement hidden any risks. After all, they would see the private points starting next month.
20,000 points every month! And since the Class Evaluation points were still at 80, next month's income would be 28,000. Even if the evaluation points dropped to zero, it didn't matter—they had a 20,000-point floor! For two years! Two years of never having to eat those foul mountain vegetable sets again. To the students of Class D who had tasted hardship, "he who feeds me is my master."
The school was so kind to give them such a wonderful special exam!
However, a few students broke away from the group: one was Ayanokouji, and the other was Koenji.
Ayanokouji's excuse was that he had never been to such an island and was curious to explore. Since he was staying with Hirata anyway, paying attention to the island's environment was technically the right move.
Koenji Rokusuke was actually the first to leave the group. Back when everyone was signing the agreement and arguing about staying, he had already put his hands behind his back and leisurely strolled toward the depths of the forest, leaving behind a nonchalant remark: "Since you've all chosen to forfeit the exam, it doesn't matter what I do."
It seemed he didn't intend to wait until 1:30 PM with everyone else to return to the ship. This was somewhat unexpected. However, Koenji had always been a law unto himself; aside from Sudo grumbling a bit, no one cared much about him. He had already said he wouldn't work hard for Class D. So, whatever he did was fine.
"I have a feeling Koenji stayed because of Hikigaya from Class B," Karuizawa Kei said, leaning against a tree several meters tall to rest. She crossed her arms and looked toward the depths of the forest thoughtfully.
"Because of Hikigaya from Class B?" Matsushita Chiaki asked. After speaking, she reflexively glanced at Kushida. Finding that Kushida wasn't looking, she breathed a sigh of relief. It was all because she had discussed Hikigaya-kun with Kushida's group, and Kushida had even tried to ship her with him—though the topic eventually went nowhere.
Seeing the real Hikigaya from Class B at such a close distance today gave her a subtle feeling. Now that Kei mentioned the name again, her heart skipped a beat.
"Koenji is an eccentric, but some of his actions just now were a bit strange," Shinohara Satsuki from the "gyaru" group joined the conversation.
"He said Class B's exam plan only rates a 'B-plus.' Like he's an examiner."
"So you think Koenji stayed specifically for Hikigaya Hachiman?" a cool voice interrupted.
"That's the feeling," Matsushita agreed.
"Yeah, that's it... Wait, Horikita-san, why are you talking to us!" The girls in the gyaru group realized they were talking amongst themselves when a "stranger" cut in, and they realized it was Horikita Suzune.
"Aren't we classmates?" Horikita frowned slightly, seemingly not understanding Matsushita's shock.
"..." x4.
It seemed Horikita really didn't understand the "mood."
It's strange for someone to suddenly jump into a conversation between groups that don't usually talk; normally, she shouldn't have spoken—that's called knowing your boundaries and the atmosphere. But to some extent, Horikita was the hero who ensured everyone would have a guaranteed income for the next two years.
Even Matsushita hadn't expected the exam to be handled this way. After hearing the rules, she had assumed the whole class would be suffering on the island, saving points in this heat. she had already hallucinated the miserable days ahead. Instead, it became "Operation Zero Points." And this zero points actually brought tangible benefits to Class D.
So, this way of taking the exam was actually great. Of course, that was for Class D. For Class B, being able to save 300 base points and then potentially merge them into the final result meant Evaluation Points +300. That was even better.
Horikita didn't care about the looks from others. She had originally planned to stay as well, but Hachiman had driven her away saying, "Even if you all stay, it won't change the exam result." In other words, he secretly told her that she didn't need to be personally involved in the next part of the exam; she could just go back to the ship with the other students.
So, her mission for this exam was effectively over. Following Hachiman's arrangement, she proposed the "distribution according to labor" plan, successfully motivating the Class D students and facilitating the cooperation between Class D and Class B. She packaged all of Class D's sellable resources—the base points and the leader's identity—and sold them to Class B. The Class D students were satisfied with the steady living expenses. No one objected, no one doubted the secret understanding between her and Hachiman.
No one even questioned if she was selling out Class D's future—though she didn't think Class D had much of a future to speak of.
However, there was one thing ordinary Class D students didn't notice, and even Hirata didn't catch: The moment she arrived at the beach, she started explaining the labor-distribution plan as Hachiman requested. Almost the instant she finished, Hachiman arrived at the Class D gathering point with Ichinose. The speed was unnervingly fast.
Horikita was sharp; she immediately sensed something was off. She felt there was only one possibility: before Hachiman came to Class D, he hadn't contacted Class A or Class C at all. Therefore, the theory that Class A and Class B had the same strategy and had bought out Class C's supplies didn't exist. Especially since Ryuen from Class C looked full of confidence and had even provoked Class A; it was unlikely he would be easily bought off to give up 300 base points.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, if Class A really wanted to buy supplies, they would naturally choose the less aggressive Class D. Thus, Horikita judged that Hachiman was actually driving the price down. The result of driving the price down was... buying Class D's 300 base points early, then preparing to sell those 300 points at a high price.
This was why Horikita Suzune told the Class D students she wouldn't take a share of the income from selling the base points. She would be getting a cut of the profit Hachiman made from reselling Class D's 300 base points at a high price. She said that to push Class D into deciding to sell the points as quickly as possible—making it a fait accompli.
Thinking of this, Horikita turned her gaze to Chabashira Sae. The teacher had stopped to rest nearby, watching the retreating Class D students with a calm but somewhat dim expression, her arms crossed.
Horikita hesitated, then walked forward to consult her. "Chabashira-sensei, what are your thoughts on this exam?"
"..." Chabashira.
Asking her for her thoughts. Chabashira was silent for a moment. She looked deeply at Horikita with a complex gaze filled with helplessness, resentment, and an unhidable trace of defeat. Was Horikita mocking her because Ayanokouji, whom she had high hopes for, couldn't even seize the initiative in Class D and had to watch helplessly as they sold off their resources, ending any chance of gaining points? Or was she mocking her long-held wish, which had vanished like a bubble less than half an hour after the exam began?
Yes, it was over. Her long-held wish for Class D to escape its fate as the bottom class, to rise step by step toward Class A... that ambition, that dream she couldn't complete in her own past class, had ended just like that.
Horikita really didn't know how to read the room.
Couldn't she see her low mood? To ask such a heart-piercing question... Horikita was like this with Karuizawa's group just now, and she was doing it to her too.
"..."
Chabashira knew that Horikita truly didn't understand social atmospheres; otherwise, she wouldn't have tried to kick her off the rooftop when she and Hikigaya met there right after school started. Fine, she would forgive her. She was just a teacher for Class D now. For the past two years, she had viewed Class D as a tool for promotion—she was a failure of a teacher. Now, with this class, she would resign after finishing.
She would do her best as a teacher. Thus, Chabashira quickly forgave the socially oblivious, heart-stabbing Horikita.
In response to the question, she answered, "Class D's Operation Zero Points. It's an unexpected way to take the exam. In terms of resources gained, securing steady living expenses for two years is indeed a win for the Class D students.
After all, with Class D's current strength, even if everyone stayed on the island, they might not occupy many spots or easily guess other leaders. In the end, not only would they get few points, but even if they did gain evaluation points, given their temperaments, they would likely lose them quickly through impulsive mistakes.
So, securing steady living expenses is a great benefit for Class D from this exam."
That was her evaluation of Class D's performance. However, internally, Chabashira had an even more terrifying suspicion.
Because Class D had compromised once and tasted the sweetness of getting points without suffering, they might choose to compromise the same way in the next special exam.
Since their evaluation points were always low and rising to Class A seemed hopeless, instead of fighting for uncertain points, they might just give up and use their "low-point class" status to accept massive penalties in exchange for point rewards from other classes when needed.
Over time, Class D would become a "vassal class"—a class that exists by selling its own interests to others for points. There would be no chance of rising, and no one would ever respect them.
That was the future where Class D could never climb up.
Thinking of this, Chabashira felt that the failure of her dream wasn't as hard to take—because she knew clearly it wasn't that the students weren't trying, or that Ayanokouji wasn't strong enough.
It was because Hikigaya Hachiman from Class B was a truly terrifying guy.
.
.
.
Meanwhile, the "terrifying" Hikigaya Hachiman had led Hirata Yosuke back to the Class B gathering point. He gave a few instructions, telling the Class B students to stay put for now, then headed toward the Class A gathering point with Ichinose Honami.
His next plan was to convince Class A and Class C to bid at a high price for the base point resources he bought cheaply from Class D. Yes. His goal was to sell all the "welfare resources" provided by the school at a high price.
Evaluation points looked nice, but you had to be able to keep them. From the perspective of a fair Chairman, he didn't think the school would let Classes A and B keep gaining massive amounts of points. Once they hit 1500 or 2000 points, the school would likely launch exams specifically designed to cut evaluation points.
After all, student living expenses were paid out as Evaluation Points x 100. If the points got too high, the finances would be strained. The resources spent on exams and the monthly allowances needed to be adjusted. If one class or the whole grade pulled too high, a "penalty-only" special exam would surely follow—unless the school sacrificed other grades.
Usually, that wouldn't happen. But if it did, the school would find out—like Nagumo Miyabi from the original story, who manipulated all the special exams of the second year into "representative discussions" to extract the most resources from the school. In that case, the school wasn't testing the students' abilities; the students were using the exams as ATMs. In such a series of exams, only Nagumo Miyabi would shine because he was the only one truly "taking" the exam—planning and arranging everything while everyone else acted. A grade like that would be considered a failure. If exposed, it would incur the school's wrath.
The school provides resources to cultivate students through competition, not to let one person dominate by making everyone else "actors."
The school wants students to grow through competition. Even if the winner is ultimately Class A or B, the school supports Class C and D because they have a reason to exist. As Horikita Manabu said in his graduation speech: "While only Class A graduates get the school's full honors, if you stayed in this school for three years without being expelled, I believe you have learned something useful."
To students who couldn't reach Class A, those words were a comfort—telling them their three years weren't wasted and they could enter society with their heads held high.
In fact, many school exams are designed to test various abilities to prepare students for society. Even if Classes B, C, and D don't represent the school in society, they will have more experience and brains than students from average schools.
This is the school's educational philosophy.
Nagumo succeeded in controlling the second year, but it meant he deviated from that philosophy. Using the resources of a whole grade to produce just one person wasn't worth it
for the school. That's why Nagumo's position as Student Council President became unstable, and he resigned early, leaving the choice of successor between Ichinose and Horikita Suzune.
And then the lackluster Horikita Suzune took over, directly lowering the value of the student council.
'I'm thinking about bad things again.' However, now that Horikita Suzune was under his guidance, she might grow more than in the original story.
Back to the point. Hachiman felt that from the school's fiscal perspective, his class was currently at 1011 points. If they gained another 500-600 in this exam and another 300-400 in the "VIP" exam, they would likely hit the school's KPI limit. Consequently, the teachers would trigger a "budget-cutting" special exam.
That wouldn't be pleasant.
This was exactly why he didn't want to be a "corporate slave"—just thinking about adults' goals, requirements, and KPIs was exhausting.
Of course, that was just one reason. The other was that as Class B's representative, he needed to seek some private gain for his class. It was only the first semester of the first year, but Class B would eventually face the "In-Class Voting" expulsion exam. Class B students couldn't bring themselves to cut a comrade, which is why in the original story they spent all their points to save a classmate. Now, they were choosing to "support" Hachiman. In return, Hachiman couldn't ignore them.
So, on an occasion like this where he could fleece the system, he had to bring them along for a profit. At least they'd have enough points to protect a comrade when expulsion became mandatory, or let someone like Kushida leave with 20 million points for a better future.
But... if he did that, it felt like... he was heading in the direction of President Horikita Manabu.
"Is this really the right path?" Hachiman discovered that he, who disliked taking action and preferred being a mere observer of humanity, was becoming a Horikita Manabu type. This made him doubt his life choices.
"Hmm?" Ichinose, walking beside him, didn't seem to understand.
"Nothing." Hachiman shook his head and continued forward.
"Hikigaya? What are you doing here!"
As soon as he approached the Class A area, before he could even speak, he drew heavy attention from the students. Whether they were organizing supplies or discussing defense strategies, the Class A students stopped what they were doing and looked at Hachiman and Ichinose with suspicion and vigilance.
After all, Class A and Class B were rivals, nearly equal in strength, both striving for rank and points. Hachiman appearing at the Class A camp with Ichinose made it easy to suspect he was there to scout or sabotage.
Well, "sabotage" was what Kamuro thought. Though Sakayanagi wasn't here, if she were, she'd probably say, "Hikigaya-kun is a very bad person."
While the Class A students were on high alert, Hachiman noticed there were only 29 students present. About 10 were missing, including the core figure Katsuragi Kohei and his follower Totsuka Yahiko. It seemed Katsuragi had taken people to seize spots. Since spot-snatching was key to extra points, someone with Katsuragi's personality wouldn't miss the chance.
Since he had a clue, he naturally had to... act first!
"No need to be so nervous," Hachiman waved his hand at the Class A students. "I'm here to cooperate. I've learned the rules of this exam from the teacher and, after much consideration, have decided to forfeit the exam."
"Forfeit the exam?"
The Class A students were shocked, and whispers broke out immediately. They never expected Class B to give up. This was a chance to raise points or even overtake Class A, and Class B was just... giving up?
Ignoring the surprise, Hachiman continued, "This afternoon, I will arrange for all my students to forfeit and return to the ship. Therefore, the 300 base points in Class B's hands—the supplies we can exchange for—are all available."
He scanned the Class A students. "Are you not interested in such a deal?"
"Oh?" At the word "deal," the expressions of the Class A students shifted instantly. While still cautious, the idea of Class B forfeiting and selling their points was something they never imagined, causing a flicker of hesitation.
If Class B withdrew, Class A's position would be secured! Especially now when Sakayanagi was absent and Class A was vulnerable.
"So, you're here to sell resources?" Hashimoto Masayoshi of the Sakayanagi faction spoke first, his tone carrying surprise and curiosity.
Most of the students left at the camp were from the Sakayanagi faction. Their leader hadn't come, and though she told them to follow Katsuragi, they felt Katsuragi was too cautious. He wanted to "hold the fort" when Class B was breathing down their necks—he wasn't the best leader. They wanted a chance to turn the tide and prove their strength. But unfortunately, since their leader couldn't participate, they had to behave.
Now, the conditions offered by Hikigaya Hachiman were too tempting. Everyone was calculating.
Was Class B really giving up? If so, it was a massive win for Class A. Since Sakayanagi wasn't here, Class A's base points were only 270, trailing Class B's 300. If Class B's points dropped to 0, the gap would widen instantly, and they wouldn't have to worry about Class B catching up.
Almost every Class A student began to waver. To them, if Class B really quit, spending a few points to buy Class B's supplies and secure their advantage was the right choice. Moreover, those supplies would help them survive better without spending their own base points.
In fact, if they used Class B's points for supplies, their own 270 points could remain untouched and be converted into evaluation points. As long as Class B forfeited and Class A stayed #1, it was a guaranteed profit. Facilitating this deal would be a great achievement to boast about when Sakayanagi returned.
Thinking this, the Sakayanagi faction students grew restless, looking at Hashimoto and Kamuro for a lead. These two were Sakayanagi's trusted lieutenants. Hashimoto had earned her favor through intelligence and wit; Kamuro, though Sakayanagi's "lapdog" who handled chores, was respected because she had direct access to the leader. Many people wanted to be the dog, but she wouldn't have them.
"Impossible!" Just then, a discordant voice rang out. The few Katsuragi faction students present stood up, countering firmly. "The exam is currently being led by Katsuragi-kun. All decisions should be made by him. This has nothing to do with Sakayanagi-san. We must wait until Katsuragi-kun returns. We cannot take the initiative!"
The Katsuragi faction students followed him blindly. They knew Katsuragi valued this exam to consolidate his position in Class A and gain points. Katsuragi currently had the advantage and was out securing spots, which favored him. Once the exam ended, he would be the hero.
If the Sakayanagi faction bought Class B's supplies on their own—even if Class A kept its 270 points—it would be credited to the Sakayanagi faction. That wouldn't help Katsuragi's status. As members of his faction, they had to stop it. If credit was to be earned, it had to be by Katsuragi.
"Hmph, who knows where Katsuragi-kun is? By the time he's back, the opportunity might be gone!" a Sakayanagi student retorted. "Besides, this deal is so beneficial to Class A—why not agree? Do we have to wait until Class B sells to Class C and then regret it?"
"Don't forget, Class C got the spot info before the exam started. They're probably seizing spots right now," said another Class A student—a girl with long dark-blue hair whom Hachiman had labeled an eccentric. She was part of the Sakayanagi faction.
Morishita Ai glanced at Hikigaya Hachiman. On the ship, Class B had been taking photos to observe the island; they should be competing for spots too. But if both Hikigaya and Ichinose were here, it meant Class B's leader wasn't either of them.
"Exactly! Katsuragi-kun is too cautious to see the benefit. we can't let him ruin Class A's interests!"
"You're talking nonsense! Katsuragi-kun is doing this for Class A's sake. You can't decide on your own!"
Both sides argued, and the once-quiet camp became noisy. Hachiman and Ichinose stood by, watching with blank expressions as if they had predicted this. It seemed Class A still hadn't reached the requirement for a "united class"; internal division was their greatest weakness.
Hachiman knew Katsuragi wouldn't be back anytime soon. Waiting would just waste time and potentially complicate things. He turned to Ichinose. "Ichinose, go to Class C first. Explain our intent to cooperate to Ryuen. Tell him Class B is selling base points and ask if he's interested. If he is, bring him here to the Class A camp."
As Hachiman's veteran partner, Ichinose understood immediately. Hachiman wanted Class A and Class C to compete and bid against each other so he could sell at a higher price.
If anyone is 'bad,' it's Hikigaya-kun.
"Understood, Hachiman-kun," Ichinose nodded with a gentle smile and a sweet tone. "I'll head out now."
"Yeah," Hachiman nodded. But he quickly reacted. "Wait, what did you call me?"
He realized Ichinose hadn't called him "Hikigaya."
"Hikigaya-kun, right?" Ichinose seemed confused.
"..."
Fine. He must have misheard. He thought their relationship had gotten closer. But since he didn't call her "Honami," it was normal for her to call him Hikigaya. Come to think of it, Yuigahama would call him "Hikki." Thinking about it, he was a bit of a failure; forget about conquering Yukinoshita, he couldn't even find a girl who called him by his first name.
And here in Class A, aside from Sakayanagi, the only one he knew was Kamuro, who feared him and probably wouldn't even want to say his name.
Sigh.
With other things on his mind, Hachiman watched the Sakayanagi and Katsuragi factions argue.
"..." Kamuro Masumi.
As the one tasked by Sakayanagi to listen to Hikigaya's inner thoughts, Kamuro discovered that all she heard were his "thirsting" thoughts. It was already June, it was summer, and they were in the middle of an exam—could you reveal some exam info?
If calling him by his name could trade for info, she'd say it dozens of times. Unfortunately, with so many people around, she couldn't say such things.
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