The time was 1:00 PM on the fourth day of the exam.
The Rabbit Group's discussion meeting was about to begin.
When Natsukawa Sosuke walked into the room, the atmosphere inside was subtle. Machida Koji of Class A was sitting there, his gaze occasionally drifting toward the door, seemingly waiting for something.
However, the moment Karuizawa Kei walked into the room, everyone was stunned.
She didn't complain loudly as usual, nor did she walk straight toward the Class A area.
She merely glanced around, and the instant her eyes met Natsukawa's, a flicker of light appeared in her usually indifferent gaze. Then, without any hesitation, she walked straight to the empty seat beside Natsukawa, pulled out the chair, and sat down.
"Natsukawa, this seat isn't taken, right?"
Karuizawa Kei's voice still held that characteristic spoiled arrogance, but listening closely, one could detect a hint of cautious flattery hidden within it.
"It shouldn't be. Sit."
"That's great."
After Karuizawa Kei sat down, she naturally took a bottle of mineral water from her bag, twisted off the cap, and placed it next to Natsukawa's hand.
"It's a bit hot outside, Natsukawa-kun, would you like some water?"
This series of smooth actions left most of the people present dumbfounded.
Manabe Shiho and Yamashita Saki, sitting on the other side, instinctively stiffened the moment they saw Karuizawa sitting next to Natsukawa. They quickly lowered their heads, not daring to meet Natsukawa's indifferent gaze, and even softened their breathing, afraid of attracting the attention of that menace.
"Oh, Honami-chan! Good afternoon."
Karuizawa Kei paid no attention to the looks of others. She turned her head and gave Ichinose Honami next to her a brilliant smile.
"I heard you're Class B's leader. It must be tough hosting these discussions over the past few days."
"Eh? Ah... Good afternoon, Karuizawa-san."
Ichinose Honami clearly hadn't expected Karuizawa to initiate a conversation with her.
(Strange... Karuizawa-san's attitude wasn't like this before...)
Although she felt some confusion, Ichinose naturally wouldn't reject someone trying to be friendly.
"It's not tough at all. It's the result of everyone cooperating."
Ichinose responded with a smile, "Speaking of which, Karuizawa-san, you look quite cheerful today."
"Do I? Maybe I just slept well last night."
Karuizawa Kei brushed the hair near her ear, and out of the corner of her eye, she secretly glanced at Natsukawa beside her. Seeing that he showed no objection, her courage grew slightly.
"By the way, Honami-chan, your hair is so well-maintained. What brand of shampoo do you use? I'd like to try it too."
"Ah, this is..."
The two naturally continued their conversation like this.
Although the topics were just typical girl talk, this harmonious scene made the atmosphere of the entire room feel somewhat bizarre.
Natsukawa Sosuke leaned back in his chair, quietly listening to the conversation beside him.
'She adapts quickly.'
He glanced at Karuizawa.
This girl certainly possessed a powerful survival instinct. Once she confirmed who her new host was, she could quickly adjust her demeanor and precisely establish connections with people close to the host.
Time passed minute by minute.
2:00 PM.
As the bell rang, the discussion was declared over.
Everyone stood up and left.
Karuizawa Kei stood up but didn't leave immediately. Instead, she looked at Natsukawa, her eyes conveying a question.
Natsukawa nodded slightly.
Having received permission, Karuizawa finally breathed a sigh of relief. She picked up her bag and walked out of the room with that false, confident smile on her face.
"Um... Natsukawa-kun."
Just as Natsukawa was about to stand up, Ichinose Honami called out to him.
She stood by the table, hands clasped behind her back, her eyes flickering slightly.
"If it's convenient... could we talk for a bit? On the upper deck."
...The cruise ship's top deck, observation platform.
Golden-red sunlight scattered across the sea, causing the water to shimmer.
"Let's talk here."
Natsukawa Sosuke walked to the railing and turned to look at Ichinose.
"You look serious. Did something happen?"
Ichinose Honami didn't answer immediately; instead, she took a deep breath.
"Natsukawa-kun, it's about the Ox Group yesterday."
"Yesterday morning, the Ox Group's exam suddenly ended."
She paused, her tone becoming more serious.
"Natsukawa-kun... this matter, it has nothing to do with you, right?"
She wasn't doubting Natsukawa, but she felt unsettled.
As Class B's protector, she had to be responsible for every point.
However, she didn't need proof; she just needed a word from Natsukawa, an assurance that would set her mind at ease.
"The Ox Group?"
"It has nothing to do with me. Class C submitted the answer."
"I... I see."
Hearing Natsukawa's straightforward answer, Ichinose Honami's tense shoulders finally relaxed, and a relieved smile returned to her face.
"That's great... If Sōsuke-kun says so, I feel relieved."
"However, even though I didn't do it, that doesn't mean you can rest easy."
"The early end of the Ox Group exam shows that Class C intends to start making moves."
"Honami, when does Class B plan to submit the answer I gave you?"
"Probably... after nine o'clock tonight?"
"That's too slow."
"While aiming for stability isn't wrong, the situation is different this time."
"I received concrete information that Class C has also obtained a list of suspects for Class A's three VIPs through some channel."
"If you delay too long, Class C might submit first."
"Once someone submits, the exam ends immediately. Even if Ryuuen is guessing, as long as he's faster than you, the information Class B paid a high price for will become worthless."
This is a race against an unseen opponent.
Ichinose Honami's expression became serious. It wasn't that she was unaware of the risks, but as a leader shouldering the points of the entire class, she couldn't panic just based on this one statement.
"...You're right, Natsukawa-kun. We certainly can't wait until the last minute."
"However, I want to confirm one last time."
Because Ichinose didn't have Natsukawa's omniscient perspective, even though she trusted his character and ability. As Class B's leader, she couldn't be reckless, so she wanted to make a final confirmation.
"There's one final discussion meeting at 8:00 PM. I will use that opportunity to ask the classmates to observe the situation in each group one last time."
"If we confirm they aren't making any moves, or if they show signs of impatience... that will be the best time for us to act."
"I will arrange for a classmate to submit the answer 10 minutes before the 8:00 discussion meeting ends."
"That's a sound judgment."
"Since you've decided, then proceed as you said. I trust your judgment."
Receiving Natsukawa's approval, Ichinose sighed in relief.
She turned around and took a folded A4 sheet of paper from her small bag.
"Since the plan is set, then this... should be given to Sosuke now."
She handed it to Natsukawa with both hands, her action appearing particularly solemn.
"Natsukawa-kun, this is the contract we agreed upon. I've already signed it, and the teacher has stamped it."
However, Natsukawa was not in a hurry to take it; instead, he looked into Ichinose's eyes.
"Don't you want to wait a bit longer? If the information I gave you turns out to be false when the results come out tonight, you won't be able to take this back."
"It won't be."
"Since I chose to cooperate, I should give you one hundred percent of my trust. I believe Sosuke wouldn't lie to me."
"Besides... even if we lose, I accept it."
Natsukawa put the item away, a sincere smile appearing on his face.
"I am a man who values integrity the most. Don't worry, you will hear good news at 11:00 tonight."
"By the way, Honami, regarding the final discussion tonight, there are a few things I need to tell you..."