Round 3:

"Who is the traitor in our group?" Akiyama was besieged by questions from his female group mates. He felt a bit overwhelmed. The only one who did not crowd around him was Yukina, who as usual was staring at Akiyama from afar haughtily.

"What do you have to say for yourself, Yukina?" He thundered.

"Akiyama-san! How can you say that about Yukina? Haven't you remembered in the Final Stage, she was on our side all along?" Nao asked, while Wan Ting and Sakiko looked confused since they were new participants.

"It's precisely BECAUSE we were in the Final Stage, I know what kind of witch you are!" Akiyama strode up to Yukina, their faces just inches from each other. Nao looked frightened.

"Let's not argue among ourselves, everyone! We can still do it, by voting for the same boxes as before!" Nao said.

"Don't be naïve, Nao-chan. Now everyone thinks that I am the traitor, do you still think they will continue to trust me as before?" Yukina snarked. "Let me tell you something, I will be voting for the most expensive box, so no need to doubt me this time!" She strode away.

Akiyama looked around, disappointed. "You heard her. Now, Wan Ting, you shall also vote for the most expensive box, so we shall have 2 people with the most expensive box."

Soon, it is time for the results. As expected, Harimoto's group had incurred a 2.2 million debt, most likely two expensive box and 3 next expensive box. The debt will be 0.44 million for each player. Yokoya's group is now 1.7 million. Akiyama's group, however, goes without a hitch this time at 2.2 million.

"Why is our group 2.2 million? Does that mean that Yukina is the traitor?" Wan Ting asked.

"No, actually, that was just a trick Yukina, Nao and I played," Akiyama smirked. "I purposely pretend to suspect Yukina, so that the real "Player X" can be at ease."

"But why would Yukina announce that she is buying the most expensive box?" Wan Ting asked.

"That's because since I announce that, there should be no reason that our amount should NOT tally at 2.2 million," Yukina said.

"So, shouldn't that mean that Yukina is our traitor, since it tallies?" Sakiko asked.

"Funny you should ask us that, since you should be more aware than anyone else, Sakiko." Akiyama turned. "Or should I call you, Player X?"

"Why would you suspect me? The number tallied, didn't it?" Sakiko asked.

"Aren't you surprised when it tallied? Truth is, Yukina DIDN'T vote for the most expensive box. If the traitor was Wan Ting, she would definitely vote for the most expensive box anyway, and our tally should be 2.1 million. However, since it is 2.2 million, it means that someone else voted for the most expensive box, which means you, Sakiko, voted."

"So be it. I knew I should not underestimate you, Akiyama. But so what if you uncovered me as the traitor? Do you honestly think that makes your predicament any better? I already have 88 gems, the highest in this group. I will just continue to vote for the most expensive box, and you can't do anything against me!" Sakiko exclaimed.

"Oh really? I already know you are the spy from Harimoto's group! I noticed that you and Muraji are around the same height, and you looked similar. I believe he is your "twin", are you two are the newest weapons of Harimoto?" Akiyama asked. He scooted close to Sakiko. "Go ahead and vote for the most expensive jewels—I guarantee you will not be able to continue for long!"

What is Akiyama planning? Find out in the next round!

Tallies:

Air: Akiyama: 8+74(32)+43=125 gems, 4.1 million. Nao: 2+77(32)+44=123 gems, 4.1 million. Yukina: 4+49=53 gems, 4.1 million. Sakiko: 2+86(31)+46=134 gems, 4.1 million. Wan Ting: 1+50=51 gems, 4.1 million.

Water: Yokoya: 57+56(10)=113 gems, 2.82 million. Katsuragi: 53+58(11)+54(8)=165 gems, 2.82 million. Fukunaga: 52+53(11)=105 gems, 2.82 million. Momoka: 53+64(7)=117 gems, 2.82 million. Lee: 49+56(8)=105 gems, 2.82 million.

Earth: Harimoto: 42+54+53=149 gems, 3.68 million. Kimura: 54+50+52=156 gems, 3.68 million. Muraji: 43+37+46=126 gems, 3.68 million. Sean: 32+31+34=97 gems, 3.68 million. Kenneth: 31+38+35=126 gems, 3.68 million.

Leading group: Water, leading person: Katsuragi.