unpolished diamond

by vamer

ok

Classroom of the Elite: OC the unpolished diamondAuthor: Ryuzu_Published: 2023

Fukazawa Yato is forced to go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School. Even if he had no motivation to go at the beginning, that will change more as time passes. Finally, his life going to change when he's going to meet the masterpiece of the White room. So in this story, My OC is not more OP than Ayanakoji. BUT his potential is monstrous. This FanFiction is inspired by Classroom of the elite: I am really an ordinary person by Azreel13. I don't own Classroom of the Elite.

BIO

Character design:

Name:

· Fukazawa Yato

Characteristics:

· 5,9 feet

· 16 years old

Abilities:

· Have a monstrous potential

· Good observer

· Have good grades at school

· He has good physical abilities

· Good liar

· Able to adapt himself face to a particular situation or problem

Personality:

· Extremely nonchalant

· Can be friendly... (only if he's in the mood for it)

· Prefer and don't mind being alone.

More information:

· Likes: reading, sleeping, sports, acting like a fool sometimes, nickname

· Dislike: his bad luck, people who are perverts and useless, getting up early

· Curious\have a certain interest in good people.

· Has one brother

I know it's a short bio, haha, but I don't want to spoil Yato's character too much. I'm telling you right away that Yato is not going to be better than Ayanakoji. Kiyo is still the Masterpiece of the WhiteRoom. But Yato has much more potential than Kiyo. For example, if Yato had been in the 4th generation of the WhiteRoom, he would surely be equal to or even superior to Ayanakoji.

I will also include some characters from other series BUT they are also OC characters. They will mostly be used for Yato's backstory\background.

English is not my first language. Sorry if the grammar is not always perfect and for the grammatical mistakes. The story is inspired by the Fanfiction of Azreel13 – I am an ordinary person. I asked his permission to take his story as inspiration for the first Volumes. What I will keep nearly the same in my story will be the action of the OC\READER, but the background of the main character will change and his personality. Go check out his amazing story if you haven't yet!

I hope you will enjoy my story!

Volume 1: The Start

First Chapter

Italics = thoughts

Yato POV :

Well...here I am... the moment that I dreaded for the last months.

Right now, I'm actually on the way to my future school for the next three years of my life, the Advanced Nurturing High School.

This school is directed and financed by the Japanese Government and this place is renowned for teaching young people who will support the future of Japan. When you look at this school most people would say that this school is great, but for me, I just don't care about becoming some elite who going to support Japan, The truth is I was forced to go to this school,

Yato: I'm noteven arrived yet and I'm already tired...

I took a look around the bus I just sighed before leaning my head against the seat I was sitting on.

Yato: Well, I guess I'm just going to take a nap for the remaining route to the school.

I thought a nap would be great to pass the time...but I didn't know that would be one of the worst choices of the day for me yet.

After like 5 minutes of sleep...

???: Kyaa!

Yato: !!!!

Hearing someone shout I slowly started to open my eyes but before I could do anything else I was just pushed to the side...

Yato: Huh?

As I was slowly waking up, I took a glance next to me and I immediately understood the situation...

Yato: Oh...

I was sitting next to a girl and by looking at her and her facial expression...I must have fallen asleep on her shoulder...

The girl has purple hair and has the same uniform as mine...

Yato: But wait...

My concern shouldn't only be the girl right now...In fact, the real problem is everyone on the bus look at us...

Yato: Sighs...I guess she was surprised that I fell asleep like that but still...she screamed as if her life was in danger and now everyone is looking at me wondering what I did...

Yato: Sorry, I fall asleep and my head must have fallen on your shoulder, my bad!

After having analyzed the current situation and noticed that the girl probably just has been surprised by this... I decided to just apologize with a cheerful attitude.

Girl: hum... Well, I don't care I was just surprised. We can move on from this accident.

Yato: ...

Even if she seemed to have moved on from this incident...Her gaze did not match at all with the words she had just said.

She is still angry at me and she looks at me with a look of disgust. In fact, she was not the only one because everyone on the bus was looking at me and talking about what had happened...

Yato: Sighs...all this is happening because you decided to send me to this school Mori...

.

.

.

Flashback

Third person Pov

Four months before.

In an elevator from one of the biggest buildings in Tokyo, a teenager named Yato was currently in the elevator waiting to arrive at the upper floor.

When he stepped outside, he headed towards the door in the back of the hallway with two men in black suits standing in front of the door. The two men let him pass to enter the office where a man was looking at the city from the large window.

(A.N): As I said in the BIO, Mori from bungo strays dogs is also an OC character in this story. No superpower or anything like that...

Yato: Yo Mori, why did you call me at 9 a.m. in your office? I ended up late last night so if you can make it quick...

With his usual smile, Mori started looking at Yato.

Mori: I called you early because I have important things to tell you. Hum? Where is Dazai, he is not with you?

Noticing there was missing someone next to Yato...Mori asked this question.

Yato: Why should I know where he is?? That's not him who is supposed to watch out for me as you ordered him? Anyway, what was so important that you called me this early?

Mori: Ah yes, at the beginning of April you will go to school.

Yato: ...

With a puzzled expression, Yato kept looking at Mori who still had his smile until...

Yato: Haha! What a funny man you are... For real what did you want to talk about?

Mori: I'm dead serious.

Yato: ...

Mori then started looking through the large window again seeing that he fully caught the attention of Yato.

Mori: You going to go to the Koudo Ikusei High School. Since what happened in October, it will be good for you...

He then started looking at Yato again with a more serious look...

Mori: Look at yourself in a glass Yato... in no way you look like a child of your age.

What Mori was talking about was the bandages on Yato's face due to some injury he received...and side the bandages on his face...he was talking more about his facial expression.

Mori: Also...we will both gain some things if you go there.

Yato: Whoa Whoa wait a second Mori...I still have things to do here! Also, it's been way too long since I was at school, that's going to be a total waste of...

Before Yato could finish what he was saying...

Mori: Yato...

With a cold glance and voice tone, Mori called Yato's name...seeing this Yato decided to say silent...

Mori: I think you misunderstood me. You are going to this school it's already been decided. You have the entry tests and the interviews next week. Just trust me it will be very blessed for both of us.

Yato: for both of us??

With a puzzled expression, Yato stared at Mori trying to read him until he just sighed...

Yato: Well, I guess I have no choice now.

After this sentence, Yato was making his way out of the office still annoyed that he was forced to go to this school.

But before leaving the room, Yato stopped and turned around to look at Mori...

Yato: After all, I already decided to follow you. If you tell me that going there will help me and you at the same time I will go.

With these words, Yato left Mori's office without waiting for an answer.

But as he was walking in the hallway, he noticed someone...

A man leaning against a wall with a foolish attitude...

???: Yoooo so do you love the news Mori had to tell you??

Yato: Sighs shut up Dazai I'm not in the mood to deal with you...

Dazai: Haha but you know? We all agree that was the best thing for you to go there. So, try to enjoy your three years at this school like a normal teenager. Well, I'm not sure this school is "normal" but anyways...

Hearing this Yato just stopped as he sighed annoyed...

Yato: Soo you already knew the news huh?

As if he was proud the man named Dazai nodded a few times.

Dazai: It was already planned for a little while but we made the final decision last night.

LAST NIGHT

5 people were currently discussing the fact they going to send Yato to this school. There was one old guy in his 60s, a woman in her 40s, Mori, Dazai, and a guy who have the same age as Dazai.

Mori: Can I have your opinion about my decision to send Yato to this school? Dazai, Chuuya, Kyoyo, and Ryuro?

The first person Mori started to look at was Ryuro, the old man of the group.

Ryuro: Yes, that is the best decision for Yato-dono. He is a smart boy and knowing how this school works it will be a good experience for him for his future.

After hearing Ryuro answer, Mori started looking at Ryoyo, the woman with pink hair who take a lot of time to take care of her look.

Ryoyo: I agree with this idea Boss-kun! I this it's important for Yato-chan... He need a break and going to this school would be perfect for him to experience a normal teenage life! With what happened four years ago and what happened last October... I want to see this little boy happy...

Hearing Ryoyo answer just made sneered Chuuya, one of the two youngest there...

Chuuya: Haha seriously this lovely attitude... but seriously I am okay with this decision Boss. I can't wait to see his face when he is going to learn the news haha.

Having now the opinion of all his subordinates, more just nodded...

Mori: Good now that we all agreed...but what really matters right now is the future. Knowing that the Masterpeaice of the WhiteRoom going to this school will be useful. After all, only a diamond can polish another diamond right?

Dazai who seemed more serious than usual just looked at a picture of a teenager about the same age as Yato that was on the table...

Dazai: Ayanakoji Kiyotaka...

BACK WITH DAZAI AND YATO

Yato: We??

Realizing that everyone knew about this just annoyed Yato more than he already was...

Yato: So everyone knew about this?!

Dazai: ...

Yato: Come on man! That's unfair...

Dazai: Sorry Boss order haha. I can't say anything to you about this school. Anyway, you will easily discover everything by yourself.

Yato: Yeah Yeah... Anyways let's go, Chuuya must be waiting downstairs.

End Flashback current time

Yato POV

Yato: Finally...

We finally arrived at the school.

I got off the bus and looked outside the campus a last time since I couldn't see this view for three years.

Yato: The rule that every contact outside this school is prohibited must be hard for every student who goes to this school. It's hard to imagine it could be a positive point and motivation to register in this school. Well, after all that does not concern me...

Staying at the entrance of the school campus is useless... the inevitable will come so knowing this I just decided to finally step into the campus...

Yato: Hmm...

As I was walking around I was looking at the installation on the campus...

Yato: I must admit even if I don't want to be here... that I'm really surprised with this campus, it's a big place and it looks really laid out. With all the shops and entertainment places for the students, I should definitively take a tour of the campus but right now I should start heading for the opening ceremony.

.

.

.

Time skip

We were all in the assembly hall in a group that seemed to be our class. I looked around me to observe people who would be in my class when some teacher was making some boring speech.

Yato: Look like the girl on the bus is not in the same class as me. That is the first good news of the day. Hum, I don't recognize anyone in my class. Well, I'm not surprised... I was not at school these last three years, It's nearly impossible for me to recognize someone.

As I was in my thoughts, a man walked into the front scene and started making his speech. It was the president of the school council. I was not really listening to his speech but I was more focused on the person itself.

Yato: Hmm, this guy... I must say that the aura this man gives when he is standing on the scene in front of everyone is really impressive.

After a moment of looking at this guy, I decided to look around at my classmates again... most of them weren't listening to this man untilmy gaze fell on a certain girl to my left.

Yato: Hmm, why this looks on your face when listening to his speech? First, she is one of the only ones to really listen to him and also... She does not just impress by him, her look seems to mean more than that.

Yato: ...

I continued to look at this girl for a few seconds until I lost interest and started doing as everyone else which meant...not listening and waiting for his speech to finish...

After that he finished his speech, the teacher told us to go to our assigned classes. I was now on my way to the class they put me on the D-1.

Yato: Finally, this ceremony is over. That was way too long... the only positive in this is the president guy...I guess he has the merit to have caught my attention...

I continued to walk in the hallway until I finally found the A-Class... I continued to walk for a moment until...

Yato: Ah!that's the D-1 class, I just hope to have a nice class, or the year will be long...

When I opened the door, the class was nearly full, it was missing some students out of the 40 we seemed to be per class from what I counted at the ceremony. Yes, I already count how many students we are per class. You can call it a habit of mine of examined everything around me.

Yato: Well now I have a better view of the face of everyone from my class...

I look around the class to choose my place among the remaining ones... But the one I was originally targeting was already taken. The place in the back near the window...

I then started to look at the guy sitting at the place I wanted...

He was looking through the window while talking to no one... I looked at him momentarily and his attitude didn't change at all...

Yato: He doesn't seems like the more dynamic guy in the class...With an attitude like his, I can't say if he's happy or depressed...

As I was making a quick idea of this guy from my first sight... I decided to walk toward him...

Yato: Hmmmm...I guess it's weird If I ask him to change seats so I can sit there?

Just as I was thinking if I should ask him or not...he finally stopped looking through the window to look in my direction...I guess he must have felt my gaze on him...

I looked at him in the eyes for a moment until I just sighed and turned my attention to another desk...

Yato: Go for the last row with the seat in the middle then.

I sat at my desk and I noticed that my neighbor was the girl who was looking at the president with this weird look.

Yato: Sighs...I guess that might be a good idea to at least greet her to make the presentation since we are sitting next to each other.

I just started looking at her with a smile and a more friendly attitude...

Yato: Hey so it seems that's we going to be neighbors this year! It would be great if we introduced ourselves right? I'm Fukuzawa Yato what about you?

???: ...

Yato: ...

???: ...

Yato: Sighs...

No answer

Yato: What the fuck... she didn't answer me and the worst was the look of disgust she had when she looked at me. I don't remember having such bad communication skills.

First the incident with the girl on the bus, this long endless ceremony, being ingored by this girl...

Yato: It can't be worst right?

I then started looking to my right. My other neighborhood was another girl. She has long pink hair with some glasses that look fake...but hey... who am I to judge the style of others.

I will try to interact with her it can't be worse than with the other.

Yato: Hey sorry to bother you but since we are neighbors it would be great if we introduced ourselves right? I'm Fukazawa Yato what's your name?

Hearing my voice, she turned her head to look at me...

?????: Kyaaaa!

Yato: Wait what?! Did I just scare her?

???: I-I-I-I-I S-S-S...

I heard she was saying something but I couldn't understand anything since she was stuttering...

Yato: Sighs...

I just leaned back against the back of my chair as I started looking at the ceiling...

Yato: This is going to be a long year...

At this moment the door opened and a Woman in her 30y with long black hair and a stern gaze walked into the class in went to the podium.

Chabashria: Ahem, good morning new students. My name is Chabashira Sae and I am in charge of class D this year. I teach Japanese history. This school doesn't rearrange the classes every year, so over the next three years, I hope I get to know all of you. Best regards. I will now distribute the list of special rules of this school and the matriculation guide.

Yato: Sighs...not only a year but three long years...

(Autor Note)

That it's for the first chapter I hope I was okay! It gave me approximately 2000 words. I don't know if the future chapters will be longer or shorter. Tell me what you guys prefer. Like I said in the Bio it's my first story so if you have tips or reviews that can help me in the future, please tell me! Anyways thanks to the ones who read it!

Volume 1: Rules

Chapter 2

Yato POV :

Ah yes, on the first day of school of the year, roughly during the first period Chabashira-sensei will explain the rules and the lifestyle for us to adapt in this school. After all, we are forbidden to have any contact outside this school for the next three years. So, it was certain that there would be rules that usually not have in other schools. At this moment I just received a document including the rules of this place.

One special aspect of this school that caught my attention was the S system.

Chabashira: Now that you all have the document containing the rules, I will hand you your student ID cards. This card contains all your private points, with this you can buy anything from all shops and facilities around this campus. It works the same as credit cards, be careful about how much you use points. There's nothing you can't buy at this school. If there's something on school grounds, it's purchasable.

Yato: Wait, there's nothing I can't buy at this school. It seems like I'm the only one that interests me. If you really can buy anything on the school grounds, it could be very useful. And when I think about it... That doesn't really change from the outside world, money can be a terrifying power if people use it intelligently.

Chabbashira: Students' cards can be used by swiping them on the machine or you could also use your phone to make any payment in this school, it's really easy you will have any trouble using them. The points will automatically be transferred to students on the first day of each month. Everyone should already have 100,000 points on their cards. The value of the points is, 1 point is worth 1 yen. That is all for the explanation of the student's cards.

When Chabashira finished explaining the private points and the amount of points they received the classroom got excited.

Yato: Wait wait, I know this school is run by the government but 100,000 is not a bit too much for students? Maybe it's just due to my mistrustful nature that I start having doubts about all this... I just keep listening to the rest of his explanations to see if there is a catch.

Chabashira: Were you guys surprised by the amount of points given? This school measures the abilities of students. Everyone here, who passed the entrance exam, has shown some level of merit and worth. The amount of money is your reflection of your skills. Use without holding back. After graduation, however, all the points will be taken back. Since it's impossible to change these points into cash, there's no point in saving up the points. How the points are used is up to you. Use it on things you like or need. If you feel that there is no use for some of your points, you can always transfer them to someone else. However, bullying other people for points is prohibited. The school is very strict on matters concerning bullying.

Chabashira-sensei looked around the class.

Chabashira: It seems like no one has questions. Well then, please lead a good student life.

After that, she just quit the classroom.

This further confirms my suspicion. First, the amount of money they give to us after they are justified by the fact that we show a certain level of merit and worth. So, if I start from this information, if we somehow lose this merit and worth as students, will there be consequences? What will be these consequences?

The other fact that makes me think in that way is that Chabashira-sensei never ONCE mentioned that they going to give us 100,000 per month. The only thing she said is that our points are deposited in our account on the first of the month. Anyways, I won't ask any questions and will just follow the class flow. I just going to back up myself by keeping as many points as possible until I have more proof that will confirm that my theory is true and what the consequences would be.

As soon as I finished thinking about all the Points system, I saw at my right the girl who ignored me before class started. She was currently talking to this guy who took the seat near the window...

Yato: This depressed guy over there managed to talk to this girl? Ouch...

I then looked around the class, all my classmates were already talking about how they would spend their money. After all this campus has all sorts of shops and facilities, so it was easy to fall for the temptation to take advantage of their new money.

Yato: Sighs... The other thing that brother me is what Mori said to me when he announced to me that I would go to this school. That it will be beneficial for both of us?? Well. I think it's a waste of time to think about it more right now... I can easily read most people, but Mori is something else, it's not easy to predict his intentions.

Just when I was in my thought, a guy stood up in the first row of the class.

???: Everyone, can you guys listen to me for a bit?

Yato: ...

Like everyone, I started looking at him...

???: Starting from today, we will be in the same class for the next three years. So, it would be great if we could introduce ourselves and become friends, so what do you think?

After one person had approved his idea, basically all the class naturally followed. Personally, I didn't want to introduce myself because of the two failures that had just happened 15 minutes ago.

Yato: Sighs... I will see how it goes and I will improvise.

Hirata: My name is Hirata Yousuke. Because I was often called by my first name, Yousuke, in middle school, feel free to use my first name. Although I like all sports, I like soccer in particular, and also plan to play soccer at this school. Please take care of me.

Yato: ...

Aside from his good presentation, there is something else I noticed in the class...This guy with two sentences gained the admiration of all the girls in the class. At the same time... He succeeded in gaining the jealousy of many men.

But from what I saw with his short presentation, the way he talked, his attitude, his gesture...He is probably going to be the center of the class.

After in order, it was the turn of a girl who stood up, but you clearly saw that she was stressed.

???: M-my name is Inogashira K-ko—...

She tried to introduce herself, but her words stopped in her mouth. While some people tried to cheer her up, my attention was on the girl to my left. The girl with pink hair...

Yato: If she was too shy just to introduce herself to me... how is she supposed to speak in front of everyone?

After a while, the girl named Inogashira finally succeeded in presenting herself.

Inogashira: My name is, Inogashira... Kokoro. Um, my hobby is sewing and I'm good at knitting. P-please take care of me.

After it was the turn of a guy. He has not even started his introduction and I already know it will be...special...

Yamauchi: I'm Yamauchi Haruki. In elementary school, I played table tennis at the national level, then was the baseball club's ace in middle school—I had uniform number 4. But since I got an injury during Inter High recently, so I am currently in rehab. Nice to meet ya!.

Yato: Hoi Hoi... how many lies will come from your mouth?! I hope nobody really believed what he said otherwise it's really sad... Brief I just found a top candidate for the person I like the least in my class

???: Then I'm next right?

Yato: Hm?

A cheerful girl stood up ready to present herself...Earlier when Inogashira was struggling to present herself in front of the class, it was this girl who helped her...

Kushida: My name is Kushida Kikyou, and since none of my friends from middle school came to this school, I want to get to know everyone and become friends! First of all, I want to become friends with everyone here. After all of you are done with your introductions, please exchange contact information with me!

Yato: ...

Kushida: Then, during vacations or after school, I want to make memories with many people, so please invite me to many events. I've been talking for a while, so I'll end my self-introduction here.

After Hirata, it was Kushida who succeeded in catching everyone's attention. All the boys looked at her like she was an angel and for the girl, she was giving a friendly vibe. She will have no problem socializing with everyone at school. Although, her speech was a bit too much? She really insists that she wants to be friends with everyone and be part of all events that people make. That's not weird to want to be friends with others that much?

Yato: ...

I looked at her as she was smiling at everyone...until she started looking at me with this same smile...

Yato: Well, I must be overthinking, it's just that she is different from me... Some people are extremely social by nature, she must be one of them.

After her introduction, It was the turn of a guy who was sitting in front of Yamachui.

Ike: I'm Ike Kanji. The things I like are girls, and the things I hate are ikemen. I'm looking for a girlfriend at any time, so nice to meet you! Of course, you better be cute or beautiful!

Yato: Oh wow... That's a trash introduction... How can you come up with that? Still, I don't know why but I prefer this one to the other one.

Some girls started making fun of his introduction with reason, but I don't think he realized it.

Then Hirata was looking for the next one to introduce himself.

Hirata: Then, the next one is...

Hirata was looking at a tall student with red hair, he gave the impression of being a delinquent.

???: You guys idiots? I don't wanna introduce myself, just leave me alone.

There was a certain tension in the classroom.

Hirata: I can't force you to introduce yourself. But, I don't think that it's a bad thing to get along with your classmates. If you thought I was being unpleasant, I apologize.

All the girls started to take sides with their Hirata-sama by saying he should introduce himself, but some of the boys said nothing because there were probably jealous of Hirata.

???: No. I don't want to pretend that we're good friends.

Red hair guy got up from his seat. At the same time, several other students left the room. They probably had no intention of getting to know their classmates. Same for my two neighbors. That was a perfect opportunity to quit the class as well... but there was something I wanted to see. More precisely a girl who was sitting in the mid-row. I noticed it when I entered the class, but I still had a slight doubt. Her turn to introduce herself will be soon. I want to be there to confirm if it is really her. The girl who made fun of and broke my little brother back then in middle school...

???: It's my turn so Hey everyone! I'm Maya Sato, I'm quite sociable so come talk to me. I love shopping and fashion! Nice to meet you all!

Yato: Oh... so it's really her huh?

I continued to look at her while she continued to introduce herself.

Yato: Just because my brother asked to go out with her who was his senpai, she and her friends decided to make fun of him. What a stupid reason to make fun of someone. But, he never really told me the story himself so I may not know all the details. Anyways, it's not my type to take care of other people's business, but if that can help me pass the time why not?

Back to the introduction, Hirata was now looking at the boy who sat in the last row near the window.

Hirata: Now how about you?

???: Eh?

It looks like he was on his mind when Hirata called him. Suddenly he got up and got ready to introduce himself.

Ayanakoji POV:

Ayanakoji: Well ... Um, my name is Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. The, er... there's nothing particular about me, I will do my best to get along with everyone, uh, nice to meet you.

After finishing my greeting, I quickly sat back down.

I failed!...

There was a silence in the classroom, Hirata was about to say something but when suddenly.

???: HAHAHAHAHA

The guy who was sitting next to Horikita started laughing out loud... He had red hair but not like the delinquent, he was about the same height as me. But why does he laugh at me, does my introduction was this bad? No one in the class was laughing and all the gazes that were on me switched on him.

???: Sorry Sorry haha I didn't want to be mean haha! It was just the expression on your face that meant you blew up haha!

Ayanakoji: Well... I don't think I really showed it but...

Hirata: Always let's try to move on, please! So nice to meet you Ayanokoji-kun. I also want to get along with everyone, so let's do our best!

Hirata: Now what about yo...

The moment he was about to finish his sentence, the bell rang and all the students who had left the class returned to their seats. The teacher arrived and got ready to start class.

Ayanakoji: So, I couldn't get his name.

Timeskip After school

Yato POV:

I fucked up again, I should have restrained myself not to laugh. After all, my classmates were looking at me like I had done something really bad.

Yato: Sighs... They are the same who laugh at the first introduction of Inogashira.

Anyways, now I'm on my way to my home for the three years, we are all separated by year. Before I go check my place, I was looking for a convenience store. Just when I thought about that, I saw one. It is great because it is located right next to our dormitory.

Yato: I just hope they have some Peyoung Yakisoba, I don't want to go to every store on the campus to search for some.

As I walk into the store, I see the girl from the bus this morning.

Yato: Sighs...my luck is worst than usual...

As I walk into the store to search for Yakisoba. The first thing I noticed on the first display...Yakisoba!

Yato: Yes finally something good happens, hum??

I looked at the girl and saw that she was looking around her...but what also caught my attention was that she was in front of the beer...

I thought about it until I just raised my eyes to look at the ceiling...

Yato: ah I see... she is in a good blind spot of the camera so she can steal some

Yes, I already noticed where the camera was... you can call it a habit I guess.

Yato: her only problem is the cashier.

Seeing this situation, I just sneered and took oneYakisoba and turned around...

Yato: I can help her a little...After all, if I can make sure she owns me one or I can still threaten her with that.

I go to the counter to pay for my stuff.

Yato: Hey mister, I'll take these items and hmmmm??

I pretended to be surprised by something behind him...

Yato: What is this basket with the free items behind you?

Just as the cashier turns around to look at the basket. The girl put a beer can in her pocket and left the shop.

Yato: First thing settled, now...

Even if I helped her, I was still curious about something...

Yato: what about these free items?

Cashier: Oh these? There are free items for students, you can take 3 per mount.

Three per month huh?

After hearing his answer, I just smiled...

Yato: Oh seriously, thanks for the information, sir.

After that I pay, I go out of the shop.

So now it's official, there is a catch in the private points system. What is the meaning of giving free items when you give 100,000 pts to the students? I will keep this information to myself, I don't care about the others in my class and I am curious about what will happen at the start of the next month.

Finally arrived in my room in the dormitory and my only reaction his how much this room was empty. They give you all the necessary furniture but for the rest, you need to buy it yourself. Well, I'm not going to buy anything this month I will try to save as many points as possible.

Now I'm going to have to eat early so I can already prepare myself to go to sleep If I want to be able to get up tomorrow for my first day of class.

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Timeskip the next day after the last period

Yato POV

Yato: ...

Still at my desk, I looked around the class that had just ended...

Yato: During the whole day when the teacher was giving her lesson, lots of students were on their phones, or talking and sleeping. No teacher said anything once. This could be a factor in seeing if we merit the 100,000. Now I'm even more excited to see what will happen at the end of the month.

People started to get up to leave the classroom as I remembered something...

Yato: Oh, that's right, in the gymnasium were held the conference for all the school clubs. I have nothing else to do so why not go there?

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(Autor Note)

My second chapter, I hope you like it. I know that Yato isn't doing much yet but it's just the beginning so don't worry that's going to change. Again, tell me if there is a big grammatical mistake in my story, I don't want it to be painful to read. Thanks to the ones who read it!

Volume 1: Meet new people

Chapter 3

Yato POV:

The day of school had just ended and I was now on the way to the gymnasium, where each club will be presented.

The first thing I noticed was that almost every student who was there was in their first year. It makes sense when we think about it...Every student who was there last year who would want to join a club would don't go to this meeting because they already know which one they gonna join.

With a quick glance at the crowd, I noticed that we must be around 100 students who came to this assembly. When I estimated the number of people that we were, I recognized two classmates of mine. One was the girl who ignored me the first time I introduced myself this yesterday and the other one was Ayanakoji, the one I laughed at during his presentation...

Yato: Maybe I should go introduce myself with what happened yesterday...Nah what would be the point of going there and introducing myself...

But of course just when I was thinking If I should go or not...Ayanakoji started looking in my direction and noticed me...

Yato: Sighs... Now It's too late to pretend not to have seen them...

I started to walk towards them while avoiding all the people in the crowd. Then finally, I arrived next to these two...

Yato: Hey your the guy from my class, right? Sorry about what happened yesterday haha!

I naturally took my carefree and nonchalant air while rubbing the back of my head while saying this...

Yato: By the way, I couldn't introduce myself yesterday. My name is Fukazawa Yato! You can call me by my first name or last name I don't care so do as you prefer...

Ayanakoji: Nice to meet you Fukazawa-kun, also like I said yesterday, I'm Ayanakoji Kiyotaka.

I just nodded with the same attitude as I switched my gaze to the girl next to him...

Yato: And you, what's your name?

???: ...

Yato: Hoi Hoi, you are not planning to ignore me again?!

Ayanakoji: Hey Horikita-san, you could introduce yourself to him.

Yato: Horikita huh...

But as soon as this Ayanakoji guy said this to the girl she just crossed her arm annoyed and started looking at him...

Horikita: Can you mind your own business, Ayanakoji-kun. Even more since I accepted to spend my time accompanying you here! You should be grateful.

Ayanakoji: ...

Yato: Ha... ha...ha. Wow...supporting an attitude like that...good luck buddy...

But anyway...even if I haven't heard from her directly I still managed to get her name...

Yato: Horikita, humm? I have already heard her name before.

Horikita: ...

Ayanakoji: ...

Seeing that none of them want to talk I should leave...anyway, I also don't have an interest in continuing this conversation with them...

Yato: Anyway that was nice to meet you two... I guess?

I just sneered as I turned around...

Yato: See you next time Ayanakoji.

Since he was the only one of the two of them to have answered me I decided to say him bye...

I continued to walk a bit further away until I found a nice spot to observe the whole room...but while I was waiting for the club presentation to start I just started tot think about these two that I just met...

The first one Horikita, at first glance I initially thought that she was an antisocial type of person. But after I saw how she was talking to Ayanakoji... I'm not sure anymore. She could be easily the type of person with a superiority complex. But why she would lose her time with someone like Ayanakoji? Well, I don't know. After all, I don't have so much information yet. I do not fully know yet how this school works with these special rules... so I'm not going to think too much about her case for the moment.

After these is this Ayanakoji guy... well... how could I describe my first thoughts about him? I saw him twice and still can't say anything about him. He just gives the impression of being the "normal guy" with not too much charisma who follows the opinion of everyone. Sometimes there are people who are just discreet by nature and don't impose themselves too much, but this guy gives this type of vibe but multiplied by 100. I find it just weird, well maybe when you spend your life not socializing too much and just follow the mass you became like that? In the end, it bothers me a little to have found nothing on him but it doesn't matter.

I saw that all clubs have finished their presentation. But one last person walked over to the microphone to say something. I immediately recognized this person, it was the same guy who make the speech for the first year at the opening ceremony, the student council president. Everyone in place noticed that this person was going to start. But to everyone's surprise, even me, he remained on the spot saying no word.

After a few seconds, students from the crowd start encouraging or making fun of him.

Crowd: Do your best!

Crowd: Did you forget to bring your notecards?

Crowd: hahahaha!

Yato: ...

I just took a glance around the crowd who were making fun of him with a puzzled expression...

Since it was evident that a man like him would not forget his text or be too stressed to speak. With this aura he gives off...that's just impossible...

Yato: ...

I just decided to ignore these fools and regained my attention on the man in front of me...

He continued to stay silent while staring at the crowd. After a moment the students naturally started to quiet down and to realize that this man was really special. And finally...

Manabu:My name is Horikita Manabu, and I am the student council president.

Yato: hum Horikita... I see... she is probably a relative of this guy. That would explain more her look at the opening ceremony.

Manabu:The student council is looking for first-years to replace the graduating third-years. There are no strict requirements to apply for the position, but those who are interested should not be affiliated with any other clubs. Generally, we do not accept any candidate involved in other clubs.

Yato: Student council hum? That's not for me for sure. After all, I was forced to come to this school so I'm not going to add more work to myself unnecessarily.

Manabu:Also, we, the student council, are not looking for anyone that has a naive way of thinking. Not only will that kind of person fail to get elected, but they will also inevitably become a stain to this school. The student council is only responsible for regulating the students, but the school expects much more. Those of you that understand can become potential candidates.

After that unwavering speech, he walked off the stage and exited the building.

Yato:So that's the student council president ehh.

His presence is really something else but I have this feeling that we will not get along with each other. Our attitude seems really the opposite...

But who knows... maybe I'm wrong. But this is my impression of the moment.

Just after the president finishes his business, the person next to me speaks out loud.

???: It seems his title isn't just for display eh?

Yato: ...

I just started to look to my left...It was a guy who had long blonde hair that was tied in a ponytail.

Yato: Hum, yeah I guess so. You are a first-year as well, right? What's your name?

He just started looking at me with a smile...

Hashimoto: Ah my bad, it was maybe a little rude. I amHashimoto Masayoshi in class A. And you are?

Yato: Fukazawa Yato in D class, nice to meet you.

But before we could say anything else...

Announcer:Everyone, thank you for coming. With that, the club fair is over. We will now open the reception area for anyone interested in joining. The reception area will only be open until the end of April, so anyone interested after then can bring applications directly to the club.

As soon as the message ended all the people in the room started walking toward the stand of the club they were interested in...

I looked at them for a few seconds until I was about to leave since I didn't have anything else to do here...

But before I could walk away...

Hashimoto: Sorry but can I ask you a question?

I just started looking at him again... Contrary to Horikita and Ayanakoji, this guy seemed to have more ease in talking with people...

Yato: hmm, Yeah sure I don't mind.

Hashimoto: Why did you come to this conference about the clubs? You really don't look like someone who will take the trouble to join one.

Hearing his analysis, I couldn't help but smile...

Yato: That sure is an interesting statement that you saying. What made you think that?

I was kinda curious to hear this thought since he was right about me...

Hashimoto: Well you see I consider myself good enough to read people's behavior and I was just curious why you were here if you had no interest in joining a club.

Yato: Haha, Well I clearly cannot deny the fact that I have no interest in clubs. And to answer your question, I would say that it was a mix of curiosity and boredom. I am interested in your reading skills, would you mind telling me more about what you thought about me?

He seems a bit reluctant to do it.

Hashimoto: I...

But just as he was about to say something...

???: I finally found you, Hashimoto! I lost you in this crowd... EHHH?!?! What are you doing with him???

Both of us turned around to look at the person who said this and...

Yato: Sighs...

It was the girl from the bus and the convenience store. How many times my bad luck will make us cross paths with each other...

Hashimoto: HeyKamuro, well we were talking about the clubs. Do you know each other?

Yato\Kamuro: Yes!\ No!

She gave me a furious look while I had a desperate look.

Hashimoto: Hahaha, it seems like a funny story! How about the 3 of us go look at clubs together?

Hearing this, Kamuro just seemed annoyed by the idea...Noticing her attitude I just smiled.

Yato: Sure why not!

Kamuro: Tsk...

I just wanted to mess around since she visibly seemed annoyed by me...

But aside from this... Hashimoto doesn't seem like a bad guy so I surely can go with them.

And if going with them can settle the stupid accident on the bus it can be worth it. If I can make her forget what happened on the bus...I can always blackmail her with her "activities" outside the school to shut her up.

Hashimoto: I will take that as a yes. Anyways let's go.

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Timeskip

Yato POV:

We were currently in the halls of the school after leaving the gym.

Yato: So tell me Hashimoto-kun, Kamuro. Have you already selected a club to join?

Kamuro: Hey why do you put an honorific on Hashimoto's name and not mine?

I just smirked as I looked at Hashimoto...

Hashimoto: Haha. As for your question, in the beginning, I thought of joining the tennis club but now I'm not too sure.

Kamuro: Well I will probably join the art club. You?

Yato: Eh? None. I never intended to.

Kamuro: Ehhh? Why then did you go to this assembly? This is stupid.

Hashimoto: Haha but in the end, it was a good thing because we had fun right? Anyways, why not exchange our numbers?

Yato: Yeah sure!

We both took out our phones to exchange our numbers. When we finish, Hashimoto begins to walk ahead. I turned to Kamuro to have her numbers too but...

Kamuro: eh...

Yato: Sighs...

Okay, I will have no choice...she still seems to blame me for what happened on the bus...

I then get close enough to her to be sure Hashimoto couldn't hear us and...

Yato: Why don't we forget all that happened before so we can move on...Oaky Beer Thief-chan?!

Kamuro: What?? Hum... I don't know what you are talking about.

Yato: Hoi haha, can you make it more obvious? Your reaction shows that you know very well what I'm talking about.

Kamuro: Tssk... Fine. You are really annoying, give me your phone and I will give you my number.

Kamuro(mumbled): First her and now him, how did I get caught by two people...

Yato: Her? What is she talking about?

Kamuro: Here's your phone, you have my numbers now.

Wow, now that I think about it, it's the first girl number I got in this school. But in the end, I don't think I can be proud of how I got it. It's still the first two numbers that I got and especially the first two-person that I have had a real discussion since I arrived at this school.

Hashimoto: Hoi, what are you two doing?

Yato: Yeah yeah, we are coming.

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Time skip

Yato POV:

It had been 3 weeks since school started. I had become closer to Hashimoto and Kamuro, well more Hashimoto because even if I had the number of Kamuro, she didn't want to talk to me too much. At least, the bullshit of what happened on the bus was now over.

Classes still didn't make any sense, the majority of my classmate don't listen to the teacher. They chat, read novels or manga, play games, sleep and more. But I can't blame them too much... because I'm not a better model student.

I still have my biggest problem, I can't get up in the morning to be on time for class... That's why I'm late to most of the classes but every time Chabashira doesn't say a word about it and lets me go and sit in my place. The problem is not that I need a lot of sleep time...is just that I don't want to get up early...

Again today, it was now 10:25 am and I was making my way to the class because I got up late. In truth, I didn't make any effort to fix this habit. It was useless with the current state of the class. As I reach my class, I open the door and immediately go to my place without any word.

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Time skip

Yato Pov:

It was now the dinner break and like usual I was going to eat on the rooftop, except a few times that I went with Hashimoto during the break. It was a shame that one of the only people who I was talking to was in another class. At the same time, it's not as If I made any effort to socialize with one of my classmates. I was waiting for the end of the month to see how this school works... because if my deduction is correct, it will be real chaos.

As I go out of the class, I see Ayanakoji talking to a girl named Kushida.

Yato: How many girls this guy is talking to...

Anyway... I started to walk toward them since they were on the way to the rooftop.

Kushida:Actually... I would like to ask you something. It's a short question, but Ayanakoji-kun, by any chance, are you on good terms with Horikita-san?

As I was walking closer, I started to hear their conversation...

Yato: Horikita huh...

Kushida: I see both of you talking to each other several times and I was asking everyone one by one for their contact info, but... Horikita refused to tell me.

When Kushida was talking to Ayanakoji, he stopped looking at her and looked at me who wasn't in Kushida's vision. She quickly noticed his gaze and looked behind her to see me walking toward them.

Yato: Why every time this guy starts looking at me like that?

Once again I just felt obligated to raise my hand to greet him and start a conversation.

Yato: Hey Ayanakoji how you're doing? And you are... Kushida right?

As soon she heard that I called her by her name, she seemed happy and smiled at me...

Kushida: Hey I'm glad you remember my name! You are in my class but I never had the chance to talk to you!

She then walked closer to me and started looking me in the eyes...

Yato: Why is she looking at me with those eyes? This situation is really awkward, two seconds earlier she was talking about how she was asking everyone in our class to contact info. But since she never asked for mine, it's almost as if she is forced to ask about my name and my info.

Yato: Yeah no problem, I'm Fukazawa Yato nice to meet you Kushida.

Kushida: Nice to meet you too Fukazawa-kun. I asked Ayanakoji-kun if he knew Horikita because from what I have seen they look close.

Yato: Humm, it is true that we can say that you look close to Horikita. Do you two are good friends?

I just decided to go along with Kushida's question and asked this to Ayanakoji...

Ayanakoji: We're not particularly close. Just acquaintances.

Kushida:Oh, I see. Do you think you can tell me what kind of personality Horikita-san has? Is she the type to only speak her mind to her close friends?

Yato: ...

Ayanakoji: I think she's not very good at interacting with others. Why do you want to learn more about Horikita?

That's exactly what I thought, she was bad at interacting with people surely because she maybe has a superiority complex. But this conversation had just made me think about something else...

Kushida:During the self-introductions, Horikita-san walked out of the room, right? It looked like she didn't talk to anybody, so I was worried about her.

Nice transition Kushida...How did you manage to get Horikita's name? If it wasn't for Ayanakoji the other day... I probably wouldn't have learned her name yet.

Ayanakoji: I understand, but I only met recently, so I can't really help.

Kushida:Fuun... so that's how it was. I thought you two were friends before coming to high school. Sorry for asking you a weird question out of the blue!

Well, I have no reason to waste more of my time here, I have already said I wouldn't try to understand more about the girl named Horikita. I will take my leave here.

Yato: Sorry but I need to go...Anyway, I can't be of any use because I never talk to Horikita. See ya!

Kushida: Ah yes sorry for disturbing you Fukazawa-kun, but before you leave do you think we could exchange our phone numbers?

Yato: Well I don't have much interest in having her number but why not. Oh, I'm gonna ask for Ayanakoji at the same time.

Yato: Yeah sure I don't mind. You can have mine too if you want Ayanakoji!

Ayanakoji: Oh sure, Thanks.

After the 3 of us exchanged our numbers... I started to go to the rooftop. I have already wasted enough time on my dinner like that.

Kushida: Thanks Fukazawa-kun, bye-bye!

When I got on the rooftop, I quickly ate my lunch just to enjoy my book for the rest of the dinner break.

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Mini Timeskip

Yato: Pov:

After the dinner break, it was time for the history class of Chabashira-sensei.She walked in as the bell signaling the start of class rang. The student's attitudes didn't change, though.

Chabashira:Everyone, be quiet— Today's class will be more serious.

Ike:What do you mean~ Sae-chan-sensei~?

Yato: Wow, Ike, I have to admit it. I am impressed by your guts to call Chabashira-sensei like that.

Chabashira:It's the end of the month. We will have a short test. Pass these to the back.

Yato: Wellshe seems to don't give a fuck about you calling her like that...

She handed out papers to the first row. Eventually, the test reached my desk. The test had several questions from each of the 5 major topics.

Ike:Eh~ I didn't hear anything~. I don't wanna take it~

Yato: I don't think this was a choice...

Chabashira:Calm down. This test is only for future reference. It will not be reflected on your report card. There's no risk, so be at ease. However, cheating is naturally prohibited.

Once the test started. I looked at each question of the exam and there was clearly something fishy. The majority of the questions were too easy, there were only 2-3 questions quite difficult. And Sensei said that the result would not be reflected on your report card. So what is the meaning of this exam? I haven't been to school for a while before here but I don't remember taking this sort of exam.

I looked at the whole class and saw Chabashira-senseimonitoring the student with her usual attitude.

Yato: ...

Yeah, I don't really want to think about it more than that. I will just answer the question normally and it shouldn't have any problem.

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Timeskip

Yato Pov:

Yato: Arghh...

I got up late again... but if I hurry a little, I may not be late for class. After all, today I really don't want to miss anything.

We were the First May.

The first thing is as I get up and see how many points I get this month.

Yato: Zero, eh.

I always had the 77 856 points that I saved this month.

I opened my contact list and called a certain number.

???: Hello?

Yato: Hey Masumi, do you ha...

I couldn't even finish my sentence that she had hung up. I shouldn't have teased her by calling her by her first name. I called her back immediately and she answered.

Yato: Sorry to disturb you Kamuro-sama, but I have a question. Can I ask it, please?

I said this in a polite and monotone voice but she didn't say anything until...

Karumo: Sigh... you're annoying. Yeah sure, what do you want to know?

Yato: How many points did you receive this morning?

Kamuro: Hm? Not 100 000 but around 90 000 points. Wait I'm just going to confirm with my classmate who is next to me.

She was talking to someone and I recognized that it was a female voice. They take 1 minute just to be sure of the number of points they received.

Kamuro: We looked and we got 94 000 points precisely.

Yato: Hm Okay thanks for your help Karumo, I'll call you later.

Kamuro: That was all? Whatever...

I ended the call and started to prepare myself while thinking about that.

So I was right. This first month of school was a test to see your merit and worth as a student. It seems the class has been valued at zero. While the class of Hashimoto and Kamuro had almost 100 000 points just like in the first month.

I go out of my room and start to go to school while hurrying.

So according to the criteria of the school, they have proven their merits and worth to the school. Unlike us, they must have been disciplined during class, after all, it's really basic knowledge to listen when the teacher gives his class.

Finally arrived in front of my class, and I heard the commotion from the other side. I immediately opened the door but the first thing I heard was...

Chabashira:... Are you guys really that stupid?

All gazes turned to me the moment I opened the door. I guess I may not have chosen the moment to enter the classroom.

Yato: Hey Hey! Ha... Ha... Not the best timing right?

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(A.N)

Thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 1: Chaos

Chapter 4

Yato Pov:

Yato: Ha... Ha... Not the best timing right?

Just as I entered the classroom after being late, everyone switched their gaze to me standing in front...

Chabashira: Oh what a surprise...look who gave us the honor of his presence. Usually, you are not here before past 10 a.m., Fukazawa-kun.

Yato: Haha well everyone has their flaw right? Anyway I guessed that today being late wouldn't be a benefit...

As I said this with my usual nonchalant attitude, she looked at me in silence for a moment...as if she was trying to read me.

Chabashira: Oh... you don't seem surprised and in shock like the others about your points for the month. You even said it wouldn't be a benefit to come late... It's interesting. Would you mind telling us why?

Everyone listened in silence to our conversation.

Yato: ...

With no intention of answering her question, I started to walk to my seat. I knew what she wanted from this and ignoring her was the best option...

But as I started to walk toward my desk...

Chabashira: Where do you think you're going Fukazawa-kun? Do I tell you you can go sit at your place?

I stopped and looked behind me with my usual attitude...

Yato: Well I didn't need to ask at my desk before...

Chabashira: Indeed, but today if you go to your place without my permission... you're expelled from this school!

Classmates: EHHH??

Yato: ...

Everyone was visibly shocked when they heard the word ''expulsion''

Yato: Is that just a threat Sensei? First off...have you really the power to expel students just for that?

Chabashira: I don't know. Try it if you want to find out!

Yato: ...

Her attitude...she is really not acting as at the beginning of the month. Her personality has changed completely.

Yato: Now, what should I do?

I wouldn't really mind getting expelled but the real problem is that Mori gonna be mad at me. If I have to choose between Mori and Chabashira-sensei, the choice is easy...

Yato: Sighs...

I retraced my steps and went back to the front of the class and leaned against the wall...

Chabashira: Good let's pick up where we left off. The points were deposited. Without fail. The likelihood that this class was left out is very low. Do you understand?

Hondou:No, even if I say I do understand, we haven't received our points...

This guy, if I remember correctly, hangs out with Ike, Yamauchi, and Sudo. He didn't seem to understand what Chabashira-sensei was saying. In fact, he wasn't the only one, many people still don't understand what was happening.

???:Hahaha, I see, it was like that, teacher. I've understood this riddle now.

Yato: ...

This voice... the one who said that was Koenji.

Koenji Rokusuke...he already had my interest for a few reasons...

He stands out with hisarrogant and self-entitled attitude. So he would also have found out how the school system works huh?

Koenji:We didn't receive any points because we're in class D.

Yato: Yeah butit's not the only reason why we got zero points.

Hondou:Hah? What's that supposed to mean? They said we'd get 100,000 points every month...

Koenji:I don't remember hearing that. Right?

Chabashira:Your attitude has some problems, but what Koenji is saying is on the right track. Not many people seem to have noticed my hint. How sad.

As I smirked, the classroom erupted in uproar and confusion.

Koenji: Hey latecomer-boy, if you have something to say don't be shy and talk!

My gaze then landed on Koenji who said this...I looked at him for a few seconds until I just sneered.

Yato: hmm I don't know blondie-boy, I'm fine at enjoying this little circus. Anyways, Chabashira-sensei will end up explaining everything.

But as I said this to Koenji, I noticed the Chabashira-sensei who started to smirk...

Chabashira: If you tell me your thoughts on the situation, I will let you go sit down at your desk.

Yato: ...

The day will be long if she doesn't give me the permission form going to sit down. I also have the feeling that she would be able to make me stand all day for her personal pleasure. So just telling everything to these idiots can be worth it if I can go back to my seat...

With my annoying face, I accept her condition.

Yato: Well, if that can allow me to go in my place, sure...

I then started looking at the class and noticed all the gazes were on me...

Yato: Well it all started when Chabashira-sensei introduced the rules and the system of private points in this school. She told us that the 100 000 private points given were in relation to our merit and worth as students. So from this fact, I reached the conclusion that we could lose them if we lost this "merit" that she talked about.

My seriousness seemed to have surprised the majority of my classmates. Most of them were looking at me still unsure about the situation... except Chabashira-sensei and Koenji who had a smirk on their face.

Yato: The second interesting fact, is that this morning I asked some students from the A-Class how many points they received. Their points awarded for the month were around 90K. They did not receive exactly 100 000 but a little less. With this information, we can imagine something...

I went to the board and took the chalkboard pencil to write something. Everyone was silent and listened carefully to what I was saying.

Yato: A sort of class ranking...We know that we have 0 points and the A-class has 90k. We can imagine that the C-Class and B-Class are in between.

With the chalkboard, I write the ranking.

A-class: 90k

B-class: ???

C-Class: ???

D-class: 0

Yato: So, in theory, we could become A-Class but in the end... but we lost all your points because we are D-class like Koenji said. We are the class of defective haha!

I just started to laugh out loud as I dropped the chalk close to the board...

Yato: Sensei I finished my explanation, can I finally go to my desk?

I haven't said everything that I noticed during this first month... but with what I just told her it should be enough to satisfy her...

Chabashira: Wow I'm impressed. You noticed all my hints but you kept them for yourself and did nothing. Haha, yes you can go to your place.

I could finally go and sit down at my desk... but as I was walking back to my seat, someone stopped me by asking a question.

Hondou: Wait, you said you know all this and yet... you didn't say anything to us?! Why?

Yato: Why?

I just started looking at him puzzled...Hondou and the majority of my classmates were looking at me with an annoyed attitude.

Yato: Hmm I guess because no one asked me.

Everyone: !!!!!

Everyone seemed even more annoyed now but I just ignored them and walked back to my desk.

Everyone was visibly angry at me but they could only blame themself. After all... It's basic knowledge to listen in class, you learn that before going to high school.

Hirata: Sensei, I still have a question. Why is there such a big difference in points between the other class and us?

Chabashira: Why? 127 total absences and tardies. Four hundred thirteen incidences of talking or using cell phones in class. I counted every infraction. In this school, your class performance is reflected in points. As a result of your behavior, the 100,000 points you could've gotten went down the drain. That's all that happened. And...

She suddenly stopped what she was saying and she started looking at me again...

Yato: ...

Chabashira: I'm glad to announce to you that we got a new record this year! With a total of 29 absences and tardies. You can be proud of yourself Fukazawa Yato... I don't think this new record will be broken in the near future!

I could have answered her that I could beat my own record next month but my classmates are already mad at me. I have no choice but to defend myself otherwise the class will hate me forever.

Yato: Hoi wait sensei... even if I would have been a model student like Hirata... Would that have changed the outcome of our class?

Koenji: Hahahaha well said latecomer-boy!

Koenji surprisingly took my side and Chabashira just nodded and continued.

Chabashira: Indeed, even if we remove Fukazawa's infractions during the first month. You will still have zero points. This school ensures the abilities of its students. This time around, you guys were valued to be worth 0. There's nothing more than that.

Hirata: But Chabashira-sensei, I don't remember ever hearing that explanation before... There was no mention of reducing the number of points transferred to us at the beginning of each month. If it had been explained before, I'm sure that we would've tried not to be late and not to talk during class.

Chabashira:An interesting argument, Hirata. I also don't remember explaining the rules about the points received at the beginning of each month. However, haven't you guys learned not to talk in class and get to class on time since elementary school?I'm pretty sure you guys have learned that. In the nine years of compulsory education, they've always told you that such things are frowned upon. Talking in class and being late to class is bad.

Hirata: ...

Chabashira:After becoming first-year high schoolers, did you really think that you would get 100,000 points every month without any restrictions? In this school created by the Japanese government to train excellent people? That's impossible, just use your common sense.

Hirata debated unnecessarily with Sensei... as she said it was just common sense not to talk and don't being late for class. What was already done was done, they now had to think about what to do from now on.

Hirata understood the situation quickly but I was curious about the others...

Hirata:Well then, can you at least tell us the details about how points are increased or decreased? We will always try to do our best from now on.

Chabashira:That's not possible. We are not allowed to divulge the details of how we assess merit to the students. It's the same as the real world. When all of you enter society and find work in some kind of business, they probably won't tell you how you're assessed—that's up to the company, though. However...I'm not trying to be cold, nor do I hate you guys. This is such a pitiful sight that I'll tell everyone here one thing.

A faint smile was on Chabashira-sensei's face.

Chabashira:For argument's sake, if we say that everyone stopped being late and stopped talking in class... your deduction would be zero, but that doesn't mean you'll get more points.

So in other words, our next month's allowance is also 0 points. This necessarily means that there is another way to earn points. I do not see this school making sure we can't make up for our mistakes of the last month. Hirata and the majority of the class had a dark expressions with all this news.

With that the bell rang, signaling the end of homeroom.

Chabashira:Looks like we had too much idle chit-chat. Hopefully, you understood. Anyway, let's move on to the main issue at hand.

She pulls out a white poster and puts it on the board. On this poster, there was a ranking with all the classes. With A-class: 940 points, B-class 650, C-class 490 and D-class 0

That means that my theory was correct, the only thing I didn't know was that there were some class points. That would mean that we all started with 1000 class points. The other thing we now know is the value of the class points... 1 class point = 100 private points. But now that I saw the two other classes I didn't know how many points they had...this confirmed my doubt that I didn't share with the class. The placement of students is probably not random in this school.

Students:Hey, don't you think this is strange?

Students:Yea... the numbers are too clean.

Some noticed that there was something strange about the results.

Chabashira:For the first month, all of you have been doing as you wanted. Your actions, such as talking during class and being late to class, just affect the number of points you get. It's the same with how you use points. You have the freedom to use points how you want. We haven't restricted how you use your points.

Ike:This isn't fair! We can't lead a normal school life like that!

Ike and Yamauchi were crying out loud... they probably spent all their points already...

Chabashira:Look carefully, you stupid kids. Every other class except class D got some points. The number of points you guys have should still be plenty enough to last for a month.

Yato: Not for everyone it seems...

Students:H-how does the other classes have any points left? That's strange...

Chabashira:I'll tell you, but it's not like this is some kind of fraud. For this past month, all the classes were judged by the same rules. Nevertheless, they didn't lose as many points as you guys did. That's a fact.

Hirata:How... how is there so much difference in points between the classes?

Hirata started to see something odd about these results. There was too much of a gap between the other class and us.

Chabashira:Did you guys finally understand? The reason why you guys were put in D-Class!

Student:The reason we were put in class D? Isn't that because we were appropriate for this school?

Student:Eh? That's how ordinary classes work, you know?

It seemed like there were still some students who were still not catching what Sensei was trying to say.

Chabashira:In this school, all the students are divided into classes by merit. The best students are put in class A. The worst in class D. Well, it's a system that is found in major cram schools. In other words, class D is the collection of leftovers. That also means that you are the worst students, the defective products of this school. Just like Fukazawa was saying earlier, defective."

Wait she just wants to see me suffer and make me hated by the class right?

Hirata:After hitting zero points, does that mean we will always stay at zero points forever?

Chabashira:Yeah. Your points will stay at 0 until graduation. However, be at ease, since you can still use your dorms, and there are free meals in the cafeteria. You won't die.

I had already seen the free items at the convenience store so it did not surprise me and I can't imagine a school run by the government giving us nothing for our survival.

Ike:... Will we be made fun of by the other classes now?

It's true I can imagine the other class starting to make fun of us because they have points and not us. There is going to be a feeling of superiority that will settle in this school for the class at the top.

SuddenlySudo kicked his desk with his foot. The fact they will make fun of us has touched his pride.

Yato: Hey Sudo, calm yourself. That is not the end of the world this story of points and ranking...

Sudo: EHH? First, you call us defective and now you try to calm myself?? Dare to try to talk like that to me again!!

He suddenly came to me a grabbed me by the collar.

Yato: hoi dude I just give you some advice, calm down...

Even angrier because I answered him with my nonchalant attitude. He raised his fist and prepared to hit me in the face.

I just started looking at Chabashira-sensei ignoring Sudo who was holding my collar shirt...

Yato: Hoi Sensei you know that he will hit me for real if you don't say anything...

She just stood there and didn't say anything with a smile on her face...

Yato: Sighs...

Okay it's official, she likes to see people suffer...I'm about to get hit and she doesn't even lift her little finger to stop him.

While he was about to hit me, I grabbed his fist to soften the impact. Despite this, I get thrown to the ground. Immediately after Hirata and another guy caught Sudo's arms to prevent him from continuing. Hirata was in the soccer club so he was pretty athletic but the other guy I didn't know anything about him... they were able to hold back Sudo the two together.

But even if they were restraining him, he was still trying to come at me since he was too piss off to use his brain to realize how dumb all this was...

Yato: Sighs...

Still sitting on the floor while leaning against the wall behind me I sighed while looking at Sudo exasperated...which seemed to annoy him even more...

Sudo: You fucking bastard!

Yato:They are all worse than I imagined... They're all lost their mind and don't even think about how to solve the problem... and then this Sudo dude, a guy who acts on impulse without thinking about the consequences... He's going to be a problem in the future if he doesn't change...Brute force is not the best way to tame this kind of person... if I'm not mistaken I heard he was in the basketball club...

I bite my lip to make it bleed and I get up off the floor.

Yato: Hey Sudo... I won't repeat myself, calm yourself and sit down.

Sudo: Teme, your dead!!

Hirata: Fukazawa-kun! Don't provoke him unnecessarily!

I just smirked and switched my gaze to Chabashira-sensei...

Yato: Sensei I would like to know the chances of a person being able to participate in a tournament of basket if the person is involved in bullying or injuring a student?

Chabashira: Eh? You are quite cruel Fukazawa-kun haha. The person would be prohibited from participating in any activities of his clubs with a possibility of expulsion from this school.

Sudo: !!!!

Finally his brain seemed to show some sign of activity as he seemed to have realized the situation...

Yato: That's your loss Sudo. Your best solution is to listen to my advice now.

Hirata and the other guy let off Sudo's arm since he has no longer shown any desire to fight. Everyone in the class was in shock at what they had attended.

Hirata: Fukazawa-kun you should apologize to Sudo that was too much.

Yato: Eh?

I just started looking at Hirata puzzled...

Yato: Why? I did not do anything wrong... In fact, we can even say that I helped Sudo. Anyway, it's over now...no need to thank me...

He doesn't seem satisfied with my answer. He is typically the type of guy too nice for his own good.

Hirata: Hmm. Ok but you really should go to the infirmary for your injury.

Yato: Yeah, thank you for your concern but I will when Sensei will have done with her explanation.

Students: Eh? Is there more??

Chabashira: Oh would you like to have the privilege to tell us more?

I just sat back while reaming silent because she would explain it even if I speak or not. The last problem she still hadn't talked about was the exam from last week.

Yato: ...

She waited a moment but seeing that I had no intention to speak...

Chabashira:All right, I have one more piece of bad news I have to tell you guys.

She put one more piece of paper onto the blackboard. The names of all the people in the class were listed. Next to everyone's name was a number.

Yato: Sighs... I should have guessed that the school might show the results to the whole class...

But as I thought this some blood started to fall on my desk...

Yato: Crap...my lip bleeds more than expected...sighs how dumb I was to do all this for this idiot...

As I was thinking about this... the girl to my left lent me a tissue.

Horikita: Take this to wipe the blood.

Yato:...

I just looked to my left and it was the girl named Horikita...the same girl I tried to present myself but she never answered me...

Yato: Nah...I pass...

Horikita: ...

I just wiped some blood with my hand and shifted my attention to Chabashira...

Chabashira: After looking at these results... I came to understand that there are a lot of idiots in this class. Sensei was glad after seeing your wonderful performance. Seriously, what the hell did you guys study in middle school?

With the exception of a few high scores,almost everyone got below 60. Ignoring Sudou's wonderful score of 14 points, the next lowest was Ike's score of 24. The average score was about 65.

The other thing that everyone noticed was the name of the person who got the best score. There was my name and next to it, there was the result indicating 100 points.

I was looking at the other high scores and there were Koenji, Horikita, and Yukimura. There was some other person who got good results like Hirata and Kushida but for the majority, their results were very low for an exam this easy.

Chabashira:If this test was actually recorded, seven of you would already have to drop out of school. Good thing it wasn't, right?

Student:D-drop out? What do you mean?

Chabashira:Why, did I not explain? If you get a failing mark on either a midterm or a final exam in any subject, you have to drop out of school. On this test, that would be everyone who got below a 32. Man, you guys are really foolish and stupid.

Wow, this school really uses unusual methods to force students to have average scores.

Students:W-whaaaaat!?

Ike:Don't fuck with me Sae-chan-sensei! Don't joke about dropping out of school!

Chabashira: I'm also at a loss for words. It's the school's rules, so prepare for the worst.

Koenji:As the teacher said, there seem to be a lot of fools here.

Hearing Koenji, I couldn't help but smirk and seer...

Yamauchi:What's that, Koenji!? Your marks are in red too!

Koenji:Fufufu Where are your eyes looking at, boy? Look carefully.

Yamauchi:H-huh? Hey, Koenji's name is... huh?

Indeed, he got a 90 mark on this exam. That makes him one of the top scores in the class tied with Yukimura.

Now that Sensei had finished explaining everything, I got up from my seat and started walking towards the door to go to the infirmary. But I get stopped by someone.

Yukimura: Fukazawa-kun you are not dissatisfied to have been placed in D-class?

Yato: Dissatisfied eh?

Yukimura...Aside from the fact he wears glasses and he had 90 in the exam... I don't anything about him. But just by this question, I can have an idea about the person named Yukimura...

He seems to be unhappy to have been placed in D-class. So he wants to have my opinion as to the guy who got the perfect mark on the exam.

Yukimura: Yes, you got the best result on the exam, and the school put you in the most defective class, that doesn't make any sense to me.

Yato: It doesn't bother me at all. Everything is not only about the school grade you know... Everyone has their own flaw and I know mine very well. So I don't think they make a bad choice by placing me in this class. If you are still dissatisfied, you can still ask the teacher the reason behind your placement.

I exited the class with these words and started going toward the infirmary. With all this talk I finally got confirmation about my doubts about this school. The meaning behind the class ranking can only mean one thing, the promise of this school which allows students to choose the jobs of their dream at a high rate of hiring is only reserved for the top class.

I started to think about the reason why Mori would send me to this school... No chance that this is for the promise of this school. It will be totally useless for both of us... To fix my flaws? I don't know... For me as long as you recognize your flaws and try to live with them, it's already a good start.

Yato: sighs...

Anyways for now I just go to the infirmary.

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter, a lot of conversation in it. I hope you like it! There should be two chapters left for Volume 1.

Volume 1: Study group

Chapter 5

Yato Pov:

After a moment in the infirmary of the school...

Nurse: The bleeding has stopped now. It will heal quickly enough, you can return to your class.

Yato: Okay thanks.

I got up and left the infirmary. The first thing I saw when I was out was two of my classmates who were waiting a little further.

Yato: Ayanakoji and Horikita huh? Are you skipping class or what?

I said this to these two but my attention and my gaze fell on the girl named Horikita...

Horikita: No... Right now the others are discussing about what we should do to save our class... but the two of us decided not to participate in the conversation.

Yato: I see...but that's still not explaining the reason for your presence here?

I then started looking at the other guy named Ayanakoji...

Ayanakoji: Horikita has some questions for you but before that...Are you fine? I mean your injury on your lip?

I looked at him in silence for a moment until I just nodded...

Yato: Oh there was nothing to worry about...but still Thanks for your concern Ayanakoji.

Ayanakoji Kiyotaka... always follows Horikita wherever she goes... I didn't have too much opinion on him until now... there was something that bothered me when Chabashira-Sensei was explaining the reason we got zero points this month... when everyone in the class was surprised or panicked, with few exceptions like Koenji...this Ayanakoji dude still had no reaction or emotion... Why?... there is something weird about this guy...

Yato: Anyway...

Again I regained my attention on Horikita

Yato: Horikita you have some questions to ask me?

As she was about to speak, a voice came out from the loudspeaker.

Loudspeaker: Ayanakoji-kun from D-Class. Chabashira-sensei is calling for you. Please come to the staff room.

Yato:Looks like the teacher called you...

Ayanakoji: Yeah... sorry. I'll be going.

As he started to walk away, I decided to look at him. Why would Chabashira-sensei want to call him into her office?

Yato: ...

But as I was looking at him walking away I just felt the gaze of Horikita on me...

Yato: Sighs...

Ayanakoji being soon out of my sight I just decided to look at Horikita who was in front of me...

Yato: So what do you want to know Horikita?

She remained silent while keeping her gaze on me as if she was trying to read me until...

Horikita: What were your feelings when Sensei said the reason that you had been put in D-class?

Yato: What were my feelings? Let me answer your question with another question. Why would I give you my resentment about my placement? After all, you ignored me not once but twice when I tried to talk to you...why have you decided to talk to me now?

Horikita: Well after I see your academic ability and your strength, I can consider that you are someone like me. The fact that we were placed in D-class is a misjudgment from the school.

Hearing this I just smirked...

Yato: Ohhh I see...I can understand your analysis of my academic ability part but for my strength... what are you based on?

Her answer was easy to guess...but I wanted to hear her thoughts and reasoning...

Horikita: You have been able to catch Sudo-kun's fist when he was about to hit you, not everyone would be able to do it. Also, with this injury on your lip, you probably did it yourself. Am I wrong?

Hearing this I just sneered and applauded

Yato: Wow I'm impressed by your sense of observation Horikita! But...

As I was about to tell her something else...

Loudspeaker: Horikita-san from D-Class. Chabashira-sensei is calling for you. Please come to the staff room.

Yato: Hmmm...

I just take a look at the loudspeaker and the camera on the ceiling close to us before looking at Horikita again...

Yato: It seems like you need to go too. Before you leave... I will answer your question.

Horikita: ...

Yato: As I said to Yukimura, I don't care about my placement. No matter where I am, I will succeed in adapting myself. I know my own flaws and how to deal with them. The right mindset for you would be to think about why they put you in D-class instead of assuming they were wrong... But if you still disagree with their choice...

With my hand, I then showed her the way to the staff room

Yato: Go talk to Chabashira-Sensei about it.

Still looking at me with her proud attitude she was about to walk away...

Horikita: And that's exactly what I'm gonna do now. I'm going to go see Sensei to tell her about their mistakes for my placement. In the end, I was wrong about you...

Hearing her disappointed just amused me and she immediately noticed it since...

Horikita:If you excuse me, I'll be going now...

With these words, she started walking to Chabashira's office...

In the end, she really doesn't want to admit her flaws... I give her my advice and if she still doesn't want to listen...then too bad for her.

Yato: ...

With my hands in my pockets, I remained in front of the infirmary for a moment...

Yato: Going back to class now will be annoying with all the confusion and chaos cause of the news of class ranking... I'm just going to walk around the school while waiting for the next class to start...

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Mini Timeskip

Yato: Pov:

I was currently in thebleachers in front of a big interior pool. The majority of people in my class were playing in the pool as if this morning's event had never happened...

Yato(mumble): Either they are all carefree or all stupid...I bet on the second option...

There were also some students who didn't participate in the swimming class because they were not in the mood or they just wanted to skip the class as well...

Personally, the reason why I did not participate it's because of my left arm. My arm is always covered in bandages when I go to school...

(A.N): Like that but only on his left arm

Usually, I have my uniform that hides my bandages but without my uniform people will see them and start asking questions about why I wear bandages on my left arm...

With what already happened today, I don't want more problems...

Yato: Sighs...

I then leaned my back fully on the seats and took out my phone...

Yato: Sighs... Still, 40 min to wait before the end of the class... that's going to be long...

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Timeskip

Yato Pov:

The bell rang, signaling the end of the fifth period.

Yato: One last and I will finally be able to return to my room, this day is endless...

Big mistake to think that. My bad luck was going to strike again...

Hirata: Can I take some of your time before the other period start?

Hirata who stood up in front of the class asked this to the whole class...

Girl: Sure if It's you Hirata-Kun who asks!

People from Hirata's personal fan club immediately accepted without any hesitation which attracted people not from Hirata's fan club attention at the same time.

Hirata: The midterm exam is coming up soon. Everyone understands that they'll have to drop out of school if they receive failing marks. So, I think that it would be best if we create a study group.

Yato: I have a bad feeling about that...

Hirata:If you neglect your studies, you'll immediately receive failing grades and drop out. I want to avoid that situation. Studying isn't solely for avoiding that situation, because there is also a high possibility that our test scores are reflected in our points. If we get high grades, the assessment of our class will probably go up. I asked some of the people who got good grades to help out. So, I would like people who are worried about their grades to come to participate in the study group. Of course, everyone is welcome to join.

Yato: SAFE!! He has already asked some people to help with this study group. Since he didn't ask for it... I don't have to worry about all this crap...

Hirata:From 5 o'clock today until the day of the test, I plan to study every day for 2 hours in this classroom. If you have any thoughts about participating, please come. Of course, it's fine if you have to leave halfway. That's all.

As soon as he said that, several of the students with failing marks stood up and went to Hirata.Sudo, Ike, and Yamauchi were the only ones that didn't go up to Hirata. Ike and Yamauchi hesitated for a moment, but in the end, they didn't approach him. They all left the class before the last period began. I did the same...

In the hallway, as I was walking away, someone called my name behind me. I stopped and waited for him to come closer.

Hirata: Hey Fukazawa-kun can I ask you something?

Yato: ...

Hirata: It's about the study group, It would be appreciated if you could lend a hand, please.

Yato:Sighs...

Of course, I couldn't avoid this...

Yato: Argh... You see I'm really busy at this time so I don't know...

Hirata: Please Fukazawa-kun, you got a perfect mark on the last exam your help is going to be really useful.

There are two problems now. The first one is if I refuse the majority of the class will hate me for refusing to help their great Hirata-sama.

The second thing is even If I really wanted to help, I'm not sure if I'm the most suitable person for this. After all the last time that I studied goes back a really long time ago... having the knowledge and pass it is two things completely different...

Yato: Sighs...

The best solution is still to accept his request. And letting a large number of people drop out right now might not be the best thing for the future...

Yato: Fine I will help with this study group...

Hirata: Thank you Fukazawa-Kun, this will really help us!

Yato: But I have some conditions...

Hirata: Of course as long as it's not too much, Sure I'm okay with it.

After I said what my conditions for helping were...we both took separate ways.

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Timeskip

Third-person Pov:

The school was now over and it had been 5 minutes that all the students who wanted to participate in the study group were already there except one person. Suddenly the classroom door opened.

Yato: Yo Hirata, does everyone is here?

Fukazawa Yato entered in the classroom with his usual attitude and a bunch of sheets in his hands...

Most of the people gathered here were girls who wanted to study...or be with Hirata. That's why seeing another guy being here and worst...late...a majority of the girls started looking at Fukazawa with annoyance.

Hirata noticed it but just smiled and ingored the fact that Fukazawa was late...

Hirata: Yes we will be able to start now. Thank you for coming, Fukazawa-kun.

Yato: Before that...

Fukazawa just walked to Hirata and started looking at him...

Yato: Do you remember your deal?

Hirata: Of course

???: Wait a minute!!

Yato: Hm?

The person who said that was the central figure of the girls of D-class... Karuizawa Kei. It had been one month since school started and she was already dating Hirata, the most popular boy in D-class and arguably the most popular guy in the whole year.

Yato: Hm what's wrong with this look? We should start if we don't want to waste time...

Hearing his remark just annoyed more the girl named Karuziawa Kei.

Karuizawa: EH!!?! First, you are the one who arrives late and you act as if nothing has happened?!?! We all want an apology!

Yato: Eh? But I think we would hurry up to start we don't have time for that...

Karuizawa: What?? If it's like that...

Karuziawa then looked around her and with a few nods from the others girls...

Karuizawa: You just have to leave! We don't need you at all!!

As soon she said this a smirk appeared on Fukazawa's face...as if he wanted this answer from her.

Yato: Perfect!! See ya!

Fukazawa then turned around and walked to the door but before he could open it and leave...

Hirata: Please everyone I ask you personally to accept his help we really need it!

Yato: ...

Students then looked at each other before they all agreed...

Karuizawa: If it's Hirata-kun asking then it's okay! Right everyone?

Shinohara: Yes if it is for Hirata-kun

Sato: We can trust Hirata-kun after all!

With an annoyed and disappointed attitude, Fukazawa was looking at them and...

Yato: Sighs...

Yato Pov:

Yato: Sighs...

In the end, it didn't work... they really have a whole blind faith in him... and concerning Hirata, he is really too nice. I played the asshole and he still asked and wanted my help... Well, I had no choice but to really help them now.

They all set up the desk next to each other for the study group. I sat next to Hirata to be able to start. But when I sat down, I saw the disappointment of the girl next to me. She has blue hair tied in twin tails. I guess it's because I took her place next to Hirata.

Yato: Ehh do you want me to change places?

???: Ah eh no no, it's okay...

Yato: It was not what your reaction was saying... Anyway...

I then started looking at the whole group...

Yato: So before we can start, I need you to respect the deal I made with Hirata. Each of you will have to give me 100 private points.

Karuizawa: Ehh you can't be serious?! Why do we need to give you points?! As I said before...

But before the same argument happens again, Hirata interrupted her...

Hirata: Karuizawa and everyone, I will need all of you to trust him please! I trust him so If you guys can do the same...that will help the study group!

Yato:He really has that much influence?

I started looking around until my gaze fell on the girl next to me...

Yato: Hey what's your name?

She seemed surprised but quickly regained her calm...

Mii-chan: Me? Wang Mei-Yu but you can call me Mii-chan like everyone...

She's not Japanese then huh...

Yato: Let me ask you a question Mii-chan, do you trust me?

My question may seem weird but I wanted to confirm something...

Mii-chan: If Hitata-kun said that we can trust you...then yes I do.

There was silence in the classroom until...

Yato: HAHAHA WOW, thanks for your trust but you know it's not a good thing to blindly trust anyone just because someone tells you to do it! Anyway, if each of you pays me 100 points as I asked...I will make sure that it will improve your studies. But the final decision is up to you.

The trust they all have in Hirata is stupidly high... but in the end, the best is that they make the decision for themselves...

After they have all discussed together if they pay me or not, they have come to a decision.

Karuizawa: Okay we are going to give you 100 points if it can help us in our study.

Hirata: Thank you, everyone!

Yato: ...

I looked at Hirata who seemed genuinely happy about the situation until I just decided to ignore all this...

Yato: Fine, we will be able to start.

I then put the stack of sheets that I had in my hands on the table and distributed some to everyone.

Yato: It's an exercise sheet that I photocopied to be able to assess your strengths and weaknesses.

Mii-chan: Wait, is it what it was for these sheets that you asked us for some points?

Everyone was shocked at what she had just said.

Yato: Yeah I wasn't going to waste my own point to photocopy these sheets after all...even if it's only cost me 1000 yen I want them back...

Their expression suddenly changed after what they heard. It seems that after learning the truth, some people seemed to change their minds about me.

Yato: Anyway... I give you 40 minutes to complete these exercises. Ready! Start!

Karuizawa: Wait I'm not ready!

Yato: I don't care! Oh and silence during the test...

Everyone was doing the exercises I gave them. The majority of people present were girls, probably to be closer to Hirata. The marks of the previous exam that Chabashira-Sensei showed were not good... but the students who are the more in difficulty which are Sudo, Ike and Yamauchi are not present. I'll have to ask Hirata what he going to do about them. Otherwise, in this group, no one is in real danger of expulsion. With a bit of study..they should be fine.

Yato: ...

When I was thinking about all this to pass the time...my gaze fell on a girl who did not stop erasing her answers to change them with wrong ones. If I remember correctly, this girl's name is Matsushita Chiaki, she is a friend of Maya Sato the girl who made fun of my brother back in middle school. Also about the girl named Sato Maya... I don't know what to do with her. This story was not concerned me personally but still... Anyways, for the moment I have lots of other things to do...

It has now been 40 minutes since they started so...

Yato: Time up, drop your pencil.

Karuizawa: Wow these exercises were really difficult...

Shinohara: Yes the questions at the end were impossible!

Sato: Right!

Ignoring them I just gathered everyone's exercises sheet

Yato: Hirata, Mii-chan can you help with the corrections?

Mii-chan: Yes sure.

Hirata: No problem

After we took a moment to correct their copy but with Hirata and Mii-chan's help it didn't take too long... My final observation was that two weeks of study would be more than enough to pass the midterms without any problems.

Yato: Okay we will stop there for today. With this study group, you will be ready in time for the midterms.

Karuizawa: Yeah! Thank you Fukazawa-kun!

Shinohara: Thank you!

With that, everyone started to leave the class.

Hirata: Thank you for your help Fukazawa-kun. I'm happy to see that they have started trusting you.

Yato: That's nothing. By the way, what are you gonna do for Sudo, Ike, and Yamauchi?

Hirata: Oh Kushida, Horikita, and Ayanakoji will help them with their studies, everything should be fine.

These three huh...

Yato: Oh I see, anyway see you tomorrow Hirata.

Hirata: Yes... oh I avoided asking this in front of the others but... it would help the class for sure if maybe you could stop being late in class Fukazawa-kun!

Hearing this I just sneered and started packing my stuff in my bag...

Yato: Yeah Yeah... I will make an effort.

Hirata: Thank you! See you tomorrow Fukazawa-kun!

With these words, he left and I finally packed all my things and got up from my seat...

Yato: ...

So Horikita decided to help the three idiots ehh... I don't know what Chabashira-Sensei told Horikita but it seems that she now trying to help the class... If it can help her with her own personal development, it is a good thing I guess...

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Timeskip

Yato Pov:

We have been doing the study group every evening for one week now. Now everyone in this group has started to trust me a bit... to the point that they have already invited me a few times after school to have some fun at the shopping mall. But I refused every time by making up an excuse...

Except for today, they asked me if I wanted to go to the cafe at the Keyaki Mall. I decided to go because of...boredom I guess?

We are all sitting at a table. There was me, Karuizawa, Sato, Shinohara, Matsushita, and Mii-chan.

Yato: Huuuh... it's a nice cafe...this school is sure something else.

I said this while looking around the place but most of the girls started looking at me puzzled...

Karuizawa: Is that the first time that you have come here Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Yeah... I had no interest in coming before but I might come back again in the future...

Usually, I was just buying coffee at the grocery store...the one closest to the dorm.

But suddenly the girls started talking about something as they were doing some study at the same time...

Sato: Hey girls have you heard that Horikita's group gets a date with Kushida if they get the highest score?

Shinohara: Ehh for real?

Karuizawa: What?! It can't be real!

Yato: ...

I just took a sip of my coffee while I was listening to them...

Sato: Yes I don't really know what to think about that...

Sato Maya... So that is the type of girl my brother likes ehh? She gives me the impression that she is a lot superficial, the type of girl that she will fall in love with a guy just because he runs fast...

Yato: Well I think that's a good strategy...

Karuizawa: Huh?

They seemed surprised by my remark but I decided to explain to them what is the reason behind this promise of having a date with Kushida...

Yato: You see... the three boys will put more effort into their studies to have a chance to have a date with Kushida. That's just for motivation because it's impossible for them to have the highest score...that's why Kushida probably proposed this idea.

Shinohara: Ah that's why Kushida came up with this.

Sato: Wow you are so smart Fukazawa-kun

Yato: Well it was pretty obvious... but anyway...

Yato: Now that I think about it, where is Hirata?

When they asked me for the study session today, I was expecting to see Hirata but now that I think about it I am the only guy here...

Karuizawa: He have his soccer club activity right now. We were about to go see him play do you want to come?

Well, it's not what was planned but...

Yato: Hmm yeah why not.

We started to leave for the soccer field.

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Timeskip

Yato Pov:

We arrived and the players were doing a practice game. All the girls started to watch Hirata play, even more Mii-chan who was really focused on Hirata. The first thing I noticed was the popularity of this club, there were really a lot of players and replacements.

On top of that, there were a lot of spectators who came to attend the practice. There was a crowd of spectators that seemed to be senpais of us.

Suddenly as everyone was looking at Hirata and only Hirata... some screams coming from the field were heard as if they had warned us about something.

Mii-chan Pov:

Hirata-kun was currently playing soccer. He looks so cool right now in his soccer uniform.

Players: Watch out girls!!

A ball was going at full speed in my direction and was about to hit me. Paralyzed by fear I close my eyes. Hirata-kun save me!

But...

In the end, I never get hit by the ball.

When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was magnificent red hair that was in front of me.

Still in shock, I was unable to speak until.

Yato Pov:

TAP

That was close...with my good reflexes I was able to catch the ball in time. But If I wouldn't have been there, she would have gotten hit by the ball in the face for sure.

I turned around to see Mii-chan still in shock.

Yato: Hoi you're fine? You can calm yourself you didn't get hit Mii-chan.

She didn't answer me. I flick her forehead to have her attention.

Mii-chan: Ouch! Why did you flicked my forehead? That was mean.

Yato: Eh but you...

When I was talking, Hirata and some other players came to us to check up if everyone was okay.

Hirata: Are you okay Mii-chan? Sorry, we haven't seen you all.

Mii-chan: Oh yeah thanks Fukazawa-kun I didn't get hit.

All the girls came to see Mii-chan if she was okay.

???: Wow man that was such an epic catch you made here. I'm Shibata So and you?

He seems strangely too happy with all this...but I just ignored this and answered him.

Yato: Eh thanks I guess. Anyway... I'm Fukazawa Yato nice to meet you.

Hirata: Eh I didn't know you were good at sports Fukazawa-kun, have you already played soccer at your old school?

As I was about to answer his question. The crowd of Senpai I noticed earlier started to approach us.

???: Clap!Clap!Clap!Clap!Clap!

In front of the crowd, there was a guy who started to applaud.

???: Wow that was impressive, you have excellent reflexes!

This guy looked at me with a smile until he started looking at Hirata next to me.

???: Hirata, is he your classmate? What is his name?

Hirata who is usually calm seems a bit different in front of this guy...

Hirata: Yes Nagumo-senpai, his name is ...

Yato: Hey wait wait... Hirata!!

I immediately stopped Hirata...

This Nagumo guy, all the crowd of senpai I noticed here actually followed him. He is clearly not a random in this school. He seems like the type of person who needs to be on your guard with...

Yato: You know Senpai, it's a bit rude asking for a name before presenting yourself.

I heard his name from Hirata but still... I wanted to hear his presentation to be able to judge him...

Nagumo: Haha you're right, you're right! It's just that I didn't think someone in this school didn't know me yet haha!

His answer seemed arrogant but he seemed serious...as if the thought of someone not having heard of him was strange...

Nagumo: I'm Nagumo Miyabi... I'm in my second year and the next Student Council President!

From what I know the election of the future president has not yet been made... Or he is very confident about himself or he is already guaranteed to win... maybe that's a mix of both... all this crowd follows him like he's a king... this is the second person that I am impressed by seeing his aura that he gives off... but that's not the same as Manabu Horikita...

Yato: Haha you seem sure of yourself future Council President. Anyway, I'm Fukazawa Yato nice to meet you Nagumo-Senpai.

Nagumo: Tell me Fukazawa are you in a club already? If not I'm sure the soccer one would love to have you in!

Yato: Eh no I'm not and it's not in my plan to join any club.

Everyone was totally quiet while listing to our conversation

Nagumo: For real? What a shame with your talent. But by any chance would you aim for the student council?

Hearing what he just said and with a smirk, I just shook my head in disagreement...

Yato: Haha even less!

Nagumo: Are you sure? I could support your candidacy with pleasure!

The senpai and people from my class were in shock at what he had just said...and I personally stopped to smirk and started looking at this guy a bit more seriously...

Senpai: What?

Senpai: Nagumo-kun are you sure?

As we were looking at each other, some of the people behind him seemed unsure about his decision until one girl stepped closer of Nagumo...

???: Again? Miyabi you just recruited this kouhai from the B-class. Are you sure to want to make him enter the student council?

The girl who was talking more casually to Nagumo hasbrown hair and a pin in the shape of a sunflower in it.

Nagumo: Yeah why not Nazuna? I like him, he reminds me of my first year! So Fukazawa do you want me to make you join the student council?

He really has the influence to be able to get me in without any problem... but that will not change my answer for all that... without answering him I turned around and started to walk.

Yato: 500 000 points!

Nagumo: eh?

Yato: If you want me to join the Students Council that's my price!

Everyone was even more shocked by this conversation. But I noticed that the most shocking person was that Nazuna girl.

Nagumo: HAHA I like that! But you know... I don't think I can afford such an amount of points per month. That's five times more than what you received the first month.

Before leaving for good, I turned around to tell him one last thing

Yato: Ohh you sure about that? Yet from what I saw I'm sure you have a way of giving them to me.

I said this curious about something and with the smirk he had I got an answer...

Yato: See ya...

I then started to walk away without letting him time to say anything else...

This guy was something else compared to the others here... He gave me the impression of being a king accompanied by his servants. We will probably talk about what happened today but it's not too much of a problem.

Yato: Nagumo Miyabi eh...

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(A.N)

There is a lot going on in this chapter, I hope that you liked it! The next chapter will come out either tomorrow or Friday. That will be the last chapter of Volume 1. Tell me what you think about my story that would be appreciated. Thanks to the one who read it!

Volume 1: 1 point

Chapter 6

Yato Pov:

Thursday after school. The day before the midterm. Everyone who participated in our study group should be fine for the exam tomorrow. I helped Hirata the best I could.

People talked about the incident that happened with Nagumo the other day. But they quickly found a new gossip to talk about, so that was perfect for me.

Chabashira-Senseiended homeroom and walked out of the class. When I was about to do the same, Kushida stood up in front of the classroom.

Kushida:Sorry, but can you guys listen to me before going home?

Everyone stopped what they were doing to listen to Kushida. She is really popular in the class so it was evident that everyone was going to listen to her.

Kushida:I hope everyone has been studying a lot for tomorrow's test. I have something that can help all of you for some final studying tonight. I'll hand them out now.

She handed us some sheets with questions and answers on them.

Yato: Do these are...

Hirata:Test... questions? Did you make them, Kushida-san?

Obviously, I was not the only one surprised.

Kushida:Actually, these are old test problems. I got them from a third-year senpai last night.

Yato: This is what I thought... but...

I then started looking at Kushida.

Hirata:Old test problems? Are these actual valid questions?

Kushida:Yea. Two years ago, the midterm had nearly the same questions as the one on this problem set. So, if you practice, I think we'll do better.

Ike:Woah! Seriously? Kushida-chan, thank you!

Ike hugged his test in happiness. All the other students also couldn't hold back their emotions.

Yamauchi:What the hell, if we have these problems, doesn't all of our studying become useless?

Exactly, Kushida chose the best time to give these old tests. If she had given them earlier a lot of people would have stopped their studies. But the real question I have in mind is how she had this idea of the old tests... Is she really able to come up with a plan like this?... maybe Horikita gave it to her so that she could give them to the class...

Everyone was happy because they had a real asset to take this exam. But someone went to Kushida and said something that surprised me.

Horikita:Kushida-san. Good job.I never thought to use the old tests. I'm also thankful that you went to see if these questions were still valid to use.

Kushida:It's nothing special. I'm doing this for my friends, after all.

Yato: What?? So it was not Horikita and it was Kushida who thought all of this... or...

I looked to my left at the guy who was sitting next to the window...

Yato: No I overthinking... Anyways these old tests are a good thing for the class...

I exit the classroom and make my way toward the dormitory.

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Timeskip

Yato Pov:

In the morning, Chabashira-sensei walked into the classroom with a smile. It was the awaited day.

Chabashira:No absences; it looks like everyone's here.

Yes, I thought it wouldn't be the best day to arrive late so I made an effort to be here in time.

Chabashira:This is the first obstacle to being able to stay in school. Does anyone have any questions?

Hirata:We have been studying diligently for the past few weeks. I don't think there will be any dropouts in this class, you know?

Chabashira:You have a lot of confidence, Hirata.

Yeah, I could tell that our study group was 100% ready for the midterm and for the group of Horikita... she seems to have done a great job. Ike, Yamauchi, and Sudo seem pretty confident and with the old test they received yesterday, it should be fine.

Chabashira:If no one fails this midterm and the finals in July, everyone will get a summer vacation.

Ike:Vacation?

Chabashira:Yea, that's right... You'll be on a dream-like vacation on an island surrounded by the blue sea.

Yato: Ehh... do we have the right to choose if we go or not?

The tests were handed out to everyone. And with the teacher's signal, everyone started at the same time.

The first subject was social studies, the easiest one. The day continued andDuring the second and third periods, the test continued with the Japanese and chemistry sections. Then it was the fourth period with Math as the subject. Finally, we had a break time before the last subject which was English.

The Horikita group met at the Sudo desk to discuss how the exam was going. I decided to listen to them...

Ike:This is an easy pass!

Yamauchi:I feel like I'll get a 120 this time!

These two seem pretty confident about how it went just now.

Kushida: Sudo-kun, how are you doing?

Sudo: ...

Kushida:Sudo-kun?

Sudo:...Huh? Oh, sorry, I'm a bit busy.

Yato: ...

Kushida:Sudo, by any chance... did you not study the questions?

Sudo:I did everything but English. I dozed off in the middle.

Yato: Sighs...

Just at this moment, Hirata came to see me.

Hirata: Hey Fukazawa-kun, I talked to everyone and we should have no problem.

Yato: That's a good thing to hear. They made an effort in their studies so there was no need to worry.

Hirata: Yeah I know but still...And what about you? Did you have time for your own study? Because in every session you were just helping and not studying for yourself.

Yato: Haha yes everything is fine. Thank you for your concern, Hirata. Anyway, you should go back to your place the last test will start soon.

Hirata: Your right. Good luck with the last test.

Yato: Same goes for you.

I looked at Sudo one last time before the start of the test and he didn't seem confident...

Then the test started. While all the other students started solving the problems, Sudo was having trouble. Occasionally, he tapped the pen on his head while thinking and kept pausing while writing.

Yato: Sighs... I can always do that to help him...

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Timeskip

Yato Pov:

Walking into the classroom, Chabashira-sensei looked around the classroom in surprise. Everyone was waiting in suspense for the results of the midterms.

Hirata:Sensei. I heard that the results will be released today, but when exactly?

Chabashira:There's no need for you to be that excited about it, Hirata. You probably passed.

Yato: Well I don't think it was for his results that he was worried...

Hirata:...When will they be released?

Chabashira:Well, now is a good time. There isn't much time for certain procedures if we do it after school.

It's official, with her words 'certain procedures' someone probably failed... Some students were visibly worried by these words...

Hirata:What... what do you mean?

Chabashira:Don't be confused. I'll explain it now.

She stuck the paper with everyone's names and scores on the board.

Chabashira:Honestly, good job. I didn't think this class would do this well. In math, Japanese, and social studies, there were over 14 perfects.

The majority of the students were cheering after seeing the scores of the class...but for me, my first reaction was to hit my fist on my desk... Sudo didn't pass the English test.

Yato: Sighs... that's was not enough...

That caught everyone's attention...

Ike: Haha don't be mad. I was just better than you this time, don't take it personally.

Yato: Huh?? The fuck what did you say, Ike?

Indeed, on the English test, I got 47 points and Ike got 48 points...

Koenji: Haha I see what you tried to do, latecomer-boy!

Yato: Hoi, I do like nicknames but you can change them, it doesn't suit me too much anymore.

Chabashira: Indeed, two people had surprising results in English.You all did well. However—...

Chabashira-sensei had a red pen in her hand. And she drew a red line right above Sudou's name.

Sudo: Huh??W-what the hell? What does this mean?

Chabashira:You failed, Sudou.

Sudo:What? That's a lie, right? Don't bullshit me, why did I fail!?

The classroom did a complete 180, from cheering to an angry uproar in a split second.

Chabashira: You failed the English exam.

Sudo:Don't lie to me, the passing grade is a 32! I passed!

Stop Sudo... you persist in vain... you failed this exam...

Chabashira:Nothing you say will help. This is the unmistakable truth. On this midterm, the passing grade was a 40. In other words, you were one point short. Almost, but not quite.

Sudo: F-forty!? I had never heard of this! I can't agree with this!

Chabashira:Then, should I tell you how we decide what is a passing grade?

Chabashira-sensei wrote a formula on the board. She wrote, "79.6/2 = 39.8".

Chabashira:Last test, and this test as well, each class has a set passing grade. And that grade was half the average.

Sudo:Impossible... Does... does that mean, I am expelled?

Chabashira: Although it was a short time, you did well. After school, you will be asked to fill out a dropout form, but you will need a legal guardian. I'll contact them for you afterward.

It was the end for him... I wouldn't try to find a way to save him... I already gave him a chance by lowering my score in English...It's a shame because he made some effort to upgrade his academic level...

Chabashira:The rest of you, good job for passing. On the final, please work hard to do the same and pass the test. Well then, onto the next topic

Hirata:S-sensei. Is Sudo-kun really dropping out? Is there no way to save him?

Always playing the good guy Hirata...

Hirata: Can we see Sudo-Kun's answer sheet?

Yato: Stop Hirata... it's useless Sensei already explained why he has a falling grade... no chance that the school made a mistake in his correction...

Hirata: But... I can't let my classmate be expelled. I need to check it!

Chabashira took Sudo's English exam answer sheet and passed it to Hirata.

After he has checked his copy.

Hirata:There are... no mistakes.

Chabashira:Well, if that's all, homeroom is now over.

Sensei is cold as always...Ike and Yamauchi stayed silent with the news that their friend was going to get expelled from this school... Some people were relieved by this news... after all Sudo was not liked by everyone with his bad character...

Chabashira: Sudo, come to the staff room after school.

Horikita:Chabashira-sensei. Do you have some time?

Yato: Horikita?

You were one of the last people I imagined wanting to save Sudo... Your discussion with Chabashira-Sensei last time really change your attitude...

Chabashira:That's unusual, Horikita. You raising your hand. What's your question?

Horikita:Earlier, Sensei said that the previous test had a passing grade of 32 points, which was calculated by the formula you wrote earlier. Is there no mistake in calculating the last test's passing grade?

I see what you trying to say Horikita but that not going to work either... I thought you had a good idea to save Sudo but I was wrong...

Chabashira:Yes, no mistake.

Horikita:Then, I have one more question. I calculated the mock test's average to be 64.4. Dividing that by two, you get 32.2. In other words, higher than 32. Despite that, the passing grade was a 32 by truncating the decimal point. That's contradictory from this time.

Chabashira: I see. I found it surprising that you and Fukazawa-kun got a low score on the English exam... You bothanticipated Sudo's grade to barely pass.

All the students were in surprise... even more, Ike who had made fun of me 5 minutes ago... After all in four of our five gradesHorikita and I only got perfect results...

Sudo: you guys...why??

Yato: I wanted to give you some help for the effort you have made the past two weeks, that's all.

Horikita: If you think my opinion is wrong, please tell me why the calculation differs between the last test and this test.

That was the last chance for Sudo but... that's not going to work...

Chabashira:I see. Well then, let me tell you one more thing. Sadly, there's one error in your formula. Rather than truncating, we rounded the tests. The last test rounded down to 32, this test rounded up to 40.

As simple as that... that was a useless attempt.

Chabashira:In your mind, you probably noticed that the score was rounded. But holding onto that possibility... well, that's too bad. The first period will start soon, so I will leave now.

Horikita had no more way to retort and stayed silent. Like everyone...

Yato: I'm going to the bathroom.

I leave the class and go to the bathroom. I thought there might have a way to save him but I'm not going to do anything.

Just like I exited the bathroom, I saw Chabashira-Sensei followed by...

Yato: Ayanakoji???

There were going toward the door of the staff room. I couldn't ignore this and decided to listen from far enough away so as not to be noticed.

I soon that I get close enough to hear Ayanakoji speak.

Ayanakoji:Please sell me one point for Sudou's English test.

Yato: Hoi haha, for real? I was not the only one to have remembered this detail. Ayanakoji too huh?

I noticed that someone was approaching me. When I looked at who it was, I recognized my classmate.

Horikita: What are you doing here?

After she noticed Chabashira and Ayanakoji further away.

Yato: I got lost, you?

Horikita: Don't play dumb with me... Sighs

I returned my attention to the conversation between Ayanakoji and Chabashira.

Chabashira:A very difficult question indeed. No one's ever asked to buy a point before. Let's see... I'll give you a point for 100,000 points.

Ayanakoji: Sensei, you're cruel.

Yato: Yes she is...

At this moment Horikita went to join them.

Horikita: I will also pay.

Chabashira: As I thought, you two are interesting. Did you come alone Horikita?

Horikita: Yes...

I couldn't hear the rest of her sentence because I was already gone from my spot... I had no intention of helping them to pay the 1 points that Sudo needed... I had already helped Sudo by lowering my English grade... and finally, I would have been really curious to see what happens when a student is expelled... Does this have any consequences for the rest of the class?... We never know with this school...

But the great thing today is that now I know that we can really buy anything in this school as Chabashira-Sensei said on the first day... it will be essential to have a lot of money for the future... I found my next task... I will have to find a way to make some points...

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(A.N)

Volume 1 is now finished! I have a lot of things planned for Volume 2.I really hope you guys enjoy this story. The next chapter will come out Sunday or Monday. Thanks to the one who read my story!

School Database

(A.N)

Quick Update just to publish his school data. I advise you to read it. It contains useful and interesting information. I hope you like it. Anyway, as I said in the last chapter, the next update is going to be Sunday or Monday.

Volume 2: Incident

Chapter 1

Yato Pov:

It's had been a while since the midterms were done. All students were happy that they all passed and the best news is that we are technically going to receive points after the chaos of the past month. The homeroom was about to start and Chabashira started to speak.

Chabashira: I have an announcement for you all. There was a bit of trouble the other day, an incident between the student sitting there, Sudo, and some students from Class C. In short, there was a fight.

The classroom erupted. Sudo was already not appreciated in the class and this news doesn't help to change people's minds about him. As usual, Chabashira-Sensei's face was so devoid of emotion or interest when she spoke to the class...

Hirata: Umm. So why hasn't this issue been resolved already?

Chabashira: The complaint came from Class C. They claim that the fight was one-sided. However, when we spoke to the accused, Sudou said that their claims were false. He insists that the students of Class C called him over and started the fight.

Sudo: It wasn't my fault! It was self-defense! Self-defense, I tell you!

Chabashira: But there's no evidence of that. Am I wrong?

Sudo: What evidence? I don't have any. All I know is that I'm innocent.

Chabashira: So in other words, we don't yet know the truth. You will need evidence to prove your point. If there is an eyewitness, then the situation may change. If anyone here witnessed the fight, please raise your hand.

No students raised their hands in response to her question.

Chabashira: Too bad, Sudou. It appears there are no witnesses in this class. In order to check for witnesses, every teacher will inform their classes of the details of this incident.

Sudo: Huh? So everyone will know about this?

Yato: Well if you want to find any witnesses you don't have any choice...

Chabashira: Anyway, that is all. We'll make our final judgment in several days, taking into account any eyewitnesses and evidence. With that, let's end homeroom for the day.

With that Sensei exited the classroom. Just after students started talking about Sudo.

Ike: Man, isn't Sudou just the worst?

Yato: Ehhh...he's not supposed to be your friend??...

Student:If we lose points because of Sudou, will we be at zero again this month?

I can understand their reaction and feelings after learning this news about Sudo...But personally, this news did not surprise me...Why?... In fact, I was already aware of this incident...it goes back to yesterday after school...

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Flashback

Yato Pov:

The class had just finished and I decided to do scouting in the school for the first time. I want to know each place in the school and most important... know where each camera in the school is located. It's a habit that I have had for a long time and we never know when it will be useful to me.

Yato: Hmm?

When I was walking around the school, I saw a man further away who seemed to be looking at the camera.

Yato: Would he do the same as me? Interesting...

I decided to get closer to him and saw that he hadshoulder-length magenta hair and was about the same height as me.

Yato: Yo for this camera I would say that his blind spot would be the corner over there.

Without answering, he turned to me and looked at me for about 5 seconds while saying nothing.

His gaze was piercing... was he trying to intimidate me??

Yato: ...

But I just continued looking at him with my usual attitude and after seeing that I had no reaction he just...

???: ... Kuku.

He left immediately without saying anything more...

Yato: Huh... This dude...

I then decided to continue my scouting around the school until I found a classroom with a poster indicating 'Art club' on it. I peeked through the window of the door to see Kamuro alone in it. I opened the door to go inside but she didnè't noticed me and just continued to look at her notebook...

Yato: I see, so this is the room for your club Kamuro huh? You show me one of your works?

Karumo: KYA!!

She shouted surprised to hear someone in the room but as soon she saw it was me...

Kamuro: Sighs...you surprised me... what are you doing here?

Yato: I came to see you. Then...do you want to show me one of your works?

Kamuro: Wait what?! What did you say??

Yato: Huh? Well I wanted to see one of your works...

Kamuro: ...

I then noticed her mumbling something...

Yato: ...

I started walking closer to her but she just lowered her gaze as she immediately closed her notebook where she was drawing something in it...

Seeing this I just sneered...

Yato: Ahhhh don't tell me you were drawing a portal of me huh?

I said this in a fooling tone to mess with her but she immediately got up annoyed but before she could say anything else...

The door opened and a little girl with white hair who was walking with a cane entered the room.

???: Fufufu... am I interrupting something Kamuro? I can always come back later.

Kamuro seeing who entered the room just regained her usual attitude. She then passed next to me as if she ingored my precise...

Kamuro: No you don't interrupt anything to say some foolishness Sakayanagi...

Yato:Sakayanagi?

I ingored what Kamuro said and focused on how she called this girl...

Yato:Where have I heard this name before??

I just started looking at this Sakayanagi girl...

Sakayanagi: Oh as you say then... I just came to pick you up so we can go to the dorm together.

But before Kamuro answers her...

Yato: Sakayanagi Right? Sorry, I came to see Kamuro unexpectedly...I was about to leave so you will be able to go home together.

I start walking toward the exit.

Sakayanagi: You don't have to apologize it was not a problem at all. Before you leave can you mind telling me your name?

Yato: This girl...

I just looked at her for a moment until...

Yato: Oh yeah I forgot to introduce myself... I'm Fukazawa Yato from the D class.

Hearing my name, she just smiled...

Sakayanagi: I see. I'm Sakayanagi Arisu leader of the A-Class. Nice to meet you Fukazawa-kun.

Yato:Leader huh...

After the short conversation and seeing her attitude, I already had a better understanding of her and their class...

Yato: Same for me. Anyway... I will go now, have a nice day. See you next time Kamuro.

Just before leaving, I looked one last time at this girl named Sakayanagi. She noticed it because she turned to look at me too. Without saying anything else... I left the room for good.

Sakayanagi Arisu... I got the feeling she evaluated me during the whole conversation. With the way she was talking and looking at me, I already knew I'd have to be careful with her. Their class has already chosen a leader so she would be the main reason for the advance in points of her Class. But the thing that bothers me the most is I am sure at 100% that I have already heard the name Sakayanagi somewhere...

For the other guy who was looking at the camera... I don't really know what to think yet. But if I'm not mistaken with the fact that he was looking for the blindspot of the camera, that will be really interesting. That would mean that we have a similar way of thinking.

Yato: haha... this scouting around this school was more worth it than expected in the end...

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I left the school by one of the second exits. I was now in a place behind the school where there weren't too many students around. As I was about to go to the front of the school to return to my room, I saw two people discussing in secret.

Yato: Ayanakoji with... another cute girl? Holy shit every time I see him he's with a different girl...

I couldn't hear what there were saying, but if they were talking in a spot where nobody goes, it's that they don't want to be seen. I will have to make a detour by the other side to return home...

Yato: Sighs... I hate my bad luck...

I started to walk until I came across a special building that was behind the school.

Yato: Hmm? What is inside this building?

I entered the building, and no person was in sight, but I heard noise further. I remain discreet and approach close enough just to see Sudo with three other dudes. The three guys started to provoke Sudo. I immediately took out my phone and started filming the scene.

Yato: I take back what I said about my bad luck... today is my lucky day!

Yato: It seems like I just found a way to make some money...

After they started to fight with Sudo but that was clearly a setup because they were getting beat up despite being 3 vs 1.

Just when I thought about a plan to maximize the points I could make I saw a girl who attended everything too.

Yato: Sakura...

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Back in the present

Yato Pov:

This is how I already knew about the incidentbefore Chabashira announced the news this morning.

Of course, I had no intention of playing the witness because I had another plan for this incident. The thing I'm glad about is that Saruka didn't say anything about this yet. It would have me it impossible for me if she had already spoken to the school.

I will now have two things to do. First observe what Sakura is going to do about this...if she decides to play the witness I need to know when. And then, get in touch with the guys who set up Sudo to blackmail them. Everything will be a matter of timing and having the necessary information about the situation.

Kushida: Everyone, can you please listen to what I have to say? What our teacher said seems to be true. Sudou-kun may have been in a fight. However, Sudou-kun was dragged into it.

Ike: Kushida-chan, what do you mean? Do you believe Sudou?

Kushida conveyed yesterday's story to the whole class that Sudo told her. If it was Sudo, nobody would have listened or believed him.

Kushida: I'd like to ask you all again. If anyone knows someone who saw what happened, whether it's someone in class, a friend, or an upperclassman, please tell me. You can contact me at any time. I would sincerely appreciate it.

Even though she'd basically said the same thing as Chabashira-sensei, the class had a very different reaction. She was really popular in the class.

Little by little everyone gets motivated to help Sudo to find a witness. With the help of Kushida, Hirata, and Karuizawa the most popular people in the class... Sudo now has all the class to help him to prove his innocence.

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After the class, when my classmate was about to start to search for a witness, Hirata came to see me.

Hirata: Fukazawa-kun will you come with us to search for a witness?

Yato: Nah I pass this one... I have other stuff planned sorry... but you know...

I am going to give him a hint because after all, it would be best if Sakura ended up testifying. I don't want to be the one who asks her to testify.

Yato: ...sometimes we get lost trying to look too far.See you, tomorrow Hirata!

Hirata: Huh? Yeah bye Fukazawa-kun. Just tell me if you find something.

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Timeskip

Yato pov:

The new school day was already over and Sakura didn't talk about the incident to anyone. A thing that I learned today is the price of changing classes...Twenty million. Many people were surprised by this revelation because they listened when Chabashira-sensei said we could buy anything in this school.

Sakura was about to exit the classroom but someone walked toward her

Kushida: Can you please make some time? This is important, so I'd like to talk to you. When Sudou-kun was involved in the incident, were you perhaps somewhere nearby?

Sakura: I-I don't know. I already told Horikita-san. I really don't know anything...

Yato: So Horikita finds out that Sakura was a witness... after all her reaction when Chabashira talked about the incident was suspicious...

Sakura:So...is it okay? If I go back...

Kushida: Can't you please spare just a few minutes now?

Sakura: Wh-why, though? I-I don't know anything...

Sakura: I'm really bad at being social. I'm sorry...

Yato: Wowshe really has a problem with peopleif even Kushida has difficulty approaching her...

Sakura: G-goodbye.

She started running away butshe ran into Hondou's shoulder, and she dropped her camera on the floor and broke it.

I got up from my seat and walked out of the classroom. The last thing I heard was Koenji who was provoking Sudo.

As it goes, Sakura will never testify in favor of Sudo... she really needs someone to confide in... it would be best if it were done naturally...I just hope not to have to intervene in this problem...

Yato: I should take care of my other goral now...

Mini TimeSkip

Yato pov:

I was in the corridor near the C-class. The school was over, but a lot of people were still in the class, including my target.

Yato: I will need a distraction...

I took out my phone and sent a message to a certain person with some instructions. My message was seen immediately by the person and I got an answer

(A.N): [ ] text message

???: [hm...ok I put myself in position and I'm waiting for your signal]

I had already written my next message but did not send it now...then I started to wait for my target to come out of the classroom.

Five minutes later, the man I was waiting, come out alone from the class and started making his way towards the exit of the school.

Yato: Perfect he is all alone that will make my task easier.

I send the message to tell my accomplice to be ready.

The moment the guy turned the corner he ran into someone.

Kamuro: Ouchh!! That's hurt.

???: Omg I'm sorry I didn't see you!!

Well done Kamuro, it seemed natural. I discreetly approached the boy from behind and put a little piece of paper in his pocket.

???: You can tell me if there is anything I can do to make amends!

The fact that it was a cute girl that he bumped into helped a lot because he had all his attention on Kamuro now and he didn't notice me at all. It was so easy that I might not even need her help.

Kamuro: No it will not be necessary. I will be going now.

I walk away to make sure that this guy and I never cross paths and finally, Kamuro joins me a little further.

Yato: Thanks Kamuro! Well done, it was perfect.

Kamuro: Why did you want me to do this?

Yato: It's a secret.

Kamuro: Huh? I helped you, you could at least tell me what you are up to!

Yato: Haha don't be angry... I'll tell you but not right away.

Kamuro: ...

Yato: I will surely need you soon it would be great if you could help me. I will offer you something in exchange.

Kamuro: Hmm... I would help you if only I have nothing better to do...

Yato: Haha it's okay with me! I will contact you soon.

Then after all that I set off to my room.

Timeskip

Yato Pov:

It was now 8:00 p.m. and I received a notification on my phone. It was quite rare, so I already knew that my plan had worked. If my information is correct, this dude's name is Ichizaki Daichi. It seems like he is a better version of Sudo...

Ishizaki: [ Who are you? What do you what? ]

Yato: Perfect

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(A.N)

That's for the first chapter of Volume 2. It is a little shorter than the others, but this chapter has a lot of setup for the next one. I hope you like it the next chapter will come out tomorrow or Tuesday. Thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 2: Preparation

Chapter 2

Yato pov:

It was now 8:00 p.m and I received a notification on my phone. It was quite rare so I already know that my plan had worked. If my information is correct this dude's name is Ichizaki Daichi. It seems like he is a better version of Sudo...

Ishizaki: [ Who are you? What do you what? ]

Yato: Perfect, He found the paper with the email I wrote on it.

I had created an anonymous email to be able to communicate with him.

Yato: [ Just a random guy who knows what has happened in the special building with Sudo and two of your friends. Before I tell you what I want, do you understand the rule I wrote on the paper I give you? ]

Ishizaki: [ Yeah, yeah... I must not tell anyone about this conversation otherwise I am in trouble... ]

Perfect, as long as he understands the danger in which he is it will be easy.

Ishizaki: [ So what do you want from me? Are you going to denounce us? And how do I know that this is not a bluff, I need proof! ]

Yato: [ Woah haha calm down haha, one thing at a time. Here your proof ]

I send the video of them who was provoking Sudo, we saw that it was not Sudo who started the fight but them.

Ishizaki: [ What do you want? you are going to denounce us right? ]

Yato: [ haha don't worry about that, it's not in my plan. but their one things I want you to do for me ]

Yato: [ During the trial about the incident I want you to record the conversation with your phone. That's all, simple right?. But if you talk about anything about this to anyone, you can take your stuff and say goodbye to this school. Understand? ]

Ishizaki: ...

He didn't answer me immediately after that he read my message.

Yato: [ What's happening?? You're scared haha. I want your answer now ]

Ishizaki [ Okay. I do as you say just don't share this video with this school, please. ]

Yato: [ No need to worry. As long you do as I said you will be safe. Anyway, I want the record as soon as the trial is over. ]

I close my phone and put it on my table.

Good, the first step is done. Now I'll be able to know what happened during the trial, I don't want to be present during it because I want to remain as discreet as possible. Now my current problem...

Yato: Sakura...

Starting from the beginning, she was there during the fight between Sudo and the guys from C-class. But why she was there? What her is she doing in that place? If I remember correctly, she had her camera and she was dressed in clothes that were not the school uniform... also she is very attached to her camera when I saw her reaction when she broke it...

I take my phone off the table and start searching on the internet.

Yato: Maybe she takes photos of herself and puts them on the internet...

I started to believe more and more in my theory. I got that feeling that I had already seen Sakura somewhere else. If I can find anything that will be useful to me in any way.

After 40 minutes that I was looking for, I find a blog on which a girl posts pictures of her. Her name was Shizuku and I looked at the photos and the room where she takes the photos was the dormitory so I was sure now, it confirmed that it was indeed Sakura.

I looked at her for 5 minutes and I find out that she looked like she had a different personality in her pictures. The other things it was her fans, more precisely one of them, he was really persistent in his comments.

Yato: That should be enough for now...

Now that I found something on her, I just have to wait for her that she wants to go testify. I hope that I won't have to force her or anything and she will go by herself...

Timeskip next day after school

Yato pov:

I text Kamuro to come to my room in 20min. The first thing I will do before she comes is to take a shower. After 10 min that I was in the shower, I hear the door open and someone walks into my room.

Yato: Wtf it's been just 10min...

I got out of the shower and after drying myself off I started to dress...

Yato: Fuck...

I have no shirt in my bathroom, well I just going to put the bandage on my arm right now and it will be okay... I think...

I go out of the bathroom and the first thing I see is Kamuro sitting on my bed on her phone. She didn't look at me and asked me something.

Kamuro: So what did you want from me?

Yato: Well first would you mind giving me the shirt next to you?

Kamuro: Huh? Your shirt whyyy KYAAA!!!

She turned around and saw that I was shirtless, she started to panic.

Kamuro: WHY YOU ARE SHIRTLESS??

Yato: Hoi Hoi, don't shout otherwise everyone around will hear.

That's going to be a problem if anybody hears screams come from my room, after all, Ayanakoji's room is next to mine and Sudo his friends are often in his room. The group of idiots will imagine things and will start to create some bad rumors...

Yato: If anyone hears you right now this will create useless rumors.

Kamuro: I didn't think you were someone like that...

Yato: Wait no no no no no, I had no bad intentions I swear. You came 10 minutes early and I didn't have a shirt ready, that's all.

Kamuro: But... yeah your right you wouldn't do something like that... but put on a shirt, please...

While she was talking she noticed something on my stomach... she looked surprised.

(A.N): Like on the picture.

Kamuro: Wait... on your stomach, what is that??? how did you get that scar???

Yato: Huh? This, I just tripped.

Kamuro: Don't mess with me

I don't really care that she has seen my scar on my stomach and, as long as she hasn't seen my arm, that's fine with me. The thing is even if she saw it, that won't mean that I'm going to talk about my scar to her.

I take a serious look before telling her...

Yato: No more questions please, okay?

Kamuro: Oh yeah sure...

I put the shirt that was on my bed.

Yato: Well now, I made you come here to ask you for a favor.

Kamuro: Yeah the things that you told me last time.

Yato: Yeah are you free tomorrow?

Kamuro: Well I can free myself if you need my help...

Yato: Perfect, tomorrow we go on a date!

There was a long silence before I get an answer...

Kamuro: BAKA!! What are you talking about???? BAKA!

Yato: HAHAHA relax, in fact, we are going to spy on someone tomorrow and I will need your help.

Kamuro: Ahh I see now... it's just so that we go unnoticed...

Yato: So you free tomorrow?

Kamuro: Yeah sure.

Yato: Good, so be there at 1 p.m at the mall, please.

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Timeskip next day

Yato pov:

I was sitting at the outside table of a restaurant while I was waiting for Kamuro and my target. Kamuro eventually arrived and sat down at the same table.

Karumo: Hello, so who are we supposed to be watching?

Yato: Hey, the person to watch is Sakura Airi, my classmate.

Kamuro: Huh okay and where she is now?

Yato: She hasn't arrived yet.

Kamuro: Eh but how do you know she will come here?

Yato: She broke her camera and she will come to repair it at the electronics store just there. I heard that she is going to come here today with Kushida.

Kamuro: Hmm but are you sure that they will come here precisely? and why do we come here right now if they are not there yet?

Yato: For your first question, I checked and this is the only place she can go to have her camera repaired.

Yato: and we are in advance so as not to be noticed, it's better if we were already there before them, isn't it?

Kamuro: Wow I'm surprised you did your research before.

Yato: Yeah I prefer to be foreseeing. If you want to order something in the meantime you can, I'll pay for it.

Kamuro: Okay I'll take a look.

Kamuro ended up choosing something to drink. While we were waiting, we were talking about trivial things like her class and mine. I learn that her class has two leaders, Katsuragi and Sakayanagi the girl I meet the last time. After 10 minutes Sakura and Kushida arrived and steeled down at a table further away but...

Yato: Ayanakoji his with them...

Kamuro: Ehh so you like every all the other guys who are in awe of Kushida?

Yato: Huh?

Kamuro: Since they arrived you don't take your eyes off her...

Yato: haha you noticed it...

She thought that I was looking at Kushida but in reality, I was looking at Ayanakoji... That's just would have been weird if I would have told her that I was looking at him... I just go with what she thinks...

I take a look at Kamuro and she was really pretty in her casual clothes... She starts to blush...

Kamuro: Hum... why are you looking at me when saying nothing...

Yato: Ehh nothing...

Yato: Well...look like we have to wait a little more before they go to the shop...

Kamuro: ...yeah they ordered something to drink...

Yato:...

Kamuro:...

Yato: Hey what about Hashimoto, I haven't heard anything from him recently. How he's doing?

Kamuro: Fine I guess, he works a lot of this time for the class.

Yato: Ohh that's why. I imagine it's a good thing that's he wants to contribute to your class.

Kamuro: Well he works more for her than the class but yeah...

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After they finish their drink, they left for the electronic store.

Yato: Okay let's go, remember... be discreet.

Kamuro: I know how to follow someone without making me notice.

Yato: Okay okay...

We enter the shops and I saw that they were in the back at the store with the technician who can fix the camera. I send Kamuro closer to them and she was calling me for I can hear what they were saying. After some time I notice that the dude was really creepy and has a weird attitude...

Yato: hmm maybe...

I send a message to Kamuro

Yato: [ I'll be back in 10 minutes, wait for me outside ]

I leave the store and start looking for a particular store.

Yato: Oh this one should have what I want.

Mini Timeskip

Kamuro Pov:

Why he left?? Now Sakura and the other have left the store and I don't know where they go.

Kamuro: Should I have followed them??

He told me to wait for him outside the store after all. I will just do what he asked me.

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Kamuro: It's been 15 minutes, what is he doing this idiot??

???: Hoi mate mate, I'm here now don't insult me...

Kamuro: Huh what?

There was a man with blond hair and with sunglasses who was talking to me.

(A.N): Like that but with the sunglasses.

Yato: Well if even you didn't recognize me at the first glaze it's going to work.

Kamuro: Wait Fukazawa?? Why did you go buy a wing, a mask, and sunglasses?

Yato: In absolute no case I should be recognized.

Yato: Wait here when I go in the shops, you too must not be seen.

Kamuro: Wait what are you going to do?

I didn't answer and go to the store. I prefer that she doesn't know what I'm about to do. I go to the technician.

Technician: Hello how can I help you today?

Yato: Well it's probably my who can help you today

Technician: Huh?

Yato: Shizuku... your a fan right?

Technician: OHHH yeah for sure! Shizuku-chan is my God!!

Yato: Perfect that's going to be easy

Yato: I know a real fan when I see one and you're definitely one! Listen I have maybe some info on her, does that interest you?

Technician: YES YES YES

Yato: Haha good but I want something in exchange.

Technician: Sure but what are the Infos you have on Shizuka-sama?

Yato: I can give you her address, you will be able to send her personal letters to her because you are her biggest fan right?

Technician: OMG yes want do you want??? please, please!!

Yato: First some info, how the school is paying their employees and the teachers?

Technician: Same as the students, we get points each month and our rent is paid by the school because we lived in the employees' dormitories.

Yato: Okay and how many points that the employees receive and how much for the teachers?

Technician: Hmm around 300k and 350k for the employees, for the teacher is between 500k and 600k because of some bonuses.

Yato: Okay good but before I tell you her address I want one last more thing, okay?

Technician: Okay sure what it is?

Yato: The earphone behind you, buy them for me and her address is yours.

Technician: Sure I buy them right now wait until I come back.

Yato: what a creepy dumbass...

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I left the store and remove the wig and the mask off my head. Kamuro came to me.

Kamuro: Huh? Why are you smiling??

Yato: Huh? haha, I guess that because I'm lucky lately.

Kamuro: I imagine that you will not answer me if I ask you what happen in the store?

Yato: Haha you lean quickly, I like it!

Kamuro: Sighs... you're really annoying...

Yato: Maybe... Anyways what can I do for you? After all, this is the second time that you help me, I can offer you something.

Kamuro: Humm I don't know yet. Let's start by doing some shopping.

Yato: Fine, tell me how much It cost you and I will reimburse you.

Kamuro: No no no you come with me!

Yato: Huh?

She pulled me by the arm and force me to go with her to do shopping. And finally, I spent the rest of the day with Kamuro.

Timeskip

Yato Pov:

The school day had just ended and the trial about the incident was going to start. Finally, Sakura had agreed to testify in the trial. From what I hear it was with the help of Ayanakoji, she's probably confiding to him about all this and he convinced her to testify.

Hirata: Fukazawa-kun can I ask you a question?

When I was about to leave Hirata came to see me and ask me a question.

Yato: Yeah sure.

Hirata: Okay soo huh, you knew all along that Sakura-san was a witness right?

Yato: Ohhh why are you so sure of yourself about that?

Hirata: Well it's was your word when I asked you to come with us searching for a witness.

Hirata: You told me that 'sometimes we get lost trying to look too far' you knew all that time that the witness was close to us.

Yato: Haha great you catch my hint, yeah I knew all along.

Hirata: But why did you not say anything?

Yato: Well for the class and for Sakura...

Hirata: Huh?

Yato: Well, look at the class now. They all cooperate for the first time. And for Sakura, it will be good for her to be able to communicate with a few people...

Hirata: Wow... I hadn't seen things that way... Thanks, Fukazawa-kun, you are really a nice guy.

Yato: Haha well if you see me like that, thanks I guess.

Hirata: It just remains to see how the trial turns out.

Yato: Yeah...

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Timeskip later

Yato Pov:

I was in my room reading a book until I receive a notification on my phone. I open it and saw...

Ishizaki [ audio recording file ]

Ishizaki [ What do you want now? ]

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(A.N)

A lot of things in this chapter I hope that you liked. The next chapter will probably be the last of Volume 2 because in this Volume Yato can't do much more. But we will be at Volume 3 faster and it will be hype. The next chapter will come out tomorrow or Wednesday. Thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 2: Payday

Chapter 3

Yato pov:

I was in my room reading a book until I receive a notification on my phone. I open it and saw...

Ishizaki [ audio recording file ]

Ishizaki [ What do you want now? ]

Good, he just send me the record of the trial. It has just ended now probably, so I have time before having to take care of the last problem for my plan.

I open the record and listen to some parts.

(A.N): { } mean audio parts

Manabu: {Well then, I would now like to discuss the violent incident that occurred last Tuesday with the members of the student council, the involved parties, and their homeroom teachers. Hmm? Chabashira-Sensei no student is missing by your side?}

Chabashira: { Huh were you expecting someone in particular to come at this trial president? }

Manabu: { I had heard of a certain person but in the end, the facts might be wrong. Let's continue... }

Wait I have a bad feeling about this... does he talk about me?... Does he has heard of my incident with Nagumo or has this Nagumo guy talked about me to the President... well I can't do anything about it soo I just continue to listen to the record...

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???: { Hyah?! }

Wait... what??

Horkita: { W-wait. S-stop, stop! }

Yato: ????

Ayanakoji: { Get a grip on yourself, Horikita. We're going to lose at this rate. You have to fight! }

Wow, great job Ayanakoji. Horikita didn't tell a single word during all the trials probably because of her brother... But you force her to have a reaction so that she can back to her senses... Again... Ayanakoji huh?

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Manabu: { That's enough. Continuing this discussion would just be a waste of time. What I've learned today is that each side has an exact opposite claim. In that case, one side is propagating an extremely malicious falsehood. }

Manabu: { I'll ask you, Class C. Have you lied to us today? }

Ishizaki: { Of...of course not! }

Manabu: { Well, what about you, Class D? }

Horikita: { I haven't lied. Everything we've said has been the truth. }

Manabu: { Then we will regroup here for a retrial tomorrow at 4:00 PM. If by then it hasn't been clearly established which party has lied, or in the event, no one admits that they were at fault, we will pass judgment based on the evidence we've collected thus far. Of course, in that case, we may have to consider the possibility of expulsion from this school. That is all. }

I close my phone because I have all that I wanted to know

Yato: Everythings goes as planned...

The trial did not give his verdict today... first, both sides claim that they are not in the wrong... and the most important things Sakura... Since she did not assert herself as a witness from the start, her testimony lost value... and she didn't have any real proof to prove her point... the only things that could have ended the trial today was my video of the incident...

Another fact that gives me another advantage for my plan is that Sakagami-Sensei is clearly aware that his students are in the wrong... which will make things even easier for me... hahaha.

I send a message to Ishizaki...

Yato: [ Tomorrow, 1 hour before the school start, join me at the Keyaki mall ]

Ishizaki: [ Why? ]

Yato: [ Haha don't spoil you the surprise! Oh and bring your two friends and Sakagami-Sensei with you. That's all. ]

I close my phone and I'm getting ready for the last thing I need to do for my plan to work perfectly.

Mini TimeSkip that night

Yato pov:

I was currently in the dorm lobby and I was looking at the student's mailbox. More precisely one of my classmates, Sakura... there was a ton of letters in her letterbox...

Sakura came to her mailbox and start panicking... I approach her to put my plan into action...

Yato: Sakura...

She was clearly afraid to see all these letters and she was about to cry...

Sakura: Ah... Fukazawa-kun, sorry for bothering you, I will go now...

At the moment she was in the blind spot of the camera I hit the palm of my hand against the wall to stop her from moving forward.

Yato: You can't run indefinitely of your problems Sakura...

In my voice, there was no kindness... the same for my eyes...I do not give off any emotion...

Yato: But let me tell you something Sakura...

Yato: When you never face your problems and just run... they will eventually catch up and destroy you...

Sakura: B-but... What should I do... I have already helped Sudo...

Yato: You sure is that your most urgent problem?...

Sakura: W-what ... should...

Yato: Ayanakoji Kiyotaka

Sakura: Huh?

Just by saying his name, I could see the hope in her eyes.

Yato: That's right... you need to have someone who is going to help and listen to you...

Yato: I give you my advice, trust Ayanakoji Kiyotaka...

Sakura: Y-You right I need to trust him... he already helped me after all...

She already seemed more reassured...

Yato: Sorry if I scared you... I just see you have some problems and I wanted to give you some advice...

I wore a fake smile on my face so that she is not afraid of me...

Sakura: It's okay, thanks to you know I know what I'm going to do.

Yato: Perfect I'm happy for you Sakura.

Sakura: Well, I'm going to leave now. See you tomorrow Fukazawa-kun.

Yato: Yeah see you tomorrow.

The second she leaves my field of vision, I remove the fake smile from my face and have my neutral expression...

Yato: Sighs...

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Timeskip Next Morining

Yato Pov:

I was going to the Keyaki Mall to meet Ishizaki and the others. I was wearing the same outfit when I had talked to the technician the other day. I finally saw them in the distance...

Yato: Thanks for coming guys.

Sakagami: Can I know what you made us coming here? Ishizaki-kun didn't want to tell us anything...

Yato: Don't worry everything will be clear in a moment...

I take out my phone and show them the video of the incident... Ishizaki was already nervous but at the moment that his two friends saw the video, they started to freak out... Sakagami-Sensei has understood the situation immediately...

Sakagami: Huh you had this video all along but didn't send it to the school... But that didn't change the fact that Sudo also hit my students...

Yato: True I can't deny this fact, but do you remember what the President of the student's council said yesterday...

I play the audio that Ishizaki sends to me...

Manabu {I'll ask you, Class C. Have you lied to us today? }

Sakagami: ...

Ishizaki and the others: ...

Yato: HAHAHA hoi hoi what's the matter a cat got all your's tongue? haha

Sakagami: What do you want to not show this video to the school?

Yato: Easy... 100k per head...for my silence

I took out a contract that I had printed last night... he specifies that Ishizaki Daichi, Komiya Kyogo, and Hondo Reo will own me 100k per month for the next twelve months... during this year I would not talk about the incident and not show the video... and they will never be able to tell anyone about this contract even when it is finished... if they broke one of these rules, the video will be released and it will lead to their expulsion... and most importantly, they will have to withdraw the complaint against Sudo...

Ishizaki: But wait we don't even get 100K per month... How are we supposed to give you them??

Yato: You're right, you can't but...

I turned my attention to Sakagami-Sensei...

Yato: You can give the 300k to me...

Sakagami: How could I give them to you?

Yato: Haha sorry but I know that you get paid with points like students... and you earn enough to give them to me...

Sakagami:...

Yato: It's up to you... the fate of their three depends on you...

The tress guys started to be afraid of being excluded from this school if their teacher did not accept the deal...

Sakagami: Fine...

Yato: Perfect, to start you three there sign the contract and leave...

After they sign the contract and leave me alone with Sakagami-Sensei... I took off my wig and mask...

Yato: Ehh finally, it's really a pain wear that...

Sakagami: So that's your real face...

Yato: Yeah yeah but look at the contract, it's said that you can't talk about me.

Yato: Anyway, you would have seen who you were sending the money to. That's was just for Ishizaki and the others that they don't know who I was...

Sakagami: Your'e right... give me the contract for me to sign it... I need to be in class soon.

He and I signed the contract

Yato: Remember the first day started today. I need my money now.

Sakagami: Yes, I send you the money immediately.

As soon I got the 300k he left for school.

Perfect, my main goal is set. I just make an easy 3 600 000 points, it's a good start. I'll just have to watch the situation with Sakura now.

Yato: It's really a good start to the day...

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Timeskip dinner break

Yato Pov:

Chabashira just announced that the C-Class has withdrawn the complaint against Sudo. Most of the students were happy with this news, except a few people were shocked... Horikita and her group didn't understand why they remove their complaint...

I took out my phone and text someone

Yato: [ Yo you're free after school? ]

Karumo [ Yeah.. for? ]

Yato: [ Watch Sakura... with luck, this will be the last time ]

Kamuro: [ I'll come with you, wait for me in front of the school ]

Yato: Now I just have to wait until the end of school...

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Timeskip after school

Yato Pov:

We followed Sakura for 20min and after some time the technician chase her into an alley. I took out my phone I started filming the scene.

Kamuro: Wtf are you doing? We need to help her!!

Yato: Wait.

Kamuro: What? why should we wait, she is in danger...

Yato: Don't worry I won't let anything happen. I will beat him before he goes too far, trust me...

Yeah, I understand that I must appear like a horrible person now... I'm not going to let anything happen... but I will have to intervene soon if her hero does not arrive soon...

And it's terrible to say it like that but it will surely help Sakura in her future... she really needs to understand that she can not run from her problem forever and that she needs to have some people close to her so she can count on them...

Yato: Fuck I will have to intervene now...

Just when I was about to beat the fucking technician... I saw the person I was waiting for...

Yato: Perfect

I had everything that I wanted... Now that Ayanakoji came to save Sakura I can leave...the technician fled away... I will be able to take advantage of the situation as I planned...

Kamuro: So you had planned everything... right?

Kamuro was flowing me but I could hear in her voice that she didn't really know how to react to this situation...

Yato: Yeah...

Kamuro: I see...

Yato: ...

Kamuro: ...

Yato: Sighs... Sorry about that

Kamuro: Huh?

Yato: Usually I don't care about what people think about me but...

I know that what I did to Sakura was awful but that's how I do things... I won't feel bad for what I did to her too... If I had to redo all these incidents, I would do the same as now... This is how I am and that is how I always operate... but it would be a pity if Kamuro decides that she doesn't want to talk to me anymore... after she is one of the few people that I can consider as a friend in this school...

Yato: But this time it would be great if your opinion of me doesn't change after all that...

I couldn't see her face because I was walking in front of her... I didn't turn around and I just keep walking... after a moment of silence...

Kamuro: Baka... you said it yourself, that you wouldn't let anything happen to her... and I believed in you...

Yato: Thank you Kamuro...

Yato: Well we should take care of the other asshole now...

Kamuro: Yes totally.

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Timeskip at the store

Yato pov:

Yato: Hello mister, I came here to have my phone repaired. I am at a good place, right?

Technician: Eh... W-Well... No no sorry, we are closed for the moment...

Yato: Huh? That's strange because that's said that you close at 8 p.m. and he still 5 p.m.??

I saw at my left that Kamuro looked at him with disgust... After all, he was really just a waste of humanity...

Technician: Well we are just too busy now come back later...

Yato: Huh? Too busy to assault young girls??

I took out my phone and show it the video that I take of him who assaulted Sakura...

Technician: Ehh no no no no no no

Yato: It's good that you are afraid because I can send you to jail for a while with this video...

Technician: No No please I beg you...

Yato: Now you beg so that I save you... Your just a piece of shit man...

Yato: But it's your lucky day

His facial expression suddenly changes when I said that.

Yato: Here is a contract that going to save you from jail. read it

In this contract, I don't send the video to the school or cops but he must give me 250k each month for the next 3 years and when I graduate from this school he must resign from his job... He can't resign from his job before that or I will share the video with the cops and he is going to be a criminal.

Technician: But that a lot of points...

Yato: HAHAHA wow you are a real bastard man... Do you think you have any choice right now??

He signed the contract

Yato: Great and if I see you around one girl who goes to this school, I send the video too so keep away.

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I and Kamuro go out of the shop.

Kamuro: So it was that your final goal?

Yato: Yeah pretty much, I blackmail him for money and he is not going to try anything more now.

Kamuro( mumble): you a lot similar to her after all...

Yato: Huh? what did you say?

Kamuro: Ahh nothing...

Yato: ...

Kamuro: Hey you know that we will soon be going to an island on vacation?

Yato: Fuck it is true... I want to stay here...

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Timeskip

Yato Pov:

I was going to open my room door the I saw on my rightSudo, Ike, Yamauchi, Kushida who was probably going to celebrate the victory of the trial in the chamber of Ayanakoji...

Yato: Poor guy...

I go into my room and put my bag on my bed and opened my phone to look at my points

Yato: 603 345 points huh?

Yato: It's a good start...

(A.N)

That's it for Volume 2. I hope you liked it. Next is Volume 3 I hope you will like what I going to write. The next chapter will probably come out Thursday or Friday. Thanks to those who read my story!

Chapter 3: Special Exam

Chapter 1

Yato Pov:

Yato: Sighs... Why...

Ayanakoji: Hm? Are you okay Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Yeah yeah I'm fine... don't mind me...

We were currently on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean. Most people seem happy to be here on the ship but for me... I would have preferred to stay on the campus for the summers break... When I asked Chabashira-Sensei if I could stay at school she just looked discouraged and didn't answer me...

When I look at my classmates I saw that the groups of friends were already formed... there is the group of idiots, I don't understand why Ayanakoji hangs out with them but I guess it's better than me who hang out with nobody in the class... Of course, I was not the only one who didn't join a group of friends but more time pass and more it's complicated to join one...

But that doesn't bother me because when I look at the groups of friends in the class I wouldn't want to hang out with one of them too much... Like during the study group when the Hirata group asked me to go with them I refused most of the time...

I lean on the railing of the boat and started to observe the ocean...

It will be now three months since Mori sends me to this school... it still pisses me off but I can't refuse him that after all he's done for me... my last three years before that I go to this school cannot be considered normal for someone at my age...I have been through a lot of shit that the majority of people are never going to have the experience in their life... But I'm not the type of person to feel sorry for myself...No... I rather think that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger... So no matter what happens to me I will keep moving forward...

Suddenly an announcement was made.

Loudspeaker:From here, we will land on an uninhabited island owned by the school. Students should change into their jerseys. After that, please assemble on the deck. Please keep all your personal belongings in your rooms. Since there's a possibility that you won't be able to go to the toilet for some time, please settle it properly now.

Yato: This school even had her own island?...

Loudspeaker:From this point onward, starting from the students of class A, we'll begin to descend in order. Moreover, it's forbidden to bring mobile phones on the island. So please, hand them over individually to your homeroom teacher and go down the ship.

I joined the place indicated and found myself next to Horikita and Ayanakoji.

Ayanakoji:Hey, strangely aren't they being too guarded or, how should I say, careful? They should confiscate mobile phones during a test, not now. It looks like it's even forbidden to bring too many personal items.

Horikita:Definitely. If people are only playing in the ocean, I also feel like they don't really have to go to the extent of doing that.

Yato: Yeah surely another trickery made by the school...

Ayanakoji: ...

Horikita: ...

Wait why they don't answer me? I didn't say anything weird...

Horikita: Hello Fukazawa-kun. I had something to ask you.

When she was about to ask me something Chabashira-Sensei was calling your class.

Yato: Sorry next time, it seems that Sensei calling us.

I already know what she wants to know... It's probably about the Sudo incident on how the Class-C suddenly withdrew their complaint...

Chabashira:From now on I will be calling the roll for class D. Students who have been called, please reply firmly.

Chabashira-Sensei wore the same jersey as the students. Rather than summer vacation, the atmosphere was closer to training camp. It seems that none of my classmates was suspicious about that.

Yato: Somethings is going to happen for sure...

Ike:Oh c'mon, give us free time already. The sea is stretching in front of me, you know.

Yato: ...

After that, all teachers finished taking the presences. Mashima-sensei, the teacher in charge of Class A, takes a megaphone to talk to all the students.

Mashima:First of all, I'm happy that you arrived safely at this place today. However, it's unfortunate that one student couldn't take part due to sickness.

Yato (mumble): Fuck what a fool I am...

As I said that, I saw Ayanakoji turn to me with a questioning look. I didn't think anyone would hear me. But now that I know that a student couldn't come because of some sickness, I think I should have pretended to be sick...

Ike:Ah, there's one sick guy who couldn't join this trip, poor thing.

Yato: No no no, I envy this person me...

Mashima:So, Let's go ahead with this first special exam.

Yato: It's too late to pretend to be sick??

I could see everyone not understanding what Mashima-sensei was trying to say...it's simple...we have no trip anymore...

Mashima:The duration period will be of one week. It ends at noon on August 7. From now on, you are going to live on this deserted island for one week. It is a test to see if you can live all together as a group. Furthermore, this special trial has been designed in reference to real-life corporate training. Even before we start I am going to give you hints about what it takes to win this special test.

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(A.N): I won't re-explain the rule here I will just resume them because I think we all already know what they are.

Mashima-Sensei had finished telling the information about this exam...

So basically for this exam, the school give us 300 Class points and we need to survive on this island for one week...We can do everything we want during this week and they said that the theme is ''freedom''... We can buy some furniture in the book they give us...If a student is no longer able to take the test, 30 points will be removed from the class...There are some spots to take on the island to make more points...And the last thing is that there isroll call two times per day.

Yato: Sighs... what a pain...

The class started to go into the forest and at the same time, they were still persisting on what should we do about the toilet...

I was about to go ask something to Chabashira-Sensei before following the group but...

Horikita: Fukazawa-kun I have to ask you something.

Yato: Huh? Yes?

Horikita: Are you involved in the reason why the class-C remove their complaint.

Yato: Eh why should I be involved in that?

Horikita: They withdraw from the incident and we have done nothing.I just don't have any idea of what's had happened. I don't have any proof but you are the only person that I think could have been done something.

Yato: So it will be me who would have settled this Huh? Sorry to disappoint you but I did not do anything...

Yato: I think we just need to be happy that Sudo didn't get expelled and that this incident did not have any consequence for our class, right?

Horikita: Yes, you're probably right...

Yato: Good. I should go see Hirata now, they still argued about the toilet...

As I was going to join Hirata, I saw that Ike and Shinohara were arguing about the toilet but some join in the conversation...

Yukimura:I don't understand the girls' feelings of wanting a provisional toilet. However, I don't accept that we use the points indiscriminately and/or arbitrarily object to our opinions. If you want a provisional toilet, I'd want to tell you the decision after collecting at least the majority of the votes.

Shinohara:I...I am just making a natural request as a girl. Boys should mind their own business

Yukimura:A natural request? Mind our own business? That's impossible to understand. Isn't that simply discrimination?

Yato:...Hirata-sama I think you need to intervene...

Shinohara:WHAT! Discrimination...Ahhh my head hurts. Hirata-kun, get him off my back, ok?

Yukimura:This test is a rare opportunity. A chance to fill in the points difference with other classes. Valuable points cannot be used for temporary toilets and such. I have no intention of staying in D Class forever. It's out of question to follow whatever one would like to do personally like Shinohara. So here, I want to decide on a secure plan.

Shinohara:Eh? About that, do you mean to suggest I wasn't thinking about anything or the consequences?

Yukimura: If even a monkey can do it, one should be able to work here following the natural instinct. I hate that women operate according to emotionally charged arguments.

Shinohara:Huh? It doesn't mean that I want to use all the points indiscriminately. I meant that there has at least to be the minimum necessary things. Do you have the intention of only speaking in theory?

Yato: OKAY STOOPE!!!

Both turned toward me

Yato: That's enough, your conversation will be led to any solution. Shinohara, what Yukimura trying to say that's this exam is a great opportunity for our class to finally have more Class Points and we have to think about how to keep the most Class point in this exam...

Shinohara was about to say something...

Yato: BUT... I think we should take the toilet...

Yukimura: What but you just said that we must keep the most class point...

Shinohara: Thank you Fukazawa-kun!!

Yato: Huh?? I don't do it for you and the girls, I do it because that's the best way to have more Class Points at the end...

Shinohara: Huh

Yukimura: What do you mean by that?

Yato: Okay Yukimura do you prefer to lose 20 points or 30 points?

Yukimura: Huh 20 obviously...

Yato: Good so take the toilet... We must spend one week together on this island... the girls have additional stress about the toilet, so if one of them needs to come back to the ship during this week because she does not feel well we gonna lose 30 points...and it's just if it's one girl, imagine if it's more than one... we can lose all your 300 points...

Yukimura: ...

He can no longer argue with me...

Hirata: Thank you Fukazawa-kun, I think that's the best option for us to take the toilet finally. You really give good advice!!

Yato: Haha you're welcome...

Yato: In fact, I gave them the toilet because I don't want everyone to go back to the ship... Because After the first roll class I will go see Chabashira-Sensei and tell her that I'm not feeling well for the exam... So I can go back to the ship...

Hirata: Okay everyone I think we should start looking for a place to stay for the week. Are they any volunteers to go explore the island?

Few Students raise their hands to volunteer themself but I was surprised by the participation from someone...

Yato: Ayanakoji Huh...

Hirata: Thank you to all the volunteers. The rest of us will keep looking too in this area so when you have done come back here.

The students who volunteered started to leave and the rest of the class take a break before continuing to search for a camp...

Hirata: Fukazawa-kun you didn't want to accompany them?

Yato: Nahh I'll pass this one, they are enough so no extra person is needed. and...

Yato: I just don't wanna go exploring...

Hirata: Haha you are finally honest with me. It's okay you already help the class a lot you really don't have to always do more.

Yato: Wow you are a really good guy Hirata. I will take a break before we set off again.

Hirata: Perfect.

I was looking for a place where I can sit and I saw Horikita alone.

Yato: Hm Horikita you did not go with Ayanakoji?

Horikita: Why would I have to go with him?

Yato: Well you two are always together after all...

I set on a rock next to Horikita.

Horikita: Say Fukazawa-kun what do you think about this exam?

Yato: What do I think huh... She had a serious look on her face...

Yato: That's will be a real pain... So at the first opportunity, I will go back to the ship for the rest of the week.

Horikita: Huh don't mess with me! Answer me seriously if you not I'll kick you!

Yato: HAHAHA Hoi hoi stop that, you scary.

Yato: But I was telling you the truth...

Hmm, why not tell her what I thought about the exam... I take a serious expression...

Yato: It's a perfect situation where we can have a lot of Class points. Like I said earlier to Yukimura we need to not use your points and persevere them the most possible... but we need to earn it too...

Horikita: With the spots and by finding enemy leaders right?

Yato: Exactly, we need to take the more spots possible and to do that we have to choose carefully our leader. That's why Hirata is not a candidate for this...

Horikita: Why do you think that?

Yato: Well in theory he would easily be able to claim some spots every 8 hours, the problem is more to find the enemy leaders... I think he is too kind and friendly for that, he will prefer to play it pacifist I think... And That's why...

I look at Horikita in her eyes...

Yato: You will be the perfect candidate to play the role of leader for the class.

Since the start of the day, Horikita seems not in her best shape... Maybe that's not really the best idea to put her as the leader but I don't really care... In the end, as long I can go back to the ship I'm fine...

Horikita: Thanks but if you think I am a good candidate for the role of the leader so you are too.

Yato: Ehhh you know a joke is supposed to be funny Horikita...

She got up and got ready to kick me...

Yato: HOI mate mate mate...

Suddenly Ike arrived in cried that they found the perfect place for us to pass the week.

Yato: Safe...

Yato: Ha...ha... we should join them Horikita right?

Horikita: Don't worry I will remember it!

Yato: Ha...ha... Fuck

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(A.N)

Sorry guys shorter chapter today but this week I had less time to write so I just write the intro of volume 3 but I hope you like it. Thanks to those who read my story!!

Volume 3: Assigned role

Chapter 2

Yato Pov:

Ike: LookIt is a river!! A river!! This is a possession spot, there is the mechanism to claim the sport over there!

Hirata:This is a glorious achievement, if we can maintain the source of the river, our situation may vastly improve.

Yeah, the spot that Ike and his group have found is pretty good. You have a river close to you and the place is good to set up all the tents for we can pass the week here...

Finally, the last group who had left to explore the island came back to the camp.

Hirata: Perfect now that everyone is here I think we can discuss about the last thing we need to settle. We need to chose who going to be the leader of the class.

Probably the most important thing for this exam, I personally don't have much interest for the exam but as I said earlier I think Horikita is the best choice for the class. If they are able to win some class points with this exam it's a great thing.

Kushida gathered everyone to discuss the topic of who will be the best leader and she was the first to give her opinion.

Kushida:I had a lot on my mind and I thought about various things but, whether one likes it or not, Hirata-kun or Karuizawa-san stand out as persons. But isn't a leader one that you could rely on and also one that has a deep sense of responsibility? I think that Horikita-san is the one that meets both conditions. How about that?

Yato: Great job Kushida!!

Student: I agree with Kushida-san's opinion. I also think that Horikita-san can be a good leader. So long as Horikita-san is okay with it too.

Everyone started to approve of this choice but Horikita don't say a word yet...

Sudo:You don't want to do it, right? Don't force her. I can do it instead.

Yato: No no no no, worst choice... Wait no Yamauchi is the worst...

Horikita was about to say something but right before she looked at me...

Yato: Fuck...

Horikita: Ok I can be the leader if you all want... But before I would like to give my opinion on who should be the leader...

Horikita: I think Fukazawa-kun is the best person for this role.

I was about to retort because I don't want to be the leader... But the god of the class talk.

Hirata: I think the same, Fukazawa-kun would be a very good leader.

Yato: Wait wait! We were all almost agreed that Horikita should be the leader, why change your mind now haha?

Horikita: I just said what I was thinking. We could make a vote on who will be the leader and If I win I will become the leader with no complaints, the same goes for you right Fukazawa-kun?

This girl... she was really serious when she thought that I will be a good leader for the class... With what she said I will be an asshole to refuse if the class vote for me... What are the odds that's I win the vote?... Kushida has proposed Horikita and Hirata thinks I would be the best person to be the leader... Kushida vs Hirata, who has the most influence in the class because this vote will greatly depend on that... Fine I will play this game, there is too much disadvantage to refuse...

Yato: Haha well if I win the vote, sure I will become the leader!

Hirata: Great thank you Fukazawa-kun. Well, now we will start a vote!

Yato: I just need to lose...

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Yato: Why?... Why this is happening...

Hirata: Well, the vote is tied but here is someone who still hasn't voted yet. Can I know who it is?

Ayanakoji: Eh it's me.

Ayanakoji still hasn't voted yet? YES YES YES, that's my win Horikita. Ayanakoji is going to vote for her for sure since he is always with her. I will be able to go to the ship without too much consequence. If I am the leader and leave, they may have some difficulty continuing the exam perfectly if they lose their leader in the middle of it. I don't want the class to fail this exam and have zero points... I just want to go back to the ship, yeah that's selfish...

Hirata: Why did you not voted Ayanakoji?

Ayanakoji: Well it's my policy to abstain from voting.

Hirata: Can you please vote this time? That's will really help the class Ayanakoji-kun!

Yato: Just vote for Horikita so that we can change of subject...

Ayanakoji: If I need to choose someone, then I vote for Fukazawa.

Yato: Huh?

Hirata: Great so the leader is going to be Fukazawa-kun. Thanks for your help!

Yato: Huh. Well eh yeah sure...

WHYYY? Why did he vote for me?... Fuck now I am the leader... I think that recently I forgot how much my luck was shit...

Anyway, what is done is done. Thanks to Horikita, now I am the leader for the week... I would have preferred to go back to the ship but I can always take advantage of this situation... I can make the class win this exam of look for an opportunity for myself...

Yato: Sighs... I will go see Chabashira-Sensei tell her that we choose our leader...

Hirata: Good I will come with you.

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Hirata: Here! We have written the name of the leader that we choose Sensei.

Hirata gave a piece of paper to Chabashira that have my name on it. At soon as she read it I could see some surprise in her eyes.

Chabashira: What a surprising choice, I did not expect that.

Yato: Yeah me too...

Chabashira: Wait 2 minutes for the time we make the cards and you will return to your camp.

Hirata: Perfect, thank you Sensei.

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When we returned to the camp with Hirata there was an argument, still between Shinohara and Ike again...

Shinohara:Huh? With things like drinking water from the river? Are you crazy?

Ike:What's the matter, it's completely fine. It's pure and clean water.

There were some students who were still uncertain about this... Some started to say that they could never drink it...

Ike:What's going on, everyone. What's your beef? There's no reason we shouldn't make use of the available water we found with so much trouble.

Shinohara:Well then we should try to drink it as an experiment.

Ike:Haha...whatever, I don't care...

Ike scooped up the river water with his hands and drank it. I start to get closer to the river too.

Ike:Aaahhkk...It's ice-cold and I'm chilled to the bone but it's good! Damngood!

Shinohara:Wow that's a major turn-off. No way I'm drinking that. Yuck!

Ike:Ehh? You told me to drink it, SHINOHARA!

Shinohara:No way! The type I hate the most are barbarian guys like you!

Ike:What the...

Iscooped up the river water with his hands and drank it. Like Ike had said the water is really good I'm probably sure that we can drink it. Ike seems to have a lot of knowledge for all this stuff in the forest, I think we can trust him for that.

They stopped arguing when they saw that I drink the water from the river too. I think I need to act like a leader here...

Yato: Wow Ike that's amazing. This water is really good you have a lot of knowledge for this stuff right?

Ike: Yeah I have experience in camping...

Yato: Great, Hey guys I think we can trust him for this exam. We have this river to your camp so the best will be to exploit it. That's going to save us class points that's a good thing.

Shinohara: Huh? But I think we should buy drinking water that the school sold like the toilet, right Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: No that's not the same thing. Ike said that we can drink the water without any problem and If you still want to create unnecessary problems, you can still boil the water to make sure that the water is safe.

Shinohara: Boil it?? Why and any...

Why? you are joking right? I interrupted her before she finished her sentence.

Yato: Hoi Shinohara, who did you voted to be your leader?

Shinohara: You but...

Yato: Perfect, take responsibility for your vote now. Since I'm a nice leader I give you a choice!

Everyone was silent... That's been 5 minutes since I'm the leader and I'm already tired...

Yato: We still didn't buy the toilet yet... So choose between the toilet or the water... But be careful your choice may not be unanimous

Her choice is oblivious, I need to make her understand that all this is soo stupid.

Shinohara: Ehh... The toilet is the best choice after all.

Yato: Good like I said you can trust me for water and if you are still too anxious about that we can make boil it to remove bacteria. That's going to be 100% safe.

Shinohara: Ok fine I will trust you.

What useless bullshit was all that... I walked over to a tree to sit down but I saw Horikita and Ayanakoji.

Horikita: How is the role as the leader finally.

Hoi she makes fun of me too? Fucking ...

Yato: Haha congratulations Horikita, you are officially the person I like least in the class.

Yato: And you Ayanakoji you are the second.

Ayanakoji: Sorry if I gave you a complicated job...

Horikita: I told you earlier that I will remember that you made fun of me.

Yato: Tsk... You are really cruel Horikita...

Horikita: But I didn't make you the leader just for that. Like I said I think you are the best person for that.

Yato: Yeah Yeah... Sighs... This week is going to be long...

Mini Timeskip

Yato Pov:

Yato: Hey Hirata I will take a look in the forest to see if I found something useful.

Hirata: Hmm sure but don't be late for the roll class.

Yato: Yeah don't worry.

Hirata: Oh and it would be sager if you brought someone with you.

???: If you want I can accompany you...

I turned myself to see the person who had proposed to accompany me...

Yato: Hmm yeah do as you want Sato.

Sato: Okay thank you Fukazawa-kun.

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It's been 15 minutes since we left the camp and walk in the forest. Neither of us said a single word since we left but I have the feeling that she accompanied me because she has something to tell me...

I saw a lake a little further. When I got there I saw lots of fish relatively close to the edge of the lake.

Yato: Perfect, I will ask Ike to check this lake if he is able to catch some fish.

Sato: You think that he will be able to catch some fish for the class?

Yato: Well he has some experience in this domain. If he is able that would be best for the class to be able to eat fish for the week.

Sato: Yeah you're right...

Yato: ...

Sato: ...

Sato: Fukazawa-kun can I ask you something?

She will finally tell me what she wanted to say.

Yato: Yeah sure what up?

Sato: Well... I just wanted to know if you have like... any sister or... brother...

HAHAHA wow, I see, she want to know about my brother. After she didn't see him after what she did to him... I know her but she never saw me before I go to this school, that why she think that we can be related with your last name...

What should I do? She hurt my brother but that does not concern me in the end... and knowing my brother and his sense of justice who absolutely wants everyone's good... He will be mad at me if I do anything to avenge him... but who cares... I want to have fun making a mess with this situation.

Yato: Oh... Well yes, I had a brother.

Sato: Huh W-What do you mean by that??

Yato: Well it's a personal story soo I would like to not talk about it...

Sato: Huh Y-Yeah S-Sure...

Yato: Anyways we should return to the camp now.

Sato: Yes and sorry about this question...

Yato: No no it's okay, I'm not mad at you!

She was visibly disturbed by that. But I absolutely won't feel guilty about it, she was the first to hurt my brother's feelings after all. Maybe that makes me a bad guy to do that to her but I don't care a bit...

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Hirata: Hey Fukazawa-kun you're finally back.

Yato: Yeah we found a lake that maybe we could use to catch fish for the week. We should ask like to go see tomorrow.

Hirata: Prefect that's a great idea.

Yato: Huh?

I look behind Hirata and see a girl that I have never seen before...

Yato: Who the hell is that?

Hirata: Huh? Oh, she gets kicked out of her class and had asked for refuge in ours.

Hoi that's a joke right. It is obvious that this has a catch behind all this... I know Hirata is the kind of person to accept without any problem someone in help... But come on Horikita you should have said something...

Yato: Sighs... I will go talk to her...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter I hope you like it. The next chapter probably ends of the week. Thanks to those who read my story!!

Volume 3: End of the first day

Chapter 3

Yato Pov:

The girl who asked to stay in our camp has short blue hair and that's was the first time I see her. She is either in Class C or B because I already saw the majority of the student of class A when I was with Kamuro one day. I approached her to talk to her...

Yato: Hmm this is the first time I see you, who are you?

Girl:...

Yato: Eh you ask to stay here but you don't even bother to answer when we talk to you...

Ibuki: Tsk fine... I'm Ibuki Mio of Class C...

Yato: Class C huh...

Yato: Haha great, I'm Fukazawa Yato By the way.

Ibuki: Ok

Yato: Holy shit this girl...

Yato: Say... you not here to sabotage our class or collect some info right?

Ibuki: Huh like I said to Hirata earlier I'm here because I get a kick out of my class camp and I just want a place to spend the week.

Yato: Oh I see now sorry I didn't know that you have already talked with Hirata about this. If Hirata said you could stay so be welcome to our camp Ibuki-san.

Ibuki: Huh so you won't doubt me anymore because Hirata trusts me? that's stupid...

Yato: No you are stupid if you really think that I trust you...

I take a naive expression to give credibility to what I'm going to say.

Yato: Yeah sure I going to trust you if Hirata said so! Anyway if you need something don't hesitate to ask Ibuki-san!

I start to walk away... the odds that what she says is almost zero... she seems to be the type of person with some temper... if what she said is true I do not imagine her stay on the island to avoid losing 30 points for her class...

Yato: So that's the class C huh... Interesting...

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Hirata had gone to see Chabashira-Sensei for a while and he was finally back... But the look on his face...

Yato: Fuck what's now...

Hirata: Hey everyone I have bad news for the class...

Karuizawa: Eh what's happening Yosuke-kun?

Shinohara: Yeah what is the problem Hirata-kun?

Hirata: Well for the problem is about Kouenji, he complained about being in a poor physical condition and returned to the ship. Of course, since he became sick, 30 points have already been deducted to you all. It can't be helped. This is the rule. Kouenji is now retired and he has the obligation of being on the ship for 1 week, receiving medical treatment, and waiting for further orders...

Students:Eeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhhh????

Yato: HAHAHA fuck man I'm jealous... I too could have gone back to the ship if Horikita didn't recommend me as the leader...

Yukimura:Don't kid around. Kouenji, that sucker!! What is he thinking?

Yato: Hoi Hoi does not scream, please...

Yukimura:Damn!! We've lost 130 points. Fuck it!

Yeah, we can't afford to lose more points...

Yato: Sighs...

I wouldn't have the choice... I will have to do something to increase our points...

Yato: The best thing to do to start would be...

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Mini Timeskip

Yato Pov:

I was currently sitting on a rock while thinking about the exam when I heard some students arguing. I looked up to see who it was...

Yato: Sighs... again...

It was Ike and Shinohara...I got up and went to Horikita who was close to me.

Yato: Why are they arguing again?

Horikita: Well it seems that the girls and boys can't fit the tents we have. So they arguing if we should share the tents between the boys of the girls.

Yato: Oh I see...

I thought they were going to check if we all fit in the tents before buying them...

Yato: Well to solve the problem you could sleep with Ayana...

I don't finish my sentence because I felt that my life would be in danger if I finished it...

Yato: HA...HA... I think I'm going to go see Hirata to try to solve the problem...

Horikita: ...

Yato: Sighs...

I started to walk toward Hirata when I heard him say...

Hirata: Maybe we don't have any other choice than to buy another tent...

Yato: No no no, bad idea. We have already lost too many points.

If they continue to lose points unnecessarily like that I will go back to the ship for real...

Yato: Well Hirata I will just sleep outside for the week.

In fact, that would be a perfect thing for me for what I had planned for this exam...

Hirata: Wait no Fukazwa-kun we can't let you sleep outside for the week...

Yato: It will be like this until we find a better solution...

Hirata: Hmm... Well, I have maybe a solution.

Hirata: One boy and One girl could stay awake and watch the camp. That will be free one place in the boys and girls tents. And we could switch the duo two times per night.

That's was a good idea, but I would prefer to sleep outside, that would make things easier for me... and asking the class that maybe they will get less sleep time one night because If we switch two times per night it makes 24 people who will have to stay awake later or get up earlier... I don't know if the class will accept easily...

Hirata: I know that I ask you a lot guys but please, It would be best for the class!

Karuizawa: Well if Yosuke-kun said it the best I think we should do it like this.

Kushida: Yeah I totally agree with Hirata-kun!

Well now that the three most influential people in the class have approved this strategy, the rest of the class will accept... I have no complaints to make after all they have found a solution to not use more points...

Timeskip that night

Yato Pov:

I was currently sitting on a rock watching a campfire. I have obviously been chosen by lot to stay awake the first part on the first night... my bad luck has struck again...

I picked up some branches next to me and threw them into the campfire... I look to my right at the girl who remained awake with me... Hasebe Haruka, she haswaist-length blue hair,orange eyes with a mole visible beneath her left eye...Many guys in the class consider her to be one of the attractive girls in the D class...

I never speak with her, the only time I could have was during the study group. But she seems to not like to open herself to others... especially with the boys.

Yato: Yo Hasebe can I ask you something...

Hasebe: Hmm yeah sure.

Yato: You prefer to be alone right

Hasebe: why do you think that?

Yato: Well you seem to avoid interacting with other people in the class, every time I saw that someone talked to you seem to want to get the conversation to end there as soon as possible. Like in the study group you came the first time but you didn't join us the other times. For this exam as well, you didn't share your opinion one time from the beginning.

Hasebe: Hmm I never thought that you're being that attentive towards me (giggle) it's just that you give the impression that you don't care about anything.

Yato: Ehh well it's true that I have a nonchalant attitude... but that doesn't mean that I don't observe what's going on around me...

Hasebe: Haha I see I see, all that you said was true. I don't really like to open myself and get involved with other people, that's why is great to have Miyatchi as a friend who has the same thinking as me.

Yato: Miyatchi?? Who is that?

Hasebe: Haha sorry I talk about Miyake Akito.

Yato: Hmm he is the one who stopped Sudo with Hirata to punch me...

Yato: But why Miyatchi? Do you know each other before coming to this school?

Hasebe: No I met Miyatchi when I stop coming to the study group. He was studying in the library and I met him there. We were both two people independent and we didn't really want to be involved in the class so we got to know each other there. So became sort of friend after all that.

I can totally understand her feelings... I don't really want to be involved with the people in the class too, like the time of the study group the girls and Hirata ask me to go out with them but I refuse most of the time... It's probably that I am still kind of stuck on the fact that Mori forced me to come to this school and that I already think when I will be able to leave this school to return to my life before... But... maybe I could just try to enjoy the next 3 years in this school a bit more...

Hasebe: Oh and for Miyatchi it's just a like give a nickname to my friends...

I look at her and it seems that she was thinking about something.

Hasebe: Oh I just found it! Your nickname will be Fuu-kun!

Yato: Hmm I did not think that you consider me a friend of yours.

Hasebe: Oh you don't like your nickname after all...?

Yato: Hahaha I think it's great I like the nickname, thanks Hasebe!

Hasebe: Your welcome Fuu-kun!

I didn't think I would know her better and I have a nickname when I asked my first question. She doesn't like to be involved in the class but when you know her better, she is really a nice girl. Miyatchi seems to be a good guy too, he had even stopped Sudo when he was about to hit me.

Hasebe: Yawn...

I look at my watch and it was now 2:30 a.m...

Yato: Our turn is over we should go awake the next people who are going to watch the camp and go to sleep.

Hasebe: Yeah your right, goodnight Fuu-kun.

I said bye to Hasebe and go to my tent and wake up the next boy who will replace me.

After he wakes up and exits the tent I've waited for him to go far enough.

Yato: Good I will be able to start what I had planned to do now...

Timeskip next morning

Yato Pov:

???: HOI wake up!

Yato: Hmm urusai...

Then all of sudden I wake up because they poured water in my face

Yato: HOI TEME, what is your problem!

Sudo: Hahaha the roll class is about to start you need to wake up.

I saw that the 3 idiots were laughing at me... fucking... I just have like 2-3 hours of sleep time and I get to wake up like that??? I will end up killing one of them...

Yato: Sighs...

I exit my tent and Chabashira-Sensei came to make the roll class... Now my sport jacket was wet because of the water Sudo threw me on... I can't remove it because I prefer to keep my arm with the bandages as a secret...this will just create some annoying questions...

After the end of the morning roll call, we were free to move as we pleased. Hirata gave instructions to reliable classmates, also starting a strategy on how to save points. But for me, I just thought about going back to bed...

Ike:What the fuck are you, guys!

Yato: Huh? What now?

I saw two male students... this was Komiya and Kondou of the incident with Sudo... I look at Ibuki and showed a bitter expression only for a moment and she stepped into the shade of the tent like she was trying to hide herself...

Komiya:Well well, it seems that D class is living a rather frugal life. As expected, this is a class of defectives.

Student:It seems that you have a very comfortable life instead. You C class fellows

Kondou:Do you know Ryuuen?

Yato: Ryuuen?

Hirata:He's a C class student. I heard various rumors about him. Quite a reckless fellow, it seems.

Kondou:Not quite so. Everything that guy does ends up being messy.

Ibuki:Those two are that Ryuuen's gang mates. You can say they're his underlings.

Yato: Hmm so the incident with Sudo would be his work? Interesting...

Komiya:What did you have for breakfast? Grass? Or insects? Here, you can eat snacks too.

He proposed some potato chips and some soda. I take them quickly and opened the bag of chips and the can of soda... I didn't sleep of the night and had the worst awakens...

Yato: Holy shit thanks a lot, if you give them to us I will take them gladly.

Komiya: Haha great this is the right way to think.We have a message from Ryuuen-san. If you want to fully enjoy summer vacation, you should come to the beach right now. Don't be reserved. You better come. If you're sick of living like fools, let's spend a dream time together.

Yato: Ehh I can come for real??

Komiya: Haha sure you can. I'm sure Ryuuen-san will like people like you, so you are welcome.

Hirata: Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Haha calm down Hirata I was joking... maybe...

Most of my classmates were angry that I accept their food, but it was Sudo's fault for waking me up like that... After what I did last night I have the right to a reward...

I go sit on a rock further away to drink and eat the food that they gave me... After 10 minutes Komiya and Kondou leave our campsite and I saw Ayanakoji and Horikita who were about to leave... when they passed by me I ask them...

Yato: Hmm where you two are going?

Horikita: We areconcerned about other classes situations. So we are going to see their campsite.

Yato: Oh great let's go!

Horikita: Huh you want to come with us?

Yato: Ehh I can't?

Horikita: No No you can.

Yato: Great let's go Ayanakoji, Horikita.

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter. I hope you guys like it! The next chapter will probably come out at the beginning of next week. Thanks to those who read my story!

And By the way to the ones who are up to date with the light novel, have you seen the new illustrations and read the preview? Personally, I am really hyped for this volume, I can't wait that it comes out!

Volume 3: Class C and B

Chapter 4

Yato Pov:

After some time walking in the forest, we were coming close to the beach and we saw a lot of students doing the party. We were attending something totally unexpected.

Horikita:It can't be... This kind of stuff... Is it possible?

As if she couldn't believe the sight, Horikita was repeating "impossible" many times over.

That's was something totally different from your class.There weren't only provisional toilets and a shower room installed. Turf with sunlight protection, barbecue set, chairs, parasols, snacks, and drinks. There were all kinds of equipment necessary for entertainment.

The students were all having fun, I was observing their class just that I noticed something...

Yato: Wait they have bought a jet ski????

Horikita:What the hell is C class doing? Does this mean they don't have to save points?

Well, with all that stuff they have bought they must have spent half of their points given by the school already.

Ayanakoji: Let's try to find out more.

When we started to get closer to their camps, one of the male students noticed us and called out to the boy nearby. I couldn't see his face from here well because he leaned his body on a chair but his hair was visible and I had already seen them.

Yato: Huh this guy...

One of the boys immediately rushed to us.

Student class C:Err, Ryuuen-san called you...

Horikita:Just like a king. Using classmates like this. Looks like we're welcomed by the king. What are we going to...

I didn't give an answer and started to walk toward Ryuuen without waiting for Ayanakoji and Horikita

Horikita: Huh Fukazawa-kun?

Ayanakoji: Hmm we should follow him

The two of them caught up with me and we arrive in front of Ryuuen.

Ryuuen:Hey. Were you the one secretly snooping around? What do you want from me? Huh?

His gaze fell on me... So he is the same guy I saw looking at the surveillance cameras at the start of the year... And the name 'Ryuuen' I have already heard this name before... He was a famous delinquent that I heard about... If he is really this 'Ryuuen' this is going to be interesting...

Ryuuen: You. Did you come again to talk to me about the camera?

Ayanakoji and Horkita had an expression of incomprehension on their face because they didn't know what he was talking about.

Yato: Ehh What are you talking about? You must mistake on the person haha.

I made my lie obvious just to play the fool. He stared at me for some second then...

Ryuuen: Kuku you must be right then.

Ehh he has accepted my obvious lie... He then redirected his attention to Horikita.

Horikita:You're doing very well. This really looks like an extravagant spree.

Horikita completely ignored my conversation with Ryuuen and started to talk about what she wanted to know.

Ryuuen:As you can see. We're enjoying summer vacation.

Horikita:This is the exam. Do you understand what that means? Although I'm shocked that you don't understand the rules themselves...

The rules?? I don't remember a rule that forbids us to spend the points that the school gives us Horikita... Ryuuen seems disappointed with what Horikita just told him...

Ryuuen:Oh? I'm amazed. Does that mean you're showing humanity even to an enemy like me?

Horikita: If the ones at the top are incompetent, then those under will deal with hardships. That's only pitiful.

Ryuuen only laughed, taking a plastic bottle of water that was next to the radio.

Yato: Hmm??

Something seemed odd to me... I looked around me to watch the camp... I counted 38 students... if I would have counted 37 students here then my doubt would be probably confirmed... but now I'm not too sure... anyway, I will just stay on my guard with what I just noticed...

Horikita:How much did you use to enjoy this much of pleasure?

Ryuuen:Hah. I wonder. I didn't neatly calculate.Hey, Ishizaki. Bring ice-cold water.

Ryuuen:As you can see we're only enjoying summer vacation. Basically, it's impossible for us to become your enemies during the trial. Do you understand?

Horikita didn't respond immediately.As if she's having a headache, Horikita pressed her forehead in non-understanding, creating wrinkles between the eyebrows...

Horikita:It's not about being enemies, but the matter we said before. I was foolish for being alerted and coming here.

Suddenly Ryuuen gave a serious look to Horikita

Ryuuen:Who's foolish? Is it really me? Or is it you?

Ryuuen:Survival on this awfully hot inhabited island? Isn't that a joke? In order to pick up 100 or 200 small class points you, the lowest D class, have to put up with hunger, heat and emptiness. You're making me laugh by just imagining it.

Ishizaki came back with new water dripping with sweat, handing over to Ryuuen what looked like a cold water bottle. However, the moment Ryuuen took the bottle he threw it at Ishizaki's body.

Ryuuen:I said bring ice-cold water. This one is still warm.

Ishizaki: B-But...

Ryuuen: Huh?

Ryuuen gives Ishizaki a glare that's mean ''do as I said''... Ishizaki picked up the water bottle and ran toward the tent again. Ryuuen has complete control of his class, not like Hirata or Kushida but more like a tyrant. The stories of the famous delinquent named Ryuuen I have heard was saying that he was really cunning and had total control of his sector... From what I saw, he is probably this Ryuuen for sure and these stories are probably true as well...

Horikita:... This trial is about endurance, calculation and cooperation. That seems impossible for you from the beginning. You can't even set up a proper plan.

A proper plan Huh... Horikita you are on the wrong track... but I will stay silent for the moment...

Ryuuen:Cooperation? Don't make me laugh. People easily betray. Lie. Relationships involving a trust aren't practical. You can only trust yourself.

Yes... I mostly agree with what he said... I am of the opinion that If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself... And a real relationship of trust is extremely rare... people who trust too much easily end up getting backstabbed... but the people who trust no one all their life and do all on their own will eventually find themselves facing an insurmountable problem... that's why the best is to find the right balance between cooperation and trust... or be able to find a real relationship of trust and be able to keep it...

Yato: Sighs... and to keep it huh...

Ryuuen:If your scouting is finished then leave. Well, if you truly desire you're welcomed. You can enjoy yourself as you like, whether it's eating meat or having fun on the water bike. Or would you like a different type of entertainment with me? I'll prepare a tent for personal use.

Yato: Wait what hahaha?

Horikita:Not an answer I would expect from someone who has declared war before.

Ryuuen: I hate hard work. Patience? Saving? You must be kidding.

Ishizaki came back again and stretched out the water. After receiving the water, Ryuuen opened the cap and drank it up.

Ryuuen:This is my way of doing things. No more, no less.

Horikita:Right. Well, do as you please. It works fine with us.

Ryuuen seemed to be thinking about something before speaking again...

Ryuuen: Before you three leaving I just want to verify something.

Ryuuen: KOMIYA, KONDO COME HERE NOW.

The two boys came in running so as not to make Ryuuen wait.

Komiya: Yes Ryuuen-san.

Ryuuen: Ishizaki, Hondo, Komiya look closely at these three people.

Oh, I see... he tried to find out who stopped Sudo's trial without his consent... He trie to see if the person who failed his plan is among the three of us by looking at their reaction... because they can't speak about what happened after all... But they can't have any reaction by seeing me because they never see my real face and the message that I have to send to Ishizaki I made sure he deleted them... so he has no way to trace it back to me...

Seeing that the three guys had no reaction he told them to leave...

Horikita: Why all of this Ryuuen-kun?

Ryuuen: Hmm don't mind it, that would be too complicated for you to understand.

That seems to have irritated Horikita. He was really good to provoke people haha.

Horikita:Above all, keep it up! Let's go see the situation of classes A and B now.

Horikita turned around to leave, but as she made a step to move, she hesitated and stopped.

Horikita:There is just one more matter. You know Ibuki, right?

Yato: Great I want to confirm my doubt.

Ryuuen:Ah, yes! She is a member of our class. What about her, though?

Horikita:Her face is swollen. What is the meaning of this? Who did this to her?

Ryuuen: Heh? I thought she ran away. After all, she asked for help from the members of another class instead of her own, right? What a pitiful woman!Within this world, there are a lot of hopeless idiots, a ruler of command does not need underlings that go against his will. It was decided that I get to use the points of my class as I like. That is a matter of decision. Besides, it would be pointless if somebody was about to rise in revolt.

Horikita:In other words, the way Ibuki ended up meeting us, is related to the way you used the points.

Ryuuen:Well, if you want to think of it in a simple manner, I guess it is. That is why we gave her a light punishment.There was another guy who defied me. I expelled him, too, of course. I learned from some piece of information that he is not dead, but he is somewhere living by lying on the grass trying to catch bugs to eat.

Yato:So he really just excluded two students?

Ryuuen:So, that's how it is. It is me who used all our points. Ibuki is not the kind of person that she would be charmed by points. So, do not mind about her. Besides, that is what we call freedom, right?

Yato: Perfect I got everything I needed to know.

I decided not to listen to the rest of their conversation and walk toward their Barbecue to eat some meat... After all, he said that we can stay here and enjoy ourselves.

Horikita: Wait where are you going Fukazawa-kun!

I ignored her and the last thing I heard is a Kukuku from Ryuuen again...

I arrived where was the barbecue and Ishizaki was there.

Yato: Yo Ishizaki right?

Ishizaki: Ehh how do you know my name?

Yato: Huh well Ryuuen said it earlier...

Ishizaki: Oh I see...

Yato: Ehh, Anyway can you serve me some meat please, Ryuuen said that we could eat some.

Ishizaki: Well yes If Ryuuen-san said you can, there is no problem.

Yato: Haha great thanks. Wow, you have such a nice class to let me eat some of your provisions thanks a lot man! I'm Fukazawa Yato by the way.

He gave me a plate with some meat and food on it.

???: Hoi Ishizaki why are you giving your food to someone in another class?

I and Ishizaki turn around to see who was talking and it was a girl who has violet eyes and reddish-brown hair that is tied up in a ponytail.

Ishizaki: That is an order from Ryuuen-san! He said that they can have some of our food and stay here if they want. You have no say in the decision of Ryuuen-san, Nishino.

Nishino: I know, I know... I had just come to see him because Manabe and her friends keep talking about him since he arrived.

Yato: Ehh who is Manabe?

I start to eat their meat and...

Yato: Holy fuck this meat is so much tender... this school really sells this to the students...How much money does this school have?

Ishizaki: Manabe?? What does she want from him?

Nishino: Ehh you are soo stupid Ishizaki...

Ishizaki: WHAT DID YOU SAY!

They were starting to argue and I just continued to eat while listening to them...

Suddenly I felt a threatening gaze from behind me... I have a bad feeling...

I turn myself to see where that came from and I saw her... Horikita... she stared at me, stamping her foot on the ground to show her impatience...

Yato: Sighs... Thanks for the food Ishizaki but I need to go or else I'll be in deep trouble...

They stop arguing when they heard that...

Ishizaki: Oh eh yeah sure no problem that was Ryuuen-san order after all...

Yato: Anyway see ya Ishizaki, Nishino!

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I wemt back to Horikita and Ayanakoji.

Horikita: So you had fun with the C class Fukazawa-kun?

Her voice intonation was clearly sarcastic but I will play the fool...

Yato: Oh yeah their meat was amazing, you should both have enjoyed it!

Horikita: Sighs...

Ayanakoji didn't say a single word... like always...

Horikita: Fukazawa-kun, what is your thought about the situation of Class C?

Yato: Oh well just that I would have liked to be placed in Class C instead of Class D haha!

Horikita didn't answer... I noticed that she gave a quick glance at Ayanakoji... then she looks at me, wanting me to elaborate on my point... wait don't tell me...

Yato: Horikita, are you perhaps trying to see my deducing ability?

Horikita: Maybe... So why did you say that you would have preferred to be placed in C class?

I remain in silence for a few seconds... and started to walk in the forest...

Horikita: Wait tell...

I interrupt her while continuing to walk...

Yato: Because I could have enjoyed my week of vacation by returning to the boat without worrying about this exam... As Ryuuen planned to do for his class...

I obviously did not tell her all my thought... like the fact that Ibuki is now 100% sure to be a spy sent by Ryuuen...I got the confirmation when he said ''Ibuki is not the kind of person that she would be charmed by points.''... That's means that Ibuki has no reason to stay on the island if she didn't care for the Class point... After all, she was missing the roll call so that already made her lose points to her class...

The other thing that bothered me the most was...

Yato: This radio...

It would be difficult to search in the bag at Ibuki to see if she had one too... but the thing I still had doubts about was the fact that Ryuuen has planned to leave the island, so does he will give orders to Ibuki from the ship?... Technically I have not read any rule prohibiting communication by radio between someone who is on the ships and someone on the island...

But does Ryuuen will give the role of leader to some other than himself... no... so that means he's probably to...

Horikita: Fukazawa-kun waits for us you don't even know where the Class B camp is...

oh...

Yato: HAHAHA yeah you're right! Sorry.

Ayanakoji: ...

Time skip

Yato Pov:

After walking for a while we arrived at the camp of the B class. The first thing I noticed this is how well this class seemed to be organized. They seemed to use the same strategy as us during this exam who was to save to most class points... the biggest difference was really the cooperation between them...

Then a girl notices the three of us...

???:Huh? Horikita-san? Ayanokouji-kun?

Wait I have already seen this girl somewhere... Yeah, she was the girl behind the school with Ayanakoji...

Horikita and Ayanakoji approached her... I follow them.

???: Huh this is the first time that I see you. I'm Ichinose Honami and you?

Yato: Fukazwa Yato,yoroshiku!

Ichinose: Ahh Fukazawa Yato, I have already heard about you!

Yato: Huh?

I have a puzzled expression... where does she have heard of me??? Apart from the time I saw her with Ayanakoji, I don't think I've seen her before... Horikita and Ayanakoji turn to look at me to know where she knows me but the problem was... I didn't know it myself...

Ichinose: Haha sorry I just heard about you from a senpai!

Yato: Ehhhh... Nagumo...

Ichinose: He has said that you were an interesting person, I'm happy to meet you!

If I remember correctly, the girl who was with Nagumo has said that he had recruited a person from class B in the Studen Council... That would be her, Huh...

Horikita: Hm anyway, the class is functioning surprisingly well. Although you are facing many hardships with your base.

Horikita started to chat with Ichinose but I didn't have much interest in this conversation. I preferred to confirm something else before returning to our camp.

I started to go look at the class B camp but someone stop me.

???: What are you doing?

Yato: I wanted to see your camp... I can't?

Before He could answer anything Ichinose spoke...

Ichinose: It's okay Kanzaki-kun you can trust him, Horikita-san and Ayanakoji-kun friend are my friend as well!

Yato: Ehh it's stupid if she really trusts that easily...

Kanzaki: Hmm okay sure as you said Ichinose-san.

Yato: And he accepts that...

Kanzaki: Sorry about that. You can go see our camp if you want.

Yato: Okay thanks.

I walked around the camp I was counting the number of students...

Yato: 41... So he is here...

???: Oh I KNOW IT WAS YOU!!

Yato: Huh?

I turn around to see the person who was talking to me...

Shibata: Yeah you are the guy who had done the epic catch at the soccer practice.

Yato: Oh yeah I remember you, your's name is Shibata right?

It really seems to have marked him the time I caught the ball...

Shibata: Yeah that's it haha! What are you doing here?

Yato: Well I come here with some of my classmates and Ichinose told me I could look around your camps soo...

Shibata: Ahh I see, Ichinose-san is really kind right? If you have any questions you can ask them to me!

Yato: Wow thanks as I can see everyone here has adopted the way of thinking of Ichinose haha... yeah it's really stupid to trust someone too easily...

Shibata: Yes, after all, Ichinose-san is an amazing person, so we all want to follow her!!

Yato: I see, I see... Hey, can I ask you something? I don't know why but you seem to be a lot of people in your camps, is that normal?

I played a little naive so that he wouldn't suspect me...

Shibata: Hmm well we are all the same number... Ah, I know why you got this feeling! We accepted a refugee from class C.

Yato: Ah wow that's so kind of you! A decision of Ichinose-san right?

Shibata: Exactly haha we couldn't leave him to his fate after all!

Yato: Yeah I understand... do you mind telling me who this person is?

Shibata: No problem. It's Kaneda-kun he is over there.

He pointed a person in the distance...

Yato: Oh thank you Shibata. Oh looks like my classmates had finished talking with Ichinose.I will go now, see you next time

Shibata: Yeah sure see you next time Fukuazawa!

I joined Horikita and Ayanakoji who had just left Ichinose.

Yato: Yo have you learned something useful?

Horikita: You could have stayed with us instead if you wanted to learn something...

Yato: Hoi Hoi seroulsy...

Ayanakoji: Well we learn that Class B welcomes a student from Class C too.

Yato: Hahaha thanks Ayanakoji to share the info with me!! You are not mean like Horikita you at least...

Horikita: Hoi... Sighs...

Horikita: Anyway let's go to the camp of the A-class.

Yato: Yeah... it will be without me...

Ayanakoji: Are you sure Fukazawa?

Yato: Yeah yeah I will go back to the camp.

Horikita: Perfect then we see you at the camp then.

I set off towards the camps...

Today I saw Class C and Class B... The B-Class will not cause any problem but the C-Class will be a problem... Mostly Ryuuen... the only thing I still don't understand is why he had sent a spy in just two classes??? He didn't send anyone in the A-class... they refused to host a student in their camp so Ryuuen plan failed??? Anyway, I will look for this later, after all today I already learned a lot...

Yato:I'm going to go back to the camp to rest a little because I still have things to do tonight

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(A.N)

This chapter was longer than usual,I hope you like it! The next chapter will come out probably around Friday! Thanks to those who read my story!!

Volume 3: Deal and Betrayal

Chapter 5

Yato Pov:

After I left Horikita and Ayanakoji, I finally came back to the camp. I did not go to see the camp of A-class because I wanted to rest before tonight. But most importantly, I will need to reclaim our spot at the camp.

Hirata noticed my return and I wave to him to come to see me.

Hirata: Hey Fukazawa-kun you back, you are not with Horikita-san and Ayanakoji-kun?

Yato: Nah I was tired to walk in the forest and I will need to claim the spot soon so I let them continue without me.

Hirata: Oh I see, and about the spot how did you plan to claim it?

Yato: Yeah that's the thing, with Ibuki around we need to be careful even if you trust her.

Hirata: Hm Yeah I think you're right Fukazawa-kun.

Yato: Great, so I think we should send Ibuki outside of the camp with someone while we claim the spot.

Hirata: Okay and who do you think we should send with Ibuki?

Yato: Hmm well probably Kushida.

Hirata: Yeah I thought of the same person too.

Yato: Good now that is settled, It will be great if you can go ask Kushida about that.

Hirata: Yeah sure no problem, Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Oh last thing, we should wait that Horikita and Ayanakoji to come back before we claim the spot and send Ibuki outside the camp.

Hirata: Oh okay but why?

Yato: Eh just as a precaution.

If she left and Horikita is there, this will help me to make sure that she does not suspect that I am the leader... If she really had a radio and report to Ryuuen about that, he will suspect Horikita to be the leader too...

Hirata: Okay I will tell Kushida about this and we will wait that Horikita and Ayanakoji to be back.

Yato: Good, Thanks Hirata.

Hirata left and I go sit down next to a tree to wait for Horikita and Ayanakoji.

After 5 minutes they were finally back... the two of them approached me.

Yato: Yo did you find anything useful on the A-class?

Horikita: Not really their camp is in a cave but we couldn't see inside.

Yato: Ehh why?

Ayanakoji: They have put a cloth in front of the entrance to block the view.

Yato: Okay??? So because of that, you didn't check inside? No rule forbidden that were can not go to the camp of other class.

Ayanakoji: It's because their leader, Katsuragi-san, came and told us the if we touch their material he would report it to the schoolas an obstructive act toward another class.

Yato: Katsuragi Eh...

So then he is the class leader of the A-class... And what 's about Sakanagi then?... She is probably the student who didn't take part in this exam... because the time I saw her she walked with a cane so she must have some health problem... But that's would mean that their class has two leaders?

Horikita: Anyway, you have no right to blame us. If you wanted more information you just had to come with us.

I made an annoying expression...

Yato: Ehhh well yeah... your right...

Hirata came to tell me that Ibuki was gone so we could claim the spot...

Yato: Great let's do it now...

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Timeskip

Yato Pov:

Yato: Ehrrrrrr I hate to get up early...

Even more when I don't have a lot of sleep time... I will be okay in about the minutes, it's when you wake up that's is the terrible part...

But last night was good, I had time to do everything I wanted. So for the next night, it will go faster so I will be able to sleep more...

Yato: So what should today...

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By not having specific things to do I decided to go explore the island by myself... It's also a good excuse to not have to work at the camp... I can walk around all day then return to the camp at the end of the afternoon...

Suddenly someone called out to me from behind... I turn around to see the person...

Yato: Hmm Yo Hashimoto.

Hashimoto: Hey Fukazawa, it's been a long time.

Yato: Sure, Kamuro told me that you were helping your class that's why you had less time to hang out.

Hashimoto: Yeah my Class leader often asks me for help with many things soo I'm doing my best haha.

Yato: Eh your Class leader? Katsuragi?

Hashimoto: Well not exactly haha.

So I was probably right... Sakayanagi is probably a leader too with Katsuragi... but the way he talks about that, it seems a bit more complicated situation... I don't think that they are like Hirata and Kushida to share the leadership...

Hashimoto: Anyway, what are you doing here alone?

Yato: Oh I decided to explore the island... maybe I could find something useful for my class. You?

Hashimoto: The same thing...

He stops talking and seemed to be thinking about something...

Hashimoto: You know I advise you not to continue in the direction you were going.

Yato: Huh? Why?

Hashimoto: Further there is a spot and my class made a trap to discover the leaders of this exam. So tell to your classmates to stay away from this zone to not be caught in this trap. If you go there alone maybe they will want to force you to reveal the leader of your class.

Yato: Ohh thanks but... Why are you telling me all this? Imagine if I was the leader, your class could have just earned 50 points.

Hashimoto: Well you are my friend right haha! And like I said earlier...

He started to walk away but stop to finish his sentence...

Hashimoto: I do what my Class leader tells me to do.

Hashimoto: We should hang out this summer after this exam it's been a while.

Yato: Yeah sure, I text later.

Hashimoto: Great see you next time!

He left then I lost sight of him quickly because of all the trees...

So I was right... class A seems to have two-person who fights for the place of leader... Kamuro and Hashimoto side with Sakayanagi... I never saw the Katsuragi dude and I don't know what is his influence in their class... but from what I saw of Sakayanagi, she seems to be the person who would have no problem taking the control of her class...

Well, I don't have too much info either so I could very well be wrong... and I never saw Katsuragi soo I can't judge him yet...

But the most important for now is the trap that Hashimoto had talked to me about... What's should I do... I would need more information about it... so maybe I'll be able to make a profit from it...

Yato: I will check this another day...

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Timeskip

Yato Pov:

We were now on the4th day on the uninhabited island. The class has finally started to act a bit more like the Ichinose class. They stopped arguing between them and helped each other.

I was really surprised by Ike. He had real knowledge for survival in the forest and was helping the class as best he could. With his help lot of people started to feel more comfortable in this exam. Witch allowed us to us approximately 100 points, so at the end of the week, we still have a lot of class points. And that's without counting the points that we will gain with the spot...

I was currently sitting on a rock near to the exit of the camp... wondering what should I do with the trap of Class A... Then I saw someone go out of the camp alone...

Yato: Yo Ayanakoji, where are you going?

Ayanakoji: Oh Fukazawa-kun, I was just going to do a bit of exploration.

Yato: Oh I see, do you mind If I tag along?

He seems to thought about something before answering me...

Ayanakoji: No I don't mind at all.

Yato: Oh great thanks.

We both start leaving the camp...

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Ayanakoji Pov:

Then I left the base camp with Fukazawa. I hesitate before accepting that he could accompany me but it was easier to just accept... And I don't think he's going to slow me down... Before leavingI had secretly borrowed a ballpoint pen and taken afolded paper for what I had to do...

Yato: Hey what do you think about this exam Ayanakoji?

What I think about this exam...

Ayanakoji: Hmm I may not be the best person to think about all this but... I think we doing great at saving as many points as possible during the week.

Ayanakoji: But I think we should also try to gain points by the other rules like claiming some spots... but like I said I don't know if my opinion is worth much.

He doesn't answer me right away and suddenly...

Yato: Wow hahaha, that's an interesting point of view... I'm impressed haha!

Is he laughing at me?

Yato: Do I have to understand that is why you voted for me to be the leader?

Ayanakoji: ...

Ayanakoji: Oops...

I applied a sudden break in my steps and came to a stop. All because there was no foothold here and it was actually a cliff.

Yato: Oh it's high from here...

Ayanakoji: I saw it from the ship, for sure... it was under here.

Yato: Huh?

There was a ladder a little further. We both use the ladder to go to the bottom of the cliff.

I discovered a small hut. At the ingress of the hut, there was a device that was the clear evidence that this was a spot.

I approached to check to see if the spot was already claimed... yeah he was... but...

Ayanakoji: Huh?

I could see the letter D on it... and the remaining time shows that the time left is 2 hours... I look at my watch it shows that he was presently 10 a.m... So he was claimed in approximately in 4 a.m...

Ayanakoji: Hey Fukazawa-kun, when did you find this spot?

Yato: Eh that one? During the first night.

Ayanakoji: During the night? you go exploring on your own during the night, it's quite dangerous.

Yato: Hahaha don't worry, and it's the best time to do it so...

Go out exploring the forest in your won the night it's dangerous. If something happens you are all alone and no one will be able to come and help you... but like he says you're sure you won't get caught by the other class so it's a good time indeed...

I take out the pen and the folder paper and started to draw a map of the island...

Yato: Ohh a map, that's a great idea Ayanakoji. Good job!

After that, I finish we climbed the ladder and we started to walk to explore the island but suddenly Fukazawa stopped.

Ayanakoji: Huh a problem Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Well yeah I'm tired so I think I will go back to the camp for now, sorry man.

Ayanakoji: Oh no problem, you are indeed better to go rested yourself after all.

Yato: Haha okay good, soo we'll meet at the camp soon.

Ayanakoji: Good.

I continued my way until I fell in front of a spot that was not claimed but when I approached it serval people from A-class surrounded me.

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Yato Pov:

Yato: Oh so that's their trap huh?

After leaving Ayanakoji I stayed for enough from him not to be seen and listened to the conversation between him and the A-class...

They wanted him to sell his class by telling them our class leader... they offer him 200k to tell them my name... of course, he didn't say anything... but now what should I do??? 200k really not worth that I betray my class for that... but maybe I can...

After thinking about an idea... I started to walk toward their trap...

Yato: Ahhh where does Ayanakoji goes??

Student A: Hey you stop there!

Yato: Good

Yato: Huh? Who are you and what do you want from me?

Student B: don't play the idiot! we know you were going to claim that spot.

Yato: Huh? I was just looking for my classmates, that's all.

Student A: Oh so you are in class D too huh, listen we have a deal for you!

Student A: If you tell us the name of your leader we can give you up to 200k points.

Student C: Here is a contract.

The dud who was giving me a contract seems to be the leader of the three students...

Yato: Huh 200k, well if you want me to tell the name of the leader it will take more.

Student C: Hoi who do you think you are!!

He approached me to try to intimidate me until...

???: That's enough you three.

Student: Katsuragi-san

So that's him Katsuragi eh... he was a man of above-average height. But the most noticeable thing was that he was bald,which was quite a rare thing for a student.

Yato: Would you be the one in charge of your class, Katsuragi?

Katsuragi: Indeed and I heard your conversation. So you would be ready to tell us the name of your leader for a better reward?

Yato: Hahaha yeah maybe.

Katsuragi: Hmm so what would be your price then?

Great this dude is ready to negotiate with me just to get my name... If I can get an amazing amount of price from them... then I will give them my name without any problem...

Yato: Hmm my price huh?. First I don't want a unique amount of points... I want to be paid per month...

???: What you are crazy! You are just from the D-class you don't have the...

Katsuragi: Stop it Yahiko!

Yahiko: Sorry Kasturagi-san

This dude listens to Katsuragi like he was his little dog... Man, that's lame... Anyway, from what I saw of Katsuragi, I think I can be a little greedy...

Yato: Hmm Yes, I want 15k per month for each person in your class. That seems fair after all, I betray my class and I will have less class points because you will have the name of the leader on this exam. So you have an easy 50 Class Points.

Yahiko seems to have a lot of things to say but say nothing while Katsuragi seems to think about it...

Yato: You know it's nothing for your class 15k right. And with the name of the leader, you will gain more class points and be able to remain in the A-class for the next three years.

With what I had just said it seems that I convinced him... he really wanted to maintain his position as A-class the most possible... and for that, he is ready to sacrifice some private points.

Katsuragi: I will accept this at two conditions, first I need to see the card of your leader. Secondly, I want that you stop your leader to claim more spots than you have. If you are okay with that and if you think you be able to respect these conditions, we can sign this contract.

Yato: Good no problem for me, I am perfectly able to respect these conditions. Do you have a pencil to sign haha.

I give me the contract this is written on it that each person of class A must give 15k per month to Fukazawa Yato for the next three years... they can't speak about this contract to any person who is not in their class...

I sign it and He signs it for his class...

Katsuragi: Great now Fukazawa-kun, you just have to show me the leader card. When you...

I stopped him when he was speaking

Yato: Yeah Yeah, it won't be difficult to have it.

Katsuragi: Huh?

I take out the card from my pocket that has my name on it and show it to Katsuragi.

Katsuragi: Oh I see, it's was a pleasure to do business with you Fukazawa-kun.

Yato: Haha same for me

Katsuragi: How many spots that your class has?

Yato: Don't worry, I have claimed a total of three spots on the island and I will stop looking for more.

Katsuragi: Perfect then.

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I start to go away while I have an evil smile on my face...

Since the beginning of the year, I have managed to make three different contracts to have more points... One of them will finish this year but the two others will last for my three years here... In one year I will have earned 13 800 000 points...

Yato: Hahahahahaha

Sorry Horikita, you should never have proposed that I be the leader... Now I will just continue this exam without trying to win... because after all, I don't have any interest in becoming the A-class...the promise of being able to have our dream job I don't give a shit about that... And when my classmates are going to see that's we lose 50 points because a class found out that I was the leader they will no longer ask me for help for the next exam...

They can fight as they like in this exam... because as long I come out as a winner at the end I don't care...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter I hope you like it. The next chapter probably be at the beginning of next week. Thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 3: New problem

Chapter 6

3rd. Pov:

Early in the morning of the 5th day, while the majority of boys were still sleeping. Girl's voice could be heard from outside their tent.

Shinohara:Hey boys, will you gather up?

The boys started to get up and come out of their tentsand some of them came out in rage...

Sudou came out from the tent looking at the others around him visibly irritated by this...

Sudou:What the hell... I'm so fucking tired.

Hirata: What's wrong?

Shinohara: Uhm Hirata-kun... Sorry, but can you wake up all the boys here? It's serious.

Shinohara seems angry but that's was not the only problem there.A little far away, the girls were glowering at the boy's side.

Hirata:Understood. I think they'll soon come out as I give them a shout.

After a couple of minutes of waiting for the boys to get together outside their tents. The boys who were outside noticed the girls were looking at them unusually scared...

Hirata:What's wrong, so early in the morning?

Shinohara:Sorry Hirata-kun. It's something that doesn't concern you, Hirata-but... Wait he wouldn't miss someone?

Hirata: Huh? Oh yeah, your right...

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Yato: Pov:

Yato: zzz...

???: Oh Fukazawa-kun wake up!

Huh? They haven't finished making a lot of noise since this morning? Fuck... I just want to sleep in peace...

Yato: Eh later, later... I want to continue to sleep...

???: Fukazawa-kun the girls want to talk to the whole class, please wake up.

Huh? This is Hirata? Why he is so insistent...

Yato: I give you the right to start without me...

Hirata: Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Signs... Fuck...

What a shitty start to the day...

Yato: Okay Okay... I'm coming...

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After all the will that took me to get up... I finally exit my tent 5 minutes later...

Yato: Yawn... it's better to be fast...

Huh? Why do all the girls look angry? It's me who should be angry after being forced to get up...

Shinohara: Good now everyone is here...We've gathered because there's something I have to check at any cost.

Yato: Hmm why do all the boys need to be here while some girls are missing...

Shinohara gave everyone, except Hirata, a look of contempt and then she spoke.

Shinohara:This morning, well... Karuizawa-san's underwear was missing. Do you know what that means?

Boys:EH... UNDERWEAR?

Even Hirata, who was always calm, appeared shaken and upset at the completely unexpected situation... Now I could understand why they wake us up... but...

Shinohara:Now Karuizawa-san is inside the tent, crying. Kushida-san and others are comforting her.

Shinohara starts looking at the boys suspiciously...

Ike: EHHH, are you saying that one of us would have stolen the underwear of Karuizawa-san?

Shinohara: Of course, you are the only ones who could have done this after all!

Sudo who was angry retorted immediately...

Sudo: What's about the girl of C-class

Wow, I would never think that the one who would have common sense would be Sudo... It was indeed probably a trick from Ibuki... I turn around to look at Sudo... But... I realized something when I saw two people in particular...

Yato: Ike and Yamauchi...

Yeah, I was no longer sure at 100% that's was Ibuki... It could very well be one of the two idiots over there... I do not think that Sudo could have stolen it because from what I heard he only had eyes for Horikita... but we are never sure of anything with these three...

Shinohara: Huh Ibuki? She's a girl! She would never have done that!

Wow, this is one of the worst arguments I have heard in my whole life...

Sudo was about to start arguing but Hirata intervened before...

Hirata: Okay please stop. We need more Infos before continuing... who was on guard shift last night?

Miyake: Eh I and Kushida-san were the first shift and after us it's was Yukimura and Onodera-san. Personally, I didn't see anything last night...

Yukimura and Onodera also said that they had seen nothing last night... It's was just missing the point of view of Kushida now...

Sato: I will go ask Kushida about that.

I don't think that she saw anything because if she had seen something we wouldn't have this discussion right now... while we were waiting for Kushida everyone starts arguing among themselves... I saw Ayanakoji on my left...

Yato: Signs... Yo Ayanakoji all this is probably unnecessary, right?

Ayanakoji: Huh what do you mean by that?

Yato: Huh well it's probably Ibuki or one of the groups of idiots...

Ayanakoji: Oh I see, you are right that could be Ibuki after all...

Ehh you really didn't think about it...

Yato: Hey do you want to bet on who do you think is the culprit?

Ayanakoji: Eh I don't think it's a good idea to bet on this...

Yato: Oh come on, let's say 15k.

Ayanakoji: Wel...

Before he could finish his sentence Sato and Kushida arrived. Everyone stopped talking and gave the floor to Kushida...

Kushida: Well I didn't see a particular person last night but... I saw someone go near the bags last night...

Kushida: And this person... was about the same height as Ike... Sorry, this is all I know...

Well, Ibuki must be about the same height as Ike but the thing is that it can really be Ike...

Yato: Sighs...

We can't accuse Ibuki after Shinohara's perfect argument... I will just have to create a situation where the class will be obligate to suspect Ibuki... or reveal that Ike is really the culprit...

Yato: Okay that's enough of this! We will settle it quickly, we just have to show our bags to the girls to prove that we are not the culprit.

Students Boys:B... But...

Hirata: That's a great idea Fukazawa-kun, I will give them my bag first so, please do as I do!

Great now that Hirata will do it everyone will have to do like him... faster than this is fixed that fast I can go back to bed...

Everyone started to give their bag to the girls...

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All that was left was my bag and the one at Ike... All in the other boys' bags had no trace of the underwear of Karuizawa...

Yato: That's mean... Ike or Ibuki... Hmm... I will still bet on Ibuki.

Ike started to stress when Shinohara was searching in his bag... After 2 minutes...

Shinohara: Nothing in that one too...

Ike: I tell you that's was not me!!

Shinohara: It will just remain the one of Fukazawa-kun.

I gave her my bag and she immediately start searching in it...

So in the en that's was really not Ike or Yamauchi... That's a good thing because that if that would have been a boy in our class it would probably have been a problem for the future... after all our class was just starting to act as a group...

Well, now It is 100% sure that it was Ibuki who take them...

Shinohara: I would never have thought that...

Yeah, that's was stupid to clear her from the start...Eh, wait...

Shinohara: Fukazawa-kun I never thought you could do something like this!! After Hirata-kun you were the boy we trusted the most! How you could have stolen the underwear of Kazuirawa-san!

I turned to look at her and saw that she had the underwear in her hands...

Yato: Huh?

Yato: Wait Wait Wait, it's not me I...

Before I could defend myself she interrupt me...

Shinohara: Stop it! I don't want to hear anything from a pervert.

Everyone starts to look at me with contempt... especially the girls... I won't let them accuse me without saying anything...

Yato: Wait Shinohara, let's take the time to think and talk about it before accusing myself wrongly. Because...

Shinohara: We don't need to talk about this longer! You have the underwear in your bag so that just means that you are the culprit. You are really stupid to think if you think we'll listen to you!

This fucking bitch... she is serious right now??? I take a naif expression and...

Yato: HAHAHA you right! It's me after all who offered that you check all the boy's bags knowing that I had the underwear in my bag all this time Hahaha. I am really stupid... or maybe...

I switch my expression and my voice to a cold one...

Yato: Or maybe is all of you who are just a fucking bunch of idiots...

Everyone was surprised at my change of attitude, even more, Shinohara who was in front of me... now no one dared to answer me... until...

Hirata: Okay please stop everyone! Fukazawa-kun can you follow me please so we can talk in private.

Yato: Whatever...

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After leaving the camp with Hirata so that we can talk in private he was the first to speak...

Hirata: So Fukazwa-kun... Let me ask you... Are you really the one who stole the underwear of Karuizawa-san?

Yato: Let me answer you with another question Hirata... Do you really think I would have done that?

Hirata: Of course not but... I need to hear to say it, please!

Hirata, the good guy who wants to avoid the most conflict between his classmates... This situation must be horrible for someone like him...

Yato: Sighs... Of course, I didn't steal it Hirata. I swear.

Hirata: Great, thank you Fukazawa-kun... I believe you. But why did you have them in your bag then?

Yato: This is surely a dirty trick made by the real culprit...

Hirata: Hmm and do you know who it is?

Yato: Well I have doubts about someone but I don't have any proof...

Hirata: Hmm I see... but that's why I want you to help me to find the real culprit.

Yato: To find the real culprit huh...

Hirata: Yes so I could calm things down with the class about you while you investigate it. We must avoid losing, even more, the cohesion we had created with the class during this exam...

Yato: Yeah I totally agree with you...

After all, without Hirata's help with this incident, I can very well be excluded from the camp...

Yato: Yeah I will find this culprit Hirata, and thank you for your help.

I can't let pass this incident, my reputation is at stake after all... to be called a pervert for the next three years... no thanks... and above all, I will not let the culprit act as he wants...

Hirata: No it's me who thank you Fukazawa-kun.

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Mini Timeskip

Yato Pov:

It had been a while since I returned to the camp with Hirata... He had talked to the class, especially to the girls, about the fact I was not the culprit... The majority have decided to believe him but they were on their guard about me and all the boys in general...

Shinohara:Could you please all gather?

Well, the troubles are far from over...

When everyone gathered, I saw Karuizawa who had her eyes all red probably because she must have cried... When she saw me she had an angry and disgusted expression...

Hirata: So, what's the matter?

Shinohara: I know you tell us that Fukazawa-kun was innocent but we are still not feeling safe in the camp. Sleeping close to the boys stresses us a lot, so we going to draw a line here and divide the area between girls and boys. Boys entering our area is absolutely prohibited.

Yeah... now there is no more cohesion in the class... they want a culprit no matter who...

Sudo: Tsk If you still don't trust us, then move your tent away or whatever. We will not move our tent and we will not help you move yours either.

Shinohara: Fine we don't need your help anyway...Hey Hirata, could you please help us? For Karuizawa's sake?

The second she says that she doesn't need his help, she'll ask the help of Hirata...

Hirata:Ok, I'll help you. It may take some time, is that okay?

Shinohara:Thank you, Hirata! Good for us, Karuizawa!

Karuizawa:Yup. Only Hirata is to be trusted.

She then gives me again her angry gaze...

Yato: I know, I know you hate me... I understood now...

???:Wait a minute. Can I raise my objection against all of you? Especially to you, Karuizawa?

Yato: Huh Horikita??

Karuizawa:What is it Horikita? Do you have any objections against our present plan?

Horikita:I do not mind dividing the living area between men and women. Fukazawa-kun is innocent so the culprit is still there. However, I do not trust Hirata, he is a boy to after all.

Karuizawa:Hirata would never do such a thing. Can you understand that, at least?

Yato: You fight against people's trust in Hirata, Horikita... you lost in advance...

Horikita:That's your own personal belief. Do not force the same idea on me as well.

Yato: Wow... You keep fighting I'm impressed Horikita.

Karuizawa was clearly not satisfied with Horikita's attitude and took a step closer to her.

Karuizawa:Hirata is definitely not the criminal. You don't even have friends, let alone a boyfriend, so you may not understand.

Horikita:Do not make me say the same thing over and over again. You can not convince me about him.

Yato: Ganbatte, Horikta!

Karuizawa:Well, then let me ask you something. I guess there are not any other boys that can be trusted except Hirata. Or are there?

Horikita: I won't speak without thinking. Simply put, you can increase the number by another one. If you do that then we'll have two guys. It's very effective when guys want to watch each other's backs.

Hirata:Karuizawa. It would be of great help for me if you chose to save another boy. Can we do that?

Finally, he decided to intervene... what would we do without our Hirata-sama...

Karuizawa:Bu... But.. How can I trust anyone else apart from you, Hirata?

Ike:Well, then choose me!

Yato: Fuck HAHAHA I have to hold back not to laugh HAHAHA...

Sudo and Yamauchi offered their help and were obviously refused...

Horikita: No I think that there is only one person who can help Hirata.

Karuizawa: Who??

Then Horikita pointed at the boy next to me...

Horikita:It's you Ayanokouji!

I look at Ayanakoji that stood next to me who got his mouth open with an expression of incomprehension...

Karuizawa:Hahaha! Do not make me laugh! If you think about it, isn't he the only friend you have? You can't trust such a quiet, sullen-looking guy?

And then she pointed at me...

Karuizawa: And I can't trust someone who is friends with him!!! I said we can't trust them!

Yato: Huh we friends??

???:Um... Ah, I think Ayanokouji-kun doesn't do such things...

Yato: So that for a surprise...

The most unexpected person spoke against Karuizawa... It's was Sakura... but against Karuizawa she will lose at 100%...

Karuizawa: Huh? What do you mean by that?

Sakura was not able to look at Karuizawa in her eyes due to her stress... Karuizawa seeing the weakness of Sakura change her target for the poor Sakura...

Karuizawa:How do you know that Ayanokouji could not be the culprit?

Sakura:That's... That... It's because he isn't a person who... would do this...

Karuizawa: Huh? I don't get it. That isn't an answer.

Sakura won't be able to do anything against her...

Yato: Sighs...

Karuizawa:Eh? Does Sakura-san like plain, ordinary Ayanokouji-kun maybe?

Sakura:N-no!?

Startled in surprise, Sakura's cheeks turned red and became restless.

Karuizawa:Wow. What's this elementary-schooler-like blunt response. It's so obvious.

The other girls joined Karuizawa in laughter.

Sakura:That's...! Ah, um... Uuum...!

Karuizawa: Ha, isn't it good? There is no other person who likes him that much. Hey, are you going to confess here after all he...

SLAAAP

Karuizawa: H...H...Huh...

Everyone stopped talking and laughing at Karuizawa's provocation towards Sakura... Everyone was looking at the red mark on the cheek of Karuizawa...

Karuizawa didn't say any other word, in fact, no more sounds came out of her mouth... she was looking at the man in front of her who had just slapped her... He had a cold glare and was looking directly into her eyes...

Yato: Hoi Karuizawa... Who exactly do you think you are???

Karuizawa: I... Eh... I...

Yato: Ayanakoji and Sakura did nothing wrong. What do you allow yourself to insult and make fun of them?

Karuizawa: I...I...I

Completely frightened she went to collapse on the ground but Hirata came and catch her...

Yato: Huh where does the confident and arrogant girl go??

Hirata: Fukawaza-kun, I think that's enough... Karuizawa are you okay?

After he make sure she was okay...

Hirata: I think we should accept Horikita's idea... Ayanakoji is not a problem and It will make things faster...

I started to go away... I saw that Sakura was on the verge of tears after what Karuizawa said to her...

Yato: You can say that we are quits now...

After what I do to her when to Sudo incident with the gross technician... it's a way to pay for what I did to her without her knowing it...

Yato: Sighs...

But now I made my situation worse...

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I was currently sitting away from the others while they were discussing about my case... After 10 minutes Hirata walked up to me with a dark expression...

Hirata: Fukazawa-kun, the girls have decided on your punishment... you will be excluded from the camp for the rest of the week...

It's just remained two nights on this island so it's nothing...

Hirata: You will just be able to come back here during the roll class and to claim the spot...

Yato: Okay but what happens if I don't respect these rules?

Hirata: Ehh...

Yato: HAHA okay okay don't worry I don't want to create more problems...

Hirata: I'm sorry about this Fukazwa-kun...

Yato: Huh sorry?

After all that he still apologizes???

Yato: Hirata you know that I slap your girlfriend? I wouldn't blame you if you hate me... After all, this would be normal.

Hirata seemed unable to answer me... I really do not understand... the behavior of a normal person would be to get angry at me after I slap his girlfriend... but even now he still worries about me who was excluded from the camp...

Yato: Sighs... Forget all that... You are seriously a good guy Hirata...

Probably too much... this can clearly create problems for you and let people take advantage of you...

Yato: And don't worry about me... They needed a bad guy in this incident and I fill this role...

Hirata: Eh yeah but don't forget about the real culprit... please find him.

Yato: Yeah sure don't worry about that...

After all, I won't let him do what he wants with me...

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After the roll call, I went to my tent and took my bag, and headed for the exit of the camp... but there was someone waiting for me... I decide to ignore her and continue my way...

Horikita: I'm sorry Fukazawa-kun!

I stooped and walk closer to Horikita...

Yato: Huh? Why do you apologize? Are you the one who trapped me?

Horikita: No it's just... It's me who did recommend you for the role of leader. If I hadn't done it, we might not be here in this situation...

Yeah, I was surely trapped because I was the leader... I will have to think about all this later... but the fact that I became the leader was a good thing because of the contract with A-class...

Yato: Haha don't worry Horikita. Let me ask you something instead, did you ever think I was the thief of underwear...

Horikita: No not at all.

I patted her head and said...

Yato: Wow nice thank you!

She started to blush and I kelp talking...

Yato: You know when I told you at the start of the week that you were the person I liked least in the class? Well I changed my mind, thank you for believing in me Horikita!

I started to leave and said one last thing to Horikita...

Yato: Don't force yourself too much, it's not a good thing when you're sick.

Good now how to find the real culprit... I suspected Ibuki from, the start but the fact that it was me who get trapped leaves me a doubt... she would have just been lucky to aim for the leader of our class... at first I thought she wanted to create chaos in the class by creating a cold between boys and girls... but maybe I was the only target all along... but how she could know it was me the leader???

I turn around to look at the class one last time... I observed each person until the time I noticed a person who was currently talking to Ibuki...

Yato: Kushida...

Wait... she was the one who always accompanied Ibuki out of the camp when we were claiming the spot... am I thinking too much??? But... she looked really shocked when Shinohara found the underwear in my bag... but she seems a bit shocked that Ike did not have them... Hmm after all she had seen someone in his height last night...

Yato: Sighs... what a pain...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter. I hope you like it! The next chapter will come out around Friday. Thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 3: Disturbing news

Chapter 7

Yato: Pov:

It was now 9:30 a.m. It had been about 1h30 since I left our camp after being expelled. I decided to take a break and sit on a rock...

Yato: That still bothers me...

I had this bad feeling about Kushida... but nothing proves that she would have revealed that I was the leader to Ibuki... In fact, it's quite the opposite, Kushida can be considered as one of the leaders of our class with Hirata... I don't see why she would have betrayed the class, it doesn't match with her personality of the perfect and nice girl...

Yato: Sighs...

Anyway, I will just stay on my guard during the last two days... because I have no idea who could have sold the fact I was the leader to C-class... the only lead I had is Kushida but I am not sure after have thought about it...

Yato: Good now where I should go?

I probably have two options that I could do...

The first one would be to go to the camp of B-class and ask them if I can stay with them for the rest of the week. With the personally of Ichinose, she will certainly accept and Horikita told me that we have formed an alliance between our two classes... this is probably the safest and easiest solution for me...

And the other option would be simply to stay in the forest. I would probably have more freedom but the big disadvantage will be that I would have to do everything by myself. Food, water, fire I will have to make my own camp... so more work...

Yato: I will choose the simplicity

There are only two days left I will not add more work... I'm just going to go see the B-class.

I get up and set off toward their camp.

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Mini time skip

Yato Pov:

I finally arrive at the camp of B-class and I saw that their class cohesion was still the same as last time I saw it... I still think Ichinose's naive way of thinking is really not excellent and poses a lot of weakness but when I saw her class I can't deny that this has is an advantage...

Ichinose noticed me and stopped what she was doing and walked toward me...

Ichinose: Hey it's Fukazawa-kun! How are you doing!

Yato: Oh Hello Ichinose I'm good thanks. You, how is it with the exam?

Ichinose: I'm doing fine, we do our best for this exam!! But tell me, what brings you here?

Yato: Well you see I would have a favor to ask you.

Ichinose: Of course I would do my best to help you with pleasure!

Yato: Thanks! The thing is that there was an argument in my class so to avoid more problems they decided to exclude me from the camp. So I was wondering if it was possible if I can stay here for the last two days.

I didn't tell her the whole story but technically I didn't lie to her...

Ichinose: Oh that's terrible I'm soo sorry for you. Of course, you can stay here!

Yeah, she is really too kind... she did not even ask me for more information and she immediately accepted my request...

I had planned to come here and do nothing but they will accommodate me so I can help them a little.

Yato: Thank you Ichinose, tell me if I can help with your daily task.

Ichinose: Okay we will go see Kanzaki inform him that you will stay and he will probably be able to give you a task.

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After telling what I said at Ichinose to Kanzaki...

Kanzaki: Hmm I see, so you are welcome here. If Ichinose-san is okay with it I don't have any objection then.

Yato: Thanks for your help both of you.

Ichinose: It's not a big deal Fukazawa-kun! I will go back to work if you have a question do not hesitate to go see Kanzaki or me!

With these words, Ichinose went back to help other students from her class.

I find myself all alone with Kanzaki... I hardly ever speak to him... I'm curious to have his point of view on the functioning of his class...

Yato: So Kanzaki, what do you think of your class?

Kanzaki: Hmm what do you mean by that?

Yato: Well when I look at the atmosphere of your class I realize how much it is different from mine. You are satisfied like that?

Kanzaki: In fact, if we are so united it is thanks to Ichinose. Without her, we would not have such a result like that. For the moment I'm fully satisfied with our situation.

Yato: For the moment huh?

Yato: I see, it's good to have someone like Ichinose in your class.

What I said was true. Look at Hirata in our class, he was necessary for the class. If we didn't have someone like Hirata during the incident of today it could have been much worse...

Kanzaki: Ichinose-san told me that you would like to help? Because I would have a task for you if you don't mind.

Yato: Sure, tell me what you need me to do.

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Yato: Arhhhhh

I should have gone to the forest alone instead of coming here... I had to work all day...

Ichinose: Haha thanks for your hard work Fukazawa-kun!

She offered me a bottle of water

Yato: Oh thanks.

Ichinose: By the way for tonight, technically we don't have more space in the boy's tent. But Shibata-kun said that he could make room for you to sleep.

Ehh this dude have an obsession with me since the soccer incident or what? That's creeping me out a bit...

Yato: Ha...Ha... No thanks, I will be okay. I will just sleep outside that's enough for me.

Ichinose: Ehhh are you sure? I don't want you to sleep badly...

Yato: Yeah I'm sure, just to be here in the camp it's enough for me and there are only two nights left so there is no problem.

Ichinose: Okay if you said so but if you change your mind the offer will still be valid.

Yato: Thank you Ichinose.

I look at my watch and it said that it was 7 p.m

Yato: Oh sorry but I will need to go back to my camp for the roll call. I will come back after.

Ichinose: Okay sure see you later Fukazawa-kun!

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After coming back from the roll call. It is getting dark outside and several students are getting ready to go to sleep.

Having nothing else to do I was going to do the same but someone started talking to me...

Kanzaki: I heard you prefer to sleep outside then?

Oh it's was Kanzaki but...

Yato: Oh yeah I do not want to disturb you and I prefer to sleep outside than sleep uncomfortable because we are too much in a tent.

Kanzaki: Oh but if we offered it to you it's because it doesn't bother us...

Hmm, I was right... I had a feeling that he didn't really care about where I sleep but rather that he was afraid that I might betray them during the night...

Yato: You are afraid that I will do something that could harm your class while you are sleeping?

He was hesitant to answer probably because that I see through what he was trying to do...

Yato: Haha don't worry I don't blame you. In fact, in your position, I would have done the same thing. it's normal to doubt a little.

Kanzaki: I see, I'm sorry about that. It's just that I don't want my class to fail this exam.

Yato: Yeah but if that can reassure you I promise that I have nothing planned against your class. After all your class has formed an alliance, I wouldn't want to waste it stupidly.

Kanzaki: Your totally right I just wanted to be sure, sorry about that.

Yato: Haha it's good, it's good! It's okay to trust the other but I think you should still be on your guard just in case... but after all, it's my opinion and your class has her own way of doing things...

He does not answer me and he seems rather lost in his thoughts...

Yato: Well my intention was not necessarily to make him think about all that...

Yato: Personally I'm not tied so if you want to keep talking it doesn't bother me...

I started to walk toward the campfire...

Kanzaki: Hmm yeah why not.

After talking with Kanzaki my opinion of him was that he was a good guy. The fact he did not fully adopt the mentality of Ichinose was a good thing for his class... because being nice to everyone without doubting them is not a good thing in my opinion.

After a while, I decided to go to the bed...

About 3 hours before

Ayanakoji Pov:

Yato: I'm going to go, now that the roll call is done.

Hirata: Okay Fukazawa-kun, and have you found a good place to stay?

Yato: Oh yeah yeah don't worry I will stay at the camp of the B-class so don't worry.

Hirata: Great take care and I see you tomorrow Fukazawa-kun.

With a nod, Fukazawa started to leave but stopped before saying something to Horikita.

Ayanakoji: I'm too far to hear anything...

Horikita seems shocked at what he just said. Before she could answer him he was already gone in the forest.

The atmosphere in the camp was still tense despite the fact that the 'culprit' had been excluded from the camp. The boys and the girls still do not speak between them except Kushida who was trying to cheer everyone up. Horikita and Sakura interact sometimes with me but I was probably the only boy who they could talk to...

Having nothing else to do I decided to make the campfire for tonight.

Ayanakoji: Oh it's more fun than I thought...

Horikita: You seem to be having fun there Ayanakoji-kun.

Does I was looking so happy?

Ayanakoji: Oh Horikita, I didn't see you a lot today, what have you done?

Horikita: It's none of your business. Anyways, I will go to bed right away. See you tomorrow Ayanakoji-kun.

She left and returned to her tent without waiting for my answer...

Ayanakoji: With her fever, it's really not easy for her...

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After an hour that Fukazawa left the camp, Ibuki who was sitting away from the others got up and approached Hirata.

Ibuki: Excuse me but I would like to talk about something with you.

The girls who were chatting with him seemed annoyed by Ibuki. But Hirata ignored them to listen to what Ibuki wanted to tell him.

Hirata: Oh Ibuki-san, can I help you with something?

Ibuki: Well I made up my mind and I want to withdraw from this exam. So I'm going to get back to the ship right away.

Hirata: Huh wait this can't wait until tomorrow? It's already getting dark, it would be dangerous to go back to the ship alone.

Ibuki: Don't worry I know the way to the ship. I really want to go back with my class finally.

Hirata: Well I can't stop you after all. But please, let someone accompany you at least.

Kushida: Oh I just heard your conversation. It would be a pleasure for me to accompany Ibuki-san!

Hirata was surprised by the proposal made by Kushida. After all, Kushida suddenly joined their conversation... but Ibuki does not seem in any way surprised or shocked by Kusihda's intervention... as if she knew that Kushida was going to offer her help.

Hirata: Oh Thank you Kushida well then I have no problem with that so... but it would be better if someone else could go with you too.

Hirata then asked the class if anyone else would go with them even though it was getting late. A lot of people were already in bed but in the people who were still awake, Ike raise his hand to offer his help. Probably to get closer to Kushida. Hirata accepted and let them go...

I decided to go to sleep...

Time Skip

Ayanakoji Pov:

I look at my watch and it shows that it is almost 6 a.m. The others should be about to get up so I decided to get out of the tent. The first thing I noticed when I got outside of the tent was the ground... it rained last night because the ground and tree were wet... I look at the sky and saw that there were a lot of gray clouds...

Ayanakoji: it will surely rain today too...

We were now on the 6th day of the exam and throughout the week we have been lucky on the weather. But today it will surely rain hard...

Some of my classmates start to come out of their tents and get ready for the day... Hirata and some other people take a look at our provisions and made a final observation of our points during this exam...

Hirata: We had some problems but if we continue like this we should be able to do well during this exam.

Indeed with the incident that happen yesterday, we could gave suffered greater damage to the class but Fukazawa probably had decided to play the 'culprit' to prevent the class from being destroyed...

Hirata gathered everyone who was awake to give them a task before it start to rain. I was placed in the group whose task is to go search for some fruit to be sure to not run out of supplies. My group was composed of Horikita, Sakura, and Yamauchi.

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We were close to a river looking for provisions... Yamauchi was trying to get closer to Sakura's without success and for Horikita, her condition does not seem to have improved since yesterday but she continued to act like she was good... she was really stubborn after all... Today was really going to be a crucial day for this exam so she probably don't want to do anything at the camp...

Then suddenly I heard someone running toward us...

???: Ahh huff... Horikita-san huff... Ayanakoji-kun... I'm glad to find you huff...

Yamauchi: Hey Kushida-chan!

It was Kushida who just had arrived. She seems really out of breath, she must have run a lot.

Yamauchi was about to say something but he was interrupted by Horikita.

Horikita: Kushida-san? What are you doing here alone and why are you out of breath?

Horikita never wanted to trust Kushida... Since the beginning of the year, Kushida tried many times to become friends with Horikita but she refused each time...

The tone of her voice she had just used proved that she still didn't trust her today...

Kushida: Huff... Please all of you need to listen to what I have to say...

Yamauchi: Huh what the matter Kushida-chan you seem serious?

Kushida: There is something I need to tell you about Fukazawa-kun...

The first person to react was Horikita

Horikita: Huh? What is it, Kushida? What happens to Fukazawa-kun?

Horikita was worried and asked several questions at Kushida. I don't say anything and wait for Kushida's answer...

Having finally caught her breath Kushida said...

Kushida: Fukazawa-kun is in danger!!!!

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter I hope you like it! I got more time this week so he will have another chapter tomorrow or Saturday as well. Thanks to those who read my story!!!

Volume 3: Bad decision

Chapter 8

Yato Pov:

Yato: Cough Cough...

Fuck...

Yato: Cough... Cough...

My head hurt like crazy...

I mustn't pass out...

With my last strength, I manage to crawl up to a tree so that I can lean on it...

Yato: ShitWhat a fool I am...

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1 hour earlier

Yato: (sleeping)...

FLIP

Yato: Ehh

I woke up suddenly feeling the presence of someone

I saw someone further away who started to run away... I immediately put my hands in my left pocket...my leader cards were no longer there...

Yato: Hoi teme!

I got up to start chasing the person but when I started to run I fell to the ground.

Yato: Ouch... Fuck my left hand...

I look back behind me to understand the reason that I fell.

Yato: Does my ankle is fucking tie to the tree??

What the fuck? My ankle was tied with a rope to the tree which I was sleeping on... Anyway, I don't have time to waste. I quickly detached myself and start to run again in pursuit of the thief...

I didn't see the person who stole my card because it was dark outside but she was about the same height as Ibuki.

I started to catch up with the thief But again... I trip on something and fell to the ground.

CLAC

But this time I seriously hurt my left hand and I hit my head on the ground

Yato: ARGG... what is it this time??

I turned my head around to see what I had tripped in but...

Yato: What... there is nothing...

I would have tripped because of the mud??? No, I really felt something that made me fall...

Yato: What the fuck is happening?

I got up with a little more difficult this time and start to run again... Until I ran into someone passed out in the forest...

Yato: Kushida?

What should I do??? I looked down and saw the footprints in the mud of the person I was chasing... but the most surprising is that there seemed to have two pairs of footprints on the ground... and one of them seems to belong to a man...

Yato: Ah fuck...

I decide to wake up Kushida...

Yato: Hoi Kushida wake up!

I shook her a little to wake her up... then she starts to open her eyes slowly...

Kushida: Ehh Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Hep it's me are you okay?

Kushida: Ehh yeah I think so

Yato: Good now tell me where are you here and what's happening?

I need to see her reaction and her version of the story to finally know if she is the one who said that I was the leader to Ibuki ...

Kushida: Ohhh yeah Fukazawa-kun have you seen Ibuki?? And your card of the leader do you still have with you??

She seems really worried and panicking...

Yato: So it's really was Ibuki who stole it eh...

Kushida: What?? she succeeded to stole it? Oh no, I have been trapped...

Yato: Kushida you will have to tell me the whole story.

Kushida: sure! Ibuki wanted to go back to the ship so I volunteered myself to accompany her but we all have been trapped... she brought me here and there was someone waiting for us... it was Ryuuen-kun

Hmm, I already suspected that he had stayed on the island... for the moment the story of Kushida makes sense...

Kushida: After he tells me that someone in our class sold the fact that you were the leader then he ordered Ibuki something and I don't remember anything after... I am soo sorry Fukazawa-kun, it's all my fault...

She started to cry... her story matched with the doubts I have... Ryuuen was still on the island and Ibuki was a spy... but why steal the card from me if she know that I was the leader??? To be sure??? I had a doubt about Kushida at first because she was ofter with Ibuki but now after seeing her reaction and hearing her story... but... Argg Fuck my hand and my head hurt...

Kushida: Are you okay Fukazawa-kun? Huh??

She seems to have noticed something...

Kushida: Your arm... why he has bandages on it, you hurt yourself?

Fuck I left in a rush and I forgot to put on my sports jacket... she started to approach her hand on my arm but I instinctively push her away.

Yato: Oh Sorry it's a personal matter, I don't want to talk about it...

Kushida: No it's me who sorry about that...

Well, now I will have to follow the footprints... I will have to find a solution to recover my card and settle all this...

Yato: Are you okay to walk Kushida?

Kushida: Hum Hum I think I will be fine...

What should I do with her...let her go back to the camp on her own??? No, it can be dangerous and it is still dark outside...

Yato: By the way what time is it??

I look at my watch but for another bad surprise, it seemed broken too... why am I so unlucky...

Yato: Kushida what time is it?

Kushida: Oh it is 4:49 a.m

The sun is not about to rise... but now there is still something wrong... the fact that I was tied to the tree before I noticed Ibuki... she couldn't have done herself...I would have noticed what she was doing and it wouldn't make any sense for her to take any extra risk to wake me up when her goal was my card... and there's still the fact that I'm sure I've tripped over something...

Yato: What the fuck is going on???

Kushida could not have done that herself so I should be able to trust her a minimum...

Yato: Okay Kushida, you gonna have to follow me quietly.

Kushida: I will do what you tell me to do Fukazawa-kun

Yato: Great let's go...

We started to follow the footprints...

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Ibuki Pov:

I managed to finally lose him...He runs really fast that surprised me... he seems to have tripped twice but despite this, he managed to catch up with me... Anyway, now he had stopped following me, he must have found Kushida who was passed out... I ran away far enough so that he does not find me in this forest...

I was close to the meeting points but before going, I take out my flashlight and sent a light signal to confirm that the meeting points were sure... Then I saw an answer of light signal...

Ibuki: That's mean it is safe...

I approached and saw the other person do that same...

Ryuuen: So you got it Ibuki?

Ibuki: Of course what do you think?

Tsk... this man... I gave him the card that I had stolen from Fukazawa-kun. He picked her up and smiled...

Ryuuen: Great, you finally succeeded in accomplishing a task that I gave you.

Ibuki: Huh what's your problem? You have the card now.

Ryuuen: Yes but if you would have followed my plan as I told you, we would not have all these complications.

Ibuki: Tsk. I told you already! The camera you give me was broken and I didn't plan to have him kicked out of the camp! I had to change the plan after all this!

After the unforeseen incidents of the camera and the underwear. I didn't have the choice to follow him to be able to steal the card. Lucky that this class is stupid and that they didn't ask any question when I wanted to retire...

Ryuuen: Oh, do you mean that someone knew the plan all along?

Ibuki: I don't know but it can be my mistake too. Anyways stealing the card was easy in the end.

He woke up pretty quickly but I managed to run away from him.

We were in the forest but we still feel that it started raining increasingly... Ryuuen retraced his steps and get closer to the bush and start to talk loud...

Ryuuen: Hmm you come here to check the cards right? That was the condition remember. Come here don't be shy, it's dark outside and no one is awake so there is no danger.

Ryuuen seemed to be talking to someone who was hiding in the bushes... The person who came out was Katsuragi from the A-class. Ryuuen told me that he made sure that the A-class would help us during this exam but how did he manage to do that???

Katsuragi takes the card and looks at the name which is written on it. However, his expression didn't change when he read the name ''Fukazawa Yato'' Ryuuen seems to notice something and he seemed amused.

Ryuuen: Eh you are really a careful man Katsuragi.

Katsuragi: Huh What do you mean by that Ryuuen?

Ryuuen: Kuku never mind. Are you convinced now that you have seen the card?

I didn't understand what Ryuuen was trying to say but from what I could see Katsuragi seems to be a cautious man, probably too much, which seems more like paranoia.

Katsuragi: You successfully infiltrated classes D and B. You have not been suspected?

Ryuuen: Don't worry. The way I had proceed doesn't concern you. It was not in the contract after all.

Ibuki: Huh contract? What are you talking about Ryuuen?

Ryuuen: To form an alliance with A-class!

Katsuragi: Well now that I saw the card I will be going now. I don't want to risk being seen together.

Katsuragi gave the card back to Ryuuen and started to go back into the forest...

Ibuki: Hoi tell me more about his contract! What do we gain from it?

I really need to know... I decided to follow the orders of Ryuuen only because he told me that we were going to be able to become the A-class...I need to know if I made the right choice...

Ryuuen: Kuku don't worry Ibuki. Do what I tell you and we will become the A-class.

Ibuki: Tskk...

I hate this man, he immediately knew why I wanted to know the details of the contract... he read me like it's was nothing...

Ryuuen: Kuku I love this face. Look, why I made this contract is...

???: KYAAAAA

CRACK

Ibuki: Huh???

I saw the expressions of Ryuuen change... He looks angry and pissed off...

Ryuuen: Wow I see that you managed to get you followed here.

Ibuki: No I'm telling you that nobody was following me!

Ryuuen: Signs... Chase him or them...

Ibuki: But how? I don't even know which direction he went!

Ryuuen: How?

Ryuuen stamps his foot on the ground...

Ryuuen: The same as they had followed you, with your footprints on the mud...

Ibuki: Tskk...

I start to run while Ryuuen just follows me...

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2 minutes earlier

Yato Pov:

We had followed Ibuki and we were well hiding so that we could listen to their conversation... I finally understand a lot of things that I had doubts about... Like the fact that why Ryuuen didn't send a spy in the A-class because he had formed an alliance with them... And the reason why they have stolen my card... it was to show it to Katsuragi because that was a part of their contract... Katsuragi already know that I was the leader but he still wanted to check it with the card of the B-class probably...

Katsuragi left Ryuuen and Ibuki... Ryuuen started to talk about the contract he had made with the class-A

Yato:It can be useful if I can find out what this contract entails

But...

Kushida: KYYAAAA

Yato: Huh?????

I got up and take the hand of Kushida with my right hand because my left hand hurt too much... I was really injured by falling twice earlier... when she was up I started to run to escape in the forest...

After being further away from Ryuuen and Ibuki...

Yato: Why did you scream?? Now they know there was someone and they going to run after us probably...

Kushida: Sorry Fukazawa-kun, is just there was suddenly a lot of insects on me!!! That scared me!

Yato: What??? Sighs...

We were running in the forest but I had to quickly find a path with no mud...because they will just follow us as I did with Ibuki... I heard footsteps behind me...

Yato: Fuck they catch up with us...

Kushida ran slower than Ibuki so it was normal that they eventually caught up with us... I must quickly find a way...

But Unfortunately... my bad luck has struck again...

Yato: Fuck why...

We had arrived at the end of a cliff with no possibility of escape... there was just a lake down the cliff... they will be here in a short time and they will see that it was us who was spying...

Yato: Well sorry Kushida, looks like we won't be able to run away...

Kushida: B-But...W-What we are going to do?

She seems to be afraid...

Yato: Sighs...

Ryuuen was a delinquent before coming to this school... so he will probably use violence to silence us on what we saw... Ibuki had probably some fighting skills if Ryuuen trust her... I looked at Kushida...

Yato: Hm I still don't know if she was the one who sold me... she could have been betrayed after revealing that I was the leader to Ibuki... that's why she may be rallied to me after being betrayed by Ryuuen...

Anyway, I don't think she can fight against them... I will be all alone...

Finally, Ibuki and Ryuuen caught up with us...

Ryuuen: Look who we have here... Fukazawa and Kushida, it's not a bit early in the morning for a romantic date?

It pisses me off to admit it but he has a good sense of humor...

Yato: Ehh well we didn't want to be disturbed during our date, so can you come back later?

My nonchalant response seems to have amused him...

Ryuuen: Oh I see I see, but I will have to ask you to stop your 'date' and to surrender yourself.

He started to step forward probably to try to scare us... Ibuki did the same thing...

Ryuuen: Or I will be forced to use...

He stops talking for a moment and hits his fist in the plan of his other hand...

Ryuuen: to use some violence to force yourself and quit this exam and get you back to the ship!

It's what I had thought... he wants us to abandon this exam so that we cannot reveal our plan... technically in the rules, violence is prohibited but in this situation how the school can know who is the victim and the culprit... the answer is that they cannot... it will just end like the incident with Sudo at the beginning of the year...

Yato: Sighs... what a shitty situation...

Ryuuen seemed surprised by my words and my attitudes... then he noticed my left hand...

Ryuuen: Seems that you are hurt at your left hand... and we are 2v1. But you still don't seem to be afraid?

My expression remained neutral even after these words...

Ryuuen: Kuku we could maybe be the same you and me.

Yato: Huh?

Ryuuen: After all, we will beat you and hurt you! If you would be a normal person you should be a bit scared, right?

There was a moment of silence

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Until...

Yato: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Everyone was surprised by this reaction, even Ryuuen...

Yato: What bullshit are you telling me!

Ryuuen didn't answer me... I had a smile on my face a bit creepy and evil...

(A.N): Without the cap obviously

Yato: Nahhhh Ryuuen I would not be scared for that... You know after that you had the fear of your life... experience hell... after that believe me... nothing will scare you anymore!!!

Ryuuen seemed to be disappointed with my answer... Kushida and Ibuki didn't dare to say a single word.

Yato: Sorry come back in 100 years to try to scare me!

Ryuuen: Ehh well I am not patient enough for this. I will try it right away!

Ryuuen: Ibuki shows them what fear is!

Ibuki: Tsk doesn't give me orders...

She start walking toward me and got ready to fight... I was quite close to the cliff so I had to be careful not to fall...

Ibuki: Don't take it personally. You just weren't lucky enough and got caught. I will finish this fight quickly anyway!

Yeah, she seems confined with her fighting ability... she approached me on my left side because she knew that my left hand was hurt...

She kicked very quickly aiming at my left arm

BAM

Ibuki: Huh??

She was totally surprised that although my left hand was injured that I still block his kick with it...

Without giving her a second respite, I hit her in the stomach with my right hand.

My blow was powerful enough that she began to lose her balance and spat out drool.

Before she can do anything else, I was about to kick her to knock her out.

Yato: Don't worry I'm going to finish this fight quickly!

I provoked her before giving the final kick.

Ibuki: Tch... Cough... tem...

BAM

I kicked her on the head and she fell to the ground unconscious...

Even if this fight was short, I could see that she knew some art martial with her kick... but now my hand left was really unusable... it was hurting extremely...

Yato: Sighs...

Clap Clap Clap

it's was Ryuuen who was applauding...

Ryuuen: Wow I'm impressed, you managed to beat Ibuki despite the fact that your hand was already injured.

Yato: Ehh stop complimenting me, I'm embarrassed.

Ryuuen: Kuku Ibuki was naive to think that you will not use your left hand because of your injury...

While he was talking I was something behind him that distracted me... the bushes behind him moved a little...

Yato: Wait there is someone behind...

Ryuuen: But unfortunately it's your lose Fukazawa

Yato: Huh? What he is talking about?

GRAB

I suddenly feel an enormous pain in my left hand and someone pulling off my bandages

Yato: ARG Fuck...

I took a step behind by reflex but for the last step, I'm starting to lose my balance because that there was no more ground behind me...

The last thing I saw and I heard was Kushida that pushed me down the cliff while telling me.

Kushida: I now know your secret behind the bandages!

I start to fall seeing Kushida with my bandages in her hands... I fell headfirst into the water which had hurt me extremely...

Yato: Shit...

Kushida Pov:

Great, now I know why he put a bandage on his arm and why he was skipping all the swimming class... I found his weakness...

I had probably a mischievous smile right now...

Ryuuen: Kuku Wow Kikyo I'm impressed. Even I wouldn't have dared to push him off so high.

He started to approach the cliff to look down.

Ryuuen: That's was some nice acting who made there.

Kushida: I did not have the choice Ibuki has been caught soo I pretended you had trapped me to steal his card.

Ryuuen: Wow you are so evil Kikyo, I'm impressed.

Kushida: So Ryuuen-kun, does that was enough so that we can cooperate together?

Ryuuen: Of course, after your performance tonight I can only accept this cooperation. As long as you do what I tell you there is no problem, Kikyo!

Kushida: Great then I see you after the exam.

I started to walk to leave but he ask me something...

Ryuuen: He seems to have passed out. You will go save him, right?

Kushida: Don't worry. I will go save him and get him to withdraw from this exam. But I will need the card, please.

He tossed the card at me... some people in my class should be waking up now... I will find them and tell them that Fukazawa probably had an accident. I won't be able to carry him alone to the teachers...

But if it's someone else you find him and by miracle, he wakes up from his injury, he will not denounce me because he knows that I have seen his arm... but how he got all that scars on his forearm??? It was clearly not a normal injury... would he have???

Ryuuen: Great, so make sure that he returns to the ship and he withdraws from this exam Kikyo, I don't want to be obligate to intervene to solve the problem.

Kushida: Yeah I'm going there now.

Kushida: You wouldn't have to go through all this if Horikita hadn't chosen you, Fukazawa-kun.

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Yato Pov:

Yato: Cough Cough...

Fuck...

Yato: Cough... Cough...

My head hurt like crazy...

I mustn't pass out...

With my last strength, I manage to crawl up to a tree so that I can lean on it...

Yato: Shit What a fool I am...

Kushida didn't just say that I was the leader to Ibuki... she even work with Ryuuen against our class... and she even saw my arm... I had been stupid... and wit...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter I hope you lite it. There will probably remain 2 more chapters for Volume 3. So normally next week we will be done with this volume. Thanks to those who comment and vote my story it's really appreciated guys, it is really encouraging! Anyway, thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 3: End of the exam

Chapter 9

Ayanakoji Pov:

Kushida: We must hurry up Ayanakoji-kun, Horikita-san!

After telling us that Fukazawa was probably in danger, Kushida explain to us that she had found his leader cards with some bandages close to this one. She deduced that he probably had an accident this night and lost the leader card and then maybe he hurt himself because of the bandages.

We were now me, Horikita, and Kushida in direction of where she had found the card of Fukazawa. We had decided to just go searching for Fukazawa the three of us and leave Sakura and Yamauchi to look for some last provision then go warn Chabashira-Sensei about this.

Ayanakoji: I just hope that leaving Yamuachi alone with Sakura was not a problem...

Horikita: You right Kushida-san, we must hurry up that's why...

Suddenly Horikita stopped running. Me and Kushida did the same to listen to what she had to say...

Horikita: It is in this direction that you found the card and the bandages, right Kushida-san?

Kushida: Yes we have to search in this area to find Fukazawa or see if we find a clue.

Horikita: Exactly that is why the best decision would be to separate us to be able to find him faster.

Horikita's idea was indeed the most logical and efficient to find him more quickly... But Kushida doesn't seem to like this idea... but before she can answer something I spoke...

Ayanakoji: Great idea Horikita, this is probably the best method. So let's meet here in about 30 minutes.

Horikita: Perfect so we'll do it like that.

As soon as she finished speaking Horikita left to search for Fukazawa. Kushida doesn't seem happy with the fact that we are going to split us...

Ayanakoji: Well I'll be going too...

Kushida: Oh yeah good luck. We need to find Fukazawa-kun after all!

I left and start running through the forest...

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15 minutes later

After having covered a good distance in the forest... I started to slow down to look around...

Ayanakoji: Hmm he should be around here... Ah, there he is...

I saw Fukazawa sitting on the ground leaning on a tree... I saw traces on the ground showing that he had to crawl to go there... I approached him and saw that he was unconscious... but the most worrying was that he had some blood on his face... I looked more closely and noticed that he was probably hurt his head when he fell into the water... but that doesn't look like a serious injury and he breathed perfectly well so his life was not in danger...

Ayanakoji: Perfect if he is not seriously injured...

Well, now should I carry him alone or I wait for Horikita? Kushida is out of the question because she is responsible for this situation. I can't let her find him...

Ayanakoji: The best thing is to take him alone. I'm just going to hope to find Horikita on the way or otherwise I'll go look for her too.

I pick up Fukazawa who was sitting on the ground against the tree and put him on my back. The best is that he does not wake up right away, so I have to be careful. I won't be able to run with him on my back, he was the same height as me and it was already quite difficult to walk with him in the forest while paying attention to my surrounding...

The advantage is that it was still dark outside because of the clouds and it had started to rain a lot outside. So I would hardly be spotted...

After a while of walking in the forest, I finally started to see the beach. Then I noticed Horikita who was heading towards the beach.

Ayanakoji: She seems to be alone...

Perfect she is not with Kushida, but I can't let her go on the beach yet we don't know who could see us... I dropped Fukazawa on the ground and put him against a tree again...

I discreetly approached Horikita without her noticing me. When I was close enough I grab her by the arm and pulled her towards me. She was about to scream but I put my finger on her mouth to prevent her from making noise and that we were being spotted by someone...

Ayanakoji (whisper): Calm down Horikita it's me.

When she heard my voice she calmed down and I was able to remove my finger.

Horikita: Where is Fukazawa-kun? Did you find him?

Ayanakoji: Yeah come he is a little further...

We returned where I left Fukazawa and we hid behind rocks to observe the situation on the beach...

Ayanakoji: Have you seen Kushida before coming here?

The priority was to know where she was...

Horikita: Yes I saw her when I was searching for Fukazawa-kun but I suspected that you had probably run away with Fukazawa-kun to avoid Kushida-san. I left her there and I managed to follow you here.

Ayanakoji: You realized about Kushida?

I never thought that she saw clearly in Kushida's actions...Horikita would have paid that much attention to her surrounding??? The other thing is how she could have known that I ran away with Fukazawa??? Impossible that she noticed what I was doing???

Horikita: It hurt me to admit it but no... it's thanks to Fukazawa-kun that I'm wary of Kushida during this exam. He told me to be careful when he came yesterday when the roll call was at 8 p.m...

I see, so he was suspicious about Kuishda like I thought... However, when I was thinking about all this Horikita kept talking...

Horikita: You know Fukazawa-kun told me something else yesterday... He also warned me about someone else...

Hmm, Did he tell her about the fact Ryuun stayed on the island... it wouldn't surprise me if he notice it too...

I will pretend not to know about Ryuuen to avoid too much to expose myself...

Ayanakoji: Who he was talking about?

Horikita took a moment before answering me... then she looked me in the eye before saying...

Horikita: You! It's you Ayanakoji...

Huh... my eye widen a bit... he knew everything about my intention?

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Flashback Yesterday 8 p.m after the roll call

Yato Pov:

Yato: I'm going to go, now that the roll call is done.

Hirata: Okay Fukazawa-kun, and have you found a good place to stay?

Even after hitting his girlfriend and having stoked that hatred of most of my classmates with the incident with Karuizawa and her underwear... he still worries about me.

I looked to my left and saw Karuizawa who looked at me like I was garbage because I was speaking to Hirata... Signs... I will finish this conversation quickly...

Yato: Oh yeah yeah don't worry I will stay at the camp of the B-class so don't worry.

Hirata: Great take care and I see you tomorrow Fukazawa-kun.

I just nod and started to walk toward the exit of the camp... there was Horikita there sitting on a rock... she has something to tell me?

But when I pass by her, she doesn't say anything... I stop walking to think about all this...

Right now, the thing that I'm 100% sure of is that Ibuki is my enemy... but for the person who sold me, I still have no real proof... If we look at things as they are, Kushida would have no interest in betraying the class. That doesn't match with the personality that she shows to others... but I can't deny the possibility that she did like me and made a contract for some private points with the Class-C...

Horikita: If you don't leave the camp they will get angry...

Yato: Ehh... Well technically...

I look at my feet to look at the ground...

Yato: Technically I'm currently outside the camp so they can say nothing about that... They just had to make better rules about my expulsion.

She just smiled at my remark and answered me...

Horikita: You have a real talent to make yourself hated

Yato: Haha yeah probably...

Horikita... Yeah, right now she is probably the person I can trust the most in this class... I will warn her about my doubts about Kushida and Ibuki...Even if I am not sure of anything, I prefer at least to have another person who knows my doubts about all this...

Yato: Hey Horikita, stay on your guard with Kushida okay.

Horikita: Huh, why?

Yato: It may be nothing but if she ever does something stay on your guard that all.

I got ready to leave then I think of one last thing that has been bothering me since before this exam...

Yato: Yo Horikita, you trust Ayanakoji right? You are always with him after all.

Horikita: Well he helps me sometimes and I'm ofter with him, why?

Yato: I don't know but I have a weird feeling... just keep an eye on him, just to be sure.

Horikita: Wait, you tell me to be on my guard with two-person without telling me why.

Yato: Let me ask you another question Horikita. Do you trust me?

Horikita:... Yeah probably

Yato: Great so just trust me. It may happen nothing but just be careful.

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Present time

Ayanakoji Pov:

Horikita: You! It's you Ayanakoji...

Huh... my eye widen a bit... he knew everything about my intention?

Horikita: What are you hiding Ayanakoji? What's Kushida plotting right now? Tell me everything!

Horikita asked me a lot of questions about the current situation... If she doesn't know what's going on it is probably that Fukazawa didn't say too much to her... He probably just told her to stay on her guard... I underestimated Fukazawa... Anyway, she won't stop until she gets an answer but is not the time for that...

Ayanakoji: Okay Horikita. I'll tell you everything you want to know about this... but after the exam ended. It's not the moment for that, Fukazawa must return to the ship for now.

Horikita: I don't have any complaints about that. Just don't break your promise.

She approached Fukazawa who was still unconscious and saw that he had blood on his face.

Horikita: He is okay, right Ayanakoji?

Ayanakoji: Yeah, the injury is not too serious but he still must be carried to the sensei.

Horkita: Okay perf...ect...

Horikita's voice seems like she was shocked...

Horikita: W-What is that?

I was observing the situation on the beach so I didn't see what she was talking about. I turned around to see what she was talking about and...

Ayanakoji: ...

I was surprised... Horkita heled the forearm of Fukazawa and there were several scars on it...

(A.N): I didn't find any good picture of what I wanted, but just imagine several scars on the part that I have circled on the picture.

I didn't know what to answer to Horikita... it was the first time that I saw his forearm and now that I've seen it, I can say this is probably not a common injury... Suddenly I remember something...

Ayanakoji: You still have the leader card that Kushida give you Horikita?

Horikita: Yes I still have it, I would never have made the mistake of losing it or giving it back to her.

Ayanakoji: And for the bandages? She didn't give them to you?

Horikita: Eh no she kept them.

I see, the bandages that Kushida had were probably not for an injury that Fukazawa had... but more to hide his forearm...

Ayanakoji: Anyway, we must now carry Fukazawa to the teacher... but you are you okay, you got fever right?

Horikita: Yeah... but Fukazawa-kun noticed it and he advised me to rest so today I'm a little better.

Ayanakoji: Great, we will go directly to take Fukazawa to the ship.

Horikita: Huh? But we can not go to the ship theoretically, we should go see the teach...

I stopped her before she could finish her sentence...

Ayankoji: But this is an emergency situation, they will let him pass.

Horikita: Yes your right we must hurry...

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After we have returned to the ship, we started to enter the ship with the ramp until a teacher noticed us.

Teacher: Hey you three can't be here. You will be disqualified.

Ayanakoji: It's an emergency Sensei, my classmate had an accident and he's passed out.

I explained the situation to the teacher, he skipped the procedure and let him stay on the ship.

Teacher: You agree that he will have to withdraw from this exam?

Ayanakoji:That's without a question. However, let take care of him first, please.

After that, I started to get out of the ship and I go to the beach...

Ayanakoji: It sill raining

Now the Class should lose thirty points due to Fukazawa's retirement and probably and ten more points because we will not arrive in time for the roll call for this morning... I was waiting for Horikita who had stayed to confirm the condition of Fukazawa before joining me...

This past week I used my methods to make sure that our class win this exam. But why I do all that? It was not for Horikita, Hirata, or the class... No, it was for my own sake... For my freedom... I will do everything to preserve it... I will use any method and use anyone to achieve it... The most important I will not be used by Chabashira-Sensei...

Everything I did this week worked perfectly for my first objective... to make Fukazawa retire... for the second part of my plan I knew everything was in place... and then while I was thinking about all this, Horikita finally join me... she still seemed worried and shocked about this situation...

Ayanakoji: Horikita, can I ask you something?

Horikita: Huh yes sure...

Ayanakoji: What will happen to the leader if he suddenly drops out?

I subtly direct this conversation towards my goal...

Horkita: ... I don't know... I never thought or heard anything about it.

Ayanakoji: I see, me too... But it will be perfect if we can do something about this...

Horikita: ...

Ayanakoji: Come on Horikita... Think about it...

Then suddenly she seems to just have an idea...

Horikita: Ayanakoji-kun there is something I would like you to do!

Ayanakoji: Huh. What it is?

Horikita: I want you to be the new leader.

Perfect... She take out the card from her pocket and gave it to me.

Ayanakoji: But I thought that the leader can not be changed.

Horikita: No, it can be under an acceptable condition. Now Fukazawa-kan had an accident so they will be able to accept our request.

Ayanakoji: Okay I guess you're right, I will trust you Horikita. I will inform the teacher then.

Horikita: Thank you Ayanakoji-kun.

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Horikita Pov:

As I watch Ayankoji going to the ship, I hear something from the bush near to me...

CLAP CLAP CLAP

I turned around to see and I was shocked to see the person who was doing this...

Ryuuen: Wow great plan Suzune. You impressed me with this plan, you quickly think of a solution for all this!

Horikita: Wait R-Ryuuen! Why are you here? Did you were here all this time?

Ryuuen: Kukuku calm down I know you're happy to see me but to answer your question... Yes, I heard all your plans. I pity your pawn that you send to be the new leader because all this will be worthless!

I was frozen in place... I couldn't move a muscle anymore because of the stress and the fact that this whole week is going to be a failure... Even If I run to Ayanakoji now it's too late, we will not be able to change the leader again...

Ryuuen: Don't worry Suzune at least you have been useful to me and Class A. After all, it's normal coming from someone in the D-class Kuku.

I look up and see another person in the bushes... It was Katsuragi Kohei, the leader of the A-class... In addition to Ryuuen who found out my plan, class A was now also aware of it... Tears start to flow from my eyes without me wanting it...

Ryuuen: Ho don't cry Suzune, After this exam my offer is always available if you want to have a good time with me.

Even after all his provocation... I was unable to answer anything... I'm am such a failure...

I managed to disappoint everyone... we had the chance to win this exam but I made everything fail... I disappointed Ayanakoji, Fukazawa, and... Nii-san...

Ryuuen: See ya, Suzune. I hope you enjoy your life as the D-class forever.

Why... Why... Why I have been so useless...

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Timeskip

Horikita Pov:

The week was finally over, after the roll call in the morning we were now on the beach awaiting the results of this exam...

There was still no sight of Mashima-Sensei and others when noon arrived, even if the test was over.

Teacher:I'll announce a tally of the trial's results. Please wait for a moment. Due to the trial being already over, we're kindly asking people wanting to use toilets or drink to use the rest spot.

With this announcement, the students went to gather in the rest spot in unison.There was no sign that Kouenji, Fukazawa or retired students were waiting on the cruise ship. Sudou who was always with Ike and the others was standing still, looking up at the cruise ship. Then Ayanakoji comes towards me and asks...

Ayanakoji: Are you okay Horikita? Since yesterday you seem worried.

Horikita: N-Nothing...

He noticed my stutter but he don't pay attention to it... I was still not in better shape and with what happened with Fukawaza and Ryuuen yesterday I really didn't feel well...

Ayanakoji: Let's just hope that the result will be good.

Horikita(Whisper): I'm sorry, it's my fault if we fail...

Due to most of C class' students retiring during the roll call of the second day, there was no one left in this spot. I couldn't find Ibuki anywhere on the sandy beach as if she had also retired. But my real worry was Ryuuen... he wasn't here...did he has withdraw from the exam with his classmate? Anyway, it was already too late for us...

The squeaky sound of the speaker's switch-on enveloped the beach and Mashima-Sensei appears. The first years hurried to form a line, but Mashima-sensei stopped them with a sign of his hands.

Mashima:You may relax, now. The exam has already finished. Now, this part is your summer vacation. It is alright to act more freely.

Even so, the students were still naturally tense and their chatter disappeared instantly.

Mashima:This past week, We, the teachers were able to keep an eye on your efforts in the special examination. There were students who took this exam directly upfront and those who used their scheming abilities in this exam. Various things happened, but I think that the test results were splendid, overall. We appreciate your hard work.

Horkita: Hard work... Why I couldn't do better...When the results will be announced the class may suffer from this...

Mashima:Well, then, without further ado, I would like to announce the final result of the special exam. We will not accept any questions or inquiries about the test results. You should accept the outcome of the exam and then we would like you to analyze them and use them to help you for the next exam.

Before Mashima-sensei could announce the results this man finally come...

Ryuuen: Hey. Don't end this without me.

Kushida: What's Ryuuen doing here?

Sudo: You mean he stayed on the island?

Hirata: Ryuuen's here, but Ibuki isn't?

Karuizawa: But why?

Everyone was shocked to see him here... except me... I even know how all this is going to end... with our loss...

He then walks to the C-Class area and Sakagami-Sensei walk to him...

Sakagami: How are you doing Ryuuen-kun?

Ryuuen: Kuku like always, boring. This special test just bored me. No one interested me in the end.

Sakagami: You claim to hate hard work, but look at you. Dirty clothing, injuries all over ... They all speak of your determination and hard work toward seizing victory. Well anyway, Mashima-Sensei...

A lot of students in our class were still arguing with Ryuuen until he said...

Ryuuen: Hey, you better be focused on the results of this exam. You're about to see something really interesting.

(A.N): Play this to be in the mood

https/youtu.be/VAN1fumejao

Mashima:Well, now we will announce the ranking of the special exam. The lowest is class C with 0 points.

Sudo:Bwahahaha... Look! I told you! No points at all! Laughable!

Ryuuen:0 points?

Ryuuen didn't seem to understand this situation...Mashima-Sensei just continued the results...

Mashima:Subsequently, in 3rd place in Class A with 120 points. Second place is class B with 140 points.

Horikita: Huh? W-What is happening right now

Mashima:And Class D...

Instantly, Mashima-Sensei's movements stiffened. However, his speech soon resumed.

Mashima:... Got first place with 232 points. This concludes the announcement of the test results.

H-How did this happen? How we had first place in this exam? How do we have so many points left? I look at Ryuuen but he was also surprised by these results. He suddenly looked at your class and finally in my direction... I turned around to look at Ayanakoji but he still have his usual face with no expression on it...He was looking behind us at the forest... Before I could ask something he told me...

Ayanakoji: You should have your answer soon.

Huh? I really didn't understand anything about the situation... What does he mean by ''You should have your answer soon''...Then suddenly we heard some noise coming from the forest...

???: HAHAHA what a shity week that's was...

Everyone there turns around to see who it was...then everyone was surprised, even more, the D-class...

Horikita: Fukazawa-kun!

Everyone started talking to each other about this... Fukazawa who was supposedly out from this exam came at the last moment... but the most surprising was his condition... he still has some dry blood on his face and some injury... but the thing I noticed was that he put back a bandage on his left forearm to cover it... then suddenly he sat down on the ground and seemed exhausted...

Yato: Sighs... never again a desert island...

Seeing his physical condition, Chabasira-Sensei went to him with other staff members...

After all, this Mashima-Sensei told us to calm down and get back calmy to the ship.

Horkita: Ayanakoji, Fukazawa... you will have to explain all this to me...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter I hope you like it. The next chapter will be the last for Volume 3 and it will be the conclusion of the exam and how they managed to get these results. So if you don't understand something, wait for the next chapter and you will probably have the answer. The next chapter will come out probably Friday. Thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 3: Meeting

Chapter 10

Yato Pov:

Yato:HAHAHA what a shity week that's was...

Yeah... now I really have no energy left... I'm tired...I decided to sit on the ground to regain some strength...

Yato: Sighs... never again a desert island...

Everyone starts talking about my entry and the results of the exam... after all this was quite surprising if you had no idea what was going on... I look at my class and saw everyone was surprised at my presence on the island, even more, Kushida but not for the same reason as the others... then I looked at Ryuuen who was staring at me with a confused face, he was probably thinking about all this...

After Mashima-Sensei told all the students to go back to the ship and Chabashira-Sensei come to check my condition with some other staff members...

Staff members: Hmm maybe you should have better retired from this exam yesterday finally.

I recognize this guy, he was to one who was there when I woke up on the boat yesterday...

Chabashira: Huh? What are you talking about? If you were injured yesterday it's me your homeroom teacher that you should have warned.

Staff members: Well he was unconscious when his classmates take him to the ship, but he regained consciousness and decided to continue the exam. That's why I did not need to warn you of his withdrawal.

Chabashira: Huh you decided to continue this exam? The same Fukazawa-kun who absolutely did not want to participate in all this?

Yato: Ehhh, that's pissing me off but that's what he had planned...

I had not specified anyone but Chabashira seemed to have understood everything of what I said... she started to smile as if she was satisfied with all this...

Chabashira: Anyway we going to go to the ship so you can rest yourself...

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Meanwhile

Ayanakoji Pov:

We had just boarded the ship, Horikita was heading towards me to probably get some answers to her questions immediately but she gets stopped by a group of people...

???:Su... Suzune, you were awesome!

It's was Sudo and the rest of our class, but the thing which surprised me is that she bears no attention to the fact that Sudo called her by her first name but more to the compliment that he gave her...

Horikita: Awesome? What are you talking about?

She was visibly confused by what Sudo had just said...

Horikita:By the way, Sudou. Do not call me Suzune without my permission, got it?

But in the end, she did not forget the fact that he called her by her first name...

Sudo:Oops... Understood.

She was about to say something but she was again interrupted by the crowd...

Karuizawa: But it's true that you were awesome Horikita-san. It's all because of you that we get first place in this exam. Hirata-kun told us that you had seen through the leaders of Class A and Class C and made a plan with Fukazawa-kun to take first place in this exam!

Horikita: Huh... Fukzawa-kun?

I was next to Horikita and I saw that she started to look at me with a puzzled expression... but with the gaze I gave her, she must have understood that if she want answers, she shouldn't say anything right now...

I started to move away from the crowd... Horikita will have all the answers to her questions tonight... we will meet both of us with Fukzawa...

Then I saw Chabashira come towards me... she probably come from the infirmary...

Chabashira: Can I have a few words with you?

Ayanakoji:It is really a bad time for invitations. Chabashira-Sensei, May I refuse?

Chabashira: if you don't want to, then I guess I'll just start talking here. Is it okay with you if we attract attention?

Ayanakoji: Ok I will come, butbe brief, please.

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Timeskip the evening

Yato Pov:

After begin able to have some sleep in a real bed and having received some treatment from the doctor of the ship, I was already in better shape than yesterday... I was not in the best of my shape but that was a start...

I was presently at one of the cafes on the ship... he was not popular because I was one of the only ones in it... I had ordered a coffee with a piece of cake... that was the first good food I was eating from the week...

I was seated next to a large window that gives a view of the whole ship... I was looking at the view of the ocean at night...there were not many people having fun outside... they were probably all tired from the week...

I was waiting for two people who would soon join me here...I started to think about how all this had started...

Flashback 6th day of the exam

Yato Pov

I was slowly regaining my consciousness... I looked around and noticed that I was on the ship... I was on a bench near the exit ramp of the ship to return to the island...

???: Oh you finally awake. How are you feeling now?

I turned my head to look at the man on my left who spoke to me... I have never seen him before but I could guess that he was a teacher or just a staff member of this school...

My head was still hurting but the pain was tolerable...but the thing I want to know the most is how I got to the ship...

Staff member: Great, now that you are awake I will tell your teacher about your withdraw.

Withdraw??? In fact, it's not a bad thing... At first, I didn't want to quit the exam but now I have a good excuse... but it's lame...I looked at my left forearm and noticed that I no longer had my bandage...

Yato: Sighs...

I got screwed... I had suspicion on Kushida on the fact that she may have told Ibuki that I was the leader so she could steal the underwear and put it in my bag...but I didn't think she could work directly with Ryuuen to make us lose a lot of points ...

The staff member takes out his phone from his pocket to probably call Chabashira about all this but...

???: I'm sorry but I made a mistake about his withdraw.

Staff member: You again? If you keep coming to the ship I will be forced to exclude you from this exam.

Yato: Ayanakoji...

Staff member: Sighs... I still haven't made the procedure about his withdraw so he can always go back to the exam again...but you need to go out of the ship now. So do you want to continue?

I saw Ayanakoji's gaze and immediately understood what he wanted me to answer...

Yato: Sighs... yeah yeah I'm fine... we will go back to the island...

Staff member: Great, I will ask you to leave now. Here is your leader card.

Yato: The card huh...

I took the card and it was indeed the same that Ibuki had stolen from me

Ayanakoji: We should go now Fukazawa-kun...

Yato: This dude...

We started heading toward the exit ramp... Ayanakoji walked in front of me...He is the one who transported me to the ship huh...so my doubts about him were well confirmed...but how involved he is in all this...

Arrived at the ramp he looked around and when he finished he turned around en told me...

Ayanakoji: There is something I want you to do now, Fukazawa.

Ehh this dude... his attitude is different than usual...

Yato: Haha, go I'm listening...

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Present time

Yato Pov:

???: Sorry for the wait Fukazawa-kun.

Someone spoke to me who made me stop thinking about all this...

Yato: It's nothing I arrived recently anyway...

It's was Horikita and Ayanakoji who had just arrived for the meeting we had planned...both sit in front of me and started to order something to eat and drink... well Horkita just order a drink, she probably came here just to get an explanation for everything that happens this week and for the results...

Actually me too I was here for that because there was still some part of all this that I was not 100% sure of...

Yato: So Horikita, how is your fever now? You are feeling better?

Horkita: Yes, I rested as you advised me but the most important is how you are feeling? After all, the last two times I saw you this week you were injured...

Yato: Haha, thanks for your concern Horikita. I had some sleep and now I'm fine.

Horikita: Signs...Good, at first glance yesterday your condition seemed worse...

My answer seemed to make her feel better... after all the stress that she had been since yesterday because she was thinking that she had to make fail the whole class during the exam...

As soon as their order arrived, Horikita did not was a second and asked...

Horikita: So Ayanakoji-kun, like you promised me. I would like that you explain everything...What is the meaning of the test result?

Ayanakoji:You got an expression like you do not have the slightest idea.

Horikita:Yeah, I cannot comprehend it. I cannot comprehend it at all. There are a lot of things I want to ask you.

Well for me there are just a few things that I want to know...

Ayanakoji: I'll tell you both everything. However, the minimum condition is that you stay silent on this matter. I won't compromise, otherwise

Horikita: If it is necessary for I can have all the explication, then no problem for me...

Horikita and Ayanakoji started looking at me...they were waiting for my confirmation

Yato: Yeah Yeah I not going to say anything...

Anyway, what would be the interest to go talk about this to someone...

Yato: So don't worry about all this Kiyo.

Ayankoji: Hm why you call me Kiyo??

Yato: Wait your name is not Kiyotaka?

He seemed confused with my question...

Ayanakoji: Eh yes my name is Kiyotaka...

Yato: Great so Kiyo is for Kiyotaka... wait that bother you that I call you like that?

If he answers me yes, I will continue for sure...

Ayanakoji: Well I don't really care.

Yato: Ehhhh boring...

Horikita: Have you done? I would like to start.

She was really impatient to know all the story...

Ayanakoji: Yeah sorry. So where do you want to begin with?

Horikita:What were you doing on this test? Tell me about it

It was a much better question than I expected. In brief, she wanted to know everything, at once.

Ayanakoji:When this special examination was announced, I didn't pay attention to anything but the additional rules. How to manage 300 points was pretty much a simple task and not something that you could manipulate personally.

Horikita:But the additional rules were very difficult to follow.Even if you followed them religiously, you still wouldn't be able to identify the leaders. Right?

Ayanakoji:Indeed. So first of all, I raised my hand and volunteered to search for a basecamp. I planned to search spot by spot so I could get ahead of everyone else and have the freedom to act when needed.

Horikita:To put it simply, so that no one else could have known the position of the spots

Ayanakoji:That's not the case. You didn't understand because you were feeling sick already, but the school already gave you clues about possible spots while the ship was still sailing around the island.

Oh... Fuck now I feel dumb... I didn't pay attention to this before the exam... I prefer not to say anything so they don't know... I'm just going to pretend that I had noticed...

Ayanakoji: You didn't notice this right Fukazawa?

Yato: Fuck...

Ayanakoji: That's why that you were exploring this island at night to find some spots.

Horikita: Huh?

Horikita was surprised to learn that...

Horikita: You spent nights looking for spots, alone in the forest? It's extremely dangerous.

I can understand her astonishment...after all, nobody would lose sleep time to go search spots in the forest alone at night... if something happened I was alone with no help... but I had confidence in my ability... it's just that having seen where the spots were before, I would have wasted a lot less time...

Yato: Ha...Ha... Yeah, that's was the best moment since everyone was sleeping to search the spots... Well, when you didn't where they were already... I didn't notice when the school was giving some clues. I was still depressed that Chabashira-Sensei didn't accept when I asked her to stay at school instead of coming here...

There was a moment of silence when I finished speaking... I looked at Kiyo and Horikita and they looked puzzled...

Ayanakoji: Wait, did you seriously ask Chabashira-Sensei if you could stay at school instead of coming to come to this cruise?

Yato: Yeah... what's the problem?

Horkita: Sighs... You can continue Ayanakoji-kun

Yato: Hoi don't ignore me...

Ayanakoji: When I reached the cave I thought that it was the best base with the most important location.

Yato: Yeah... after all they were two other spots nearby. You can easily control this zone if you had the cave as a camp for your class.

Kiyo just nodded at my statement and Horikita understand why this was the best spot on the island. Then Kiyo continues his explication...

Ayanakoji: But it turned out that I find out something more interesting than the cave... the true identity of their leader, Yahiko.

Horikita: Huh, it's wasn't Katsuragi?

No, the chances that it was him are nearly zero... Kastsuragi is a man cautious and cunning... to be the leader himself is not his type of strategy...if I should have said who was the leader of A-class I would have answered Yahiko too... It's just had been a wild guess, but when I made the contract with Katsuragi, Yahiko seems to be the closest person to him... and with their class who had two leaders with Sakayanagi, he was going to choose the person he trusts the most so that he can not be betrayed...like Hashimoto who told me about the trap of the A-class...

Kiyo then explains when he saw Katsuragi and Yahiko come out of the cave and Katsuragi with the leader's card and his hand. After they left, he went inside the cave and saw that the A-class had claimed this spot.

Horikita:But why?... Why bother to have the card in his hand?

Yato: Because he didn't have the choice. Yahiko probably has claimed the spot before Katsuragi agrees so he had no choice but to make it look like he was the leader.

Horikita:I'm not quite convinced. If he had marked such a spot at an early stage, wouldn't it be easy to avoid such trouble if he used help from his classmates? It would have been a sufficient claim on his right of possession that it would have allowed him to keep a watchful eye upon the cave. Why occupy it, exclusively...

Ayanakoji:That's the disadvantage of A-class.Their class, which looks perfect on the surface, has now a big hole in it.

Kiyo thinks the same as me... but does he just deduce that with this exam or does he know about Sakayanagi too...

Ayanakoji:So, at this stage, I excluded A class, and I turned my attention to C class's movements. Katsuragi was an easy-to-understand type, but there was quite an unknown quality about Ryuuen. In fact, he was gathering more information than I was, and he saw through the leaders of all the classes

Horikita:Wai...wait. He was able to see through all the classes. Not only D class, He knew B class and A class leaders too. But that's odd, we were ranked first by a large margin. How are you going to explain this?

Ayanakoji: Well, my plan had started when the class was choosing the leader. I initially planned to vote for Horikita when we had to decide between Fukazawa and Horikita but I changed my mind.

Yato: Ehhh you serious... why me...

Ayanakoji: You are like Koenji I would say... Horikita told me about your conversation that you said as a joke that you will withdraw from this exam but I considered that maybe it was really a possibility. Koenji had already returned to the ship so I wanted to avoid losing more points.

Horikita: Wait you wouldn't have really gone back to the ship, Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: What me? Haha never...

Ayanakoji: Well anyway, after that, the next step in the plan was the incident of underwear.

Horikita: Huh?

Horkita couldn't hide her surprise to her that... I had doubts that something weird had happened during this incident because the reaction of Ibuki and Kushida was also shocked to see that I was the 'culprit'...

Yato: Horikita you remember what I told you the day I got outcasted of the camp?

Horikita: Yes, you told me to keep an eye on Ibuki, Kushida, and Ayanakoji...

Yato: Exactly, because the three of them were involved in this incident, right Kiyo?

Horikita probably suspected that Ibuki was the culprit in all this but she didn't suspect that Kushida and Ayanakoji were involved too.

Kiyo didn't speak and was looking at me and then ask me...

Ayanakoji: I suspected that you could know about Kushida and Ibuki but how and when did you suspect me?

Yato: How and when ehhh... probably around the first mid-term we had at the start of the year...

Horkita seems really surprised by what I just said and Kiyo had the same look as usual...but I could tell that he was also surprised by my remark...

Ayanakoji: All this time. How?

Yato: Sighs... Don't take it personally but you're suspicious and weird... you always have the same expression on your face and you are always there at the right time with the right person... There is some incident but I didn't have any proof, I was just a bit suspicious... So I didn't trust you more than Ibuki...

Kiyo didn't answer me but he rather observed me... he still had his stoic face and then suddenly he continued his explanation

Ayanakoji: Hmm I see. Anyway, Yeah like Fukazawa said the three of us were involved in this incident. At first, it was Ibuki and Kushida who stole the underwear. That's was probably one of Ryuuen conditions for accepting the help of Kushida.

Horikita: Wait, how did Kushida and Ibuki had keep contact with Ryuuen? He was hiding for the last few days. How could you know that he was still there all this time?

Yato: When we went to see the camp, Ryuuen had a transceiver next to him it was to be able to communicate with Ibuki, right Kiyo?

Ayanakoji: Exactly, so you noticed that too.

Horikita: ...

Horikita didn't say anything...probably because she didn't notice it...

Ayanakoji: I will continue. Initially, they intended to cause a disruption in the class so Ibuki and Kushida stole the underwear and they put them in Ike bag.

He takes a break in his sentence before continuing...

Ayanakoji: But After they finish and they left, I take them and put them in your bag, Fukazawa.

Yato:...

Yeah, now that's starting to explain a lot of things... First I had this weird feeling when Shinohara check Ike bag and she found nothing in it, Kushida looked really surprised... way too much... at first, I thought it was because Kushida thought Ike was the thief... but in reality, it's was because she had put them in his bag...

Horikita: But why did you put them in Fukazawa-kun bag?

Kiyo was about to answer but didn't say a word...he started to look at me...he was waiting for me to say something...

Yato: is he really testing my reasoning... Sighs...

Yato: Horikita, what happen when the class has found that I had them?

Kiyo redirected his gaze to Horikita... Horikita thought about what I said for a few seconds before saying...

Horikita: Oh I see, the class ended up excluding you from the camp... but why does Ayanakoji-kun want you to exclude from the camp?

Yato: Well to force Ibuki to take drastic action toward me, am I wrong Kiyo?

Ayanakoji: No your reasoning is correct. After all this, all I had to do was to observe the next actions of Ibuki. The night of the 5th day, Ibuki told to Hirata that she was going back to the ship with her classmates and Kushida proposed herself to accompany Ibuki. Even though Ike was with them, Kushida probably just asked nicely to Ike to return without her to the camp. Then he accepted without asking any question.

Yato: Why am I not surprised...

Horikita then give me a look that was saying not to interrupt Kiyo because she wanted the rest of the explanation... but the truth is since I had the confirmation that Kiyo was involved in the underwear case and all this... all the events that I couldn't understand at the time...I now understood them, so I'm just gonna keep listening while drinking my coffee...

Ayanakoji: That night, I left the camp and went where you were staying, Fukazawa. Before Ibuki arrives and takes action, I made the preparations that were necessary. When you fell asleep, I tied your ankle to the tree. So when Ibuki was going to come and take your card she can have the time to run away.

So he managed to do all this when I was sleeping without waking me up...

Ayanakoji: When you wake up and start running after Ibuki, who fell because of the rope. But you caught up with her too easily despite that. I didn't have the choice to make you trip again and hurt you so you can't catch her so easily. So I took a piece of wood to make you trip with it.

Yato: He really tells all this like it's was nothing...

Ayanakoji: After you had found Kushida on the ground and you had followed Ibuki. I needed them to know that you were there. I was close enough to you, so I started to throw some bugs on Kushida to scare her.

Wait so Kushida didn't lie when she said that there were some bugs on her? But I need to confirm something else...

Yato: Hey Kiyo, when you said you were close, how far is it?

Ayanakoji: Hmm I would say about 5 meters.

5 meters??? and I didn't feel his presence at all??? The last time this must have happened to me is was probably with Dazai... no... this time is worst...

Horikita:...

Ayanakoji: After that, my plan to make you retire in front of the others was a success. Kushida betray you and you were no longer able to continue the exam. So she came to search for some classmates to help her to bring you back to the ship on Ryuuen orders. I had made sure to bring the group of me, Horikita, Sakura, and Yamauchi's close where Kushida was going to arrive to ask for help.

Horikita: Y-You has planned all this... but how do we have points at the end of the exam? Ryuuen knows that I ask you to be the new leader.

Without saying anything... I take out something from my pockets and put it on the table...

Yato: That's why we have to win this exam...

That's was the leader card... and on it had the name ''Fukazawa Yato''

Horikita:Why this is...

Ayanakoji: I never became the leader. I knew that Ryuuen was hiding and listing our conversation so, when you ask me to go back to the ship, Fukazawa was waking up. So instead of withdrawing he went back to the island and hid. Then the last day he went to claim our spots that we had this week.

Horikita:Really... I have no words...

Horikita: I don't like this... You used us like pawns...

Yato: ...

Ayanakoji:Indeed. I can't deny that. I wouldn't be surprised even if you say you both won't come near me ever again.

Horikita: I still have questions! I want the reason for you challenging this special trial. Was it to compete alone or use me and Fukazawa-kun...it's okay if you tell now. I want to know the reason you joined this trial when you dislike trouble...

I didn't know Kiyo very well... but according to Horikita, it seems like he had no particular reason to put some effort into this exam... but in reality, the explanation of this test wasn't the most important for Horikita...

Horikita:You were great at realizing things quickly without suspicion on this occasion. Since you lent your hand to us, and with Fukazawa-Kun's help, aiming at A-class became fully realistic. However, what was the principle of your action? Why did you do that?

Before he could answer I get up from my seat and I was about to leave...

Horikita: Wait Fukazawa-kun, I need your answer too!

Yato: Sighs... I already told you at the start of the year Horikita. I don't care to be in D-class...simply becoming the A-class has no interest for me...

Horikita was disappointed with my answer...I started to walk away but stop suddenly...

Yato: But...

I took a break and sighed...

Yato: But if a friend asks me for some help, I will gladly help her...

Then I went back to walking towards the exit of the Cafée... the last thing I heard was Horikita who thanked me but I did not answer her... my opinion remained the same... I still have no interest in A-class... the promise of the career of your choice has no use for me... I am here because Mori asks me... or forces me... to go here, I still don't know why exactly... but there is one thing I noticed... I underestimated this school and the students here... I got fooled during this exam by Ryuuen and Kushida... I was not on my guard like I would have been outside of the school... No, it's not just that... I still have a lot of progress to do... I have no excuse for what happened during this exam...

Yato: Sighs...

And then... Kiyo, who the hell is this dude...I had doubts about him but I exceeds all my expectations... Horikita wasn't happy about being used during this exam... but for me, I think I don't have the right to complain about that... Yeah, that pisses me off but the thing is because of him we had won this exam...

I went to a restaurant near to the Café that I just left... I was waiting for someone who had given me an appointment here... I sat down at a table at the back...

???: Sorry for the wait...

Yato: Horikita had a lot of questions for you?

It's was Kiyo that I was waiting for...

Ayanakoji: It didn't help that you want to give her all the credit for the exam

Yato: Hoi haha you are not in the best position to say that. Anyway, don't stay up and sit down.

He didn't answer and sits on the chair in front of me...

Yato: So why do you want to see my alone Kiyo?

Ayanakoji: I just have some questions, Fukazawa...

I interrupted him before he can finish his sentence...

Yato: Stop it, call me Yato instead of my last name.

He didn't say a word for a few seconds before resuming...

Ayanakoji: Well I wanted to know why did you tell me to put all the credit from this win to Horikita?

Yes... this was a condition that I made with Kiyo before continuing the exam after he told me to go back to the island... I confirm with him to make Horikita the 'Hero' of the D-class because I knew that he wasn't going to take the credit... So during the last day, he went to Hirata and told him who was the leader of the A-class and the C-class saying It was Horikita's plan...

Yato: Why? I already told to Horikita... I don't care about the A-class... it's more me who should ask this question to you...

He did not answer me...

Yato: Okaayyy, so tell me, why did you come to this school?

He did not answer me...

Yato: Wow it's great to have a conversation with you... Sighs... if you don't want to answer just say it...

After another little moment of silence, he decided to speak...

Ayanakoji: I just don't want to stand out. I'm going to ask you the same thing I had asked Horikita...I don't want to talk about my personal life... so don't ask any questions, please.

Yato: Ehh that's a way better answer than not responding at all... don't worry, the same applied to me... I don't want to talk about my life...

I did indeed what to not talk to anyone about my personal life too... Anyway, people would probably just have two types of reactions... First, the most likely to happen, people just not going to believe me and say that I invent things and that's not funny... and the second reaction, if they believe me, would be to be scared of me...

Yato: And... about my forearm too... you saw it right

He looked at my forearm and saw that I had put my bandages back on...

Ayanakoji: Don't worry about it, I have no interest in talking or asking questions about it...

Yato: Great, now everything is settled.

Ayanakoji: What are you going to do now... you said that you going to help Horikita?

Yato: Yeah I don't really mind helping her... Anyway, I don't think she is going to ask right now...

Ayanakoji: Yes probably... she is really stubborn after all. After we said that we have no interest in the A-class she will probably try without our help...

Yato: Yes, we must give her some time... after all, everyone has his own flaws... but you know...

I have caught his attention, he was looking outside but he turned his head and started to look at me to listen to the rest of my sentence...

Yato: Like Horikita, I hate the fact that you had using me... but I said nothing because I had lost... but believe me it will never happen again.

I had a serious expression when I said this... despite that Kiyo kept his usual expression...

Yato: Hahaha you are really something else.

I get up from my seat and said the last thing to Kiyo...

Yato: So next time if you want my cooperation, just ask me.

I then exit the restaurant... Ayanakoji Kiyotaka... I always thought that I was good at dirty tricks but this dude is something else... he reminds me a lot of Dazai...

Yato: haha it may become interesting finally...

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(A.N)

That's it! Volume 3 is finally over. I really hope that you liked this volume. This chapter was much longer than expected but I really wanted that you guys understand everything. Anyway, we going to start Volume 4 and the first chapter will probably come out around Tuesday. Thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 4: Another one

Chapter 1

3rd person Pov:

Two days have passed since the test on the uninhabited island ended.

All the students had recovered their energy from their week on the desert island. They all start enjoining their remaining week on the cruise ship. This ship had a lot of activity witch for the most part was free. This was the type of summer holiday that a normal student could not afford to buy.

The students were divided into groups of around 4 people per room. The group was formed randomly, so if you were lucky you could be placed in the same group as your friends. It was at the end of July, around noon, in one of the rooms of the D-class boys...

???: Hoi wake up! It's already noon!

???: Ehhh urusai, give me a break...

???: What? You will really waste all your time sleeping? You should take the example of me and Yamauchi, Fukazawa!

Yato Pov:

Why...Why... Why I was put in this group... when we had finished the exam two days ago, I learned that I had been put in the same room as Ike, Yamauchi... the week will be long...

Yato: Sighs... Why are you bothering me, Ike? Go have fun if you want but let me sleep.

Ike: Ehh sleep??? you are not serious right now? We are on a cruise with a lot of girls!! This is our chance, come with us it's a victory for sure!!

Yato: Sighs...

It's too late to go back to sleep anyway... I'm fully awake now...

Yato: So if I understood correctly what you saying, you both succeeded to seduce some girls during these last two days?

Ike and Yamauchi's expressions completely changed when I say that...

Yamauchi: Eh W-Well, you know the best is to take too slow at first... right Kanji?

Ike: YEAH! Exactly, that's how it should be done! Haha, you have so much to learn Fukazawa!

Yato: Ehhhhhhhhhh

Yato: Congratulation you managed to demotivate more than I was already...

The two of them kept telling me I much I was wrong and I should go with them... Then suddenly, by miracle, my phone started ringing... I took it and answered immediately.

Yato: Hello?

Ike: Hoi doesn't ignore us!

(A.N): Reminder [ name ] mean the person on the phone...

[Hirata: Hello Fukazawa-kun, do I disturbing you right now?

Yato: Oh hey Hirata, Nah you don't bother me at all. In fact, you save me.

Ike and Yamauchi looked at me a little annoyed but they finally left the room to go out and have fun on the cruise.

Yato: So why are you calling me Hirata?

[Hirata: I would like to know if you would like to join me to have some lunch?

Hmm, That's the first time ever that Hirata asked me to go somewhere with him... it's probably hiding something...

Yato: Hmm why not, when?

[Hirata: Thank you Fukzawa-kun, maybe in 30 minutes at the restaurant near the pool.

Yato: Okay I will be there.

I hang out after this... I had my idea why he wanted to see me. That's why I accepted without problem...

Yato: Well I should prepare myself...

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Mini time skip

Yato Pov:

I was in the direction of the meeting place that Hirata told me about earlier. The problem is that I was 10 minutes late... but after all, I had to take a shower and have lunch before to go at the meeting...

I entered the restaurant and there were a lot of people. This restaurant was near the largest swimming pool of the ship, so it was normal that he was more popular. After a while, I saw Hirata sitting at a table in the back. I started to walk towards him...

Yato: Hey Hirata, sorry for being late.

Then I sit on the chair in front of him...

Hirata: Oh don't worry about it. After all, it's me who asked you to come here in such a short time.

I repeat myself but... you are way too kind... Anyway, I will directly ask the topic of why he asked me to come here...

Yato: So Hirata, why have you called me here?

I knew what he wanted to know but I'm gonna pretend I don't know just in case...

Hirata: Well, I asked you to come here today to talk about the promise you made. You know about the underwear incident, I asked you to find the culprit.

So I was right... that was the reason for this meeting.

Yato: Oh I see, this is what you wanted to know...

Hirata: So did you find out who it was? You know, it's fine if you didn't find the culprit... I won't blame you.

Yato: Oh don't worry about that. I know who it was.

Hirata: Who?

I will have to pay attention to what I say as an answer... because right now I wasn't just talking to Hirata... but I am surprised that he used this kind of technique...

Yato: It's was Ibuki who stole your girlfriend's underwear.

Hirata: Whew... I'm glad to hear this... that it's really not a classmate the culprit...

He is really reassured by what I just said... I did not give him any proof of what I just said but he seems to believe me with no problem... does it's too much naivety or does that he really trust me...

But for Hirata, just that is maybe enough to believe me... but for the ''other'' person... I'm better to tell all the story...

Yato: It's better if you hear the whole story, right?

Hirata: Yes that would be appreciated.

I then started to tell the story to Hirata, but of course, I did not mention Kushida and Kiyo. I tell him that Ibuki stole the underwear and put them in my bag so the class exclude me from the camp. Horikita saw through the strategy of Ibuki and told me all about this. Then she asked me to keep an eye on Ibuki and that after that I found out their strategy with Ryuuen...

I did not mention Kushida because I'd rather not take any action against her yet... I still don't know her motivations and she hasn't spoken to me since that night... I will wait to see what she will do...

The story I just told to Hirata had some lie in it... but it was credible enough for him and to not ask more questions... and then I still give the credit for all this to Horikia...

Hirata: Horikita-san huh... so that's what really happened.

He looked at me for a few seconds without saying a word and then...

Hirata: Did you hear that Shinohara-san and Karuizawa-san.

He then takes out his phone from under the table... I knew that he made listening to our conversation to Karuizawa with his phone... after all, she was the most concerned with this incident but... Shinohara? Why she was listening...

He then put his phone on the table and put it on loudspeaker so we can hear what they say...

[Karuizawa: I'm sorry!

She seemed sincere... but it was on the phone so I couldn't be sure...

[Karuizawa: It seems like you were really not the culprit but we hadn't listened to you because we were overwhelmed by our emotions... After all, you had already helped us serval times like during the study group... We really should have trusted you. I'm sorry Fukazawa-kun!

[Shinohara: Yes I'm sorry too!

Yato: ...

I did not answer... I keep an expression of indifference on my face... who seems to worry Hirata

Yato: Why should I accept your apology? After all, you've done.

Hirata: Huh?

[Karuizawa and Shinohara: Huh?

The one who seemed to be most shocked was Hirata, I saw his expression who helped but his tone of voice seems more worried than the other two... he was probably afraid for the harmony of the class.

Yato: I should forgive you just because you had apologized? You didn't even come to apologize in person but on the phone instead. How is it supposed to show that you are sincere?

I was surprised not to hear their disagreement over the phone... Knowing the personality of Karuizawa I expected her to be angry that I don't accept her excuses... Hirata was probably the reason behind that...

But for her apologies... in reality, I didn't care... whether it is sincere or not... or even if she didn't apologize to me... it wouldn't have bothered me at all... I refused her apologies for a reason...

[Karuizawa: I can come right away to apologize if necessary.

Yato: You know Karuizawa, you can't get my fogginess just by apologizing... I need to know that you really mean it.

[Karuizawa: But what I can do to get your forgiveness?

Yato: Hmm I still don't know. When I will have something in mind, I will tell you.

I then press the button to end the call...Now, Karuizawa owns me one, Hirata has probably considered this situation to happen because he seems satisfied with this outcome.

Hirata: Are you sure that you want to leave things like that?

Yato: Yeah... When I will have an idea of what she can do to give herself I will tell her...

Hirata: As long as it's not an unreasonable request, then there is no problem.

Yato: Well then...

I get up from my seat to get ready to leave...

Hirata: Thanks for coming here Fukazawa-kun. Oh, and are you enjoying your summer so far?

My summer huh...

Yato: Well no, my roommates prevent me from sleeping by insisting to go with them to the swimming pool...

Hirata: Haha you know Fukazawa-kun you should go out with people more often.

Yato: Ehhhh yeah... maybe

But not with Ike and the other dude...

Hirata: If you want to call me to hang out do not hesitate.

Yato: Hmm okay, thanks for the offer, Hirata. I will keep that in mind.

Hirata: Great, so see you later then...

I then left the restaurant. Instead of going back to my room, I decided to take a walk on the ship... After a while, I find myself at the back of the boat where there were hardly any students... I then lean on the railing and take out my phone from my pocket...

I then opened the school app to see the class ranking...

A-Class: 1124

B-Class: 803

C-Class: 492

D-Class: 319

When we look at these numbers as they are. We can say that class D is far behind the A... But when we consider that three months ago we were at zero class points, We caught up a lot in the ranking... We are close to catching up on C-class in points, But that doesn't change the fact that I think the C-class is the most dangerous one currently... Mainly because of Ryuuen. If Kiyo didn't do anything in the last exam he would have obtained first place... not to mention his contract with the A-class... I don't know the term of this contract but if I had to assume something I would probably say that Ryuuen asked for private points from Katsuragi in exchange for the leader's name...

For the other two classes, I don't see too much of a threat at the moment. The B-Class we are an alliance, so they won't try anything against us. We don't have to worry to be betrayed by them mainly because of the way of thinking of Ichinose.

The A-Class won't be a threat yet I think... the reason for that is Sakayanagi and Katsuragi. Their class has two leaders and they are fighting for power right now...

Therefore Horikita's goal of becoming the A-Class can be achieved. Horikita is clearly not at the level of the other class leader for the moment... but with time she will improve and reach their level... from what I saw she clearly has some potential...

Yato: Sighs... Why do I think about all this...

I close the school app and open the student personal app, where we can see our private points...

PP: 1 747 045

As we were still in July, the A-Class transfer the 15k per student that they owed me since I had signed the contract with Katsuragi. It was funny enough to think that he had made this contract with me to know our leader and in the end to be fooled by the plan of Kiyo. They will just lose 600 000k per month for the next three years... Currently, I had 3 contracts with different people in this school. One gives me 250 000k per month for the next three years, the second gives me 300 000k per month for one year and the last one is the contract with the A-class.

Yato: Sighs...

I look at the numbers that show on my screen... to be honest, I had a plan in mind with those points... but I will have to check if it is really achievable first...

Yato: Otherwise... Otherwise... Well, I don't know what am I going to do...

I closed my phone and put it back in my pocket and decides to go find a way to occupy myself for the rest of the day...

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Time Skip Tomorrow afternoon

Yato pov:

I was currently sitting in a seat in front of a theater scene. There was no performance for the moment. So I was the only one here... but that was not a problem because I was not here to see one anyway. I was here because I wanted a place where I could be alone and not be disturbed to read one of my books. In my room, it was impossible with Ike and Yamauchi who would probably bother me... Then anyway here was a good place to read because there is no noise except the sound of the sea...

Then suddenly I received a notification on my phone... I took out my phone and see that it was a message from the school. I open it to read it and...

[Message:A special examination will be starting soon. Gather at the designated time in the designated rooms. Students who are more than 10 minutes late for the meeting will receive a penalty. Go to room 204on the second floor by 20:40 today. Go to the toilet before the meeting and keep your phone in silent mode or turn it off entirely.

Yato: An new exam already?

I was currently thinking about all this but I felt a presence a little further behind me. It was not a place where a lot of students came often... I was just going to ignore this person but she suddenly call my name...

???: Ehh Fukazawa-kun...

Huh, this voice... I then turned my head to see who it was and it was a girl who has long pink hair...

Yato: Oh that's you Sakura, can I help you?

It was quite unexpected to see her here...

Sakura: AH eh... I did not mean to disturb you

Yato: No No, don't worry you don't bother me at all.

She seems reassured by what I had just told her... She walked over and sat down a little on the same row of seats as me...

Sakura: In fact... I came here to thank you, Fukazawa-kun.

Yato: To thank me? Why?

Sakura: For taking my defense on the island... when Karuizawa-san...

She didn't finish her sentence... after all, Karuizawa had really said hard words... it was even more painful for someone like Sakura...

Yato: Haha don't worry about that, it's nothing at all.

She did not answer me immediately and then...

Sakura: Hihi, you are really kind Fukazawa-kun.

Kind?... Me?... If I had to give an opinion of myself... I didn't consider myself a nice person. It could even be the opposite. Just when I used her to be able to blackmail the technician to gain more private points... I would have stopped him before he can do anything to Sakura If Kiyo would not have arrived in time, but in the end, what I did is horrible...but maybe the worst thing in all that, is that I have no remorse... So if she learned all of this I don't think she would still say I'm kind...

Yato: Sighs... if you say so.

Sakura: Actually, it's Ayanakoji-kun who said you were a good person to me... that's why I decided to come to see you.

Yato: Huh? He said that ehh...

Kiyo said that to her? Why? There was a moment of silence after that...

Yato: What do you think of Kiyo?

Sakura: Kiyo? Who is this person?

Yato: Ah Kiyo for, Kiyotaka Ayanakoji.

Sakura: Ah ehhh... W-Well I think he is really kind and ehhh...

She was blushing and embarrassed right now. It was pretty obvious that she had feelings for Kiyo but it seems that she still lacks a lot of self-confidence...

Yato: Haha sorry sorry. You don't have to say more Sakura, I was just curious to know more about Kiyo.

She seems reassured that I do not ask more about Kiyo... but I then remember something

Yato: Oh yeah have you received a message from the school?

Sakura: Yes I received it before I get here. you can read it if you want.

She then shows me the message that the school sends her. It was almost the same the only thing that change was the time and the place of the meeting...

Sakura: I will have to go to the meeting now. Again thank you Fukazawa-kun.

She then gets up and leaves the theater to go to her meeting place... I look at my phone and saw that Kiyo text me to know what time was my meeting... I decide not to answer him because it had been 30 minutes since he sent his message... I look at the time and saw that it was not 7 p.m yet...

Yato: I'm going to eat before going to the meeting...

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Mini Time Skip

3nd Person Pov:

It was now 20:10 p.m, there were 30 minutes left before the last meeting start. Several people were already there and were waiting for the scheduled time. But a group of people was attracting more attention than others. It's was Katsuragi, Ryuuen, Horikita and Kanzaki. Hirata and Ayanakoji were there too but were not participating in their conversation about the results of the D-Class in the last exam.

Then a bit further, in the stairs who the group could not see well from their position, a man with red hair was sleeping like there was no problem. He was sleeping with his head leaning on the wall where the group could not see him. Then a girl with blond hair who came from the opposite side of the group of people saw the man who was sleeping...

She walked closer to him and said his name to wake him up.

???: Fukazawa-kun?

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???: Fukzawa-kun?

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No answer from him and he still seemed asleep. Then the girl moved closer to him and...

???: Fuuuuuu

Fukazawa suddenly wakes up

Yato Pov:

???: Fukazawa-kun?

Huh? someone is trying to wake me up... I will ignore her... I put an alarm on my phone anyway... So I won't be late...

???: Fukazawa-kun?

I keep ignoring the person until...

???: Fuuuuu

The person whispers in my left ear... I woke suddenly by not understanding who could have done this... I look to my left and saw her...

Yato: What are you doing exactly Kushida?

Kushida: Hehe your reaction was so funny Fukazawa-kun.

She was giggle by seeing my reaction... well I think it's was normal to be surprised by this. I then started to take a look around and understood immediately why she had done this. Everyone who was there started to look at us, she wanted to be sure to have as much control of the situation as possible. I had not seen her since the end of the exam, but by drawing attention here she made sure I didn't say anything about her cooperation with Ryuuen. Because if I said something she will talk about my forearm and maybe even invent a story about it. Because when you didn't know how I get those scare she can very well invent a story that can destroy my reputation for the next three years. And the problem in all this is it's going to be her word against mine, then she going to win for sure... she is more popular and trusted than me...

I was sincerely impressed that she can come up with a strategy in this short time... but for the moment the best thing to do is to be able to ignore her as much as possible and pretend nothing has happened... I was about to say something to be able to get me out of this situation but...

???: So you are also in this group, Fukazawa-kun?

I and Kushida turned to the person who just spoke to me and...

Kushida: Oh Horikita-san you are also in this group. It seems like we going to be together.

Horikita: Indeed it's as it seems.

Yato: ...

Kushida: I will go see the others.

Kushida went to see other people... but right now it was weird... their interaction more precisely... I then started to look at Horikita...

Horikita: Why are you staring at me?

Yato: Hmmm Nah never mind

This is not the right time to ask about my doubts about Horikita and Kushida... I check to see where Kushida go and I saw her with Hirata and Kiyo... I continue to look at the people present and the only people I know were Katsuragi, Kanzaki, and... Ryuuen... he was looking at me from afar... keeping eye contact with him I said to Horikita...

Yato: There is a lot of famous people here...

Horikita: Yes I know...

She seemed worried... and it was probably due to the presence of Ryuuen...

Yato: Sighs... Calm down Horikita... Anyway let's go it's time for the meeting.

Horikita: You're right I go ahead then.

Shen then entered the designated room for the meeting. Before going me too, I take a last look at the people who were there...

Yato: What a troublesome group...

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I entered the room and saw Horikita, Hirata, and Kushida sitting side by side. There was a free chair next to Horikita. Before going to sit down I take a look at to room and in front of my classmate, there was ayoung adult woman of average height with chest-length light-brown hair, with purple eyes. I have already seen her with Chabashira-Sensei, she must be one of the teachers of first years... but witch class...

???: What are you going? You can take a seat. Or perhaps, you prefer sitting next to me?

Ehhhh wait I thought she was a teacher but... now I have some doubts... she looked at me with a seductive smile...

Yato: Well thanks for the offer...I guess... but I will sit here...

I then sat down on the chair next to Horikita. There were just the five of us in this room despite all the people there was outside before the meeting time... Why separate us into such a small group...

With a sad expression? The woman started to speak...

Hoshinomiya: Hirata-Kun, Kushida-san, Horikita-san and Fukazawa-kun, from D-Class. I, Hoshinomiya Chie teacher from the B-Class, will now explain the contents of the special exam.

The messages we revived earlier already warned us that a new exam was going to take place... so there was nothing to be surprised about that... My only question for the moment was the formation of the group...

Hoshinomiya: So I want you all to be nice students and listen to me when I going to explain the rules for this exam. After that, I will gladly answer your questions if you were been good students.

Kushida and Hirata: All right Hoshinomiya Sensei!

The two model students replied to Hoshinomiya Sensei and Horikita just nodded... Personally, I was rather intrigued by her personality... but anywayI hadn't planned to ask a question before she finished the explanation for the exam... it's no use asking a question if she plans to talk about it later...

Hoshinomiya:In this special exam, all the 1st year students will be divided up into groups based on their zodiac signs and the entirety of the examination will be conducted in groups of students sharing the same zodiac sign like the four of you here. The purpose of the test is to assess your thinking ability.

None of my three classmates seemed anxious or shocked to hear this. Sakura had her meeting earlier today, they probably already know all this from someone who already had the explanations... I regret a bit not having answered Kiyo earlier...

Hoshinomiya: You probably already heard this from someone who got the explanation earlier.

Yato: No...so please tell them

Hoshinomiya: I will still explain to you just to be sure. The four people here will henceforth be considered part of the same group for the remainder of the exam. There are other rooms with other students from others classes too, receiving the same explanation you are receiving now. The group you are assigned to is the zodiac sign "Dragon" It's a cool name for a group right? Here's the list of all the members assigned to this zodiac. You will be required to return the list when you leave the room so feel free to memorize the list if you wish.

Huh... her last sentence bothers me...she put a sheet on the table in front of us but before that, anybody can take it... I took it... I noticed the heavy gaze of Horikita who was next to me but I didn't care...

I look at the name of people in my group to memorize them... the way that Hoshinomiya had told her last sentence, for me it sound like it was necessary to memorize the name... Anyway, it will be easy to memorize all of them...

Class A: Katsuragi Kohei, Nishikawa Ryouko, Shita Shinji,Koharu Yano

Class B: Ando Sayo, Kanzaki Ryuuji, Tsukabe Hitomi

Class C: Oda Takumi, Suzuki Hidetoshi, Sonoda Masashi,Ryuuen Kakeru

Class D: Kushida Kikyou, Hirata Yousuke, Horikita Suzune, Fukazawa Yato

As I finished memorizing everything, I pass the sheet to Horikita, and after they all finish to take a look at the members of the Dragon group...

Hoshinomiya: Don't worry, all those questions you're probably having right now, I will answer them now. I believe you will be able to understand once I have explained all that. From this point onwards, you guys no longer belong to class D but rather to the Dragon group. Whether you pass or fail no longer matter in your class but on the entire 'group' as a whole now.

She then put another sheet on the table...

Hoshinomiya:There are four outcomes in this exam, no more and no less. Explanations regarding this have also been printed onto paper for your perusal, however, you may not take them out of this room nor photograph them. So you better memorize them.

The four of us then took a look at the sheet with the rules on it...

Rules

-The exam starts at 8:00 AM on the first day. An email will be sent to all groups of the fact that the VIP students were already chosen.

-The exam itself will mostly take place between 1:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Students are free to act as they wish during the day.

-For about an hour each day, twice, groups will need to gather together and discuss. Content of the talk will be left up to the discretion of each group.

-At the end of the exam, the VIP students of other groups must be identified. This will be done between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM. Only one answer can be submitted by each group. The answers must be sent to faculty members through a certain address that will be provided to mobile phones.

-The VIP student cannot be the one to send the answers.

-The identity of the VIP student of the group you are assigned must only be sent. Any other answer will be marked as invalid.

-Details of the results of the exam will be mailed to students by 11:00 PM on the final day.

There were the basic rules for the exam. For the moment there was no problem for me. I took a look at my right to look at Horikita... she seemed quite calm. I didn't have to worry about her.

Hoshinomiya: Now then you have all look at the basic rules I will now explain the four outcomes possible for this exam.

She turned the sheet of the other side who we could see four outcomes possible...

- Result 1:

If the answer submitted by the group between 9:30 p.m and 10 p.m on the final day is correct, they will all receive private points (including members other than the VIP student themselves).

- Result 2:

If the answer is submitted, or no answer is submitted, by the group between 9:30 p.m and 10 p.m on the final day is incorrect, only the VIP student will receive 500,000 private points.

Hirata then raised his hand to ask a question toHoshinomiyawho was currently explaining the outcomes possible.

Hoshinomiya: Yes Hirata-kun?

Hirata: So this test is about finding and naming the VIP of this group on the final day?

Hoshinomiya: Yes, according to these two outcomes possible. In the first outcome, everyone will receive 500k while the VIP will receive double the amount.

1 million huh... but it won't be easy... we still haven't seen outcomes 3 and 4. They probably make the first two outcomes hard to achieve...

Hoshinomiya: Now I guess you had understood the first two outcomes right? You are smart after all. If you have no other questions I will continue.

With a nod from the four of us,Hoshinomiya continued her explanation...

Hoshinomiya: Now the first two outcomes are achievable when the answer is submitted on the last dayin the allotted time. But if they are not, this is where the 3 and 4 outcomes may be possible.

Result 3: A traitor uncovers the identity of the VIP.

-In the case that someone other than the VIP answers the question before waiting for the allocated time and answers correctly, the class the answerer belongs to will receive 50 class points each and the answerer themselves will receive 500,000 private points for themselves.

-On the other hand, classes whose VIP have been identified will receive a penalty of -50 class points for their whole class. Once this has been achieved, the test will be over for the group.

-However, if a member that belongs to the class of the VIP answers correctly, the previous result will be made invalid and the examination for that group will continue.

Result 4:The traitor disregards the judgment of the VIP.

-In the case that someone other than the VIP answers the question before waiting for the allocated time and answers incorrectly, the class the answerer belongs to will receive a penalty of -50 class points each but the VIP will still receive 500,000 private points. The class to which the VIP belongs obtains 50 class points.

-If the answer is given incorrectly, the group's exam will end.

-However, if a member belonging to the class of the VIP is the one who answered incorrectly, the answer will be considered invalid and will not be accepted.

That's exactly what I thought... the outcome gives the chance to betray the group which makes results 1 and 2 way more difficult to achieve... we still can not know which outcome will be the best for us. You have to know if the VIP will be in our class or not first...If the VIP in this group is from our class it will make this exam more difficult... even more with Kushida in our group, yeah... having the VIP in our class is maybe not the best thing... And I prefer attacking to defending, to be honest...

Hirata: Oh it complicates things...

Hoshinomiya: With that, the explanation is over. If you have any other questions. don't be shy and ask them.

Kushida: Well, I kinda somewhat get it. How about you three?

Horikita and Hirata shook their head... but I have a question I would like to ask which is not related to the rules...

Yato:Hoshinomiya-Sensei, I would like to know something?

Hoshinomiya: Hmm if you want to know if I'm in a relationship or not, you can ask.

Wait... she is not serious right now... How she became a teacher...

Yato: Hahaha nice joke...nice joke... No, the question I have in mind was is there an error in the formation of this group? I don't understand why I had been put in the Dragon group, especially when we look at the other student.

She had a disappointed face when I said it was a joke what she had told to me... but when I finish asking my question, she suddenly had a serious expression...

Hoshinomiya: No, not at all Fukazawa-kun. No mistake was made in the formation of the group!

Great... I have the confirmation that the groups are not done randomly but in a very precise way... but I still have a doubt on how they are made... if it was the leader of each class with their best students... where is Ichinose?... It's Kanzaki who is in the Dragon group... also, who had made the groups... teacher? School?...

Hoshinomiya: Well, if you have no other questions you can leave... Oh right, that's the prohibited items and actions are also listed here thoroughly so look through them too. But I don't have to worry right? You are all nice students after all.

Prohibited items and actions

The forbidden actions are, for instance, stealing the mobiles of other students and use of intimidation to coerce the reveal of information such as the identity of the VIP students.

Mailing the answers to the faculty by using another student's mobile without permission will result in the greatest punishment for the student known as "expulsion".

Furthermore, in the case any suspicious activity is uncovered, a thorough investigation into the matter will be launched by the school to ensure no violations of the rules occur.

It seems everything will be monitored by the school behind the scenes. They wanted to make sure that there is no cheating possible. It also seems that communicating with students from other groups is prohibited during the time allowed for the meeting.

Hoshinomiya:You will be meeting at 1 pm and 8 pm tomorrow for your group discussions. The room you will be meeting in has your group name written on a plate in front of it. Once you have entered that room, you will not be able to leave until the required time for discussion has passed. If an emergency occurs in that time period, contact your homeroom teacher immediately. Make sure you've used the toilet before the meeting time as well. Well, that's all, Goodbye!

She then gets up from her seat and starts to exit the room. I was about to do the same but she came back in the room to tell...

Honshinomiya: Ohhh I forgot something Hehe.Once the VIP has been decided, the school will not accept any request for changes to this. In addition, any actions such as copying, deletion, transferring, or alteration of mails to the faculty are strictly forbidden so keep this in mind.

I started to doubt if that was the only thing she forgot to tell us...

Yato: Sighs...

I get up from my seat and Horikita did the same.

Hirata: Wait I think it's better if we discuss for a bit about all that. Horikita-san, Fukazawa-kun.

Horikita: I have no interest in discussing something that will have no outcome. So, farewell.

She then left without saying another word... So naturally, Hirata and Kushida's gaze turned to me...

Yato: Nahhh I pass this one too. I'm not in the mood.

Hirata: But Fukazawa-kun I think if...

I interrupt him.

Yato: but the exam starts tomorrow at 8 am right. I have no problem meeting each other before that the school sends us the mail about the VIP. Anyway, talking about it now would be useless...

I started to leave and when I was walking Hirata spoke to me...

Hirata: Ok thank you Fukazawa-kun. I'll send you a message tomorrow morning to tell you the meeting place.

I just wave my hand to make him understand that I understood what he had said...

About 5 minutes later when I was on my way to my room I received a message on my phone. I open it and...

[???: We need to talk.

Yato: Sighs... what a pain...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter. I hope you like it. Sorry for the delay, I'm pretty busy these days and the chapter was way longer than I had expected. So for this week, this will be the only chapter. The next one will come out next week. I don't know if I will have time to make two chapters per week this month, but don't worry it will have a least one chapter per week. My plan is to have finished volumes 4,5 and maybe start volume 5 by the end of the year. Anyway if you have some questions do not hesitate to ask them and Thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 4: First day

Chapter 2

Yato Pov:

Yato: Yawns...

I hate waking up early... it was 7:45 a.m and were about to receive an email from the school to know if we were going to be the VIP or not...

I presently was in the biggest restaurant on the cruise ship, I was standing in line to be able to choose what I was going to take for breakfast. When it was my turn to order, I immediately ordered a coffee but I didn't really know what to choose to eat... I was looking at the menu until suddenly...

???: Hoi hurries up...

Yato: Ehhhh...

I turn around to see who it was and I immediately recognized this guy... it's was Yahiko... the dog of Katsuragi...

Yato: Ahh ehh, sorry It's just that I don't know what to order.

Yahiko: Tsk, you are not in D-Class for nothing.

Yato: Ehhh so I had been placed in D-Class because I don't know what to order for breakfast?

Yahiko: Hoi don't mess with me!

Yato: Haha calm down... calm down. It's way too early for that.

I turned around then ordered two toast.

Yato: And there you go, you will be able to order too. Have a nice day, A-Class student-sama.

And then after that, I went to get my coffee and my toast. He was obviously mad at what I just told him. He was really too easy to provoke...

But I know why he started to try to provoke me at first... it was because, during the previous exam, I made the contract with Katsuragi for their class gets the first place... but in the end, we got first place and I still receive 15k private points from all the students in their class... so he was obligate to give me some of his points... but of course, the majority of the A-Class didn't know to whom they gave their points... because it was Katsuragi who sent me the all points in one transfer... Yahiko knew that it was me because he was there during the signing of the contract...

I found a place where to sit and I started to drink my coffee... It was now 7:50 a.m and I was on my phone until one of the two people I was waiting for arrived...

???: Sorry for the wait, Fukazawa-kun.

Yato: Don't worry about that Hirata, anyway I don't think I'm the best person to complain about someone's delay...

Hirata: Haha well I can't really contradict you on this.

He then sat down in one of the chairs in front of me... I put my phone on the table since Hirata had just arrived...

Hirata: Thanks for accepting for coming, Fukazawa-kun. I'm a little disappointed that Horikita-san didn't agree to come.

Yato: Yeah... we can't force her either.

???: Oh hey Fukazawa-kun, Hirata-kun. Good morning!

Me and Hirata turned our heads to see the person who just had arrived... it was Kushida... she then immediately sat next to Hirata. I was going to start talking when suddenly...

TING!

It was a notification sound from my phone... I decided to ignore it and ask a question about the next exam but...

TING!

Kushida: Hm Fukazawa-kun, you shouldn't check your phone? He rang two times already, it may be important.

Yato: Nahh don't worry about it, nobody usually sends me a message. It's probably an error or just a stalker.

Hirata didn't notice it but... Kushida frown at what I said... it was normal because she was the stalker... since last night after the meeting she's been trying to have a discussion with me... when she texted me last night, I didn't answer her and I changed the notification sound when that her who text me... the best is to ignore her for the moment...

Anyway... I will finally be able to ask my question...

Yato: Which outcome would you want to get?

I was curious to see their views regarding this exam. Of course, we still don't know if the VIP is in our class but we can already know what is our goal in this exam...

Hirata: Hmm for me I think the best outcome will be the first one. It benefits everyone... but if we want to go in A-Class... No, the best outcome is the first one.

I'm not at all surprised by his answer... with his way of doing, begging friendly and try to be a pacifist with everyone it was sure that he was going to choose the first one. I was really curious why he was so nice to everyone, and how he could still be... he never been had backstabbed by someone who took advantage of his kindness? This is the kind of people I really couldn't understand... he reminded me a bit of my little brother, but much more exaggerated...

Yato: I see... and you Kushida?

She seems surprised that I ask her the question but she hides it very well...

Kushida: Well for me, I would try to get some class points. So I will try to achieve outcome 3 or outcome 4.

Hirata: It is also a good choice. You Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Hm for me...

RING!

RING!

RING!

Our three phones receive a notification at the same time. It was now 8 a.m and the school had just sent the email about the VIP. Kushida and Hirata take their phone to check the email that they just received... but for me...I didn't check it. I decide to watch the reaction of people around us... there were some people who seemed relieved to probably not be the VIP... some people, on the contrary, seem disappointed to probably not be the VIP... I couldn't know who was the VIP just by looking at their reaction... but I still preferred to watch them... after all, some of them still had a reaction that could leave some doubts if they are the VIP or not...

Hirata: Huh you don't read the message Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: After finishing my coffee. Even if I check it in 10 minutes, it will not change the fact if I'm the VIP or not.

Hirata: Oh yes. Well, let's finish our breakfast so we can go to a place where we can talk in private.

Kushida: Prefect.

I just nodded, it was no use to reading the mail send by the school now. I preferred to wait when we are going to be at a place with no one around... Anyway for now I will just finish my coffee and my toast...

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Kushida: You can come in.

Hirata: It's doesn't bother you that we go in your room to talk about the exam Kushida-san?

Kushida shakes her head to say no...

Kushida: Not at all, my roommates are not here for the moment.

Yato: Well...

I entered the room without waiting any longer... I wanted to finish this discussion as soon as possible.

The first thing I noticed when I start looking around was how everything was clean. In my room, Ike and Yamauchi let their stuff hang around which was causing a mess. I noticed on their table that there were some cards games. I didn't know who was Kushida's roommates but there was no doubt she got along well with them... That's why I had to be careful with the problem of Kushida... the influence she must have probably exceeded my estimation...

Kushida: You can sit down, Fukazawa-kun, Hirata-kun!

Me and Hirata sit on chairs near the table... Kushida remained standing.

Hirata: Good, now I think we can speak without any fear...

Yato: Hmm it would be better to show each other our messages...you never know if someone listens at the door...

Hirata: Okay, let's do it like this then.

I then take out my phone from my pocket and open the mail that the school sends me...

[EMail:After a period of thorough consideration, you have not been chosen as the VIP. Please act together as one and challenge the exam in that manner. The exam itself shall begin from 1:00 PM today onwards. The exam will be held for three days from this point onwards. If you belong to the (Dragon) group please come up to the room marked as such on the second floor.

So I'm not the target huh... it's a good thing in the end... I didn't want the be the VIP in the first place. Now it just remains to know if Hirata, Kushida, or Horikita is the target... I remain on the same opinion as last night... the best would be that the VIP is not among the four of us...being the VIP in this group wouldn't be a good thing...

I then show my phone to Hirata and he did the same...

Yato: So Hirata is also not the target...

Hirata: I see... then your turn Kushida-san

All who left were Kushda and Horikita... Kushida takes out her phone and shows the message received by the school to us...

[EMail: After a period of thorough consideration, you have been chosen as the VIP. Please act together as one and challenge the exam in that manner. The exam itself shall begin from 1:00 PM today onwards. The exam will be held for three days from this point onwards. If you belong to the (Dragon) group please come up to the room marked as such on the second floor.

Yato: Sighs...

This is exactly what I wanted to avoid... Kushida as the VIP... with Ryuuen in your group it makes things even more complicated. My action during this exam is greatly reduced with that... Unless I solve my problem with Kushida first?... Nah I will need more preparation before... I will continue to have as little interaction as possible with Kushida for the time being... this is the best solution for the moment. Because she's not going to talk about my forearm to anyone cause she knows that I know about her and Ryuuen. Even if that her words have more value than mine for the moment, if she talks it could damage her reputation as well... and she understood it very well...

Hirata: So now we know which outcome will be the best for us.

Yeah, now the most reliable outcome will be the 2... outcome 4 will be great for the class points but it's difficult to set up... and the most dangerous would be the 1 because she lead to outcome 3...

Yato: Hm I will inform Horikita about all this.

Hirata: Indeed it's a good idea.

Kushida: Yes of course...telling all this to Horikita-san is the best thing to do.

Again... every time it comes to Horikita there is something weird about her... Does Horikita know something about Kushida? I will have to ask about this Horikita directly...

After a while, I sent the message to Horikita specifying that Kuishida was the VIP, I got an answer from her.

[Horikita: Perfect, we will take the necessary actions for this exam then. I saw Ayanakoji this morning, he is not the target in his group. But something happened during I met Ayanakoji, Ryuuen has come and he told us that he knows that it wasn't my plan during the previous exam. Now he's looking for the person behind all this. You are his main suspect, be careful.

Well, first Kiyo is not a VIP too. I should call him or go see him directly for he tells me who is the person in his group to have a better overview of this exam... because I had a doubt about something but with the message that the school send us, I got the answer...

I open the message from the school and reread a specific part...

Yato:After a period of thorough consideration, you have not been chosen as the VIP.

I have the confirmation that the school chooses the target and it's not randomly chosen... it just remains to know what are the criteria of the school to choose the target... does it has to do with our placement in each group? After all, Hoshinomiya-Sensei confirmed to me that I had been placed in the group Dragon and that they were not made randomly... Well anyway, for the moment I lack too much information to draw a conclusion...

Now the other thing... Ryuuen know about Horikita. I must say that I'm not surprised at all. In fact, if he would have believed that Horikita was the mastermind behind the last exam, I would have been disappointed. But the fact that he suspected me doesn't bother me too much... after all, I told Kyio to put the merit of the victory to Horikita because I don't want to become a leader for the Class... it's a lot of too many unnecessary problems that I want to avoid... and a leader with no motivation for the A-Class is probably not a good thing, right?

Anyway, Horikita did not ask me for help or advice for this exam. She must be confident and must above all this want to prove her value. But with Kushdia in our group, it won't be easy... personally, I still don't know what I'm going to do in this exam... I can't really boycott this exam soo I will see in due time what I will do... but the first thing I want to know...

I lifted my gaze from my phone and start looking at Kushida and Hirata who were talking about the exam...

Yato: What are you going to do Kushida?

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Time Skip

12:58 p.m Dragon group room

Horikita Pov:

I was present sitting on a chair in the room designated for our group. Everyone was grouped by their respective class...

Before coming here I meet Hirata and Kushida to share our thoughts about what would be the best strategy to adopt. At first, I didn't want to meet with those two to talk about a plan but now that Kushida was the target I had no choice to talk to them before the first reunion. I would have preferred that Fukazawa come too but he said he had something else to do before the reunion at 13 p.m.

Horikita: Fukazawa...

I look at my phone and it said 12:59 p.m...I look around and everyone was already there... except the person who was supposed to sit next to me... the chair next to me was still free...

Horikita: What are you doing Fukazawa-kun!

At the same time, the door behind me opened and I heard someone come into the room...

Loudspeaker:From this point onwards, we will begin with the first group discussion.

???: HAHAHA it was close.

I immediately recognized this laugh... the person who had just arrived had attracted the attention of everyone present... I turned around and saw Fukazawa approaching his seat... after he sat down he started looking at me with a puzzled expression...

Yato: Hm why are you looking at me with that look?

At this moment I was a little angry... I had just told him to be careful because Ryuuen suspect him to be the mastermind and right after that he made an entrance like that...

Horikita: Sighs... Why are you late...

Yato: oh it's just that I almost forgot this!

He pointed the book in his left hand...he really almost arrived late for the exam for a book? No, it can't be... he is not stupid... he would have a plan?... right?...

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Yato Pov:

Phew... I almost forgot my book that I didn't have time to finish yesterday. Horikita start to look at me really puzzled. But she was not the only one...in fact, I had attracted the attention of the majority of people here...

Yato: Well... as long as I have my book haha

It was already a minute since the message that the message who told us that the exam had started was said... but yet, nobody had started the conversation... everyone was gathered in small groups in the room according to their class... until...

Hirata: Hello everyone, I know most of you but I think it would be great if we introduce each other just to be sure. This will facilitate the conversation for the rest of the exam.

Hirata was the first to make his move. He was also the best person for this role, his attitude and popularity were perfect for starting a conversation...

Kushida: I agree with Hirata-kun, it's the best thing to get to know us all.

Katsuragi: I don't think there's any need for that. The school's just saying it as a formality. Only the ones who want to introduce themselves should do it.

Kushida: Huh? Why...

Kushida played the nice girl with her amazing acting skill... but despite this Katsuragi didn't say another word and kept his arm crossed and his eyes closed...

Hirata: I understand your point of view Katsuragi-kun. But there may be a recorder hidden somewhere in this room. If we blatantly disobey the instructions from the school, it may not just be you but the whole group that gets punished and I would like to avoid this at all costs.

Hmm, that's was not a bad argument from Hirata... even though I don't think the school would penalize us for that... but as Hirata said, the best would be to avoid this. So Katsuragi should not refuse Hirata's proposal...

Katsuragi: Maybe you're right. So I have no problem if we introduce ourselves.

Hirata: Great, thank you Katsuragi-kun. Then I will start...

Wel all then gathered around the table to form a single group...

Everyone started to introduce themself, Kushida's introduction was as friendly as usual, Horikita was as cold as usual... and me... Well, I think my introduction was normal... I guess... Anyway, the thing that surprised me a little was Ryuuen's class participation in all this.

The most important thing that I noticed is since I arrived Ryuuen didn't look in my direction once... of course, I did not look back because it was just what he was waiting for... If I look in his direction I will fall into his trap... I saw with my peripheral vision that one of his classmates just observed me from the beginning... Ryuuen was looking for the mastermind, and the first thing he did was to tell Horikita that I was his main suspect for that she warns me...and now he tries to have a reaction from me by ignoring me...If I start to look at him and react to the fact that he ignores me it could mean that I have something to hide...

Yato: Haha well done Ryuuen but you won't get anything with this.

After we all introduced ourselves, Kanzaki stand up from his seat...

Kanzaki: Great now that we have finished this. I would like to share a proposal that my class came with.

Ryuuen: Ohh an idea of Ichinose? Something like we're all friends? Kuku

Kanzaki: Yes Ryuuen. Our class proposal is to assume that there are no VIP in this group.I'd like to ask if everyone here would like to work together to clear this exam through outcome 1. I'd like to ask you if you all think this is the best course of action or not?

Ryuuen: Ehh...

Hirata should be glad to have someone like Kanzaki in this group... With him maybe the outcome that Hirata wants could be achieved... Katsuragi still had his arms crossed and his eyes closed meaning that he had no intention of participating in the conversation...Horikita still didn't say a word yet...

Yato: Sighs...

I get up from my seat and take my chair a little further away from the group. I sit down and open my book and start reading it.

Ryuuen: Kuku it seems that someone has already given up.

Indeed, I had no interest in participating in the conversation... of course, I will listen to what they say while I read my book, but with this group and the fact that the VIP is in our class there is not much I can do... I'm going to let Horikita handle this group as she wants.

Yato: Well, I will read to pass the time...

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As soon that the meeting ended, I got up and left the room. I decided not to wait for Horikita and the others because I didn't have the time to eat before coming to the meeting. I wanted to go for dinner as soon as possible.

There were a lot of people in the corridor because the meeting had finished at the same time for everyone... so as not to waste any more time, I decided to take a little detour to avoid the crowd. I was about to come out from inside the ship to go toward where was the restaurant of the ship but someone bump into me and fell on the floor...

???: Ouch...

Yato: Matsushita? Are you okay?

Matsushita: Yes sorry I was walking too fast and I didn't see you.

Yato: Nah it's me who should apologize...

I held out my hand to help her to get up. She took it then got up.

Matsushita: Thank you, Fukazawa-kun.

Yato: Why do you seem in such a hurry?

Matsushita: I had a meeting with my friends who are in a different group than mine during the exam. So I wanted to hurry to join them... You?

Yato: Oh me?

I was surprised that she asked this question too...

Yato: Well I was about to go eat somewhere.

She seems to think about something before answering me... until

Matsushita: Do you think it bothers you if I go with you?

Go with me? I never spoke with her and I don't know much about her... the only thing I noticed and know about her is during the study group... she was writing wrong answers on purpose to get an average result during the test I give them...

I have not really had reason to refuse to let her come with me... I could even learn useful things about her or the class...

Yato: I don't mind but it's okay for your friend you were about to join?

Matsushita: Don't worry I just have to warn them that I will not be able to join them.

Yato: Hmm well then let's go...

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Matsushita Pov:

I was born in a moderately wealthy family, and my parents were very kind to me and brought me up in an environment with no restrictions on my freedom. They would buy whatever I desired, and in return, I also achieved outstanding results in school and tuition classes.

However, since I managed to enter this school, I had to aim higher. Studying abroad in a prestigious university, then working at an embassy, and then in the UN...I could gradually see that happening. My life was going smoothly, and there was already a paved road ahead for a life without failure.

However, my first miscalculation was after I entered this school. Only if I graduated from A-Class would I be able to have my desired future higher education and employment opportunities.In other words, graduating from B-Class or below would have no value.

I'd started to realize that the difference in base ability between the classes was even larger than I'd imagined. Sooner or later, the gap would inevitably widen.The gap in the abilities of my class compared to other classes was too large. If that fact didn't change, the chances of reaching A-Class were very close to 0.

Some people start to lead this class for the best like Hirata, Horikita, and Kushida. Others are good students like Yukimura and Mii-chan.But this is not enough. In fact, most of the students hold us back. and there is this person...

Fukazawa Yato

During the first month of school, he befriended no one and spent most of his time alone. But when the class fell into chaos because we had zero points, he was probably the only one to have seen through the school system. I then started to observe him but he didn't do anything else... until the last exam. With Horikita's plan, they managed to get a victory for our class.

He always had that carefree and nonchalant air but I need to know if his purpose is the A-Class or otherwise what is his goal. That's why I absolutely wanted to accompany him to try to learn more...

If I can still hide my real strength and help him behind the scenes that could be a good thing...

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Yato Pov:

We just arrived in a cafe who there were not many people inside. I went to one of the back tables while Matsushita was still following me. She probably had a reason why she wanted to come with me but I still didn't what she wanted from me...

I sat down and she sat in the chair in front of me... after we both ordered something to drink and eat.

I hesitated to start the conversation and ask her why she wanted to accompany me... but she was the first one to speak...

Matsushita: Thank you Fukazawa-kun for letting me come with you... In fact, I wanted to talk with you about something specific.

Yato: It was pretty obvious since were had never spoken to each other before.

She did not seem surprised by the fact that I know about her intention by following me here... I might have acted like if I didn't know finally... Anyway...

Yato: I listen to you then...what did you want to ask me?

Matsushita: It's about the previous exam. Horikita-san had prepared a plan to give us the victory and you help her to achieve that. Horikita-san told us that you acted on her orders but why did you do that? What are your intentions exactly? Horikita-san and Hirata-kun can be considered the leader of the class for now. Does your goal be to lead the class with them to reach the A-Class? You clearly have the capacity for this role with what I noticed.

I noticed that she was hiding her true capacity but it goes beyond my suspicions. Now she wanna know what I'm planning to do for the class... I don't know why she wants to know this when she hides her true abilities herself... why bother about the A-Class when you don't make any effort yourself? Anyway, who am I to judge her choice and actions... I will just answer her honestly...

Yato: I am not a leader and I never will be. Maybe I would have the required quality but I'm not interested. I am not the head of the class so If you want to talk about strategy or problems in the class. you better go see Hirata or Horikita... I helped Horikita in the last exam with her plan because I owed a debt to her...

The last part was a lie, but I never going to talk to her about Kiyo... but the rest of what I said was true. She was obviously disappointed with my answer... I was more and more curious as to why she seemed interested in A-Class but did nothing herself to help our class... but this discussion allowed me to know that she had some great capacity, she was not a student like Yamauchi... so maybe...

Yato: But... even though I don't plan to be a leader... that does not prevent me from acting for the good of the class.

I regained her attention as soon I said my last sentence...

Matsushita: What do you mean by that?

Yato: I find this school system interesting. So maybe sometimes, I will participate in the success of the class. So why not give me your help in these times? I don't know why you hide your strength, but even if you don't want to reveal your real capacity you could still lend me help behind the scene, right? After all, you have nothing to lose with that.

If I could have her help it would be great... she seems to have good reasoning and most important she is friends with a lot of people in the class, she does not have as much influence as Kushida or Karuizawa but it's always better than nothing... that way I would have a lot more information...

She seems to think about my offer for a moment, she was about to say something until...

Waiter: Here is your order.

Yato: Oh thanks!

He gave us the stuff that we ordered... I had ordered a coffee with a sandwich... when the waiter left she said as she was about to say earlier...

Matsushita: I accept your offer. If you can contribute to the success of the class. Like you said I don't want to expose my real abilities but if I can help you without exposing myself, I will do it.

Yato: Great, let's start now. In which group you are in this exam?

If I can have more information about this exam it would be great.

Matsushita: I'm in the Cow group, I noted the people who are in my group. Here.

She takes out her phone and opens the block note app and shows it to me. There were all the names of people in her group.

Ike Kanji

Kobashi Yume

Matsushita Chiaki

Niomiya Yui

Nishishi Haruka

Nomura Yuuji

Sakura Airi

Sawada Yasumi

Shimizu Naoki

Sudo Ken

Tokitou Hiroya

Watanabe Norihito

Yasima Mariko

Yoshida Kenta

That was the list of the people from the Cow group, but there was something strange about this list...

Yato: Hmm you did not separate them into their respective class like the sheet that the teacher show us yesterday?

Matsushita: Ahh sorry, I usually put things in alphabetical order. Sorry if it bothers you.

Yato: Nah not at all. I was just curious...

I gave her back her phone back... I had already memorized the members of the cow group...

Matsushita: So what have you learned so far about the exam?

Yato: Hmm some stuff so far but nothing that really puts me on the track...

Matsushita: I see, except for the list of my group I have no other information to give you for the moment.

Yato: It's already a good start. The more information we have, the more easily we will be able to find out how the exam works.

Matsushita: Your right. The first thing I thought about this exam was the fact that we were separated into groups of the Zodiac Chinese signs. It probably has something to do with, right Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Yes definitely, I also think it has to do with our placement...in groups?

When I said the last part of my sentence, I had like a moment's hesitation... Matsushita noticed it and looked at me puzzled...

I just think about something when I said the word ''placement''...

Yato: Hey Matsushita can you pass me your phone again, please?

Matsushita: Oh eh yes sure.

She takes out her phone and gives it to me again...

I look at the list of names again... yeah maybe...maybe not our placement but rather... Yeah, I need to confirm my theory... but I'm going to need a lot of information to be sure I'm right about this...

I gave her back her phone...

Yato: Hey Matsushita, do you think you are able to gather certain information for me?

Matsushita: Yes probably, what exactly do you want to know?

I explained to her the information I wanted to know...

Matsushita: Yes I can totally have them without a problem. Do you have a lead concerning the exam?

Yato: Yeah maybe but I'm sure of nothing at the moment.

Matsushita: Okay I will get the information you want then...

She got up from her seat...

Matsushita: I will have to go now but before we should exchange our numbers.

Yato: Yeah totally... here mine.

After we have finished exchanging our numbers...

Matsushita: Perfect. I'm glad to team up with you Fukazawa-kun. So then in the future, when you would want to help the class in the next exam you could ask me if you want me to help you. As long I can hide my ability, I will help you. Anyway, I will contact you later when I got the info you want, Bye Fukazawa-kun!

She went to pay for her meal then she left the restaurant after that...

It was a very good thing this unexpected meeting with Matsushita. I was able to gain two things from that meeting... The first one is I gain the help of Matsushita for the future, it's was really a good thing... she was really smart and her reasoning was not bad at all... and above all, she will not complain if I decide not to take action during an exam... I made it clear to her that I am not the leader of the class and that I will not be in the future... it was the thing I wanted to avoid as much as possible... I don't care to be the ''soldier'' I just don't want to lead the class...

Yato: I am still curious to see if Horikita will ask for my help or the one of Kiyo soon...

And the other thing I gained with this meeting was a lead for this exam... I take out my phone and open the note app. I started to write in a specific order all the members of my group... when I finish...

Yato: 1,2,3,4,5...Kushida Kikyo... so I would be right... I just need more info to confirm it...

I close the app and sent a message to Kiyo to know how the exam is going for him...after a few minutes, I received a message...

[Kiyo: Nothing for the moment, I can send you the names of the members of my group. I get back to you later if I have anything new or if I need something. Do you have anything?

[Yato: Same nothing for now. Send me the list and text me later if you have anything new.

I decided not to tell him about Matsushita and the theory I have about this exam... I still don't know what this guy is up to... I prefer to stay on my guard for the moment... And anyway, I'm sure of nothing yet with my theory...

After a few minutes, I received the list of members of his group...

Classe-A : Takemoto Shigeru, Machida Kouji, Morishige Takuro

Classe-B: Ichinose Honami, Hamaguchi Tetsuya, Beppu Ryouta

Classe-C : Ibuki Mio, Manabe Shiho, Yabu Nanami, Yamashita Saki

Classe-D : Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, Karuizawa Kei, Sotomura Hideo, Yukimura Teruhiko

Ichinose is in his group ehh... it was one of the things that I still don't understand... Why she had been put in the Rabbit group? She was the leader of the B-Class after all...

Yato: Sighs... I still have 5 hours to kill before the other meeting...

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Time Skip around 9:30 p.m

Yato Pov:

I had just come back to my room after the second meeting of the first day. There was no real progress. No useful discussion... but that's was a good thing for us if Kushida can stay hidden. Katsuragi and his classmates did not say a single word... Ryuuen was quite quiet too.

I opened the door of my room and went inside... Ike and Yamauchi were already back from their meeting and they were playing a video game on the tv in the room...

Ike: Oh you finally back Fukazawa-kun

Yato: Yeah... it was endless...

Ike: You're really not lucky to be in the group with all the stars...

Yato: Yes... me and my legendary luck...

I opened the mini-fridge from our room and took a bottle of water... I started to watch the tv to see what they were playing... it's was a fighting game... I do not have played a lot of those kinds of games... Ike noticed that I watched them play and he said...

Ike: If you want to try I can give you my place.

Yato: For real... well yeah why not, thanks!

I was wrong about you Ike...

He gave me his controller... it didn't seem like an extremely complicated game... I should be able to win...

Yamauchi: You can choose your character first.

My character huh... I don't think that one is stronger than the others... I will just choose the coolest one then...

Yamauchi: Oh a good choice, then let's start!

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2 minutes later...

Yato: H-How...

Yamauchi: hahaha it seems even if you have good grades you still can't beat me!

This fucking bastard...

Yato: Again!

Yamauchi: Huh?

Yato: Start the game again!

Yamauchi: You haven't been humiliated enough Fukazawa? I'm just better.

Yato: Hoi teme, just start the game.

Yamauchi: Haha yes sure no problem, the result will be the same though.

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4 minutes later...

Yato: HAHAHAHAHA

I stood up

Yato: It's my win, Yamauchi. I'm the best!

Yamauchi: H-How that you learn so quickly?

Yato: Ahh I'm just better, HAHAHAHA

Yamauchi: ARGGGGG WHY

Ike: You wouldn't be a bit sore loser, Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Haha, I don't know what you're talking about.

Then suddenly our three phones received a notification at the same time.

Yato: Huh?

I take out my phone and saw that it was from the school. I open the message...

[Message: The Monkey group's test has ended. Students from the Monkey group are no longer required to participate. Please be careful not to disturb the other students.

Wait? What is the meaning of this?...

My phone started ringing... I went out of the room the answered the call.

Yato: Matsushita?

[Matsushita: Fukazawa-kun, you saw the message that the school sent us?

Yato: Yes but I still don't know what's going on. Have you found the members of this group?

[Matsushita: Yes, Mii-chan is my roommate, and she is in this group. She told me all the members, I'm going to send the list I made to you. But the members of our class is Mii-chan, Hasabe-san, Miyamoto-kun and Koenji-kun...

Yato: Koenji...

[Matsushita: You think he is involved in this?

Yato: Hmm I don't know yet... Anyway if you can send me the list it could be appreciated.

[Matsushita: Yes sure, I'm sending it to you now. I will continue to search for the info about the others group members you asked me for. Bye Fukazawa-kun.

I hang up and a few minutes later, I received a message from Matsushita... I open it and read it...

Monkey Group

Kito Hayato (A-Class)

Shinobu Fukuyama (A-Class)

Isoyama Nagisa (C-Class)

Hasabe Hakura (D-Class)

Koenji Rokusuke (D-Class)

Himeno Yuki (B-Class)

Wang Mei-Yu (D-Class)

Morofuji Rika (C-Class)

Shiranami Chihiro (B-Class)

Minamikata Kozue (B-Class)

Hashimoto Masayoshi (A-Class)

Nishino Takeko (C-Class)

Miyamoto Soshi (D-Class)

Kinoshita Minori (C-Class)

There were some people that I already know in this group... I text Hirata to ask about the situation because there was a great chance that he would know what was going on... a few minutes later I got his answer...

[Hirata: Koenji ended the exam for his group.

I see so it was really Koenji... What should I do? Koenji is the roommate of Hirata if I'm not mistaken... Should I...

Yato: Sighs... let's go now before it's too late...

I start to go towards Hirata's room to have a discussion with a certain person...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter I hope you like it. The last few chapters are quite longer than usual I hope you don't mind.

There was just one thing that I want to clarify,the thing is I don't know if Yato's presence in the Dragon group would change the VIP. Because the VIP is designated by the Japanese alphabetic order and I don't know where Fukazawa Yato would be in it. If someone knows and who can tell me it would be nice but even if technically Kushida would no longer be the VIP because of Yato, I wouldn't change anything because I have already planned the scenario. I just hope that doesn't bother you guys.

The last thing is I just want to thank you for the vote and the comments you leave on my story. It's really appreciated and I'm happy to see that a lot of people like to read it. Anyway, like always thanks to those who read my story! The next chapter will maybe come out this Friday or it would be at the start of next week!

Volume 4: Memories

Chapter 4

Yato Pov:

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

I had just arrived in front of Hirata's room... it was late but I knew he wasn't sleeping yet because I had just texted him and he had replied... a few seconds later the door opened...

Hirata: Fukazawa-kun? Can I help you?

He seemed surprised to see me here...

Yato: Sorry to bother you but Koenji is your roommate, right?

Hirata: Yes he is. You came here because he stopped the exam for his group, right?

Yato: Yeah I'm curious about this, He's there? I would like to talk to him.

Hirata: Sorry Fukazawa-kun but he just left. He said that he was going to search for something to drink. He left a few minutes before you arrived.

Fuck... I don't want to start looking for him everywhere...I should hurry...

Yato: Ah okay too bad then. I'll see you tomorrow Hirata!

Hirata did not answer me...he seemed to be thinking about something... but I don't really have to wait...

Hirata: You think we can talk before you go back to your room?

Ah shit, I don't really have the time for that...

Hirata: It's quite important Fukazawa-kun.

He noticed my hesitation to accept... What should I do...

Yato: Sighs... Yes no problem

It doesn't really matter in the end... because that's the room of Koenji too... he will end up coming back here... So I have time to listen to what Hirata wants to talk to me...

Hirata: Thanks Fukazwa-kun, here you can go in.

I went into his room...there was no one else in that room... which I found strange because it was already quite late...

Yato: Where are your other roommates Hirata?

Hirata: Well after that Koenji ends the exam. There was some tension here so Yukimura-kun and Ayanakoji-kun go for a walk.

Oh? So Kiyo is in this room... so he already knows about Koenji...

Yato: Anyway, what did you want to tell me that was so important, Hirata?

Hirata: It's about the exam...

The exam huh? He took out his phone and showed the screen to me... there were two names on it...

Kushida Kikyo VIP Dragon Group

Minami Satsuya VIP Hourse Group

I obviously know about Kushida but for the other girl... she was a girl in our class... she must have said to Hirata that she was the VIP to have his help...but why... I then start to look him straight in the eye...

Yato: Why are you revealing this information to me? She said it to you, not to me...

Hirata: I trust you Fukazawa-kun. And I thought that maybe if I told you this info you will be able to do something in the exam.

Yato: I see thanks but I have no leads at the moment, this test is harder than it seems.

It was a lie... but what he just told me was the most important information I could have... the name of a VIP...

Yato: But it's a good thing that we have as much information as possible during this exam.

Hirata: You're right, that's why I wanted to tell you this Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Anyway, I will go now. See you tomorrow.

Hirata: Yes thanks for your time Fukazawa-kun!

I left his room... I just had crucial information from Hirata. I will be able to confirm my theory about this exam more easily now...

I walk a little further away and lean against the wall. Now I'm just gonna wait here for Koenji to come back to his room...

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10 minutes later

There was no one in the corridor... so there was also no noise... I was still leaning on the wall not too far from the room of Koenji... I had my eyes close and my arm crossed when I was waiting... until...

???: Hum hum hum

I started to hear footsteps approaching me and someone who seemed to be the happiest man in the world... I already knew that this was the person I was waiting for...

I didn't move at all and let the person walk past me without saying anything... he continued on his way but he stopped suddenly...

Koenji: If you have something to say, say it latecomer-kun.

Yato: Haha it would be time to change that nickname, it doesn't suit me too much anymore right?

I started to walk towards him and he turned to me... he took out his comb and started brushing his hair.

Koenji: Hmm I don't know, I think this name fits you perfectly. But anyway that's not what you expected from me, am I wrong?

Yato: Wow I did not expect less of the superior being that you are. The thing I want to know is about this exam.

Still brushing his hair he answered me...

Koenji: This topic again... I just did what was necessary to regain my freedom.

Yato: Hahaha in fact I don't care what you do... let me rephrase my question. Does the answer you sent to the school was Shiranami Chihiro.

He then immediately stopped playing with his hair... he looked at me for the first time since the start of our conversation...

Koenji: Oh How interesting, why do you think I would have answered this name?

Yato: Ehhh I thought you were excellence itself. Finding a liar should be child's play for you unless do I made a mistake of thinking that?

He starts to laugh out loud.

Koenji: You couldn't have said better, smart-boy!

Great a new nickname...

Koenji: I am perfect! So of course I knew it was that Shiranami girl the target. Now, if you don't mind I will return to my freedom.

He turned around and start walking back to his room. This conversation was finally useful to me... of course, I couldn't be 100% sure that he send the right answer to the school... but with my theory, I got the same answer as Koenji... But I couldn't rely on this to confirm if my theory was correct on how the school chose the VIP... but it was already a good start...

Yato: Well it's getting late... I'm going back to my room to go to sleep...

RING!

Huh? I had just received a notification on my phone. I took out my phone from my pocket and read the message...

[???: My group. Spy

Yato: I see...

I had just had an answer to my question who bothered me since the start of the exam... well, I will go back to my room now...

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15 minutes earlier

Kiyo Pov:

Kiyo: K-k-k-Kushida? W-what are you doing?

Of course, in this unexpected situation, I was panicking. It was beyond my understanding.

Kushida: ...

But Kushida did not answer me immediately. Then, in a small, squeaking voice. She says,

Kushida:Sorry...suddenly I...felt a bit lonely being alone by myself.

She whispered that to me while being in my chest. And for a few more seconds, Kushida kept burying her face in my chest.

And then suddenly, as if a spell was broken, she released me and took her distance.

Kushida:S-sorry. I suddenly hugged Ayanokouji-kun...good night!

I couldn't see Kushida's face very well in the dark, but I had a feeling she was also blushing.And without saying anything, Kushida ran away, leaving me to stand there holding my chest to feel the warmth that she left behind. Thanks to this, I won't be able to sleep anymore tonight.

I can't return to my room like this. So I decided to walk around the ship for a while.

Kiyo:Now that it's over I feel a bit thirsty now.

There should be a few vending machines on the first floor and so I decided to head there before returning to my room.But then near the vending machine, I found a strange group of three people.There was Chabashira-sensei, and Class B's Hoshinomiya-sensei and Class A's Mashima-sensei.They were sitting on the sofa and quietly spending their time. This area is technically not off-limits to the students, but since there is a bar here that none of the students could enter, students usually avoid coming here.

I erased my presence and slowly and quietly approached them. It was a chance to gain some information.

Mashima:You know, it's been a while. Since the three of us got together like this.

Hoshinomiya:Its fate, in the end, we all chose the path of the teacher.

Mashima:Stop it. There's no point in talking about that.

Hoshinomiya:Oh yeah, speaking of which, I saw you on a date. New girlfriend? Mashima-kun, you're surprisingly motivated on that front.

Mashima:Chie, how about you? What happened to your last boyfriend?

Hoshinomiya:Haha, I broke up with him after two weeks. You see, I'm the type of girl that does it with a man and breaks it off before the relationship gets serious.

Mashima:That's usually the man's line, you know.

Hoshinomiya:Ahh, but I'm not doing it with you, Mashima-kun. You're my best friend, after all, I'd hate to ruin our friendship.

Mashima: Relax, you are not my type anyway.

Hoshinomiya: Uwaaa, I'm in shock!

Hoshinomiya-sensei pours whiskey into an empty glass and drank it all in one, large pared to that, Chabashira-sensei was slowly sipping her drink.

Chabashira:More importantly, what are you doing Chie?

Hoshinomiya:What're you talking about so suddenly?

Chabashira: Generally, we put all the representatives of each class in the Dragon group.

Hoshinomiya: I know what I'm doing.Indeed as far as attitude and grades go, Ichinose-san is at the top of my class, but the probability of success in society cannot be measured by numerical parameters only. I decided there is a hurdle she must overcome before that. Besides putting her in the Rabbit group is fitting. A rabbit is a cute right? They do cute sound like pyonpyon, just like Ichinose-san.

Chabashira: If you say so...

Mashima: Hoshinomiya's words are indeed reasonable, but there is some hidden meaning behind them? I just don't want you to make decisions based on personal grudges.

Hoshinomiya:Are you still talking about what happened 10 years ago? I thought we got over that...

Mashima: I wonder if you are not the type of person to be hypocritical. You're the type that's not satisfied unless you're one step ahead. That's why you put Ichinose in Rabbit group right?

Chabashira:What do you mean? Explain, Hoshinomiya

Hoshinomiya:I thought Ichinose-san needed to learn a lesson so I had her removed from the Dragon group. Speaking of which, I couldn't help but notice that Sae-chan was also focusing quite a bit on Ayanokouji-kun. It's just a coincidence, right? Coincidence, coincidence.

Chabashira-Sensei was about to answer something but...

Hoshinomiya: Wait this is not the only thing I noticed. You know yesterday It was me who take care of explaining the rules to the student of the D-Class of the Dragon group. I understand your choice to put Horikita-san in this group. She managed to get good results in the last exam and I can see her brother shadow behind her. But... I know why you put Fukazawa-kun in this group... it's because he looks a lot like this man right, Sae-chan?

Chabashira-Sensei did not respond... Mashima-Sensei just listened... there was a kind of discomfort after what Hoshinoomiya-sensei said...

Hoshinomiya: Fukazawa-kun has the same personality and attitude that this man. That must really bother you to...

Mashima: Okay that's enough Chie!

Chabashira-Sensei remained silent after that... Hoshinomiya-Sensei just start to drink her other drink of whisky... After this cold, the first one to speak was Mashima-Sensei...

Mashima: Anyway...There's no specific rule for it but I want to protect our morals. I'd like to avoid reporting on a colleague's failure.

Hoshinomiya: Hey, you might not trust me. But don't just blame me, Sakagami-sensei is also a problem right? Class C already has a bad reputation since another person should've been in the Dragon group but Ryuuen-kun was sent in instead.

Mashima:Indeed, the students this year seem to all be special.

I have gotten quite a bit of information on the exam already so I decided to go back. If I stayed, I'd only get wrapped up in further trouble. I had finally been able to get a little more info on Yato. I would have liked that Hoshinomiya finished her sentence but Mashima-Sensei stopped her.

And now I know that Ichinose was sent to scout me. It seems my movements are already been noticed and restricted. I take out my phone and send a message to Fuakzawa...

My group. Spy

He should be able to understand the meaning of my message...if not is that would have meant that I have overestimated him...

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Time Skip Morning 2th day

Horikita POV:

I was currently with Ayanakoji in the same cafe we come to discuss the exam. I was surprised that he asked me for some information about Karuizawa. I didn't know her more than him, so I couldn't tell him much. But I was still uncertain about the fact that he thought she could be useful...

Horikita:Assuming she has such a capability, what will you do? Will you bring Karuizawa-san into our group too?

Kiyo: I wonder about that.

So it was a possibility... As long as it is useful to reach the A-Class I have no complaints...

I took out my phone to check what time it is...

Horikita: he is late again...

We had planned to meet me, Ayanakoji, and Fukazawa this morning to talk about the exam... but he still had not arrived...

Horikita: Sighs... this guy

Kiyo: Horikita

I raised my gaze to look at Ayanakoji and noticed that he was pointing toward the entrance of the cafe...I then looked in the direction and noticed that two men who were currently discussing approached us...

Horikita: Fukazawa and Ryuuen???

Ryuuen:Yo, you two. Are you having a little date in the shade?

He wasn't with Ibuki today, but rather, approaching us with a creepy smile on his face.

Horikita:You're pretty free yourself, even if you corner me like this, there's nothing you stand to gain. And more importantly, why are you with Fukazawa-kun!

Ryuuen: Oh Kukuku, we just hang out. A problem with that?

I looked directly at Fukazawa to have an explanation...he was not serious???

Yato: Sighs...

He sits on the chair next to Ayanakoji in front of me and said...

Yato: He's been following me since this morning... Yawns... ehhh it's way too early for all this...

Ryuuen: Kuku, To return to our conversation Suzune. Have you decided to try and search the target?

And again Ryuuen sits down on a chair nearby without permission. Fukazawa had arrived but now we have an unwanted guest...

Yato Pov:

Yato: He's been following me since this morning... Yawns... ehhh it's way too early for all this...

He started to follow me from my room to here...Sighs...

Ryuuen: Kuku, To return to our conversation Suzune. Have you decided to try and search the target?

He calls her Suzune huh? He really has a talent for provoking people haha... but anyway I was curious Horikita will handle this conversation with Ryuuen. Kiyo will say anything so as not to be suspected by Ryuuen to be the mastermind...

Horikita:Whatever my plans are, I'm not telling you.

Ryuuen:That's a shame, I thought to discuss it with you. But it looks like you haven't made any progress with your search yet.

Horikita:That's interesting, are you saying you know who is the target then?

No Horikita... you just got into his game... he probably wanted her to ask him this question...

Ryuuen:I've already discovered who the target is, would you believe me if I said that?

Horikita:No I don't. You're not someone like Ichinose-san orKatsuragi-kun with allies on your side. You only have enemies. Nobody would gather that sort of information for you.

Well, You don't need to be friendly with everyone to gain some information... you just have to force them to give it to you...

Ryuuen:That's not true. Indeed, I'm not in the 'making friends club like them. But making friends and gathering information are two completely different things.

Exactly what I thought...He spoke to Horikita with an attitude almost resembling a teacher being disappointed in their student for not getting the right answer.

Ryuuen:Unfortunately, I've already dipped my hands into this exam. Depending on the circumstances, C-Class will have the win.

Hmm does he on the same lead as me with my theory about the choice of the VIP by the school?... Yes... knowing him from what I saw, it is very likely that he had come to the same conclusion as me...

Ryuuen:It's very simple, you just have to find the target is all. Disassemble the structure of the group and analyze it until you find the answer.

But he tells all this to Horikita? no in fact it's simple... it's about his character... he just found his new toy...

Horikita: Indeed, anyone would've thought that. But will they answer honestly? Since the school guarantees anonymity, one can just remain silent and gain 500,000 points that way.

Ryuuen just answers calmly in response to Horikita'sdoubt.

Ryuuen:I just have to make sure it's a situation where they would answer honestly without lies.

Horkita:A situation to make them answer honestly without lies?

She was obviously confused by his words...

Ryuuen:Since I had all the contacts of my classmates, I can simply ask them one by one without the school ever knowing.

Horikita:Are you insane? This is prohibited by the school. If discovered, you'd be expelled

Ryuuen:It's not a problem. I'm standing here right now because it's not a problem. You understand the meaning of that right?

I totally agreed with him. Even if the school prohibited it, it's okay as long that they do not find out. It's up to you to make sure they don't notice it... but it just proved to me the type of strategies that Ryuuen uses... Ryuuen rules over the C-Class by force and fear... this did not surprise me at all because I already heard stories concerning Ryuuen the delinquent in middle school...

Ryuuen:It seems like you finally understand the situation.

Horikita: ...Yes. But if you already know the answer, shouldn't you have already mailed it over to the school?

Ryuuen:Maybe I'm just fooling around.

Horikita:You don't know when someone else will arrive at the right answer, you shouldn't be so off-guard if so.

Yato: ...

Ryuuen: I'm on the right track to find all the targets.

Horikita: Ryuuen-kun, by the way, can I ask you something? Yesterday the Monkey group's exam ended. What do you think about that?

Ryuuen:Nothing, in particular, I don't care about what the weaklings are doing.

Ryuuen then turned towards me and Kiyo and ask...

Ryuuen: None of you want to talk?

Yato: Arhhhhh I'm tired... Hey, can you go buy me a coffee?

Ryuuen: Kuku yeah sure no problem. Wait here I come back.

I did well fooling around because he lost interest in us... Kiyo didn't need to say anything which was a good thing...Ryuuen simply get up from his seat and left the cafe...

Yato: Hoi my coffee...

Horikita was about to say something but I stopped her by putting my finger on her lips to prevent her from speaking. I noticed that Kiyo already knew why I did this and he pointed below the chair that Ryuuen was sitting. He had left his phone behind him so that he could listen to the rest of our conversation. Horikita immediately understood the situation even if she seemed angry at me...

She took out her phone and sent a message to Kiyo who was next to me and he show me her message...

[Horikita: If that phone is indeed his, better not to talk carelessly. Oh, and I will remember what you did Fukazawa!

Fuck... last time she said that I end up being the leader for the desert island exam...

Kiyo:Do you think what Ryuuen said was true, Horikita-san? What he said about pinning down the targets from every class.

Horikita looked at Kiyo in surprise for a moment but then she quickly understood the meaning behind his words. This situation was a good thing the make Ryuuen believe that Kiyo was not the mastermind...

Horikita:I wonder. I can't say for sure with 100% certainty, there's not much time for this exam after all.

Kiyo:You have it rough too.

Horikita:I'm going to work you to the bone, we also need to find the targets as quickly as possible.

Kiyo:Easier said than done, there's no way I can do that.

Horikita:I'm not expecting much from you too, but I just wanted information on the Rabbit group from you.

By having this conversation, Kiyo was able to highlight Horikita's talent and...his own incompetence??? but hay, if that's what he wants...

Horikita: And for you Fukazawa-kun! I want you to participate more in the group discussion. You might be one of the best students academically in our class but that doesn't give you the right to do anything.

Yato: Yes sorry Oka-san...

Horkita: And most importantly stop fooling around!

Yato: Yes sorry Horikita-sama...

Horkita: Sighs...in short if you have any new information that can be useful to me, tell me immediately.

Horikita just stands up and exits the cafe without saying anything more. Me and Kiyo did the same and when we were outside the cafe Kiyo started to speak...

Kiyo: Would you have two minutes Yato?

Ehh that surprised me. He was the first one to call me Yato since I have been in this school...

Yato: What is it?

He checked that no one was around before telling me what he wanted to ask to me

Kiyo: I would like information on Karuizawa?

On Karuizawa??? Why??? Oh yeah, she is in his group in this exam...but why did he ask that to me?

Yato: O...kay? Why are you asking me this? You should know that happen between me and Karuizawa.

During the last exam, I slap Karuizawa because she was verbally attacked Sakura and Kiyo...

Kiyo: Oh it's true that you're not on good terms with her since you have been caught with her underwear her your bag.

Yato: HAHAHA hoi teme you have a good sense of humor! Because of WHO do you think that happen HAHAHA.

Kiyo: ...

He looked at me and still had the same expression on his face... this guy...

Yato: Sighs... there might be something I can tell about her.

Kiyo: I'm listening to you.

Yato: When I slap Karuizawa, her personality has changed dramatically. A few seconds earlier she was acting like a big shot and like she was superior but after that, she looked at me in fear... no more like she was traumatized... it can be nothing but we never know.

Kiyo: I see it may turn out useful.

Yato: Hmmm?

Kiyo looked at me intrigued...

Kiyo: What?

Yato: Naaah nothing I was just wondering what you have in mind. Anyway, See ya I will go back to sleep before the first meeting of the day.

Kiyo: Ok call me if you have something new.

Yato: Yeah Yeah, same goes for you.

I decide to just go back to my room for the rest of the time before the meeting...

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Time Skip End of the first meeting

Yato Pov:

The first group discussion of the day was about to end. There had been no advancement in the talk... The member who participated the most was Kushida, Hirata, and Kanzaki with the rest of the student from the B-Class... The A-Class was following Katsuragi order and the same goes for the C-Class who were following Ryuuen order...

I was intrigued by what Ryuuen was going to do when he was going to have all the names of the VIPs... With the discussion from this morning, when he came to talk with Horikita in the cafe, that confirmed to me one thing... Kushida most likely told Ryuuen that she was the VIP. Theoretically, each class had 3 VIPs, so with the three from his class more Kushida, he knows the name of four VIPs. He must have understood how the school choose the VIP in each group just like me. He must just miss the list of the members of each group so that he can have all the VIPs of the exam. With all his class that works for him, he should have them by the end of the exam...

When I was thinking about all this. The main person concerned decides to speak to the whole group...

Ryuuen: Listen, I have an interesting proposal for this group!

He immediately caught everyone's attention.

Ryuuen: The one currently at the top is the A-Class. All of the other classes at the bottom have to fight against each other while the A-Class just enjoys seeing us struggle without even worrying about losing their place at the top.

Katsuragi: What is your point Ryuuen?

Of course the first one the answer was Katsuragi. He was the main one concerned by the words of Ryuuen...

Ryuuen: Kukuku, what I said is quite simple. And the way that you, A-Class, act during this exam is proof that I'm right!

Katsuragi: ...

Katsuragi remained silent after that. He knew very well that Ryuuen was right and he didn't want to admit it... also if he continued to speak he could reveal some info to Ryuuen. Kastruragi was not an idiot... he will not fall into Ryuuen provocations...

Ryuuen: Your method is logical for the A-Class but there's a major weakness in your strategy.

He then wore his smile and said...

Ryuuen: Your class will never know the identity of the targets cause you not searching for them and you will end up last!

Katsuragi: Only if you can find them. If I give no information you will get nowhere.

Ryuuen: Kuku and this is your other mistake Katsuragi. I start to understand how this exam works! With one order from me, and the C-Class will be the winner of this exam and your class at the bottom.

Katsuragi: This is getting nowhere. I'm going now

Katsuragi and the three other students from the A-class leave the room. The time allowed for the discussion just ended... What should I do?

Ryuuen: Run away like the coward you are Katsuragi! Now for the others, that's what I wanted to talk about with you.

Horikita remained seated... I'm going to stay a bit to see what Ryuuen planning with all this...

Ryuuen: Oh? You are in no hurry to leave today?

This question was addressed to me...indeed because the majority of people had already left... the only person left was me, Horikita, Kushida, Kanzaki and the classmates of Ryuuen...usually I was the first the go out of the room...

Yato: Well I must say I'm curious about something... If you are close to having the answer to this exam... why tell us all this?

Horikita: Does not play his game Fukazawa-kun. All he says is some bluff.

No Horikita... Don't worry I know what I'm doing... Horikita's response seemed to have amused Ryuuen...

Ryuuen: Kuku Suzune...Suzune you still haven't understood anything yet. Anyway, Fukazawa the thing is, I have an offer for the D-Class and the B-Class. My target in this exam is the A-Class. So why not join forces of our three classes to destroy them.

Kanzaki: You are not serious Ryuuen?

The first person to react to Ryuuen's offer was Kanzaki. Kushida just stood up and left the room and Horikita just sighed at Ryuuen's proposal...

So that his goal Huh...He wants to destroy the A-Class during this test. Horikita will never accept that and this is the right thing to do.

Then suddenly the door opened and two-person entered the room. It was Ichinose and Kiyo... Yesterday Kiyo text me to tell me that Ichinose had been sent to his group to spy on him... I don't know how he got this info but he has already started to stand out...

Ryuuen:Yo. Did you come all the way here for some reconnaissance? Don't be shy, have a seat.

I got up and start to walk toward the exit...

Ryuuen: You leaving already? And your thought about my proposal?

I stopped next to Kiyo and Ichinose and turned to Ryuuen

Yato: Well I don't care... you should ask this question to Horikita instead.

He doesn't seem disappointed with my answer... no ... he just stood up and look at me in the eye from his position with a serious look...

Ryuuen: So in the end you would be just a dog under the orders of his master.

Ichinose: Ryuuen-kun don't say some...

Yato: HAHAHAHAHA

I interrupt Ichinose who was defending me at the provocation of Ryuuen. I then look at him with the same serious look that he looks at me and...

Yato: It would be lame, right Ryuuen.

Then I left without saying anything more waiting for his answer... well I still heard his Kuku laugh but nothing more...

Yato: Well I'm going to go eat somewhere...

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I had just arrived where was the majority of restaurants on the cruise ship. and the place was already crowded with a lot of people. This is why I quit as soon as the time allowed for the discussion was over, I wanted to avoid this kind of situation...

Yato: Sighs...

Then suddenly I heard a voice that I recognize next to me...

???: HUH? You can't come too, Shinohara? But I was already here... Oh, I see, well it's okay then. Bye!

She ended the call and closed her phone...

???: Sighs... what should I do then...

She raised her gaze and finally noticed my presence...the thing that surprised me was that she seemed reassured?

???: AH Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Yo Karuizawa.

I had not seen her since the last time on the island... I had talked to her but it was over the phone when Hirata called me for I explain what happen with the underwear incident...

Yato: Well anyway see ya.

By having nothing to tell her, I start to walk away toward the closest restaurant...I went into the restaurant and then sit down at one of the free tables... but the thing weird is she followed me here...

Yato: Ehh can I help you?

Karuizawa: By any chance would you be alone for dinner?

Yato: Yes... I'm not waiting for anyone why?

Karuizawa: Oh, so do you think I can join you?

What does she want from me? Yesterday it was Matsushita and now is Karuizawa who ask to join me... Kiyo had just asked me for some info on her... I could accept...

Yato: Well I don't mind, do as you like.

Karuizawa: Thank you Fukazawa-kun.

She sat down in front of me... We both order what we want but after that, there was a silence. My first thought on this was that was a plan of Hirata to make sure that we settle the story of the underwear... but finally, I don't think that's the case... during her conversation on the phone, I could understand that none of her friends could come here... then after that, when she saw me she seemed reassured...even if we don't know each other...

Yato: Karuizawa, Can I know why you wanted to join me for dinner?

Karuizawa: Ah well... there was something I wanted to ask you...

Yato: Hm yeah sure tell me.

Karuizawa: What will you do if some weak people ask for help from you, Fukazawa-kun?

Help someone huh?... but the most important thing, what does she means by 'weak'?

Yato: Well I don't know...it depends on several things but the main thing would be my mood to help someone...I guess

By hearing my answer Karuizawa stand up and put her two hands on the table and look at me in the eye and said.

Karuizawa: Would you be in the mood soon?

Ahhh I see. Now the meaning of this dinner becomes obvious...

Yato: Sighs... Why do you want my help, Karuizawa?

Her expression changed when she heard that...

Karuizawa: Eh well... No I don't know what you're talking about!

Yato: Ehh is that so... So you can go then.

She was really stubborn... but why did she want my help absolutely? Hirata is her boyfriend she must go see him if she had a problem... after a moment while she seems to think she sits down again...

Karuizawa: Sorry... Well... It's like you said... I would need your help.

Wow... what a surprise...

Yato: Ohh I see, Well I can listen to your request after eating...

Karuizawa: Thank you soo much Fukazawa-kun!

There was another moment after that... but this time she started staring at me...

Yato: What?

Karuizawa: Well I was wondering how can you be soo smart?

Yato: Huh?

Karuizawa: You always have the best grades in our class and earlier you immediately knew that I wanted to ask you something. It's quite impressive! How do you do?

Yato: Well for the grades it's probably because of my mother. She was a brilliant teacher in a university renowned. From a young age, she taught me a lot of stuff much more advanced than the subject taught at a kid of my age. I had certain ease that's all.

Karuizawa: Hmm she was? a teacher?

What a fool I am

Yato: Yes she stopped to take care of us. My father had offered to her to take her retirement earlier because he was able to support us financially.

Karuizawa: Oh I see, what job does your dad do?

Why so many questions...

Yato: My father is a chief inspector, he was clearly not the best teacher between him and my mom for my study haha. But he teaches me to have a good physique for sports and all...

Karuizawa: Wow you really have an impressive family

An impressive family huh... Well at first...I never thought it was special...

Flashback

9 years ago

3rd Pers. Pov

In a traditional Japanese-style house, a family of 4 lived there. Both of the parents can be called geniuses in their metier. They were both recognized for their respective accomplishments. These two-person were Fukazawa Yukichi, a chief inspector, he is a tall man who almost always has a stern expression on his face, long silver hair, which ends just above his shoulder, and metallic blue eyes.

And Okamoto Hina, a teacher in a university, is a beautiful woman with long dark gray hair and blue eyes

This couple had two children, two boys to be exact. The eldest was called Fuakzawa Yato who was aged 7 years old and the cadet was called Fukazawa Touma aged 6 years old. The two brothers were just a year apart because, in reality, Yato had been adopted by this couple. Yato knew it because he was aged 4 years when this couple adopted him. Despite that, Yato always considered them as his family. He did never ask any questions and was not interested in his biological parents. The memories he had of them were really vague anyway...

During an afternoon, Hina was teaching his son Yato.

Yato: Hummm... 47! The answer is 47!

Hina: Wow! It's is indeed the correct answer.

Hina was visibly amazed that his son could find the correct answer to this math problem... After all, this problem was intended for children aged 14 years and over. When Yato saw his mother's reaction he couldn't help but be proud of himself even if he doesn't understand the achievement that he just achieved by solving this problem at his age.

Seeing the results of her son, she couldn't help but think that he was going to be able to learn a lot more than other children of his age. She saw in him a huge potential. Being herself a teacher she could easily see if a person was naturally gifted in studies or not.

They continued to do exercises and Yato was learning with an incredible speed the subject that her mother taught him. Again, material that was not intended for a child of his age.

Suddenly Yukichi came into the room where Hina and Yato were. She could not contain her joy and informed her husband about the fact that Yato and an incredible ease in study.

Hina: Look Yukichi!

She took her son's exercise book then showed it to her husband.

Hina: These math exercises are way more complicated than those usually given to someone of his age. He had able to answer and understand all those I give it to him, he seriously a ... gen..ius...

Hina stutters when she said the word genius as if she had just realized something. Yukichi takes the book and begins to look at his son's work with a serious air. The change of atmosphere was noticed by Yato. A moment before his mother was proud of him and now she seemed worried.

Yukichi closed the book and approached his son. He bent down to be at the same height as his son to be able to look him in the eye. He then starts to pat his head with a smile to be able to reassure his son.

Yukichi: That's some good job you did here Yato. You have a lot of potentials. Know that I would encourage you to surpass yourself if you want to.

By hearing those words from his father, Yato had his smile again on his face. Proud to hear those words from his father. It was meaning a lot for him because he admired his father.

Yakichi: But let me tell you something Yato. If you don't want to put extra effort into this, don't do it. Me and your Mom don't want you to force yourself to do something just because you're good at it. No need to achieve excellence... Whatever your choices, know that I will support you.

When his father said those words at this moment, Yato did not understand what his father meant by that. He will understand them way later...

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Present time

Yato Pov:

Karuizawa: Ehhh Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Huh? Oh sorry, sorry I was lost in my thought.

Sighs... this discussion made me recall some memories... that I might have wanted to forget...

Yato: Well anyway, you? How is your family and was your life before coming here?

I wanted to take the opportunity to collect some information on her, so I asked this question. But her reaction was not the one I expected... she seems a bit uncomfortable answering my question... but she regain her usual attitude and answer me.

Karuizawa: Eh me? Well, you can say that my school life was normal and average like everyone. The same goes for my family hehe!

This laugh was obviously fake... she is hiding something... well anyway... I'm not going to ask more questions about it, it's going to be counterproductive...

15 minutes later. we have both finished eating our dinner and Karuizawa was bout to ask me why she want my help but.

RING RING! RING!

My phone starts to ring. I take it out of my pocket and see the person who was calling.

Yato: Hey Karuizawa I need to take this call,Is it okay if I listen to your request later?

Karuizawa: What but you told me that...

I interrupt her...

Yato: I know but look, I swear to listen to you later and maybe even help you, okay?

She seems to think about it for a few seconds then...

Karuizawa: Okay but remember you promise me!

Yato: Yeah sure, see you later!

I left the restaurant and call the person who just called me because I had missed the call.

Yato: Hey you called me?

[???: Yes, can we meet now?

Yato: Yes sure. Where?

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter, I hope you liked it! The next chapter will surely come out this Friday. Anyway thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 4: Scheme

Chapter 4

Yato Pov:

[???] Can we meet now?

Yato: Yeah sure, Where?

[???: At the theater at the back of the boat. I'm waiting for you there.

Yato: I'm there in 5 minutes.

I hung up the call and put back my phone in my pocket. I had just come out of the restaurant where that I had eaten with Karuizawa. I was not too far from the theater, so it wasn't going to take too long to get there.

It has been a while since I talk to the person who just called me... I was wondering why she wanted to meet me now.

After having walked to the theater. I saw the person I was coming to see a little further. I immediately recognized her because of her long purple hair...

Yato: Yo Kamuro, it's been a while!

Hearing the sound of my voice she turned around to face me.

Kamuro: Hey, yes the last time we saw each other was during the incident between your class and the C-Class...

Yato: Yeah with all the special exams of the school this makes communication between students in others classes more difficult I guess. Anyway, how you and Hashimoto doing?

Kamuro: We are all good...

Her answer... in fact not just her cold answer... her attitude is not as usual... Well, now I think I know the reason behind this...

Yato: You're mad at me Kamuro?

My questions seemed to have surprised her... not only my question but the fact that I asked this question with a smirk on my face probably...

Kamuro: Huh? Well... I want to know something...

Yato: I'm listening to you

After a few seconds that she seemed to think about the words that she was going to say...

Kamuro: It's you who made the contract with Katsuragi right?

This is indeed what I thought on why she was not in the best mood... she wanted to know if it was me who made the contract with her class... After all, she needs to give me 15k per month...

Yato: Eh what's made you think that?

I did not try to hide this at all... No, I just wanted to see why she think it was me...

Kamuro: Well, it's not me who thought about it first. It was Hashimoto... He told me that he warned you about the trap that Katsuragi had set up... So we think that you took advantage of it...

Yato: We huh...

Yato: I will not lie to you Kamuro. Yes, I did take advantage of it. Does that bother you? I could still go see Katsuragi and ask him to change the contract and make sure that you're the only one who doesn't have to give me 15k of your points per month. Buuuut...

In reality, I don't really care if she is the only one in her class who doesn't give me the 15k points anymore. But I decided to tease her...

Yato: You know... If Katsuragi knows that you are the only one who doesn't have to give me some of your points... I really wonder what he going to think about this...

Her facial expression changed when she heard that...

Kamuro: What! No no no no everything except that!

Ouch... she just hurt my pride... but...

Kamuro: I... just wanted to make sure it was you... that's all...

Yato: So your not mad at me for this contract?

Kamruo: No. It is a contract that I will respect like the rest of my class. In reality, it annoys me less to know that it is you...

Yato: Hahaha I see, I see... Well anyway, that's was not for that you called me here, right?

As if she had just remembered something... she take out her phone and look around to be sure that there are no one nearby and said...

Kamuro: I know the identity of one VIP from my class and...

Yato: Hoi wait wait wait...

A minute ago she was saying that she is going to respect the contract I made with her class and now she give me the name of one of their VIP... so she will lose privates points and now she wants to give me an answer who will make them lose Class points??? Ah... I understand why...

Yato: Kamuro...

I then took a serious expression and look directly into the eyes of Kamuro...

Yato: I want you to tell Sakayanagi that she can't use me as she wants. If she wants to destroy Katsuragi... that she does herself and not by thinking to be able to use me as good she wants!

Kamuro didn't know what to say... she probably didn't expect me to see clearly in the plan of Sakayanagi... The first time was Hashimoto who told me about the trap that Katsuragi made and now Kamuro who want to tell me the name of the A-Class VIP so I can destroy their class in this exam... This little girl...

Yato: Why you don't answer? I'm wrong that it was Sakayanagi order?

Kamuro: ... Yes... She orders me to give you this name.

Yato: Ohh I see... Well go, tell me the name then.

Kamuro: HuH? but I thought that you didn't want to...

Yato: Hahaha! I said that I don't plan to be used by her... but I won't say no to a free answer.

She doesn't seem to understand what I was trying to say here... She just take out her phone and give it to me... there was the complete list of her group with the name of the VIP...

Pig Group

A-Class:Kamuro Masumi,Ikkei Shimazaki, Totsuka Yahiko(VIP)

B-Class:Amikura Mako,Shibata So, Tokito Katsumi

C-Class: Yoshimoto Kosetsu, Kondo Reo, Yamada Albert, Komiya Kyogo

D-Class: Miyake Akito,Mori Nene,Onodera Kayano, Hondou Rytaro

I see... So this Yahiko guy is the VIP huh... By having remembered all the names and I gave back the phone to Kamuro... besides having obtained confirmation that my theory is correct with how the school chose the VIP... I also made up my mind about what I was going to do for this exam...

Yato: Thanks for this Kamuro

Kamuro: You not angry by the fact I was going to do the order made by Sakayanagi?

Yato: HAHAHA of course not. You follow your leader's orders and it's normal... and after all, we can say that we are even with the contract I made with your class, right?

She seemed happy to hear that...I then started to leave and said one last thing...

Yato: Oh and don't forget to report what I said to Sakayanagi!

Kamuro: Yes, I will. Bye Fukazawa-kun.

I then start heading to my room to rest before the second meeting...

Yato: Sakayanagi huh...

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Time skip

Yato Pov:

It was now 7h45 p.m and for once, I arrived early in the dragon group room. There were just me and Hirata from our class and the people from B-Class in the room. Hirata was talking to them while I was sitting at my usual place, away from the group. And suddenly...

RING!

It was a notification sound from my sound.

Yato: Eh maybe it's Kiyo who found something...

I took my phone out of my pocket and noticed that the message was sent by an unknown number... I opened it and start reading it...

[Karuizawa: Hello Fukazawa-kun, It's Karuizawa. I got your number from Hirata-kun, I hope you don't mind.

I lift my gaze to look at Hirata who was currently chatting with the people from B-Class... there was something that bothered me for some time already but I decided not to think about it for the moment...

[Yato: Don't worry about it. In fact, it's a good thing because I wanted to know where do you want us to meet after this meeting.

Not even a few seconds later I received an answer from Karuizawa... She is really in hurry... Have I underestimated her problem?

[Karuizawa: Atthe entrance to the emergency stairs of my floor, it's that okay?

[Yato: Yes, I will meet you there then.

I close my phone and put it back in my pocket. The other members of this group started to arrive and the meeting ended up starting...

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The meeting just ended and I was the first one to excite the room. I noticed that Kushida tried to follow me to finally be able to have a talk alone with me about what happened during the last exam. She is really persistent... But I just increase my pace and I just sneak in the crowd of people... She must have lost sight of me with all the people here...

I saw that everyone heading for the elevator. So I just decided to just use the emergency stairs to go downstairs on the floor where I had to join Karuizawa.

I opened the door and get in. When the door closed behind me, I immediately noticed how much that there were no sounds here... all the noise of people in the hallways was practically non-existent...

RING! RING! RING!

I take out my phone and saw that it was Karuizawa who was calling me... I then answered the call ...

[Karuizawa): Fukazawa-kun! I'll be there soon. Are you... Hey, what are you doing?

I could hear another voice beside Karuizawa...

[???: Just shut up!

BIP... BIP...BIP...

She hung up... the others voice came from a girl... but I didn't recognize the voice...

CLACK!

I just heard the door from the floor below. I then start to descend the steps while being discreet so as not to be noticed. Then I saw Karuizawa with three other girls that I had never seen before...

Karuizawa:Hey, what're you doing bringing me to a place like this?

???:Don't play dumb with us, you pushed Rika right?

Karuizawa: W- Why are you accusing me? I told you you've got the wrong person, didn't I?

The three girls then closed in on Karuizawa and drove her back to the wall as if to prevent her from escaping. I now understood why she wanted my help...But even in a situation like that, she continues to deny the accusations without apologizing. It really wouldn't be her who push her friend? I can't be sure with her usual behavior... she could very well have done it...

Anyway, I going to wait and see what happens next... I take out my phone and start recording the scene...

Karuizawa:I have to meet someone now, would you mind moving aside?

???:Then let me confirm it now. I'm going to call Rika now. If it's really not you, then I'll forgive you.

Karuizawa: I don't know what you're talking about, I'll just call the teachers then.

???:What are you going to tell the teachers? It's not like we're using violence on you right now. If you tell them, we could also tell them you pushed Rika and make it a problem for you too.

Karuizawa tried to escape but they grabbed Karuizawa's arms and pushed her back towards the wall.One of the girls then began using her phone to probably contact the girl named Rika.

Karuizawa:W-wait a minute.

Karuizawa tried to stop them from making the call.

???: Why should we wait?

Karuizawa: I just remembered. I accidentally bumped into that girl!

???:You filthy liar, you remembered her from the start didn't you? I don't care either way, but you're going to apologize to Rita?

Karuizawa: No. She's the one in the wrong. She's an airheaded girl.

Wow, she is really stubborn. She really doesn't want to apologize to this girl named Rika in any way. This might be the easiest solution for her to make these girls leave her alone. If she apologizes they would have no reason to continue harassing Karuizawa... And if they continue they will be the only ones in wrong and the only ones that will be punished by the school... So why be so stubborn... some pride?

???: She's really pissing me off. I was even thinking about forgiving her for her actions earlier if she apologized to Rika. Never mind, I'm not forgiving her now.

Exactly you just make them hate you more Karuizawa...And with that, she pushed Karuizawa's shoulder with the palm of her hand.

Girl 2: Did you really mean to forgive her at first?

The girl who said that was saying this to the girl who look to be their 'leader'...

Girl 2:Shiho-chan, I can't hold back anymore. I really won't forgive Karuizawa now.

Shino:I know right? I'm sure Rika shares the same feelings as you. Let's seriously bully her.

This time, with more force, she hit Karuizawa's shoulder with her palm again. When I was filming the scene and thinking about what I should do... I noticed that the door behind them was open a little...

Yato:I am not the only one to witness this...

But I'm going to still let them continue this bulling... because allowing them to use violence to their heart's content right now will serve as a deterrent for them in the future. And depending on the degree of violence, I might even be able to threaten them by reporting this incident to the school.

Karuizawa:Ha...haaa.

Karuizawa seemed to be having trouble breathing. Or perhaps she seems to be in pain. The other thing I noticed was her gaze. It was the same one when I slap her last time on the island.

Then she grabbed her head with both hands.

But the sight of her suffering, instead of evoking empathy, brought forth more anger from the other girls.

Shino: Even if you act all feminine like that I won't forgive you anymore.

She then grabbed Karuizawa's hair and forcefully raised her head.

Shino:I always hated your face, don't you think she really ugly?

Girl: You're so right! Let's bully her even more for Rika!

Karuizawa: S-S-Stop...

I will not have the choice but to intervene now...

Shino:S-stop, she's saying. What happened to that determination you had a while ago?

As she was about to raise her hand to slap Karuizawa, I come behind her and grabbed her wrist, and pushed her towards the wall behind her...

Shino: Ouch... that's hurt

The three girls were visibly surprised to see that there was someone here... The two other girls take a step back instinctively... But that was not the only thing that surprised them... just after that the door behind us open and Yukimura enter the room with Kiyo behind him. So it was Kiyo and Yukimura who witness everything huh...

Yukimura:What are you doing?

Shino:W-w-w-w-what? I was just talking with Karuizawa-san, right?

This Shino girl just looked at Karuizawa with a threatening expression as if daring her to say a word, but Karuizawa isn't the sort of person to be intimidated by just that.

Karuizawa: Hey Yukimura-kun, do something. They abducted me violently out of the blue and started pushing me around. They're the worst right? They were annoying so I told them to leave me alone but.

Normally Karuizawa would never care about Yukimura, but now she would ask for help from anyone now... But Class C seemed to be hatefully glaring at Yukimura.

Shino: I'm just helping Rika with her Karuizawa problem. Since you came here you must have also heard the story right.

Yukimura: I think you should let it go. If they just accidentally bumped into each other, it's not like Karuizawa's at fault you know.

Shino:You shut up. This has nothing to do with you.

Yukimura: ...

Seriously... Come on Yukimura...Karuizawa then started to look at Yukimura as if looking at a pathetic man

Yato: Sighs...

Karuizawa then get up and come closer to me and grabbed my arm and said...

Karuizawa: Fukazawa-kun! Please help me! Manabe and those girls try to harass me!

Manabe? Before I could say anything the girl that I pushed back look at me for the first time...

Manabe: F-Fukazawa-kun??? W-What are you doing here? Did you see what happened?

Manabe... I'm sure that I heard her name before... Yes, it was during the exam on the island. It was when we came to see the camp of the C-Class. Nishino came to see me because this Manabe was talking about me...

Yato: Why I'm here? Well, I just get lost so I don't know what happen here but maybe the best thing would be to stop everything now to avoid problems, right?

I decided to stop this situation as soon as possible...

Manabe: YES... Yes, you're right Fukazwa-kun! We are leaving now.

The three girls left the room and Karuizawa fell back on her knees probably because of all this stress she had been...

Yukimura:Are you ok?

Karuizawa:Leave me alone!

Karuizawa quickly slapped Yukimura's hand away as he moved in to help her.

Yukimura:What the hell? I came to help you because I was worried.

Karuizawa:Shut up! Nobody asked you to do it

She then gets up and grabbed my wrist and start to walk away

Karuizawa: Let's go Fukazawa-kun!

Before that she drags me with her I take a look at Kiyo... I saw him put his phone back in his pocket...

Yato: then he had also filmed the incident...

He then looked me in the eye and I immediately understood what he wanted...

And then I was dragged by Karuizawa and she was walking really fast... she was going in a direction quite far from where we were... there was nothing in this part of the boat...

Yato: Karuizawa...

She did not answer me and continued to walk while holding my wrist...

Yato: Karuizawa...

And finally, she started to slow down her pace and she the release my wrist and fall on her knees again... I take a look around and saw that they were no one around... I then hear that she had begun to cry again...

Yato: Sighs... I don't think I'm the best person for that...

I bend down to be at the same height as her and start patting her shoulder, To help her calm down a bit from all her emotions...

Yato: So Karuizawa, what do you expect from me?

Karuizawa: HUH? You idiot are what! You can't see that...

She started to get angry at me and turn her head to face me but... she didn't finish her sentence... Why? Because of my expression right now... I had a cold look when I was looking at her. That's was not a look from someone who sympathized with her... She didn't say anything because she knew that I could very well leave here without helping her...

She starts to take deep breathes to regain her calm... And after she start to explain why she wanted my help...

Karuizawa: So it's about those girls from earlier... Since the beggings of this test, they harassed me... and today was the worst and it will continue. So Fukazawa-kun can...

I decided to interrupt her... there was a problem with her explanation... there is something that I have doubt about for a while now...

Yato: Wait Karuizawa. First, what does Hirtata think of all this? Did you talk with him about this?

Karuizawa: Hirata is not good enough for this!

Yato: That's not answering my question. Did you talk to Hirata about this? If yes what was his answer?

Karuizawa: No I didn't tell him about this... he is too nice...

Yato: It's perfect, no? That's your boyfriend, if he is kind he will help you for sure, it's the normal thing to do.

Karuizawa: You don't understand anything! He is way too kind, he is friends with everyone, even my enemies!

No, I understand perfectly what you mean. I was just trying to make you admit something but it didn't work... I had a doubt about the couple of Karuizawa and Hirata. I find their relationship strange for a so-called couple... to the point that their couple could be fake. But she just didn't want to admit to me...or I'm just wrong?

Karuizawa: So Fukazawa-kun, I need your help, please!

Yato: Hahahahaha

I started to laugh... she look at me puzzled and a bit angry that I laugh at this moment... she was about to say something but I speak before she could...

Yato: Hey Karuizawa. why should I help you? After all, I still didn't forgive you for what you did to me on the island!

Karuizawa: B-Bit I already said I'm sorry! I swear!

Yato: I don't know... After all, this is weird, no? Why would someone like you need my help? You are the girlfriend of Hirata and someone with great popularity. You shouldn't be scared of those girls, right?

She seems to think about something for a few seconds and said...

Karuizawa: B-But this time I would really need your help!

She really doesn't want to admit anything huh...

Yato: Sighs... Okay, Okay... But first I want you to go ask for help from Hirata. He is your boyfriend after all, right? And IF he really couldn't help you, I will... Happy with that?

Karuizawa: Yes... I will talk to him tonight. But I tell you already, he won't be able to do anything about it.

Yes... I know... That's not for he can help you that I ask you to go ask him first...

Yato: Great, anyway are you okay to go back to your room alone, or do you want me to accompany you?

Karuizawa: N-No I'm okay now... my room is close to here. Anyway bye Fukazawa-kun, I call you tomorrow.

She then left towards her room... when she was far enough I take out my phone from my pocket and...

Yato: You heard everything Kiyo?

From the beginning, I was on a call with Kiyo so that he could listen to the conversation. I called him when we left with Karuizawa earlier...

[Kiyo: Yeah, it's just bad that you didn't manage to make her talk more

Yato: Yeah I tried but she didn't want to tell me anything. She probably didn't trust me enough for that... But anyway, I sent her to see Hirata. You just have to see with Hirata to know more about this. You are in his room it shouldn't be too complicated, right?

[Kiyo: I shouldn't have any problem. I would like if you could take care of those girls...

Yato: Manabe and the others huh. Yeah, I should be able to do it.

[Kiyo: Indeed with the way she reacted to seeing you earlier it should be easy.

Yato: Hoi Urusai... Sighs... anyway your final goal is to break Karuizawa, right?

[Kiyo: Yes, I text you the detail of my plan. Delete it when you memorized it.

Yato: Yeah, yeah anyway I will take care of those girls now, you know where they are?

[Kiyo: I also text you where they are now.

Yato: Great...

I then hung up and received a message from Kiyo who told me where they are... He must have followed them when I leave with Karuizawa... I then read what he planned to do...

Yato: Hahaha what a bastard

I then started to walk toward the place that Kiyo indicated to me...

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3rd person Pov:

It was now 10 p.m and it was dark outside. On a bench outside of the cruise ship, a group of girls was there. One of them was wiping her tears while her friends were trying to confront her.

Yamashita: Don't worry Shino-chan. I'm sure he didn't bad of you!

Manabe: How do you know that?

Still wiping her tears she continues...

Manabe: He saw me bully this bitch! She is his classmate after all. She must have told him the whole story and he would never speak to me again!

She then started to cry again... her two friends got closer and start to pat her shoulder to confront her...

Yabu: Shino-chan...

Manabe: I-I could never talk to him again! You know that I have a crush on him!

She still wiping her tears...

Manabe: But because of this bitch it's over... He will hate me...

Then suddenly they all heard footsteps coming in their direction... Manabe had not heard then because she was crying but her two friends turn around to see a man with red hair walking toward them and they were surprised...

Yamashita: F-Fukazawa-kun?

By hearing the name of Fukzawa Manabe stopped immediately crying and wiped all her tears...

Yato: Oh it's you from earlier! What are you doing here...? Are you okay?

This question was intended for the girl named Manabe who was currently sitting on the bench who had red eyes because she had cried a lot.

Manabe: F-Fukazawa-kun? W-What are you doing here?

Yato: I couldn't sleep so I went out for a walk. Sorry I didn't want to bother you I will go now.

The man started to walk away until Manabe get up and said

Manabe: Wait Fukazawa-kun! There is something I would like to talk about with you... If you can stay, please...

He retraces his steps and said.

Yato: Hm yeah no problem. What's the matter?

Manabe seemed to be afraid to ask her question... but finally she said...

Manabe: Does Karuizawa tell you about the incident that happens earlier?

Yato: Yes...

Manabe: And... do you believe her?

Yato: Well... she is my classmate so of course, I want to believe her... but...

Manabe: But????

Yato: You know... Karuizawa is a bit arrogant. And I am a person who is fair with everyone, so I would like to hear your side of the story Manabe?

Yato smiled at Manabe... She was so happy that Yato wanted to talk to her and to have her point of view on the situation. Manabe starts to explain the incident from the beginning when Karuizawa bumped into their friend Rika up to the emergency stairs...

Yato: I see... So that's what really happens.

Manabe: You believe me?

Yato: Indeed, with the behavior of Karuizawa your story makes totally sense Manabe!

She was soo happy to hear that the man that she have a crush on him believe her instead of her enemy...

Manabe: So what we should do? We can't resort to violence because she is going to report to the school and the other method didn't work to make her apologize... Please help me Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Hmm

Yato seems to think about what Manabe just said and then suddenly he said

Yato: Well yeah I have maybe an idea...

He got closer to Manabe, who make her blush, and start to whisper his plan to make Karuizawa apologize...

Manabe: But it's quite risky, no? We could be excluded from this school.

Yato: Don't worry about that. I will setup everything and make sure to cover you guys! There is no need to worry!

Manabe then grabbed Yato's hand because she was so glad to know that he was going to help them in their plan...

Manabe: Thank you soo much Fukazawa-kun! You can't understand how happy I am.

Yato then grabbed Manabe's hand too who made blush. With a smile on his face, Yato said...

Yato: I'm just glad that makes you happy Manabe! It's getting late, you should go to your room to be ready for tomorrow!

Manabe: Of course Fuka... No... Yato-kun! So I will be waiting for your call tomorrow. Good night Yato-kun!

Yato waves them to say goodbye with a smile on his face.

Yato: Yes good night too!

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Yato Pov:

I still look at them when they were walking away. Just before they go inside the ship I saw Manabe turn around and wave to me, I did the same with the same smile. She seems happy about it and they enter the ship...

Yato: Sighs...

I take away my fake smile and go back to my normal expression...

Yato: This is so stupid...

I approached the railing of the ship and lean on it while watching the ocean at night...

Yato: If Touma would know what I just did he would have punched me in the face for sure...

Yato: Sighs...

I was lost in my thoughts until I hear my phone ringing... I take out my phone and saw it was Matsushita who was calling me...

Yato: Hey Matsushita

[Matsushita: Hello Fukazawa-kun, I'm not bothering you now?

Yato: No, not at all. Why are you calling me?

[Matsushita: I finally found what you asked me. I will send soon a message to you with all the groups with all the names of the people in it.

Yato: Wow already, great job Matsushita.

[Matsushita: And I think I know why you wanted them. Yesterday you said something about the placement, but is it about the order we are in the group that the school choose the VIP, right Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Wow you figured out, so what are you going to do now that you find out this too?

[Matsushita: Like I said I don't want to stand out...

Why wanting to not stand out is so popular...

[Matsushita: I'll let you do as you want as we agreed yesterday. If you need help with something that I can do just ask me.

Yato: Okay. Thanks for your help Matsushita, good night.

[Matsushita: Yes good night Fukazawa-kun.

I hung up after that. A few minutes later I received the message from Matsushita with all the groups of the exam...

Yato: Great... everything start to be set...

I just decided to go back to my room...

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Time skip next morning

Yato Pov:

Yato: Yawns...

I was currently on my way to the room of Karuizawa. She called me early this morning so that we could continue our discussion of yesterday...

Yato: Room 204... Room 204... Ah there she is

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

As soon as I finished knocking the door opened.

Karuizawa: Finally! It was time.

Yato: Ehhhh you just called me like 15 minutes ago.

But more importantly, you were waiting in front of the door or what? She immediately opened the door when I knock... she was really impatient for me to arrive...

Karuizawa: Anyway, come in.

I then went into the room and when I passed by her I immediately noticed something... she had put on some makeup and put some perfume... I already had a good idea of what she was going to ask me... anyway, I decided to just go sit on the couch of their room... I looked at her to go straight to the topic but she was looking at me puzzled...

Yato: Eh ... what's wrong?

Karuizawa: Well, I'm just really surprised how you act so nonchalant while you are in a girl's room...

Yato: Ehh sorry, I guess... I was supposed to be shy?

Karuizawa: Forget it...

Wait. I really don't understand... Oh no... I just had the image of Ike and the others idiots in my head and I immediately understood what she was trying to say... if they go to a girl's room they will be overexcited for sure... but wait, she really compared me to them...

Yato: Sighs... Anyway, where are your roommates?

Karuizawa: They went to lunch.

Yato: Okay great so we will be able to talk without problem... So what does Hirata answer?

I already know the answer but I asked it anyway...

Karuizawa: Just like I told you yesterday. He refuse to help me and he wanted to help both sides.

Yeah, it's not surprising coming from Hirata... Even if Manabe and the others are not his classmates he would not totally take the side of Karuizawa...

Karuizawa: And you know the worst in all this! He even bring with him this creep of Ayanakoji when I said him that I wanted to talk with him in private.

Yato: Ehhh not this creepy Ayanakoji?

Karuizawa: Yes, I was so angry! He came like if he was concerned in all this!

Yato: Hahahahaha

Karuizawa: Huh why are you laughing?

Yato: Sorry, Sorry I just thought of something funny, don't mind me...

Karuizawa: Anyway, as you asked me yesterday. I went to see Hirata and asked him for help and he refuse so...

I interrupted her immediately... before continuing she will have to admit something to me...

Yato: Hmm I can't help but find it weird that Hirata doesn't want to help his girlfriend...it's as if there was no real love in your relationship... like if all this was just some acting...

I looked her string in her eye and said...

Yato: What do you think, Karuizawa?

She lowered her eyes... she clearly understand that I know about their fake relation... I have some doubts yesterday but she didn't want to admit it. but Kiyo confirm it to me this morning... Hirata must have told him last night...

Karuizawa: Well, yes in fact me and Hirata were not in a real relationship.

Yato: Ohh what a surprise haha

I then got up from the couch and walked toward her and looked her straight in the eye and ask...

Yato: So what do you want to ask me finally, Karuziawa?

After taking two deep breaths she said...

Karuizawa: Do you think we can become a couple, please Fukazawa-kun!

I suspected that she was going to ask me that, so I wasn't surprised by this... but this idea of a fake couple is not a bad thing. Karuizawa had a good reputation in the class and that could be useful to me. With that, even my own reputation will increase. It will be able to help me with some problems in the future, as the problem of Kushida... And she will have my protection...

Yato: Why not. I don't mind at all.

Karuizawa: Seriously! Thank you so much Fukazawa-kun!

Don't thank me too quickly...if you know what going to happen to you...

Yato: Well, to settle the problem with Manabe and the others, I will text you later for we can meet when I will have an idea of how to deal with them.

Karuizawa: Great, thank you soo much Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: But first I would have something that I would like that you do for me, okay?

Karuizawa: Huh, yes sure what it is about?

Yato: There is something I would like you to do for me during this exam.

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I left the room after I told Karuizawa what I wanted her to do for me. I started to walk away and took out my phone and call someone... the person answers quickly...

Yato: Yo Kiyo, everything is set.

[Kiyo: Great, meet me in the place I'm going to send you by message in 15 minutes.

Yato: Okay I'll be there.

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter, I hope you liked it! The next chapter will come out next week but I don't know which day, that's could be at the start of the week or around Friday. The next chapter will be the last for volume 4. I really hope that you find my story entertaining and fun to read, I try my best for that.Anyway thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 4: Provocation

Chapter: 5

Yato Pov:

After I left Karuizawa's room and told Kiyo that everything was ready, I started to walk toward the place Kiyo told me to go.I started to descend into the lower levels of the ship where people don't usually go. Although the area was prohibited for students, it was still unlocked to allow the crew access to it.

Yato: he has found the best place for this...

This was the area where the switchboard room is located, although easy to access, is not a popular spot for people to be in at all. So if someoneshouts with a loud voice, no one will hear them, since no one will normally come to such a place.

There are only two entrances and exits to this place including the regular one. The other one was the door for the emergency stairs but it seems like no one usually uses it.

I take out my phone and noticed something...

Yato: No reception here huh...

Everything was perfect for his plan... even to perfect... when I was thinking about all this, I have been surprised by a voice who came from behind me.

Kiyo: You are finally here Yato.

I immediately turned around to face the person. I know who it was because he was the one who told me to come here and I recognized his voice... but this was not the problem... how I did not feel his presence here... he was barely two meters from me... because I was not on my guard?... no even if I wasn't on my guard I should I sense his presence... who his this guy in the end... and of course, he still has is emotionless face...

Yato: Sighs

I will ignore all this for the moment... finishing with the case of Karuizawa is the priority.

Yato: You found a nice place. Nobody will come and disturb the plan here.

Kiyo: Indeed, now you just have to tell Karuziawa to come here and bring Manabe and the others here.

Yato: I know... I know. Are you ready now?

Kiyo: Yes let's do all this now.

Without answering him I start to go back to the superior level of the ship for I can have some reception on my phone. As soon as I got a signal on my phone I call someone and the person immediately answer...

[Karuziawa: Fukazawa-kun? Do you already have a plan?

She really has a lot of hope in me huh... sighs...

Yato: Yeah, I found a way to get Manabe and the others to stop harassing you.

[Karuizawa: How?

Yato: I will explain to you on the spot, I text you the place where to meet me. Come here now, please.

[Karuizawa: Yes I will come. Thank you soo much Fukazawa-kun!It was the best choice to ask you for help!

Yato: Like I said yesterday, I was just in the mood to help you. Don't thank me. Anyway, I'm waiting for you.

I hung after that... now it just leaves Manabe...

Kiyo: I am impressed by your acting skills

Kiyo was next to me during my whole conversation with Karuizawa, just said that...

Yato: I'm impressed by your sense of humor...

Kiyo: ...

Yato: ...

Without saying anything more he just looked at me...

Yato: Sighs... stop supervising me. You are afraid that I will fail your plan?

Kiyo: I just prefer to be sure that everything is going perfectly

Yato: As they say, Never better served than by yourself...

Without waiting for his answer, I called Manabe... after a little while she answers her phone...

[Manabe: Hello?

Yato: Hey Manabe! It's me Yato!

[Manabe: Yato-kun! I'm glad that you call me!

Yato: You will even more happy to learn that everything is set. You will be able to fix your problem with Karuziawa!

[Manabe: Seriously! Thank you soo much Yato-kun!

Yato: You're welcome Manabe! I'm glad to help you, that's all!

[Manabe: Hihi, you soo kind with me! Text me the place where you have found for our plan and I will come!

Yato: Great, I will send you the place by message. Come in 30 minutes and you will be able to have a discussion with Karuizawa!

[Manabe: Perfect! Thanks for having setup everything! ... Hey Yato-kun... Do you think after...

I interrupt her before she could finish her sentence... I know what she is going to say and I wanted to avoid this...

Yato: You need to focus on the incident with Karuizawa first. If you want to talk about something else to me, it is better if you do it after this.

There was a short moment of silence before she answered me...

[Manabe: O-Oh Y-Yess, of course! Anyway, we will be there in 30 minutes Yato-kun! We'll talk again later!

I hung up after telling her bye...

Yato: Sighs...

I looked to my left and saw that Kiyo was about to say something...

Yato: Hoi you make another remark, I tell everything to Karuizawa...

He doesn't say anything in the end... he probably knew that I was serious. but now it just remained to wait...

Kiyo: I will go back downstairs and hide while I'm going to wait for them. Technically, I no longer need you, so what are you going to do?

What I should do... To be honest, I'm really curious to see this...

I started to descend into the lower levels again and said to Kiyo...

Yato: Well I'm going to stay until that Manabe and the others come...

After the both of us start to wait for Karuizawa and the others...

.

.

.

Karuizawa had been in the room for a while now. Me and Kiyo were hidden for no one could see us and after 30 minutes of waiting, our final guest was finally there. They take a look around, probably to see if I was there, and they decided to enter the room where Karuizawa was and they close the door behind them. We could hardly hear any noise from where we were...

Without laughing and talking too loudly...

Yao: Hahahaha wow they are really so stupid...

Kiyo who was next to me started to look... but again with his emotionless face... usually I'm good to read people but him... not at all... to be honest, it bothers me. He doesn't have the way of thinking of a normal person. But I promise him to not ask anything about his personal life...but...

Yato: While we wait for them to finish, you want to talk a bit Kiyo? After all we never really had time to have a normal discussion, right?

He doesn't answer me right away... He then looked at the door of the room where the girls were and then turned his gaze to me...

Kiyo: We already said that I didn'twant to talk about my personal life, no?

Yato: I know I know, me too I don't really want to talk about my personal life outside this school but we still can talk about this school, what you like or whatever you want. Anyway, we have nothing else to do, your phone record all that happens in this room soo...

Just simple details could help me to understand him better... he probably knows what I'm trying to do right now but it doesn't really matter... because if he wants some info on me, this situation could give them to him...

Kiyo: I don't know, I'm not very good at making conversation with people.

Yato: Argg stops that... We can talk about anything, something stupid like what your favorite color is, that's simple...

Kiyo: I don't really have a favorite color...

This dude... does he is serious right now or does he just mess with me???

Yato: Sighs... Okay then... What about Horikita? You have often been with her since the start of the year, you friend with her?

Kiyo: I don't think I can consider her as a friend, more like a neighbor...

Yato: Ehh so you prefer hanging out with Sudo and the others... a strange choice...

Kiyo: It's not easy to make friends when the groups of friends have already been formed in the class. And I don't think you are better placed to talk, I hardly saw you hang out with anyone too...

Yato: Hahaha your right on this one. The thing is I'm not too sure yet what I planned to do in this school, so I didn't take too much interest in others...

And that won't change as long I still don't know if what I planned with my private points is achievable or not...

Kiyo turned his head to look at me and he had a doubtful expression...

Kiyo: What you planned for this school... then you are really not interested in A-Class?

Yato: That's was not a joke what I said to Horikita after the exam on the island... but I could say the same for you.

Kiyo: I just want to have a peaceful and normal school life here... I don't want to stand out. You? Why did you come to this school?

Yato: Well the truth is that I had been...

I stopped talking and hide myself... Kiyo did the same as me because he noticed the same thing as me... a few seconds later the door opened and Manabe and the others exit the room and start to go away... They just had finished their ''discussion'' with Karuizawa...

After confirming that the girls were really gone...

Kiyo: I take care of the rest

Yato: Yeah... good luck... I guess

Without saying anything more he entered the room and closed the door behind him

Yato: Well I have nothing more to do here...

I was about to leave but I thought about something...

Yato: Sighs...

.

.

.

5 minutes later

Kiyo Pov:

I just had forced Karuziawa to reveal to me her past. By showing her my true nature she got sacred and start to talk about her past. It was my plan all this time, to obtain her aid in this exam and the future...

Kiyo: The first step of our cooperation shall be to lead our group to victory for this exam.

Karuizawa:Victory? But how do-

Kiyo:Because you are the VIP, isn't that right?

When she heard the keyword, Karuizawa widened her eyes and looked at me, because I just presented the truth to her.

Karuizawa looked slightly puzzled. Because a parasite can only live by attaching itself to a host.And now that Karuizawa has attached to me and Yato, her new hosts. I know her past and she asked to be a fake couple with Yato to have his help. Well, I'm not sure if she would still want to continue this relationship with him after she realized that she was trapped by him...but as long that in the end, I got her help it doesn't matter. Her life now has no way to move forward, at least with me.

She was still on the floor, shocked by all the events.

Kiyo: Take the time to come to your senses, I call you later about my plan. Continue to act as usual. That's all.

I started to walk toward the door to exit this place. The first meeting was about to start soon and I wanted to make the final preparations.

I opened the door and came out of the room closing the door behind me. I then look to my left and saw a man leaning on the wall with his arms crossed with his eyes closed.

Kiyo: You weren't gone...

It was Yato, he has probably overheard the conversation I had with Karuizawa. It was not a problem at all, Karuizawa might have even ended up telling her story to him herself. It was not also to trap me because he was also involved in this incident as much as me... So why he has stayed here?

Yato: Don't look at me like that...

He started to approach me

Yato: As I said earlier, I don't know you. You were maybe just a fucking weirdo who planned all this to be able to rape Karuizawa are some weird shit...

I see... it is indeed logical. I involved him in all this, so he would have a part of responsibility in this. So he didn't trust me and preferred to stay just in case... I don't blame him at all, I would have done the same thing...

Yato: Yeah I have some morals... So if you would have tried something as bad, I would just intervene and beat you up. I'm his ''boyfriend'' after all, right!

Beat me huh...

Kiyo: But You still let it all happen...

Yato: Hahaha stop it. You understand what I mean...

Indeed, I understand what he meant... he turned around and started to leave this place...

Yato: Anyway, see ya. The first meeting starts soon soo I will go now!

Without looking back he said these words to me... I knew very well why he left now...

The door behind me opened suddenly...

Karuizawa: Huh you still there?

Kiyo: Oh yes, I was thinking about something. Don't wait for me, you can leave now.

Karuizawa: I think I didn't need your permission for that.

She was still a bit angry about what happened but she understood the advantage to have my help... She then left this place too... Yato immediately left because he probably heard Karuizawa coming from the room too... he probably didn't want to see her right away...

Fukazawa Yato... it's a shame that he doesn't want to lead the class. With him as the leader, Chabashira-Sensei would not be so on my case. But there was something strange with him, first the discussion between Chabashira and the others Sensei and earlier he was about to say something but he could finish because Manabe and the other girls exited the room...

Kiyo: I will have to say on my guard...

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.

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Time skip

Yato Pov:

Horikita:And with the next meeting, the exam will be over. How are things on your side, Ayanokouji-kun?

I was currently at the same cafe with Horikita and Ayanakoji. The first meeting of the day just ended and when I was about to go back to my room, I was forced to come here by Horikita... this girl is scary...

Kiyo: No particular change on my side. It looks like the VIP will be able to safely escape. How about you?

To be honest... I don't expect much from Horikita... With Kushida who is in alliance with Ryuuen she has already lost but...

Horikita: I will win.

Ohh what confidence she has in her voice and her gaze...

Kiyo: So you've found the VIP then?

Horikita:I don't know who's listening in on us where so I cannot tell you the details yet, but, I won't mind if you do not believe me. Everything will go well.

Yato: ...

Horikita:Did you perhaps want to consult me?

Kiyo:There's no need for that. You make your move however you like.

Horikita:So, you said you needed to talk to me about something, what is it? I would like to avoid careless contact if possible.

Hmm right now... She was way too wary of the existence of Ryuuen... it's not good at all. Kiyo notices it too. It's even worst for him because he wants to stay in the shadow of Horikita...

Kiyo: You can't afford to be terrified by Ryuuen's gaze forever you know.

Yato: He's right Horikita. It's not like that you're going to become the A-Class.

I decided to take the side of Kiyo here... That's the best thing for Horikita even if that annoys her to hear that...

Horikita:Judging from your tone, can I assume you have a plan?

She starts to look at both of us. I quickly start to look at Kiyo to redirect the attention of Horikita to him...

Kiyo: I've pulled Hirata over to our side. I believe I can build a cooperative relationship with him in the future.

Horikita: I don't really want any of that...

Yato: You can't always act by yourself Horikita.

Kiyo: Yato is right Horikita and I'm not asking you to get involved with Hirata personally. I will handle the talk with Hirata so just match my pace.

Horikita: ...I don't like this. I don't like you moving around like that behind my back.

I decided to get up and start leaving. I know exactly why Kiyo wanted to talk with Horikita... he wanted probably to talk about Karuizawa. After all, she is going to be a major asset to the class...

But before I can leave Horikita start to talk to me...

Horikita: That goes for you too Fukazawa-kun! You don't have participated in any meetings from the start of the exam. tell me, you don't hide anything from me?

Yato: Sighs...

I turned around to face her...

Yato: Of course not... but wait.

She started to look at me thoughtfully

Yato: What Kiyo told me earlier? Hmmmm... Ah! I remember! It was something like '' I have a super plan but just make sure that Horikita don't know about it''

Horikita: What?

She then starts looking at Kiyo for answers. Kiyo was just looking at me with his usual face and I just smirked.

Kiyo never told me this and I didn't know what he have planned for this exam with Karuizawa... it was just for Horikita to focus on Kiyo instead of me...

I was not out of the cafe and I was walking on the ship... until I meet a group of girls...

Yato: Fuck... but hey, we will settle this right away...

They saw me and that all started to look upset... one of them even more... the more upset of them started to come toward me...

Yato: Hey Manabe! How are you're doing?

My question annoyed her even more... that was my goal soo...

Manabe: Huh? Are you serious right now? We have been seen! Someone saw us bullying this bitch!

Yato: Oh I see... I would have done my job badly?

I decided to play the idiot who knew nothing...

Manabe: Yes you did! Now if we approach Karuizawa or talk about this incident we will get expelled from this school!

Yato: Oh... that's bad. Well just do as the person said and you wouldn't have any problem!

She seemed to be thinking about something... and...

Manabe: Why do you act like it's has nothing to do with you! You helped us, so it also concerns you!

How stupid they are...

Yato: Eh what are you talking about? The person has proof that I was with you or I helped you?

She started to panic... she start to understand that the person could not accuse me but only them... When she approached me I saw that she have her phone in her hands and she was not recording our conversation...So she has no proof against me...even if she was recording our conversation of this morning on the phone, I never told her to bully Karuizawa... I told her to have a discussion with her... Anyway, all this is stupid because the person who had sent this message to her was Kiyo. I will end this quick...

Yato: So just don't do anything wrong and this person will not send the pictures of you who bully Karuizawa at the school.

She was shocked by my words...

Manabe: HuH? W-W-Wait... H-How do you know that this person sends us a picture?

She was starting to understand...

Yato: I wonder... Anyway, do as the person order you or you can say bye to this school! See ya!

I then started to walk away... I fell her gaze still on me but I didn't care. It was normal that she start to hate me. She understand that she probably had been trapped by me. Anyway, now she not going to be a problem with those pictures...

Yato: Now that this problem is settled what I should do before the start of the last meeting?

Well, there is nothing that I can really do right now... Everything is already set for me...

Yato: Oh no... there is still this...

I send a message to someone and just go back to my room until the meeting time...

.

.

.

Time Skip

Yato Pov:

The time allowed for the last meeting was about to end. There were finally no real progress and Kushida could hide the fact that she was the VIP during the discussion. But she probably told that to Ryuuen so the result of our group would depend on his actions... I have an idea of what he plans to do but I'm sure of nothing... Anyway, the result of this group doesn't interest me at all.

Again, just before the meeting ended, Ryuuen get up from his chair and start talking to the whole group

Ryuuen: So here we are... the end of this exam is coming. I must say that I really have some fun playing with all of you guys. Especially, you guys from D-Class.

When he says these last words he directly looked at Horikita... probably to provoke and intimidate her...

Kanzaki: You seem confident Ryuuen. Do you really think that you going to come as the winner of this exam?

Kanzaki probably tried to learn some last minutes info from Ryuuen... but it's completely useless... For this group, Ryuuen is clearly the winner. The other class leader couldn't do anything...

Ryuuen: Kukuku of course! I have been working hard these last three days.

Horikita: Sighs, all this is a waste of my time.

Horikita just gets up from her seat and starts to leave the room. The meeting time was over so I decided to just follow her as well. I was not the only one, Hirata and Kushida did the same as me. But the both of them go in another direction of us so I find myself all alone with Horikita.

Yato: So Horikita what...

RING!

RING!

We both take out our phones at the same time to look at the message we just received.

Message:The exam for the Rabbit group has now ended. Please wait for the announcement of the results.

So Kiyo has succeeded his plan huh...

Horikita: That's the group of Ayanakoji-kun?

Horikita was a bit surprised by this because she didn't know about all his plans. But from what I heard this morning, he knew that Karuizawa was the VIP so he probably setup something to make another class guess the wrong name...

Yato: Do you think they will be okay?

Horikita: We can just hope that everything goes perfectly...

I put my phone back in my pocket and Horikita was about to do the same until

RING! RING! RING! RING!

RING! RING! RING! RING!

Horikita: Huh?

I saw her open the message that she just received and...

Horikita: W-What? What is the meaning of this?

She was shocked. I didn't bother to read the message because I know exactly what there were saying... and the person who send them too. But not it's not exactly true... Why four? I thought it will be only three messages... One for the Pig, Rooster, and the Rat group...

Horikita: The Horse group? Wasn't Minami was in this group?

The Horse group huh... it probably had something to do with the message from earlier for the Cow group... Well anyway, that's changed nothing for what I planned...

Yato: Yeah I think your right. Well, it's too late now, just hope that things work fine for the others groups. I need to go now.

Horikita: Huh? We hadn't planned to meet at the cafe with the others.

Yato: Yeah Yeah I will be there but I have something to do before. See you later Horikita.

Hoirkita: Yes, but you better be there for the meeting!

Yato: Yes... Yes... If I have time

I then started heading toward the back of the ship to a place where there were no students. I was on the balcony at the back of the ship, we could see the theater from there... I was currently waiting for someone.

I then start to hear some footsteps coming in my direction...

???: After three days you finally decide to answer me!

I turned around the face the person who had just spoken to me...

Yato: Eh what are you talking about? I haven't seen any message from you, Kushida.

She gets closer to me... I was taller than her soo I bowed my head a little to look at her. She then start to look at me while she was making a cute face and said with a cute voice...

Kushida: Does Fukazawa-kun hate me???

Yato: HAHAHA Hoi Kushida stop with this bullshit! What do you want?

She didn't stop with this attitude and she start to get even more closer to me...

Kushida: What I want...

She then grabbed my left forearm with her right hand and got closer to me to the point that her chest touch my own chest. I probably start to blush a bit because my reaction made her laugh.

Kushida: Hihihi your reaction is soo cute Fukazawa-kun.

Well, I am just a human after all. Having zero reaction to this situation would be very hard... I'm still a teenager in the end...

Yato: Like I said what do you want?

Kushida: The thing is... I really like you Fukazawa-kun...

Yato: Sighs... have you finished?

For the first time since the start of the conversation she didn't have her cute expression... she start to back up a bit, but she still have my forearm in her right hand... I know what she was trying to do... it's was obvious...

Kushida: Do you remember what happened during the last exam on the island between you and me?

Yato: If I tell you that I have a really bad memory and I don't remember anything, you will still not believe me right?

She let go of my forearm and start to look at me directly in the eyes... her eyes were darker than usual right now... that's was her real personality...

Kushida: You are totally right! From the start, I didn't intend to believe you at all.

She then get closer to me again and stood on tiptoe to be able to look at me around the same height as me, probably to try to scare me...

Kushida: What happened during the last day on the island? Why you were still there?

Yato: On the last day? Hmmm... well like I said, I really have a bad memory...

I play the fool here... I wanted to force her to talk the most so that she could make a mistake...

Kushida: Oh? You don't remember?

She then take my forearm and rolled my sleeve so we can see my bandage...

Kushida: Maybe if I talk about what is under these bandages to everyone, you will remember what happened?

I say nothing and just look at her... with a boring expression...

Kushida: What with this face? You are not going to talk?

Yato: Well if it's what you want... it's Horikita who planned this on the last day.

She reacts again by the name of Horikita... there is something that I don't know about those two... now that I remember, at the start of the year, she was asking everyone the number of Horikita...

Kushida: Look I have a trade for you if you tell me what happens exactly during the test and keep your mouth shut about me. I keep my mouth shut about your forearm. So do we have a deal Fukazawa-kun?

I was silent for a moment... until...

Yato: HAHAHAHA wow you can't be serious right now... did you forget that I know about your secret?

She let go of my forearm because of what I said but I quickly grabbed her forearm. She was really surprised by all this...

Kushida: What are you talking about?

That is... that an opportunity that I was waiting for...

Yato: What I'm talking about? But your story about Ryuuen of course... Ahh, you thought that I was talking about your story with Horikita maybe huh...

She was shocked to hear my words... I was still grabbing her by her forearm so she does not go away...

Kusdida: Teme... What exactly do you know?

Yato: Arggg that the third time I say it, no? I reaaallyyyy have a bad memory.

I just smirk at her to piss her more. I then pull on her forearm to get her closer to me and brought my face closer to her...

Yato: You know what? Since you offered me a trade earlier and that I'm really a nice guy I will offer you one too!

Kushida: Tsk...

Yato: Hoi Hoi where is the nice and cute girl? Hahaha, look since you said that you like me earlier... I will not be a bad guy and break your heart with a deal not fair... What do you think that if we both keep our mouths shut about the secrets of each other? Great deal right, Kushida-chan?

She was really pissed off by all this. It was great because I was bluffing right now. I don't know her secret with Horikita but from her reaction earlier and some doubts I had for some time already, I decided to make believe that I was knowing her situation with Horikita. I did it because I wanted to be sure to show that I was the one in a strong position between me and her. I originally planned to just tell her that I would tell everyone her relation with Ryuuen if she talk about my forearm, but I've decided to make a bet on my suspicion with her problem with Horikita...

Yato: Hoi Kushida-chan, I need an answer?

Kushida: Tsk fine. Let me go now... and stop calling me the same way that this idiot of Ike!

Great, my bluff worked... I then release her forearm...

If my bluff didn't have worked, I would just have been with my original plan. But even if my bluff worked, the situation with Kushida is not settled forever. It's just gonna keep her away for a while until I find a permanent solution. Because knowing her she will not let things like this... her reputation is her greatest weapon after all... And there has the fact that I don't know what her secret is with Horikita... I will need to talk with Horikita about this to have a better view on this...

Yato: Great I'm happy to have an agreement Kushida. We will be able to continue our school lives as if nothing had happened between us!

Kushida: Yes, Yes... Exactly. I will go now since we have come to an agreement.

She was about to leave but she was surprised by a sound...

RING!

RING!

It was the sound of a notification... she take out her phone and look at it and...

Kushida: Huh?? What is...

She then starts looking at me... I took a serious expression and said...

Yato: Hm what happening? A problem?

She seemed to think about something but she just close her phone and put it back in her pocket.

Kushida: No it's nothing. Goodnight Fukazawa-kun.

She then left... I know why she was surprised by this message. It was 9h29 and there was just 1 minute left for betraying his group by sending an answer to the school. She maybe thought I was a part responsible for this but I have been with her all this time so she probably remove this possibility.

Yato: Well now...

Theoretically, I have a meeting with Horikita, Kiyo, Hirata, and Karuizawa soon at the cafe. They wanted that we meet all together to discuss about the exam and the results that the school going to send at 11h00 p.m... But... I start walking towards a certain place...

.

.

.

Time Skip

Ryuuen Pov:

Ryuuen: I understand your feelings of not wanting to admit it. That out of everyone in the group, you are the most worthless one. But don't blame yourself for that, Suzune. You just picked the wrong guy to mess with. And besides, the exam was chaotic anyway. In particular, the ones you watched out for most were Class A. Relax.

Horikita:W-What are you s-saying you've done?

Yes... her expression on her face and her voice tone. It's perfect, it shows that she understands her own failure...

Ryuuen:You'll know the answer soon enough.

The four mails that I order from my classmates to send to the school should destroy the A-Class... now it just remains the mails that we receive at 9h29 p.m from the Tiger group that I didn't know what happen... This is clearly not the work of Horikita... Probably the one who hides behind her shadow. All her usual group is there except Fukazawa... it's too soon if I assume that it was him behind all this. It will be way too stupid to just affirm that him with just because he did not show up at this little meeting...

And once 11 PM arrived, a mail arrived in our phones all at once. While keeping an eye on all of them I quickly check the result from the Tiger group...

Rat -- Due to the traitor's correct assessment. Outcome3.

Cow -- Due to the traitor's wrong assessment. Outcome4.

Tiger --Due to the traitor's correct assessment. Outcome 3.

Rabbit -- Due to the traitor's wrong assessment.Outcome 4.

Dragon-- Due to the entire group's correct assessment after the exam's end. Outcome 1.

Snake -- Due to the target's identity being protected.Outcome 2.

Horse -- Due to the traitor's correct assessment.Outcome 3.

Sheep -- Due to the target's identity being protected.Outcome 2.

Monkey -- Due to the traitor's correct assessment.Outcome 3.

Rooster -- Due to the traitor's correct assessment.Outcome 3.

Dog -- Due to the target's identity being protected.Outcome 2.

Pig -- Due to the traitor's correct assessment.Outcome 3.

Class A - Minus 200cl Plus 2 million privates points

Class B - No change in cl Plus 2.5 million privates points

Class C - Plus 100 cl Plus 5 million privates points

Class D - Plus 100 cl Plus 3.5 million private poitns

Sudo: Hahaha! OI Ryuuen looks our class is tied with you! Seems like all this speech you made earlier means nothing!

This monkey sure seems happy with these results... He understood absolutely nothing. Without answering him I turned my attention to Horikita... Even if she was trying the fact that she was not surprised by those results... I immediately noticed that she was.

Ryuuen: Kukuku congratulations for having managed to scratch some points! My objectify was a success, destroying the A-Class as I said earlier, and obtaining the first outcome for our group! Be grateful Suzune!

I noticed that his personal dog was pissed off by what I just said... he soo easy to provoke that it's not funny...

Even if they managed to tie up with my class. She understands that she has been useless and that it is like it was a defeat for her... I totally controlled the Dragon group and only destroy the A-Class as I told them...

Ryuuen: Isn't it great, Suzune? Thanks to your misfortune, the Dragon group has gotten the unexpected outcome 1. Now, all the classes should equally receive a large number of points.

I then start to clap my hands and laugh satisfactorily to provoke her.

Ryuuen: If you bow your head before me and beg. I can tell you the answer.

Sudo: Hoi stops this bullshit you don't understand that we didn't lose in...

Horikita: Stop it Sudo! I told you that I didn't want you to talk!

He immediately stops talking as the order of Suzune... like a good dog.

Ryuuen: Kukuku

Horikita: But that doesn't change the fact who would do something like that?

Ryuuen:Man. That expression of yours. It's pretty sexy.

I then take out my phone from my pocket and places it on the table in front of them so they could all see. There were the names of the VIP from A-Class.

Ryuuen: I discovered the root of this exam and arrived at that. Then I focused on targeting only those of Class A. And this is the proof of that.

I noticed that their all started to understand my true intention in this exam.

Ryuuen: So Suzune, even if a mysterious person from your class has managed to discover one of the VIPs.I'm sorry to tell you this. But unfortunately, my next target is still you, Suzune. In the next exam, I will make sure to especially target you. I will keep going until I have completely torn your mind and heart to pieces.

There are still the mastermind from the desert island exam and this other dude Fukazawa... but I will still cush Suzune... and wait for the mysterious person to make mistake...

Ryuuen: Look forward to the second semester.

So I got out of the cafe and start walking toward my room... When I was walking I thought about the result of the Tiger group...

Ryuuen: The VIP of this group is...

I arrived in front of my room and I saw the person witch I was thinking... It was a girl from my class who hasmid-back length silver hair and still has a book in her hands...she was too focused on her book to notice my presence...

Ryuuen: Hoi Hiyori.

Hearing her name she closes her book and starts looking at me...

Hiyori: Oh Ryuuen-kun, I was waiting for you.

Ryuuen: Great I have to talk to you. What happened does someone discover that you were the VIP?

She shook her head to say no...

Hiyori: No. Nobody could have known that it was me. I hid the fact that I was the VIP.

I see... Hiyori was probably one of the only people in my class I could trust with this kind of stuff... And she wouldn't lie to me... So what happens...

Then suddenly me and Hiyori heard someone running towards us... I look to see who it was and...

Ryuuen: What happen Ishizaki?

Ishizaki: Oh... Ryuuen-san...pfff... I have something to tell you!

He was out of breath... he must have run up to here.

Ishizaki: Here... I got a message for you!

He then lends me his phone. I take it and saw that it was a message from someone and the sender was nameless... it was probably an anonymous email... The message said...

Tiger: Shiina Hiyori

Snake: Kaneda Satoru

Sheep: Fujii Ayaka

Thanks a lot to have targeted the A-Class, it's appreciated.

Ryuuen: Kukukuku

Hiyori and Ishizaki start to look at me puzzled. The person who send me this is probably the same person of the incident at the start of the year with Sudo... He has contacted Ishizaki again because he already had his contact info. He clearly make me understand that if he wanted he could have sent those names and made me lose this exam completely...

I gave the phone back to Ishizaki and didn't ask any question about why he was the one who received this. When I wanted to know what happen during the incident with Sudo, it's was Sakagami-Sensei who told me to stop asking more questions to Ishizaki... He probably knows what happen but they couldn't talk about it... probably because of a contract...

Hiyori: Why you seem happy Ryuuen-kun?

Ryuuen: Oh I just found someone interesting.

This person deliberately let Suzune lose and after sent me this message to provoke me... The Sudo incident, the island, and now this exam... I starting to have my little idea of what's going on...

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At the same time

Yato Pov:

I was currently in front of the cafe where I was supposed to meet the others but I was extremely late... I was about to just go back to my room without going to see them and just pretend that I didn't come because I fall asleep and I miss the meeting time but someone noticed me and started to come toward me...

Yato: Sighs... it has to be her who saw me huh...

It was Karuizawa who was coming toward me... and when she was close I said...

Yato: Hey Karuizawa!

When she gets close enough she punches me in the guts...

Yato: Ouch... Ehh wait no... it didn't hurt at all...

She realized that her punch was really weak and start blushing a bit cause of the embarrassment...

Karuizawa: You set me up!

Yato: Sighs... I know I know but look at your phone...

Karuizawa: Huh?

Shen then takes out her phone

Karuizawa: And?

Yato: Look at your private points...

She then opened the app and was surprised to see the amount on point on her account

Karuizawa: W-Wait! Why? Why give me this sum?

Yato: I said that I would help you but I didn't in the end... so it is a compensation.

Karuizawa: Well thanks, I guess... Anyway, why you didn't come? Horikita-san looked angry earlier.

Yato: Well I was occupied I guess...

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A bit earlier

10h50 p.m

Yato Pov:

Yato: I wouldn't be there on time

I will have not the time to join the others at the cafe... I was still looking for someone, I had asked some person from the staff where I could find her and they all told me a different place...

Yato: Signs... why she is so difficult to find...

I was heading to the bar from the ship on the first floor, it was not a place forbidden for the students but this was not a place where they usually go... I started to see the bar area and saw three persons sitting on the couch...

Yato: Finally

I'm starting to get closer to them and the person who was sitting in the middle noticed me and points out to her colleague on the left, who was the person I was searching for, that I was coming toward them. She turned her head to face me and I noticed that she was surprised to see me there...

Yato: Yo Sensei, I looked for you everywhere.

Indeed it was Chabashira that I was looking for... but when I say that she seems even more surprised by my words...

Chabashira: You were looking for me? You could have just called me, all my students have my phone number.

I remain frozen by these words...

Yato: Wait what??

I take out my phone and goes into my contact and saw that there was a number that I didn't know to whom it belonged...

Yato: Wow... now I feel dumb...

Mashima and Hoshinomiya just looked at me puzzled at this situation...

Chabashira: Sighs...

She seemed really discouraged... I never had a great conversation with her. She is always cold with me... but in fact, she was like this with all her students... so it was probably not just with me...

Chabashira: So what I can do for you Fukazawa-kun? If it's about the results of the exam, they will be sent in about then minutes. But I could not answer any complaint concerning these last.

Yato: Huh? No No No... I don't care at all about the exam and I already know what are going to be the results.

The three of them were shocked by what I just said...

Yato: I was looking for you to ask a trivial question, Chabashira-Sensei! We agree that I can choose the class I want for 20 million private points, right?

Mashima-sensei keep and serious and professional expression and just continued to drink his drink. Hoshinomiya-sensei was looking at me at first but changed her gaze toward Chabashira-sensei. Chabashira just looked at me with a suspicious expression for a while until she say...

Chabashira: I had not already given the answer in class?

She then put her drink on the table next to her... probably it was not very professional to talk to her own students while drinking some alcohol...

Yato: Yeah maybe... I just have doubts and I wanted to be sure. Can you just confirm for me that for 20 million I can choose the class I want in this school?

Chabashira: Sighs... You c...

Her eyes widened when she was about her sentence... as like she have noticed what I was trying to say... The two other teachers noticed that she has not finished her sentence and started to look at her but Chabashira-Sensei start to look at me directly in the eye.

Chabashira: Wait! You can change class for 20 million points but just from your school years!

Yato: Tskk... Well, I suspected that it would not be so easy...

the two others sensei didn't say a word... because I was not one of their students. But I could tell that they were really shocked by what I just tried to do...

Yato: So... how much I can go to a class in the third year?

Chabashira: You not serious right now, right Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Yes totally serious! I don't care if it's the D-Class, I just want to be a class of the third year.

For the first time, Mashima-Sensei was looking at me with an intrigued look. Hoshinomiya was just looking at Chabashira with not her usual joyfully look. Then Chabashira just looked at me with the same discouraging look she had when I ask her if I could rest on the campus before coming here... but that was not all... there was something weird in her look...

Chabashira: 800 million

Yato: Ehhhhhh wait I can't get a discount for being your preferred student?

I just have a big smile on my face but it didn't change anything... she didn't even answer me.

Yato: 20 million that would have been good but 800 is way too much...

What I had planned was the get 20 million points by the end of the year so I could go in the batch of third-year students and leave this school just after one year...I wouldn't have broken any rules if Chabashira-Sensei answered yes to my question because it will be her own mistake to not have precise that it was only for the same year as me...and I would have used the school rules to leave this place earlier... So Mori would have no complaint about this... But 800 million... I will never be able to have this amount all alone before the end of this year... and after this deadline, continuing this strategy would have no more use.

Yato: Sighs... not cool sensei... not cool...

I turned around to start leaving but Chanashira told me one last thing...

Chabashira: 20 million would have been okay? You know that no one had ever been able to have this amount all alone.

I stopped and just turn my head a bit to look at her and said...

Yato: Well the level of the old students must have been quite low...

Without waiting for an answer I then start heading towards the cafe until I heard a notification sounds... I look at them and saw the result of this exam...

Yato: Exactly what I had planned...

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Present time

Yato Pov:

Yato: Well I was occupied I guess...

Karuizawa: Well it's not that bad anyway... what you told me to do worked finally.

Yato: For the Tiger group huh...

Flashback

This morning when Karuizawa ask Yato to be her ''Boyfriend''

Yato Pov:

Yato: Well, to settle the problem with Manabe and the others, I will text you later for we can meet when I will have an idea of how to deal with them.

Karuizawa: Great, thank you soo much Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: But first I would have something that I would like that you do for me, okay?

Karuizawa: Huh, yes sure what it is about?

Yato: There is something I would like you to do for me during this exam.

Yato:Azuma Sana, from the Tiger group. Are you close to her?

Karuizawa: Yes you could say that... Why?

Yato: Do you think you able to make her send this name to this school?

I then show her my phone who was showing the name Hiyori Shiina.

Karuizawa: Ehh yes I think I will be able to convince her... but are you sure that her the VIP for her group?

Yato: Just believe me Karuizawa.

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Back to the Present time

Karuizawa: So everything goes as you planned huh... you and Ayanakoji are really annoying...

Yato: But now what are you going to do?

She was looking at me puzzled... she didn't understand what I was talking about...

Yato: About our ''couple''... You prefer to stay with Hirata after what happened, right?

It was the most logical choice for her... Hirata has better popularity than I'm and now that Manabe and the others would not approach her anymore she shouldn't have any problem... And if another situation like this happens Kiyo would be there to help her.

In fact, I prefer this than act like her boyfriend. Of course, it could have some advantages like raising my popularity but I could do otherwise... But there's is way too much disadvantage... I prefer my tranquility to this fake relationship...

Karuizawa: Oh well the thing is...

Yato: The thing is???

She seems hesitant to answer me... why? She starts blushing a bit and starts to look at the floor... I don't like that...

Karuizawa: Well I already broke up with Hirata and I already told to all my friends that you were my boyfriend now...

Yato: ...

Karuizawa:...

Yato: Seriously?

Karruizawa: Yes...

We just talks bout becoming a fake couple this morning and she already told everyone...

Yato: Sighs... it's too late I guess...

Karuiazwa: It is you who accepted this at first!

Yato: Yeah... I know...

Karuizawa: Can you not look this depressed? It's not so bad...

I just hope I can enjoy the rest of my summer in peace...

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(A.N)

That's it for Volume 4! I really hope that you like it! This chapter was waaay longer than I initially thought haha. I thought that maybe I should separate it into two-part but I don't really find a good moment to end a chapter. So This Volume is one of the favorites of the fan so I hope you all like it in my story too!

This month I update my story once a week because I had a bit less time to write(part 6 of Jojo didn't help haha), so I hope that doesn't really bother you guys. But usually, I was making two chapters per week but they were shorter so, in the end, it didn't really change something for you guys. I saw that some people preferred the longer chapter and I personally prefer to write longer chapters so I will continue like that.

Now for Volume 4.5... to be honest I don't have much planned for this volume. The original volume is clearly not my favorite and I have maybe two or three events that will be important for the next of the story. So I think it will have three chapters maximum. I prefer to tell you right away that I will not make a chapter about the pool like in vol 4.5. At first, it was planned but I changed my mind because it will make too much plot hole for the next volume.

So we will have finished Vol 4.5 before the end of the year as I planned. The next chapter will come out around Wednesday. Anyway, thank you to those who read my story! I really didn't think that so many people were going to read my story when I started. So thank you and I hope that you will like what I planned for the next Volumes!

Volume 4.5: Gift

Chapter 1

Yato Pov:

The summer vacation... all the students are happy to be this time of the year. We have about a bit more than a month for our summer break... Well, it was before that the school organized a cruise for us, students of the first year, to spend a week on a desert island with turns out to be a special exam in this school. Just after this unexpected exam, the school organizes another special exam on our way back to the school. Now that we were back to the campus and the school was not going to plan any more surprise exams... the students of the first year officially started their summer vacations.

I wondered if the students of the other years had also experienced something similar to us with those special exams during the start of the summer vacations... After all, they were in the completion for the A-Class too. But in the end, I wouldn't have the answer and I won't look for it either... it doesn't really change something for me...

Yato: Summer vacation huh...

I was currently sitting on my bed looking at the wall...

Yato: God I'm bored...

Usually, when it is time for the summer vacation everyone is excited and tries to enjoy it as much as possible. But for me... I lost this sensation... after all, summer vacation didn't mean a lot to me anymore. When I was twelve years old, I stopped going to middle school after this ''incident'' that happen in my life... That's was this moment that my life changed drastically. Then after I met Mori, Dazai, Chuuya, and the others who helped me... no... it's much more than helping what they've done to me.

But anyway...Normally I wouldn't be so bored. I always had something to do when I was outside this school. Even when what happened in my life was shit... I always managed to get out and keep moving forward...

Yato: Sighs... if he would be there I would not be bored...

Trying to fight boredom I take my phone who was on my nightstand and open the app of the school. I decided to take a look at my private points.

PP: 3 188 945

Yato: Already 3 million ehh...

We were now in august, so I received my points for the month from my contracts. In addition, I had won 500k in the last exam because we obtained the first outcome for the Dragon group. But I gave 200k to Karuizawa after the story with Manabe and Kiyo.

Yato: That's sucks...

I could have obtained 20 million by the end of the year and if Chabashira didn't see what I was trying to do I could just buy a ticket to a class in the third year and skip two years... But now she told me that it was the cost was 800 million... it's was too much. I could' never obtain this amount of points by the end of the year. And if I ever manage to get it, I would have to take control of the entire school...

Yato: It's a failure...

I then quit the page where it shows my private point and tape on my screen to see the class point instead...

Class Points

A-Class: 924

B-Class: 803

C-Class: 592

D-Class: 419

Yato: ...

Ryuuen has succeeded his plan at 100%. Now the gap between all the classes is reduced. I haven't spoken to Horikita since the night of the results but knowing her she probably doesn't see things like that. I let her lose face to Ryuuen for several reasons. First I wanted Ryuuen to win, he has taken care of the A-Class all by himself. I didn't want to deal it with them myself since Sakayanagi believed she could use me... well in the end she obtained what she wanted but I didn't give her. And then the second reason if I didn't target Ryuuen's class, it was because of Horikita herself. Kiyo thinks probably the same thing as me but she really needs to make some progress. She has the potential but for the moment she is behind the other class leader. This is the best time to make her understand her flaws, we are not even at the half of the first year after all. So her defeats now will make her stronger in the future...

But all this doesn't help me at all... I still don't know what I would do now that my plan no longer works... the only thing that is certain is that I will not become the leader of the class...

Yato: Sighs...

I close my phone and get up from my bed. Like I said earlier, I'm on vacation. I will think about all this later.

I went to my kitchen to see what I had left to eat. I opened my fridge noticed two problems... First, it is really about time that I go buy something to eat, my fridge is almost empty and the second problem is... All I buy since I arrived at this school are pre-prepared and instant meals. It's was not healthy at all...

Yato: I really need to learn to cook...

I had never cooked by myself before arriving here... it would be time to start to learn otherwise the next three years will be a long time by just eating ramen and other stuff like that... but it's a great thing, it just seems like I just found something does to for my summer vacation...

I took my phone and put on my shoes and get out of my room in the direction to the Keyaki Mall.

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Time Skip

Kiyo Pov:

Me, Ike, and Yamauchi came to the Keyaki Mall to buy a gift for the birthday of our classmate Inokashira. The four of us ended up agreeing with my proposition of pooling our points to buy one present. Sudo just didn't come with us because he had a basket tournament soon with the school, so he was probably training right now. We came into a shop where girls frequently came here, the interior of the shop was colored all pink. It exudes an aura that would normally prevent a man from coming here alone. It seems to range from stuffed toys to cell phone accessories, all things unnecessary for studies are on display here. I suppose this can be considered as exploiting private points from the students.After that, we split up and circled the shop to find a good birthday present to buy.

After circling the shop once, I rendezvoused with Yamauchi. In Yamauchi's hands was a small, white stuffed bear. On the other hand, I was holding a cell phone cover in my hands.

Yamauchi:You know, drop that cell phone cover stuff. First of all, Kokoro-chan already has one.

Kiyo: I see. Then how about this protective film?

As a backup measure, I brought out something else I had chosen. But when I did, Yamauchi'sfacial expression turned into a frown.

Yamauchi:No, no, no. That's something she doesn't need. Ayanokouji, you really don't have a sense for this kind of thing.

Kiyo:But things like stuffed animals, wouldn't that be useless for her?

Yamauchi: Maybe, but she can use it to decorate her room's interior. Kokorochan likes this white bear series of stuffed animals so I think she'll be happy with this. More like, I don't want to hear that from a man who bought a cell phone cover and a protective film.

When I was mocked by Yamauchi like that I don't know why but...it was really a shock. I didn't know Inokashira and I never buy a gift for someone... it was my first time after all...

Yamauchi:So where's Kanji?

Kiyo:I wonder...

When the two of us looked through the shop for him, we found Ike standing by the keychain corner. He seemed to be strangely serious, so without calling out to him we approached him in silence.It seems Ike is holding in his hand's so-called character goods with an orange motif on it

Yamauchi:Oi, Kanji

Ike:Uwaaa?! D-don't surprise me like that

Having heard us call out to him, the surprised Ike panicked and almost dropped the keychain was holding. And then, for some reason almost as if to hide it, he immediately returns it to the shelf.

Ike: H-have you already decided?I thought we'd go with this. A white bear towel. Hahaha...

Yamauchi:That's not it. Why were you looking at keychains?

Ike:Ehh? It's not like I have any secret motives or anything. More importantly, let's go see what's over there

In response to the Ike who tried to change the subject like that, Yamauchi turned his eyes in suspicion.

Yamauchi: Hey...if I remember right, the one who liked that orange character. Wasn't it Shinohara?

Ike: R-really? No, I was just thinking about Kikyo-chan is all. That's really all there is to it.

Yamauchi:You, it can't be but are you thinking about Shinohara?

Ike:Huuuuuh? Definitely not, that ugly girl! I'm absolutely not thinking about her!

Indeed, if compared to someone like Kushida, it might be the case but Shinohara is also a girl who's plenty cute. Her personality surely isn't the best but that too could be counted as part of her charm.

Yamauchi:Are you telling the truth? Something seems fishy here, right Ayanokouji?

Kiyo:I wonder...it certainly wasn't a very Ike-like response

Ike:You guys, don't misunderstand this. Listen up, about Shinohara. If I go out with a girl with an attitude as bad as she has and as ugly as she is, I would be so embarrassed I wouldn't be able to go outside anymore. I absolutely refuse!

Yamauchi: Ahhh!

Yamauchi and I both realized a certain presence at the same time and panicked tried to change the subject.

Yamauchi:I got it, I got it. We already get it. Let's choose Kokoro-chan's present

Ike: No, you still don't understand. The degree to which I think Shinohara is ugly. Please listen. Firstly, it's not just her face that's ugly but also her personality. And on top of it all, her body is also lacking. In any case, it's like she's the ugliest among the uglies...

Yamauchi:W-we understand that. Cut it out already, Kanji. Because behind you...

Ike:Huh? Behind?

The Ike who had been going on about how much he hated Shinohara passionately, slowly turned around. When he did, he saw the form of Shinohara who seemed to almost be breathing fire as well as her group of friends. And amongst them, there was also Kushida.

Shinohara:Ike should just go and die!

Shinohara was visibly angry by what Ike just said, it was normal after all. What Ike said was pretty harsh. When Shinohara was about to leave the shop in hurry but she bumped into someone who was passed in front of the shop and she fall on the floor.

Shinohara: Ouch!

It was a man who has the same height as me with somesemi-long red hair. This guy was my classmate Yato. He then held out his hand to help Shinohara who had just fallen on the floor.

Yato: Oh Shinohara? Are you okay?

She took his hand to her up but Yato seems to have noticed something.

Yato: Huh? Your eyes... are you crying?

By not having attended the scene just before he did not understand why she was crying... he even thought she was crying because of her fall.

Shinohara: Thank you but I need to go!

She then ran off away.

Yato: Ehhhh okay...

He has a puzzled expression while scratching the back of his head.

The rest of the girls who were with Shinohara started to go after her but Kushida seemed to have hesitated for a few seconds. She was in the back of Yato so he didn't see her but she was looking at him with not her usual expression... but it didn't last long because she follow the other girls without saying anything...

I still don't know what happens between those two after the desert island. Kushida isn't the type of person who will let someone know about her true personality... I wonder what he had done or what he plan to do to settle this...

He then looked inside the store and noticed that I was there with Ike and Yamauchi...

Yamauchi:O-oi. Ayanokouji looks at this, there's a baldie here!

Yato Pov:

Ehhhhhhh I didn't understand what just happened... Well by seeing Ike's face I guess he was the reason why Shinohara seemed angry. Anyway, it's their business, not mine, but why Kiyo is in this shop with Ike and Yamauchi?

I take a quick look inside and see that it was a store more for girls than the boys. I was suddenly really curious to know why he was there. I was about to go toward them but Yamauchi said something...

Yamauchi: O-oi. Ayanokouji looks at this, there's a baldie here!

Huh? Well, I could just think of one person... I look at where Yamauchi pointed and saw the man I was in mind... Katsuragi, one of the leaders of the A-Class.

But same questions as for Kiyo... Why he is here? Does there was a meeting with a lot of people from the school and I was not invited...

Yato:...

But more seriously, I was really curious why he was there too. I saw that he was in front of a display of chocolate and he has one box in his hand.

I saw that Kiyo and the two others start to spy on Katsuragi but I lose interest fast enough. It was a bit off the character I thought about Katsuragi but it was his personal life and I didn't plan to look for more.

I was about to leave but something in the shop caught my attention. There was a display with lots of keychains on it. I decided to enter the store and start to look at all the keychains. There was one that immediately caught my attention. I take it and start looking at it.

Yato: It's her birthday in a few days...

I then continue to stare at the keychain I have in my hand until I decide to put it back in the display.

Yato: Sighs... it's useless to think about that...

I then noticed that someone what looking at me from a little further. I turned around to see Kiyo who was looking at me when he was ''talking'' with Ike and Yamauchi.

Yato: Hoi stops it with this creepy gaze...

I leave to store and decide to go buy the stuff that I had planned to buy today.

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Time Skip the following day

Yato Pov:

I was currently on my way to the Keyaki Mall... again. I couldn't help to think about the keychain I saw yesterday... I thought about it all night yesterday and I maybe have an idea.

Yato: Argg... it's hot outside...

I currently wear a long-sleeved shirt even if we were in summer because I don't really want people to see my bandages on my left arm and the other reason is I like those types of shirts usually but now it's maybe a bit too hot outside. But it was just hot outside because in every complex of the school like the dormitories or the Keyaki Mall it there is air conditioning.

When I was walking toward the Keyaki Mall, I saw Kiyo who was sitting under a tree but he was currently talking to two-person. I could just see their back so I didn't know who it was but I could tell that there was a girl and a boy. But even if I could not see his face I had an idea of who the boy was... but why did he speak with Kiyo there?

Yato: Hm what should I do...

I was thinking if I should just continue my way to the Keyaki Mall or if I should go see him... but I saw that Kiyo noticed me...

Yato: Too late to pretend to not have seen him...

I then start to approach them and had the confirmation that the boy that Kiyo was talking to was Horikita Manabu, the brother of Horikita... but for the other girl, I still don't have a clue of who she was... probably a classmate of Horikita...

When I was finally close enough I start to hear Kiyo talking...

Kiyo: Please stop fishing for my personal information like a stalker. I want to lead a quiet school life.

Yato: A stalker?

Kiyo already know that I was coming towards them but Horikita and the little girl with purple hair noticed my presence. Before I could even speak to Kiyo, the little girl start to talk to me...

???: Uwaaa who you are? We are currently in a discussion, so if you don't mind...

Before she could even finish her sentence I ignore her and start talking to Kiyo

Yato: Ehhh who is this little girl Kiyo?

???: Little Girl???? You know that I am your senpai! You have to show me more respect!

Yato: HAHAHAHA...

I then bowed a bit and start to pat her head and said...

Yato: You lost? Don't worry I will call some staff members for they could help you can go home.

She then immediately start to hit me with the book she has in her hands.

Yato: Hahaha stop, stop I was joking, sorry senpai!

Manabu: Stop it Tachibana.

She then immediately stop and go back next to the president. but she was still looking at me with her angry eyes...

Manabu: Fukazawa Yato, nice to meet you. Can we help you with something?

So he knows me huh... Like I thought, with the voice record I have that Ishizaki sent me at the start of the year when the Sudo incident. So the girl next to him her name is Tachibana, she is probably her classmate and maybe have a post in the student's council... but the thing I noticed is when she heard my name by Horikita, she immediately stop looking at me with those angry eyes and she started to look at me more with a worried look...

Yato: Ehh do I'm interrupting something? I just came to see Kiyo but If you want me to go then I will go.

Manabu: Your presence is not disturbing anything, on the contrary, I wanted to meet you Fukazawa-kun.

Yato: Wow the president himself wanted to meet me, why?

Manabu: I heard the results for the exam on the island. I was talking about that with Ayanakoji before you arrive and I heard that you managed to get some good results.

I have several questions... the first one is how does the president of the student council have the results and the details about our exam... and just now he try to have more info about it. I will never talk about Kiyo so he doesn't need to worry about anything. And there is the thing that I heard from Kiyo when I came here, he was talking about a stalker, does the president know about Kiyo's true ability? But how? Even if he can look at the results of the exam and some details, it's impossible for him to know that Kiyo is involved in all this. There is probably something I still don't know about those two... after all Kiyo was close to Horikita, girl, from the start of the year. Anyway, I probably know what was the answer that Kiyo gave to Horikita Manabu if he really was talking about him about this subject earlier, so I will just say the same thing as him...

Yato: Well I helped to get those results but it was not my plan at all. If you want to congratulate someone it's your sister that you have to go see, Horikita Nii-san!

Even if I was just fooling around when I called him Horikita Nii-san, he didn't change his expression at all... but it seems to have upset Tachibana. Horikita just replaces his glasses with his finger and said...

Manabu: I see, so you have the same version of the story as Ayanakoji. And stop calling me like that, I'm not your brother.

He took my provocation literally ... What a serious guy. He then start to look at Kiyo for a few seconds, like if he wanted to confirm something...

Manabu: So you made a friend Ayanakoji.

Kiyo: We can say it like that.

Manabu: So in that case,I did offer you this a while ago but, won't you join the student council, Ayanakoji?

The student's council huh... well it's official that he knows about Kiyo's real capacity if he already asked him that offer. I was really curious when he find out because for me I started to suspect Kiyo for some little details that I saw of the first month of school... but for Manabu, it was not easy to notice the same things as me if he was not in the same class as us. It definitely happen something between those two, but I'm not sure if I ask about that to Kiyo he would answer me...

Tachibana: P-President? The student council already accepted a 1st-year girl at the start of the year, hasn't it? Isn't that the end of it? We also took in some 2nd years and all the seats should already be filled.

(A.N): Okay in the LN it says that Ichinose had been accepted in the council a few days ago but I had already said in the first Volume that Nagumo has scouted her. My bad I really didn't remember this part when I was writing the first volume. So I will make things like that I hope you don't mind!

Manabu:There is still one empty seat left.

Yato: ...

Tachibana:One...it can't be!?

Manabu:Ayanokouji. If you wish, I will use my influence to make you vice president.

Wow, I must say that I didn't expect that at all... how much does this guy trust Kiyo? There must be a reason behind all this... it just doesn't make any sense to me. But anyway, the answer is obvious... like if Kiyo would never accept this offer.

Tachibana:W-wait!This is unprecedented! It's a first-year and also from D-Class. It can't be that this rude boy can suddenly become vice president!

Kiyo:I've said this many times over but I refuse, you need to ask someone else.

I then turn his gaze to me... this bastard! Don't drag me into this! Then big bro Horikita starts to look at me and seems to think about something...

Manabu: If you talking about Fukazawa. Then there is no way.

Yato: Ehhh you going to make me cry...

But seriously why? I don't want to join the student council but to say that there is no way it is a bit exaggerated, no?

Manabu: I don't think you have what it takes to join in and anyway you already refuse an offer to join the council, right Fukazawa?

I don't have what it takes? If he really has some Infos about us students and the exam we take part in he can't talk about my ability... I just have perfect marks in the written exams and he knows some details about the exam on the island. He must be talking about my personality but if that is the case... why ask Kiyo to become vice-president? There is something wrong with what he said...

Tachibana seems to think about something until she says...

Tachibana:President, you're talking about Nagumo-kun right? I don't quite believe he would end up making a bad school even if he became the next president...

Manabu: Ayanakoji, Normally there can be up to two vice presidents at a time in the student council. Starting next year a lot of things will change and it seems it'll be just one vice-president, but if you change your mind, it's still not an impossible thing to do.

Tachibana:No, no, no President. Surely that's impossible...there's no way Nagumo-kun would give his permission for something like that.

When I encounter Nagumo he seemed to be someone important in this school, with all the crowd that was following him as a king and the fact that he told me that he will become the next president... But the way that Tachibana and Horikita talk about him confirm my thought...

Kiyo:I don't know anything about vice presidents or any Nagumos but I won't do it. You're going to graduate and leave this school, that's all right? There's no need for you to worry about the students left behind. Or is it...

He then takes a slight pause in his sentence...

Kiyo:If it's because you're worried about your sister and want my help, then there might be room for you to consult me on the matter.

Manabu: I see...

Yato: That's it?

Manabu: Sorry for taking up your time. That's all the business I have with you. But feel free to drop by the student council any time, I'd be happy to treat you to tea.

He then face me and said...

Manabu: Same goes for you Fukazawa. Even if I don't really think you have what it needs for the student council for this school. I will gladly be happy to treat you a tea, don't take it personally.

I'm not totally sure to understand why he thinks that of me but I just smirk at him and say...

Yato: Don't worry about that, I will go cry a bit but I will be fine after that! I will come for a tea if I think bout it.

He just smile at my answer and starts to leave... Tachibana was about to do the same but she stopped next to me and said...

Tachibana: Oh Fukazawa-kun, you really need to learn to have some manner toward your senpai. Work on this!

Yato: Oh good...good little-girl-Senpai!

Tachibana: Uwwwaa are you...

Manabu: Let's go, Tachibana.

She gave me one last angry look before she left for good with Horikita... I then turned around to face Kiyo...

Yato: It does not seem to be the joy between the big brother and the little sister...

Kiyo: Yes it seems soo... but I can't really say, I don't know what it is to be a big brother...

Yato: It's quite a pain hahahaha!

He then starts to look at me.

Kiyo: You have a little sister?

Yato: Nahh a little brother... but it's not the same as the relationship that the two Horikita have. Suzune seems to look up to her brother but mine... I would say he probably more hate me than he looks up to me hahaha!

He says nothing...He just looks at me without saying anything...

Yato: Ehh sorry I shouldn't say something like that. Anyway, see ya! I have something to do.

Kiyo: Ok, see you next time.

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Mini Time Skip

Yato Pov:

Before this unexpected meeting with Kiyo, Manabu, and Tachibana. I was on my way to the Keyaki Mall. I had a store that I needed to go to see a person.

When I arrived in front of the electronic store I went inside and went to the back where was located the counter to repair the electronic object for the students. There were not a lot of people in the store, so it was perfect for me. Not a lot of people are going to see me here. I saw the person I had come to see, he was on his phone so he didn't see me coming. He still has his creepy face...

I arrive in front of the counter and put my hand on it to have his attention...

Yato: Yo!

I then stop looking at his phone and start to look up and at the moment at his saw my face he started to panic.

Technician: W-W-What are you doing here???? I have already given you the points for the month!

He was really scared to see me here.

Yato: Ehhh? Your not a bit too familiar with me?

Technician: Sorry sir! But like I said I have already given your points I didn't do anything wrong I swear!

Yato: Hahahaha calm down, I know. I'm not here for that. There was something I would like to talk about with you ...

I then take a look around my surrounding to be sure that there was no one around and then say to him...

Yato: I would like to know if you have the authorization to leave the campus?

Technician: Huh? But sir, I thought you order me to stay here for the next three ye...

Before he could finish his sentence I stop him...

Yato: Stop! Just answer my question!

Technician: Well, yes we can leave the campus on our day off. But we are obligate to live on the campus so I could just leave for one day I want...

It's perfect I will not need more anyway...

Yato: You can just leave the campus like that or the school makes an inspection before?

Technician: The latter one, we under strict regulations by the school when we want to leave the campus...

Yato: Hmm I see... What do they check when the employee like you want to leave?

Technician: Ehh principally the reason for our exit of the campus...and if we have nothing suspicious on us.

Perfect... my plan is totally achievable. With his help, it makes things way too easy. Normally, no one would help a student like me to take an object out of the school... They would refuse and evenreport me to the school.

Yato: Great! I have a job for you!

Technician: Ehh I don't like the look on your face sir...

Yato: Listen, I will need that you take an object outside of the school and that you mail it after, okay?

What I just asked him shocked him a lot...

Technician: You didn't listen to what I just said, sir! They watch our exit from this school!

Yato: Yes, I listened to what you said. Don't worry you don't get caught, the object I want you to take out from the campus it's just a keychain. If they ask why you have it just say that is for the birthday of your niece or something like that and everything is going to be fine.

Technician: But... I still think it's not a...

Yato: Hoi Hoi do you really think that I want to hear your opinion? Just do like I said and everything will work fine... Or maybe you prefer that I send a video of you that I have on my phone to the school?

Technician: No No No No! I'll do it, sir!

Yato: Great this is what I wanted to hear! When is your next day off?

Technician: After tomorrow...

Yato: Perfect, meet me in front of this shop at 11 p.m after tomorrow and I will give you the next instruction and the keychain that I want you to mail. Understand?

Technician: Yes... I will be there...

Yato: Great! See yaa!

After that, I just exit the store without saying anything more. Whit the cooperation of this weirdo I will be able to send the keychain, the one that I saw yesterday in the shop, for her birthday... I didn't think I could send her something from here but it's really a good thing that I found and way to send her a gift...

I was now in front of the store that I saw the keychain but I saw an unexpected duo in front of the store... it was Kiyo and Katsuragi... What are they doing together and why there were still in front of this shop?

Anyway, I just decided to ignore them, even if I think Kiyo saw me, and go inside the store to go buy the keychain. When I was in front of the display, I was relieved that the one I wanted was still there. I just take it and go to the counter to buy it and the woman who was there said to me...

Woman:Is it a birthday present?

Yato: Eh yeah.

Women:Will you be attaching a birthday card to this?

Yato: Yes, please.The birthday date is August 31.

She then put the keychain in a little box and put a little card on it.

Woman: Here. It will cost 950 points.

I just take out my phone and pay with the app of the school. After that I have finished paying, I just take the box and start to exit the store but I came face to face with someone...

Yato: Can you stop stalking me Kiyo?

Kiyo: But I was there before you.

Yato: Sighs... I was more talking about the way you look at me and analyze everything...

He didn't answer anything and I just start walking away without saying anything more too...

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Time Skip the next day

Yato Pov:

I was currently in my room while reading a book on my bed until I heard my phone ringing... I take it and look at who it was and just sighed when I saw the name of the person. I press on the screen to accept the call and said...

Yato: What can I do for you, Kiyo?

[Kiyo: Would you be free now?

Yato: Ehhhhhh I don't know, I don't really want to go out...

[Kiyo: That won't be a problem...

Yato: Huh?

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

He's not serious right now...

I get up from my bed and start to go toward the door... When I was in front of it, I opened it just a little to see who it was and without any surprise... the one who had just knocked at my door was Kiyo...

Yato: Hey Kiyo maybe you are bored but it's not an excuse to come and disturb me you know...

Kiyo: We would like to talk to you if you don't mind...

Yato: We?

I then open my door fully and saw another person with Kiyo... it was Katsuragi, again. Do these two had become friends or what? Yesterday I saw these two together and again today? I thought that he wanted to stay in the shadow of Horikita and have a peaceful school life... Anyway, I'm a bit curious to know what they want soo...

Yato: You want to talk huh?... Well, you can come in...

I just then let the door open and let them in... They all sit down on the floor around my table. I then go sit on my bed and noticed that they both start looking around my room. Katsuragi was the first one to speak...

Katsuragi: You don't have much in your room except books...

Indeed, I didn't have spread a lot of my points yet... the only thing that I have bought was some books. They were just all piling up next to my nightstand... I only had about ten books, so it was not a mess in my room...

Yato: Yeah I know... But tell me what the leader of the A-Class and one of my classmates want to talk with me?

Katsuragi didn't say anything but instead, he start to look at Kiyo... So Katsuragi probably didn't know why he was here too huh... It was probably Kiyo who wanted to ask something to me... I then start to look at Kiyo too...

Kiyo: If you would like to send a package to someone outside of this school, would you be able to?

Huh, wait... Does he know what I'm planning to do? Well, he saw me go twice to the store where I bought the keychain but still... Nah it's Kiyo after all, he maybe has deduced it. But the most important question now is why does he come here to ask me this with Katsuragi? It would have some connection to why they were together yesterday?

Wait...

Katsuragi didn't buy a box of chocolate at the same shop that I bought the keychain? So he asks me this question for Katsuragi huh...

Yato: Ehh maybe... one of you two would like to send something to someone outside the school?

Then Kiyo just turns his head to face Katsuragi... I then start to look at Katsuragi too and he just sighed and said...

Katsuragi: Ayanakoji told me that maybe you will be able to mail a package to someone outside this school. So Fukazawa, if it's true I would like that you told me how you will be able to?

I see... Kiyo just told to Katsuragi that I maybe know a way to send something outside this school... like that, he stays in the shadow again. But why does he want to help Katsuragi?

Yato: First put both your phone on the table and show me that you not recording anything...

It's was Kiyo who send Katsuragi here but I can't be sure at 100% that he didn't setup something against me... They both put their phone on the table and I check to see if they were recording and finally no... so what I was about to say was going to say between the three of us...

Yato: Great... So I have a way to mail something. I have a staff member who can go outside the school and mail a package for me...

Katsuragi was shocked to hear that... I could see that Kiyo was a bit surprised to hear that. After all, it was nearly impossible to have the help of someone from the staff, they probably just report us to the school if one student asks for help from them. But in my case... I have a contract with the technician, so he would never betray me or he will just go to prison with the video I have of him... and with the simple task of just going out of the school with a box with the keychain in it, the school will probably just let him pass without asking a question about it. They only care that no information on the functioning of the school leak... So they don't care about a simple keychain...

Yato: So Katsuragi... you want to mail a package too, right?

He then starts to look at me a bit... he seems to think about something. I know what he was probably thinking... if he could trust me. After all, the last time I talked with him was the time I made the contract with him and the A-Class. And after what happened, it's was normal that he was a bit wary of me...

Katsuragi: Sighs... Yes, I would like to send a package to someone outside this school... but first can you tell me that way you told me is 100% sure?

He still had some worries be he seemed to want to trust me anyway...

Yato: I guarantee you that it's 100% safe... But what do you want to send exactly?

I guess it was the chocolate box but I will just pretend that I don't know...

Katsuragi: Here. That's what I need to mail...

He then put a box like mine on the table...

Yato: I see, so I can totally send it for you... but this is probably the only time that I will be able to do it...

Katsuragi: So what would you want in return?

What I want in return huh...

Yato: Well first, I want to know why you want to send something outside this school and who is it for... I thought that you were someone who was very strict on the rules, I wonder why you will do that for a simple gift?

it took a few seconds before he answered me...

Katsuragi:It's for my twin sister, it's will be her birthday soon. But you see,My sister is sick. On top of that, since my parents and grandparents have both passed away, she's currently left in the care of our relatives. So I'm like a replacement parent for her. If I don't celebrate her birthday, who will?

Yato (mumble):a replacement parent for her huh...

Katsuragi didn't hear what I just say but I think Kiyo did... but anyway...

Yato: I see... Okay, I will send it to you. I just have two things I want. First, I don't want to talk about this to anyone... same goes for you Kiyo. The last thing I want is that you do not ask any questions and search for the staff member that sends the gift... If you are okay with that we have a deal.

Katsruagi seems puzzled by what I just said... it was normal after all, there was no disadvantage for him in this deal. He was sending the gift for his sister for nothing in return... He then takes a serious look and looks at me directly...

Katsuragi: What is this deal Fukazawa? That doesn't make any sense at all! I would even say that it is suspicious, you not even asking me some points for that?

Yato: No... I a great mood... and to tell you the truth I respect a lot you for this story, Katsuragi.

I then open the drawer of my nightstand and take the box I put yesterday... I open it and take the keychain in it and show it to them... it was a keychain with a little cat on it...

Yato: You see, I had already planned to send this to someone who is dear to me for her birthday. So since I hear your story, I don't mind at all doing it for free...

He still seemed to think about it... Kastsuragi was really cautious guy after all. But just the fact that he told me all his story and he was ready to accept my help for this shows how much he really wanted to send a gift to his sister...

Yato: And don't worry, I will ask the staff member to record the moment when he will mail our package so you will have proof that he really did it... and if you scare that I will betray you... We could still sign a contract if you want.

Katsuragi: Fukazawa... Thank you, it's really appreciated.

Yato: We may be from different classes but as I said, I respect you with this story. So It a pleasure to help you with that, it's nothing after all...

I then get up from my bed and go to the desk of my room and take a paper and a pencil and write a contract that said...

1- Katsuragi Kohei, Fukazawa Yato, and Ayanakoji Kiyotaka can't speak about this to anyone

2-Katsuragi Kohei and Ayanakoji Kiyotaka can't ask or search for the staff members that help in this

3- If Fukazawa Yato or Ayanakoji Kiyotaka betray Katsuragi Kohei they will both undergo the same sentence as him.

4- IfKatsuragi KoheibetrayFukazawa Yato and Ayanakoji Kiyotaka he will undergo the same sentence as them.

I then put the contract on the table

Yato: Sorry Kiyo but since you were present I had to include you in the contract.

And I still don't know why Kiyo wanted to help him... I don't want that he betray Katsuragi with this story...

Kiyo: No problem I understand perfectly.

They both signed the contract... When Katsuragi has finished he get up and was about to leave...

Katsuragi: Thank you again Fukazawa, I let you the gift for my sister. When you will send it?

Yato: Tomorrow and I will send you the video tomorrow when having it, can I have your number?

Katsuragi: Of course, here

After that we exchange our number, Katsuragi left my room... I was about to ask something to Kiyo but he speak before I could...

Kiyo: You are very generous... you said that the gift you planned to send was for someone dear to you... your brother?

Yato: Huh no not at all... Anyway, he prefers dog to cat soo...

Kiyo: So who is it for?

Yato: Hahahaha, I think you asking a lot of questions for someone who I cannot ask him anything about his personal life...

Kiyo: You're right sorry... I will leave then.

He then gets up but I speak before he starts leaving...

Yato: That's for the little sister of my best friend... I consider her as my own little sister. It's not too much of a secret so I don't mind if you know... and maybe you will talk about you now, no?

He just says nothing for a few seconds and then...

Kiyo: I will leave now...

Yato: Tsk you not fun at all...

He then exits my room.

Yato: Well I will just continue my book...

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Time Skip The next day evening

Yato Pov:

It was not 8:30 p.m and I was waiting for the message from the technician with the video of him who mail the two packages that I gave him this morning. I said that if the school ask why he has those boxes with one with a keychain in it and the other one with some chocolate in it, to say that it was for a birthday for his niece.

Then suddenly I received a message from him

[Techinican: Here is what you asked me, sir.

I saw that there was a video in the message, I click on it and saw that he really has mailed the two packages that I gave him this morning...

[Yato: Great work. Does the school ask something about those boxes?

[Technician: No, they just asked me why I was leaving and I said as you told me that it was for the birthday of my niece. And after that, they remind me that I can't speak about the rules of the school to anyone outside

Like I thought... They probably don't think that an employee will do that for a student or a student will risk asking a staff member to mail something outside...

[Yato: Great delete this conversation.

After I send the video to Katsuragi and he immediately answer me... he was probably waiting for my message...

[Katsuragi: Perfect, thank you Fukazawa

[Yato: Don't worry it's was nothing

I then close my phone and put it on my bed...

All this allowed me to know about Katsuragi but above all, I was able to send a gift to her...

Yato: Sighs... Happy birthday Gou...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter! I hope you liked it! Seriously this chapter was, again, way longer than what I expected. At first, I was wondering If I was about to have enough content to make a chapter but in the end, it may be one of the longest chapters.

I really hope you like it, I know that in this volume there is no special exam or anything like that but I still try to make the chapter interesting. There are a lot of clues about the past of Yato and a lot of build-up for the next Volume. Anyway, The chapters for Volume 4.5 will mostly be for that, tease, and build-up stuff for the next volume. I hope you will still like them! Anyway, thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 4.5: Fortune-telling

Chapter 2

Kiyo Pov:

It was soon the end of the summer break and I did almost nothing to enjoy it. This morning I received a call from Sudo who told me about a popular topic among the upperclassmen, the fact that an accurate fortune-teller was here at Keyaki Mall just for the summer vacation. He then asked me if I wanted to come with him... no, in fact, he wanted me to come for I can bring Horikita with me for he can spend some time with her.

I was now on the phone with Horikita and I started a conversation with her about fortune-telling, to be able to invite her to go with me and Sudo see the fortune-teller.

Kiyo:I've become a bit interested

That's was true aside from my objective to invite her, I was starting to be intrigued by this fortune-teller

[Horikita: I'm glad. I think it'll be good for you to go

Kiyo:Then why don't you come along?

[Horikita:You're kidding, right?

Kiyo:I'm quite serious

[Horikita: I refuse

I tried slipping in words of invitation into our brief conversation but she brilliantly rejected them all. But I have my own reasons for not being able to accept her rejection simply... The image of Sudo popped into my head

Kiyo:I'm an amateur when it comes to fortune-telling, so I think it's better for me to have someone like Horikita with me

[Horikita: I'm sorry but I'll pass. I'm the type that's bad at dealing with crowds, you know too

Indeed that is true. Naturally, there would be a lot of students crowded around the fortune-teller because it happens to be a hot topic right now. There's even the possibility that it won't simply be students but also adults that would go. I certainly cannot imagine Horikita being in a crowd like that

I tried to reconfirm it with her without retreating, but even if I stick to it I'll just end up arousing her suspicions. So I just ended up the call and then I briefly sent Sudou a message in the chat. Of course, it immediately registered as 'read' and dissatisfied words came back to me.Sudou had replied "Then I quit" to me in the mail. As I had thought, my existence was only necessary to him for inviting Horikita. And since I had failed, he had no more use for me.

Kiyo:But even so...fortune-telling huh?

I was not interested initially, but after my conversation with Horikita, I had become slightly interested.But I must admit it would be weird for two men to go together to the fortune-teller... but I will be never able to go there with one of my classmate girls... Maybe...

I then dialed a certain phone number but it just keep ringing and nobody was picking up... I was about to end the call but the person finally answered.

???: Nehhh Kiyo? What do you want?

By the sound of his voice, I could tell that he was probably still sleeping. My call probably woke him up.

Kiyo: Hey Yato sorry to bother you but are you free tomorrow?

I just hear a big Sighs and a few seconds later he answered...

Yato: You call me so early for that?

It was already 10h35 a.m but I will just pass that...

Kiyo: Sorry I just wanted to know if you have heard about the fortune-teller who is here for the summer break?

Yato: ...

He didn't answer me... I then look to confirm if my phone was still on the call but yes it was... maybe he just didn't hear me? I was about to repeat myself but...

Yato: Fortune-Teller... Fortune-Teller... Are you all leaving me the hell alone with this Fortune-teller! The next one who talks about this fucking fortune-teller I beat him up!

BIP... BIP... BIP... BIP...

He hung up... It seemed that he had already heard about this fortune-teller... I'd better not ask him more questions about that. Well anyway,I suppose I'll go check it out tomorrow alone.

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Time Skip two days later

Yato pov:

It was now 10h45 a.m and I just come out of the shower. I'm starting to get dressed and get ready to go out. I had an appointment with Karuizawa and some of her friends at the Keyaki Mall...

Yato: Sighs... I don't want to go there...

Indeed, Karuizawa call me 3 days ago to ask me to go with her to see a fortune-teller who was at the school for the summer vacation. She said that it was a good way to gain some credibility for our ''couple''... I refuse at first but she told me that some of her friends from the class told her that it will be a good idea to go there with me... She did not want to go there too but she doesn't really have the choice to accept, for her reputation...So I couldn't refuse too much, I prefer that Karuizawa keep a good reputation in the class and the same goes for Kiyo.

When I think about it Kiyo called me a few days ago to talk about this fortune-teller... does he was really interested in that? It's hard to say, guessing what this guy is thinking is really not an easy thing. Sometimes he looks like a dude with no personality and a bit dumb... No, dumb is not the word to use... occasionally with his reaction and attitude it's more like if he was born yesterday and he doesn't know anything.

And the other thing, how smart is this guy... he outsmarted everyone during the exam on the island and during the VIP exam he managed to get the victory for his group and gain the cooperation of Karuizawa with some ''unusual method''. His results in the written exam are very average and I could say the same thing for his physical ability from what I saw in class...

I was lost in my thought until I hear my phone ringing... I take a look and say that it was Karuizawa who was calling me. I answer and before I could say anything she said...

[Karuizawa: WHERE ARE YOU!

Yato: Huh?

I then look at the time and saw that it was already 11h05 a.m... I was thinking about too much stuff and I lost track of the time... I was 5 minutes late already and I was not even on my way to the Keyaki Mall.

Yato: Haha...ha...ha... Sorry something unexpected happens, I am there in 10 minutes...

[Karuizawa: Sighs... Hurry up everyone is already here Fukazawa-kun.

Yato: Yeah I join you soon.

I then hung up and immediately put on my shoes and left my room toward the Keyaki Mall...

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10 Minutes later

I was finally on the 5th floor of the Keyaki Mall and I was looking around to search for Karuizawa and the others. there were a lot of people... the majority of them were a couple but there were some groups only of boys and only of girls...

Yato: It's that popular fortune-telling? I don't see the interest at all...

Finally, I saw Karuizawa wave at me further away. I then start approaching her and she did the same as she start to get a little further from the group of people of the D-Class. She probably wanted to talk to me about why I was late... When she was close enough the first thing she said to me was...

Karuizawa: I guess you have a reason?

Yato: Hahaha of course! You see there was an old woman who need help to cross the road... I couldn't leave her, right?

It was the most obvious lie but I was just fooling around... She knows that I am often late and that I probably didn't have a real reason why I was late today again...

Shen then just look at me with an annoying expression and said...

Karuizawa: Sighs Okay... Look for today we just need to pretend to be the happiest couple and everything is going to be fine, Okay Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Yeah... Yeah. I know...

Karuizawa: Just stop to look annoyed to be here... I don't really want to come too but it was the best thing.

Yato: So let's start for we can finish all this as soon as possible...

I then start walking toward the group that Karuizawa came here today... She then starts to walk next to me with a big smile on her face... Like if she was the happiest girlfriend in the world. It was not some acting skill at the level of Kushida but she was really good. Someone who doesn't know about her past and real personality will probably believe it...

Yato: Sighs... I could do some effort too... I accept all this fake couple relationship after all...

We then joined the rest of the group and I greeted everyone... for the majority of them, I just know their name and what they look like because I never talked to them really. The group was made up only of girls...

Karuizawa was talking with the others while I just intervene in the conversation from time to time... Until one of the girls ask THE question...

Sonoda: So how did you two become a couple?

It's was a normal question... After all, Karuizawa was dating the most popular guy in the class and probably one of the most popular guys of our school year. I don't think that I was in the low ranking but I do not have many friends and I don't really interact with others... I was to say a fake story about how we became a couple but...

Karuizawa: Hihi I'm glad that you asked this question Sonoda-san! The thing is...

She then starts to explain a fake story... She said that after the island she broke up with Hirata and a few days later when we were on the cruise ship we ran into each other by chance and she apologize for what she did on the island and I did the same. After we start to spend some time together and even between the meeting time of the exam and we start to get closer to each other until the last day of the exam that we decided to become a couple.

Just before she finished explaining she gets close to me and stuck to my arm and said...

Karuizawa: That's how I fall in love with Fukazawa-kun!

Without losing a second I started to smile and act like a happy boyfriend...

Yato: Haha that's all, nothing out of the ordinary!

By the reaction from the friends of Karuizawa, I could tell that they all believed what she just told them. Finally, all this going out here with her friends was not a bad thing at all, we just prove that we were a couple to her friends and not only them all the people around. Karuizawa had huge popularity and I gain some too after the exam on the island so it was normal that people to look at us...

Then after all this, I have been shocked at what I had just heard...

Sonoda: So we going to go now, we will wait for you at the Pallet Cafe Karuizawa-san!

Yato: What? Are they not going to see the fortune-teller?

Karuizawa: Perfect I will join you later!

Then they all start leaving... I was now alone with Karuizawa, without wasting any time I ask her what I have in mind...

Yato: Do you mind explaining to me? We were not supposed to go see the fortune-teller with your friends?

Karuizawa: I never said that they were going to join us...

Now that she says it... but anyway it's perfect for me. We could just pretend that we went there and just skip this but when I was about to tell that to Karuziawa she start walking toward the lineup of people who were waiting for the fortune-teller.

I just realized that my plan was useless... our couple had gained the attention of a lot of people in the school and just leaving now will be weird after all this...

Yato: Sighs...

I just walk next to Karuizawa and start waiting our turn...

Yato: By the way how long is one session for a pair?

Karuizawa: From what I heard it's about 15 minutes. Why?

I then look at all the people in front of us and start to calculate the time before our turn...

Yato: Ehhhhhhhhh it's going to be long...

She then looks at me until...

Karuizawa: Hahaha indeed.

She was just laughing at my annoyed expression huh...

Yato: At least one of us is having fun...

We then started to wait for our turn... We were talking about some random topic to pass time until I saw a pair a person came out from the room where the fortune-teller was...

Yato: HAHAHA what's the meaning of this?

Karuizawa was surprised by what I just said, she didn't see what I just noticed. She then start to look where I was looking until she saw the same thing as me.

Karuizawa: What???? What he is doing with her?

Just when she said that the guy and the girl that we were talking about noticed us and they started to come towards us... The girl was coming into our direction as if she was in a hurry and angry... Well, I probably know the reason.

When the two were close enough to us I was the first one to speak...

Yato: Ehh Kiyo are you currently on a date with a girl?

It was Kiyo and Ibuki from the C-Class... but why they have been to the fortune-teller together? Oh, I probably know why... that's why he called me a few days earlier...

but before he could answer me, someone else spoke.

Ibuki: HOI does not think that I forgot what happen a few days ago Fuakzawa!

Kiyo and Karuizawa were visibly confused by what she just said... Sighs, why all this now...

Yato: Ehh sorry but do I know you?

Ibuki: Don't mess with me! You ran away last time!

I then noticed that people around us start to look at us because Ibuki was really speaking loudly... I need to stop this right now.

Yato: Okay, Okay! Stop it I was joking! Look around us we attract too much attention... Anyway, I already told you that Horikita was the one you should go see instead of me!

She then start to notice what I was talking about... she just stare at me with her angry tsundere eyes until...

Ibuki: Tsk whatever...

She just starts to walk away, Kiyo just looks at me and Karuizawa for a few seconds, and after he starts to walk away too in the same direction as Ibuki...

Yato: Sighs...

Karuizawa: What was all this? What does she mean you ran away?

Yato: Nothing don't worry...

She then starts to look at me straight in the eye... what she is trying to do?

Karuizawa: Ok just don't forget we are supposed to be a couple so don't do anything that could ruin it...

Yato: Don't worry about that.

We then start to continue to wait for our turn... So Kiyo was really interested in this fortune-teller finally. He even goes here with Ibuki to be able to have a session... but why Ibuki. Sighs... the things she was talking goes back to the day I goes to the Keyaki Mall after having met Kiyo and Horikita Manabu and his secretary, Tachibana...

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FlashBack

Yato Pov:

I just finished buying the Keychain that I planned to send to Gou for her birthday and I was currently on my way toward the exit to the Keyaki Mall. But I stopped walking because I had just thought of something...

Yato: Maybe a cookbook wouldn't be a bad idea.

I never cooked by myself before coming to this school and I had decided to improve myself on this point. I went back in the other direction to search for a library.

I was walking randomly because I didn't where the library could be but I noticed something... someone has been following me for a while now... I did not react at all and continued to walk casually as if I didn't notice it. I was currently in a popular place in the mall so there were lots of people here...

Yato: Hmm what should I do?

I saw that a little further that there were three paths that we could take, whether we turn right or left, or continue straight. On the paths on my left, there was hardly anyone... So I decided to turn the corner and take the left path and just wait for the person a little further... And then suddenly the person who was following turned the corner to still try to follow me but ended bumping into me because I was just there standing.

The person seems shocked to see me there waiting for her...

Yato: Can I help you with something Ibuki?

She started to follow me when I changed my mind and decided to go search for a library... But why she was following me? Ryuuen order her to do that? Even during the summer break, this guy is planning something? But my theory was quickly denied...

Ibuki: We need to talk!

Huh? So I would have been wrong?

Yato: Talk? Why did you have to talk with me?

Ibuki: Don't play dumb, you know why!

I know why? But what is she talking about in the end? I seriously have no idea what she wants from me...

Yato: Ehh well let's say that I forget the reason why we need to talk, do you mind refreshing my memories?

She seemed furious by what I had just said... What's wrong with this girl.

Ibuki: You pissing me off... About the island of course!

The island... Well, it's true that during this exam she had infiltrated our class but ended up being caught by me when she try to steal my card... And the results from her class were zero for them because of Kiyo. So she wants to know the truth about what happened but does it for her or it's Ryuuen who send her to try to gain some info from me? I am disappointed if it's really a plan from Ryuuen... but I don't think he is behind this encounter with Ibuki...

Yato: So you want to know about the results on this exam huh... you should probably go...

Before I could finish my sentence she interrupt me and said...

Ibuki: NO! It's not what I want to talk about... well yes but it's not the principal matter!

Okay, it's official, I'm completely lost... Congratulation Ibuki...

Ibuki: I talk about our fight!

Yato: ...

Yato: Eh are you serious right now?

Ibuki: Of course I am! I have been humiliated, I want a rematch now!

All that for this? Her defeat on the island has hurt her pride that much?

Yato: Sighs... I refuse it's useless.

Ibuki: Useless! Are you trying to say that I will never be able to win against you?

Yes totally... Even if we fight one hundred times, I will win every time. It's not necessarily a matter of strength but I don't think she had what it needed to beat me...But anyway that is not what I wanted to say here...

Yato: That's not what I had in mind when I said that... it's more there is nothing to gain to fight against each other.

Ibuki: And if I start a fight without your consent, you will be forced to defend yourself...

That's totally stupid... And she probably knows it, it's was probably just a provocation. Even if there are not a lot of people here there a still a few... without even talking about the cameras. It will be annoying to deal with her...

Yato: Sighs... Stop that please, you know that it's a stupid idea... Look for what happened on the island, I just have followed the order that had been given to me so I don't want to be involved in all of this...

What I just said caught her attention... She started to look at me with a serious look.

Ibuki: Does the one who gives you those orders was Horikita?

Yato: ...

Ibuki: Answer me! I need an answer!

She seems really concerted by all this... After all, the version of the story that me and Kiyo came up with was that it was Horikita who saw through the plan of Ryuuen and know that Ibuki was a spy sent to our camp. She probably has some resentment towards her... So...

Yato: It's was Horikita, she is the one who knows about the fact that you were a spy sent by Ryuuen. In fact, if you want to talk about all this you should probably go see Horikita directly instead of me...

Ibuki: Horikita Huh... I see.

It seems that she is really interested in Horikita now... Great if that's can take her away from me and that's she lost interest in our fight, it's just perfect.

Yato: Good? Now if you don't mind I will be going now...

I just made two-step to start leaving before she stop me by grabbing my wrist and said...

Ibuki: Stop! I still want my fight!

She is fucking kidding me... Leave me alone...

Yato: Sighs... Fine.

She seems surprised by my answer... Why are you surprised if it's what you wanted?

Ibuki: Seriously?

Yato: Yeah, Yeah let's finish this. We should go to a place where there is nobody...

Ibuki: Outside the Keyaki Mall there is probably a place with no one and no camera.

Yato: Okay, then let's go I follow you.

She then starts to leave and I start to follow her until...

Ibuki Pov:

I will finally be able to have a rematch with Fukazawa. The defeat that I suffered on this island is totally a real shame for me. With only one punch he knocks me out while he blocked my kick with his injured hand. I really need to win.

Ibuki: For the rules how do we do?

...

Ibuki: Huh?

I turned around and saw that Fukazawa was not there anymore... But how? I saw him start to follow me and I don't notice him go away...

Ibuki: This bastard!

I saw him far away and he turn a corner... I need to run to catch him up...

I then start to run towards where I see him for the last time but after a while, I lost his trace completely...

Ibuki: Tsk!

It will be difficult to have a rematch with him... Ryuuen told me to not try anything against him but it's just pissing me off. First I lost to Fukazawa and after the other bastard of Ryuuen told me to not try anything... He really thinks that I can't win against him or what?

Ibuki: ...

The only thing positive in all this is that I have the confirmation about Horikita... I will focus on her instead for the moment. For Fukazawa I will wait, it's going to be hard to force him to have a rematch and now that Ryuuen doesn't want me to try anything against him it will make things harder...

Ibuki: Tsk... those two piss me off soo much!

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Back present time

We have been waiting for our turn for a while but we were the next one to pass. Suddenly we hear a voicecome from inside the temporarily set up facility of the fortune-teller.

Women:Next person, please

Yato: Finally...

Me and Karuizawa then start walking toward the entrance of the room where was the fortune-teller. When we entered, inside was a scenery I would often see on the television. The dark lighting inside was only about 30 lux. And added to that, there was a thick book, a hammer, and a crystal ball...

The old fortune-teller woman inside had a hood on her and as such I couldn't see her expression. There were two round seats with no backrests placed. I suppose that's where we are supposed to sit. And when the two of us sat down, the fortune-teller simply laughed briefly, and her right hand moved.

Fortune-teller:First of all, pay up

Pay huh... I know that it will not be free but still. First of all, I didn't want to come here and the second thing is I don't believe at all in this fortune-telling thing. I don't have much knowledge on the subject but the thing that I'm certain is there is no super-power that allows seeing the future... all she does is use the information she has of the client by analyzing him, and then after she pretends that she knows the life of the client and makes rather vague predictions of his future... Even if I'm not a fan of that, I must say that it's required a great talent for this job.

Yato: Well now that I am here...I am a bit curious about how she will proceed...

Karuizawa has a paper that shows all the prices and the different categories. We don't necessarily want to be here so without even concerning each other we choose the 'basic plan' which included some predictions for our studies, work, love affairs, and something calledTenchuusatsu... I didn't know what it was but it was probably a type of fortune-telling.

Yato: We just take the basic plan... I'll pay for both of us...

I then take out my phone to pay but before I could pay Karuizawa stop me...

Karuizawa: Eh are you sure Fukazawa-kun? I can pay for myself.

Yato: It's okay, that's not a problem at all. It's only 10,000 points...

I then use my app on my phone to make the payment to the fortune-teller for me and Karuizawa.

Karuizawa: Thank you Fukazawa-kun!

Like I said it's was really nothing for me. Now that my plan of saving 20 million to go in the group of students of the third year fail... I have too many points. Of course 10,000 points for a normal student of the D-Class it's a lot but for me it's nothing at all.

Fortune-teller:Then let's start from the lady here, what's your name?

Karuizawa: Karuizawa. Karuizawa Kei

Fortune-teller: My fortune-telling lets me see the face, hands, and hearts of my customer. And during the middle of it, I might see something you'd rather keep private. Are you fine with that?

When she hears those words Karuizawa does not seem really convinced by all this. I now understand why she didn't want to come here too... she only accepted to not refuse in front of her friend.

Yato: Sighs...

I then put my hand on her shoulder and say in a reassuring tone...

Yato: We're just the both of us here. And I will be there for you so there is nothing to worry about!

My words really seem to have reassured her because she just smiled and regained her usual confidence.

Karuizawa: It's okay! You can start!

Fortune-teller:Starting with palm reading, you will live a long life. I cannot see you suffering any major illnesses as of now...

That's was the image that I had of a fortune-teller... She probably analyze all this by her condition physique if I had to guess... Anyway, she continues to talk about her health for while until she switches the subject and says...

Fortune-teller: Hmm I see that your relationship is recent...

Karuizawa: Humhum indeed!

Ehh I think that Karuizawa began to like this a bit too much... but the reason she deduced that our couple was recent is obvious... Karuizawa still calls me by my last name. It was this kind of little detail that she had to pay attention to to get some information about her clients...

Fortune-teller: I saw that your couple will last a while, so do not need to worry about that.

She then continues to tell some predictions for the future of Karuizawa, like her studies will improve this year and some good things will happen to her but sometimes warnings are given to her and the last thing she says was...

Fortune-teller: When you are going to be afraid...stay strong at all costs and everything will eventually settle for the best for you.

Karuizawa froze a bit at her last sentence but she probably remember what I said to her at the start of the session and quickly calm herself and said...

Karuizawa: Thank you very much!

The fortune-teller now switches her attention towards me... she then follows the same procedure she used during her session with Karuizawa. The start was nearly the same as her until...

Fortune-teller: Hmm I see... you have been through a lot of difficult times in your life...

Huh... that's quite bold as what she just said. Everyone has probably experienced things they consider tough at least once or twice... but she says a lot in my case. Well, I can't deny it but how does she deduce that? I did not give her any clue that can lead to that...

She then continue to analyze me without saying anything for a while until she seemed really surprised by something...

Fortune-teller: I can't believe it...You are the possessor of a sinister Tenchuusatsu!

Me and Karuizawa were puzzled by what she just said. The both of us didn't have any knowledge about fortune-telling so we didn't what it means...

After that, she just whispered something...

Fortune-teller (whisper): I didn't expect to see two types of Tenchuusatsu as rare in the same day...

It seems that Karuizawa didn't hear what she just said but I did... So it seems that mine is an uncommon thing huh... And someone who passes before us also has a rare Tenchuusastu thing...

Yato: Ehh sorry but do you mind telling me what it's mean?

She then takes a deep breath and starts to look at me straight in the eye...

Fortune-teller:If I have to put it simply, from the moment you were born, your existence has brought a lot of grief to you and the people close to you!

Yato: ...

I was rather relaxed when she had started her fortune-telling about me... but now I had a serious expression.

It's really too precise and true what she said, it's like if she already knows my past...

Yato: Wait...

Just now, Dazai's stupid face just popped up in my head...

He might very well have been able to succeed in getting this fortune-teller hired by the school for that he can prank me even if I can't see him... No that's stupid, even if he likes to make jokes to me...he would not joke about this subject... And he had no way of predicting that I would come to see this fortune-teller.

So how does she know? I am really shocked right now, I don't understand how she deduce that and it bothers me a lot...

Yato: I see, it's quite interesting. Does it mean that it will last forever?

As having accepted what she had just said was true, Karuizawa start looking at me a bit worried. The fortune-teller just starts to look at her crystal ball for a few seconds.

Fortune-teller: Well a sinister Tenchuusatsuis indeed uncommon, But that doesn't everything will be bad for the rest of your life. You just need to be more careful in your choice and important decision... Or the same tragedies will happen again. You are on the right track, stay strong-minded and you will be able to get through all this...

She then turns her head to face Karuizawa

Fortune-teller: So do not worry young girl. I said earlier that his type of Tenchuusatsu brings grief to him and the one close to him but it just means that he is more at risk than the others... So don't worry both of you.

She noticed that what she had said had started to worry Karuizawa and she tried to reassure her.

Personally, I still have the same serious expression as earlier... I had a lot of questions about all this but I just decide to stay quiet. With all that she said it started to remind me of some things from my past... I don't know how she found out about all this but it was really terrifying...

Your time allowed was now over, So me and Karuziawa got up from our seats to leave but the fortune-teller stopped me before with her voice.

Fortune-teller: Wait before you leave I want to give you a last advice...

Yato: Eh but it's not in the basic plan that we choose... And I don't really want to buy more...

Fortune-teller: Don't worry I offer you this one... You still have a lot of questions on why you are there... But you will soon understand the benefit of coming here... But be careful, it's could also lead to your loss and all you have left.

Yato: HAHAHA I see... I see... Well, thanks for this advice I will try to keep that in mind...

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We were now out from the room where the fortune-teller was... I saw the next pair go in happy that this was finally their turn. There was still a lineup of people who were waiting their turn.

I then start to walk away and Karuziawa starts to walk next to me with not her usual expression... She still looked worried...

Yato: Are you okay Karuizawa?

She then stop walking and I did the same and she started to look at me in the eyes and said...

Karuizawa: Well it's more me who should ask you this question... After all what this fortune-teller said about you...

I see... So she was really worried about all this. I was surprised that she was worried about me but there was no need for her to act like that... It's was nothing, she just said some facts...

But to try to reassure her I put my hand on her shoulder and smile and said...

Yato: Hahaha thank you for worrying! I was a bit surprised by what she said but I'm okay, so I don't want you to be in this mood okay?

She then seems to be thinking about all this until she regains her usual expression and smiles again.

Karuizawa: Okay, sorry about that Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Well now that's we finish here I will...

Before I could finish my sentence someone interrupt me from behind

???: Oh if it's not my favorite Kouhai!

Yato: This voice... you must be kidding me...

I then turn around to see who it was... There was a group of senpai, the majority of them were girls and there was a man in the center... like if he was the king. He started to approach me with the rest of his group who was following behind...

???: I'm glad to see you here Fukazawa, I wanted to see you!

Yato: Ehh I must be really popular with my senpai, first Horikita-Senpai and now it's you Nagumo-Senpai...

He seems surprised by my answer... but he just walked toward me until he was close enough. He then just take a quick look at Karuizawa who was behind me and smirked and look at me again.

Nagumo: I see so Horikita-senpai wanted to see you too huh... Well, it looks like I beat him this time!

Yato: Beat him?

Nagumo: Of course, I immediately saw your potential after all! I didn't need to wait for the results of your first special exam of you, first-year students.

So he would be proud of that? It's hard to say but he seems really happy about the fact that he has 'beat' Horikita Manabu... But the other thing I noticed is the girl next to him who just sighed when he said that... It was the same girl when I first meet Nagumo if I remember correctly he had called her Nazuna...

Yato: My potential huh? Even with the results of the exam, there is not much exceptional, I just followed the order of my leader...

I just do a 'Kiyo style' and said how much I wasn't that talented... but it didn't work at all because he just smirk again.

Nagumo: I am very confident in my ability to judge people, Fukazawa. From what I saw the first time we meet and the last results of your exam... you can't fool me. I said it the first time we meet, you reminded me when I got into this school.

Well, I suspected that it was not going to be so easy... after all, the 'Kiyo style' just work for Kiyo himself... it's a shame.

But he said something that caught my attention...

Yato: Results of the last exam huh... you have access to that information?

Nagumo: Sadlly not yet. But that doesn't mean that I have less information. You see, one of my kouhai tell me about you and the last two exams that the first year takes part in. You must certainly know Ichinose Honami.

I see... I should have thought about it before. I remember my first encounter with Ichinose, she told me that a senpai told her about me...

Nagumo: When you have turned off my offer of joining the student council, I didn't have the choice but to offer it to someone else... and now there are no more seats available in the council.

Yato: Ah what a pity...

It was totally sarcastic of course... but anyway I already know that all the seats were taken. When I meet Horikita Manabu, he told us that information.

Nagumo: But you know what, Fukazawa? I would still be able to get you into the student council. I think you would be perfect for the role I have in mind, you already know that I am the next President and I would need someone like you as my right hand. So what do you say?

Everyone was shocked by what he just said... again like the first time we meet. So he makes me the same offer that Horikita Manabu made to Kiyo huh. it's was weird that he make this offer to me when Horkita-senpai said that I didn't have what it take to only have a normal seat in the council...

Apart from this offer that I was of course refuse, there was something that was bothering me... The girl next to Nagumo, Nazuna, doesn't stop looking at me... like if she was gauging me. Well anyway, I was about to refuse this offer but someone spoke before me.

???: Hoi you can't be serious Nagumo! Horikita-senpai would never agree with that!

It was a guy withblack hair that has bangs swept to the right and he was about 5,8 feet tall. Nagumo without even looking at him just said...

Nagumo: I know what I can do or not, Kiriyama. So don't worry... or would you be afraid to lose a position that you don't even have yet?

It seems to was irritated this Kiriyama dude... To be honest, I have no opinion of him at all... If I have to describe in one word my first impression of him it would be... average...

Without giving him time to answer I said...

Yato: Don't have to debate because my answer didn't change for the first time... I'm not interested in the student council.

Kiriyama seems reassured with my answer and Nazuna just keeps her same expression while looking at me. For Nagumo, he just smile and said...

Nagumo: I suspected it but I tried my luck by asking again...

I was about to say bye and walk far from here... but he talks again before I could.

Nagumo: By the way, I organize a hang out to the outside pool of the school on the last day of the summer break, you want to come?

Why is he so obsessed... give me a break...

Yato: Sighs... too bad I already have something planned this day...

He was about to say something again but someone that I didn't expect spoke and take my hand...

Karuizawa: Nee Yato-kun, your movie it's starting soon we should get going now!

Wow, nice job Karuizawa. Perfect save here.

Yato: Ahhh your right Kei! Sorry senpai but I need to go!

Nagumo: Haha I see, sorry to have bothered your date...

Asahina: Exacllty Miyabi, we should leave them alone... come.

I was about to walk away too but he told me a last thing while he was walking away with his group.

Nagumo: Oh and don't forget that my offer will be still available if you changed your mind!

He was now far away with the rest of his group. I start to walk away in the opposite direction while Karuizawa was walking next to me.

Yato: Thanks a lot for what you did, it's was nicely done!

Kei: Hehe my acting skill are amazing right Fukazwaw-kun

Yato: You can call me Yato you know... In fact, it's better if we call ourselves by your first name, okay Kei?

She seemed a by embarrassed by this but quickly act like if it was nothing.

Kei: Okay I will now call you by your first name, Yato.

Yato: By the way Kei, how did you know that I was getting annoyed by all this earlier?

When Nagumo invite me to the pool I was getting really tired of all this and Kei immediately intervene and made up an excuse for we can leave...

Kei: Well you sigh often... but that was the first time you sighed when you were talking with Nagumo-senpai...

Yato: Oh I see...

Well, it's true that maybe I sigh often...

Kei: Anyway, I will join my friends. I guess you don't want to come...

Yato: HAHAHA exactly... it's too much for today.

Kei: I had guessed... Well, I will text you about our next date next week.

I was surprised by what she just said

Yato: Wait what? Today was not enough?

Kei: You kidding right? We need to act like a new couple, so of course, we need to do multiple dates like lovers.

Yato: Sighs...

Kei: Don't sigh!

Yato: But I can't help myself...

Kei: Anyway, I call you soon. Bye Yato-kun! Thanks for today.

Yato: Yeah bye Kei.

We just start walking in different directions... She was probably joining her friend at the Pallet cafe but for me, I was going to my room as soon as possible. Today was even more painful than expected. First, the fortune-teller who has read in me like a book, I was still in shock on how she deduced all this but I will probably never have the answer to that. For her advice, I will keep that in mind. She said that I will soon understand the reason why Mori send me to this school... but it could lead to something bad for me...

And the other thing was Nagumo, I really picked his interest... Horikita Manabu is on Kiyo's back and for me, I have Nagumo on my back... How unlucky we are...

Yato: Sighs... there is just a weak left to the summer vacation...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter. I hope you liked it! Sorry that it comes out late in the week, I planned to release it before but I didn't have the time to finish the end of the chapter and make the checkup before today. I am really busy right now in my personal life so that's why I don't really know when I can release the chapter. So don't worry next week there will be a chapter but I just don't know when. With all my things IRL and my job who need me a bit more because of the Christmas holiday, I prefer to not say a date and not be able to release it on time. But like I say, the next chapter will still come out next week.

So the next chapter will be the last for Volume 4.5, I really hope that you enjoy this volume so far even if there is no special exam or anything like that. Personally, I really like to write these chapters finally. But I keep the best (I think haha) for the next chapter. There will be a meeting important for the future of the story between Yato and another character.

Anyway, thanks to those who read my story, and if you have any questions don't mind asking them I will gladly answer them, unless if it includes a spoil for the future of my story haha.

Volume 4.5: End of the summer break

Chapter 3

Yato Pov:

We were now before the last day of the summer break. In the end, I didn't do too much to enjoy it at its best, to be honest. Two or three things happened this month but nothing extraordinary. I didn't read the cooking book that I bought to try to improve myself... I should work on my laziness before anything else...

Yato: Sighs... What time is it?

I then take my phone who was next to me and look at the time and it was indicated that it was presently 13h45 p.m.

Yato: It's about time to go...

Indeed, today I...again... have a date with Kei. She told me to be there at 14h p.m at the entrance of the keyaki Mall. At first, I didn't really see the point of redoing a fake date but she told me that new couples go out a lot more... so since our relationship was new and a topic of discussion popular among the person of our class... no, even with all students of our year in fact... we need to act like one. Since it was rather a good argument and I didn't want to argue more with her so I just decided to accept this date...

I then close the book I was reading and put it on my nightstand and get up from my bed. I walk toward my door and put on my shoes and leave towards the Keyaki Mall...

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I started to see the entrance while I was walking toward it and I noticed Kei who was waiting for me. She then noticed me too and seem a bit angry at me...

Yato: What I did again...

I then walked to her and before I could say anything she look at me with an angry face... well it wasn't really threatening but cuter... and said.

Kei: Again... you are still late!

Yato: Ehh wait?

I then look at my phone to see that it was 2h01 p.m. Well yeah, technically I was late but don't need to exaggerate...

I then take an obvious fake expression of someone happy and say.

Yato: Hello to you too Kei! Glad to see you...

And immediately go back to my usual nonchalant expression...

Yato: But can I know why are you angry? It's only one minute...

She then stare at me for a few seconds and sighed and slightly look disappointed with my answer...

Kei: You know it's always a good thing to arrive a bit early when someone gives you an appointment...

Yato: Well I don't really see the point of waiting for nothing... If you wanted me to be here earlier you should just ask me instead...

Kei: Well I'm starting to get to know you so I suspected an answer like that...

I then noticed that people around us start to look at us... I really underestimated the popularity of Kei among the first-year student... even more since now she is the girl who broke up with the great Hirata.

She then noticed it too and immediately get closer to me and took my hand...

Kei: Let's go Yato-kun!

We then just started to walk into the Keyaki Mall.

She was still holding my hand while we were walking... Well, I guess it was normal for a couple but It's a bit weirder than I initially thought. It was necessary to have a bit of good acting skill to play this fake couple. Hirata did well when he was acting as the boyfriend of Kei...

Now that I think about Hirata... I didn't speak to him until the end of the exam on the cruise and didn't have a discussion about his ''broke up'' with Kei and the fact I was her new ''boyfriend''. I should probably talk with him about all this when the summer will end... But for now...

Yato: So Kei? What do we do today?

She then gives me a look of someone who had foreseen that I will ask this question...

Kei: Hehe, I suspected that you would not plan anything... So I thought we could just do a classic date.

Yato: Ah yes... a classic date...

I'm lost... To be honest I have never go on date with a girl before... Well, I didn't go to middle school... So I didn't hang out with a lot of people and have the chance to...

But just think about it... this should be easy to guess without having to admit that I never had a date before. The cliché thing would be like to go see a movie and maybe go eat something... Yeah, I would go with that...

Yato: So there was a movie you wanted to go see in particular?

Kei: Hmm yeah there was a new movie that just came out.

Yato:Safe...

Kei: But it is not yet time... we could do a bit of shopping before. What do you think, Yato-kun?

Yato: Shopping huh...

Since I have a lot of points because I was saving them for my plan but it fail, I could maybe look for some furniture for my room...

Yato: Yeah why not. I follow you...

Kei: Great let's go!

25 minutes later

After does several stores, we were now in one that mainly sold clothes. Kei was looking in the women's section and I was looking around in the men's section...

Yato: Finally I still have bought nothing...

When Katsuragi and Kiyo came into my room a few days ago, they pointed out to me how empty it was apart from my books... But I have no fucking idea what to buy...

Yato: Even in clothes... I'm all good for the moment...

Begin discouraged I start to walk towards the women's section to join Kei but I noticed that she was looking for a certain set of clothing... It was a red swimsuit.

I was behind her and she still haven't noticed my presence...

Yato: You should just buy it if you want it...

Kei: Kyaaa!

She was probably in her own world thinking about a lot of things because she has been really surprised by me...

Kei: W-What are you talking about?

She then starts to look in the other direction of the swimsuit... But I just still looking at this red swimsuit...

Yato: Hmm Well the swimsuit that you have been looking for 15 minutes...

She then starts to blush a bit for embarrassment... I really don't understand why she was acting like that...

Kei: Ah mou... it's just that tomorrow I need to go to the outside pool...

Yato: Ah Kiyo asked you for help finally?

She then was surprised by my words...

Kei: Huh??? Ayanakoji didn't tell me that you as coming too

Yato: Woah mate! You misunderstand something Kei... I don't going to the pool tomorrow...

Kei: ButHow did you know that?

Yato: He called me last night to tell me about the plan of the three idiots...

Just by saying that I could see the disgust on Karuizawa's face...

Yato: So Kiyo asked me for some help... but I refused of course.

Kei: Huh? But why did you refuse his...

She stopped talking before finishing her sentence... she probably understand one of the reasons I didn't plan to come with them...

Kei: It's because of Nagumo-Senpai, right?

Yato: Yes it's one of the reasons that I didn't want to go there tomorrow

The others reason was quite simple... First, I don't really want to go there with my forearm with all the bandages... I could use a shirt that can go in the pool but... Nah. The other reason is that Kiyo doesn't need my help with that... he can easily deal with all this by himself, he has Kei on his side now after all...

Yato: Oh and by that way...

I then start to look directly at Kei in her eyes...

Yato: Did you talk about the incident that happen a few days ago between me and Nagumo to Kiyo?

Kei: Huh? No why?

Hmm, she does not seem to lie... even if she has some acting skill I don't think she lies to me now...

Yato: Great! Keep things like that, Okay Kei? I don't want him to know about that...

Kei: Hmm yeah sure. But why do you not want him to know that? You were not some friends who stay hidden behind Horikita-san while you make your Machiavellian plans?

Yato: Hahahaha, seen like that it's not totally wrong but... in fact, he do what he what and the same goes for me.

The deal between me and Kiyo was if he need help with something is that he could ask me for it... now that I know what he is capable of I am on my guard with him. But that's doesn't mean that I trust him... after all, I still have a lot of doubts about him...

Yato: Well anyway... are you buying this swimsuit finally? You are supposed to have some money since I gave you some on the cruise ship...

Like if she remembers something, her eyes widen and start to get closer to me and look at me straight into my eyes.

Kei: About that! How did you get all these points? It's clearly not normal even if you were saving on the first month!

Seriously? You ask me this just now?

Yato: Sighs... Look Kei, it's better if you just don't ask any question okay? Just enjoy the 200k that I gave you...

Kei: But it...

I immediately interrupt her...

Yato: Don't worry...

I then look at her with a serious look to make her understand not to worry about that and don't ask more questions...

Kei: Okay then... if you say so... I trust you.

Yato: Great, that settled!

Kei: But for the swimsuit, I will pass... you should understand why I don't want to wear something that much revealing...

I then take a look at the swimsuit and immediately understand what she was talking about... I remember the discussion between Kiyo and Kei when Manabe and her friends have bullied Kei and Kiyo broke her mentally...

I didn't see it but I know that she has a scar on her stomach...

Yato: A scar huh...

I don't have the right to say anything here... but still...

Yato: Yeah sorry about that Kei...

I then start to walk slowly to the exit of the store but stopped without facing her I say...

Yato: But you know I am sure it could suit you very well... it would be a shame to deprive yourself all your life of wearing what you want just for that...

I then continue my way outside the store and noticed that Kei didn't follow me and probably changed her mind and decided to buy this swimsuit...

Yato: It was such hypocrite coming from me to say that...

I then start to look at my forearm... I was wearing a long-sleeve shirt so we couldn't see my bandages. In fact, I was not hiding my scars for people don't see them... well yeah a bit but that was not the primary reason... No... I was hiding them for myself... it was a way to avoid reminding myself of how weak I was at one of the most important moments of my life...

When I was about to remember some memories Kei came out from the store with a bag in her hand... She was looking a bit embarrassed, probably because she changed her mind about the swimsuit...

Yato: So are we going to see a movie now?

I just ignored the fact that she buy it finally... She seems relieved and happy that I didn't talk more about it...

Kei: Yes it's about time!

We then start to go towards the movie theater from the Keyaki Mall...

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1h30 hours later

Yato Pov:

We just came out from the movie theater after we have seen the movie that Kei wanted to go see... It's was a romance story which lasted about 1h30 long...

Kei: I'm glad that I was able to come and see it during the summer break! I was waiting for this movie since they announced it!

Yato: ...

Kei: This movie was soo...

Kei: Great! -same time- Yato: Boring...

We then started to look at each other... I say nothing since the movie ended and just listen to how much she liked it... but personally, it's was just a waste of time... I don't have anything with the romance style but this one was...boring...

Kei: It's you who is boring!

Yato: Ouch... you hurt my feeling...

She start to be angrier by seeing that I was fooling around again...

Kei: Ah mou!!! Well, then next time we'll go see the one you want!

Yato: Next time huh...

We were currently walking in the Keyaki Mall with no destination in mind... I know that she probably want to go eat something but there was something that was bothering me...

We were currently followed by someone... It didn't seem that Kei has noticed it. I know who was this person because seriously this person was not at all discreet... It was the worse spying I saw in my life... But why does this person follow us?

I then stop to walk and Kei was surprised by that... she then look at me puzzled...

Kei: What's wrong Yato-kun?

Does this person was following me? Or Kei? Or the both of us?

Yato: Kei it's okay if we end this date now? After all, it's been a while already, it should be okay, right?

She then thought about it a little and finally say...

Kei: It's not a problem at all.

After she gets a bit closer to me and says by whispering...

Kei: We have already spent a good amount of time together. People saw our couple that's was the objective for today...

Yato: Great I have things to do, so it's perfect! I see you at the start of the second semester Kei!

Kei: Great! Bye Yato-kun!

She then starts to leave towards the exit of the Keiyaki Mall probably... Personally I just stand here a bit to check something...

Yato: She not moving huh...

I then start to walk toward a bench and sit on it... I take out my phone and pretend to watch something... I wanted to see if it was me or Kei that the person was following. But it seemed that it was me in the end... the person was still at a good distance from me and was looking in my direction...

After a while that she wasn't leaving and still looking in my direction... I decided to just lift my gaze and start to look directly at the person... Surprised by this she start to look away, but finally, start to walk towards me because she probably know that I noticed her for a while...

When she was close enough to hear me... I was the first one to speak

Yato: Oh can I help you with something... Sato?

Indeed, the person who was following us since the end of the movie was Sato Maya. A girl from the D-Class and my classmate... but more importantly, she was an old acquaintance of my little brother...

Sato: H-Hey Fukazawa-kun! What a coincidence to see you here!

She stammered a bit and she was looking a bit nervous...

Yato: Indeed... if following someone for 10 minutes is considered like that... Yes, it's a coincidence.

Sato: A-A-AH W-Well... I can explain...

Yato: Yes, please... that would be appreciated.

Sato: W-Well... the thing is... I would want to continue the discussion we have on the island...

I see... so it's about my brother huh. I never knew all the story about those two but it really seems to bother her...

Yato: Sighs...

I get up from the bench and was about to leave...

Yato: We can go to the Pallet Cafe to talk about all this if you want...

We then start to go there without saying a word to each other...

10 minutes later

We were currently sitting at a table in the back at the Pallet Cafe, so there was no one around or anyone who could hear us...

Yato: So Sato... What do you want to know?

I probably know but I prefer that she ask the question and start the conversation...

Sato: Well first, it won't be a problem to be both here while you currently in couple with Karuizawa-san?

Yato: Does it has something to do with why you wanted to talk to me?

She then starts to be a bit embarrassed and shakes her head to say no...

Sato: No, not at all!

Yato: Great so there is no problem to be here then...

Indeed, even if I was in a couple with Kei, it doesn't mean that I can't talk to other girls for a casual matter... After all, Hirata even if he was in a couple with Kei, he was just hanging out with girls from our school year...

Sato: I wanted to talk to you about something that has been bothering me since my middle school... and something you said on the island...

Yato: Ah... about my brother right?

I just still pretend to didn't know what is she talking about...

Sato: Well... When you talk about him on the island you... you were talking about him in the past tense...

It's was something that I noticed on the island. She is really shocked and preoccupied about all this... from what I hear she was the one to have hurt and make fun of Touma but...

Yato: Sighs... Sato, I will need more information because I don't know what you want to know exactly...

It was a perfect opportunity to have the full story about all this... Touma never wanted to talk about all this to me... we no longer had a very good relationship when that happen to him...

She was still not sure about all this and probably didn't want to talk about her past...

Yato: You know... talking about your regrets or your past can help you to go forwards...

After some deep breaths, she starts to look at me and speak...

Sato: It's was during my second year of middle school... There was a popular first-year boy in my school, he was really friendly with everyone, a bit like Hirata-kun. But even if I was her senpai, I spent a lot of time with him... he has become a very dear person to me. During that time, I was friends with the most popular group of girls in my school... Being popular was really something that I liked. It was really some great moment of my life, at this moment I loved my life so much!

She then starts to look at the table... like if she starts to remember some bad memories...

Sato: But after some time... my relationship with that boy of the first year started to make some jealous... even with my friends. Because I was closer to him than them, they started to ignore that boy and talk badly about him behind his back... his popularity start to drop a lot in the school, but he didn't care. So when he was coming to see me in the school I slowly began to suffer the same fate as him... Even my supposedly close friends started to talk badly behind my back and said that I should stop talking to him too... and then that day... it's the day I make the worst choice...

I noticed that her hand began to shake... probably because of her stress to remember her past... I looked around to make sure no one was nearby to see or hear what she was saying.

Sato: One day after school, he came to see me when I was about to leave the school and asked me... If... I wanted to go out with him... That that I make a choice... I choose my popularity over him. So I decided to reject him as harsh a could be to be part of my group of ''friends''. I knew that this boy was coming out of a difficult period of his life, without knowing the details, but I still decided to be mean to him, even if he was a really dear person to me, I just thought about my popularity and myself before anything else...

Yato: ...

Sato: A-After all this... I-I never see him... I just hear some bad rumor about him A-And I couldn't do anything... You know, his name was Fukazawa too... and when you talked about your brother in the past I-I-I J-J-Just...

She then began to cry... no one was near and she was not crying loudly. So no one would know or see this...

So that's was the true story huh...my brother decided to return to the school unlike me... and when he returned that happen to him... So she chooses her status in the school over a person close to her... It's not necessarily an incomprehensible choice. Her future for the next two years in her school was at risk because of some jealousy of people from her school... if it was someone who I didn't know I would not care at all, but only because it's my brother I care about her story... it doesn't make me a better person than her.

To be honest when I talked about my brother in the past these to her... I did that for I can be able use her with some blackmail as Kiyo did with Kei. But now that I have Kei on my side, she is useless to me. I just make her suffer from all her bad memories... Touma is someone who is strong mentally, he was a bit depressed about all this when that happened to him but he quickly get better and came out stronger. He would be mad at me if he knew what I planned to do to her, even if she hurt him first... He is someone with a great sense of justice like my father...

She then starts to stop crying and regain her calm...

Yato: I see... do not worry Sato. It was probably just a misunderstood when you hear me talk about my brother in the past. And is not the same one that the boy of your story...

She seems a bit relieved to hear that it was not my brother that she hurt... because if it was, she probably thought that I could hate her for that... but she was obligated to talk to me with that because this whole story affect her greatly...

Yato: But let me tell you my thought about your story... You know, having regrets is normal. There is always a moment in your life when your regret having acted in a way or said a thing... But even though, even with your regrets, the important thing is to not hang on to the past which prevents you from moving forward. Keep in mind your past mistakes and keep moving forward, that's the only way to overcome your regrets, Sato.

It was true for her story but it was also true for me as well... it was something that I learned during what happen in my life... even if I am still not able to completely apply this advice to myself I guess...

But if I can help her to move forward... it is something that Touma would have done...

After a while of silence, because she probably thinking about all this... She gets up from her seat and says...

Sato: Thank you Fukazawa-kun. Your words were really appreciated, but I need some time for myself so I will go now...

Yato: No problem Sato... I see you when the class resumes.

She then leaves the cafe... it was a problem solved. All this story was not my concern at first, so I didn't have any right to intervene in it...

I was about to get up and leave too but I received a notification on my phone...

???: Hey it's been a while! Can we meet tomorrow?

Huh? I was surprised. It's indeed been a while that I didn't speak to this person... Well, I don't have anything tomorrow so if it is not in the morning I don't care...

I send the message that say that I was free tomorrow and I receive a meeting place with a time...

Yato: I guess I will back to my room for today...

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Time Skip tomorrow

Yato Pov:

It was the last day of the summer break. From what I hear a lot of person from the D-Class was going to the pool today. The three idiots planned something to spy on the girl's locker room but Kiyo will stop them so there was no need for me to go there... No instead I was about to go see someone that been a while since I see him...

I was currently walking in the Keyaki Mall in the direction of the meeting place, in front of a restaurant... but to be honest, there was something weird with this invitation...

I now arrived at my destination... the person who invited me there was still not arrived so I just take out my phone and start to wait...

Yato: That's why I never arrive early...

After 2 minutes of waiting, I finally saw the person I was waiting for coming out of the restaurant in front of me... He immediately noticed me and seems surprised to see me on time. But he quickly regains his natural expression and just smile and starts to walk toward me...

???: Hey Fukazawa! I am glad that you came today, you had nothing planned?

Yato: Nahh I haven't planned anything today... Hashimoto.

This was Hashimoto who texted me yesterday... He didn't specify why he wanted to meet me but from the meeting place, I could guess why... I don't think he wants to go eat something...

Hashimoto: Good! Good!... Well, in fact, there is someone who would like to see you.

I see... So my doubts were right... That's was weird that Hashimoto want me to meet him here...

Yato: Ehh and me who thought you wanted to hang out... I'm going to cry...

Hashimoto: Hahahaha sorry! sorry!

He put his hand together to show that he was sorry to have fooled me to make me come here... He knew that I was joking around when I saw that I'm going to cry and act like if I was depressed... He may even know that I probably have some doubts before coming here...

Yato: So this person waiting for me inside this restaurant?

Hashimoto: Yes, you can go inside the waiter will show you the table where she is...

She huh... Well, that's obvious who it is... but that's not that who picked my interests...

Yato: You not coming?

Hashimoto: Nope, she told me that she wants to talk with you in private...

Yato: I see...

He was about to leave but he stop and say a last thing...

Hashimoto: Sorry again about today! Next time we really need to hang out for real haha! It's just with this school there is always something to do for the class!

Yato: Yeah but it's not a bad thing what you do... Anyway, see ya

I then start to walk toward the restaurant and enter it... When I enter the restaurant the waiter came to see me...

Waiter: Fukazawa Yato?

Yato: Hmm yeah...

Waiter: You can follow me...

She really acts like a queen huh... her own servant who does the work for her. This restaurant seems really expensive, there was no chance I see a classmate here... This restaurant was probably popular with the students from A-Class...

Finally, I start to see a little girl with lilac-colored hair and violet eyes. She was looking directly at me in the eyes. Arrived at her table the waiter leave and leave me here... before I could do anything the girl speak up...

Sakayanagi: Glad to see you Fukazawa-kun! You can sit.

There was only one seat available and it was in front of her... There was no other person right now in the restaurant... we were the only two customers. I don't know if she reserved the full restaurant or it was just too early yet to have some customers... probably the last option, it will be too expensive and there are better places to meet in private whiteout spend a lot of points...

I just sit down on the chair in front of her without saying anything... I still have my usual nonchalant expression and she has her little smug face...

Yato: So Sakayanagi... what I can do for you today?

When I was asking this question I take the menu to look at what to order but she stop me before I could look inside...

Sakayanagi: Oh no need to order Fukazawa-kun, I already did for you!

Yato: Ehhh and if I don't like what you ordered?

Sakayanagi: FuFuFu don't worry about that. I know that you will love it...

Well, that's creepy... More seriously, it's a way for her to say that she has some information on me I guess... I already eat at a restaurant with Kamuro when we were spying on Sakura, so she could have told Sakayanagi some of my tastes...

I just put the menu on the table and start to look directly at Sakayanagi...

Yato: Okay but for my question?

Sakayanagi: Don't be in such a hurry, we will be able to talk about several things during our meal.

Yato: Ahh but you know I don't think my girlfriend will like the fact that I eat at an expensive restaurant like this one with another girl...

Sakayanagi: It's true if someone saw us it could be misinterpreted... Oh, but what luck, we just the both of us here.

This girl... she made an appointment here at this time of the day because she knew that this place will be empty and we could speak without anyone to interfere... She really prepared for this meeting...

She still has her smug face with her smile... I just start to smirk and...

Yato: Hahaha luck? Well, it depends on the point of view.

Sakayanagi: Oh is that soo? Fufufu

Just after that, the waiter came with our order... Well Sakayanagi order. He then put a plate of pasta in front of me... Well, it bothers me to admit it but, it's one of my favorite things...

I then started to eat and she finally began to talk about why she wanted to meet me today...

Sakayangi: So Fukazawa-kun, I hear the message from Masumi which was intended for me.

Yato: Ahh this... And?

I then lifted my gaze and directly look at her

Yato: Does something bother you?

On the cruise ship, I told Kamuro to tell Sakayanagi that she can't use me as she want to destroy her classmate Katsuragi...

Sakayanagi: No it's just you surprised me, Fukazawa-kun! First, you noticed what I wanted you to do and on the island, you managed to make a contract with our class to gain private points.

I was about to say something but she continued to speak...

Sakayanagi: Not only that, at the start of the year when the incident between the D-Class and the C-Class happen... You spend a lot of time with Masumi and the case was miraculously settled. I really wonder who could have done that fufufufu...

Yato: Woah you know a lot about me... you like a fan girl or what?

I was joking but more seriously her capacity of detection is top-notch... not even talking about the amount of information she has. So that the leader of the A-Class huh... I was able to talk with Katsuragi and Sakayanagi and I must say that their level is really not the same. Katsuragi is not bad but Sakayangi is just way superior to him... he already loses.

Sakayanagi: It's just that I pay attention to details around me... and you are not excluded, Fukazawa-kun.

Yato: I see but that's not necessarily answering my first question... You haven't called me here to confirm that I was the one behind these incidents, right? Even If I was denied it, you would not believe me anyway...

Sakayanagi: Fufufu you understand things quickly, I like this quality.

Yato: I return you the compliment...

She clearly sees things like a game... she loves that I could see by her face, it's a bit like Ryuuen...

Sakayanagi: I wanted to see you today Fukazawa-kun to ask you about your plan with the contract with our class. You will gain a lot of private points with it, what are you going to do with it? Help your class for the ranking?

I see... she looking for a new opponent huh. I picked her interest and she want to verify what I will do now. But to answer her question... I still don't know the answer myself...

I noticed since the start of this meeting she analyzes my reactions and my behavior to try to understand me... With her and Ryuuen on my back is a bad thing. the thing is that Ryuuen is not only after me, but more about the mastermind behind the event on the island. He will probably notice soon that I am not the one behind all this... Well, I hope or it would just mean that I underestimate him... So after he realizes that I am not the one, what he will do? Go after me or still looking for the mastermind?

For Sakayanagi I'm still uncertain what she will do... she still has to take care of Katsuragi first. Anyway, I will just go for this answer then...

Yato: Tell me Sakayanagi, you don't mind spending three years here?

For the first time I was here, she stopped smiling and look at me more seriously.

Sakayanagi: I'm not totally sure to understand what you mean by that Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Well the thing is that I planned to save 20 million points to change class but to one of the 3drs years instead... So I could skip two years in this school and leave early... but it's not like that it works haha, the price for that is 800 instead of 20 million...

When she heard my answer she didn't regain her smile... No, she seemed a bit surprised by my answer but more importantly... disappointed by my plan.

Sakayanagi: Oh I see... So you didn't plan anything for the class ranking...

After a few seconds that she seemed to be thinking about something, she regain her smile...

Sakayanagi: Thank you for your honest answer Fukazawa-kun.

We both finished our meal... So I don't really want to spend more time here so I was about to leave...

Yato: So if I answered all your questions I will go now...

As I was about to leave Sakayanagi stopped me with her voice...

Sakayanagi: Wait Fukazawa-kun... I have a last thing I would want to know.

I then stay on the chair and wait for her question...

Sakayanagi: Are you perhaps know how to play chess?

Chess? I know what it is but I have never played before... Dazai offer to teach me how to play but I declined it at the time...

Yato: No but I know what it is... Why?

I suspected my answer to disappointing her again but it was the opposite... She has again her smile and her smug face. She stan up from her seat and take her cane who was next to her and come closer to me and put a piece of paper on the table just in front of me...

Sakayanagi: Wonderful! I could teach you how to play so we can become chess partners fufufu! Here, on this piece of paper, there is my phone number.

She then starts to walk away... slowly because of her condition physique. Before that she was too far I call her name...

Yato: Hey Sakayanagi?

She then stop walking and turned around to face me

Sakayanagi: Yes?

Yato: Have you some brother or sister?

My question seems to have surprised her... she didn't answer immediately but finally say...

Sakayanagi: No... Can I know why you want to know that?

No huh...

Yato: Sorry I just made a mistake... don't worry about that.

She then stares at me for a few seconds until she starts to walk again...

Sakayanagi: See you next time Fukazawa-kun!

She then was out of the restaurant...

Yato: So she does not have any sister or brother huh...

I asked this question because I'm sure that I already heard the name of Sakayanagi somewhere... So it will be her father? I clearly don't remember to have seen Sakayanagi (little girl) before in my life... but I can't be sure that Sakayanagi is the name of her father...

Yato: Sighs...

I just get up and go toward the exit to pay but learn that she has already paid my part...

Finally, there are some events that happen during my summer... but tomorrow is the start of the second semester.

Yato: Fuck I have to get up early...

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Time skip 1 hour later

Sakayanagi Pov:

I was in the dormitory in front of the door of my room. I just came back from my meeting with Fukazawa-kun. I opened the door and noticed that there was a pair of shoes that were not mine.

Sakayanagi: Fufufu she is in advance...

I then enter my room and slowly remove my shoes and start to walk in my room until I saw my classmate Masumi Kamuro sitting on my bed who was playing on her phone.

Sakayanagi: You already there Masumi-san?

Kamuro: Huh well I didn't have anything to do so...

Sakayanagi: Oh it's not because you really wanted to know the content of my discussion with Fukazawa-kun?

She reacted immediately by the name of Fukazawa-kun... she was too easy to play with fufufu. She then stands up from my bed and starts going to the kitchen probably to make something to drink. I just walk toward my bed and sit on it. She come back 2 minutes later with two cups of tea and give one to me.

Kamuro: So? what happen, you got what you wanted?

Sakayanagi: Hmm finally no.

Kamuro: Huh??? What do you mean by that??

She was really shocked by my words...

Sakayanagi: It was not what I was expecting with this meeting... but finally I obtained something even better!

Masumi was even more puzzled by my words and my expression. Because I have a smile on my face...

Sakayanagi: I just thought that he was going to become a future opponent but after what I saw today... he is going to be the perfect plaything for me!

Kamuro: A plaything???

Sakayanagi: Indeed, he is going to be perfect for that fufufu!

I am really excited for this second semester...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter! I hope you liked it! Sorry for releasing the chapter really late but like I said last week I was reaaaaally busy this week and I couldn't find the time to write this chapter. Technically I wrote this chapter way faster than usual it's just that I started to write it yesterday. I hope that this chapter is still good even if I had less time to well write it. Anyway, now I will be back to a more normal rhythm.

Okay so that's it for volume 4.5, I really hope you liked it. At first, I was really not sure but finally, I like the final product so I hope you too. In this volume, there was a lot of build-up for the future of my series and a bit of character development, and more relationships between some characters and Yato.

So the next step is volume 5, personally, I think it's a great volume and there are some nice things planned for this one. I already know mostly what I planned to do for this volume but I currently reread the original volume just to be sure that there is no problem with what I planned. So the next chapter, the last one of this year, should probably come out around Wednesday! Thanks to those who read my story!!

Volume 5: Sports Festival

Chapter 1

Kei Pov

Today was the resumption of classes after our summer break just ended. It was quite early in the morning before the classes start and I was currently on the fourth floor of the dormitory. I ran into some people who probably left for school earlier to go to their club activities.

Anyway, I was in front of the door of the room 402 and decided to knock on it.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

...

...

...

Still no answer...

We had a meeting with Horikita and the others at the Pallet Cafe soon and I wanted to pick up Yato before going there but he is not answering...

Kei: Has he already left?

No, it's impossible, it's way too earlier for the meeting time. He would never leave early to go there... There is a better chance that he is still sleeping and that he had planned to just not come at all...

Kei: Ah mou! This guy!

Has I was about to knock again, the door is opened suddenly. I saw my fake boyfriend open the door dressing in his school uniform with his hair still wet... He probably just came out of the shower. He then finally look at me with his sleepy eyes and...

Yato: Oh it's you Kei... Sorry I couldn't open the door when I hear you knock...

Kei: No it's okay don't worry, I thought that you were still sleeping.

He then looks at me for a few seconds without saying anything until...

Yato: Well... Why are you here this early? Can I help you with something?

Kei: Ah eh well, I was afraid that you were late or that you just weren't coming for the meeting later... So I came to see you so that we could go there together.

Yato: Sighs... you don't trust me that much ehh...

Well, he can't blame me for doubting a little that he would skip the meeting with his personality...He doesn't say anything else and he seemed to be thinking about something.

Yato: Anyway... It's still too soon to leave for the Cafe... You can come in if you want.

Kei: Ah ehh but...

He then opens the door fully and starts to walk inside his room to let me in without even listening to what I was about to say... So to not just wait in front of his room, I just enter in and close the door behind me. I slowly remove my shoes and start walking to join Yato in his room...

To be honest, it was the first time that I was going inside of a guy's room. Even if I was ''dating'' Hirata before, I had never been in his room. I was a bit nervous and curious to see what it was looking like. I start to finally see the inside of his room when I walk away from his hall and my first reaction was...

Kei: Empty...

He was currently sitting on his bed while reading a book... without even paying attention to my remark he just change the page of his book...

Books... that the probably the only things he had bought for his room... everything else was furniture and things provided by the school.

Kei: Why is your room is soo empty? We just go shopping two days ago...

Without even looking at me and still reading his book, he answers me...

Yato: Yeah I know you're not the first one to say that my room is empty... but I don't really know what to buy for now... When I will have some idea I will go buy them...

Kei: You have a fairly simplistic view of things...

I just drop my school bag on the floor next to the table and sit next to it... I take out my phone and just chat on the group discussion of the girls of the class...

Yato: I have some cafe or tea if you want... make yourself at home.

Kei: Oh thank you...

When I think about it... I have never really talked with him before the cruise ship. There was during the study group of Hirata at the start of the year but there was no real discussion between us. I hardly know anything about him, I start to know his personality from what I saw during the two times we hang out during our summer break... but that's all.

He is considered as one of the good-looking guys of the first year by the girls but unlike Hirata who became popular, Yato didn't... With his nonchalant and disinterested attitude, people didn't interact with him too much, even more, when he told us that he knew about this school system and didn't talk about it to anyone... He became a person a bit like Koenji and people were not too sure how to talk with him...

But step by step, first with the study group... after the exam on the island. He began to gain a bit more popularity in the class... no maybe in our school year too. That's why I thought he could be great to play my fake boyfriend... Hirata was a great choice but he was too kind... With him as my boyfriend, I will be able to protect myself and keep a good reputation. that's not too bad finally... even with Ayanakoji...

Kei: Oh Yes that's what I wanted to tell you!

He then just lift his gaze from his book to look at me with a puzzled expression...

Yato: Yes?

Kei: I want to tell you what happen at the pool yesterday!

5 minutes later

Kei: He then pushed me in to pool!

I just tell all the story about the day off yesterday about the plan of the three idiots who set up a camera into the girl's locker room... I didn't talk about the past of Hirata, I'm not sure if he knows so I don't really want to talk about something which does not concern me... and I didn't tell him the part where Ayanakoji planned to expel a student from our school year... even maybe someone from our class. Ayanakoji didn't order me to not talk about it with Yato but I prefer to not just in case... anyway they maybe plan something together to expel someone soo...

Yato: Hum hum...

But the thing is during all the time where I was talking he just answered me with one answer... ''hum hum''. He still looking at his book like if he didn't even listen to me. So in that case...

Kei: Nee Yato-kun? You have a lot of private points, right?

Yato: Hum hum...

He just still read his book without even looking at me...

Kei: Soo In that case... you don't mind sharing with me, right Yato-kun?

Yato: Why would I do something like that?

Kei: huh...

He then just close his book and put it on his nightstand and get up from his bed...

Kei: Wait! Have you been listening since the beginning?

Yato: Eh? Of course, I was listening... but if that interested me it's a different story.

Kei: W-What? Don't be soo...

Before I could even finish my sentence he just start to laugh...

Yato: HAHAHA sorry sorry! It's just that I already knew what happen yesterday... and you really seemed to want to talk about it, so I just let you speak.

Well is not wrong but even so... Don't let me speak for anything!

Yato: Anyway, it's about time we should go to the meeting...

I look at the time on my phone and noticed that if we don't leave now we going to be late... His bad habit rubbed on me now...

Kei: Right! We should hurry up to not be late!

Yato: I know... I know...

We then just put on our shoes and leave his room and start to go to the Pallet Cafe...

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Time Skip to the meeting at the Cafe

Yato Pov:

Horikita:The surnames of the students divided up in order of the zodiac animals were the key to figuring out the 'target'.

We just started the meeting that was planned by Horikita to talk about the last exam on the cruise ship. There was me, Kei, Kiyo, Horikita and Hirata. I didn't have the time to talk with Hirata during the summer break... Well more that I didn't search to talk with him... to talk about the fact that I was the new fake boyfriend of Kei. I doubt that it bothers him but I just want to be sure about that...

Horikita:The rabbit is the 4th in the zodiac. Ayanokouji-kun, Ichinose-san, Ibuki-san and Karuizawa-san. It would continue in that order

Kei:I see. If that's the order then I'm the 4th. That's why I was the 'target' then

As though impressed, Karuizawa nods. I was not surprised by the fact that Horikita find out how the previous exam worked... I would be more surprised if she didn't because that would mean that there was no hope for her to be able to make our class graduate as the A-Class...

Kiyo:But you know, that rule is extremely simple. Almost anyone could understand it. That means the Dragon group Horikita-san and the others belonged to was the 5th so Kushida-san would have been the 'target', right?

Horikita:That's right. Certainly, if you know the answer, it's simple. However, to arrive at this answer in the middle of the exam is no easy matter. Just with the three 'targets' in your own class, you won't be able to find proof of the rules that determine the 'targets.

Well yeah, you have no proof that if it is really how the exam worked but when you search all the little hints that the school gives us about the group and the placement... you can easily arrive at this answer with information on the groups. For Horikita and Kiyo that's was really a hard exam for them... Horikita didn't want to team up with anyone and for Kiyo, he want to stay behind the scene and not be noticed. For them to be able to gain information was nearly impossible aside for their group... But for someone like Ryuuen who can easily see the hint given by the school plus all the information that he obtained, he reached the answer of this exam easily...

Hirata:What worries me is Class C. I think during the middle of the exam, Ryuuen-kun discovered the rules.

Kei:But, isn't it strange? If that's the case, why did he make a mistake for the Rabbit group?

Horikita: Or what happens with the Tiger group...

Horikita then starts to look at me with a piercing gaze... Everyone noticed it and they naturally all start to look at me... Please I don't want to deal with this...

Yato: Ehhh why do you look at me like this Horikita?

Horikita: You are quieter than usual... and on the last day of the exam you didn't come for the announcement of the result and the Tiger group had an unexpected result...

Yato: Wait, Wait, Hoirkita! First, on the last day, I fell asleep so I couldn't join you... And did you seriously think that I am the one behind the result of the Tiger group? We failed to keep our target from the Dragon group... did you think that I would go lose my time with another group while we failed on our own group?

She didn't answer anything and just to keep looking at me... I still have my normal expression so she could read anything from my form my facial expression...

Hirata: We should trust Fukazawa-kun, Horikita-san. We don't know what happens but I think we should just be grateful to have been able to obtain a tie with the C-Class.

Kei: Yes exactly! And Yato-kun was with me most of the time between the meeting session!

She then gets closer to me and clings to my arm... Well thanks, Hirata for this, with him on my side Horikita will probably stop asking questions about this. Kei help me but she maybe does a bit too much but anyway...

Horikita: Sighs... I just hope that you do not hide anything from me.

I then take my cup of coffee with my free arm and before taking a sip, I tell Horikita...

Yato: Just remember what I said to you after the exam on the island...

Well, I was clearly lying but it was for her own good... and mine too but that's not the point. If I and Kiyo do all the work she will never become a proper leader for the class... and after all, I told her after the island that if she want my help that she could just ask me but in the end, she still didn't. The only thing she told me was to participate in the discussion meeting but that was useless... she didn't have a real strategy.

Horkita: Any way to come back to the subject of Ryuuen...Even if Class C is seemingly dominated by him, couldn't it be that it's not monolithic? There should be more than a few people dissatisfied with his dictatorship.

Hirata:Certainly, that's true. The right to answer is given to all students, so students who did not comply with Ryuuen-kun's plan or those he failed to control make a blunder. That line of thought cannot be ruled out either. If they gave a correct answer, they stand to gain a massive amount of points after all

Horikita:What do you think about this, Ayanokouji-kun?

Like she did to me earlier she direct the attention to him... Hirata and Kei start to look at Kiyo. Poor him, I will be supportive and not look at him...

Kiyo:I don't know, I have no clue at all

Yato: Yeah typical Kiyo answer...

Hirata:Either way, right now our first priority is to establish this relationship. It makes me happy that I'm able to talk like this with Horikita-san, Ayanokouji-kun, and Fukazawa-kun.

Up until now, Horikita had not wanted to hold a discussion with Hirata. However, after the end of the special exam, a change has begun to appear in Horikita's mindset. From being cornered herself, she's begun to realize the fact that she can not fight alone. That was a good start but is that enough? Probably not...

Horikita:It can't be helped, right? The zodiac exam was a special one where you absolutely cannot overcome it alone. If this can be predicted to be the same in the future too, a certain degree of connection will become necessary

Horikita:But even so, you successfully managed to escape Ryuuen-kun's grip, Karuizawa-san

Kei:Well, I suppose. I have a surprisingly good poker face. Right, Yato-kun!

Yato: Yeah probably...

I could sens to gaze of Horikita on me... She probably heard about my relationship with Kei during the summer break but maybe she still has some doubts... But she quickly loses interest and regains her focus on the discussion.

Kei:It was because before Ryuuen could answer, someone else gave the wrong answer after all. It was thanks to that!

Hirata:I have a proposal to make, would that be ok?

In response to Hirata's proposal, Horikita persisted in remaining silent without answering. It's an expression of her intention of wanting him to speak.

Hirata:Firstly, in order to bring the class together as one I'd like to bring Kushida-san into this group. I think she will be able to supplement the five of us in parts we cannot compensate for. Starting with Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun, there are few people capable of bringing the majority of the boys together as one, you see.

Yato:Kushida huh...

I was waiting for the answer from Horikita because I was really curious about it...

Horikita:Unnecessary. I won't deny it in the sense that she is capable of controlling them, but it's something we can do on our own. For that purpose, I've reached out to you and Karuizawa-san. If the two of you will lend your power, then this problem can be beaten.

I see she didn't want her help... I really need to have a discussion with her about Kushida and the problem between the two of them. To have a certain control on Kushida, I assumed that I knew their story and she reacted to it and leave me alone... but for how long? That's why I really need to understand the situation...

Horikita:It may be a different story if you prove uncooperative like a certain someone though.

She then looks at Kiyo...

Horikita: Or like a certain nonchalant person...

She then looks at me... Why are we such a victim Kiyo?

Kei: Well I agree about Ayanokouji-kun, he may not follow our lead.

Why are you re soo mean too? Wait it's true that after what he did to you...Well, I have my part of responsibility...

Kiyo:It's a big misunderstanding if you think of me as the uncooperative one. For lengthy things, I'm just one amongst the crowd obediently falling into line. Truly, I'm a person you can control as you said yourself. In other words, I'm a person with a small presence.

Horikita:The ones who claim to be people with a small presence are the ones who aren't so.

Kiyo:Then are you a person with a small presence?

Yato: HAHAHAHA well said Kiyo!

She then just start to look

Horikita: Huh? Don't forget about yourself Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Oh about what you say? You're 100% right about my nonchalant attitude HAHAHAHA!

Kiyo: ...

Horikita: ...

Kei: ...

Hirata: ...

Yato: I'm just honest...

10 minutes later

Horikita and Kiyo just left the Cafe and Kei left after them to join some of her friends before going to the school.

Yato: Perfect, a chance...

Hirata was about to leave to but I stop it by calling his name

Yato: Hey Hirata do you have two minutes?

Hirata: Of course Fukuazawa-kun! It's rare that you ask me to have a talk.

True indeed. Every time it was Hirata who came to me to ask me something or talk about something...

Yato: Great thanks!

He then sits back where he was sitting during our meeting and I sit back in the same place too... There were just a few people inside the Pallet Cafe and we were at a table in the back so no one would hear us...

Hirata: So what you wanted to talk about Fukazawa-kun?

Does he seriously didn't know what I wanted to talk about? Hirata is someone who usually understands things quite fast so he probably just wanted me to start to talk about the subject I have in mind...

Yato: It's about Kei... Well, Karuizawa.

Hirata: I see. Haha to be honest I suspected it!

He still has his joyful expression with his smile.

Yato: I just wanted to know what your thought about my relationship with her? After all, it was the great love between you two...

Then he changes his expression... He was not angry or anything like that. He just removes his usual joyfully\friendly expression and takes one more natural if I must say...

Hirata: Haha please stop that Fukazawa-kun. You know what was my relationship with Karuizawa-san.

Yato: Indeed, sorry about that I was just curious about you're reaction and what you would say about that...

He then looked at me for a few seconds and then looked down at his cup of coffee...

Hirata: You two are really special huh...

I probably had a reaction of someone wondering because he just laugh a bit and changed the subject.

Hirata: For your first question, my thought about your relationship with Karuizawa...

He take a little break in his sentence like if was thinking about the right words to say...

Hirata: I think it's a great thing! You are probably better for this role than me after all. Karuizawa-san told me the official story on our breakup and how you two become a couple and it's a credible story. In the end, I think it's the best outcome.

I see, his answer is as I thought it would be. I wanted to talk with him about it just to be sure but in the end, it was not necessary. In fact, I'm probably a hero for most of the girls in the first year because I am now in a couple with the girl who was the girlfriend of Hirata. Now that Kei is not his girlfriend anymore, a lot of girls will probably try to get closer to him.

Hirata: But let me ask you Fukazawa-kun, does it bother you to do this role?

Yato: If I accepted it's that it doesn't bother me and I have something to gain from it.

Hirata: I see... Well, I just hope that you will take care of her, she is a classmate of us after all.

Yato: Of course...

He then get up from his seat and was about to leave...

Hirata: I'm going to class now, you want to come with me?

Yato: Nah I'm going to finish my coffee, you can go first!

Hirata: Okay! Just don't be late Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Don't worry, I'm working on that...

He then laughs at this and leaves the Cafe after that... I started to think about our conversation...

Even if Kei uses him as a shield for her protection and she ''breakup'' with him as soon he was useless, he still wants her good for her. He was really someone way too kind, I start to wonder why he was like that. Anyway, this relationship probably just brought him inconvenience... No, maybe it has some advantage for him...

I then look at the time on my phone...

Yato: If I don't leave now I will be really late...

I just get up from my seat and start to go to school for our first day of school after the summer break.

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Time skip to the afternoon class

Yato Pov:

As for the afternoon class, it has become a 2-hour long homeroom. When the instructor for D-Class, Chabashira-sensei, arrived, she began to explain indifferently.

Chabashira:From today the classes will resume again. However, in the 2nd semester, from September to the start of October for a period of one month, in anticipation of the sports festival, there will be increased physical education classes. Keep that in mind for the distribution of the new timetables. And also, along with the timetables, material regarding the sports festival will also be distributed. The students from the front will distribute the printouts to the back

Yato: Sports festival huh

When she said those words the majority of the class erupt in an uproar, a lot of them seemed to be anticipating this festival but some of them seemed to feel antipathy towards an event that is focused mainly on sports.

Chabashira:As usual, all the necessary information is on the printouts. So remember to use it if it's necessary.

Hirata:Sensei, is this also one of the special exams?

Chabashira:You are free to interpret it however you want. Either way, there's no mistaking the fact that it will have a massive influence on each and every class.

Avague answer huh... itwas neither an affirmation nor a repudiation. If this is going to have a massive influence on each class, the right mindset to have towards this festival is obvious.

Horikita:Ayanokouji-kun, here--

I heard the girl on my left talk to the boy who was sitting on the corner left of the class next to the window. I decided not to pay too much attention to what she was pointing in the printouts because Chabashira-sensei would probably just explain all the things we should know about this sports festival. Speaking of Chabashira-sensei, when I was looking around the class who was all excited about this sports festival... I noticed that she was looking a bit too much at Kiyo but she suddenly switch her gaze to me and because I was looking at her our eyes meet and she immediately start speaking to the class...

Chabashira:There are probably already those who have seen through it and noticed but this sports festival has adopted the method of dividing all school years into two separate groups and having them compete against each other. You, D-Class, have been assigned to the Red Team. And A-Class too will be competing in the same Red Team. For the duration of this sports festival, it means A-Class will be your allies.

I see, so B-Class and C-Class are part of the white team and it will be a Red team vs White team for this festival.

Ike:Woah, seriously? It'll actually be something like that!?

The thing that I am curious about right now is how will work our cooperation with the A-Class? We are supposedly enemies and now we should totally work together for this sports festival. It's not the only thing that I am curious about, in this exam we going to be teaming up with some of our senpai from the D-Class and the A-Class. Two-person came up immediately into my mind... Nagumo and Horikita Manabu...

I then turn my head to my left to look at the girl next to me but it seems that Kiyo thought about the same thing as me because he did the same...

Kiyo:At last it's an opportunity for you to make contact with him, huh?

Yato: He's right, you could talk with Horikita nii-san!

She then looks at me with some deadly eye... Oh... Oh... I maybe did a mistake here me and my big mouth.

Horikita: It's none of your business!

Well, I understand her shock, she didn't know that I knew about her relationship with the President of the Student Council. But I was really curious as to why did Kiyo know about them, well he could have deducted like I did but from what I saw during the summer break with my encounter with the Horikita-senpai and Kiyo there is something more that I didn't know...

But I suddenly noticed that she have in her hand a sharp pencil glinting at the tip... she was giving a threatening aura...

Yato: Sighs... not funny

I just start to look at Chabashira-sensei and completely ignore Horikita for the moment...

Chabashira:First of all, look over the outcomes that can come from the sports festival. I don't feel like explaining many times over so make sure to listen up well this once

I then look at the printout that she give us to see what she was talking about while listing to her.

Rules and Groupings of the Sports Festival

-The sports festival's competitive system is built upon dividing all schoolyears between the Red Team and the White Team.

-The classification will be A-Class and D-Class in the Red Team. The WhiteTeam will consist of B-Class and C-Class.

Allocation of points for all participants in the competitions (Individual Contests)

-1st placer gets 15 points

-2nd placer gets 12 points

-3rd placer gets 10 points

-4th placer gets 8 points

-1 point each will be deducted for placing lower than 5th place.

-In the case of team competitions the winning team will be allocated 500 points.

Allocation of points for participants of optional competitions

-1st placer gets 50 points

-2nd placer gets 30 points

-3rd placer gets 15 points

-4th placer gets 10 points

-2 points each will be deducted for placing lower than 5th place

-The relay which will be the final contest will be awarded 3 times the points.

The impact of the outcome of Red Team vs. White Team

-From the totality of all the school years, the losing team will have 100 points equally subtracted from their class points across all school years.

The impact of the separate ordering of school years

-From the total count the class that takes 1st place will be awarded 50 class points.

-From the total count the class that takes 2nd place will not have any change to their class points

-From the total count the class that takes 3rd place will have 50 class points subtracted.

-From the total count the class that takes 4th place will have 100 class points subtracted.

Chabashira:It's a simple matter, it means it's necessary to compete by going all out without letting your guard down. Because the penalty that the losing team incurs is by no means a light one

Indeed, the rules were quite easy to understand but even so, there was some part unclear. Like in all the previous exams there was a reward for the winner but in that case...

Hirata:Umm, sensei. How many points does the winning team get? There seems to be no mention of that.

Glad that Hirata asked this question. I probably know the answer because I don't think that the school would forget to write something that important in the printout...Chabashira-sensei just answer by one cruel word.

Chabashira:Nothing. Only that there will be no minus to their points

Ike:Uge, are you serious? That doesn't sound good at all

Some people start to look anxious by the fact that we can lose more than we can win in this sports festival... In the previous exams, there was always some reward but here we can only lose 100 points in the Read vs White team. The only way we can win some points is if we got first place in the ranking of our school years.

I then turn the page of the printout and Chabashira-Sensei continued her explanation...

Individual Competition Rewards

For students placing 1st in the individual competitions, 5000 private points or the equivalent of 3 marks in a written exam will be awarded (in the case that the marks are chosen endowing another individual with them will not be permitted)

For students placing 2nd in the individual competitions, 3000 private points or the equivalent of 2 marks in a written exam will be awarded (in the case that the marks are chosen endowing another individual with them will not be permitted).

For students placing 3rd in the individual competitions, 1000 private points or the equivalent of 1 mark in a written exam will be awarded (in the case that the marks are chosen endowing another individual with them will not be permitted).

For students ranking the lowest in the individual competitions, 1000 private points will be subtracted. (In the case that the points in the student's possession are lower than 1000 they will incur a loss of 1 mark in a written exam instead).

Regarding Foul Play

Remember to comply with the rules of each competition on top of perusing the rules. The violators will be treated in the same manner as disqualification.

Those acting with malicious intent may be withdrawn. The expropriation of points acquired by those individuals up until then will be considered as well.

Best Performing Student Reward

For the student who receives the highest score across all competitions, 100,000 private points will be awarded.

Best Performing Student Reward For Individual Classes year

The 3 students of each school year who have received the highest scores across all competitions will receive 10,000 private points individually.

The only great thing in all this is that we can win a lot of private points in this festival, or win some marks for future exams. Even if it's totally useless for me, someone like Sudo it's the best thing for them... Thinking about Sudo, since Chabashira-sensei announced the festival he seemed really hyped up by it. It's was normal after all because he can be considered like one of the most sportive people in the class and maybe in the whole school year... This was really a chance for him to shine for the class...

Ike:S-Sensei! These privileges you get when you come in at 1st place and 2nd place! What do you mean you can receive marks for written exams with them!?

Right away, Ike requests an explanation of the details from Chabashira-sensei at the front. Perhaps that was strange but Chabashira-sensei unusually lets out a slight laugh.

Chabashira:It's exactly what you think it is, Ike. From the prizes you win at the sports festival, you can acquire marks you can use to supplement your written exams. In particular, you're bad at English and Mathematics, right? It means the marks you've acquired can be used in any way you like. Each mark, you acquire just means it'll be incredibly useful for your next test.

After that, she explained how it was working...because some people didn't understand at first?... The three idiots of the class and some people who were not good at the written exams seemed happy about those rewards.

I then switch pages to the printout and read something that would probably lower their morale all at once...

-After completion of all competitions, within a school year a total count of all points will be conducted and the bottom 10 individuals will be penalized

- Since the penalties will differ based on each school year remember to confirm with the instructor in charge.

Hirata:Sensei, what kind of penalty is this going to be?

Chabashira:For you, 1st year the penalty imposed will be a score deduction on your next written exam. The bottom 10 students score-wise will be receiving a deduction of 10 marks so beware of that. As for how the deduction of scores will be applied, that will be explained as the next written exam draws near so I won't be taking any questions on that here. Again, the announcement of the bottom 10 will be conducted similarly and will be announced on the occasion of the explanation regarding the written exam.

Ike:Geeeeh!?!? Seriously!?

In other words, if Ike happened to place at the bottom of his school year then on the next written exam it would mean that he would have a further 10 marks deducted from him on top of skirting the failing grade. It would probably mean he has to face a considerably difficult exam. That would probably be a huge problem for a few people in this class...

Chabashira:The events that will be held during the sports festival and their details are all exactly as described on the printouts. There will be no changes at all to them.

Ike:Ugege, this is really hard! It's nothing like middle school!

Universal Participation Events

100-meter dash

Hurdle race

Capture-the-flag (Boys Only)

Ball-toss game (Girls-Only)

Tug of war divided by gender

Obstacle course race

Three-legged race

Cavalry battle

200-meter dash

Recommended Only Participation Events

Scavenger hunt

Omnidirectional tug of war

Mixed-gender three-legged race

3 school years mixed 1200 meter relay

A grand lineup of 13 competitions huh... Ike said that it would be hard but it's was not really true. But there were a lot of events for sure. There were some events that I was just knowing of name and that I never did before but I don't think that it will be a problem. Of all the 13 events there was only one that we would be facing our senpai and it was the last race of the festival, for the 1200 meter relay.

Ike:Normally it should only be 3 or 4 events, that a single person does! More importantly, is it even possible to do them in a single day?

Chabashira: I'm grateful for your concern but the school side has also naturally taken it into consideration. There will be no cheerleading or dancing or coordinated group gymnastics amongst the events. At the very most, in the sports festival, you will only be competing in terms of stamina and athleticism

No surprise coming from this school, there were really top-notch for the organization...

Chabashira:And also of utmost importance is the fact that there is something called a participation table here. On the participation table, the details of all events are described. You will be using this participation table to decide amongst yourselves in which order you will be participating and record it down and an outsider, that is me, will submit it for you. Since I believe no middle school has adopted a system like this, I'd like you to be careful so as to not make a mistake

Hirata:To decide what order on our own, how far can we decide...?

Chabashira:Everything. All the competitions that will be held on the day of the sports festival, up to who runs in which group, all of it will be decided by you lot through discussion. After the deadline for decisions, no matter what the reason, any further changes will not be permitted. That is the vital rule of the sports festival. The submission window will be between 1 week prior to the sports festival and 5 pm of the day before the festival. If you end up exceeding the submission time limit then, in that case, you will be randomly allocated so be cautious.

Yato: I see... that's how it is then...

Yato: Chabashiras-sensei I have a question...

The girl next to me was about to raise her hand to ask a question too and she was probably surprised to see me ask on by myself... in fact, she was not the only one surprised because the most surprised was Chabashira-sensei herself...

Chabashira: Oh you have a question Fukazawa-kun? I listen to you...

Yato: What happens if I am suddenly sick on the day of the sports festival and I can't participate in the events that I was supposed to be part of? You said that there was no change in the participation table so what happen in that case?

Koenji: Fufufu

It seems that my question amused Koneji, I know why but anyway. Chabashira just keep her natural expression and look at me for a few seconds before answering with an indifferent tone.

Chabashira:Regarding the Universal Participation contests, in the case that you fall short of the bare minimum amount of people necessary and vacancies appear, you will be marked as unfit to continue and you will be disqualified. In thecavalry battle, it would mean you would be unable to form 1 horse. As a result, you will have to have your showdown under the condition of having one horseman missing. The three-legged race is the same too. It would be wise of you to choose a healthy and strong student as your partner.

I see... I will be lying if I didn't have the thought of being sick and not participating but I will not do it. There are only losses to do it, but now my concern is more about Koneji because he will clearly not participate in all this... With his laugh of earlier, he is probably happy that I asked this question...

Chabashira:However, there are exemptions in place as relief measures. In regards to the main star of the sports festival, the Recommended Only Participation events, it is permitted to utilize a substitute. However, if you go around choosing substitutes freely then the participation table itself will become meaningless and in the most extreme cases, you'll end up using lies to prepare your own substitutes. As a result, we have established special conditions. In exchange for setting up a substitute, it has been decided that you will be paying points as compensation.

So for the recommended events, we can make some changes... But at these events, we will choose before the students who will take part in them so maybe with luck I will not be part of them but I have a bad feeling...

Horikita:What if our health deteriorates in the meantime or we suffer injury and the person decides to continue rather than see the doctor?

For someone with pride as much as Horikita, I am not even surprised by her question... Probably knowing her she would probably want to continue...

Chabashira:Basically we leave that up to the students to autonomously decide on their own. Because self-management will become indispensable once you enter society. On the day of a vital conference, just because you have a fever doesn't mean you can simply take a break. It may become necessary to struggle and keep up the appearance of being fine

Basically, the point seems to be that even if we end up sick, in the name of self-responsibility we cannot simply stop participating. It was not a bad thing at all I think...

Chabashira:But even so, if your condition gets to the point you cannot even be a spectator then you would have no choice but to stop though.

Horikita:I understand. Then, for that substitute, how many points would be necessary?

Chabashira:100,000 private points per competition. You're free to see it as expensive or cheap as you wish

100,000 points were quite a lot for a student of the D-Class, well not for me but I don't plan on paying if we need to make a change. Even if I don't really have anything planned with my points right now...

Horikita:...I see. Thank you

Chabashira:If there are no more questions forthcoming then I'll be ending this talk

She looks around the classroom. A number of students looked as though they were feeling doubtful and glancing at each other as well as talking in hushed tones but they did not move to ask Chabashira-sensei.

Chabashira:The next period will be moved to the first gymnasium and you will be meeting students from different classes and different school years. That is all.There are still 20 minutes of study time remaining, you are free to use that remaining time as you wish. You're free to either chat away or have a serious discussion.

Since with the authority of the teacher, permission had been given, the suppressed silence exploded all at once. Individual groups formed up and they began to talk about the sports festival on their own. Buty Sudo, Ike, and Yamauchi immediately gathered around the desk of Horikita who was next to me...

Sudo:Horikita. Let's talk about how we'll overcome the sports festival

Ike:I agree, I agree. Let's think about a way to snatch 1st place~

Seeing the reaction of Horikita I couldn't help but laugh, she seems exasperated by the fact that the three idiots gathered around her...

Yato: You quite popular Horikita!

Horikita: Sighs...I wonder why only people like this come to me...

Kiyo:It's a sad reality, isn't it?

I then get up from my seat and start walking toward the desk of Kei. Immediately when Chabashira-sensei left the class she began to look at me for telling me to go see her.

She was currently chatting with Shinohara, Satou, Matsushita, and a lot of other girls but there was Hirata in the group. I talked with him this morning but I was curious to see the reaction of the others to my relationship with Kei...

Yato: Yo Kei!

Kei: Ahh Yato-kun!! Glad you came we were talking about the festival!

I then walk next to her and noticed that there was no strange reaction coming for anyone except one... It was Satou but it was not by the fact that I was in couple with Kei and more by the conversation we had during this summer about my brother. But she quickly regain her natural expression and continue to chat with her friend Matsushita who was next to her... I guess that she starts to move on from her past...

Hirata: So Fukazawa-kun what are your thought about this festival?

Still, no reaction coming from the girls next to him... So I was right this morning, all the girls are probably happy to hear that Hirata is now single again... a Good thing that all this didn't affect the popularity of Kei or Hirata... or even mine from what I have.

Yato: Hmm well not too much, for now, there will need a lot of preparation but nothing we can do now...

I then came closer to me and stand next to me...

Hirata: Totally agree but I think we should take a moment with all the class to talk about this festival.

Yato: You're right, you should talk about that with Horikita.

All the other girls were talking with each other and no one really pay attention to our conversation... except Kei who was next to me.

Hirata: Horikita... You're right but I think that your opinion is also worth Fukazawa-kun...

I was about to answer something but Kei suddenly call my name

Kei: Nee Yato-kun, you run pretty fast right?

She asked me this question but she was not the only one the wanna hear my answer because all the girls were waiting for it...

Hirata: True I'm curious too, after all, you never take part in the class of PE.

Well true that I never take part in PE or swimming class so they don't really know about my physical condition... But what I answer to them?

Yato: Well I don't really know because I've never been in a club or something like that but maybe like Hirata if I have to say... But I'm not sure.

Well, it's was totally a lie... I was confident that I could beat Sudo in a run or something like that or anyone in the class. Well, there may be two people that I have a doubt about... Kiyo and Koenji. For the first one after seeing how smart and cunning he is I can't be sure that he didn't hide his true physical strength too. For Koenji the thing is he acts and tells how he is perfect constantly... he really has talent but judging him is quite difficult. The only fact that I know about him is that at the start of the year he beat Sudo in a swimming competition...

So I just say that I am at the same level as Hirata... I'm in a good physical condition and some people saw me catch the soccer ball at the start of the year during the study group so if I lie here it would just be weird and suspected. So to not they just rely on me, I lie to them... It's a chance for Sudo to shine here and Horikita needs to become a real leader for the class... I need to make a Kiyo style here and stay in the shadow of Horikita...

But they seemed more amazed that I was on the level of Hirata than of Sudo level...

Kei: Wow I knew that you were soo cool Yato-kun!

Shinohara: To have someone to the same level as Hirata is really awesome!

All the others girls start to agree with Kei... That was not what I had planned at all.

Seeing my reaction Hirata just laugh and say...

Hirata: That's great Fukazawa-kun! I knew that you were sportive, That would help us with the festival.

Well, it's not exactly why I reacted like that but anyway... and he probably knows why I reacted like that... Seriously how much do those girls admire Hirata...

Yato: Anyway it's about time to go to the gymnasium... I will go back to my place.

Kei: Okay see you later Yato-kun!

I then take my leave from this group and go back to my place and sit on my chair... I then fell the look of the girl of my left on me...

Horikita:You quite popular Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: HAHAHAHA you can be funny when you want, Horikita!

Then again she seemed angry at me because I had the last word again...

Kiyo: You should calm yourself Horikita-san...

With those words, she switches her gaze to Kiyo... poor man. He helps me but sorry I will let you manage with her...

Anyway, she quickly calm herself because it's was about time to go to the gym where all the students from this school were... including Horikita Manabu her big brother.

Yato: I wonder what will happen during this sports festival and what I will do...

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(A.N)

That's it for the first chapter of volume 5! I hope you liked it. Please take time to read the thing below!!

This is the last chapter of the year and I really wanted to tell you guys thanks a lot for those last 4 months! I started to write this story in September and it's now already the end of the year. It's my first story on Wattpad and the first time I write a Story and I am really glad about the result so far. You way more than expected to read it and vote for it and I really happy that so many people seemed to like it. I was really not sure at first when I started this story but now I am really glad to have started it! It's really appreciated when you comment on my story or vote for it because it's soo encouraging for me and I just really wanted to thank you all for this!!!

So when you have some questions or wanna ask me something about my story don't hesitate it's my pleasure to answer you! Like I said it's really nice when you interact about my story, it shows me that you love it! Oh and tell me if that you think that I could improve something, I really want to know what you like in my story and what you like less in it to see if I can improve it in the future.

There are a few things I would like to say about the future of my story. The first one is that I would like to maybe write some SS (Side Story) after the end of the future volumes. I thought it could be nice to have some point of view of other characters at some important moment so I will probably make an extra chapter when I will finish a volume that will have several SS in it.

The other thing that I wanted to talk is about how many chapters I will release per week. I think for the moment it's will still be one per week... Why? There are several reasons for that... The first one is that sometimes I have less time because of my school, job, and personal life. But the main reason is that I don't want to catch up to fast with the LN, I know that I still have a lot of volumes to write but writing this story is a good way to make to reduce my impatience for the release of the newest volume haha. Sorry if it's bothering you! And it is way easier to write this fanfic when I know a lot more what is going to happen in the future because I already planned things for year two and I often let some hint about it.

Anyway thanks to those who going to read this long message haha. But again thank you all of you I will keep writing this story for sure and I hope you will like what I planned for the future! Thanks to those who read my story! The next chapter will come out around Wednesday again, Happy new year to everyone (in advance haha)!

Volume 5: Choice of Strategy

Chapter 2

Yato Pov:

During our second homeroom period, it has been decided that students across all school years would be having a meeting. Over 400 people, including instructors and students, gathered in the gymnasium. The students from the first year up to the third year were divided up between the Red Team and the White team.

I was currently leaning on the wall of the gymnasium a little away from my class. Next to me, there was Koenji who was brushing his hair and looking at himself in his pocket mirror...

Yato: How many times a day he plays with his hair?

Anyway...We were both isolated from the first-year student class who was on the Red team. I got away from my class a bit to be sure that Nagumo don't see me... I didn't want to deal with him again in front of the entire school... I was currently observing the students of my class and I noticed how much Horikita was looking around, probably to search for her big brother. But even if she succeeds to find him in that crowd, I don't think she is going to talk to him... her relationship seems complex. I'm not going to stick my nose in her family affair for now... Instead, I need her to tell me about Kushida, so it's not the moment to be on bad terms with Hoirkita. With her reaction from this morning when I call her brother Horikita nii-san I clearly understand that I can't joke with that...

But I suddenly feel the gaze of someone on me... I look in the direction of where it come from and I saw a girl sitting on a chair while everyone else was standing. She has silver hair and a cane in her hand.

I know who it was because I met this girl during the summer break. It was Sakayanagi Arisu, one of the leaders of the A-Class. The first time I met her I had a strong impression and now I just have the confirmation of my thought about her. She clearly has a lot of influence in her class... more than Katusragi even if she did not participate in the last two exams.

When I look at her she starts to smile and wave at me. The last thing she told me during our meeting was that she wanted me to become her chess partner... Anyway, I was glad that no one saw her waving at me... well that's what I thought. I had forgotten mister perfect next to me...

Koenji: Fufu it seems that smart-boy is quite popular with girls!

Yato: Ehhh if you see think like that... but don't worry I can teach you how to be popular as me!

I just fooling around when I answer him but he seems to take my answer seriously...

Koenji: Teach? As if I would need this! But perhaps... must I understand that you are a ''man''?

A man huh... I understand what he means by that... but does he?

Yato: I wonder... but the way you speak must I understand that you are?

Koenji: Fufufu like you said...I wonder!

Yato: I guess I take that for a no then...

He then closes his eyes for a few seconds and sighs and just reopens his eye a continues to play with his har and say...

Koenji: Think whatever you what, It's not like I care! But I must say that I'm disappointed by you... maybe smart-boy was not a suitable name for you finally...

Yato: HAHAHAHAHAHA, you soo funny Koenji! I just thought that it was weird for a perfect human being like you to not clearly say that you were a ''man'', hahahaha!

While I was laughing...I just saw that Koenji still has his smile and just shook his head... After a few seconds, he just goes back and plays with his hair... I was about to say something else but someone start to speak out loud in front of the Red team.

???:I am Fujimaki from Class A of the 3rd year. It has been decided that I will be taking charge of the Red Team for this event

Him? I thought that the one in charge will be Horikita Manabu but it seems that I was wrong...I don't know Fujimaki-senpai but maybe he is a better sportsman than Horikita-senpai and that is why he decided to put Fujimaki in charge of the sports festival for our team...

Fujimaki:First of all, I'll be giving the 1st year an advice. This may be unnecessary to a portion of you, but I'd like you to keep in mind how critically important this sports festival is. The experience you will gain from the sports festival will definitely be made use of on a different occasion as well. In future exams as well, there will be times when parts of it feel like games to you. However, each and every last one of them is battles on which you bet your survival in this school.

Hmm, it wasn't a bad advice at all... Even though that we have been through two special exams so far, he told us to be still on our guards when events like this will occur. When Chabashira-sensei told us about the sports festival the majority of the class was happy but a lot of them still don't think about this event like a battle for our ranking I guess...

Fujimaki:Since you don't have a feel for it yet maybe you might not be motivated right now. But since we're doing it anyway we'll be aiming to win, hold strongly onto that feeling. That alone is something everyone should keep in mind

Yato: ...

Having said those weighted words, Fujimaki looked around at the Red Team once before continuing.

Fujimaki:The only event in which all the school years will be participating is the 1200 meter relay at the end. Other than that, all the other events will have the school years divided up. After this, please assemble according to your schoolyears and discuss your strategy going forward

Following Fujimaki's words, A-Class followed by Katsurgai began to assemble in a large group of first-year... I noticed that my class seems to be nervous about gathering with the A-Class, the elites of this school.In the 1st semester, A-Claas grades were overwhelming and no one else could even come close to them.

I then see Hirata coming towards Katsuragi and start the discussion between our two classes... It's was perfect to have someone like Hirata in these types of situations because for now, Horikita would never be able to do that of her own...

Having not too much interest in this discussion between our two classes I decided to not approach them but instead start walking toward a certain student of the A-Class that I spotted...

He saw me coming toward him and start walking to me too... When we got close enough I start the discussion.

Yato: Yo Hashimoto!

Hashimoto: Hey Fukazawa-kun, glad to see you here. After all the last time we saw each other we couldn't talk too much!

Yato: Yeah... your boss wanted to see me after all...

Hashimoto: I know, I know... Sorry again about that haha!

He was making excuse signs with his hand until he stop as if realizing something. He then gets closer to me and puts his hand on my shoulder and says...

Hashimoto: Hey! Hey! I didn't have time to talk about that last time but is there anything you should say to me?

Yato: Huh?

I immediately wore a puzzled expression on my face... because I didn't know what he was talking about...

Hashimoto: Hahaha don't play the idiot here! I talk about that you are now in a relationship with one of the most popular girls!

Oh right... I forget that it's quite a big feat... I guess...

Yato: Hahaha, that? Well sorry about that... We can say we quite for the trap you set for me meeting Sakayanagi.

Hashimoto: That's fine with me haha! I was just wondering why you didn't talk about that...

Yato: Ehhh I don't know to be honest haha! But tell me... you seem to want to know a lot about my relationship, are you perhaps jealous haha?

I said that in my fooling tone, so he knew that I wasn't serious when I said that... but to my surprise, he answer me more seriously than I thought...

Hashimoto: Me? Nah haha...

He then takes a look around and stays silent for a moment until he starts to talk again but changes completely the subject. but it's was perfect because I didn't want to talk about it any longer. We then start to talk about the summer break and things totally casual. It was nice to talk with him because he was probably one of the first since I was here to have a ''normal'' talk with... But since all the Class war and ranking has started, every time I am with him it often seems like he thought about something related to the Class battle...

Well, it's true that for me it's not something I understand because I was forced to go to this school but most people who came here is for the school promise that only applies to the A-Class. So it's just normal to be on your guard about the ranking of your class, even more, when you are already at the top... you don't want to lose your place by those behind you...

Then suddenly when me and Hashimoto were talking we heard someone talking louder than the others...

???:So are you saying you have no intention of cooperating?

Everyone's eyes turned towards her to see what was happening. That voice belonged to 1st year B-Class Ichinose Honami. Beyond her gaze, a class worth of students were making a move to leave the gymnasium. Among them, a single student who was walking with his hands in his pockets turned around. It's C-Class leader Ryuuen Kakeru.

Ryuuen:You do know I'm leaving out of goodwill, right? Even if I offered to cooperate it's not like you guys would believe me anyway. Ultimately it'll end up as a thorough investigation, right? If that's the case, it's just a waste of time

Ichinose:I see. So you were thinking of saving us time. I see

Ryuuen:That's precisely right. You'd better be grateful

Yato: What a kind person you are...

Laughing, Ryuuen began walking out with all the students of Class C in tow.

Ichinose:Hey, Ryuuen-kun. Are you confident you can win this time without cooperating?

To the bitter end, it seems Ichinose is intent on cooperating with Ryuuen, as she tries pulling him back. But Ryuuen did not stop walking.

Ryuuen:Kuku. I wonder

Laughing slightly, the entire student of the C-Class began leaving under his command. D-Class did nothing but watch that from afar, but just a moment, I noticed that Kei's expression turned gloomy. It was normal because she saw Manabe and her friends... But the second that Manabe had eye contact with me she started to look in front of her to leave the gym...

Hashimoto: C-Class is really something else huh... Well anyway, I need to go see you soon Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Yeah sure see you next time...

Then with those words, Hashimoto starts to go back close to Sakayanagi... I look at him walking away and I saw someone that I know in the direction that he was going... It was Kamuro, she immediately saw me... well it's more she was already looking in my direction... but the second that she noticed that I was looking at her she started to look away...

Yato: Sighs...

Well anyway... I then started to think about something... well more someone... Ryuuen Kakeru. He just makes a scene with the B-Class by saying that he does not plan to work with them... but we can't be sure of anything with Ryuuen. So we can not rule out the idea that the two classes collaborate.

But... the fact that he already leaves the gym without even taking a little of his time to talk with the B-Class means one thing...he already has a plan for the festival. If I were him the plan I would have in mind would be...

I then start to look at one of my classmates... it was a girl with short blond hair. Probably the most popular girl of our school year... Kushida Kikyo...

Yato: Sighs... well for now...

I start to walk toward where I was before I go talk with Hashimoto. Koenji was still there... still playing with his fucking hair... I then look in the direction of Horikita. Kiyo was close to her and she seems to talk with Katsuragi. I don't know what she thinks about all the festivals but I will let Kiyo do the babysitting for now if she needs it...

Horikita Pov:

I was currently talking with Katsuragi about Ryuuen... but I don't know why I suddenly feel irritated. It was the same feeling when Fukazawa-kun is fooling around...

Horikita:I'm grateful for your warning, but from the way you said it I wonder if it comes from your personal experience

Katsuragi:...I have warned you

He then left on those words to his initial position but the girl who was sitting on a chair suddenly speak for the first time...

???:I wonder if that means he's made a plan this early

It was a girl sitting all alone with downcast eyes. In her hands, she was gripping a slender cane. No matter who looks at her, the fact that she has trouble walking would have clearly been conveyed.

Katsuragi was about to speak but she suddenly speak again

???: Fufu and he doesn't seem to be the only one...

The only one? I turned around to look toward the direction that she was looking and I was in shock by what I see...

I just saw two-man walking toward the exit door of the gym. The first one has blond hair and was currently playing with his nails and the other one has red hair and has his two hands in his pocket and walking with his nonchalant attitude... It was Koenji and Fukazawa!

Horkita: W-What is the meaning of this?

I then look at Ayanakoji who was on my left but he didn't say anything and quickly change his gaze toward the girl of the A-Class who was currently sitting on the chair.

Sudo: They not serious!? Those bastards!

Before that Sudo get more angry Hirata came to calm him... The class was not too sure how to react about that but they were more concerned by the attitude of Sudo than Koenji and Fukazawa for the moment.

Katsuragi trying to ignore all this for the best of the Red Team, then he resume what he was about to say...

Katsuragi: Anyway...She is Sakayanagi Arisu. Since she is disabled she'll be utilizing a chair, I'd like you to understand.

He has introduced us to her classmate Sakayanagi Arisu but I was more concerned about Fukazawa for the moment... What does he have in mind right now? Anyway, he already left the gym now... I need to focus on this festival.

While I was thinking about all this I just feel the gaze of Ayanakoji on me...

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Time skip end of class

Kiyo Pov:

Even after class was done for the day, I remained behind alone in the classroom. From the window, I could hear the voices of the students engaged in their club activities. Even though the sports festival was drawing close, each and every one of them were in high spirits and did not spare any effort in their daily training. Connecting the earphones to my phone, I opened up the file I received earlier and checked the situation.

Kiyo: I see...

Now with this, I've more or less grasped the situation. If necessary, I had thought I would have needed to lay 2 or 3 traps from now on but it seems that will be unnecessary. But the thing I need to think about is to have a talk about all this with Yato...

After making my decision and being satisfied with the superb course of events I decided to return to the dormitory.

???:You've stayed in class unusually late, Ayanokouji.

On my way to the main entrance, I encountered Chabashira-sensei who was sprinkling water with a hose.

Kiyo:That may be the case. Are you on duty?

Chabashira:Something like that. To be precise, the region around here has become something like my post, that's all.

Saying that, and looking like she was used to it, she continued sprinkling water.

Chabashira:Unlike children, people in society are busy in various ways. In particular now that the sports festival is imminent. But still, what happened today? This is the first time I've seen you skulking around after school

Kiyo:Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?

Chabashira:Have you completed your preparations for the sports festival?

Kiyo:I feel like I've more or less grasped it during the recent homeroom though. Is that not the case?

Hirata, Horikita, and Sudou included, all their strategies and tactics have been heard by Chabashira-sensei as well. There was just Yato who didn't share his mind about the festival aside from asking what happen to the person sick or injured on the day of the festival. I could easily understand why he asked this question but now what he will do next I am still not sure about that...

Chabashira:If it's you, I had thought you'd be thinking of some eccentric idea or strategy though?

Kiyo:No such thing at all

Chabashira:Nothing at all? I'm sure you understand but...

Saying that Chabashira-sensei tried to bring the topic over to me but upon meeting my eyes, she stopped. Even if we talk about such unnecessary things in a place like this, no one stands to gain anything.

Kiyo:I haven't forgotten what you told me, sensei. But as to what to do is something I'm free to decide on my own

Chabashira:Certainly that's the case. I should not be butting in unnecessarily. However, if you continue to go this leisurely, it's also a fact that this would no longer be the case. If I should lose my reason for protecting you, I will abandon you. Because an ordinary teacher standing up to such pressure isn't a simple task after all. It'll be troublesome if you don't produce results worth protecting.

I don't care about such selfish expectations.Feeling irritated at being encroached upon daily, I decided to leave this spot. If only Chabashira-sensei hadn't brought forth an unnecessary topic like that, I could have gone by without getting tangled up in this troublesome situation... but there was something that was bothering me for a while now...

Instead of leaving, I make sure there was no one around and decided to ask her a question.

Kiyo: Why do I have to be the one to produce good results for the class? There is another person who could make it... Why not Fukazawa Yato.

This was something that was bothering me... She threatens me so that I contribute to the class but there is no sign that she had tried to encourage or even force him to contribute to the class too. At the start of the year, she had called Horikita to her office to tell her that I could be useful to reach the A-Class but she didn't do the same with him. She exposed me to Horikita but not to him? Because to be honest between Horikita and Yato the best choice is clearly the last one.

After all, he already demonstrated his abilities. First, he just had perfect scores in every subject so he is on the same level as Horikita or even better... And the other thing that should have encouraged Chabashira-sensei to try to encourage him to lead the class for reaching the A-Class is the fact that he was the only one in our class to know and had deduced the S System...

From what I could see he has the level to be the leader of this class... Even though he didn't want to have this role and he is not interested in the A-Class. He still accepted to help Horikita if she asked for his help... Even if he has a problem of attitude even if it's not as serious as Koenji's, the proof is that he agreed to help Horikita and he even help the class in the VIP exam. He didn't tell me but I know that he is the one behind the incident of the Tiger group...

Maybe she already had a discussion with Yato without my knowledge and he just refused. But I prefer to ask her this question to understand the situation.

Chabashira: Fukazawa Yato huh...

For the first time while we were speaking she stopsprinkling water over the flower. She starts to look at the flower for a moment and she says...

Chabashira: I don't think it's a good thing to let him lead this class...

Still looking at the flower she takes a break in her sentence... but the way she is talking sounds like a biased opinion... Like if...

Kiyo: Does your opinion have something to do with your personal feelings?

Like she just realized her mistake here she just start sprinkling water and said something without even looking at me.

Chabashira: No matter... that was my answer.

I was about to leave but she said a last thing to me.

Chabashira: But you know Ayanakoji... You are maybe not the only one with secrets that you want to hide at all costs among students in this school. I won't tell you who to trust but now you know my opinion on Fukazawa.

Kiyo: Does there is something that I should know about him?

She then looks at me and smirks

Chabashira: Curious?

Kiyo: I see

Kiyo:I'll be excusing myself

Chabashira:Sure, be careful on your way back

I then start to walk back to the dormitory with those words... I didn't lose my time asking for more info about Fukazwa because that was useless...she probably would not tell me personal information about students...

But this situation was still unclear. She doesn't think he is a good choice for leading this class and she says that he would have secrets? But is that really true? Of course, everyone has their own secrets but I don't think she knows anything concerning Yato... Why? Because if she knew anything she could just force him to do something by threatening him as she has done to me.

I can't be 100% sure of what I am saying... After all, there is still the fact that she was looking concerned when she was talking about Yato. Like if it was a personal matter to her...

Anyway, With the word of Chabashira in mind, I hesitate to do as I had planned but after thinking about it I just send a message to someone to meet me in my room in 10 minutes...

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30 minutes earlier

Yato Pov:

The last class of the day just ended and the majority of the students of the D-Class were leaving for their clubs, hanging out with their friends, or just leaving to their room. I didn't get up from my seat to leave as quickly as possible today... No today there is something that I need to do. I send a message to Kei earlier to go to the dormitory without me just to be sure that I am not obligated to refuse to her in front of her friends...

I was waiting for a certain person to leave the class so I just stay seated. I already knew that she would leave the class alone so I would not have any problem talking with her in private but while I was waiting I noticed that Kiyo stay in class too... He usually leaves the class as soon as the bell rings like me. Don't tell me that we are waiting for the same person to leave the class?

Just when I thought about that...the girl next to me got up from her seat and put all her books in her bags and start to exit the classroom. I did the same and noticed that Kiyo didn't get up from his seat.

Yato: So he was not waiting? So why does he stay here?

Anyway, I don't have time to lose here. I just exited the classroom and start to follow the girl I wanted to have a talk with in private. When I saw that no one was around I increase my walking pace and got closer to her.

Yato: Yo Horikita, there was something I would like to talk about with you.

Without being surprised by me she just keeps her usual expression and stops walking.

Horikita: It was strange that you stayed after the class was over.

Yato: Ha...Ha, Good call there! So have you some time?

She then start to look at me annoyed and crossed her arms.

Horikita: Maybe but there is nothing you should say to me before?

Yato: Huh?

Horikita: You really think that I'm gonna say nothing about the fact that you left at the meeting between our class and the A-Class?

I should probably apologize to please her because this is the answer she wants from me...Because If I want her to give me what I want... but...

Yato: You not serious right now?

She looked more annoyed by my answer but before she could say anything I immediately continue and say...

Yato: Tell me Horikita... what's the matter by the fact I leave early? Does it have an impact on the result of the discussion?

Horikita: ...

Yato: Exactly! No... it was useless. Even if I was not there I could easily guess the result of this meeting. Probably something like cooperation between our classes but we justdon't interfere with each other... do I'm right Horikita?

Knowing how Katsuragi does things and what was the most logical thing to do the answer was easy to guess. Horikita seems to be thinking about retorting to me until...

Hoirkita: Karuizawa-san of Hirata-kun maybe just told you about our agreement with the A-Class.

Yato: Sigh... Stop that Horikita...You are not stupid.

She immediately understand that it was useless as an argument... It didn't change the fact that even if I stayed it would have changed nothing.

Horikita: Sigh... okay but can I least have your thought about this festival?

Yato: Maybe...

I start walking and say...

Yato: If you listen to what I wanted to talk about first... Let's go for a walk to be sure that no one heard us.

There was no one close but we don't know for how long. Immediately Horikita caught me and started to walk next to me until we were now outside the school. We exit the school by another exit so there was hardly anyone here... confirming that no one could hear us, I started to talk about the matter I wanted to talk with Horikita for a while now.

Yato: I would like to know something about you and Kushida...

Horikita: Me and Kushida?

She tried her best to keep her calm but I can see a bit of surprise when I asked this question.

Yato: Yeah... There no problem between you two? She seems quite resentful about you

I thought that what I just told her would make her take her time to answer but I was wrong.

Horikita: No there is nothing...

I interrupt her before she can finish what she was saying.

Yato: Horikita don't act like that, please. I know there is something... During the meeting this morning at the Pallet Cafe, you refuse Hirata's proposal about bringing Kushida into our group.

Horkita: ...

She stayed silent after my argument... I didn't talk yet about my problem with Kushida and the fact that Kushida involuntarily admitted to me there was something between these two.

Yato: Okay look...

I stop walking and Horikita did the same a bit after me... but she did not look back at me and she just listened to me in silence...

Yato: There is really nothing you can tell me about your relationship with Kushida?

Without looking at me face to face because she probably didn't want me to read her...

Horikita: There is just nothing to say about us...

Yato: Even if that can help me?

Still looking away from me she just stays silent for a moment until she finally talks...

Horikita: I can't help... Sorry.

Yato: I see...

I start to walk until that I passed next to her

Yato: Can you just tell me if you talked about that with Kiyo?

For the first time since I asked her to talk to me about Kushida, she finally look at me.

Horikita: Huh Ayanakoji-kun? Why him?

I see so she even didn't talk that to Kiyo huh. She is closer to Kiyo than me and she still doesn't want to talk about that with him?...or he just didn't ask anything about these two? I will need to confirm this with him.

Still looking at her straight in her eyes I just say with a nonchalant attitude

Yato: Ahhhh too bad then...

It really not a good idea to force her to talk about her and Kushida. The problem seems more serious than I initially thought, knowing more will be complicated. But the thing is now Kushida thinks that I know about the story between Horikita and her but in reality, I don't have a clue at all. I taught it could be something like that Kushida was jealous of Horikita but it didn't make sense if even Horikita didn't want to talk about it...That is why I don't want to insist or force her to talk about it because I don't know if there could be consequences if she told me the story...And it's a bad idea to add problems to Horikita when she cannot even manage her own problems.

I'm starting to regret having made Kushida believe that I knew the story about her and Horikita. Depending of their secret I can have bigger problems than expected later. I'll have to find a way to know more...

I'm start to walk again but she didn't...By noticing it I just turn around and look at her.

Yato: So you wanted my thought about this festival?

Horikita: Huh?

She could hide her surprise by what I just said.

Hoirkita: Well I thought that you wouldn't want to tell me because I didn't answer your question...

Yato: Hmm let's say that I'm in a great mood! And that's your choice to not wanna answer mine...I was just curious that's all.

Even if she didn't want to answer my question... being on bad terms is not a good idea and I don't particularly want to...

Horikita: Thank you Fukazawa-kun...

Yato: So I will tell you what I think about all this situation...

She didn't say a single word and she was waiting for me to talk...

Yato: Look, I think we should just make preparations to avoid the most failure for our class.

Horikita: Wow...

She look totally unsurprised by my answer she even looked annoyed... I start to regret of being in a great mood...

Yato: What? Why do you look at me like that?

Horikita: It's just that Ayanakoji-kun said the same thing to me earlier...

Yato: Kiyo said that huh... interesting...

Horikita: Interesting?

Yato: Yes. Interesting.

Horikita: He even told me to be wary of Ryuuen too

Yato: Because your not?

Horikita: ...

If she was serious right now she was really not ready for the sports festival...

I then start to walk again heading to the dorms... But before being too away from Horikita I say a last thing without looking back.

Yato: Do as you think Horikita...just keep in mind what I said. See you tomorrow!

It's worst than I thought, she is clearly not ready to face Ryuuen with her level right now. But hey, little by little she will get there... I already got an idea of what Ryuuen plans for the festival but it would be great if I can know more... I know that his target is Horikita so it perfect. It just remains to know what Kiyo will do... If he told the same thing as me to Horikita he must be thinking there same as me.

As I was walking away my phone suddenly receive a sound notification. It was a message from Kiyo that say

Meet me in my room in 10 minutes

Yato: Perfect I couldn't ask for a better timing

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Time skip 10 minutes later

Yato Pov

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

I was was currently in front of room 401, the room of Kiyo. A few seconds later the door open.

Kiyo: Oh? You are on time.

Yato: Tsk that starts to piss me off that you all think I'm always late...

Kiyo: I see... Well anyway, get in.

Yato: Sighs... okay...okay

I then enter his room and close the door behind me and the first thing I noticed when I was in his room was how much it was empty like mine.

Yato: Well I can see that you don't have a good sense of decor too...

Kiyo: We can say it like that...

I then sit in front of his table while he went to his kitchen to make some coffee. He came back when he was done and he gave me a cup to me and finally sit in front of me.

Yato: So Kiyo... what you wanted to talk about?

I probably have an idea but I prefer to let him start the discussion... I just take my coffee and then take a sip.

Yato: Well he is not bad to make coffee...

Kiyo: I just want to be sure what you are going to do during the festival. You left the gym earlier this afternoon and I couldn't hear your thought...

I then put my cup of coffee on the table and take a moment before answering...

Yato: You see I talk a little with Horikita about the festival before coming here...

Kiyo: I suspected it...

That does not surprise me at all but I didn't care if he noticed it... If I would have wanted him not to know it I would not have been so obvious. But my other question is why he stayed after school? But anyway I will answer him before asking anything else...

Yato: And then when I told her what I think she should do... I have been surprised to learn that we told her the same thing...make preparations to avoid failure

I take a break in my sentence to highlight what I'm going to say next

Yato: Because with a traitor in our class this is the result that awaits us.

Kiyo: Kushida Kikyo...

Yato: Indeed and then it's good to talk about her because I wanted to ask you something about her. Do you know the reason why Kushida and Horikita seem to hate each other?

Kiyo: I unfortunately have no information. I know the same thing as you, she work with Ryuuen since the desert island...

Yato: Ehh that doesn't help us a lot...

So Kiyo doesn't know anything else about those two huh... I can't be sure if he isn't lying to me because this guy is hard to read but I know for sure that Horikita didn't talk with him about that. I will have to find a way to know more about those two soon because Kushida will not be going to keep doing anything forever...

Kiyo: You told me your thought but what are you going to do for the festival...

Yato: Ahh your right... you right...

I then take my cup of coffee and take a sip... After I have done with my sip, I look directly at Kiyo and say...

Yato: Nothing...

Kiyo:...

Yato: I don't mind losing here... I have other things to settle for the moment.

He didn't answer me but instead, bring out his phone and put it on the table, and start to play an audio recording...

Listen up, you lot. To set a trap for Class D's Horikita Suzune. What we need to do to crush her. I'm going to offer you that strategy. I'll show you something interesting

It was Ryuuen voice.

I don't plan on going against your strategy but give me a chance to fight against Horikita

After that Ibuki came up with this request... finally the last part was the most important...

In the obstacle course race, you run against Suzune and make contact with her. Do whatever it takes to make her fall. Afterward, I'll take responsibility for your injury and plunder some money for you

The audio was over... Kiyo just take his phone and put it back in his pocket and for me...

Yato: ... Hahahahahahahaha!

Kiyo seems surprised by my reaction...

Yato: Wow haha I'm seriously impressed by Ryuuen right there haha!

Kiyo: Impress?

Yato: Of course haha! Ryuuen has is a plan against Horikita already and for her, she didn't even cautious of Ryuuen yet...

Kiyo: That's why I made you listen to this audio... You said that you planned to do nothing I want it to stay that way.

Yato: Yeah that's not a bad idea... with that Hoirkita will finally have real self-development... Step by step she will be the leader for the D-Class

Kiyo: Glad we think the same thing. It will be easier to cooperate.

Yato: But tell me... this audio is Manabe who send it to you right? You threaten her with the video of her and her friend when they were bullying Kei?

Kiyo: Exactly... you catch things quick...

After that, he didn't say anything else and just stare at me... I was not sure of what he was trying to do soo...

Yato: Ehhhh Kiyo?

And then he finally asked me a question that I would never guess...

Kiyo: What do you think of Chabashira-sensei?

What do I think about Chabashira-sensei? Well, she is looking really good but her attitude sometimes... Wait I don't think he really thinking about that. Seriously what does he want to know?...

Yato: Hmmm not sure what you what to know but I just think she is cold most of the time... Why you what to know that?

After a moment he just answer me

Kiyo: I see

Hoi bastard answers me at least... Anyway, I just finish my coffee and get up ready to leave...

Yato: Anyway if that's all I will be going.

Kiyo: Yes that was all I wanted to talk with you for the moment.

I just exit his room was already at my door room because it was the next one to Kiyo... I just enter and drop my bag on the floor and lay down on my bed...

Yato: At least one thing settled...

Kiyo will mostly manage the babysitting of Horikita... So I will do my own thing during this sports festival...

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Time skip Tomorrow

Yato Pov:

Horikita: Fukazawa-kun can you shut her up?

Yato: Sighs...

Well to resume what happen, the thing isin anticipation of the sports festival that will be commencing in a month's time. The school gives us2 hour long homeroom provided to us once a week has been declared a free period where we may utilize it as we wish, the manner in which we spend that time is left up to the judgment of the class. There are two things which we must decide on in preparation for the actual event.How to decide the order of participation for the Universal Participationevents? And also, who will be participating in which Recommended OnlyParticipation events?

So we were currently in a discussion in class to talk about how we should choose the students for the events. The problem is that Horikita and Kei are having an argument about how we should choose the right student for the events. Horikita claims that we should choose efficiency and Kei said that we should win where we have to and have fun where we can...

But all this was useless because I noticed Kiyo take his phone and send a message to Kei... and then it's me who ends up with the repercussion of this...

Yato: Horikita everyone has their own opinion... accept them. A vote will set all this anyway...

By not being satisfied with my answer she just sat down.

Hirata: Now then, the thorough ability-focused plan that Horikita-san wove and the plan that emphasizes the individual that includes Karuizawa-san's opinion. Which one is better, shall we decide it by a show of hands? If there are people who find it difficult to choose I'm thinking of accepting a non-vote as well.

Hirata:Then first, those in favor of Horikita-san's plan

Sudo:Yeah. I, of course, agree with Horikita's plan. The reason for it is simple, to win. The more athletic people participate, the more we win. Isn't that just fine?

Sudou took the initiative and raised his hand. And following him were students like Yukimura and Sakura, the students who had no confidence in their athleticism gave their approval. On the other hand, the students who can not win against the talented but are still capable to an extent, or Kei group did not raise their hands.

Hirata:16 votes. Thank you, you can lower your hands now

Horikita:Hold on, Ayanokouji-kun. Could it be, you agree with Karuizawa-san's plan?

She then looks at her right to look at me...

Horikita: Same goes for you Fukazawa-kun! Just don't follow her because she is your girlfriend!

Well, it was sure that she will notice that I didn't vote... And I was not surprised by the fact that Kiyo didn't vote too...

Yato: Sighs... what I just told you Horikita...everyone has their own opinion.

Horikita: Huh? Are you serious right now? Choosing the option that gives the class the best possibility of winning, ultimately results in the acquisition of large amounts of private points. The points won from winning matches here and there are insignificant. If you say that's wrong, then I'd like you to give me a clear reason why

Yato: Hahahahaha

Horikita: Why are you laughing?

Without the time I can answer. Hirata starts to other rounds for the vote...

Hirata:Then, next up is the composite plan from Karuizawa-san. Win where we have to and have fun where we can. People in favor of this plan please raise your hands

Other than the Kei group, while scattered hands began to rise. There were several votes. However, just by Kei having raised her hand, one after another girls followed her example.

Hirata:...the result of the majority vote is...16 votes for Horikita-san's plan and 13votes for Karuizawa-san's plan. Can I assume the rest are non-voters?

The total count was completed without any objections. It can be said that the votes Kei had gathered weren't due to the contents of her plan but rather because they were instructed to do so. Now that the class will do the plan of Horikita,the role of the recommended will fall to athletic guys like Sudouand Hirata...or me.

Hirata:Then, regarding the number of participants for the Recommended OnlyParticipation events...

Sudo: I'll be competing in all the contests. If there's anyone objecting to that then I'll have a direct confrontation with them

Yato: Well said Sudo! I think you should compete in all events!

Sudo: Oh eh thanks...

Some people were surprised by what I just said... Hirata just smile at what I said because he probably understand why I said that... Horikita next to me just sighed and had a look determined.

Horikita:I'll also be participating in as many competitions as possible!

She then starts to look at me... No, please

Horikita: Fukazawa-kun you too right?

Now all eyes of the class were on me... Shit... I need to do something now.

Yato: Hmm there is just one thing that bothers me... Hoi Blondie-''man'' what are you going to do?

Sudo: I thought the same thing, Fukazawa! HOI, Koenji. You going to be cooperating, right?

Perfect even Sudo takes my side.

Koenji: Fufufu no...no...no! Smart-''man'' you should answer to the women first before thinking about the others!

Horikita: I agree I would like to have your answer Fukazawa-kun!

Why there are so many people against me? At least Sudo helps...

Sudo: Well I agree with Horikita! Fukazawa you seemathletic!

Fuck this shit... I just wouldn't have come today. Why Kiyo can be such in peace while I'm such a victim... But I did not say my last word.

I took a sad expression and was even a little depressed... I start to lower my gaze and look at my desk...

Yato: Well I would like to participate but the thing is... I have a health problem and I don't have good cardio... I don't think I will be able to take part in the Optional events... I'm sorry everyone...

Everyone stayed silent after what I just said. They didn't what to say about my current condition... Well, I was glad because all this was a lie, I was proud of my acting skill right now hahaha! But again...

???: Hmm that's weird there is no mention of a problem of health in your student record Fukazawa-kun.

Shit, it's official everyone is against me... it's my loss... I then turn my head to look at the right corner of the class and saw Chabashira-sensei who was just listening to us in silence since the beginning of the homeroom. She just look at me with her usual cold expression...

Yato: Ha...Ha...Ha... Ehhhhhhhhhh, Shit, Hirata chooses as you like...

Koenji: Fufufufu you are really entertaining Smart-''man''!!!

I'm not in the mood for that...but by a chance, I was saved by the hero of the class!

Hirata: Haha wellI don't think there's any need to decide everything here. So Fukazawa-kun if you are not sure about with events you want to take part we can take our time, same go for Koenji-kun.At the very least, what's been decided from today's discussion is the class strategy and the wills of those who wish to participate in the individual competitions. I think we can afford to decide the rest carefully.

With that, every student in the class seems satisfied. Anyway, we couldn't choose all the participation right now before even seeing where each person is gifted. Personally, I will not go all out for sure because I want to leave this role to Sudo and I don't want to shine too much. But my priorities are to know more about Kushida and Horikita, supervise Horikita even if Kiyo works on it, and lastly my participate in the sports festival.

Yato: There will be plenty of things to do...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter! I hope you liked it. Do not hesitate to comment and vote my story it's really encouraging for me and that's the best thing you can do for me! The next chapter will probably come out around Monday and I don't want to promise anything but next week there may be two chapters!

I received a question about the love interest for Yato and I didn't talk about it before simply because I am still not sure about it. But just to be clear that it will not be Kei, I personally think Kei is the best girl for Kiyo and I want to keep this like the LN. And the same thing goes for Ichinose, for now, she is not a candidate because her character ''development?'' is about her love for Kiyo and I personally don't really like Ichinose... So It probably won't be Ichinose unless in the future I change my mind but, to be honest, it would surprise me.

There's is another girl who I don't think I will consider as a love interest for Yato because I personally ship her with another male character. There is nothing concrete in the LN but I talk about Hiyori and Ryuuen. I really would love it if that happen in the LN instead of another girl falling for Kiyo. So for Hiyori, I will wait to see what happen in the LN.

So now you must be wondering which girls are a love interest for Yato? Well, I don't think I will say it now haha. Sorry if that bothers you but I want to keep a bit of surprise haha. But at least now you know which girls would not be a love interest for sure( Well the only one who is sure at 100% is Kei the two others can still be). But for the moment I have in mind two girls for the love interest and I really want to write it well. Anyway, it's not for right now because the fake couple of Kei and Yato is not over.

Anyway thanks to those who read my story!!!

Volume 5: Physical training

Chapter 3

Yato: Pov:

Here we are...The moment that I dreaded so much. Since I arrived in this school I have always succeeded to escape from this situation... but it seems that today it's the end. What am I talking about? Well, I'm talking about thephysical education classes... Since the begging of the year, I just skipped all the classes and the same goes for the swimming classes. Why did I skip them all? It was to avoid having to wear the sports uniform given by the school. Because, unlike our school uniform who has long sleeves, the sports one is short sleeves so he will expose my bandages to my left arm...

Yato: Sighs...It's about time

I was currently in the locker room of the boys with all my classmates...Well, only the boys of course... We were about to have a class for preparations for the sports festival so I couldn't avoid it. In fact, now it was not a good idea to skip any classes... even Koenji doesn't even miss class, So I can't really do it when even he comes.

Anyway, I was back to everyone looking at the locker in front of me to change my shirt. The bandages were not the only things that I wanted that my classmates do not see. I still have my other scar on my stomach that it maybe will be a better idea to not let no one see it. After all, this was not a normal injury for a student... no in fact it was just not a normal injury for a normal person.

Now the logical question to ask would be why to just put a bandage on the scars of my left forearm and not the one on my stomach? Well... The answer would be that the scars on my left forearm bother me a lot... and I'm not talking about aesthetically... No, it's more about the meaning of those scars...

Yato: Argg shit it's annoying...

I just finished changing myself in my sports uniform and put my bag in the locker and close it. Without waiting for anyone I just leave the locker room and go to the gym. But before leaving I noticed the looks of someone curious about my bandages...

Yato:...

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Time skip 10 minutes later

Yato Pov:

The majority of the students of the D-Class were now in the gym, getting ready for the class. Now the physical education classes were declared as free periods and students were each given permission to tackle any sort of practice they desire. While we were waiting for some students who were still missing. I saw two students coming towards me... I had foreseen that he was going to come and ask me questions after having seen his face when I left the locker room.

Ike: Hey Fukazawa... are you hurt?

Yamauchi: Yeah what about all those bandages on your forearm?

What they just said caught the attention of many people of the D-Class. Even more the group of girls close to us, I positioned myself close to them for a particular reason... no in fact two reasons. More people start to move closer to see what Ike and Yamauchi were talking about.

Yato: Ehhh no I'm not hurt? Why do you think that?

Ike: Well your bandages obviously?...

Yato: Huh? My bandages? What is the problem with them?

I decided to act as if I really don't understand the problem with the bandages...which creates even more confusion. Even more, Ike who was now completely loose... Everyone starts to talk to each other about that not too sure what you think about that but I was waiting for a reaction from someone until I finally got it...

Kushida: Well why did you were a bandage on your forearm if you not hurt Fukazawa-kun? That's not weird to put bandage if you have no injury?

I see so she took the bait... I wanted to see what would be her reaction when I will finally show up my bandage to the class and she acted exactly as I suspected. Instead of saying nothing so that people lose interest and people just move on, she encourages subtly people to ask questions to themselves about that. Like that the secret she has about me can gain much more value if I start to stress and don't want to talk about it at all costs. If I start to stress when I talk and act suspect like some who want to hide something, all she needs to do is to ask people to not ask more questions about it with her usual kind personality and people will do as she said. Like that people will know that I want to hide something but will not ask anything else because it's Kushida who asked to not ask about it. So she will gain even more popularity by playing the kind girl who helps his classmate and my secret has a lot more value because the class knows there is something about it and I didn't want to talk about it. After that, she can even make up a terrible story about my scars witch destroy my reputation and what people think of me because everyone will trust her instead of me...

But...

On paper, it's a good attempt of Kushida right there. It proves to me that she can use her head and take advantage of the situation but seriously if you think I will fall into that... I create this situation Kushida. When I exit the locker room I pass next to Ike on purpose because I knew that he would immediately ask about my bandages. After I just came close to the group where Kushida and another person were and all was set. It was just a little trap easy to set but it just confirmed two things to me. The first one is that Kushida knows how to use her popularity for her own purpose perfectly well, which makes her someone annoying to manage... And the other thing is that it confirms to me that she will clearly try to find a way to backstab me and not respect our agreement.

Anyway for now I got what I wanted so I will set all this situation. I came here because there was another person close to us...

Yato: Weird? Ouch, that means Kushida...

Kushida: H-Huh?

Everyone who was close to us seemed puzzled... I discreetly gave a look at a person before continuing

Yato: Well you see I put them as a fashion thing! But now that Kushida thinks it's weird... I'm not sure anymore...

Kushida: Huh Wait it's...

But before she can continue her sentence someone interrupts her and walk toward me to stand next to me.

Kei: Eh Kushida-san can you not please critical my boyfriend, please! It's rude of you!

Kei then takes my hand and starts to look me straight in the eye.

Kei: I love your this fashion style Yato-kun!!! You look cool with them!

Yato: Wow thank you Kei it's really appreciated!!!

Just now we just acted like a happy couple in front of everyone and Kei immediately catch my eye contact as the signal for her to intervene. I send her a message earlier saying to take my side when Kushida will ask me something...

But what was the most important right now was the reaction of people around us... All who were curious about my forearm earlier were now more concerned about Kushida who had just criticized my ''fashion style''.

Kushida: I'm soo sorry Fukazawa-kun... I didn't want to be rude I was curious and I chose my words badly... I hope that you will forgive me.

Yato: Of course, I forgive you Kushida! I don't want you to feel bad about this! Don't worry I didn't take it personally I swear!

Kushida: Ohh thank you soo much Fukazawa-kun!!! I'm so glad that we can still be friends!!

Hahahahaha wow, that face. She just has her cheerful expression of a kind girl that seems really happy right now.

But when I look at her...I know that her inside thought does not reflect what she shows to the other. Right now she must be soo pissed off at me because I managed to get out of this situation and that I even turn what she was trying to do against her. I imagine more her with the personality I saw the night of the last day of the VIP exam...

Kushida: And sorry Karuizawa-san, I didn't want to judge your boyfriend!

Kei: Well if Yato-kun forgives you I do the same! I just didn't like that someone making fun of my boyfriend!

Kushida: Hihihi it's normal to want to protect the person you love Karuziawa-san!! Anyway, I think we should prepare for the class, it's about to start soon!

After those words of Kushida, everyone starts to walk away... Kei stay next to me for a while and didn't say anything but just give me a look to know if what she did was okay. I answered her with a nod and after that, she said bye and go with her group of friends.

So all my plans worked perfectly fine... but there were two things that I noticed when all this happen. It was the expression of two-person when they saw my bandage... The first one was Horikita, I was wondering why she reacted like that but it's probably easy to guess why she reacted like that... Probably because she knows what's under my bandage. She probably saw my forearm on the island when I was unconscious... I know that Kiyo saw them but I was not sure at all about Horikita. I don't think she is a menace for me... It's not in her interest to have me as an enemy.

For the other person... it's someone totally unexpected. It was a boy from my class that I had practically never talked to him before. It wasMiyake Akito... I seriously don't have any clue on why he had a reaction by seeing my bandage... it was impossible for him to have seen what was under them. So why does he had reacted like that? Do I am crazy and I imagine things?

I was quickly interrupted in my thought because entered the gym talking to all boys in the class...

Hirata:I've borrowed it

Hirata submitted an application to the school yesterday and obtained the grip strength measuring instrument. Horikita's plan which was adopted, based on the priority of athletic superiority, was a plan that would simply bring together those confident in their strength. So it was still necessary to make a ranking between the students to know where with students were the best.

Hirata:Let's do it in order. Let's measure the grip strength of our dominant arms, shall we? If you tell me the results then I'll record them.I've borrowed two so we can measure more efficiently and save time

Saying that he distributed one each to Hondou and Yukimura who were beside him. It's probably him deciding to measure in both a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction. But Sudou, who did not feel like it, instead forcibly grabbed the instrument and stole it away.

Sudo:Let's start from me, Hirata. Because by starting with me, it'll be possible to set high standards

Ehhhh not sure that works like that but anyway let him show off...

Hirata:Umm...then let's have the other one start with Sotomura-kun besides Sudo-kun.

had the order be forcibly changed, the starting point had to once again be adjusted. Kiyo was next after Sudo and it was me after Kiyo...

Sudo:Keep looking, Ayanokoji. This is the strength of the man who will be carrying this class

Sudo confidently laughs and shows off his ability as the one who forcibly became the first one up.

Sudo:Uraaa!

Filled with fighting spirit, Sudo's shoulder shook as he gripped the instrument in his right hand. The digital numerical values rapidly rise. In an instant, it rose above 50 and hit 60, and continued to climb up to 70. Then, the value digitally displayed in the end was 82.4 kg. The surroundings briefly went into an uproar.

Ike:You're way too freakishly strong!

Sudo:Heh. It's because I've always been training. This is natural. Hey, you do it too, Koenji

Almost as though it were a provocation, he showed off the value to Koenjiwhile handing over the instrument.

Koenji:I am not interested. You may ignore me

Polishing his fingernails...again...Koenji then blew on his fingertips

Sudo:Are you scared of losing to me? Well, after seeing a value like this it's understandable

He made such a cheap provocation, but it appears Koenji has no intention of responding to him as he did not turn to look at him.

Sudo then start to look at me a bit pissed off because Koenji didn't answer him...

Sudo: Hoi Fukazawa you better do it! I don't care if you scare of losing you'll do it!

Scare of losing? Seriously Sudo... First I don't care to be first or last and secondly, you should be grateful that I plan do not to score a high score...

Yato: Yeah... Yeah... don't worry but don't expect me to be at your level... Anyway, it's not my turn yet.

Sudo: Tsch your right... Here Ayanakoji!

Kiyo:No, I can do it later

Sudo:Huh? You too? Don't fuck around. Do it in order

Why does he want to do it later? He takes the device reluctantly and seems to be thinking about something.

Kiyo:Hey, Sudo, Yato. About how much would be the average for a high school student?

Sudo:Huh? I don't know. Shouldn't it be around 60?

Oh, I see... The problem is that he goes after Sudo who just scored 82.4 Kg. He probably wants an average score to not stand out. But does it just means that he thinks he can score the number he wants?

He then starts looking at me to have my answer on the average score for a high school student but the thing is...

Yato: Ehhhh I guess he is right...

I personally don't have a clue on how much is an average score... In fact, I was happy to not have started or just go after Sudo because I would have been in the same situation at Kiyo right now.

Kiyo:60, huh...?

He thengripped the grip strength measuring instrument. He started to apply force on it until he got to 55 Kg and continue to slowly increase until he got a final score of 60.6...

Yato: this bastard...

Kiyo:...I can't, I can't move it any further

He then starts to walk over to Hirata to give his score... He asked the average score of a student and he got the average result right after. It was 100% made on purpose, he could have such a better score I'm sure of it... But how much more? I was seriously curious about his true ability...

Before leaving he give me the measuring instrument but because I was thinking about all this I didn't start immediately and Sudo lost patience...

Sudo: This time you couldn't win by using your head Fukazawa! It's about time for your loss hahahaha!

This guy... well I can't really blame him. After all, athleticism and force were probably is greater qualities. And the fact that he wants to see my score soo much means that he thinks that I can compete at least a bit with him. So in that case...

Yato: My loss? This is what we going to see Sudo...

I then start to apply some force to the measuring instrument until I finally reach the average score of 60 Kg but I continue to apply slowly some force to not exceed 80 Kg... I saw Sudo's expression next to me who seems worried about the score that I would get... Finally, I pretend that I can't continue and I release my grip and look at my best score...

Yato: Argg 77.4 Kg... seems that you beat me...

Sudo seems really happy that I couldn't beat his score and just start to laugh aloud in the gym...

Sudo: Hahahahaha I'm just better Fukazawa!

He was really too happy about it... But I just did that to make him stress a little because I never intend to have a better score than him. I get a better result than what I originally planned but it was not that bad... I was only 17 Kg more than the average score of 60 Kg. I planned to score 69 to 72 at first so it was okay in the end.

When Sudo was laughing an unexpected person start to talk to Sudo...

Koenji: Fufufu you seem quite happy about your...'' win ''... Red hair-kun!

Sudo: Eh! What do you want Koenji? If you think you can beat the best in the class go ahead and come try it!

Just with that Sudo again start to provoke Koenji to have a contest of strength...

Koenji: Sighs...It's useless with those results... And anyway Red-hair-kun there is no need for to me do the test because I am already the best!

Sudo: Tsk Whatever... Keep your nonsense for yourself!

Yato:...

It's useless huh?... Does he know that I did not go all out? Koenji... to be thisegotistical is really something... Anyway, I just give the measurement instrument to the person next to me and start walking towards Hirata to give my score. Kiyo was still there and he just finished to give his score and Ike was with him...

Ike: Argggg I will not be able to impress anyone with a score like that!!!!

Yato: I don't know how much he did but it seems that he was thinking about impressing someone... well the girls particularly

Hirata then notices me and the same for Kiyo.

Hirata: So Fukazawa-kun, do you have your results?

Yato: Yes I just did it and I got 77.4 Kg.

Kiyo: ...

Ike: Whaaaaaaaat? Are you some kind of monster???

Yato: What? What are you talking about Ike? It's just a bit more than the average score...

Hirata: Wow Fukazawa-kun you are really strong...

What it's going on... Kiyo starts to look at me and says...

Kiyo: Well it seems that the average score is about 45 Kg and 50 Kg...

Yato: ...

No no no no no no... What an idiot I am... Why did I listen to Sudo and Kiyo for the average score and why did I tired to ''compete'' with Sudo... But before he could write anything I try a last thing

Yato: 50 Kg is the average score? Wow, it seems that I am above with my 57.4 Kg HAHAHA!

Ike: Wait you said 77.4 Kg before...

Yato: You must have hallucinated...

Kiyo: ...

Hirata: ...

Hirata without saying anything just write 77.4 Kg as my final score... Shit, I'm done... Even Kiyo now has one of the best scores in the class.

As a result, leaving aside Koenji, I ended up in 2nd place in the class. I've made a blunder. I didn't want to score too high compare to the others...With all the results, 3rd place was Kiyo with 60.8 and the 4th place was Hirata with 57.9 Kg.

I was depressed whenHirata was filling in the total measured results into recommended Only Participation events frame and putting them together in the notebook.

Hirata:Tug of war and omnidirectional tug of war can simply be in the order of grip strength then. Sudou-kun, Fukazawa-kun, Ayanokouji-kun, and me

Yamauchi:Hey, I'm curious about something but I've never heard about that omnidirectional tug of war. I've never heard of it you know...

Yato: don't ask it if you do not even need to participate...lucky...

Hirata:I haven't heard of it either so I researched it. Exactly as it sounds like, it seems like a contest where you pull a rope in all four directions. From 4 classes, they're chosen 4 each with 16 in total pulling on the rope all at once, it appears to be that sort of contest.

Well to be honest it was good that Hirata explain it because I didn't know what it was... Unlike the normal tug of war where it can be left up to strength, it seems like tactics will be important here.

Ike:Hey, Hirata, aren't we getting any chances?

Hirata:It's not like that. For instance, in the scavenger hunt, rather than athleticism I think luck is what's being tested

Sudo:Luck, huh? Then how will we decide it?

Hirata:Simple is best. How about we go with rock-paper-scissors?

Yato: I totally approve of this!

Hirata: Haha then we going with this then.

Great... Perfect! If it was decided by luck and that we play rock-paper-scissors it was the best that I could ask for...Why? Simply because I never win a game ofrock-paper-scissors of my life!!! With my trash luck, I'm sure to not participate in the scavenger hunt! I'm still participating in theomnidirectional tug of war but if it can be the only optional event that I take part it will be perfect!

Hirata: Okay let's divide us into several groups to start!

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5 minutes later

Yato Pov

Yato: H-H-How...

Hirata: Perfect so the person who will participate in the scavenger hunt will beAyanokouji-kun, Fukazawa-kun, Sotomura-kun, Mori-san, and Maezono-san.

Yato: Did I just win not one game but several games of rock paper scissors??

Sotomura:Kopou! I-I have been chosen for the scavenger hunt! Kopou!

Yato: How is that possible?

Sotomura:Why did I choose rock? Kopou

Yato: Hoi shut up with your Kopou man, I'm don't feel well right now...

Hirata: Well we're in agreement there...

Right... I can't give my place to anyone even if I just end up winning. I'm still in shock to have won all those games, does it mean that my bad luck is superior to the good luck of my classmates? Holy shit I'm cursed...

Ike:I'm jealous...

I can understand why. After all, Ike was not a sportsman so this type of event was perfect for him to have the chance the shine and have some good results...

Then, even as various expectations turned complicated, the frame of the contests was all properly filled out.

Hirata:Done

Hirata turned over the notebook after having finished deciding on the participation of each individual student in all contests.However, this is only a provisional matter, and depending on future practice and information gained from the other classes, there will likely be portions that will undergo huge changes.

Hirata: The information we've just decided on is of extreme importance and is something we don't want the other classes to know about so for your own turn and partner I'd like you to write it down. To make sure no photographic records are left behind

Yato: ...

After Hirata's words, The notebook was passed around from person to person. So in the end I was now participating in two optional events... and maybe even three because I was one of the candidates for the 1200 meter relais. It seems that in the end, I will have to do more of what I was expected...

Hirata: You look a bit dissatisfied Fukazawa-kun.

Hirata come close to me when no one could hear us around.

Yato: It's that obvious? Sorry about that...

Hirata: Haha I think that your abilities are important for the class.

Yato: Oh? So you told the same thing to Koenji?

Hirata: ...

He didn't answer me and was just looking at me probably thinking about something to answer but...

Yato: Sighs... It's okay Hirata I understand what you were trying to say... Forget what I said.

Hirata: Thank you Fukazawa-kun, I will be glad to have your help.

My help huh... Well, it will be useless even if I go all out, to be honest... I just stayed silent after what he just said but he asked me another question.

Hirata: But I'm really impressed by your physical ability Fukazawa-kun. Did you do a particular sport before coming here?

Yato: Spots?... No, I have never really practiced any sports before...

Hirata: Wow it's even more impressive to know that after seeing your results today... you must train to have those types of results?

Yato: Hmm no more than that, Hirata... My father just teach me how to have a good condition physique but I never really practiced something too much...

???: Oh yes I remember! Your father is a chief inspector, right Yato-kun?

Hirata turn around to see the person who just talked but I already know she was there because I felt her presence for a while now...

Yato: That's right I talk about it before Kei...

I then turn myself too... We were the three of us and no one around could hear us because they were all looking at the notebooks to see their participation in the sports festival...

Hirata: I see, so if you don't train or practice more than that it means that your physical ability must come from your father since you are his son!

Kei: Hirata is right! Your father must be someone with a good physical ability too!

Yato: ...

Well... No, I'm adopted after all. Yukichi Fukazawa was not my biological father so It's impossible that my physical ability is something that I have inherited from him... but...yeah... what they were saying was not wrong...

Yato: I guess your right... it must be something that I inherited from my... father.

My current physical condition was not only something that I earn by a lot of training or practice... no... genetics was probably for something too... Well, I can't be sure of anything on this subject after all...

After that everyone has seen their participation and the physical education class was over for today we started to exit the gym because it was the end of the day...but it was just the beginning of our training classes for the sports festival.

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Time skip

Yato Pov:

After the end of the classes, in preparation for the event, it has been decided that we'll be practicing independently. During our free period, each and every student changed into their gym uniforms, that is to say, their jerseys, and headed out towards the school grounds.

Ike:Uwa, hey look at that

His reactions were normal. We could notice the gaze of many students inside the school building looking at us. To figure out the physical abilities of the other classes prior to the sports festival is something that would be on anyone's checklist.

Kiyo: A-Class beside them is also looking at us

Regardless of whether we're enemies or allies, grasping our capabilities is not a bad thing for them. If we do this somewhere as conspicuous as the school grounds, being watched is also natural. But holding back our best students maybe not be the best tactic to do. Why? Because the time allowed for their training will be reduced and may be decisive.

Horikita: They didn't lose any time

Horikita, who finished changing, also seems to have immediately realized the curious stares. Kiyo and I start to look at the C-Class. There were signs of people being inside their classroom, not a single person looked towards us. I really wonder what Horikita thinks about all this now after that I gave her my opinion and Kiyo said the same thing as me... Well no, technically it's me who said the same thing as him but anyway.

Horikita: Ayanakoji-kun,Are you worried about Ryuuen-kun?

Kiyo: Well a bit.

Yato: ...

Horikita:I really doubt that he didn't think about conducting reconnaissance on us but he's the one who rejected cooperation with Class B after all. He doesn't have any intention of seriously building up a strategy.

Yato: Sighs...

I started to walk away but she immediately stand in front of me to prevent me to go away!

Horikita:Is what I would have thought if I hadn't been warned by both of you. Surely the other students must be thinking that way

I just start to smile and started to bypass her to leave.

Yato: Great, now that is a better way of thinking Horikita. Now you just need to reason further!

With those words, I just leave her with Kiyo. She told me something before I leave but I didn't listen to her... This sports festival was important for her. The result of it would show me if yes or not she has what it takes to be the leader of this class. I seriously think that she can become a proper leader for this class, she has potential and talent after all. The problem is more about her personality and her way of thinking and acting, she needs to work on this. Kiyo probably thinks the same thing as me and that's why he tries to help her to become a leader too. But why exactly? He told me that he wants a peaceful high school life but why bothering come to this school if you want that? Well, he maybe had not a good idea of what this school was... like me.

At first, I really underestimated this school and the students here and that is what caused my defeat during the desert island. Before coming here I had my own person who was working for me and had a lot of people beside me who could help me but... here I start from the bottom. But it's really the reason why Mori send me here? I still have my doubts about why because when he told me that I was going to this school he told me that it would be beneficial for me and him... There is Koenji who his family is a big name in Japan but does it really relate to something this stupid? I don't see the point that is beneficial for me in all this... Anyway, I can't understand the person who is Kiyo...

Anyway, to come back to the topic of Horikita... if it turns out that she can't progress and don't want to after this sports festival. Becoming the leader of the Class will be complicated for her... so maybe I will have to...

???: Hoi Fukazawa!

Someone called out to me while I was thinking about the matter of Horikita... I turn around to see the person who had just called my name but I already know who it was.

Yato: Can I help you Sudo?

He then starts to walk toward me to be closer... probably to be sure that no one hears us. I'm starting to be very curious about what he wants to talk about...

Sudo: Eh... Well, I saw that you and Ayanakoji are close to Suzune, right?

Oh... I see... But wait he called her by her first name? Even I don't joke with her by calling her by her first name haha... I wonder if he has already called her Suzune in front of her...

Yato: Sighs... I think I know the reason why you asking that but you know that I already have a girlfriend...Right?

He reacted as if his question was stupid... and it was but anyway...

Yato: Look, I just give her my thought about this festival...

Sudo: Hmm Ok then, that's better.

He then starts to walk towards Horikita and Kiyo. Well sorry, Sudo but I don't think you have any chance right now... in fact, I don't think anyone would have his chance with the girl named Horikita right now... Maybe if your name is A-Class but if not she is probably not interested in you...

10 minutes later

After a brief check inside the room, genuine practice for the purpose of determining aptitude began. Hirata's policy was also in effect with compulsory participation not being demanded of the students but with the goal of bringing the class together as one, the participation rate was about 90% and ended with only those like Koenji and the Professor declining. I decided to take part in it because there were just disadvantages to declining to come...

I was alone a little away from the group and I was observing everyone's abilities. I could see that in our class there's an overwhelming gap between students who are athletic and those who are unathletic.

I then saw a man coming towards me. The current leader of the class...

Hirata: Thanks for accepting for participating today Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: You know you don't have to come and thank me every time I participate with the class Hirata haha. Don't worry I will not leave...

Hirata: I see, it's just that I know that usually, you prefer to not get too involved yourself and I respect that. It's just that your help and your participation is a great asset for the class Fukazawa-kun.

Indeed, I don't like to get too involved with the class and participate in this sort of thing... I prefer to do things on my own for several reasons. First is a question of leadership, I really don't feel like becoming a leader model for the class. Leading people that I don't really care about is just a pain more than anything... I never had a discussion with the majority of my classmate and I am supposed to lead and help them to reach the A-Class? The A-Class is one of the other points of why I don't want to get involved with the class... I don't have any use for the promise of the school. Getting my dream job? I already have my ''job'' when I will finish in this school and if even if I want to change and just have a regular job I am confident to manage without...

But I cannot deny the fact that this school's functioning is really fascinating and interesting. That's why without even realizing it, I started to help my class towards the ultimate goal of this school... the A-Class. Maybe... I'm just started to enjoy my time in this school because after all, this was not an ordinary school at all.

Yato: Sighs... If you think I can help a bit...I can try Hirata...

Hirata seemed surprised by my answer and was mostly glad to hear that.

Yato: And anyway it's me who should thank you, Hirata...

Hirata: Huh? Why Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Well you are the only one who asked me to come today and not threaten me like Kei or Horikita...

Hirata: Hahaha I see. They probably just think the same as me on the fact that you are an important person for the class...

He then takes a little break in his sentence before continuing...

Hirata: Maybe not only for the class and for themself too...

Yato: huh?

I was really surprised by his last sentence... I didn't suspect him saying something like that...I then take a look at a group of girls a bit further who was starting to get ready to train themself for the race of the festival...

Yato: You talking about Kei?

Hirata: Haha as always you are very perceptive Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: ...

Hirata: Well when I look at Karuizawa-san right now she is not the same one when I was playing to be her boyfriend. She seems... hmm... How to say it. Happy is not exactly the word to describe her but the thing that is sure is that you affected her, in a good way! Sometime... I can see the real Karuizawa-san...

I knew that Hirata was a good observer but it was completely exceeded my expectations. So according to Hirata, I will affect Kei in a good way for her huh... To be totally honest what he just said completely shocked me... I do not consider myself as a good influence but rather as a bad one. The past has proven it to me...

Hirata: And you know what Fukazawa-kun. Maybe people can affect you in a good way too! That's my opinion and you do as you think but personally, I think you should interact more with others!

I didn't immediately answer him... I was thinking about all this until...

Yato: HAHAHAHAHA!

I put my hand on his shoulder while still laughing until I stop and say...

Yato: You know Hirata you remind me so much of my brother hahahahaha!

Hirata: Your brother?

I resumed my seriousness and returned to my initial place...

Yato: Yeah by your attitude and way of thinking... I will never be able to be like you but...I respect that!

It was true that I respect his way of thinking... but like I said I will never be able to have the same way of thinking like him. I think has a lot of flaws but to say that it has no advantage is stupid. The guy named Hirata Yosuke... to be this kind something must have happened to him because I still have difficulty admitting that a person can be 100% kind. Like my brother, Touma learned that he can't be kind all the time...

Yato: So thanks for the advice Hirata, I will keep it in mind... But for now, if you need my help don't hesitate to ask...

Hirata: You're welcome Fukazawa-kun, I just said what I was thinking! And if you don't mind I will ask for your opinion about this festival. More precisely about the performance of our class.

The performance of our class huh... He wants to improve the students who are less athletic. While I was thinking about his question I was looking at one of my classmates. In fact, Horikita was not the only person I was thinking this festival was important...

Yato: Well I think the class needs a real model for the sports festival in terms of results.

He then start to look in the direction I was looking and probably immediately understand what I was trying to say.

Kiyo Pov:

Kushida:As expected of Sudo-kun. Whatever you do, you end up in 1st place among the class. That's amazing

Kushida expressed her respect towards Sudou, who ran the 100-meter dash, while she jumps up and down.

Sudo:Heh, well I guess. But even so, I don't know what'll happen if he runs though...

The one Sudou glared at and looked back at was Kouenji, who did not show any interest in the class.

Sudo:I've never seen Koenji run seriously before...

Before, when he faced Sudou as an opponent during swimming lessons when he swam seriously just that once, he transcended Sudou's time. From that, I was able to confirm that Koenji has high potential.But Koenji is the type of man who won't make a move at all unless he himself decides he'll be doing it. In regards to this sports festival, since his policy is to basically let us think and act freely on our own, Koenji truly won't do anything at all. It was a good thing that Yato was not totally like him...

Kushida:Yeah, but it's really amazing. In this sports festival, Sudo-kun's the leader!

Sudo:Leader? Me...?

As he was once again told that, Sudo seemed slightly dumbfounded as he pointed at himself.

???:I agree with that too. The sports festival is truly the place for the athletic students, after all. I believe Sudou-kun is more than qualified for that. If you're fine with it, can you accept it too for everyone's sake?

Coming from behind Sudo, it was Hirata who just said that. He was walking towards us with Yato next to him. Well, I already noticed they were discussing for a while a little further.

The sports festival demands a strong leader. Hirata also has those qualities in abundance but perhaps he's judged that Sudou who excels at it would fit the bill better.

Sudo:But even so, I'm not cut out to be a leader...

Sudo, who pretty much acts alone or with a small few, seemed slightly bewildered. Then he looked at Horikita who was near him and asked her for her opinion.

Horikita:You're not the type of person who can theoretically explain things to someone. For a leader, Hirata-kun would be the superior choice. However, by looking at your sprint earlier as well as your other records I can understand. You're the type of person to shine while bathing in the attention of many. To tug the class along, it's probable that brute force will be necessary. I have no intention of objecting to you being named the leader.

She did not affirm it, but neither did she reject it. In other words, it means she's acknowledged Sudo.It seems Horikita is not just vaguely participating in this practice but had been properly ascertaining talent.

Yato: It's probably a chance for you Sudo. You are the one who showed the best results so far, our classmates need you as the pillar of the class. It's a perfect chance to show your ability like Horikita said.

I was surprised that he speak his thought. Usually, he would just stay indented and let Hirata and Horikita lead all but not this time... I was not the only one surprised, in fact, Hirata and Horikita seem way more surprised than me. Kushida didn't have a reaction but was just looking at Yato without telling anything.

Sudo: ...I get it. I'll guide Class D to victory in this sports festival then

He answered not to us but more to Horikita herself.Perhaps it could be called the weakness of having fallen in love but Sudo took on such an attitude so as to live up to Horikita's expectations.

Horikita:Don't get clumsily overconfident. You'll get it later if you do

She warned Sudou to listen to her and after that Horikita left to continue the practice. While blushing, Sudou looked at her back and clenched his fist.

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Time skip next day

Yato Pov:

Now that Sudo has been designed as the leader for the sports festival he began to coach our classmates.It appears Sudo's job on his first day as a leader is to teach them to get the hang of tug of war. Well, I was not concerned about this... it's not that I was lazing around. No, I was currently searching for my teammate for the 3-legged race. I finally saw him a little further with one of our classmates. I started to walk toward them until the girl who was with him noticed me and called out my name.

???: Oh it's Fuu-kun!

The girl who just called me by this nickname was Hasabe Haruka. I talked with her during the desert island when we were both on guard on the first night. She was a nice person to talk but it was rare to have a chance to. She was a lonely person type who prefer to stay alone and mostly don't get involved too much with the class matter.

Yato: Hey Hasabe, it's been a long time since we talk haha!

Hasabe: Yes and... Oh!

Just like she realized something she stopped talking a moment until

Hasabe: Does that will cause a problem if I call you with this nickname now that... Well, you are in a relationship with Karuizawa-san?

Yato: haha don't worry about that Hasabe, it's only a nickname!

Hasabe: Nice! I'm glad because I like this nickname I found for you haha!

She was really happy about this trivial thing but just seeing her happy like that I couldn't say anything

Hasabe: But why you here Fuu-kun? It's rare to see you so involved in the class matter.

Yato: Yeah... Sadly it seems they were needing me... but I came here to search for my teammate for the 3-legged race.

Indeed I came here looking for the boy who was with Hasabe... Miyake Akito

Hasabe: Wow! Miyatchi you team up with Fuu-kun in this event?

Miyake who didn't say anything until now speaks for the first time.

Miyake: Yeah, Hirata teams us together for this event.

I never talked with him before but like Hasabe I could see that he was not really interested in the class. When there was the study group at the start of the year he stop coming and just study on his own like Hasabe.

But the thing that was bothering me is the fact that the day when I showed up my bandage to the class he was the only one to have reacted differently of the other person expected Horikita and Kusida.

Yato: Yeah and it's about to be our turn to do some practice... Are you free right now?

Miyake: Yes no problem. I wasn't really doing anything anyway.

Yato: Hahaha I see, I see! Then let's go is about to be our turn.

We were walking towards the place for the 3-legged race but I hear Miyake talk behind me...

Miyake: What are you doing Hasabe?

I then turn my head to see what he was talking and it was just Hasbe who was following us.

Hasabe: What' the matter Miyatchi? I want to see you and Fuu-kun run!!

She seems really more joyful when she is with Miyake than when she is in class.

Miyake: Eh Well If you want to I will not stop you...

Hasabe: Yeah! Thank you Miyachi!

I just continue to walk while listing to them in silence. They seem to be close friends, it could be hard to tell because they never get involved in the class from what I could see. Well, I maybe not be the best one to tell that because I am too not too involved with the class...

We then arrived at the starting line for the race and Hasabe just stay on the side with some other students who were watching the race. Kei and her friends were there too. I could see Kiyo and Horikita not too far too.

Yato: Well I will tie up our leg...1 second...

When I have tied us I could sense his gaze on my left forearm... Do I need to ask him if there is something wrong or do I say nothing? Before I could decide anything he was the first one to speak.

Miyake: Hey Fuazkawa can I ask you something?

I then get up because I just finished tying up our leg and answer him...

Yato: Ehh yeah but it can't wait? It's our turn...

Miyake: Oh yes of course.

Yato: Great... Oh and for this race just run at your pace. I will focus on following yours.

It would be easier to just follow his pace and in this event, I can't really fake my speed or anything... or he would feel it.

He just nodded at my statement and we both got ready for our turn. Hirata who was at the finish line with a timer to see our time signal us to start. We then start to run and it was a bit difficult to run while being tied to someone else but after a short time I could see that Miyake has found his pace and I just start to follow him without bothering him with my own or in his movement. We even get faster halfway. I was totally in sync with him so our pace was not affected too much. I could hear Kei and some other people cheering us... not just by the fact that I was his boyfriend but because we were actually really good.

We then finished the race by crossing the finish line and I could hear Hirata stop his timer. Miyake didn't seem out of breath after this run. He had finished in 4th position in the strength test and I could tell by this run that he has a great condition physical.

Hirata: Wow great job Miyake-kun and Fukazawa-kun... So far you got the best time in the class!

Best score huh... It may be a bit better than what I expected but I couldn't really do anything about that...

Miyake: Seriously? Wow, I didn't think we would get such a good time...

I then bent down to undo the rope. Because it was still a bit unpleasant...

Hirata: Finally it was really a good choice to have put the both of you together...even if it was a guess.

Miyake: Great job Fukazawa, it was really more easy than I initially thought...

Yato: Same for me... It was the first time I do a 3-legged race in fact haha!

Just like if remember something he starts to look at me a bit more serious than a few seconds before... Hirata didn't notice that because he was back to him...

Hirata: Fukazawa-kun can I ask you something? Can you just take my place, it's my turn soon and I couldn't timer us and run at the same time.

Yato: Oh ehhh... yeah why not...

He then thanks me and gives me the timer he has. After he just starts to walk away to get ready for his run. I could see that it was the turn of Horikita and Onodera. On paper, it was a great team but I was curious about the time they would get...

While they were getting ready I ask something to Miyake

Yato: So? What do you want to ask me?

I was getting ready for the eventuality that he ask me about my bandage but I have been surprised by his question...

Miyake: Oh eh I wanted to know which middle school you have been to?

What? It is totally unexpected... Why does he want to know that? I thought it would have to do something with my forearm...

And for the real answer is that I didn't go to middle school. So the answer would be none but I can't answer that. I say a random school? No with my trash luck I will tell the one he was going... No, the best answer now is...

Yato: Well it depends on the point of view but I can be called lucky because I did school at home. But why ask this?

Miyake: I see... Well you see there was a rumor at my middle school that...

Before he could finish his sentence Hasabe came towards us interrupting him.

Hasabe: Wow Miyachi! Fuu-kun! you were both amazing in this race! I didn't know that you were both good runners!

She seemed really impressed by your time...

Miyake: Well running with Fukazawa was pretty easy...

They started to talk about our race but I noticed something... well more someone looking at us a little further. I couldn't help but smirk.

Hasabe: Anyway, I think we should go the other race is about to start! Bye, Bye Fuu-kun!

Yato: Yeah see you later Hasabe! Same to you Miyake.

Miyake: It's was nice talking with you Fukazawa. Glad we are on the team for this event, see you later.

Before leaving with Hasebe I could sense that he again look at my bandage... Well after talking with him I'm not worried about the possibility that he knows about my forearm... No, I was more curious about something else that he was about to say when Hasabe interrupt him... But it's was my first time talking with him and he seems like a good guy. He seems close to Hasaber because they have a lot of similarities and their attitude...

Horikita and Onodera were currently tying their legs and someone start to approach me.

Yato: Can I help you with something Kei?

It was Kei that I noticed earlier who was watching us a little further.

Kei: Well I was curious... You know Hasabe-san?

Yato: Of course... I know everyone in the class, Kei

Kei: Oh stop that! You know what I trying to say!

Yeah, I understand I'm just fooling around...I just take my fooling tone and say...

Yato: Oh I see... don't worry Kei! You are the only one who counts for me... The chosen one of my heart!

Kei: Ah mou!!! You really an idiot!

Yato: Hahahaha! But seriously don't worry Kei. I will do nothing to break our fake couple and you not going to lose your protection.

She seems reassured by what I just said and... Happy? I then remember the words that Hirata told me yesterday...

Kei: I see... thank you Yato-kun.

Without answering her I noticed that Horikita and Onodera were ready so I gave them the signal to go!

They started to run but...

Kei: They are not supposed to be two of the fastest girls in your class?

Yato: ...

Indeed, these two were on paper were one of the fastest duo of girls that the class should have but they were really slow...

Girl: Karuizawa-san did you come with us?

Kei: Yes I'm coming!

She then look at me and said bye before joining her friends... After a moment Horikita and Onodera finally finished their race. As soon as they finished they removed the rope and Onodera immediately go away... well mostly of Horikita herself. Horikita was about to do the same but I stop her by calling her.

Yato: Wow Horikita you really fast... I'm impressed.

Hearing my remark in a nonchalant tone probably annoyed her because she immediately turns around to look at me.

Horikita: What are you trying to say?

Yato: You trying to see if there is a meaning behind what I just said? The same Horikita who didn't want to think that there was no meaning behind Ryuuen's action?

It probably annoyed her even more because she start walking closer to me still looking at me with an angry look.

Horikita: What are you trying to do Fukazawa-kun by saying that?

Yato: Hmm I wonder why you are on the defensive when I just gave you a compliment! After all, just by seeing your race, I could tell that you were faster than Onodera. She couldn't match up with your pace!

I then take a look at the time and make a fake surprised expression.

Yato: Oh but look at your time! It's really not the best of the class, that's a shame to be the fastest girl in the class and couldn't achieve a better time...

Still annoyed she answer me

Horikita: Oh by the tone of your voice and how you act superior like you know everything maybe you have a solution.

For the first time, I start to look at her with a serious and cold expression and said in a cold tone of voice...

Yato: You a big girl Horikita. Found by yourself... The other race is about to start you should move away.

Really surprised by my answer and by the tone I said it she just start to walk away. It will be a problem if she continues like that... but the best it would be if she can figure it out by herself.

I just gave the signal to go at Hirata and Kiyo who were both in a team, for the 3-legged race. They were both really good. Maybe not as fast as me and Miyake but they were doing really good. I could hear all the fangirls of Hirata on the side who was cheering for him... poor Kiyo.

They finally reach the finish line and I just give the timer to Hirata who just looks at his time and immediately goes somewhere else to help with other people to train. I was about to leave but I ask something to Kiyo.

Yato: You take care of Horikia?

Kiyo: Well it depends... You seem like you already started.

He probably saw me talking to her after her race.

Yato: I leave you that... I already do too much...

I just start to walk away. With Sudo as the leader for the sports festival, it will increase the score of a lot of students in the class but it will also help Sudo himself... Well, I hope. I hope that Horikita will understand by herself her faults or me or Kiyo will have to intervene. But now my priority will be Kushida... I will need to find a way to know more about Horikita and Kushida...

Yato: Oh...

When I think about it...It's my birthday soon...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter I hope you like it! I thought at first that this chapter will be a bit shorter than usual but I was completely wrong haha! I just hope that it bothers you that my chapters are this long!

Anyways, I will have time to write another chapter this week! It would probably come out around Friday! Thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 5: Last step before the sports festival

Chapter 4

Yato Pov:

We were now in Mid-September. The D-Class was doing great effort on the regular practice in anticipation of the sports festival. Sudo was now a leading figure for the class for training the students who were not sure of their physical ability... Well, Sudo still has flaws regarding pedagogy but Hirata was there to fill his gaps.

It only remained the case of Horikita, who nobody wanted to team up with her. She still had a hard time admitting her flaws but Kiyo intervened before I had to do it. We just need to wait to see if Kiyo's actions will reach the proud person of herself who is Horikita.

In the midst of the other classes moving onto reconnaissance, there were small movements in Class D too. To know who is good at what or who is athletic or not. That sort of information is present everywhere. The majority have already begun to realize this but there is nearly no meaning to direct reconnaissance. Just by ascertaining the degree of someone else's athleticism to one's heart's content, ultimately the key to victory lies in the combination of partners for the contests. Information alone is not worth much.Unless you know the contents of their participation table, which is the essence of it all, it won't lead to victory over the other classes. However, vice versa if we can acquire information on their participation table, it would be a great help towards defeating them. And if we can acquire both the participation table' and 'information', then our chances will rise drastically...

But, this tactic will backfire on us. Indeed, the D-Class has a huge problem right now. This problem has a name... and it's named Kushida Kiykio. To my knowledge, she is working with Ryuuen since the desert island exam. She betrayed us by telling to Ibuki that I was the leader and finally pushed me off the top of the cliff to steal my leader cards and to make me withdraw from the exam... because of Kiyo technically but anyway. And for the VIP exam, she worked with Ryuuen again... and that's why we ended up with the first outcome for the Dragon group. I didn't talk about that with Horikita and Kiyo. I don't think Horikita realized that Kushida is probably the reason for this outcome but for Kiyo I think I can assume that he ended up at the same conclusion as me.

And now... It's easy to guess what will be the action of Kushida in this exam. But why betray us in every exam? At first, after the exam on the island, I thought It could be for something stupid like private points but now the reason become more and more obvious. The reason behind Kushida's action...

I then take a look at the girl who is sitting next to me... Horikita Suzune. Well, now I was probably a part of the problem... Now that I make believe to Kushida that I know about those two...

Yato: Sighs...

The last period of class just ended and students of the D-Class start getting ready to go home or go to their clubs. I was about to get up and leave but something piqued my interest.

Kiyo:Please accompany me for a bit after this

I then look to my right to see that he was talking to Horikita

Horikita:If I said no?

Kiyo:Of course, you're free to say that but I won't be taking responsibility then if Class D faces a predicament

Horikita: ...this is something I can't quite ignore. Fine, what do you want?

Kiyo:You'll understand if you come along.

He then directly look at me in the eye for a moment to after passe in front of Horikita and me. He made me understand with this eyes contact that I was free to stay or ignore it all. He didn't warn me before saying that he had something planned so I was curious about all this... so I decided to stay at my place and wait to see what all this was about.

He then headed towards another person in the class who was currently chatting with others girls in the class. There was not too far so I could understand what they were saying from my desk.

Kiyo:Kushida, do you have a moment?

Kushida:Hmm? What's wrong, Ayanokouji-kun?

Kiyo:Do you have anything planned for tomorrow?

Tomorrow? It wasSaturday, which should be a day off for students. But I could understand why he was inviting her... he wanted to deal with the problem head-on.

Kushida:I don't have anything planned so far. I guess only as far as thinking I'd clean my room

Kiyo:If you're fine with it, can I borrow some of your time for the morning only?

Without waiting a moment Kushida answered immediately

Kushida:Sure thing!

Kushida accepted with a smile and her usual cheerfulness.

Kushida:But how unusual, for Ayanokouji-kun to invite me out.

Kiyo:That may be so. By the way, Horikita and Fukazawa will also be coming along.

Yato\Horikita: Huh?\Hey!

He then stopped the complaint of Horikita with his hand and just take a look in my direction.

Yato: What a fool I am...

I should react sooner. He make me understand if I wanted to stay or leave but when he saw that I stayed he included me in all this. Now I can't really decline in front of Kushida...But why Tomorrow... I don't want to pass the day of my birthday like that...

Kushida:Sure, I don't mind that at all...but what do you mean by the morning only?

Kiyo:Including Kushida, who's familiar with informations on the other classes, I want to once again conduct reconnaissance on the enemy is what I thought. I was invited to do so by Horikita but there are many things I don't know

Even if it's was not his true goal he didn't lie at all... Well, maybe the part of Horikita by seeing her reaction of earlier. As though she were convinced, Kushida repeatedly nods.

Kushida:I might be the most suitable one for that. Yeah, roger. What time would be good? The earlier it is, the better, right?

Kiyo:That's right. If possible, something like around 10 o'clock? Is that fine?

Yato: 10H?????

The three of them then look at me but I just start to look away by ignoring them...

Kushida: Well if there is no problem I'mCompletely fine with this time. Then tomorrow we'll meet up in the dorm's lobby?

Kiyo: Yeah, thank you

With that Kushida just left to join her friends who were waiting for her in the corridors. As Kiyo moved to leave the classroom, Horikita grab him...

Horikita:What goes on reconnaissance? I never heard about this

Kiyo:Of course, because I never told you about it. But reconnaissance isn't such a bad thing, right?

Horikita: I don't understand the reasoning behind inviting me. If it's reconnaissance, then you and Kushida-san should have been more than enough?

Kiyo:are you seriously saying that?

Horikita:What? I wouldn't say something like that as a joke!

Kiyo without answering Horikita just start to look at me.

Yato: Sighs...

I just shake my head to make him understand my intentions.

Kiyo:We're standing out too much here. Let's talk on our way back

Kiyo stepped out into the corridor with vigor as though leaving Horikita behind. Horikita takes a look in my direction but finally starts to follow him outside the classroom.

I then take out my phone from my pocket to check the time.

Yato: With all this, I will be late...

I then get up from my chair and start to put all my things in my bag. Finally ready to leave, I exit the classroom

5 minutes later

I was currently on my way to the library, and I saw a girl walking in my direction... When she noticed me she stopped walking and seems reassured. I continued walking until I get closer to her...

???: You finally there... I thought that you had forgotten or that you had changed your mind about coming today.

I stop walking when I finally reach her...

Yato: Sorry I have been delayed, Kamuro.

Kamuro: As long as you are here now there is no problem I guess... she is waiting for you. Bye.

She starts walking in the opposite direction of the library... I immediately call her name to stop her.

Yato: You do not come?

She stop walking but didn't turn herself to face me and just say...

Kamuro: Huh? Why should I come?

Yato: Why shouldn't you come?

Even if I couldn't see her face I knew that my answer annoyed her... After a few seconds that she didn't say anything, she finally turned herself to face me.

Kamuro: It's Sakayanagi who messages you to meet her today and...and today I am busy you will know.

In the last part of her sentence, she told me that with her usual rude attitude...

Yato: Ahhhh you're busy... Well, nothing can be done about it then...

Kamuro: Exactly.

Yato: It's a shame after all the last time we saw each other it back on the cruise ship. We didn't even hang out during the summer break with Hashimoto...

Kamuro: I was busy back then...

She then takes a break in her sentence like she was thinking about what she was about to say until...

Kamuro: But I guess that you were busy too during this summer.

Yato: We can say it like that...

Kamuro: ...

Yato: ...

Without saying anything else she just looks at me for a moment until she turn herself and was about to leave again.

Kamuro: Anyway Sakayanagi is waiting for you... Bye.

Yato: Yeah see you next time Kamuro...sigh

After seeing her walking away I just started to walk towards the library. When I finally arrived I go inside and was really impressed. I only come here once at the start of the year but the library of this school has a really amazing number of books.

The other thing that I noticed was how few people there were in the library. Besides the women who work for the school at the return counter. I could only see one girl who was currently searching for some book. Well, when I think about it was normal, the sports festival was close and people was more train their physical ability rather than study or read.

But now I was even more curious about the girl who was here searching for some books instead for prepared herself for the festival. The girlhas mid-back length silver hair that has black ribbons tied behind it. It was the first time that I see her soo I couldn't really tell if she was in the same year as me or not.

Anyway, my attention finally goes to the reason for my coming here. I noticed Sakayanagi Arisu sitting at one table in a corner of the library. I start to walk toward her and then when I arrive in front of her I just drop my bag on the floor and sit in front of her.

Sakayanagi: Hello Fukazawa-kun, glad that you accepted my invitation. I thought that maybe you had forgotten me...

Yato: Sorry about that I just have something to settle before coming here...

Sakayanagi: Don't worry, I'm glad that you are here today. Did you meet Masumi-san on your way?

Masumi was the first name of Kamuro...

Yato: Yeah she left she had something to do.

Sakayanagi: I see... Anyway, I hope that you are ready Fukazawa-kun, because today I'm going to teach you!

She said that with a tone of voice of someone superior... this girl is really something else. When she looks at me now... She looks like me like something she found amusing...

She then put a box on the table and open it. There were 32 pieces of chess in it. She takes every piece and starts placing them on the table.

Sakayanagi: So Fukazawa-kun, you told me last time that you didn't know how to play, right?

Yato: Hm Indeed...

I then take a piece in my hand and start to look at it.

Yato: Well I think I know the basics of the game but I can't say I know how to play just with that.

Like she was satisfied with my answer she start to smile.

Sakayanagi: Perfect, I think you should get the basics pretty quickly. Once I'll have you explain all the rules and what each piece does, we will going to test it in a practice game. Is that good with you?

She looks at me like a girl who just got the gift that she wanted for Christmas... Refusing her and going back to my room, is maybe not the best idea... and to be honest, I'm curious about chess so why not learn how to play...

Yato: Sure I didn't have anything else to do today anyway.

Hearing my answer she just put her two hands together and smile at me.

Sakayangai: Great! I hope that you will be a good student to become a good chess partner Fukazawa-kun...

Yato: Ehh yeah sure...

After that, she started to explain to me all the rules about chess. In fact, the rules were really easy to understand but how to well play was another story. After explaining to rules she started to explain to me what each piece was doing... their move set and their usefulness and role in the game... But what surprise and impress me to most was more her, Sakayanagi Arisu. Her way to explain and teach was seriously flawless. It was obvious that she had great knowledge about chess. In Japan, we have the Shogi which is usually more played than chess... So I was curious where and why she decided to learn it. The obvious thing is in addition to having knowledge about chess is that she is fascinated by it.

After a moment she has finally done with her explanation. She started to place the piece at their respective place. I have the white chess piece in front of me.

Sakayanagi: That's all for my explanatiopn. Everything was clear?

Yato: I must say that your explanation was fantastic Sakayanagi.

Sakayanagi: Fufufu I'm glad to hear that! So do you think you're ready for a practice game then?

Yato: Let's see that... So I have the honor to begin...

Sakayanagi: Of course, it's your first game after all. And we will not play with the time rule for this game so that you can learn well!

Well, it bothers me a little to not play with all the rules but anyway...So now, I start to look at the chessboard to see my option...

While I was thinking about my first move she starts talking to me...

Sakayanagi: Would you like some advice for your first move Fukazawa-kun?

But I just ignore her and continue at analyzing the board... It seems that she liked the fact that I ignore her but anyway...I found my first move...

I then take my D2 pawn and move it to D4... By seeing my choice she just smiles. She seems happy to see my first move.

Sakayanagi: Wow what a fantastic first move Fukazawa-kun! Your first move chess, I hope that you will remember it!

Well, it's only a move but I prefer to say anything for now... But it confirm to me that it was a great choice. The most logical strategy is to control the center of the chessboard. The rules are quite easy... I need to protect my king and checkmate her King at the same time. But even if I understand that... she probably has a lot more experience than me. So obtaining a victory here will be difficult... no... impossible for my first game.

I must say that I really impressed. It seems really nice the chess. I start to regret to have refused the time Dazai and Mori proposal me to learn to play... but better late than never right? Chess was really interesting, controlling an army to take down the enemy...Use your pawns to make a strategy to the enemy... sacrifice some pieces to earn more in the end. I could even compare it to some personal matter...

Yato: Glad to hear that it was a great choice but I'm curious what will be your move Sakayanagi... Oh and you better to not go easy on me or I just leave...

Sakayanagi: Fufufu I like this attidue...So if you want me to not go easy on you then...

She then takes her G8 Knight and moves it to F6.

Sakayanagi: I hope you will not regret it!

.

.

.

15 Minutes later

Yato: Tsk...

I just have an annoying face and Sakayanagi by seeing this just has her smug expression on her face with a smile and was looking at me

Sakayanagi: It seems that it's my win Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Yeah... Yeah... Again!

Sakayanagi: Fufufu, are you perhaps a sore loser Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: No idea what you are talking about Sakayanagi!

Sakayanagi: I must been mistaking then Fufufu...

RING!

It was my phone... I take it out of my pocket to see what it was but when I see the name of the person I just put it back in my pocket.

Sakayanagi: A problem Fuakzawa-kun? I don't mind waiting so you can answer!

Yato: Nah don't worry about that... it will wait.

Sakayanagi: I see... then...

She then replace her piece while I did the same with mine... After all the piece was set it was my turn again... I hesitate to do the same move as the first game because it was not a bad move to do even if I lost the game. But I decided to try something else...

I take my B1 Knight and move it to C3... Seeing this Sakayanagi seems a bit surprised

Sakayanagi: Oh I thought that you would do the same move with your pawn as the first game... you give up this strategy since you lost with it before?

Yato: Ehh come one Sakayanagi don't look down on me... I just try something else. My first move earlier was not the reason for my defeat.

Satisfied with my answer she just nodded.

Sakayanagi: Good answer Fukazawa-kun... Then I will...

She takes her D7 pawn and moves it to D5...

Sakayanagi: See what you can do...

.

.

.

1h30 later

Yato Pov

Yato: HAHAHAHAHA

I just started to laugh loudly in the library... There was no one around so it doesn't bother anyone but I quickly stopped. Sakayanagi was just looking at the chessboard with a little smile...but it was not her usual expression she has.

Yato: I couldn't even beat you once...

Indeed, it's been around 2hours that we were playing chess but Sakayanagi didn't lose once. Every time she could see my move... I could clearly see the difference between our chess levels. But even if I just lose I could sense that I learned all the basics and I really progressed. Like I thought this game was really interesting. At first, I was not sure at all about the idea of coming here to learn chess by Sakayanagi but I was glad to come finally.

Sakayanagi: You maybe lose but I could really see that you have great potential in chess Fuakazawa-kun!

RING!

Again... it was my phone again. I just take out to see if it was the same person as earlier but it didn't. I hesitated a bit before answering but I decided to wait to be alone. This time Sakayanagi didn't say anything about that and just continued...

Sakayanagi: So I guess you want another game since you still haven't won Fukazawa-kun fufufu?

Yato: Sorry but it's will be all for today...

Sakayanagi just start to look at me without saying anything.

Sakayanagi: I see... so you leave on a defeat huh?

Yato: Hahahaha what is that cheap provokation Sakayanagi?

She starts to look at me with her usual expression. I was really fascinated by how much this girl has a high opinion of herself.

Yato: I don't care about losing a battle... all that's matters is the one who wins the war Sakayanagi!

Sakayanagi: Fufufu I'm already impatient for the next we will play Fukazawa-kun!

With that, I get up from my seat and take my bag putting it on my shoulder. Ready to leave I asked her...

Yato: You stay or are you coming?

Sakayanagi: How gentlemanly you are! But I waiting for someone you can go, bye Fukazawa-kun.

With those words, I leave the library...

Sakayanagi Pov:

It's been 5 minutes that Fukazawa Yato leave the library. I was still looking at the chessboard without having touched the pieces of our previous game. There was something that was bothering me...

I started to hear footsteps coming in my direction. I turn my head to see who it was and it was the person I was waiting for.

Sakayanagi: Did you find useful information... Hashimoto-kun?

The person I was waiting for was one of my classmates, Hashimoto Masayoshi. Him and Masumi was probably my closest subordinate.

Hashimoto: No too much about other class but I learned everything that Katsuragi planned to do in the sports festival.

I asked him to watch Katsuragi-kun and the other class ... Even if I didn't plan to do anything against them. My priority is Katsuragi-kun for now... but it will quickly become boring. Ryuuen-kun will definitely be more interesting than Katsuragi-kun, but it seems that he is obsessed with the D-Class for now. And finally, there is...

I start to look at the chessboard again... without looking at Hashimoto I ask him something...

Sakayanagi: Hashimoto-kun you are rather close to Fukazawa-kun, right?

Even if I was not looking at him I could see that he didn't expect this question...

Hashimoto: Yes... Well, I see him less often than the first month of the year. Why?

Sakayanagi: I see... So you didn't know if he really never played chess before?

Hashimoto: Huh?

He didn't understand my question but he quickly understand it and he started to look at the chessboard too

Hashimoto: Wait! Does he have won against you?

Sakayanagi: Hmm?

I then start to look at him

Sakayanagi: Do you really think I could lose to anyone Hashimoto-kun?

Hashimoto: Hahaha sorry Sakayanagi-san, it was not what I was trying to say!

Fufufu his reaction was amusing...

Sakayanagi: Of course, I didn't lose to him... but...

I then look again at the chessboard at taking my king in my hand...

Sakayanagi: this was not what I expected...

Hashimoto: Huh? He is really not an opponent for you?

He didn't understand my thought...

Sakayanagi: Yes he is... the thing is it's supposed to be his first time that he plays chess but... he learns and adapts himself way more quickly than I expected.

I then put the king on the chessboard again...if it's really the first time he played...

Hashimoto: So? Are you happy with this meeting?

Sakayanagi: Fufufu yes of course! It's been a while since I wasn't this happy!

I then continued to look at the chessboard and remember the 2 hours that I just passed playing chess...

Sakayanagi: Fukazawa Yato...

Yato Pov:

I was now out of school and on my way to the dormitory to go to my room. I open my phone while continue walking and look at the last message that I received...

''Can you call me when you have some time''

There was no one around so I dialed her number to call her... After a few seconds of waiting the person finally answer...

Yato: Hello Matsushita?

[Matsushita: Ah! Wait a minute!

I could hear some other voice... she was probably not alone right now. After a moment she finally start the conversation.

[Matsushita: Hello Fukazawa-kun, you saw my message?

Yato: Yes sorry I couldn't call you immediately when I saw it... Do I bother you right now?

[Matsushita: No it's okay I was with some girls of the class at the Pallet right now but I walked away to talk...

Yato: I see.. then can I know why you wanted me to call you?

[Matsushita: Well I wanted to know what you planned for this exam? Because you didn't ask for my help yet...

Yato: What do I plan for this exam? Witch exam?

[Matsushita: Huh??? The sports festival of course!

It was not a special exam but anyway... I didn't wait to lose my time...

Yato: Ahhh the sport festival... Well, nothing...

[Matsushita: Huh? Wait I think I didn't understand...

Even if we were on the phone I could sense that my answer shocked her.

Yato: There is nothing I plan to do, Matsushita... That's why I didn't contact you.

[Matsuishita: But...

Before she could say anything more I immediately interrupt her.

Yato: Hoi Matsushita... I thought we have a deal... right?

She didn't answer that... Because We indeed have a deal between me and her. If I plan to do something for the good of the class I could ask her for help only if it didn't expose her. But like I said... Only if I plan to do something...

Yato: Look, Matsushita... It's not an exam but a sports festival... There is nothing we can do...

It's was a lie... I don't really care if she believes me or not because that's was not my point here...

Yato: If you want to do something for the class her it would be to have good results in the events you take part in... that's the best we can do here.

After a moment of silence on the phone, she finally gave me an answer.

[Matsushita: I see, sorry to have bothered you with that. It's just after the exam on the cruise ship I thought that maybe...maybe there was something you can do here...

Yato: Sorry to disappoint you...

It was not a bad thing if she really think that...

[Mastushita: I will respect our deal I don't ask if you intervene or not during an exam... just tell me if you need my help.

Yato: Great I keep that in mind...

[Matsushita: So Bye Fukazawa-kun.

With that, I hung up the call... Now it was sure that she will not ask me anything else about the sports festival. Matsushita can be a great help for me when I will want to plan something. But for now, the plan that Kiyo has in mind is the best option...

I was now in front of the dormitory but before entering I chek the other message that I received while I was playing with Sakayanagi...

''What was the deal''

I just smirked when I read the message... but I didn't answer and put the phone back in my pocket. I walk to the elevator and press the button for the 5th floor. Finally on the floor of my room and walk toward it and finally enter my room.

Yato: Sighs...

I just remove my shoes and drop my bag on the floor and walking to my bed and lay down on it.

RING!

Yato: Huh? Again?

I take out my phone and I thought it was the same person again but I was wrong... It was a message from someone else...

[Kiyo: 10h tomorrow. Do you come?

Yato: Sighs... I don't have really the choice...

I do not want to lose the day off tomorrow for that but I don't really have the choice... I need to go if I could learn something between Horikita and Kushida... I just answer him.

[Yato: Yes I will be there...

I just close my phone after that and I get up from my bed to start making something to eat...

.

.

.

Time Skip Tomorrow morning

Yato pov:

Yato: Argghhhhhhhh

I hate to get up early... Even more when I could just have to get up later today... Obligated to get up early the day of his birthday is a crime... Well early... It depends on the person because 9h40 can be considered late for a lot of people...

I just get out of the shower and I was currently dressing myself to get out. But I suddenly start to hear some loud noise from the room next to mine... the room of Kiyo...

Yato: He is probably with the three idiots...but why? didn't he come with us today?

Anyway, I start to finish preparing myself and it was now 9h58.

Yato: Well it's time to go...

I start walking towards my door and put on my shoes and just open the door to exit my room. I could still hear people talk coming from the room of Kiyo. I hesitate to go knock to search him in case he forget but I decided not finally... Because if he was late today he couldn't complain to me the next time I arrive late...

I then start to walk toward the elevator and he was currently coming down from an upper floor. I press the button for it to stop on my floor. When the door opened I saw Horikita in it.

Yato: Oh good moring Horikita...

I then stepped into the elevator...

Horikita: I'm surprised that you really coming today... Fuakzawa-kun!

Yato: Huh? It's me who should say that...

Horikita: ...

She didn't answer anything to that... Why? Because she slowly starting to understand that her way of thinking is not always the good one...

Yato: Sighs... but look it's a great thing... we both go there today... it's good progress, right?

After a moment she starts to look t me and...

Horikita: Fukazawa-kun you...

But before she could finish her sentence the door of the elevator opened and we could see Kushida and... Kiyo? Wait he is not in his room? How?

Horikita starts to walk toward them first... I was still thinking about the noise coming from the room of Kiyo and I start to follow Horikita.

Horikita: Sorry to keep you waiting.

Kushida:Good morning, Horikita-san, Fukazawa-kun!

Kushida welcomes Horikita and me with an unfaltering smile... it was totally fake but like always her acting skill was perfect. But even with her perfect acting skill, there was still discomfort. It was because of Horikita who seems somewhat sullen. But even if Kushida realized she kept her usual attitude. Does it was because Kiyo was there?

Anyway, the four of us left the dormitory and headed in the direction of the school grounds. The sports ground where all the clubs were training was already packed full of students.

Kushida:Woah, they're going at it

We were currently looking at the soccer club playing. We could see Hirata on the field but it's one of the only people that I recognized here... The rest of the player was probably students from the other class but of the other school year too.

Kushida:Scouting out clubs to grasp information on the students of other classes. Somehow it makes me feel like I'm a spy. It's thrilling!

Kiyo: It's nothing that splendid though. The information we can acquire here is limited

Kushida:But Horikita-san doesn't think so. Right?

Kiyo: Certainly, for her, it is better than nothing and you never know...

Kushida:That may be so... But it was kind of you, Ayanokoji-kun. To cooperate forHorikita-san's sake

Kiyo:It can't be helped since she'd be annoying afterward if I don't

Horikita:You've got guts saying that with me right in front of you!

I was just listening to them in silence while I was looking at the soccer game... Well, I was also paying attention to the surrounding for a specific reason... But suddenly I felt the gaze of Kushida on me. I immediately start to look at her too. Like she has been caught she ask me something...

Kushida: And you Fukazawa-kun, it's great that you came to help us but... do it will cause you any problem?

I immediately understand what she was talking about but I decided to act like I didn't know...

Yato: A problem? Why?

Kushida: Well you know... With Karuizawa-san... you actually with other girls on your free days.

Kiyo and Horikita were just listening to us. But the question that Kushida asked was easy to answer.

Yato: Ah you talk about Kei! There is nothing to worry about I love her and she is my girlfriend so there is no problem! And you know, Hirata was her boyfriend before and he was spending time with girls in the class too after all!

Kushida: Ah yes you're right hahaha! You're right...

As Kushida smiles, I had an uncomfortable feeling about the state of the situation. Surprisingly enough, the one who initiated it was Kushida herself...

Kushida:The one who decided to invite me out here today was Ayanokoji-kun, right?

Kiyo:Why do you think so?

Kushida:I mean, I can't imagine Horikita-san would invite me...

Kiyo:You think Horikita wouldn't invite you. why is that?

Kushida:Ahaha, that's terrible of you Ayanokoji-kun. You and Fukazawa-kun know things aren't going too well between me and Horikita-san, right?

She then quickly glance at me but immediately stop it and start to look at Kiyo again... She didn't say anything about me because she think that I know about her problem who seems to bother her and Horikita. I told her that I will not tell to anyone what really happened between me and Kushida on the island when she push me down the cliff.

Well, in fact, Horikita and Kiyo were totally aware of that. Only Kushida here didn't know what exactly happens during the exam on the island, she think that it's Horikita who planed everything on the last day as I said.

Kiyo: Fukazawa to?

He then looks at me with a fake suspicious expression. It was well done by Kiyo with that because if he would have said nothing about the fact I know that between her and Horikita it would have meant that he knows more than he was supposed to. Kushida could even think that I had talked about this matter with him...and it would have been bad for me.

Kushida: Well... it's complicated... I just think that Fukazawa-kun noticed it too...

I could feel the gaze of Kushida on me for a while... but it was not her who bothered me. It was the gaze of Horikita who was bothering me right now... But I preferred to continue to not say anything...

I was just looking at the soccer game...The ball kicked from the corner flies towards a teammate waiting near the goal post. The one who skillfully matched it was Hirata. However, since aiming the shot right now proved to be too exacting, he instead passed the ball to his teammate. That person was a familiar Class B student. The ball that was kicked with perfect timing brilliantly flew into the goal in one stroke.

Kiyo: So Shibata's is in the soccer club

Kushida:Yeah. Hirata-kun praises him often, that he's better than him. It seems they're close.

Yato: He's quite fast... he could maybe be a match for Sudo...

I was looking too much a the players until I make a mistake...

???:Ohh, they're going at it. They're lively today as well, this is amazing!

Yato: Oh...fuck

The man that I didn't want to see today...

Kushida:Good morning, Nagumo-senpai

So Kushida knows him huh? In fact, it doesn't really surprise me. But when I was thinking about what I should do right now to avoid him, he did something that surprised me. He just ignored me and continued to talk to Kushida...

Nagumo:Hmm? If I recall, you're Kikyo-chan right? You're on a date with a boy on your day off. Not too shabby

He was talking about Kiyo... because he didn't even look at me once...

Kushida:Ahaha, it's not like that though...I got curious and came here to watch!

Nagumo: You are quite right. In my club, they do not know how to control themself when it's about playing soccer so if you came to scout, you did well!

As always this guy is talking like he owns this school...And then finally, when he was about to leave, for the first time he looked at me. He quickly take a look at Horikita who was next to me and looked at me again and just smirked.

He started to leave but without turning around to look directly at me he says...

Nagumo: You seem to enjoy yourself... do worry I won't say anything after all I do the same!

He then continues to walk towards the soccer field to join the players on it. Kiyo, Kushida, and Horikita didn't seem to really understand what he was trying to say or who exactly was he talking to. Because there were a lot of people around and he was a distance from us when he say that...

But I clearly understand what he was trying to say here... When he look at Horikita next to me he probably thought that I was enjoying my day off with some other girls than Kei. Well, at least he didn't talk about the student's council this time so it didn't bother me at all...

I immediately notice something else...The mood of the soccer club changed dramatically, starting with Hirata when Nagumo joined them.

Horikita:Hey, is our school ok with letting someone hold positions in both the student council and a club?

Kushida:It doesn't seem to be expressly forbidden but he appears to have left the club now. But even though he's quit, he's still the best so he shows up to practice from time to time and coaches them.

Yato: Wow what a great guy...

Soccer guy: You will play without warming up Nagumo?

Nagumo:Yep. I overslept but then after running a few laps my body's getting all warmed up!

As a student swapped with Nagumo and the match resumed, in an instant, both the ball and the players all gathered around Nagumo. He was clearly the center of attention... to be honest, I was curious what he was capable of...

He seems to be on the team opposing Hirata and Shibata's.Hirata challenged Nagumo to steal the ball away. His movements should have been just as sharp as before but almost as though dandling a baby, he ended up being splendidly passed by.Right afterward, Shibata also charged at Nagumo but Nagumo interwove several feints together and dazzled him before passing him too.Passing one more person, he let loose a powerful shot from mid-distance. The ball which flew in a terrifying curve exceeded the keeper's prediction and quickly enough, he scored a goal.

A moment earlier in the game, before Nagumo joined them, Hirata and Shibata seemed to have an excellent level... But Nagumo outclassed both of them. Even if Nagumo trains a lot of his skills in soccer, I could clearly see that he has a great physical ability...

Yato: So that is the next student council President Huh...

Kiyo:the title of succeeding student council president isn't just for show indeed...

Horikita:...it's just athleticism though...

Yato: Ehhhh it seems that someone is annoyed by something...

I said that while looking directly at Horikita with my fooling expression and a smirk... which of course annoyed her. She just close grossed her arms and continue to look at the game and says...

Horkita: You saying no sense again...

Yato: Ehh is that so?...

When I was talking with Horkita someone suddenly said something.

Kushida: You embarrass me, Ayanakoji-kun.

I then turn my head to see what she was talking about but it seems that he was just looking at her...

Kiyo:I promise not to ask any further so can you please tell me this one thing?

Yato: there we go...

Kiyo:What's the cause of your strained relationship with Horikita?

He then take a break and added something...

Kiyo:This is an unfair way of putting it. To ask you to tell me by promising not to ask any further

I know what he was trying to do but I don't think Kushida will fall for that...

Kushida:That's really all, ok?

Kiyo: Yeah, I promise

I then could feel the gaze of Kushida on me but I didn't look at her... no I was more observing discreetly the girl next to me... Horikita. I would finally have a hint on what is the reason for their strained relationship between those two... I thought that it was something Horikita could do to her but...

Kuahida:It's me

I didn't change my expression right now... I just kept my pocket face. Kushida must not see at all coast that I don't really know the story. But in reality, I was surprised by her answer because even as she admits she's the one at fault she still seems to despise Horikita. Horikita was a problem too... From the reaction I could get of Kushida on the cruise ship, I know that she hates Horikita... ButHorikita had deduced that she was hated by Kushida and acted like if there was nothing?However, judging from Kushida's way of putting it, Horikita may know the cause of Kishida's hatred towards her. Should I force again to ask Horikita to tell me their story? No...she would probably not say a single word about that... In fact, they both probably didn't know exactly what each side know...

Yato: It's official...

I never should have made believe Kushida that I knew about them... Now that I can get any Info directly from them... I will have to go to plan B.

Kiyo:I quit. I'm starting to feel like just thinking about it is a waste of time

Kushida:Ahaha, that's right. Right now our priority is to conduct reconnaissance and gather information right?

Kiyo: I suppose...

Well no... I'm not interested to lose more of my time here. Now that I couldn't get more info about Kushida and Hoirkita being here is useless to me. As a sign of fate...

RING!

It was from my phone... Kushida, Kiyo, and Hoirkita just look at me while I just open the message and read it...

Yato: Perfect...

I then close my phone and put it back in my pocket...

Yato: Sorry I need to go... You will have to finish all the scouting without me.

Without wanting a second I just start to walk away... I heard Horikita complaining that I just leave like that but I didn't care at all.

I then take out my phone again I just call the person who just send me a message... Almost immediately the person answered...

Yato: Hey thank you for messaging me you...

but before I could even finish my sentence...

[Kei: Happy birthday!!!!

Yato: Huh?

I stopped walking... I couldn't hide the fact that I was surprised with my expression right now... Lucky that there was nearly no one close...

[Kei: Huh???? Don't answer ''huh'' when someone calls you for your birthday Yato-kun!

I was still a bit surprised...

Yato: Wait Kei... how did you know about my birthday?

It was something else that surprised me... I didn't tell anyone the date of my birthday... so how did she know?

[Kei: Ohh? Hehe! I know something that you didn't know!

Seriously...why did she act soo proud like that? Anyway, I continued walking and I was now in the dormitory. I press on the button to call the elevator and still on the phone I asked...

Yato: Please Karuizawa-sama can I know where did you find this info...

Of course, there was no one around when I tell that as a joke...

[Kei: Well,On the chat app, there's a field for a date of birth along with a name and email address. Most of the students put it in private but it seems that you didn't...

Yato: Oh...

So that was the reason huh... the door of the elevator opened and I walk in it and press the button on the 5th floor.

[Kei: Oh and by the way Yato-kun, I went to your room earlier but you weren't there.

Yato: Hm? You needed anything?

[Kei: Ahh mou!!!! You really something else huh?

Yato: What are you saying?

The door of the elevator finally opened and I start walking to my room and Kei continued talking...

[Kei: Well...the thing is...

She seemed to hesitate to talk and I was wondering why but I got the answer when I was in front of my door.

[Kei: Well I bought you a little gift! After all, probably no one offers something soo...

Ouch, that hurt... But I didn't say anything because it was not like it really bothers me to didn't receive anything for my birthday... but I must admit that I was really surprised by the fact that Kei really bought me something.

There was a letter at my doorstep. I bent done to pick it up.

Yato: Wow... you didn't have to you know that?

I then opened the door of my room and enter in it.

[Kei: It's not a big deal anyway...

Yato: I can open it?

[Kei: Of course go ahead...

I was holding my phone close to my ear with my shoulder when I was trying to open the letter. When I finally open it I immediately what was in it... and like if she know that I saw it she started to tell me why she bought me that.

[Kei: Like I say it's not a big deal but every time I see you reading you don't have one soo...

I take out the gift from the letter and start to look at it... it was a bookmark. It was true that I didn't have one.

Yato: Thank you Kei... wow haha I didn't expect to have something to be honest. it's really appreciated Kei!

As she was happy to hear that I heard a little laugh from the phone call.

[Kei: Glad you like it!

Yato: Well now I have to know about your birthday...

[Kei: It's March 8th... I hope you will remember it hehe! Anyway, I need to hang out now but again Happy birthday Yato-kun!

Yato: Thanks again Kei.

After that, I ended the call and walked to my nightstand where was the book I was currently reading. I open it to the page that I was currently was and put the bookmark. I then sit down on my bed and start to think about today...

This scouting session with Horikita and Kushida turned out almost useless... The only thing I learned is that Kushioda is the one responsible for their current relationship. I don't think it's was really worth my sleep time on a day of the weekend...

Yato: Sighs... Finally, my birthday was...

I stopped what I was saying... I just take a look at my nightstand... more precisely my book.

Yato: Well finally it was maybe not that bad...

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Time skip

Yato Pov

Various kinds of practice piled up day after day and at last, there was only one week left to go until the sports festival. Today we must submit our participation table and decide on the participants of each event. As Hirata stood on the platform, Kushida faces the blackboard, and holding the chalk she puts all the preparations into order.

Hirata:Then from now, I'd like to decide on the final pairings for all events and contests!

It was the moment of truth... the moment that I expect since Chabashira-sensei told us about those events and the sports festival. Well, I didn't really care about the individual events because everyone was obliged to participate... no I was more concerned about the optional events.

Hirata then starts to speak based on the notes containing the daily records of the class, the best pairings as discussed by the class, and the order incorporating the winning strategy.Then everyone memorized their own roles in the contests and the order. There wasn't a single student who objected to this outcome that was based on their feats up until now. They all proceeded without bickering.

And now... the moment I was waiting...

Hirata: Now for the 1200 meter relay... I will tell the name in order of the participation!

He then takes a break to look at his note until he continues to tell the name of the students who will take part in the biggest events of the sports festival.

Hirata: We will start with Horikita-san, Me, Maezono-san, Onodera-san...

Yato: ...

Hirata: And Fukazawa-kun and for finish Sudo-kun!

Yato: Sighs...

I then lean on the back of my chair and start to look at the ceiling... I sense that Hirata was looking at me while smiling... He probably knows that I don't really want to participate but he had no choice but to make me participate...

In the end, I participate in three of the four optional events... how trash is my luck... First with the false average score in the strength test and next with the rock-paper-scissor game that I ended up winning...

After Hirata has finished with the explanation I saw Horikita get up from her seat and start walking towards Hirata... Kiyo just followed her but I didn't... I was still... depressed?

I then start to look outside by the window... The festival is about to start and Horikita and Hiratra just finished with their tactical for the victory of the D-Class... but I already know how things will take place. The list of our passing orders in the events will be leaked to the C-Class, well more to Ryuuen precisely.

Anyway... Kiyo asked me to not do anything against that and that is what I planned to do at first. I have other things planned for this festival... and to see if it's achievable I will need to wait for how things go on the day of the festival.

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter, I hope you liked it! Sorry, I was supposed to release it yesterday but I didn't have time to make the correction finally. And once again, this chapter was way longer than what I expected haha!

I hope that you liked the chess part because I really liked writing it! I have just some basic knowledge about chess and sorry if I made mistake but I will probably do some research in the future. Because I just know how to play but that is mostly all.

By the way, I didn't explain the rule because even if you really don't know anything about chess I think it was understandable enough just tell me if not, please.

Anyway, the next chapter will come out around Thursday. Thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 5: Sports festival Part 1

Chapter 5

Yato Pov:

We were finally there, the day of the sports festival. All the students were wearing sports uniforms. I could notice some students from other classes and from other years looking at me. The reason for that was my left forearm with my bandage... But with the incident that happens with Kushida and the rest of my class, there should not be any problem because students outside my class have probably heard about it... and if not?... Well too bad I guess.

We were currently walking in order by class. Even if the sports festival was a big eventmost of the students were just walking normally. They only showed enough seriousness to not disrupt discipline... and that applied to me too.

Ike:I'll show off my good side to Kikyo-chan!

Ike, who was walking in front of me, excitedly voiced his expectations. I have really curious about what he is going to show off after seeing his results in our training. Ike was clearly not one of the most athletic in the class... and not the best academically too when I think about it. Want to fool around a bit I answered him something...

Yato: You know I'm sure that Kushdia would like someone who gets good results in the events of the sports festival!

He turned to look at me with a serious expression. Kiyo who was in front of Ike turned his head to look at me too, but still with his usual expression.

Ike: What?! Do you really think so?

Still walking I approached a little close to him so that the others around us wouldn't hear too much.

Yato: Of course! Which girl would not like seeing a guy getting good results! That's your chance, Ike!

As if I had just told him the best news of his life, he raised both of his arms in the air and shout...

Ike: ARGHHHHH I AM MORE MOTIVATED THAN EVER!!!!!!!!

People around us were really surprised by what Ike just do. The teacher just starts to look in his direction but Ike quickly calmed himself so as not to attract more attention. I could still notice the gaze of Chabashira-sensei on us...

Ike: Oups... I should calm myself... But thanks a lot Fuakzawa!!

Yato: Hahaha don't worry and give your best for Kushida, Ike!!!

Maybe it was mean of me to tell him that? I don't know but I found it funny... The last night of the exam on the cruise ship, I had a talk with Kushdia and I remember her telling me ''stop calling me the same way as this idiot of Ike!''. I was calling her Kushida-chan just to piss her off but she told me that when it was her real personality. So her opinion of Ike was really not high compared to what she shows in public.

Yato: Poor Ike...

After that, we were all placed in our respective places. The opening ceremony started, 3rd year Class A's Fujimaki was the one who gave the opening declaration.By the way, on the outskirts of the school grounds, there weren't many but I could see the figures of spectators scattered here and there. They are probably adults who work on-campus. In regards to them, it doesn't seem like the school has set any restrictions. Occasionally, I could see smiles and hands waving.On the other hand, the teachers were watching over the students with nary a smile on their faces while adults who appear to be medical staff could also be seen.

Furthermore, a cottage that could fit roughly 20 people was installed inside was a cooler, a water dispenser, and such. By the way, the competing Red Team and White Team were provided with tents installed on opposite sides of the track. As such, it has been made so that there could be no possible contact other than during the contests.

Yato: The school organization is always top-notch...

I could even see some material like some camera on the finished line to be sure of the winner.

Yato: Sighs...

So this is the start of the festival... this day is going to be long...

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I was currently with Kiyo while we waiting for the first events to start. To both of us notice a girl walking toward us.

Horikita: For the 100m dash, in which group you have been assigned?

Yato: In the last one...

Kiyo:The seventh group

Horkita:It'll be for the better if a formidable opponent does not show up. So Ayanakoji-kun, for the sake of the class, I'll slightly be cheering you on!

She then starts to look at me...

Horikita: And you Fukazawa-kun... are you motivated today?

Yato: Motivated? If your question is if I'm going to participate... the answer is yes.

Horikita: Great. I hope that you will have good results both of you.

Kiyo:I'll try my best to not place at the bottom

Yato: I should be okay...

After this little discussion,we 1st-year boys headed out to the grounds for the first events. Contests such as the 100-meter dash are all held in order starting from the 1st year. Starting with the 1st year boys and ending with the 3rd year girls is the entirety of the event. Then with the break sandwiched in between, it'll switch over and start again with the 1st year girls and end with the 3rd year boys. The contest was about to begin using the printouts each class had submitted beforehand as a basis to decide the pairings. Since the actual day of the event began, it became clear who would be running in which order from the other classes. From each class, the selected two made up a total of eight people lined up as one. Like I told Horikita earlier, I was in the last group, so the 10 one.

It was now Sudo's turn, as he would be running in the first group.All the students of Class D watched while holding their breath. It was normal because Sudo was the hope for our class for the festival. Hirata chooses to put him in the first group to use Sudo's debut in the race to crush the opponents.The plan is to get everyone pumped up with that same vigor. If Sudou finishes with disappointing results here, there is the possibility that it will have lasting effects.

Ike:From what I can see it doesn't seem like there's anyone worth their salt here. There are many fatties and garish guys here. It's guaranteed Sudo will get 1st place!

Yato: ...

I didn't recognize any students from the other class so I couldn't affirm what Ike was saying...

Kiyo:On the contrary, depending on how you look at it, it could also be seen as a loss.

Indeed, Ike didn't think of it butIdeally speaking, for someone with physical abilities like Sudo's, it would have been better if someone fast had been competing... but it would not happen for one class...

Kiyo:But this alone is something that can't be helped, it's up to luck after all

Yato: Indeed...Luck.

There was something about the figure of Sudo, in a crouching stance at the starting line, that inspires absolute confidence. It was a great thing that he shows right now how much confided he is. I really think this sports festival is important for him...and I'm curious how and if he will come out better. Now that he has probably the biggest role in the class and our...victory... depends a lot on him.

Then, as the signal rang out, Sudo rose up perfectly simultaneously and start to run. Sudo, who had passed a person from the very start, outraced all the other boys as though shaking them off and left them in the dust.He reached the goal with an overwhelming gap with no one being able to keep up with him. There's nothing more to say about that. As the entire school watched, as the first runner in the first contest, Sudo seized 1st place as expected.

And... At the same time, Sotomura... the guy who makes weird noise...properly managed to secure last place as expected

Not even giving us time to take a break, the signal for the next group to start came. The signals came at 20-second intervals. Approximately 4 minutes would be required for all the 1st year boys to finish running. Since this will be repeated by boys and girls for all the school years, the 100-meter dash would be completed in about 30 minutes according to calculations. When Chabashira-sensei told us that we will have the time to make all the events it was not a joke... they prepared this festival in an impeccable way.

Hirata:As expected of Sudo-kun I guess

Hirata probably realized that it was not a great thing that Sudo was the only good runner in his group...

Kiyo: Yeah. It feels like the other classes have been taken aback too

To be honest... the festival just begin and I start to be tired...

Yato: Sighs...

Hirata: Hm? A problem Fukazawa-kun?

He probably noticed my expression...

Yato: Eh nooo... no problem! I just can't wait for it to be my turn...

Hirata immediately knew that it was sarcasm but he just smiles

Hirata: Hahaha I see...

He probably knows that I will not cause any problem... like someone else that I didn't see since the beginning of the events...

Ike:Ohh, baldie...no, I mean Katsuragi is on the first course

I then look to see what Ike was talking about. It was now the turn of the third group and there was Katsuragi in it. But he was not the only one that I recognized... there was Kanzaki from the B-Class. But my attention was not on these two... no I was more curious about the row that was missing someone...It was the person that I was thinking a minute ago, Mister Perfection was not on the starting line.

However, the school did not bother searching for the missing Koenji and instead of treating it as absence, they ended up starting the match right away. The third group was a free-for-all but it appears as far as speed goes, Kanzaki surpassed them all. Katsuragi too was by no means slow but it was simply beyond him, and without much fuss, the race ended. Kanzaki took 1st place and Katsuragi took 3rd place.

Hirata: Hey look over there.

Hirata was talking to me and Kiyo.What Hirata had noticed was in the direction of the cottage andI could see Koenji who was arranging his hair.

Kiyo:He's not participating, it seems

Yato: Well...there is nothing to be surprised about.

Koenji had withdrawn from the desert island exam, he ended the VIP test earlier to be ''free''. He was going to avoid participating in the events he was supposed to do for sure. But I don't plan to involve myself with him... he does what he wants to do.

After all, it's was quite easy for him to not participate in the sports festival. All he has to do is to tell that he is injured or sick and the school will not ask any question about it. But in the end, it was maybe bad news for us... with Sakayanagi and Koenji not participating, our Red team already has a big disadvantage.

Does Hirata or Horikita will try to concince him? I'm still not sure about that... Because with his attitude is useless...

After a few groups have done the 100-meter dash sprint Hirata spoke to Kiyo...

Hirata: It's about to be our turn Ayanakoji-kun, we should go.

Kiyo: You're right.

After this quick exchange, the both of them start to go towards the starting line... I was now alone with Ike who was still there. I and he were in the last group of the first-year boys. I just continued to watch people do their 100-meter sprint in silence but Ike started to talk to me with surprised me...

Ike: Hey Fukazawa... do you think I can ask you a favor?

Yato: A favor?

It was weird that Ike was asking me this... I didn't know what he was thinking right now.

Ike: Yes... you see we are both in the same group for the 100-meter dash and as you said earlier I think it's my chance to impress Kikiyo-chan!

ah...I see where he is going...

Yato: So you want me to let you a chance to finish first?

Ike: Yes!!!!

There were a lot of problems with his tactic but I'm not even sure if he thought that it didn't make any sense...

Yato: You know Ike... there not only you and me in our group... there other students from the other class.

I could see his facial expression change when I said that... like he just realized this fact.

Yato: Have you asked all other people in our group the same thing? And most importantly do you know who is in your group? Imagine there is someone like Shibata in our group? I could not even beat him myself.

Ike: Oh... eh... Well...

Yato: Sighs...

He is really obsessed with Kushida huh... Poor man...

Yato: Look just try your best and she will notice it...

Yato (mumble): I guess...

Ike: Yeah... maybe your right...

I look at Ike's expression for a moment until I just add something...

Yato: Sigh... Look if in our group there are no fast runners... I could maybe let you a chance to take a high spot...

Like if I just told him the best news of his life he start to look at me!

Ike: Seriously!! Wow, I knew you were a great guy Fukazawa even if you have a girlfriend, haha!

Even if I have a girlfriend? Well anyway, I just ignored what he just said and just focus on the next race. It was the turn of Hirata and Kiyo. Kiyo was in the fourth line course and Hirata in the fifth one. The only other student I recognized was Yahiko from A-Class, so I couldn't tell if this was a group of fast runners. I was curious about how Kiyo will manage in this festival... because I am 100% sure that he even hide his true physical ability. After the starting signal, Kiyo managed to keep the peace with others for a while but after a moment Hirata and some other people passed him and he finished in 5th place. Again... an average score I would say. Hirata finished in the first place which was not surprising.

With the end of his group, it was now the turn of the eighth group. I started to walk toward the starting line because it was soon our turn. Ike was following me... still happy that there was a chance for him too since in front of Kushida...

After a while, all the group have passed and it was now our turn. I placed myself in the fourth-course line and Ike was in the first one... but...

???: Ohhh!!! Fukazawa is in my group?! Yes, it will be a good race!!!!

Fuck... I slowly look at Ike on my right and saw his deception on his face...

Ike: Your bad luck is contagious or what?...

I then start to look to my left to see the person who just spoke to me...

Yato: Ha... Ha... Yo Shibata...

He still seems as energic as every time I've seen him... Now with him in the race, Ike has no chance at all to take a high place...

Well in fact... I start to look at other people and there were two people who seemed totally not athletic. There was a boy with glasses and with a bowl cut... If I'm not mistaken he must be from the C-Class...

But anyway... now my preoccupation was on my left...

Shibata: Hahaha I'm glad to have an opponent like you Fukazawa!!

Yato: Hahaha don't expect too much from me! I'm not better than Hirata after all!

Shibata: Huh... Well, I still think that you are a good opponent!

With those words, everyone starts to take a running stance to get ready for the signal... aside from me. I was just standing with my usual attitude waiting for the signal of start.

As soon as the signal was given we all start to run. But I immediately noticed that I and Shibata were the only good runner in this group because the two of us quickly distance the others. Without slowing down my running peace to obviously, I let Shibata take the lead. I decide to run at a peace a bit lower than Hirata. So with that, I finished 2th and of course Shibata first. And for Ike...

Ike: Fuuu... arg...

Yato: Great job...

Ike: Stop...with... that...

He seems a bit exhausted already... but he didn't seem happy by his ranking. He finished 5th after all, who honestly surprised me. Our group was not really great but still, he managed to get 5th place.

He then left where the rest of our class was. I then feel someone looking at me and return myself to see Shibata who was a little further. When he saw that I noticed that he was looking at me he came closer.

Shibata: It was a great run Fukazawa!

Yato: Yeah, I must say you really fast.

Shibata: Haha thank you...

He was about to say something but he remain silent for a moment until...

Shibata: Anyway I hope I will have the chance to run against you again!

Yato: Yeah sure...

With that, he just walk toward the tent of the White Team to join his class. But I feel another person who was looking at me... it was a student from the White Team too. He was with his class... like if he was the king. I just decided to ignore him and to go back to the tent of our class.

It was now the turn of the girl of the first year to do the 100 meter sprint... but I noticed Kiyo and Hirata walking toward the cottage. I could see Sudo drawing close to Koenji... But I decided to just ignore them. I didn't want to lose my time and energy with that...

On my way to our tent, I could see Horikita who was looking at me and waiting for me with her arm crossed.

Horikita: 2nd place huh... acceptable.

Yato: Huh?

I stop myself in front of her. and start looking at her directly...

Yato: You kidding right now? It's not just acceptable, is a great place 2nd!

Horkita: Indeed, you were against Shibata-kun after all...

Yato: Exactly...

I then start to walk but she stopped me by grabbing my forearm...

Yato: I hope you have a good reason to stop me...

I then look at her directly in the eyes... she immediately releases her grip and says...

Horikita: I need to know... did you give it you're all in this race?

Yato: Oh? First 2nd place is just ''acceptable'' and now I would not give my all? Horikita you know I could just do the same as Koenji right now? But no... I'm here and participate in the events that I'm supposed to do...

She didn't say anything but she was still looking at me directly in the eyes...

Yato: You know Horikita... right now I should really be your last priority...

I then start to walk away but...

Horikita: Fukazawa-kun you know...

She was about to say something but...

???: Oh you are there Horikita-san!! Is about to be your...turn?

The person saw both of us and was not too sure about the situation...

???: Do I interrupt something?

Horikita: No not at all Kushida-san...

With those words, Horikita looks at me a last time before leaving for her race. Kushida who was smiling started to get closer to me...

Kushida: Oh Fukazawa-kun!! Congratulations on your 2nd place!! It was really impressive!

She continue to get closer to me and when she was close enough to be sure that no one around hears us she says.

Kushida: Stop telling some stupid things to Ike! Understand! I heard when you said to him that he could impress me with good results!

I just have my nonchalant expression

Yato: Hoi hoi... let him have his chance...haha. You are a kind girl after all, right?

She then takes a few steps back smiles and takes her usual expression again...

Kushida: Hehehe you such a funny guy Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Right?! I'm soo funny!

I said that in a fooling tone but it seems that it just annoyed her...

Kushida: I need to goo Fuakazawa-kun... Good luck with your events!

With that, she just leaves towards the starting line for her run... I just walked towards a place where I could sit while watching the 100-meter sprint in silence... but again... I noticed Sudo, Hirata, and Kiyo coming back from the cottage, without Koenji of course. They were walking toward where I am but Sudo seemed really angry, because of Koenji. No one really wanted to approach him right now... except one person who made this mistake...

Ike:What have you been doing, Ken? You just came back? Your favorite girl's match is about to start

He slapped Sudou on his back. In that instant, his hand was grabbed and he himself was caught in a forceful headlock.

Ike:Gyaa! What the hell!

Sudo:Stress relief

Yato: Sighs...

Ike:It hurts, it hurts, it hurts! I give up, I give up!

Kiyo just walked to me and just sit next to me.

Yato: Surprise, Koenji didn't want to participate finally...

Kiyo: Indeed, it was useless... No one can control him...

Yato: Yes it's more annoying than anything else to try if you want my opinion...

Anyways, after having attacked Ike in anger and as Horikita's race approached, it seems Sudou's regained a bit of calm. Horikita enters the course as the last round of the 1st year girls

Sudo:At least watching Suzune is relaxing...

Yato: Ehhhh that's creepy but anyway if he can't calm himself...

As I was watching Sudo I hear someone in front of us... I then look at who it was and I saw Sakura.

???:Haa, haa...p-painful...

She must have been running at her best as she's repeatedly breathing in and out seemingly in extreme pain.

Sakura:W-Were you watching me, Ayanokouji-kun?

She looked at Kiyo with sparkling eyes from behind her glasses. But when she run Kiyo wasn't there to look at her, he was with Koenji and the others so he couldn't see her run. It was obvious that she probably have a crush on Kiyo so telling her that he didn't see her would probably make her sad...

I then put my hand on Kiyo's shoulder and just have a smile on my face in a good mood.

Yato: Hahaha you should see him while you were running Sakura. He was proud of you that managed to do see well!

Sakura by hearing that seemed soo happy that her crush saw her running...Kiyo immediately continues with my lie.

Kiyo: You really did well Sakura.

Sakura:T-Thank you! This is the first time I wasn't in last place

She said so with a smile. Sakura had decisively been the slowest one in both classes and in practice but she's beaten, someone.

Kiyo:Be careful not to push yourself. If you get in over your head, you might fall and hurt yourself

Sakura:O-Ok!

Smiling again while breathing heavily she starts walking to sit beside Kiyo the looks at the next girl running. I could sense the gaze of Kiyo on me for a while, probably because of what I just do but look at Sakura... she was just happy about that.

It was now the turn of Hoirkita, earlier she couldn't finish what she was about to say... well in fact it's not the first time that happen. It happens the day of my birthday when we were in the elevator...

But now it was the time for her run and I noticed someone else in her group that I was knowing...On the third course was Ibuki Mio, a student from Class C.Horikita did not even look at her but it seems sparks had already been lit in Ibuki.Even from afar, I could see her resolve to not lose against Horikita no matter what.

Yato: Great she is finally not after me but Horikita instead...

This summer I encounter Ibuki but she was obsessed by the fact that I beat her but I managed to get her attention on Hoirkita... well for now I think...

Ike:I wonder if Ibuki-chan's good at sports?

Sudo:Hell if I know. There's no mistaking though that Horikita's going to be the winner

There's no way the other boys could have known but Ibuki is highly athletic. But when I fight her and run after her, I immediately noticed that she has great athletic abilities. Maybe Kiyo knows it too because he spectated all that on the island the night that happened. What I saw of Horikita was just from the practice we have in class... I couldn't really tell who is going to win, to be honest.

At the same time as the starting signal, seven girls shot forth. Between the two I had been paying attention to, the one who had the better start was Ibuki. There had been a slight delay in Horikita's reaction and she lagged behind.

But she immediately accelerates, and with a beautiful form she catches up to Ibuki. On the other hand, Ibuki had succeeded in gaining a headstart but perhaps she got curious about Horikita, who ran beside her, as she became distracted looking back. Due to that, their distance lessened and perfectly seizing the middle position and without being shaken off or leaving, she kept that position and continued.

Then, nearing the endgame, I could see Ibuki's expression stiffening. As they lined up side-by-side, almost indistinctly Horikita took the lead. It was by an arrow margin, but giving off a feeling of self-confidence, Horikita ended up taking 1st place.

Sudo:Is this bad...?

That whispered premonition of Sudo's turned out to have hit the mark. It was truly bit by bit, but the distance between Horikita, who had the lead, and Ibuki, slowly decreased. Ibuki continued to draw ever closer butThe one who cut through the goal tape first was Horikita.

After the big match that no one would've considered strange even if it required a video to make the call, the audience went into a slight uproar. Beside Horikita, who was catching her breath, Ibuki kicked the ground in frustration. But I feel like if she hadn't been so worried about Horikita, then the ranking may have been different.

Sudo: It's still a race where we dominated.

Sudou, who was watching Horikita after she had finished running. Leaving aside her evenly matched race against Ibuki, the other 4 girls excluding Class D honestly were of a pretty low level.

After the completion of the 100-meter dash for the 1st year, we report our results to each other.

The ones who boasted high athletic abilities like Sudou or Horikita as well as Hirata managed to secure 1st place. Expect for me, but Shibata was a good excuse to not be able to get a first-place... because if he was not here I would get the first place probably but going against Shibata would just expose me unnecessarily in front of the school. However, on the other hand, there was a lot of loss in our class, a lot more than expected.

Sudo: Keep it together, you lot. Especially you, the only pride of yours is your speed, right?

Hirata:It can't be helped. Because Shibata-kun's faster than me

Yato: Yeah he is really fast after all, I can confirm that.

Keeping up with the points with it is nearly impossible. There is nothing we can do about that. I just returned to sit at the same place and watch the other school year do the 100-meter dash. There was not too much to think about it. There were just a few senpais that I knew, but the one that I knew was not some nobody. It was Horikita Manabu and Nagumo Miyabi. Both of them managed to get first place without any difficulty. There was some other senpai that I knew, like the girl who is with Nagumo every time I encounter him, the girl named Ashina. I just know her first name because that is how Nagumo call her but there was nothing to say about her run. Same thing for Tachibana-senpai...

As all the school years finished with their 100-meter dashes, the total count began. Before the next contest begins, the first points for the Red Team and theWhite Team were announced.

Red Team: 2011 points. White Team: 1891 points.

The contests have just begun but the Red Team was slightly dominant.

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It was time for the second event, the hurdle race.It's basically an event that's the same as a 100-meter dash in the sense that it rests purely on one's speed. But this time there will be hurdles and we can have some penalties.It's 0.5 seconds if the hurdle is knocked down. It's 0.3 seconds if the hurdle is touched. That time will be added for us.There are 10 hurdles in total placed at intervals of 10 meters. In the case that you're able to knock them all down then that means a total of 5 seconds would be added to your time.In this event, it's been decided that Sudou will be participating as part of the last group. I was in the second group.

Sudo:If you guys are dead last then I'll slap you

The unathletic students trembled at the intense pressure coming from Sudo, who was watching them with arms crossed.

Guy:What kind of tyranny is this!?

Referee:Ehh, is Sotomura-kun present? In case of absence, he'll be disqualified

Sotumura:I-I have a stomach ache...would it be fine if I were to be absent?

Yato: Sighs... just run and stop complaining...

After all, even I was participating...

Sudo: Do As Fukazawa said!It's fine if you knock down all the hurdles so show some backbone and stay your course

Sotumura:Kopu!? I-I-I have it

After this ''motivation'' speech by Sudo, Sotumura goes on the starting line getting ready for his run.

Sudo:Damn, he's useless. He does whatever he wants as a habit that's why he's fat

Well, I don't usually criticize people but... yeah he was not wrong here... And as expected, he could not overcome the hurdles, and ultimately, he ended up knocking them over by hand and came in at last place.

Sudo:Even so, that Shibata guy's pretty good

It seems that Shibata caught the interest of Sudo huh... Anyway, I didn't have time to stay here because it was my turn soon. As I arrive at my course line, I noticed that next to me there was the same guy with the glasses from the C-Class.

Yato: You again? Argg Ryuuen really don't give me a chance huh

The last part of my sentence seems to have surprised him. While adjusting his glasses he starts to look at me.

???: What do you mean by Ryuuen-shi don't let you a chance?

Ryuuen-shi??? Anyway...

Yato: Well by putting all his best runners again me of course.

When I thought that he cannot be more surprised than he was already, he started to make an expression like he understand nothing at all.

Yato: HAHAHAHAHA

I just start to pat him on the shoulder with my hand while still laughing.

Yato: Hahahaha don't worry I was just messing with you and Ryuuen... Good luck with this run!

A few seconds later, the signal of start was given and we all start running. There was no one in my group who was really a fast runner so I ended up in the first place by running at the peace similar at Hirata.

When I was walking back toward the tent of our class the first one to speak to me was Sudo.

Sudo: Finally someone who can run! Great job Fukazawa!

Yato: Y-Yeah!

Sudo: Hoi Kanji you're next! You better have a good result!

With his good pedagogy Sudo just '' encouraged'' Ike for his run.

Ike: But Ken I can't...

Sudo: Just do it!

With those words, Ike just decided to leave for the starting line. I was looking at the other race and was really surprised to see that Kiyo ended up in third place in his group. There was Kanzaki who got the first place, he was a pretty good runner from what I could see.

With all thehurdle race for the first year boy done. It was now the turn for the girls.The opening race was the group of Horikita and Sakura. Horikita, who was expecting to win, felt no pressure as she stood at the starting line.On the other hand, although it sounds bad when I put it into words, Sakura, whose expectation is zero, appeared nervous.

As soon as the starting signal has been given, Horikita started with a good sprint, and honestly, her start was really good... but there were two girls who got the same... no... a better start than her, andthe two girls went ahead of her. I knew who was those girls... well no, in fact, I didn't know who there was but I knew in which class they were. It was two girls from the C-Class.Then, left without any chances, Horikita finished the contest in 3rd place as a result.

I then take a glace a little further where Kiyo and Hirata were... but I decided to just stay here and wait for the next event...

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The next contest up is 'capture-the-flag'. It's a simple yet rough and slightly dangerous team competition. I never do this type of sport so I don't really know what to expect from this. I was seriously not motivated for this event... but someone else was...

Sudo:We're definitely winning, you guys. Since that idiot Koenji isn't here, we've got to be that much more fired up!

He encourages all the boys from both Class D and Class A assembled in front of him.

On the other hand, the ones that our group will be facing are the boys of class B led by Kanzaki and Shibata as well as the boys of Class C led by Ryuuen. In particular, there are students in Class C that, while unknown, appears to be strong. But in C-Class, there seems to have a lot of students who know who to fight... well students who have great physical abilities like Ishizaki.

The rules of the match dictate that the group that makes two captures wins. During their discussion earlier, Katsuragi and Hirata have decided that their classes will be alternating between offense and defense.Class D will go on the offense first while Class A have the role of protecting the flag. If this formation allows us to successfully get a headstart then the plan is to not change roles.

Sudo:Well, don't worry about it. Even if I'm alone, I'll beat down our enemies

Kiyo: Eh...We're after the flag, not the people...

Yato: A Good point by Kiyo...

Sudo: I can't guarantee that. I'm pissed off because of Koenji. Grr

Does he just growl?

Yato: Y-Yeah good luck Sudo!

Kiyo just starts to look at me but Sudo turns around to face me and says...

Sudo: Hoi Fuakzawa you have the second-best score in strength in class you better do your best!

Kiyo just discreetly leave...probably because he knew that he has the third-best score in the class and he didn't want to get involved in all this... Tsk, he really leaves me like that huh...

Yato: Yes but don't forget you are to leader here... you need to be to one to shine in this event of strength

I then get closer to him to tell him something that others around couldn't hear...

Yato: And you need to be the best here to be able to impress Horikita and have the right to call her by her first name.

When he hears that he start to blush a bit and starts to act proud.

Sudo: You're right Fukazawa... Just follow my lead then!

Yato: Too easy...

Just after that, the signal that marks the match's starting. And Sudo charged in ahead of everyone else.The more proactive members followed after him

I then saw a trio of people pass next to me in hurry...

Ike:This is bad, let's go Ayanokoji! I'd rather not get killed by Sudo for lazing off after!

It wasIke, Yamauchi, and Kiyo. I started to follow them.Much like us, the BC coalition has also divided its classes up cleanly between offense and defense.It may be an obvious thing to do given that cooperation between them is more difficult than it is for the DA coalition. In the first round, it seems like it's going to be Class B defending the flag on their side. The folks from Class B wait up ahead.

I suddenly stop following Kiyo and the other of my class. I was now in the center of the field, directly in the middle between the two flags. The C-Class has already begun their attack on our flag. But there was a man who was behind his class too and was just looking at them charging at our flag. He just have his in his pocket and he started to walk toward me.

???: Yo if it's not Fukazawa!

With his usual smirk, he still continues to walk toward me. There was no one around us because everyone was currently attacking or defending a flag. I hesitate to ignore him and just go with my class but I decide to stay...

Yato: Ohhh it's Ryuuen-shi!

The way I called him just seems to amuse him.

Ryuuen: Kuku yeah you meet my best runner Kaneda after all.

Kaneda so it's the name of the guy with the glasses huh...

He was now less than a meter from me. Sure that they was no one around who could hear us but there was a bigger problem... we were currently watching by all the school. It was really not the best situation but I seriously didn't care for the moment...

Yato: Hahaha he's really been reporting what I said to you huh... What a nice bunch of soldiers you have.

Ryuuen: They just know who's the boss... and that they should not mess with him!

He then take a look at his class who were currently attacking the A-Class. His class was currently going really well. They were slowly taking down our flag.

Just as if he remembered something he turned again to face me and start to look at me with a expression of someone who was having fun right now.

Ryuuen: Oh yeah that's right... have you received my message?

Yato: Your message?

I take the expression of someone who didn't what he was talking about... but in fact, I knew which message he was talking about.

He then starts to applaud while he has a smirk on his face

Ryuuen: Wow Kuku I could really believe that you really don't know what I'm talking about.

Yato: Hahahaha I really have a shitty memory you know...

He then stops to smile for the first time and start to look at me with a sharp gaze

Ryuuen: Oh well I can refresh your memory then... What was the deal?

I then take an expression like If I finally remember something

Yato: Oh! Eh hmmm...

But I suddenly stop and took a pensive expression and pretend to think for a moment until...

Yato: Nah sorry I don't remember...

He then continues to look at me with his sharp gaze for a few seconds until he starts to laugh...

Ryuuen: You are really afraid of nothing Kuku... don't disappoint me...

Yato: Same goes for you Ryuuen-shi!

He was about to walk away but he didn't...instead, he start looking at the bandage on my forearm... He didn't see the scares under the bandages the night on the island. So why did he start at them like that...

Yato: What? you don't like my fashion style?

He then stop looking at them but I expected that he would have his usual smirk but this time he didn't

Ryuuen: I was just remembering something about your ''fashion style''...

Before I can say anything else I could hear screams coming from C-Class. They just have succeeded to take down our flag. With that, the C-Class started to walk back to their flag while my class started o coming back with a disappointed expression.

Ryuuen: It seems that it's our win, good luck for the next one.

With that, he just left. I was about to leave too but someone suddenly grab my shoulder. It was one of my classmates, Sudo.

Sudo: Hoi teme! You fucking kidding me! Why did you stay here and do nothing!

Hirata: Wait Sudo-kun!!

Hirata came up to us running to separate us. Sudo seems angrier by seeing my nonchalant expression

Sudo: Stop that Hirata! We could win if Fukazawa would have done something!

Hirata: Maybe but Fukazawa-kun have probably a reason...

Hirata then start to look at me

Hirata: Right Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Sighs... Sorry about that I fell into Ryuuen trap...

By hearing the name of Ryuuen, Sudo seems angrier than he was against me.

Yato: He provokes me and I enter into his game...

it was a lie but everyone believe it because they saw me talking with Ryuuen and they know how Ryuuen was so it was possible that he tried to provoke me. There was only Kiyo who was looking at me with his usual expression but I knew that he was trying to guess what we were talking about because he surely know that what I said was a lie.

Sudo: Tsk... don't fall for it again then!

Yato: It's you who tell me that?

Hirata: Let's go we should focus on the defense of our flag...

With that, we all start walking towards our flag while the A-Class started to get ready to attack the other flag.

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10 minutes later

Our flagcollapsed after kicking up a cloud of sand. This time I participate in the defense while I was in the back of the flag while Sudo was in the front. But it seems that we couldn't do anything against the C-Class. But while I was in the back I heard Sudo as if he was in pain. I started to walk to Kiyo and I saw Sudo on the ground with someone stepping on him...

Sudo: Hah, hah. You bastard...that was foul play!

Ryuuen:Hmm? So you were there? I didn't notice

Saying that without a trace of fear, he pulled the flag up. Sudou tried to chaseafter him but it seems his back is still hurting quite a bit as he wasn't able tostand back up. This was a total defeat for the Red Team.

Kiyo:Is your back ok?

Sudo:Kuh...somehow...shit, shit!That pompous bastard, if I run into him again I'll punch his lights out...!

Yato: Hoiii don't do that it will just cause more problems...

Kiyo: Exactly, You'll end up causing another uproar. Do you want to go through thatagain?

What Kiyo was talking about was the incident at the start of the year.

Sudo:So it's fine when he does it and it's not when I do!? Look at the marks on myback!

Kiyo:I get what you're trying to say but it'll just be seen as an action that naturallyhappened over the course of the match

Ryuuen was just playing with Sudo right now... He reacted exactly as Ryuuen planned. Sudo will need to get better with his attitude in the future... and this festival is the perfect occasion to see if he can.

Sudo:Ahh this is pissing me off! To think I was planning on winning everycontest!

From the irritation he felt towards Ryuuen, he turned towards thedisappointing Class D and Class A and blatantly voiced his displeasure.Since Class A also heard it, a few of them returned the glare.Some of them tried to retort but Katsuragi reined them in and things didn'tcome to that.

Hirata:Sorry for being useless...

Katsuragi:Me too. It's also because we couldn't protect it properly. Let's try-hard nexttime

The two leaders of class calmed everyone here.Only Katsuragi and Hirata calmly accepted the outcome and for now, wedecided to disband and return to our own camps.

When I arrived at our tent I could sense the gaze of Horikita on me... probably because of my discussion with Ryuuen. But she didn't have time to come talk to me because the girls were about to have the event of ball-toss. And just when we finished our event it was already the time of thetug-of-war.

Yato: Sighs...

Before leaving I start to look in the direction of someone while thinking about something...

Yato: Yeah that could work...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter, I hope you liked it! And sorry I was supposed to release the chapter around Thursday but It take me a lot more time than planned to write this character. I hope that you liked this chapter event if there were not a lot of things because it is only the start of the festival. I still tried to add some parts entertaining to read and I hope you liked it.

Now... the next chapter should come out around Wednesday... BUT... I have a bad news. Two people that I live with have Covid so there is a high chance that I get sick too. So if the chapter does not come out Wednesday will it mean that I got sick and couldn't write. But if I'm lucky I will not get it and be able to write the chapter

By the way, the Vol Y2 6 Cover Silhouettes is come out. It will be Sudo and Onodera. Glad for Sudo to have his first cover and for Onodera... Well, I don't mind if she really has a role in this Vol but if it's only to put a character that never appeared before...I'm not really happy with that choice but anyway here is the image for the one who didn't see it. The cover will be revealed on Feb 25 btw.

Anyway aside from that thanks to those who read my story! The same thing for the one who votes and comments it, it's always appreciated!

Volume 5: Sports festival Part 2

Chapter 6

Yato Pov:

The sports festival has started for a while now and a good number of events had already been done. We, the boys, just finished the event of the Pole toppling and while the girls will do their event of the ball-toss game, we going to do the Tug of war.

The sports festival was perfectly organized but with the large number of events that the students took part in, the less athletic students started already to be exhausted. The events were more and more physical and we were just halfway through the individual events. There were still five events, with the tug of war included, to take part. So personally, I still have eight events to take part in... No... more seven but anyway...

While we were walking toward the place where our event take place, Sudo asks a question.

Sudo:Just now, how big of a gap do you think formed...?

Kiyo who was next to me answered him

Kiyo:I don't know. It's just begun, there's no use in thinking about it

Sudo:That's true but...a loss is a loss, they're a step ahead of us right?

Sudo was really affected by the loss we just had during the last event. I hesitated to add something but I decided to say nothing... I didn't want to influence Sudo and rather let him think and act by himself.

He then started to look where the girls were having their event...

Sudo:It'll be good if the girls can win at least...

From where we were, we couldn't see which team between the Red and the White was currently winning. The best we could assume was that both teams were having a close match.Soon after, as the match ended, the teacher in charge counted up the points one after another while throwing the balls.

Teacher:54 in total, the Red Team wins

Yato: It seems that they succeed to make up for our defeat huh...

Sudo... no... most of the boys seemed really happy about this news. With the win of the girls right there, we were back to tie with the White Team. Just after the girls win,a referee called out to us and began explaining tug-of-war to us.

Sudo:Alright, let's go...!

Ike:Is your back alright, Ken?

Sudo:My body's tougher than others after all. Besides, there's nothing I can do even if it hurts anyways.

Yato: Wow... that's a great mentality to have...

Sudo: This is a man attitude Fukazawa!

Yato: Ehhh I see...

Well, if in a world that what happened to Sudo in the last event when Ryuuen hurt Sudo back would have happened to me... I would probably just go back to the cottage and not participate for the day. I was lazy so this could have been the perfect opportunity to just not participate... but being hurt to not participate was maybe a bit too much anyway...

With those words, Sudo just stoop up with vigor and walk towards our event.The rules for tug-of-war are extremely simple and about the same as capture-the-flag.

Hirata:If we can make a comeback in tug-of-war, then we can overturn the team competitions. Besides, if it's tug-of-war then there'll be no contact during the match so the other side will also be forced to compete using their strength alone. It shouldn't turn into an absurd fight

Hirata, who always fretted over Sudo and his surroundings, called out to him like that. Sudo nodded in response.

Sudo:I guess so...that's why we can't lose

I then start to look at me with a serious expression... does he was trying to intimidate me? I was not sure about that...

Sudo: Hoi Fukazawa you need to do something in this one! You are the second strongest person here after me. So pull on this rope-like your life depends on it.

Huh... he was trying to do an ''Ike'' on me right there... Sorry but I'm not scared, anyway... I just took a puzzled expression and start looking at Sudo...

Yato: Wait?! My life depends on this tug of war?

Seeing my dumb answer and expression, Sudo... no, everyone around had a dubious look on their face...the first one to react was Hirata.

Hirata: Haha...

As usual, he tries to relax the atmosphere with his good mood.

Sudo: Tsk... Whatever just do your best.

Yato: Oh I can do that!

Just after this little exchange, Katsuragi came over to Hirata, he quietly whispered to him.

Katsuragi:Just like we discussed, we'll use our strategy to beat them in a single stroke. Got it?

Hirata:Yeah. I understand. Everyone get in position

Under the leadership of those two, the DA coalition has been thinking up a strategy as it did during capture-the-flag. As Hirata gave the instruction, Class D simultaneously scattered and took up our positions.

The strategy itself is extremely simple and consists of just lining up based on our heights. By doing so it allows us to uniformly and orderly apply our strength properly to the rope. Kiyo was in front of me, we were almost at the same height but I was just a bit higher.

However, a problem emerged for the DA coalition before any of that. Contrary to Class D, who was attempting to line up as such, almost half of the boys in Class A made no move at all. I then start to look at the cause of the problem and just started to smirk...

???:Hey, Katsuragi-kun. I'd rather you not arrogantly take charge forever...

I immediately understand what was happening...I then switch my gaze towards the tent of the A-Class to look at the real person behind all this.

Does she was already looking in my direction? I don't know but when I start to look at her our gaze met. As if there was no problem she just has her usual smile.

Katsuragi:...what do you mean, Hashimoto?

Indeed, the man who was leading the other boys was Hashimoto. I then stop looking towards Sakayanagi and start looking towards him instead. He still has his meek expression on his face but his eyes were those of someone mocking his opponent.

Hashimoto:It's exactly what it sounds like. Isn't it your fault that Class A is currently stalling? Can you say with certainty that this strategy will allow us to win?

While I was just looking at the situation I noticed Kiyo who was in front of me starting to look in another direction. I didn't do the same as him but I just observed him from the corner of my eye. So if he looks towards Sakayanagi he deduces the same thing as me huh... I'm not surprised at all. After all, he knows the name of Sakayanagi already, he know her since the island exam. He talked about her when he explained what he did during this exam to me and Horikita...

For now, I will try to keep my relationship secret from him... But Sakayanagi huh... Even at the festival, she tries to sabotage her own class. She really has some nerve this girl...

Hashimoto:So what's it going to be, Katsuragi-kun? Can we really win with this strategy?

Even with this betrayal, Katsuragi managed to keep his calm and answer something.

Katsuragi:We're agitating even the students from Class D. We should proceed with the contest calmly

Hashimoto:That's not an answer...

I then started to look at Hashimoto directly... He probably noticed my gaze and the fact that I have a smirk on my face... which made him laugh slightly...

Seeing this and the fact the boys from A-Class didn't want to obey the order of Katsuragi... his fanboy intervene...

Yahiko:Katsuragi-san's telling you guys to do it, so hurry it up! Don't give us this shameful act!

Katsuragi:I have no intention of refuting the doubts you feel towards my leadership. But if we lose here due to our meaningless squabbling, before things like cooperation and skill come up, the blame will fall on Sakayanagi, you don't mind that then?

Hashimoto:You don't see anything, do you, Katsuragi-kun?

Hashimoto sniggers. As the teacher acting the role of the referee approached us, as though to warn us of our lateness, Hashimoto gripped the rope as though he had arrived at the designated position.

Hashimoto:Then, shall we? It'd peeve me if we make them think we're lacking in unity as you said

For now, Class A's civil war seems to have simmered down and so we also get into position.

Yato: A-Class seems quite funny...

Sudo: Eh what do you mean funny? There's more a bunch of savage...

Kiyo:They maybe not just a bunch of nerds finally, that's worrying.

Even Sudou, who had just been watching, the abnormality of Class A's conflict had been highlighted. Either way, our two classes intermingled and lined up in order of our heights. Then finally, Sudou, who had absolute confidence in his strength, was placed furthest back. I just stay at my initial position behind Kiyo...

On the other hand, since the BC coalition are not cooperating, they ended up dividing their forces up cleanly on basis of their class. Class B is taking charge of the rope upfront but compared to the DA coalition that's lined up in order of height in descending order from the front, they've adopted the complete opposite strategy. But since Class C is lining up randomly, starting from their center, it fell apart... But the man behind the C-Class was Ryuuen so...

Sudo:Heh, for Class B to put the big ones in the front, they just don't get it

Katsuragi:No, that's not always the case. When pulling the rope, it's advantageous if it's from an elevated position...

Yato: Can we just start...

Sudo:Even so, it doesn't change the fact that we still have the high ground. Let's go, you guys!

Sudou shouts that out and along with the signal that heralds the match's start, we each pulled on the rope.Then, with a shout that seemed like a routine, the DA coalition that has achieved basic cooperation with one another pulled on the rope with vigor. At first, it seemed as though we had reached an equilibrium but after a few seconds, the flow changed to favor us in one go.

Sudo:Oraoraoraora! Easy, easy!

It was the victory of the DA coalition. During this event, I pull with some great strength... because if I was not it could have me noticed by someone. I just applied that same strength as the day of the test we did before the festival. To be honest, I don't really know what would have been the result of my strength test if I would have been all out. The only thing I'm sure about is the fact that I would have beat Sudo for sure... but it's hard to tell how much because I never really test my strength in those sorts of events...

Sudo:Alright! Did you see that!? Serves them right!

Sudo repeatedly roars. As a result of the outcome, Class B confronts Class C with blatant discontent.

Shibata:Hey--it'll be really bad if we don't cooperate you know? Those guys are really strong

Representing his class, Shibata calls out to Ryuuen but Ryuuen didn't even bother with him.

Ryuuen: Alright you guys, it's time to rearrange. Line up starting with the smallest one in front

Ryuuen gave orders to the chaotic Class C and had them line up with the shortest student at the front and gradually adjusted it so that the heights increased.It appears they have no intention of taking Class B's opinion into account, only doing as they please.

Sudo: This one is in the bag. With an arrangement like that, they can't possibly win

Katsuragi:We can't say that for sure. Everyone, don't let your guard down. The next round won't go the way it did before

As always Katsuragi was a cautious man... but he was not wrong here. The result could not be the same as this one... this time our victory will be harder to get.

Ike:Why though? It was easy. It's not like they're lining up in order of decreasing height like we are

Katsuragi tried to continue speaking, but the interval ended and preparations were underway to resume the match. And so, the second round began.

The DA coalition tugs on the rope just as they did in the first round. However, facing a resistance that was clearly different from before, they start to lose their bearings bit by bit.Even as they pulled and pulled, their position didn't change and feelings of anxiety began to close in.

Ryuuen:Hey, you lot better persevere. If we simply lose then I'll have you lynched

At the moment that Ryuuen-shi said that to his class,an intense force was applied to the rope and our side was dragged in.

Yato: I see...

Humans gain a boost of strength when they are under adrenaline... and fear is a way to obtain it...

Ike:Guuh! It hurts, it hurts!

Screams rose up from Ike and the others who were holding the rope from the rear. By seeing this I slowly start to decrease my strength on the rope and in the end we ended up defeated.

Just because they dominated the first round, there were harsh words coming from students who believed that the cause of their defeat in the second round came from within.

A-Class guy:why the hell is it different from before!? Is someone holding back?

They tried to look for the offender among each other. Seeing the situation, Katsuragi immediately followed up.

Katsuragi:Calm down. The cause of our defeat is likely just because the other side took up the right formation. Of course, it's also a fact that there are students among us who took the second round for granted as well. They should get it now. That even if the opponent's teamwork is in tatters, they are still capable of putting up a fight. Focus, recover and along with that, please check your positions once again. Then also, when pulling on the rope, remember to do it at an angle.

Katsuragi realigns everyone again after handing out accurate advice as well as reprimands. He's doing the best he can in what little time he has. On the other hand, as for the opposing team, although they weren't able to achieve cooperation between the two classes, each class is individually united. There's Class B that's surely focusing on the tug-of-war and Class C, that's on standby behind them. But if Ryuuen gives his order, then those students will also certainly be roused.

Ryuuen:Alright, you guys did pretty well yourselves. We just have to do the same thing again one more time. Let's teach those pieces of trash who think they're going to win who's the boss

I was looking at Ryuuen while he was talking until I met his gaze. He looks at me for a few seconds until he just smirks and...

Ryuuen: I want you to pull as hard as possible!

Yato: This look...

There was something weird... If I was Ryuuen what I would do...

Then without having time to think more... both sides were ready, the third and final match commenced. The shouting resumed for the third time.

Sudo:Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Pull!

I was currently pulling on the rope while thinking about this...

Yato: Does he really plan something or...

Sudo: Keep at it, you guys. We're definitely winning this tug-of-war!

As though acting in unison from Sudou's shout from the rear, everyone worked together to pull on the rope.

Yato: Think as Ryuuen...

Sudo: Don't let up! One more pull! Puuuullll!

Yato: pull as hard??? Fuck...

I immediately let off my grip on the rope... and as I thought,everyone's bodies start to fell backward. I quickly take I step on my left to avoid being down into themomentum of the others who were falling one after another.

I was actually the only of from the A and D-Class still standing. Even a few students from the B-Class were on the ground too. While I was looking at my classmate on the ground who showed anger because they have fallen, I started to hear someone laugh...

Ryuuen: Kukukahahahahaha!

I then started to look in his direction and he was looking directly at me... like if found it funny that I was the only one still standing...

Sudo:What the hell are you doing? Are you fucking around?

The first one to react was of course Sudo...

Eventually, attention was directed at the class where no one had fallen...attention was directed towards Ryuuen and his group.

Ryuuen: I decided to give it a rest since I thought we couldn't win!Good for you, picking up such a trashy win. It was quite fun seeing you all groveling

Even as he lost the match, Ryuuen laughed while looking like he enjoyed the match more than anyone else. Well to be honest I don't really care because I can prevent myself from falling...

Sudo: You bastard!

To be honest... It was a great plan by Ryuuen. We won this even but he clearly has done some damage.If you look at this situation alone, you wouldn't be able to tell which one's the winner here.

As Sudou, who had been at the line's rear end, stood up, he tried to charge at them since he had already been angered by the capture-the-flag incident. However, Katsuragi, who had been in front of him, panicked grabbed his arm to stop him.

Katsuragi:Stop it, Sudo. This is also part of Ryuuen's strategy, his aim is to provoke us and make us waste our stamina. Besides, by instigating violence, he may be aiming to win via foul play

Sudo:But!

Katsuragi:Certainly, what they did was unsportsmanlike but it's not in violation of the rules

I was really impressed by Katsuragi right there... He managed to calm Sudo like Hirata did every time for our class. By seeing this, Ryuuen seems a bit disappointed and turned his back on us.

Ryuuen:Alright get up, you guys. We leaving.

Seeing that Ryuuen was about to leave I decided to walk toward a certain person. He was currently talking with other boys from his class and was about to leave already but I stop it by just talking to him.

Yato: Yo Hashimoto, it's not good to bully your classmate...

I then turn around to face me still with his usual smile.

Hashimoto: Haha I wasn't trying to be mean

With a nod from him, the three other boys with he were currently talking just strat leaving without him. We were just the two of us now...

Hashimoto: Anyway don't act like you didn't understand please Fukazawa haha!

Indeed it was useless to try to act like a fool with Hashimoto, he is a pretty sharp guy after all. And he knows to a certain extent what I am capable of. That's was not bothering me at all because he was not an enemy for me... and I hope that it will stay like that...

Yato: Hahaha sorry, sorry! But even if I understand what you were doing... I must say that I have been surprised...

Hashimoto: Ahh I don't make the decision soo...

He then starts to look in the direction of Sakayanagi for a few seconds until...

Hashimoto: Oh!

Like if remember something he returns his gaze on me and asks me something.

Hashimoto: I heard that you played chess with her huh?

Yato: Ehh you know about it huh?

Hashimoto: Yeah haha she talked about it with Kamuro the other day. It seemed that she won all the games? haha

Yato: Sighs... she serious? She really told you that she won all the games... crap...

He then just start to laugh at what I said and by seeing my annoyed expression

Hashimoto: Hahaha...

He then regains his calm and seems to think about something... after a few seconds, he then asks me...

Hashimoto: Well it was the first time you were playing chess right?

Yato: Huh? Yeah, it was the first time but I must say that it is a nice game, to be honest...

After hearing my answer he has a more serious expression than earlier...

Hashimoto: Oh I see it was your first time... I see...

He then just regain his usual expression with his smile

Hashimoto: Well even you lose, I heard that you have a good level soo it's not that bad I guess haha!

Yato: Yeah... I guess so...

I then noticed that my class was about to leave...

Yato: Anwyay I will go with my class now... see you later...

I then said bye and start walking toward his tent too. I was walking toward mine when I saw Sudo who was probably ''encouraging'' Ike for the next event...

Yato: Sighs...

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Times kip next event

Yato Pov

It was now time for the obstacle course. This event was in my top three of the events that I didn't want to do... but sadly it was one of the obligatory events. It was now time for the 7th group to do their race. But it was probably one of the hardest races for us. Why?... It was the group of Sudo but it seems that Shibata was in the same group as him for the first time. I was in the 8th group so I was already close to the starting line to be ready to do mine as soon they finish their course.

I was about to just look at the course but someone who seems to be in the 8th as well start to walk towards me...

???: Hello Fukazawa-kun it seems that we are the same group for the next event.

I pretended to not have seen him coming and just turn my head to look at him.

Yato: Oh hey Kanzaki... Yeah, it seems so...

The man was Kanzaki from the B-Class. Aside from my first event, the 100-meter sprint, in which I was in the same group as Shibata, the other events I didn't have an opponent who could be annoying for me... but this time it seems that Kanzaki will be in the same group as him. From what I saw today he was really good, not as much as his classmate Shibata but still...

Kanzaki: Don't take it personally but you are one of the people that I keep an eye on... After all even Shibata-kun praised your talent in sport...

This was annoying... all this because of the incident at the start of the year while the study group when I catch the soccer ball in front of him...

Yato: Hahaha don't worry about that... I should be honored that someone athletic as Shibata praises my talent...

With what I said, it should calm the suspicion on me that Kanzaki has...

Kanzaki: But... in reality, it was not about that I wanted to talk with you...

He seemed thoughtful right now... he then start to look in another direction. I thought that he was looking at the race between Sudo and Shibata but I was wrong... He was looking in the direction of someone from the White Team.

Kanzaki: Earlier in the tug of war you were the only one from the A-Class and the D-Class to not had fallen...

He then turn around to face me again... he has a serious expression...

Kanzaki: Can I know how did you do?

Yato: How did I do huh... With good reflex?

I said that with my usual voice tone and still have my usual expression. but... Kanzaki was still looking at me with his serious expression... he was trying to read in me.

Kanzaki: Maybe... but you still the only one who remained up...

I then take a more serious expression...

Yato: Sighs... let's say that I was just on my guard... we were facing Ryuuen after all...

He then says nothing and just looks in the direction of Ryuuen for a moment... he was probably thinking about all this until...

Kanzaki: I see, sorry about that Fukazawa. I shouldn't ask you something like that... our class are in an alliance after all...

Yato: Hahaha I don't mind it at all... but to be honest I didn't expect that from someone of the B-Class haha...

He then stays silent for a moment...

Kanzaki: You're right, Ichinose-san would not have acted like that...

Yato: Ichinose huh...

He probably noticed my tone of voice change... it was a bit more serious than usual... I then start walking toward the starting line... Sudo and Shibata were about to finish their course.

Yato: I already told you Kanzaki on the island...

I then stop walking and just turn around to look at him directly and say...

Yato: Don't lose your individuality Kanzaki... Do as you think is right. If you think you should keep an eye on me... fine, do it. It's not a bad thing at all...

My statement seems to have surprised him... in a good way.

Yato: But for now...

I just start to walk again toward the starting line. Sudo just win the course and it's was our turn soon.

Yato: It's time for our race... I guess it will not be an easy win for me?

Like if he was happy with how your discussion went he just smiles and starts walking toward the starting line too.

Kanzaki: Since Shibata talked about your talent in the sport I was curious to see it against mine. I will go for the first place for my class!

More confident that earlier he just told me that...

Yato: Hahahaha... well let's see that.

After that, all the 8th group was on the starting line... Aside from Kanzaki and Yamauchi who I already knew they were in my group... the only other person that I recognized was the two same students from the C-Class... Kaneda and another boy...

As soon as the signal was given, I and Kanzaki were ahead of your group. We were the two only boys in our group who were fast runners. But in this obstacle course, speed was not the only factor that determines victory. Agility was a big factor. I was still in the first position from the start of the race but Kanzaki was just behind me. Since the start of the festival, I was running to a peace similar to Hirata just a bit slower... but in this race, I couldn't do the same, or Kanzaki will pass ahhed from me. So I just increase a bit my speed but not too much... just to be sure to win. Kanzaki was still close to me but after all the obstacles I was the first one the pass the finish line.

I could hear during the race other students and the few spectators encouraged us... it seems that it was a good show that I and Kanzaki gave to the spectator... Just after the race, Kanzaki walk toward me a bit exhausted...

Kanzaki: Wow just as Shibata said... you are really good Fukazawa.

Yato: Hahaha thanks! I could say the same for you.

He then held out his hand to me...

Kanzaki: It was a great race Fuakzawa

Yato: HAHAHAHA don't need to be this formal!

I just look at his hand and hesitate but I just decided to shake his hand in the end. After when I was about to walk towards our tent he say something...

Kanzaki: Fukazawa can I ask you a last thing?

I then stop walking and turn around to look a him

Yato: Eh sure

Kanzaki: You were giving your 100% in this race?

I just look at him with the same expression I had for a moment until I just smirk and start walking away and say...

Yato: What I told you earlier? Suspect me if you want!

With those words, I just walked back to my tent...

Yato: Kanzaki huh...

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.

Ididn't even have time to rest as we had to prepare for the three-legged race. I walked to my partner for the three-legged race...

Yato: Yo Miyake! Ready for the race?

My partner was Miyake Akito, Hirata pair us just by a random choice at first but in the end, we ended with the best combo from our class. We still have the best time in practice.

Miyake was again with Hasabe...

Miyake: Oh yes I was about to search you Fukazawa...

Hasabe who was about to leave for her obstacle race stopped...

Hasabe: Hey Fuu-kun! I saw your run against Kanzaki and you are really fast!!!

Without that I even have the time to answer she immediately speak again...

Hasabe: Ah I will be late if I'm not going now... Go luck Miyatchi, Fuu-kun!

With that, she started walking toward the obstacle race for the girls. I look at her leaving and noticed that Horikita was currently doing her race... and again she still has the same opponents of the C-Class. Horikita was in lead but she was looking at the girl of the C-Class who was running just behind her and... the girl who was in pursuit of Horikita, ran into each other and mutually collapsed.

Miyake: Ouch that's a big accident... we just need to hope that Horikita is not injured...

I just remain neutral by seeing this...

Yato: Yeah or it will be bad news for us...

With this incident, Horikiat ended up in 7th place. For now, the ranking of Horikita was1st place, 3rd place, and 7th place...

I then look over Kiyo and saw that he was currently with Hirata, so I decided to just ignore all this.

Yato: It's about the time for your race we should go...

Miyake who was still looking in the direction of the girl's race just turned around

Miyake: Yeah sorry you're right...

We just walked toward the starting line for the three-legged race. We were in the first group. There were not many people who were looking at us, they were more concerned about the incident that had just happened with Horikita. But the school didn't bother and just continued the other events.

At the starting line, I bend down and start to tie up your two-leg. I just get up when I finished...

Yato: So just do like the last time... I will follow your peace Miya...ke

I then noticed that he still looking at my bandage... last time he asked me which middle school I had been but he couldn't finish his sentence because Hasabe came up and interrupt him.

Seeing that he was soon our turn I just said something before the starting signal...

Yato: If you want to talk about something it should be after the race... okay?

Like if he just realized his mistake...

Miyake: Oh yeah sorry about that... Yeah, don't worry I will do as we do in the practice!

Yato: Good, let's try to have a great time!

Just after that, the signal was given... and once again there was no competition in our group. Miyake was running at his own peace and I was just following him without bothering him to disrupt him. The key in this event was to be able to follow your partner without being a pain for him. In the end, we ended up in the first place easily, and maybe we have our chance to have one of the best times for this event.

After we have done with our race, I remove the rope at our legs.

Yato: Great job Miyake

Miyake: Yeah it's seriously way easier with you haha.

I just started to walk away but I continued to talk to him...

Yato: So you have something you wanted to ask me? It's about time for the first break of the day, we have time to talk if you want...

He then catches up with me and starts walking next to me... Instead of going back to the tent, we went towards a place where there was no one around... We could still see the events from where we were...

Yato: So... Can I help you with something?

Miyake: You know last time I told you that there was a rumor at my middle school...

I was just looking at him... but not with my usual nonchalant expression. No, I was a bit more serious because I know what he was going to talk about... but to be honest, I didn't think that he would have been the first one to talk about it... I would have bet on Ryuuen seriously...

Miyake: Well first to be honest with you I must tell you that before coming to this school I had my delinquent phase...

I see... that's why he probably knows about it...

Miyake: And when I was in middle school there was a rumor about two guys. Those two guys were not part of a group or anything like us. They were just together and It was said that they were the strongest delinquent from your age of Tokyo... Not just in our age, in fact, there was some rumor that they have beaten some older senpai who was in high school... Some part of this is not only a rumor because one of the two guys was really known by some people because he was going to a school close to mine. The rumor is more about the other guy...

He then starts to look at my bandage...

Miyake: From what we could hear, the other guy has a lot of bandages and even one who covered a part of his face... and the thing is that he has red hair like you. The reason why all this becomes a rumor is that no delinquent has ever seen this guy at any school. It was just said that he was seen with the other guy...

While he told all this I remain silent with my serious expression... I didn't let any emotions or anything like that for he can read in me...

Miyake: As I said, even if the guy with the bandage was unknown by everyone...the other guy was known by some people who actually saw him... his name was Ba...

Yato: Stop!

I immediately interrupt him...

Yato: Sighs...

I then start looking at the sky... All this was more annoying than I thought it would be. Everything he said was true... it was me the guy with a bandage. Well, they are no one middle schooler with bandages like that so it was not that hard to guess... but to know this story you needed to be a delinquent in middle school. That's why I thought Ryuuen would be the first one to ask me this.

But now... what I do?... Denied the story is not the best idea I think... In fact, I was surprised that Miyake talk about this to me but in the end, is not a bad thing. From what I saw of him he did not look like a bad guy. So that is why the fact that he was a delinquent really surprised me. So what I should do...

Still looking a the sky I answer him...

Yato: Your right...

I then lower my gaze and start looking at him but with my usual expression...

Yato: Hahaha the guy in the rumor is me.

He probably suspected it and that is why he talked about this with me but even though he still seemed surprised to hear it from me.

Miyake: I see... Sorry, it was just bothering me that's why I talked about that with you...

Yato: So now? Do you see me in a different way?

I need to hear his answer... not because I don't want him to think bad of me but more than what he will do now that he knows that...

Miyake: Seriously even if I have a few doubts... it's still hard to realize that it's really you the guy of the rumor haha. You are not like the rumor that people talked...

Yato: You didn't expect him to be lazy and always fooling around hahaha?

For the first time since we started to talk about this, I saw him smile... my answer seem to have relaxed the mood of the conversation.

Miyake: Well I would not tell things like that... but yeah haha

Yato: Haha... and now? Are you going to talk about this to the others?

This was the most important part that I need to know...

Miyake: Huh? Oh no, of course not! Sorry about that it's just like I said I was really curious... and I was a delinquent too and now you know about me too...so I'm not someone who can criticize you...

He then starts to look at me directly in the eye and have an expression of some reassured

Miyake: But I'm glad because I really think you a great guy and Hasabe think the same soo...

Yato: Wow haha thanks I could say the same thing for you. I didn't think that you had a delinquent past haha.

He then laughs a bit at what I said but he then asks me something...

Miyake: So all the rumor was true then huh...So you are really strong?

Yato: I guess so haha, I and my best friend know how to fight we'll say...

Miyake: I see, I will don't ask anything more about it, it's your past after all. Thanks for answering me Fukazawa...

Yato: Great... Oh and by the way you can call me Yato... I don't mind nickname but you calling me Fuu-kun I'm not sure about it...

Akito: Yeah me too... I will go with Yato then. You can call me Akito.

Yato: Sure thing Akito... Anyway, we should go back... the break must be almost over already.

With that, we just started to walk back to the tent of our class. Now Akito was not aware of a part of my past. It was not just a bad thing... First, it was Akito, I could really see that he really a good guy. I don't usually trust others too much easily but with him, I think I can at least trust him a little. And the other reason why I accept to tell him the trust is that he was already suspicious about it on me and just denied it would be counterproductive to keep it secret. Like that, I know that he will not search more and I had earned his trust back too... In fact, he was a person who I could be friends with him... And anyway... in those rumors, they were not any real info on me so...

Just as we arrived at the tent, Hasabe notice us and start walking toward us...

Hasabe: Miyatchi! Fuu-kun! Where were the both of you?

I was about to say something but Akito speak first...

Akito: A teacher asked us to help with some equipment.

Wow, I was impressed that he came up with this...

Yato: We didn't have time to even rest a bit...

With this, it just confirms that I made the right choice to talk about this with him.

Hasabe: Oh I see... Well, I couldn't see your race but it seems that you ended up with the best time of the first year and one of the best times in school!

Akito: Seriously? Wow I didn't think that our time will be this good, Yato

Yato: I know we did great but still...

Hasabe: Huh?

I and Akito just start to look at Hasabe who has a question mark above her head.

Hasabe: You call each other by your first name now? You two become friends?

Akito: We can say it like that I guess...

After all, he knows a part of my past and the same thing for me... I know a part of his past too. But he seems like Akito was thinking of me as one of his friends. I seriously didn't expect that for today, but I was glad to hear that. Akito seems like a nice guy so becoming friends with him was maybe a great thing. After all, in the class, they were not a lot of people I can consider as my friends. Three years here alone with no friend might be long...

After that, we continued to talk a bit until the break ended and the events restart.

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Time skip

Yato Pov:

It was now the time for the calvary fight event.The 1st year girls all gathered at the center of the grounds. Of course, it's still a competition between the DA coalition and the BC coalition.

The rules for the cavalry battle are the same for both boys and girls and have a time limit. It's a mechanism set up such that scores are allocated based on the number of enemy horsemen defeated and the number of allied horsemen remaining after a period of 3 minutes.

The calvary fight just started and without a surprise...

Ike:O-Oi oi, what the hell's happening!?

Ike, who had been watching, cried out and beside him, I could see Sudo clench his teeth.

Why? Probably because all the C-Class girls started to head towards Horikita without hesitation.Class C did not attack their other enemy, Class A, at all and did not pay any attention to Class D's general nor the other horsemen either. They only surrounded Horikita's horse. This was the tactic of one man... Ryuuen Kakeru

Outnumbered numerically, the only thing we could count on would be backup from Class A but perhaps they intend to profit from our fight since Class A only performed feints and showed no signs of openly participating in the fight.

Ike:They're blatantly targeting Horikita aren't they?

Sudo: Shit...it's probably on Ryuuen's order. That piece of trash!

Kiyo:Well, it can't be helped. Horikita is well-known as the person who's holding Class D together

The importance of crushing the head is the same whether it's war or sports. Ryuuen's tactics aren't half bad. Seeing that situation, the first ones to act in her support were Kei and the cavalry under her command. Shinohara dashed there while supporting Karuizawa, who's the center. However, the one who got in their way was Class B's general horseman, Ichinose.

Yato: Oh?

I was surprised that Kei really try to go help Horikita...Unlike Class A, Class B is properly following Class C as they take independent action. Running into one another, it's Karuizawa vs. Ichinose.

Sudo: Hoi Fuakzawa at least your girlfriend is trying to help Horikita. Not like the girls from the A-Class!

Yato: Yeah she understand that helping Horikita was the best option...

The ones who initiated the attack were Kei and the others... but the three girls supporting Kei aren't particularly athletic. At best, it's a horse built from the cooperation between close friends. On the other hand, Ichinose has utilized Class B's most prominent and talented people for her horse. They weren't afraid of Kei's attack and with a movement surpassing hers, they dodged her attack.

However, despite being able to make a direct attack, Ichinose's movements didn't seem as sharp. In response to her attack, Karuizawa was able to react well and return fire. The coordination vs. maneuverability match, contrary to expectations, showed signs of dragging on.

But...

During the fight between Kei and Ichinose, one of the horsemen had their headband stolen away. It was Horikita. She was attacked simultaneously by four horsemen and no longer able to avoid their persistent attacks, she was finally crushed. She fell off her horse quite flashily and is now collapsed on the ground, trying to raise her upper body back up in frustration.

Horikita's defeat marked the onset of a melee. Having lost a horseman and having Class B pursue them on top of it, Class D's unity wavered in an instant. Some fell off their horses and others had their headbands stolen away, and aside from Karuizawa, the other two horsemen resisted in vain before they were defeated.

Karuizawa, who had been fighting against Ichinose, momentarily ended up in an 8 vs. 1 scenario before, at the very end, she managed to steal away the headband from a different Class B horseman through a suicidal resolve and succeeded in ending that fight with a mutual kill.

It was the end of this event... now that all our team was out. The C-Class and B-Class just take down the remaining A-Class girls.

Biting back her frustration, Horikita returned to our camp. Sudo calls out to her immediately.

Sudo:Don't worry about it. It was hopeless anyway, it's the others' fault for being too slow with their support

He was not wrong but I was curious if he would say the same to Ike?

Horikita:it doesn't change the fact that I lost. I was swallowed up by that momentum of theirs

Sudo:Leave it to me. I'll go on a rampage and make up for this as well

Sudou coolly said that. Normally words like this wouldn't even reachHorikita, but in her weak state right now, they seem to have resonated within her.

Horikita:I'll be expecting that from you

Sudo:Alright, let's go, guys!

Yato: Yeah good luck!

Sudo: Tsk...

Sudo just starts to look in the direction of the cottage... After seemed annoying they all start leaving towards the field for the event.

Why did I not go with them? Because in my team there was missing a person... I was supposed to have Koenji on my team... So now that he can't participate, there was missing someone for my horse. So instead of my team, it was the backup team who participate in the cavalry fight instead of us.

I then get up and start walking to the cottage to go search for a water bottle. When I arrived there I ask the woman in charge for a bottle of water. It was free for the student so I didn't have to pay for it. As I was about to leave...

???: Oh? Does the cavalry fight just started, cunning boy?

Yato: Sighs...

I turn around and saw Koenji who was playing with his nails sitting on a chair.

Yato: Yes it just started... Does perhaps you want to participate finally?

Like if my question amused him he just start to smile still looking at his nails.

Koenji: What some of nonsense you saying there... Like if I would want to participate in this event...

He then stops his sentence just lift his gaze to look at me

Koenji: Anyway cunning-boy, the fact that I did not participate today is a part of your plan

I see... I should suspect it

Yato: Hahaha maybe...

Koenji: You are like me... you didn't want to participate in this and that's why you proposed to Hirata-boy to put us together in the same team...

Yato: Wow that's a great theory you have there...

Koenji: Fufu you don't have to thank me... It was a pleasure to help you.

Yato: Hahahaha if you said soo...

I just decided to leave on that and started walking back to the tent. What Koenji said was all true. I didn't know that he paid attention to this detail but I asked Hirata to put me and Koenji in the same group... Like that, on paper, we had a great team but I knew that he would not participate. Like that, I can pass this one...

When I arrived at the tent the first thing that I noticed was Horikita... she was sitting alone. I could see that she was not in better shape right now. I continue to walk until I was in front of her. She finally noticed me. she was probably in her thought right now.

Horikita: What?

I just stay silent and keep looking at her while saying anything. I could see that it started to annoy her...

Yato: Hahahaha nothing... nothing... I was just remembering the girl of this morning who criticize me because I got second place in the 100-meter sprint...

I could see her expression change...

Yato: Do you mind remembering me what are you ranking so far?

She didn't was not in her usual state because she didn't answer me immediately like she always does...

Horikita: Well... I know that it's...

Yato: Hoi I stop you right there... I don't care if you have some excuse or anything like that...

Horikita: ...

She didn't answer me after that... she just start to look away to avoid my gaze...

Yato: If it's like that you planned to reach the A-Class... well it's pathetic...

After that without letting her the time to answer me I just start to walk away... I was one of the only boys right now because all the rest of them were doing the cavalry fight. I noticed that the team of Hirata was against the one of Ryuuen.

???: Oh Yato-kun!

I then turn around and look in the direction where the voice came from and I saw Kei who was waving at me. I started to walk to her and I just sit next to her.

Yato: You had done a great job in our last event Kei...

Kei: Eh you think so?

Yato: Yes, after all, you are the only one to try to go help Horikita...

Kei: Well... I couldn't let her just be targeted by all the C-Class...

I didn't answer anything and I was just looking at the cavalry fight... it seems that Hirata was having difficulty right now.

Kei: Nee Yato-kun, what are you going to do about Horikita-san?

Yato: Huh?

I then start looking at her...

Kei: Well I saw you talk to her just now... Are you going to help her?

Yato: Help her? There is nothing I can do...

She seemed a bit disappointed with my answer...

Kei: If was me? Would you help me?

Yato: Yes it was our deal after all...

She was probably scared that if something happen I couldn't help her.

Yato: But for now I can't do anything for Horikita... You should probably check that with Kiyo instead...

Kei: With Kiyotaka-kun huh? I will talk with him about Horikita-san then...

I just listen to what she said but it take me a few seconds to notice something...

Yato: Wait? Kiyotaka?

Kei: Yeah it's his first name... right?

Yato: Yeah, Yeah I was just surprised...

After that, we just continued to talk while the boys were doing the cavalry fight. But in the end... we ended up losing too. Hirata gets his headband stolen by Ryuuen and finally, we lose all your horsemen. The C-Class and B-Class ended up winning these two events.

When the boys come back I could see that the morale of the class was not at its best. Kei after start to go towards Kiyo... Probably to talk about Horikita just like she told me. But currently, my attention was on someone else. Our leader for the festival... Sudo Ken. I could see that he was really pissed off right now. I was curious if this event was the straw that broke the camel... I could see him try to calm himself until...

Sudo:I'm seriously going to knock the shit out of that bastard!

Here we are...

Sudou, who had turned into a demon, walked forcefully towards Class C. All the provocation made by Ryuuen since the begging of the festival was too much for Sudo right now. I don't know if something happen during the cavalry fight but he seemed more pissed off than during the tug of war.

Hirata:I get what you mean, Sudou-kun. But I think we need to stay calm about this. You should know what'll happen if you attack Ryuuen-kun.

Hirata stood in his way to stop him but he forcefully shoved Hirata. I start to get up and start walking toward them...

Sudo:Shut up! He's the one fucking around here! He's committing foul play!

Hirata:I do think there's a high possibility of it being foul play. But isn't it difficult to prove that?

I see... so it seems that Ryuuen did a foul play again... For someone like Sudo, it was probably an insult for him. Ryuuen was just playing with him.

Sudo:I'm the leader of the sports festival. Obey me, Hirata, let's gang up on Ryuuen together

Hirata:I'm not denying that you're the leader. Considering this sports festival, there's no doubt that you're the leader. But I want you to look around. Just how many people right now acknowledge you as their leader?

Sudo looks around.Starting with Ike and the others, who cowered before his anger, most of the students kept their distance from the irritated Sudo. They're all keeping their distance so as to not incur his wrath. Horikita too was looking at Sudo's speech and conduct with exasperated eyes.

Akito who notices me starts to walk next to me...

Sudo:I'm desperately trying for the sake of the class...

Sudo squeezed those words out angrily but another student except Hirata raised his voice.

Yukimura:Is that really so? Rather than wanting the class to win, isn't it just that you want to show off? Isn't it just that you want to show us just how amazing you are? At the very least, I think so. You're just being swept along by your emotions, and you decide usefulness and uselessness based on that. You get angry. If the class can win with just that alone we wouldn't even be having trouble. If you're going to throw your weight as a leader around, you need to make rational decisions and give accurate advice

Sudo:Shut up...

Hirata:I feel the same way too, Sudo-kun. It's precisely because we're relying on you, Sudo-kun, that I want you to see the bigger picture. And I want you to respond to the feelings of all your comrades

Sudo:Shut up...

Hirata: You should be able to do that, Sudo-kun. That's why...

Sudo:I'm telling you to shut up

Just as I thought a dull sound like that rang out, Hirata, who had been standing next to him, was shoved from behind and had collapsed onto the ground.Sudo's eyes were bloodshot and he doesn't even seem to have realized the mistake he made. If someone says too much, they'll probably be the next ones to be beaten. No, he's already trying to beat Yukimura up. but...

I immediately put myself in his way... I noticed that Chabsashira-sensei was coming in our direction...

Sudo: Get oy from my way or I'll beat you too!

Yato: Hoi Hoi calm down, you don't want to play this game...

He was about to grab me by my shirt but someone stopped him... It was Akito...

Akito: That's enough Sudo!

As soon as Akito releases his grip on Sudo's wrist. Sudo was about to grab him instead but I didn't do anything because someone finally arrived...

Chabashira:What's going on?

Chabashira-sensei, who is responsible for watching over the class, walks over to the collapsed Hirata. Then looking at Sudo's rage with me and Akito in front of him and the red mark left on Hirata's cheek from being hit it's more or less easy to grasp what's happening.

Chanashira:Did you hit him?

Not even hearing him out, Chabashira-sensei only asks for the truth. Not having felt any gratification, Sudo angrily answered without even denying it.

Sudo:what'll you do if I did?

I then notice that Akito was still on his guard... butHirata stood up and panicked corrects her.

Hirata:That's not it, sensei. I just fell down on my own

Chabashira:I hardly see it that way

Hirata:You're wrong. Because I'm saying so, there should be no problem then

Hirata made the right call here... In fact, it was a good thing for the class I guess that it was Hirata who got punched by Sudo. He was probably the only one who will still try to help Sudo after that...After a slight delay, Chabashira-sensei delivers her judgment.

Chabashira:Certainly you're right. If the victim is saying nothing's wrong then, first of all, there's no problem. However, objectively looking at it, there's the possibility that there's some kind of trouble going on between you guys. For now, keep your distance from one another. Then I'll be filing a report to my superiors. As a preventive measure

Hirata:There's no trouble here and I don't want to cause any misunderstandings. I understand

With that, Hirata took his distance to stay out of Sudo's field of vision.On the other hand, Sudo was no longer able to suppress his rage and kicked a pipe chair near him with all his strength. Under Chabashira-sensei's watchful eye, beating up Class C is impossible to pull off.

Sudo:Do whatever you want. Go ahead and lose, you small fries. This sports festival can eat shit

I see... so it's like that then...For a moment, Sudo looked at Horikita, who had been watching the whole thing but he averted his eyes. Sudo left and started walking back towards the dormitory.

Everyone was still in shock at what happened. Most of the class didn't care that Sudo just leave because he punched the most popular guy after all. Even his closest friend didn't even try to do something. Now all this situation is in the hands of Horikita...

While I was looking at her I switch my gaze to Akito who was still next to me...

Yato: Hey thanks by the way for your help haha!

Akito: Well when I saw you getting closer to Sudo I knew that you will probably try to stop him...

Yato: Oh I see... but still... you put yourself in this situation haha. I could have managed on my own.

Akito: Well yeah when I think about it... but I didn't want to let you on your own

Wow... all this reminds me...

Yato: Haha thanks Akito, you are a real one!

Akito: But now our class just lost our best asset...

Yato: Yeah...I guess we just need to see what going to happen now...

I just start looking at Horikita who is still alone...

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Time skip last event of 200 meter

Yato Pov:

It was now time for the last event before the dinner break. The 200 meter sprint for the first year. Others school years will do this event after the dinner break. Again like for the 100-meter sprint I was in the last group. It was the last race before the dinner so everyone was looking at us. Our senpais, teachers, school personnel and event some employee was watching us.

I was close to the starting line waiting for my turn. I then hear someone walk toward me behind me.

???: Hey Fukazawa! It seems like I will have the chance to challenge you again!

This tone of voice that energetic... there was only one boy who will be this happy.

Yato: Hey Shibata... it seems so yeah...

He then walks to me and then starts to watch the other race. I didn't say anything else but he suddenly ask a question...

Shibata: Hey Fukazawa can I ask you something?

I have an idea what he wants to know but anyway...

Yato: Yeah sure...

Shibata: I saw you race against Kanzaki... in fact all your other race of the day. And you never seemed to give your 100%... and Kanzaki thinks the same thing as me...

Yato: I see... soo you think I could run faster than I already did?

He then looks at me, not with a serious expression but more with a big smile as always...

Shibata: Maybe haha! After all, you never had taken a good running stance before your race...

Yato: Imagine that you're right? It will be a great thing for you, no? You are sure to win...

Shibata: No...

he immediately interrupts me...

Shibata: To be honest I will prefer to have a real race against someone than win like that!

A somewhat naive way of thinking if you want my opinion... but sometimes it's great to think like that... it helps you to become stronger...

Yato: HAHAHAHAHA

My laugh surprised him a bit... Without answering him I start to stretch up a bit...

Yato: I see... then let's run...

Like if he just hear a great news he seemed really happy to hear that. I then start walking towards the starting line because it was about to be our turn...

Yato: Just don't regret if I ended up winning and stealing your first place

Shibata: Hahaha I prefer that, Fukazawa! Let's give our all in this race!

Yato: Our all huh...

We were all on the starting line... I still do some stretch before the course. It was the last race before the long break, so all the people were watching us... I could notice some people from my class being surprised by my attitude right now.

The signal of start was about to be given... So I then take a running stance for the first time of the day. Now, most people in my class were shocked to see that... but I didn't care. I just noticed Shibata next to me who seemed happy about my attitude and my seriousness about this race. After seeing him running against Sudo I think that in pure speed, he is superior to Sudo. And it was the last event of the day... so even if I put a good result it was too late. My other participation was already decided and I couldn't do anything about it. and to be honest... I just wanted to compete with him after what he said...

The both of us were focused and the signal... we were waiting for it...until...

BIP!

At the second that the signal was given, I and Shibata were already ahead of the other guys from our group. With my start, I was in front of Shibata, he was still just behind me. I could hear everyone encourage us or being surprised by this duel. But without losing my speed...no... I even continue to increase it. To a point that I have now a lead over Shibata. I still hear him run behind me but the more I was running the less I was hearing him because of the distance that separated us gradually.

And finally under the encouragement from the spectator I pas the finish line first. Shibata finished too after and got second place. He seemed a bit exhausted by this run but without losing anything he start walking toward me and...

Shibata: WOW!! You are soo fast Fuakzawa!!! Why did you not run like that in the previous event!!!

Even if I beat him... he seemed happier than if he would have won.

Yato: Haha laziness I guess...

Shibata: Hahaha so you beat me in the end!! But that doesn't matter because I have been able to have a good race haha!

Yato: It was a good race indeed... You were a good opponent.

Shibata: Next time I will win for sure haha!

With those words, he just returned to his tent... but now I need to do the same...

Yato: Sighs...

It was great this little challenge but now...

As soon I started walking back to the tent I saw a few people walking toward me... In this group there was...

Kei: Wow Yato-kun!!!!! You like running super fast!!!!

Kei then start walking to me and got closer... Seriously... now that she saw how fast I was she try to assume her position as the leader of the girls of the D-Class...

Hirata: I'm seriously impressed Fuakzawa-kun... To be able to beat Shibata-kun...

Yato: Well... I guess he motivates me to suppress myself hahaha

After that, I received a lot of questions or compliments for my victory against Shibata. Only three people from my class didn't come to ask me something but just look at me from a distance... It was Kiyo, Kushida and Horikita. Horikita I knew the reason, it was because of what I said earlier... and Kiyo it was like usual... but this time... I have the feeling that he was looking at me more than usual...

And Kushida... well she hate me so it was obvious...

Anyway the individual event of over for us... after the 200-meter sprint for the girls of the first year, it will be lunchtime. And it will be at this moment if we going to see if everything goes as planned...

Yato: It's about time...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter, I hope you liked it. I have been able to release it at the date as it was supposed. I didn't get the Covid finally so it's a good thing!

This chapter was waaaaaay longer than what I expected...again... haha. In fact, I didn't write all that I was supposed to in this chapter. Sorry if it bothers you if chapters are this long but sometimes I cannot stop writing haha.

There should be two chapters left for Vol 5 and we will enter the most important part. I hope you will love it. I think that the two other chapters will be a bit shorter but I'm seriously trash to judge my chapters recently haha so we will see that.

And a last thing... Seriously thank you! We just have 1k votes for this story!! Haha, I still don't believe it. It was not what I expected at all when I started to write it. I consider that you love it and it's really appreciated! I write this story for my personal fun at first and I'm glad to see that many people read it.

Anyway like always thanks to those who read my story! The next chapter should come out at the start of next week!

Oh and by the way here is the cover for vol Y2 6

Volume 5: Break time

Chapter 7

Yato Pov:

The morning half of the sports festival ended with Class D in dire straits, with the loss of our leader Sudo and with an Horikita who gets no results. All this happens because of one person...well two to be more exact... but the main person behind this was Ryuuen Kakeru. He managed to mentally break Sudo with a lot of dirty tricks and provocation. For Horikita, he still hasn't finished his job and was probably about to finish it soon...

But for now, it was time for the lunch break.There were those who had their lunch at the cafeteria, some who ate on the grounds since we were notified that we could move about freely. Especially during the sports festival where a sense of solidarity could be strongly felt, regardless of whether you're a boy or a girl, there are plenty of opportunities to have lunch together with senior students. Unlike the usual, our classrooms are currently off-limits and so the places where we could eat were limited.

Today the students seems excited for the lunch. Why? Well, It appears today's lunch was not made at the school's cafeteria but rather luxury Bentos ordered from the outside.There's only one variety but there's also the fact that it's free so most of the students will likely opt for it.

On the other hand, a portion of the students left the grounds without laying their hands on the Bentos.One of them is Horikita... I wonder if she finally starts to get it. Since the start of the festival, I have been cold with her...but it was for her own good. It was time that she starts to understand her flaws and to force her to understand that it's not like that she will reach the A-Class. Earlier this morning I told her that her way of doing was pathetic and I saw Kiyo have a talk with her after that Sudo abandon us. After all this, our words at me and Kiyo must finally have reached her, the proud Horikita Suzune.

Anyway, Kiyo told me that he was going to take care of Horikita... So I have no reason to doubt about the next now... I think? If I was him, I would have told Hoirkita that Sudo was an important piece for our class. We just need to wait if she will go search for Sudo and bring him back here. There was Kushida who left too, telling her friends that she will look for Sudo. There was no need to think more about this for now... anyway I have something more important for now...

I was standing in front of Yamauchi with my fist close to make a rock...

Yamauchi: Yes hahahaha!!

Yato: You must be kidding me right now...

Yamauchi: Hahahaha I'm much better haha!

Yato: Hoi stop that of I spit in your Bento!

He immediately shut himself and start walking towards Ike...

Why?... I just lose to rock-paper-scissor again all the class... but when it was time for me to lose when we chose the student who will participate in the optional event, I ended up winning all the game... Why all this to me? Now I ended with the task of distributing the Bentos for all my classmates...

Yato: Sighs...

Kiyo: Sorry about that but... I must say that your bad luck is something else...

Yato: Yeah... nothing new about that... Help me instead so we can just finish this as soon as possible...

He just takes some Bentos boxes and starts giving them with me to all our classmates. After we have done with this, I didn't have the time to talk to Kiyo that Ike and Yamuchi take him away to eat with him.

Yato: Yeah no... I pass this one...

I was about to leave but someone call my name...

???: Fukazawa-kun, are you going somewhere?

I then turn around to look a the person who just asked me this...

Yato: Hey Hirata and... Kei?

Kei: Hey Yato-kun! Let's eat together!

She then walks closer to me and grabs my right arm. I then noticed some other girls in the class walking towards us.

Hirata: It's will be great if we can eat all together to talk about the next of the festival...

He then starts to look a the direction of Kiyo...

Yato: Oh I see...

He probably rather all those girls and people to be able to talk with Kiyo without attracting too much attention. Kei was just looking at me to see if I understand the meaning behind this...

Yato: Of course let's find a spot where we can all eat...

We then start walking towards Kiyo and his two best friends... When Ike and Yamauchi see us they both make a surprised expression...

Hirata:Can we tag along too?

He called out to Ike and Yamauchi like that. Ike and Yamauchi were momentarily startled by that. That's understandable, there's no way they wouldn't feel startled if Hirata approached them despite them not being particularly close. But they would not refuse... they were lots of girls in our groups so those two will not miss a chance like that. And they will not refuse something to Hirata...

Ike:Of course that's ok!

We then all started to eat our Bentos, I was with Kei so we talked during our dinner and Hirata was with a few girls of the group. But eventually, people finished eating and me, Kei and Hirata go over Kiyo.

But before I sit down I just take a look around to verify something.

Kei: A problem Yato-kun?

Kei who notice that I was looking around asked me this...

Yato: Eh no why?

I then just sit down with them... I feel the gaze of Kiyo but I just ignore him.

Hirata:As expected, it seems Ryuuen-kun's made his move

Kei: So, who's the traitor? You know, don't you, Yosuke-kun?

Karuizawa asked that but Hirata gently shook his head.

Hirata:There are several things I don't understand myself. I wonder if we could clear up those questions?

Kiyo:That's right. However, I cannot answer the question of who the traitor is

Kei:Huh? I don't get it, why?

Kiyo:Because if we aggravate the situation now, it'll only cause the class to plunge into further chaos. There'll be problems if we don't deal with the traitor quietly and calmly

Hirata then looks at me...

Hirata: Fukazawa-kun do you know who it is?

Yato: Ehmmm I maybe have an idea...

Hirata:I understand. I won't interrogate both of you on that. But why did you submit the participation table as it is to the school despite knowing a traitor will appear? Couldn't we have sneakily adjusted the participation table on our own? If we had done so, we wouldn't be facing this much adversity. Not even that, we could have turned the tables and gained an advantage beyond even ClassC...

Yato: Maybe but...

When I was about to answer him I notice the thing that I was waiting for... I quickly looked away to not Kiyo see what I had just seen.

Yato: I can't help on this one... sorry Hirata but I understand for the traitor too late. I don't know for Horikita... and it's Kiyo who is close to her soo...

I then just get up...

Kei: Eh where are you going?

Yato: Searching for a bottle of water... you can continue without me...

Hirata: Don't worry about it Fuakzawa-kun, I can't blame you, I don't even understand for the traitor myself. The only fact that you participate in the festival and be able to beat Shibata-kun is already a great contribution...

Kei: Yeah Yosuke-kun is right! You are probably the fastest student from our year and maybe in all the schools, Yato-kun!!!

Yato: Hahaha maybe but I lack endurance soo...

It was the excuse I made up after the 200-meter sprint I made against Shibata... Some students had asked me why I didn't run like that in every race...

Yato: Anyway... see you later...

I was about to leave but I feel again the gaze of Kiyo. I just take a look at him before leaving for good. There was something I needed to do. I was waiting for a certain person to make a move.

I was currently walking toward a certain place when I suddenly bump into someone...

???: Ouch...

It was a girl and she fell to the ground...

Yato: Oh sorry about that I didn't see you...

I then offer my hand to help her to get up but I immediately recognized who it was... But she didn't seem to have recognized me yet. She just takes my hand and I help her to get up on her feet.

???: Oh thank you and so..rry? Oh, it's you...

She seems disappointed... why? But I just pretend that I just recognized her too

Yato: Oh you are the girlfriend of Nagumo-senpai, right?

When I said that her expression immediately changed... I was not too sure how to describe it but she was surprised by my statement for sure.

???: Eh? No haha, you make a mistake here. I'm not his girlfriend...

Yato: Oh I see... sorry about that. By the way, I'm Fu...

???: Fukazawa Yato... Yeah, I already know your name...

Yato: oh I see...

Asahina: I'm Asahina Nazuna, I'm the same class as Miyabi. That's why you probably already saw me when I was with Miyabi...

I see so she is not part of the council? She would just be in the same class as him huh. They seemed closer by calling each other by their first name... that's why I thought that they could maybe be a couple... but it seems that I was wrong. Anyway...

Yato: Asahina Nazuna... I will remember it then. If you excuse me now...

I was about to walk away but she stop me

Asahina: Wait!

I hesitate to just continue walking but I still have some time so I decided to stay...I turn around to face her and she leans against the wall...

Asahina: You know... you're not very smart...

Yato: Huh?

I couldn't help but be surprised... It was probably the last thing that I was expected her to tell me...

Asahina: Haha your face right now...

It seems like she finds my reaction funny...

Asahina: I talk about your 200-meter sprint earlier...

Oh okay, I see... I understand what she is trying to say now. But I will continue to pretend to not understand...

Yato: Yeah and what's the problem senpai?

She didn't say anything... she was just looking at me. She was probably trying to read me or something like that.

Asahina: Well Miyabi already had an eye on you since the incident at the start of the year... and with this race, you didn't help your case. He might be even more on your back... he really wanted you to join the student council you know?

Yato: It's just a race... I don't think that will change anything...

She then start walking a bit closer to me...When she was close to me she just start to look at me to analyze me...

Asahina: You know why Miyabi wants you to join his council? He said that you remember him in his first year...

She then takes a pause in her sentence and just keeps looking at me...

Asahina: But personally I don't see any similarity in both of you...I don't think you are alike...

What does she want in the end? Every time I encounter Nagumo she was the one who told him to stop bothering me and insisted on leaving me alone. Like during the summer break when I went to the fortune-teller with Kei, she was the one who told Nagumo to leave us alone. I thought that they were really close, like a couple but it seems that I was wrong. So they are just close friends? After he listens to her, Nagumo does not seem like the guy to listen to others, he looks more like someone who does everything he wants to do...

I was thinking about all this until I made a decision...

Yato: Nothing alike huh...

I then smirk and look at her directly in the eyes...

Yato: Of course, we are not alike... I'm far better than him after all!

Her eyes widen when I said that...She didn't say anything for a moment until...

Asahina: Hahaha wow haha...

She continued to laugh a bit until she notices that I have a serious expression on my face...

Asahina: Wait... you are not serious right now?

I just smirk at her and keep looking at her for a moment. After I just turn around and start walking away. Before she was too far to hear me I said a last thing...

Yato: Who knows?

With those words, I just leave towards the school building...

Yato: So Nagumo is more aware of me after my race huh

Well, it was not a problem at all... well technically yes but it didn't change anything. After all, even before my race, he had an eye on me so I couldn't do anything about it. In fact, the thing which bothered me right now was this girl... Asahina Nauzna. I don't understand her attitude at all. Her relationship with Nagumo and her motivation is still not understandable...Anyway, for now, I have other things to do...

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Time skip

Ryuuen Pov:

It was now time for 1 hours break for the dinner. I was currently walking towards a certain place, where my target... no... my prey was. As soon as the sports festival was announced I knew how and what I will do to break Horikita Suzune and the D-Class. But to achieve all this, there were several factors that I had to take into account...

The first thing was this stupid red hair monkey... It was obvious that he was going to be the pillar for the D-Class in sports. His great athleticism was his only quality after all. But in the end, taking care of him was probably the easiest thing to do... with this no-brainer who responds to every provocation without thinking... pushing him mentally was not complicated. We were not even in theTeam Participation Contests yet and he was out of the sports festival.

The second thing was Kushida Kikyo... This was another easy factor. The day the festival was announced she make contact with me. Getting what I want from her was an easy thing because it seems that we have the same goal for the moment... Horikita Suzune. I don't know what their deal is between those two but I don't fucking care... As long as I got what I want from her... with her help I was able to get the table participation of the D-Class.

The third thing and the main factors... Horikita Suzune. I told her that she will become my target after the exam on the cruise ship... and this is what happen right now. I want to destroy Horikita Suzune mentally. To do this I take my time to be able to enjoy this. The first piece of my plan to break her was to put her in the same group as the fastest classmates in my class. Well except for the first race, all for a whim of Ibuki... but the real trigger of my plan was her fall earlier during her obstacle course against Kinoshita... with this incident, it was now time for the second part of my plan. But even if everything goes fine until now, I still have other factors that I need to monitor...

The other factors are more annoying. First, there is Fukazawa Yato and maybe another mysterious person... no... there is more chance that there is another person behind Suzune. I would say that the chance that Fukazawa is behind the event of the desert island is really low. I still don't have the proof but I will assume there is another mysterious person behind Suzune.

Let's start with this person... the first time he made his move was during the desert island. He managed to see through my plan and succeed to get the win for the D-Class. The reason why we didn't get any class points during this exam was that I guess incorrectly the leader of the D-Class. I gave as an answer the name of the guy who is always with Suzune, Ayanakoji. But in the end, he didn't become the leader... the leader at the end of the exam was probably still Fukazawa. This Ayanakoji is already one of my suspects but I can't assume anything right now... there is a lot of suspects.

I first thought that it was Fukazawa who was behind all this... but after the exam of the VIP on the cruise ship, I'm starting to believe less and less. The point that bothered me and that made me think that he is not the one behind all this is when he passed out when Kushida push him under the cliff. If he really planned the fact to pass out I don't know if he is a genius or stupid... there are too many risks in this plan. That implies that he knew that Kushida will betray him and make him pass out and make us believe that he will retire for the exam? And When I saw Ayanakoji and Suzune take him back to the ship he was not faking it... he was really passed out. And There is still the underwear incident that didn't make sense from what Kikyo and Ibuki told me...

The only thing that I'm pretty sure about is that Fukazawa is the one behind the incident with Sudo at the start of the year. After the VIP exam, Ishizaki received a message from the same person who force Ishizaki and the others to retiree their complaints against D-Class. In this message, there was writing the names of our VIPs from my class. So the person who send me this let Suzune lose and just wanted to provoke me with this message. And the only person who could do this to me is Fukazawa... with the attitude that he had during the VIP exam, he's the number one suspect.

I already started my move to have the answer to this. I send a message to the person who was in contact with Ishizaki and asked him what was the deal that he had with my classmate to stop the Sudo incident. But the matter of the desert island is still unclear at the moment... but I will find the answer soon.

And for the festival, Fukazawa doesn't seem to be a problem. I put my weakest runner in the same group as him. And with the talk, I had with him during the event ofPole Toppling he seemed disinterested in the festival. But his usual nonchalant attitude is quite hard to read him. And anyway it's too late to take any action because my plan is already set. It's too late to try helping Suzune for now for him. His only chance was before the festival but he didn't make any move... so he probably didn't see my plan before it was too late.

Anyway... I was close to my destination and I was already hearing the person I was expecting to be there... I just walked towards them with my hand in my pocket and just have my natural attitude... they all noticed me coming...

Ryuuen:Looks like it's become quite a big problem

Suzune:Ryuuen-kun...

Wow, she tries to act indifferent to the fact of my coming here but come on Suzune... you are way too easy to read... I just laughed and stopped in front of her.

Ryuuen:I came here after Kinoshita asked for me. To think someone would have deliberately caused that injury of hers

Saying that I just passed them and entered the infirmary. They immediately start to follow me behind. The teacher try to stop me to pass but I just ignore her and open the curtain veiling the bed where Kinoshita was...

Ryuuen:Hey, Kinoshita. You ok? Looks like you've been through some tough times

When she was me she started to be afraid... this stupid girl, stay calm.

Ryuuen:I hear you've injured your leg? Show me

I just take her leg and look at it a bit...

Ryuuen:This is bad...

Kinoshita:Sorry...I tried to hang in there and participate in the next contest too but...my leg just wouldn't listen...that's why...ahh!

Ryuuen:Don't blame yourself, Kinoshita. I know you tried to participate in the three-legged race

Before she could answer anything it was someone else who speak up...

Suzune: it was an accidental collision. Kinoshita-san, what exactly are you trying to accomplish by saying I made you fall?

Ryuuen: Here we go...

I noticed Kinoshita who started to look at me...I just turned around to face Suzune, Kikyo, and Chibashira...

Ryuuen:According to what Kinoshita's been saying, you fully intended on making her fall. You deliberately did it, didn't you?

Suzune:Cut the jokes. Are you saying I'd do something like that?

Ryuuen:You can never tell what someone will do. Besides, look at the facts. Kinoshita, who happens to be better than you at sports, sustained serious injuries and had to withdraw. On top of that, she was planning on participating in all the Recommended Only Participation events later. In contrast, you continued participating in the contests in spite of your injury. You're asking the impossible if you want me to not be suspicious of that

All that I just said was some fact... she couldn't deny this. She didn't answer me after this... no she seemed to be thinking about all this. Wow seeing her in that start is really entertaining. I start to look at her directly in the eyes...

Ryuuen:What are you thinking about so quietly?

Without letting her any time I turn around and speak to Kinoshita

Ryuuen:Well, even if we have our little back-and-forth it won't do us any good.Right, Kinoshita?

Kinoshita:Horikita-san...you told me after I fell...that I definitely won't win...

Horikita:I said no such thing. Are you even aware that you're spouting lies?

Chabashira:Horikita, you were only looking back during the incident with Kinoshita. Why exactly?

This time it's was her sensei who asked her this... she probably looked to the replay of their race of earlier.

Suzune:I admit I was looking back. However, it's only because she called out my name many times over from behind me. At first, I ignored her. But clearly, things seemed strange and so I looked back

Chabashira:Is that so, Kinoshita?

Kinoshita:I never called you, not even once

Anyway, it doesn't matter because it's easy to counter that...

Ryuuen:The person in question herself is denying it, sensei. Besides, even if Kinoshita happened to call Suzune's name, what's wrong with that? Just calling a name doesn't amount to foul play. On top of that, it was probably a desperate cry that stemmed from a desire to win. Kinoshita is second to none when it comes to having a competitive spirit after all. If you keep reacting to things like that each and every time, there'll be no end to this

She can continue all long she wants but she probably understands that it was meaningless...Immediately after this, Kikyo finally makes her move...

Kikyo:Umm...Kinoshita-san, Ryuuen-kun. I think it's unfortunate that things turned out like this but I don't think Horikita-san is the type of person to deliberately injure her opponent like this

Kinoshita:But Horikita-san told me...that she absolutely won't let me win...!

Kikyo:That's probably just your desire to not lose getting to your head, is it not? I think Horikita-san was also surprised by the fall, I think she was desperate too...

When Kikyo was speaking I was just looking at one person... I was looking directly at Suzune.

Kinoshita:But...I can't forgive her...now I have to take a break from even track and field practice...

Suzune: don't you feel any shame? Painting lies and ensnaring someone, is that fun for you? Or could it be that Ryuuen-kun set everything up? I doubt that it's a mere coincidence you conveniently showed up here

That's it Suzune... continue like that. You just playing my game right now.

Ryuuen:So you're blind to your own shortcomings and now it's the injured Kinoshita's fault as well as mine, huh? You're quite a terrible woman

Suzune:Don't make me laugh. You provoked Sudo-kun a while back, I won't let you say you forgot. You're trying to use that same trick this time around as well, aren't you?

Ryuuen:That incident had nothing to do with me. It's absurd to tie this matter into that...

If you truly believe that I will fall into that and that I'm going to admit anything... Anyway, the fun begins now...

Ryuuen:It's clear to everyone. That you collided with Kinoshita in a self-destructive act. That clinches it. There is no room for further discussion. Let's go over this with the superiors already, shall we?

Kikyo:That's...would you let me talk this over for a little bit more with Horikita-san...can I?

Suzune was now completely into my trap... it was over for her. Since the beginning, contrary to Sudo, I have had a goal in mind... I want something from her...

Ryuuen:I don't have time to leisurely talk this out. Once the lunch break ends, I've got a Recommended Participation Only event starting. I'll be participating as well so I'd like to round things up here. Letting the bigwigs make the judgment would be best though

I then take time to look at each of the girls present here and continue what I was saying...

Ryuuen:I don't mind if we can strike a quick and easy deal

Suzune:Strike a deal?

Ryuuen:I'm talking about you shouldering any losses incurred by Kinoshita and class C

Suzune:That's not funny, I don't even have to listen to this

Continue to act proud Suzune...

Ryuuen:Then we're done. You won't strike a deal but you're telling us to not report this to the bigwigs. That's too selfish of you, Suzune. I have no intention of letting this go Suzune.

Kikyo:Wait. What exactly should we do...?

Kikyo suddenly joins the conversation...

Ryuuen:You seem to understand things well. That's right...if you'll fork over 1million points then I'll have Kinoshita withdraw her complaint. That way we'll be able to prepare a substitute for the Recommended Only Participationevents and Kinoshita will be able to acquire a 'special income' thanks to me as well. Simple enough right?

Suzune:Don't be ridiculous. I haven't done anything. I don't need to hand a single point over

You truly still didn't understand Suzune?

Ryuuen:Then go ahead and prove it, Suzune.

Suzune:You all seem to be very confident in yourselves. You think your lies won't be exposed?

Ryuuen:We're going to prove that we aren't lying. Let's have the Student Council President-sama deliver his judgment

I immediately notice that my provocation worked... provoked her with her brother was soo easy. It seems that not everyone realized that Suzune was the little sister of our current Student council President... even though that was obvious. Talking about her brother here would just make her want to change her decision about making a deal...

You lost Suzune... I planned all these incidents to happen in front of the whole school. Between you and Kinoshita you are not the best in athletics. So Kinoshita is the one who has more to lose to not participate in the optional event.

She didn't answer... she seemed to think about all this. She probably finally realized that she had been played from the start. I could see on her face her deception... the expression that I wanted to see so much.

Kikyo:Umm...would it be no good with just my points alone...Ryuuen-kun?

Ryuuen:Ahh?

Kikyo:I don't think Horikita-san's the kind of person to deliberately do something like this. That's why I don't want to make a big deal out of this. But...I don't think Kinoshita-san's the type of person to lie too...an unfortunate coincidence, couldn't it be just that...that's why...

Still playing to good girls in front of everyone huh...

Ryuuen:A beautiful friendship. But that's no good. As a member of Class C, I think Suzune did this out of malevolence. If I think about Kinoshita, I feel it'll be meaningless unless I get money out of Suzune. Of course, I won't stop you if you're willing to pay up too though

Seeing that Suzune was still thinking about all this, I decided to put more pressure on her.

Ryuuen:I've decided. Kinoshita, we're going to complain about this to the teachers and then to the student council too

I then give a look to Kinoshita that was meaning to get her up... and she immediately listened to me, even though she was struggling because of the pain.

Ryuuen: If they look at this situation, the school should understand too that this is a serious matter. They won't stand for this vicious stance that would do anything if it's for the sake of an inferior person's victory

As we were starting to walk away with Kinoshita... finally Suzune spoke up.

Suzune: Wait!...

I stopped walking... I just keep my same expression and answer her...

Ryuuen:What is it, Suzune? You have no intention of responding to discussion, right?

Suzune:If I pay, then you'll make it so that this never happened right...?

I could answer her question but that was not what I wanted to hear...I wanted to play with her.

Ryuuen:So you're admitting that you committed foul play in order to win?

Suzune:I won't admit that...because I'm not lying

Ryuuen:Then this is strange. What exactly will you be paying for then?

Suzune:This time, I lost to your strategy. That's why I'll be paying for that, is what I mean

Suzune finally understand my plan... but even if she pay it was not enough for my own fun...I then look at Kinoshita who was next to me and ask her...

Ryuuen: Did you hear that, Kinoshita? She doesn't think she's done anything wrong at all. Can you forgive her?

Kinoshita: I won't forgive her...

Ryuuen:Hear that? Unless you acknowledge your fault sincerely, we have no intention of responding

Suzune: ...

Ryuuen: This is what I would like to say but you have your pride too I guess. I understand you don't want to call yourself the bad guy in front of your teacher and your friend. That's why I'll give my response since I have a generous heart. However, it's a different story whether or not Kinoshita will accept that

I just start to smirk... it probably annoyed her a lot because she was looking at me with those sexy eyes...

Suzune:If I pay a million points, you'll make it so that nothing happened, that's what you said. There are no other conditions, right?

How cute...

Ryuuen:Certainly. But that was only the case a while ago. You declined once right? The same conditions won't apply now. If this is to be the second round of negotiations, then naturally the conditions will change...That's right. Try kneeling and begging right here. Maybe Kinoshita's feelings and my own might change

Chabashira: Wait! Ryuuen, this is too much...

Just shut up outsider... trying to ruin my fun right now...I just start to stare at Suzune's teacher.

Ryuuen:Teachers shouldn't butt into this. This is a problem between us, students

Seeing that the teacher didn't answer I then just looked at Suzune again

Ryuuen:Well, I won't force you to make a decision right away. A teacher's eye is also on us. That's why I'll hear your answer once the sports festival ends. Will you end this with a million points and a kowtow or will you revive this matter and have the school deliberate on it? Which one will you choose?

I then start walking away but stop before leaving the infirmary and adding something...

Ryuuen:Don't think this problem will be over just because the sports festival ends, ok? I'll dig this matter back up thoroughly no matter what and fight against you. After school, you bring Suzune to me...

The last part of my sentence was to Kikyo. Me and Kinoshita just exit the infirmary...

Ryuuen: You can do whatever you want...

Kinoshita: O-Ok Ryuuen-kun...

After this order, she starts walking in another direction. I just continued to walk to go back to our tent...

Now it was settled... no one could do anything against it. Suzune was into my trap and there was no way someone could save her at this point. But to be honest... I was maybe a bit disappointed by someone. This Fukazawa dude... after the exam on the cruise, if he really the one who send me this message, I thought that he could be someone who could entertain me... but if he really sees nothing of my plan and didn't realize it yet he is probably not worthy of my time.

I then remember something suddenly...

Ryuuen: But those bandages...does he?

I then continue to walk away until...

Ryuuen: Hm?

.

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Time Skip

Horikita Pov:

Ayanakoji:Is your leg ok?

I just come back to our tent after having been trapped by Ryuuen-kun and had a talk with Nii-san. I was hoping that Sudo-kun decided to come back to participate in the rest of the sports festival... but I was naive...again. But now my mind was clear... I know what I needed to do.

Horikita: I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt, but it's not like I can't run. Will you come along?

My goal was to bring back Sudo here... he was our chance for the festival. He was participating in all the optional events and was our best student. Well, there still have Fukazawa-kun... but right now I don't know what I can tell to him. Since this morning he had been harsh with me but I start to realize why... I probably disappointed him again... like during the desert island. The person I think I could reach more easily right now is Sudo-kun like Ayanakoji-kun has told me. Sudo is a great asset to our class and I need to bring him here.

Ayanakoji:I'll have to decline. Even if I act together with you, I'd only be getting in your way

Horikita:I see...

That may be convenient for me as well. I thought so as I endured the pain and started walking. There's still someplace I hadn't been to, it would have to be Keyaki Mall or the dormitory. As I was walking toward one of these two places, I saw a man walking with his two hands in his pockets. He still has his usual relaxed expression and was just walking toward me. I stopped myself and was expecting him to stop to talk to me... but...He just ignore me and continue walking towards where our class was...

Horikita: Fukazawa-kun!

I call his name without thinking first... He stopped walking but didn't face me, he was probably waiting that me to speak first. I don't think I could convince him to go all out... he is like Ayanakoji. These two-person seems to have great ability to think and Fukazawa-kun just showed that he has a great physical ability too. That's why my priority should be Sudo-kun, he could become a great weapon for my goal to reach A-Class and it will be easier to convince him... but still, I don't want to disappoint him again... I need to choose my words carefully...

Horikita: I'm going to bring back Sudo-kun. That's the best option for the future of our class...

I then take a pause in my sentence... I then turn around to look at his back and said...

Horikita: And to be able to reach the A-Class!

I tried my best to make him understand that I changed my mindset... I don't have a lot of time so I can not explain my fails but I wanted him to know that from now I will change.

He didn't answer me immediately... that started to worry me a bit but...

Yato: Hahahahahaha!

He then starts to laugh like he always does... He then turned around to look at me, he just have his usual smile while he was looking at me

Yato: It was about time you don't think so hahaha!

He was not trying to be mean here... no it was just his usual attitude when he fool around. He was not like this morning... no it was the same Fukazawa-kun that he usually. Like Ayanakoji, he was trying to make me understand my mistake during this festival. Now that I have his answer I just start walking away again to try to bring back Sudo-kun...

Horikita: I need to not make any mistake...

.

.

.

Time Skip

Yato Pov:

The bell rang and the latter half of the sports festival began. It's now time for the Recommended Only Participation events. It's expected that for the remaining four contests, elites chosen from within the ranks of the class will be the ones participating... and sadly I was participating in three of the four events...

I was with Kiyo and Hirata and the first optional event was about to start...

Hirata: By the way Fukazawa-kun, Ayanakoji-kun, you both participating in the scavenger hunt right?

Yato: Hoi he rubs salt in the wound or what?

Kiyo:If possible I'd rather not though...

Kiyo was the first one to answer and both of them start to look at me...

Yato: Sadly I win all the rock-paper-scissors games... but if you want my place Hirata go ahead don't be shy...

Hirata: Hahaha

Yato: Why you laugh? I was serious...

Kiyo:The problem is the absentee, Sudo...

Well yeah... after all he was participating in all the optional events. But there was still an option...

Hirata:If you don't mind, I'd like to hear your opinion. I'd like to ask Horikita-san for her opinion but that doesn't seem to be an option...

She finally decided to go after Sudo... I was glad that she finally realized. Sudo was a great weapon in fact and seeing him how much he is in love with Horikita. She is probably the only one who could reach him right now.

Seeing that Kiyo didn't answer I decide to do it... since I was there he probably wanted to talk the less.

Yato: You want to know if we should make a substitution?

Hirata: Exacxlty Fuakzawa-kun.I think a substitute will be necessary. When it comes to individual contests, our class is probably the worst. That's why in order to win in overall points, we have to win here.

Yato: Indeed... since this morning our class didn't perform really well. We are probably last in the ranking of our year. Then you have an idea on who we should use as a substitute?

Hirata:100,000 points are required for a substitution after all. I'll do something about the points. The substitutes we can use that I think would be fine are Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun...

Yato: Ike and Yamauchi huh... yeah that's probably the two best picks here...

Kiyo:Because if they take 1st place, they'll be able to acquire points for their tests?

Wow, I love that when he plays dumb...

Hirata:Yeah. I think it's a good idea to make use of that merit

The scavenger hunt was a great event for those two, after all, luck was important here... Wait!... Why do I'm participating in it then?

Ultimately, Ike and Yamauchi had a rock-paper-scissors duel and Ike, who won, triumphantly joined the participating group.

Ike:Alright! I'll try my hardest for Sudo's sake too!

It's been more than an hour since he left and you start worrying about him? Anyway, prior to the contest, the referees provide an explanation.

Referees: There are items marked as being difficult to obtain in this scavenger hunt. It is possible to draw again but there will be a 30-second window before you'll be able to do so. You will need to inform the referee present when you draw lots of your desired course of action. In addition, the contest will end as soon as 3 contestants clear it. That will be all...

After that supplementary explanation was given... I was in the last group so I was just looking at them in our tent. I notice Ryuuen walking towards Kiyo but someone came next to me.

???: Hey Yato-kun, where did you go during the break time? You were gone the entire time

It was Kei, she was wondering why I didn't come back with them during the dinner...

Yato: Well after I went to get a water bottle...I was wondering if Horikita had gone in search of Sudo, so I decided to take a look in the school building.

She didn't answer me, no she was just looking at me in silence. I just start to look at her too with a questioning expression...

Yato: What?

Kei: Oh! Eh, nothing I was just curious that's all!

Yato: ...

Kei: Anyway I will go...

Yato: Wait...

I just grab her hand to stop her and I just kept looking at her... but her expression was not the same as usual...

Yato: Kei... the question that you asked me...

I then stop looking at her and was looking at a guy who was presently doing his scavenger hunt... and before continuing my sentence I just looked back at her again with a more serious expression...

Yato: It's Kiyo who asked you to ask me this?

I immediately knew the answer before she even need to answer me... I had my answer with her expression.

Yato: I see...

This guy...

Kei: Well yes he asked me this... but what's the problem with that?

She doesn't even realize what he was trying to do...so I don't blame her at all. But with my answer I gave her...

Yato: Nothing it just broke my little heart that you trying something against me...

I said that with my fooling tone...

Kei: What are you saying... I didn't want to do anything...

Yato: I know I know...

She would not do anything that could go against me... I'm her protection after all.

Yato: Look Kei, just tell him... don't worry I won't do anything, it was the best way for the future...

She just looked at me puzzled... She didn't understand my words. But it was not a problem because Kiyo will...

Kei: O-Okay...

Yato: Sighs... anyway I need to go now...

I just get up and start walking toward the starting line for the events. This guy Kiyo... used Kei without her even knowing it. He wanted to know if when I was gone during the break I caused any problem to his plan... haha what a fucking bastard he is...Not too long after I arrived there, the race began.

I just run at a normal peace, not like my last race against Shibata. I was still the first one to reach the box where we need to draw the task. I take the first paper that my hand grabbed in the box and open it...

''Go search a nightstand''

Yato: Whaaat?

What the fuck is this task... To have one my only option is to go to my room... Do I go search it anyway? I saw the others participant start running in different directions... They probably have their task already...

Yato: I request a change...

I then start to feel all the gazes of my classmate on me... they probably wondering what task I got. I then waited 30 seconds before drawing a new task. I open the paper again and start reading it...

Yato: Bring your best-fre...

I didn't finish reading it and just crumple the paper...what a fucking trash game...

Yato: I want another one...

The fact that I requested another change seems to have irritated some person in my class, but I didn't really care... I then hear someone speaking...

Ike: I knew it... we shouldn't let Fukazawa participate in an event of luck...

Wow... Ike, I'm impressed you are probably the smartest student right now... why made me participate in this event...

After my other 30 seconds of waiting I dew a new task...

'' Go search a pillow ''

Yato: They just want me to return to my room right?

Before I could make any choice all the other participant had finished their task... so I was in the last place.

Yato: Sighs...

I just drew another paper just by curiosity

'' Go search a drum ''

Yato: Sighs...I actually lost before I even started...

After my great performance... it seems that I and Kiyo had last place. But Ike managed to get the first place so it was not too bad... I guess?

But Sudo and Horikita still hadn't come back and it was already time for the 2dn optional event

Yato: ...

.

.

.

Time Skip

Hirata: Even if Sudo was missing for the omnidirectional tug-of-war, we managed to get the win! Great job, Miyake-kun, Ayanakoji-kun and Fukazawa-kun.

Sudo who was still missing was replaced by Akitio for this event. He told me last time that he was a delinquent before so his strength was really good. By our effort of we four, we managed to beat the other three classes. I don't really think that it would change anything for the final ranking but it helps a bit for the morale of the class I guess.

I then take a look in the direction of the dormitory and didn't see Horikita or Sudo coming back yet...

Hirata:Doesn't look like Sudo-kun's coming back yet

Yato: It seems soo... it only remains two events for the sports festival...

Kiyo who was with us asked a question to Hirata...

Kiyo:Hirata, are you planning on providing the points for the next contest as well?

Hirata: Yeah. Because it's necessary. A necessary expenditure

Yato: ...

But even so, conveniently for us, Hirata's paid for three so far. Twice for Sudo who missed out on the scavenger hunt and the omnidirectional tug-of-war and once for Horikita, who missed out on the latter.If he has to pay for the next one as well it would come to a total of 500,000points.

I didn't say anything about that... because I didn't plan to pay anything for the class. We were now in October and the last time I check I had 5 388 945 private points. I could sense the gaze of Kei on me sometime when Hirata was talking about paying for other students but personally, I didn't care. I will not pay when I already know that we lose... I prefer to keep them for some eventuality...

Hirata:Well...leaving aside Sudou, Horikita will probably pay for herself later

Yato: That's not her type to let you pay for her...

Kiyo: But Isn't it about time you let them bear the cost too? The ones participating, I mean

Kiyo was right, even if Hirata had won a lot of private points during the exam on the cruise ship it still make a lot. But here we were talking about Hirata... the person too kind for his own good.

Hirata: That may be so. But 100,000 points is a large amount and saving up that much isn't easy after all. I'm the one who went ahead with the substitutions and all so I can't really go around asking them for points

Kiyo:Don't you think that the one who bailed is at fault?

Yato: True... after all Sudo punch you earlier... and now you ended up paying for him.

I was curious about his answer too... but to be honest, I already knew what he was thinking about all this.

Hirata:There's the class's victory to consider too but if we can rank higher and win prizes here it'll give us an advantage in the exams to come. It's best to participate still. If they have to pay their own way through, there are probably a lot of students who would pass up on this

What he was saying was true... but that will not change the fact that I will not pay for them.

The remaining contests are the mixed-gender three-legged race and the last one: the 1200 meter relay. I was free of the first event and I will not volunteer myself to replace Sudo on this one. I don't know who will take the place of Horikita and Sudo...

Hirata tries calling out to see if there's anyone interested in participating. But before he could, Kushida came running over.

Kushida:Umm, Hirata-kun. Could you let me help out too? I'd like to participate in the three-legged race. Of course, I'll pay the points for it...can I?

Hirata:Ehh?

Kushida huh? Another great opportunity to be the nice girl in the story...

Kushida:I can't let Hirata-kun be the only one bearing the burden. Besides, I also want to try my best to contribute for Horikita-san and Sudo-kun's sake as well...

Hirata:Of course, that's a welcome offer. Since Kushida-san's pretty good at sports too

Without any hesitation Hirata accepted the offer of Kushida... it was true that Kushida was not that bad at sports and she probably has a lot of private points too, she was in the dragon group with us after all. She was even the VIP so she must have more than 1 000 000 points at the moment...

Kushida:Thanks. I'll go tell Chabashira-sensei that I'll be participating in Horikita-san's place then

Saying that she ran off.

Hirata: Then, now for the boy. I'll ask around

I was about to say something to Hirata but I was preceded by someone...

Kiyo:Hey, Hirata. This contest, is it ok if I act as Sudou's substitute? I'll pay the points for it too. There's no guarantee I'd be able to contribute to the class but if that's fine with you

Yato: Kiyo?

Hirata:Well...sure. Of course, I don't mind...but are you fine with that?

I and Hirata were both looking at Kiyo... we were both surprised by this.

Kiyo:It feels awkward having you bear the burden alone. Besides, I'm feeling a bit anxious about the next exam. I'd like to secure at least one point

Hirata: No problem Ayanakoji-kun, thank you a lot for you help.

After that, he immediately went to Chabashira-sensei to tell her that he will be the substitution of Sudo...

Hirata: It was really surprising haha.

Hirata was still next to me just told me that...

Yato: yeah... I didn't expect him to volunteer himself...

Hirata was now looking at me...

Hirata: You were about to tell something before Ayanakoji-kun speak up... right Fkazawa-kun?

He noticed it huh...

Yato: Maybe...

Hirata: I see haha...

I didn't tell him that I was about to volunteer myself too... but it was not for the same reason that Kiyo said to Hirata. No, I guess that his real reason for participating was the same as mine...Kushida Kikyo.

After that, I just went to find a place where I can sit while watching the event. I notice that Shibata was with Ichinose in this event. I was just looking at Kiyo and Kushida and it seems that they were talking. They were still talking before the start of the race until Kushida start to look in my direction...

Yato: Sighs...

I was right then... Kiyo probably want to participate in this event to have a talk with Kushida and confronted her about the fact that she was the traitor...and my name probably ended up in their conversation.

A moment after their race started and we ended up at the fourth position. Now it was just remaining the last event of our senpai before the last event of the day... the 1200 meter relay race between all years...

I just take a look towards the dormitory...

Yato:You should hurryHorikita...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter, I hope you liked it! Sorry, I was supposed to release it sooner but I got less time to write finally. And most importantly I just needed to do a check-up for the Ryuuen saga (up to vol 7) just to be sure that everything was okay.

Anyway, the next chapter will be the last for Vol 5 and it should come out at the start of the next week. Thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 5: Beginning of a New Era

Chapter 8

Yato Pov:

The last event of the second half, the 1200 meter relay that would bring the sports festival to a close is about to begin. Tensions are running high for everyone other than Class D... with Sudo and Horikita who were still not here, the majority of the class has given up and the morale was at the lowest right now...

But it was about to change...

Hirata:So this is the final event...even for this one we'll have to prepare a substitute...

When we were about to ask for a substitute again... I noticed two-person coming towards us from behind...

Sudo:Hah, hah. Sorry, to keep you waiting! What's going on?

With these casual words from Sudo... all the D-Class turn around to look at the man who just said those words and finally come back at the time for the last event. I immediately notice his change of attitude... but it was not the case for everyone. No in fact, I and Kiyo were probably the only ones to immediately notice it. All the other people in the class were not too sure how to react after Sudo did to Hirata earlier. But as always, the first person to speak was...

Hirata: Sudo-kun, You came back!

Like if nothing happened earlier. Hirata seems happy with the comeback of Sudo.

Sudo: Sorry... it takes me some time to get myself together...

He had a bright and cheerful look on his face. However, still, a lot of students turned to look at Sudo coldly. Sudo took their stares head-on.

Sudo:Sorry. All because I snapped, I ended up hitting Hirata and caused morale to plummet. It's also my fault that Class D is in such dire straits

Before anyone could blame him, Sudo said that and gave a deep bow.

Yato: This attitude...

Yes... the attitude of Sudo right now was proof that a change happen in him. When I look at him right now, I think if all what happened to him today...the provocation of Ryuuen mostly... would have never happened if he would had the same mindset that right now. Seeing him grow as a better person and seeing him overcome his flaws was not something that I expect to be this... great?... to see, to be honest.

I then take a look at the girl next to him... Horikita. I was glad that she succeed to help Sudo. It was the confirmation of the potential that she has...even if it's was still too soon to tell that she on the level of the other class leader... but it was still a big step for Horikita Suzune.

Hirata, after a brief moment of surprise, laughed happily.His cheek, which had swollen up a bit, looked painful. But he doesn't even seem to care about that.

Ike:What's up with you, Ken? This is unlike you

Ike unexpectedly cut in after seeing that.

Sudo:I just admit my wrongs. I have been the biggest problem here and I wanted to apologize to you too, Kanji.

Ike:It's not like it's your fault I lost or anything. I'm not good at sports...I'm sorry I wasn't of any use...

Seeing Ike and Sudo apologizing to each other I decided to say my thoughts to Sudo...

Yato: Be able to take a step back after all this prove that you changed Sudo. Look at our class...

I take a pause in my sentence... Sudo starts to look around at our classmates. I look at him and direct his gaze to the girl next to him.

Yato: They all need you and your talent... doing your best for a collective is not a bad thing. Being able to recognize your own flaws and take the decision to change is maybe a hard thing to do...but In this way... you will truly be acknowledged for your real value and talent. I'm glad to you have been able to do so, Sudo.

No one said anything... all the people here were surprised by what I just said. Sudo was looking at me...

Sudo: Wow... thanks a lot Fukazawa...I will do my best with my talent for the class starting from today!

No one was probably expecting that I will say that to Sudo because they were all looking at me. But I really wanted to tell him my thoughts here... I find it important to tell him that his questioning about himself and his new start was a big step for him. The other reason I said all this was probably just because I was in the mood to do so... but what I said didn't apply to only Sudo... no for the girl next to him too.

After what I just said some other students start to apologize to Sudo too... but I still feel some gaze on me. One of them was Horikita... I just decided to look at her back but she immediately start looking away...

Sudo:If you haven't decided on the substitute for the relay then please let me run!

Hirata: I guess that everyone is okay with that?

The rules for the final event, the 1200 meter relay, requires that boys and girls be mixed. From each class, the runners must be evenly balanced between boys and girls. Three boys and three girls each must run 200 meters.

Horikita:May I ask for a substitute runner...? I won't be able to produce satisfactory results with this leg...

After Sudo's case wrapped up, Horikita requested that with an apologetic look on her face.

Hirata:Are you fine with that, Horikita-san? You tried so hard to be in this relay, right?

Horikita:it can't be helped. In this state, I'm not even sure I can win against Ike-kun. Sorry!

After Sudo had done so, Horikita also gave a deep bow.

I don't know what exactly what Sudo and Horikita talked about before coming back but it seems that it really helped both of them. The two of them had been targeted by Ryuuen since this morning and it seems that all his effort became useless and even counterproductive for the future...

But still... this race was important to Horikita.Her hands trembling in frustration, she fought desperately against the dream that couldn't possibly come true. Running against her older brother, Horikita Manabu.

If she forced the matter and participated in the contest anyway, then without a doubt, Class D would lose. Having heard that, Hirata nodded and decided that Kushida would be participating in her stead.

Now the people participating were in order Sudo, Onodera, Hirata, Maezono, Me, and Kushida... who was now replacing Horikita at the last runner. Making a change in the order would still cost 100 000 points.

Yato: Kushida in last huh...

While I was thinking about all this I noticed that Kiyo and Hirata made eye contact...

Hirata: Sorry everyone but there is something I would like to say!

Everyone was now looking at him and was ready to listen to him.

Hirata: I will ask for a substitute runner too... Sorry everyone but I'm not currently at my best too.

A lot of people were uncertain about this news...

Mii-chan: Hirata-kun will not participate?

Shinohara: But who will be the substitute runner?

A lot of students... mostly girls... started to ask questions about this.

Hirata: Don't worry everyone! I already know who will run instead of me. I talked with Ayanakoji-kun earlier and he will be the one who will be the substitute runner.

Yato: Kiyo...why?

I was looking at Kiyo but he didn't start looking at me or anything... he was just standing next to Hirata.

Kiyo: Like Hirata said I will replace him. I'll pay the points for the substitution

Student:Ehh, you will, Ayanokoji? Speaking of which, you...are you fast?

This decision seems to be still uncertain for some people... There was not a lot of choice for a substation runner anyway. But the real question here is why does Kiyo had accepted this?

Hirata: Don't worry guys! I've been watching him up until now and I think he's the kind of person who'll make sure he produces results

Does he accept only because it was Hirata who asked him?

Hirata: It just remains to choose which position to put Ayanakoji-kun and Kushida-san...

I immediately had an idea so I decided to speak...

Yato: Well first I think we should let Sudo be the first runner...

Hirata: Indeed, I think the same as you Fukazawa-kun! Being able to take a lead from the start is our only way to win.

Sudo: I understand... Don't worry I will give my best guys!

Sudo and Hirata immediately agree with me... so the rest of the class did the same.

Yato: Great and I think we should not make any other change in the current runner lineup...first, we would only have 200 000 points to spend for the two substitutions and no other payment to make for changing the order at the last second...

Everyone was listening to me... Hirata just nodded at my statement to show that he agreed with me. Before continuing I take a quick glance at Kiyo who was next to Hirata...

Yato: And for our two new runners... I think Kushida should become the third runner and Ayanakoji should become the last runner.

Sudo: Hmm well I know that we do not have a lot of options but we will lose the lead that I will make at the start no?

Hirata: Yes... probably. But with you and Onodera as the first two runners, we will be able to have a great lead at the start of the race and if we finally lose it... we would maybe still have a chance to catch it up, right Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Exactly... I should be able to catch up if we are behind the other class. And to be honest... it's probably the only option we have...

Kei: I think it's the best plan for us! After all, Yato-kun is really fast too! he could catch up with the other!

Hirata: I agree with Karuizawa-san, it's probably our best way to win!

Sudo: Well, no helping it. There's no other way if we want to win!

With Hirata's approval, all the class was now agreed with this plan. Kushida was now the third runner and Kiyo... the last runner. In fact, I wasn't trying to find the best way for us to win... no I just wanted that Kiyo to be the last runner. Maybe if he has the biggest role of this 1200 relay he would show if he can really run faster than he did since this morning. Because I'm sure that he still hides his ability... but knowing Kiyo there is no chance that he will really try his best. Or maybe I just imagine things and he can't run faster?...

Anyway, It was finally the time for the last event of the day, the 1200 meter relay. From across all school years and from across all classes, the chosen elites gather at the center of the grounds and amongst them was the current President Horikita Manabu and Nagumo. It was soon the start of the race so each person start going to their designated place.

I was in the fifth group. When everyone was finally all at their position the final starting signal was given.

Sudo motivate as ever... succeed to make a perfect start and immediately outstripped his competitors. There were a few good runners in his group but probably with all that happened today he was giving and all and probably even more.

I could hear our class and a lot of students cheering for the runner. Seeing the start of Sudo the guy next to me makes a comment on it...

Kanzaki: Choosing Sudo as your first runner to be able to have a great lead from the start is a good tactic...

It was Kanzaki from the B-Class. It seems that he was in the same group as me.

Kanzaki: But I was surprised by our last runner... I thought that it would be you after your race against Shibata... does your class have another surprise to show us?

I then turn my head to look at him... there was still a lot of time beforeMaezono give me the baton and I start running.

Yato: Maybe... who knows. But for your class, there is no surprise on the choice of youranchor...

I then turn around to look at the final group to see Shibata... but I was more curious about Kiyo. He was next to Horikita-senapi et Nagumo. But like if he was already looking at me, I got eye contact with Nagumo. He just has his usual smile and was currently talking to Horikita-senpai I think... Anyway, I just ignore him and just turned around to look at the race.

Kanzaki: Of course we choose Shibata, he is our best runner after all.

Not only he was the best runner in their class but probably the best runner in the first year... well excluding myself and Koenji. But in general, the B-Class was doing great in the festival and this last event. Onodera just gave the baton to Kushida and we were already losing the lead that Sudo made. The only class of the first year that was still ahead with our senpai was the B-Class.

I didn't add anything and was just looking at the race but it was Kanzaki himself that continued to talk.

Kanzaki: So after all I was right to suspect you huh... You were lying about your true ability.

Yato: Hahaha

Still looking at the race I answer him...

Yato: You know Kanzaki... Humans are born liars. Being able to differentiate the truth from the lie is probably one of the greatest qualities you can have...

I then turn my head to face him...I look at him with a more serious expression than usual...

Yato: Try to keep that in mind...

Kanzaki: I see... you are in an interesting one Fukazawa Yato.

He then starts to get ready to receive the baton... His class was already here. The chance form to catch up with the best class was now nearly impossible. Before his classmate gives him the baton he says a last thing to me...

Kanzaki: You know I'm glad that our class is currently in an alliance... but even so...

He then takes a little break in his sentence and just before that he receive the baton...

Kanzaki: I will listen to what you told me... I will still be on my guard for the best of my class.

With those words, he starts running immediately after he receives the baton from his classmate. But about Kanzaki... I think he was worthy of keeping an eye on him. After all, he was the only one I could see from the Ichionose class the not have a naive way of thinking. That's why the person of the name of Kanzaki had gained my interest.

I then regain my attention to the race I saw that Kushida has just given the baton toMaezono. We were not last but we were in the last patch of runners. Reaching a place of the top-ranking was now nearly dead... While I was thinking about all this and looking at the race another person next to me started to speak...

???: Sighs...Kiriyama. And me who really thought that I could gain some point by participating in this...

I then turn my gaze to my left... it was a girl who seems to talk to herself. It was a girl with crimson eyes and long platinum blonde hair. It was the first time that I saw her so she was probably a senpai of mine... but wait... Kiriyama? She noticed that I was looking at her and she start to look at me.

Yato: Hey can I ask you something... Kiriyama is not the name of the one who follows Nagumo everywhere like a good dog?

If I'm not mistaken... Kiriyama was the one with Nagumo during the summer break when I encounter Nagumo after the fortune-teller.

But Like if my question amused her she just chuckled and smirked.

???: Haha, Yes it's the best way to describe him... you are totally right Fukazawa Yato

Yato: Ehhhh you know my name?

Still, with her smirk on her face, she was still looking at me... even if her classmate was running in her direction with the baton.

???: Of course, you are an interesting one after all! You are probably one of the only to had refused something to Nagumo... not only once but twice haha.

Who is this girl? Her attitude makes me think that she is not close to Nagumo...I just have my fooling expressions and voice tone...

Yato: Ehh so I had been stalked by a senpai uh? I don't really know what to think about all this...

???: You should be proud to have gained my interest haha...

Her classmate was about to arrive and gave her the baton...

???: I'm curious to see what you will do in the future.

With those words, she just grabs the baton and starts running... I must say that she was running really fast...but...

Yato: I still don't know her name...

I then look to the remaining runner in my group. I guess there was all from the D-Class.Maezono was not last and was about to arrive at me to give me the baton. I then take a look before she arrived and notice that a lot of runners still haven't given the baton to theiranchor. There was still a little chance to catch up in the ranking... I'm sure that I can catch up with a lot of them but it just remains one factor... Kiyo.

Maezono was about to arrive and noticed something. Horikita Manabu just grabbed the baton but remained there... and he was looking and talking to Kiyo.

Yato: What does that mean? Did he give up on his chance to finish first?

To be honest... I was not sure if I should give my all in this race. because like I said, I don't really care about this result. We already lost in the ranking even if we ended up in the first position here. But with what happened today with Sudo and Horikita... the class who seems more inited. I don't know why but I might want to give my all here... even more when I saw Horikita Manabu who seems to wait for Kiyo... and the girl senpai that I just talked with... I might be able to catch up with her before she gives her baton to Kiriyama...

Yato: Yes... I take my decision...

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5 minutes earlier

Kiyo Pov:

The 1200 meter relay just started with a perfect start of Sudo...but even with his great start, we started to lose the lead that Sudo made. But even if we were losing our lead, I could hear your class still cheering our runners. It seems that our class gain something today even with all that happened.

I thought that maybe we would have the chance to have a place in the high ranking but it will maybe be more difficult than I was thinking. There was still the factor of Yato... does he will run as he did against Shibata? And there is the choice of his tactic for this run that doesn't make sense...

While I was thinking about this I heard someone talking in my group...

???: What a shame... it seems that the fifth group is more interesting than expected...

I then turn my head to my left to see who was talking... and it was Nagumo-senpai. He wasn't looking at the race but more at the fifth group. I then noticed that Yato and Kanzaki were looking in our direction too. But Yato quickly changed his gaze to just go back watching the race.

Nagumo was probably talking about Yato right now... after all, with his race against Shibata, he must have drawn the attention of a lot of people.

Horikita Manabu just turned around to see what Nagumo was talking about be he quickly lost interest and just continued to watch the race. Nagumo immediately notices it and starts smirking.

Nagumo: Haha... Horikita-senpai you are always tough with others...Lucky I'm here for our Kouhai...

Horikita didn't even react to what Nagumo just said, he was just looking at his classmate giving his best for his class. Nagumo seeing this just start looking at the race too.

Nagumo: Looks like we win this fight, President Horikita. If possible, I'd have liked to run against you

Glancing at the approaching top runner, a student from Class A of the 2nd year, Nagumo laughed.There's about a 30 meter gap from the 3rd year's Class A student. The victory for the 2dn year A-Class was already set...

Nagumo:Even in overall points, we're likely to win. Looks like the dawn of a new era

This time Horikita answered to Nagumo...

Horikita-senpai:Are you serious about changing it? The school, I mean

Nagumo:Up until now, there's been a lack of fun when it comes to the student council. It stubbornly stuck to protecting tradition. Even though you speak such harsh things you've never forgotten to leave behind a safety net. Soft rules that ensured expulsions won't occur. Such things are already unnecessary, aren't they? That's why all I'll be doing is creating new rules. For the ultimate meritocratic school system, that is!

Nagumo said so as he slowly started to walk forward. He started on an approach run to receive the baton closing in.The baton is passed onto the representative of the 2nd year's Class A: Nagumo. Not too long after, Shibata also received his baton under the ideal condition of being in 2nd place.

Shibata:Alright, nice! Leave the rest to me!

Shibata, with fiery eyes, started running as though chasing after Nagumo. Due to the students between us leaving, for just a moment, I made eye contact with the older Horikita. There's not much to be gleaned from a brief conversation but...

Horikita-senpai:To think you're the anchor

Kiyo: Well I'm just replacing your sister who originally was slated to be in this position. But with some bad luck, I ended up in this position...

This bad luck was called Fukazawa Yato...

Horikita-senpai:I see. She's struggling in her own way then

Even if it's only for this moment alone, Horikita has dreamed of standing alongside Horikita Manabu. Even if she couldn't exchange words with him, she had probably intended on conveying her own feelings to him.

Horikita-senpai:I've been watching your class and up until a while ago I thought of you guys as a hopeless class. But in this final relay, I don't feel any of that from you guys. What happened?

Kiyo:You sure are keeping an eye on us. Class D of the 1st year isn't really something you ought to be paying attention to, right?

Horikita-senpai:I keep an eye on all classes. No exceptions

Kiyo:If something has changed then it'd be your sister

Horikita-senpai:I see...

No surprise. He only replied briefly with that usual, composed expression of his.

Horikita-senpai:I'll ask you this. What about you? I can't feel any passion from you?

Kiyo:I'm the usual me. I have no interest in this sports festival. I can already tell the outcome...

The class's feelings.

Sudou's feelings.

Horikita's feelings.

I have no strong interest in any of that.

It's just, I had a single premonition.

Horikita-senpai then just looks again at the fifth group... Yato was about to have the baton soon...

Horikita-senpai: I see... what about Fukazawa Yato

Yato huh?... I don't know why exactly but he seems warry of him. During the summer break when I had a talk with Horikita-senpai and Yato join us... Horikita-senpai said the Yato didn't have what is needed for the council. With just that I can't draw a conclusion but it was more with the expression of his secretary, Tabashina-senpai. Her expression when she heard the name of Fukazawa Yato changed and she seemed more warry about him. Even now... Horikita-senpai still asking about Fukazawa...

Kiyo: There's nothing to say about him... he is doing a great job for the class. I don't understand your concern about him...

Still looking at Yato, Horikita-senpai answer me...

Horkita-senpai: I can understand your incomprehension... but mostly I don't want to make a mistake again...

Kiyo: mistake?

But to be honest... I still have a lot of preoccupation with Yato. I don't think he is a threat to me concerning my personal life... but I still have this feeling I can't understand about him.

Kiyo:You won't be able to see it after you graduate but...our class will become stronger...

Horikita-senpai:I have no interest in such an assumed future

As the older Horikita glanced at his approaching teammate, I stopped him with my words.

Kiyo:Then in that case, would you happen to be interested in seeing exactly what kind of person I am?

Horikita-senpai:What?

The timing's about right to start on an approach run. However, just as I expected, he stopped.

Kiyo: If you'd like... I don't mind racing against you

Horikita-senpai: You sure are a man who says the most fascinating things. Was it just my misunderstanding? Up until now, I thought you hated standing out and avoided taking any direct action. Even in this relay, I had thought you'd simply let things play out and end

Kiyo:If you'll abandon any possibility of making it to 2nd place in order to race against me then I'll accept. It's not every day the 1st year and a 3rd year are lined upside-by-side to compete

In response to my unexpected provocation, the older Horikita stopped entirely and turned to face me.

Horikita-senpai:Interesting

As he was about to receive the baton from the runner of the 3dn year A-Class, I said a last thing while looking at the firth group...

Kiyo: And I don't think we'll have to wait long before starting...

Just as I said that Horikita-senpai start looking behind him at the fifth group while his classmate was about to give him the baton. He grab him but remained there and just congratulated his classmate who didn't understand why Horikita-senpai didn't start running...

I was looking in the direction of Yato and finally, he received the baton from Maezono. The second that he grabbed it he started running...

Horikita-senpai: I see now...

It was not only Horikita-senpai who had a reaction... even if we were currently in the last position Yato succeed to attract attention to the whole school. His start was just perfect and he was running at the same speed that he did against Shibata... no maybe even faster. Without any difficulty, he started to catch up with the other students who were currently running towards their anchor.

Kiyo:I'll just say this before the race

Horikita-senpai:What?

As the two of us started on our approach run, I said this one sentence.

Kiyo: run with everything you've got

For just an instant, I felt that the older Horikita, who had disappeared behind my field of vision, laughed. Finally, I ended up in the role of the anchor because of Yato. He said that it was the best solution for us to win but I know that it isn't true... after all since the begging of the optional events, Yato didn't spend one point on any substitution. During the exam of the VIP, he was in the Dragon group so he at least won 500 000 private points like Hirata. From what I saw of his room he doesn't seem like the type of person to spend his points... so the most credible story would be that he just wanted to force me to run. Well, it's your lucky day Yato... you and Horikita Manabu will see what I'm able to...

At this very moment, the baton passed over to me

Yato: Hoi... your turn, average runner...

With this provocation, I accepted the baton Yato handed over and as the opening act, I dashed forth at full throttle.

In my whole life up until this moment, I've never once ran seriously in this wide, sprawling world.

The situation is completely different compared to when I had continued running indifferently in that cold, inhuman room.

It's still the start of October. The cool season is still far off.

I basked in the cold wind.

I don't care about catching up to and overtaking the runner in front.

At this moment, all that matters is the race against the man running next to me.As though cutting through the wind, at full speed, we closed the distance between us and the runner in front.

Runner:You've got to be kidding right?

As he was overtaken, the student gave a dumbfounded shout but he was left in the dust. Also, I can no longer hear the cheers. Strategy and ingenuity have become irrelevant.

All that remains is my one-on-one fight against Horikita Manabu, who is running next to me. Beyond the first curve, beyond the straight line, and finally to the last curve.

Kiyo:Alright...I'm going to accelerate even further...

Cheers, that resembled angry bellows rang out throughout the grounds.

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Time skip

Yato Pov:

Yato: ...

Sudo:Ayanokoji! Aren't you a fast one! Have you been holding back until now!?

Sudou, who came running over Kiyo, forcefully slapped him on the back.

Kiyo:Running is about my only forte after all. But that was overdoing it. I guess this is what you'd call hysterical strength

Yato: ...

Immediately after thatseveral students who were surprised by Kiyo run came over him and start asking questions but I remain at some good distance while just looking at Kiyo...

Yato: ...

Seriously... what the fuck was that. I wanted him to show if he was able to run faster and it seems that he challenged Horikita Manabu in a race but still... someone in front of him tripped so we couldn't see the end of this duel but...

His speed...

His intelligence...

How cunning he is...

How cold he can be...

How manipulating he can be...

His supposed strength who is already above average...

Yato: ...

Who the hell is this guy?... Ayanakoji Kiyotaka...

Does?... He would beat me in speed?... From what I saw earlier I'm still not sure about it... he had been interrupted in his race after all...

But wait?...

Why am I asking this question to myself?...

What is the problem if he is better than me? I never think that I was the best in a certain field... it's nearly impossible for someone to clearly say '' I'm the best ''... there is always someone better than you... you may never meet this person but the chance that you are truly the best in a certain field of competence are extremely low. Somewhere there will always be someone better than you...

But why do I have this weird feeling?

I already see people with exceptional abilities like Mori, Dazai, Chuuya... But why this time it seems to bother me?

I suddenly remember something that Dazai said to me...

Flashback 3 years before

3dn person pov

It was around midnight in the city of Tokyo. There were three-person who was currently outside on a building roof. There was two adult man who was in their late twenties and a boy aged of 14-year-old. There were currently observing something from the top of a roof building.

Yato: Sighs... Why do I have to bother myself at coming here with you guys...

Yato, the boy of 14 years old was currently leaning on the wall looking up at the sky. He seemed annoyed.

???: Huh?

One of the two-man, who was currently sitting on a bench with his hat on his face, remove it to answer to Yato...

Chuuya: It's not like you had better things to do... right?

Yato: Yeah...I would have hang out with Keisuke I guess...

Before the man named Chuuya could answer it was the other man who answered first...

???: No, No, No... Boys of your age should be sleeping right now...

The man who just said that was the only one doing the job of why the three of them had come here initially. The man was Dazai and the answer he just gave was in his fooling tone...

Yato: Tsk... stop treating me like a child Dazai...

Dazai: Ohhh...But that's what you are

Dazai just answers to Yato with a fooling expression to try to mess with him.

But in reality, the young boy named Yato was really more mature for someone of his age.

Yato: Sighs... you are annoying...

Seeing this Chuuya just seems exhausted...

Chuuya: Hoi Dazai stops messing with him...

Dazai: You're maybe right...

Dazai starts walking towards Yato but this time he doesn't have his usual fooling expression... he was more serious...He then starts looking at Yato straight in the eyes...

Dazai: Does it really annoy you to be here right now? No... I think that you just don't know what to do for your future...

Chuuya didn't say anything... because he knew what Dazai was talking about.

Yato: Ohh? You seem to know what you talking about Dazai...

Dazai: Indeed, I think you are in a similar situation that I had been before... I was a supposed genius but I didn't know what to do... I didn't have any goals. But one day, I meet someone... this person was seriously a real genius... he was considered by some people like...perfect. And I decided to follow him because seeing someone better than me bothered me and I wanted to know what he was able off...

When Dazai was talking about this, Chuuya just lower his gaze as if he was thinking about all this too. Yato was just listening to Dazai in silence...

Dazai: But you know Yato... there is the biggest difference between the two of us. I was really proud of being a genius... being talented at what I was doing. But you... it's the total opposite. You really don't care about being a genius... a bit like the person I encounter in the past. You have ease in everything you try but... you have no goals or motivation.

Yato: ...

Chuuya: Why didn't you want to go back to school like Touma? Mori-san offers it to you after all...even Keisuke offers you to join his school...

Before that Yato could answer it was Dazai who did...

Dazai: Let me guess... it's useless, right? You don't see the point of going there losing your time...

Chuuya: Being a genius who didn't have any motivation... it seems quite a pain isn't it? But... if I'm not mistaken, your father Yukichi told you that you were not obligated to achieve excellence, right?

Indeed it was something that Yukichi said to his son when he noticed that Yato was able to do some math exercising way too advanced for his age...

Dazai: And your father was totally right... your motivation is not necessarily obligated to force you to surpass yourself... but to just have a goal in your life.

Chuuya: And your lucky to have a best friend like Keisuke... he is someone that's no matter your choice will follow you... and Touma too, even if it's complicated this time with him...

Dazai: I know a lot happens but know that we are here to help you the best we can... that's why for the moment follow us... see and discover new things and maybe you will have some motivation or anything like that... maybe you will end up like us...

In on a fooling tone, Dazai says...

Dazai: Which is not a bad thing hehe!

With those words, Dazai starts walking towards the emergence door from the roof building while Chuuya gets up from the bench. But before opening the door Dazai turn around and look at Yato

Dazai: But you know... maybe one day you will meet someone who seems more talented than you... and this encounter will motivate you to surpass yourself...

Yato seemed to think about those words for a bit until Chuuya put his hand on Yato's hair and rub them...

Chuuya: And no matter what happens we will still be there kiddo...

Yato seemed a bit annoyed by this but finally, start to smirk...

Yato: I see... it's good to hear guys...

With that, the three of them start leaving the roof...

Yato: Let's go eat some ramen!

Chuuya: Again?

Dazai: Yeeah! And Chuuya pays for it!

Chuuya: Hoi teme!

.

.

.

Back to the present time

Yato Pov:

But why do I have this weird feeling?

I already see people with exceptional abilities like Mori, Dazai, Chuuya... But why this time it seems to bother me?

Does that mean I want to surpass myself?

???: Yato-kun?

It's the first time in my life that I got this feeling... so that would mean that I admit that I lose?

???: Hey Yato-kun!????

But I'm not even sure that he is better than me...

???: Hey Yato-kun are you ignoring me?

Yato: WHAT!?

Someone didn't stop calling my name but I was too much in my thought to even notice who was the person...

I then look to my left to see a Kei shocked... probably because of my reaction...

Yato: Oh sorry Kei...

Kei: W-Well you scared me a bit but that's okay... I was just worried about you you didn't say a word since the relay ended...

Yato: Yeah... I was thinking about something and some old memories I guess...

Kei was looking at me intrigued but before she could say anything...

Teacher:Now then, we will be announcing the results of this year's sports festival...

On the electronic notice board, we were divided up between the Red Team and the White Team and the tallying of the numbers began. The numbers began to rise. The total acquired points from all 13 events. The winning team was...

Teacher:The Red Team wins

The points were displayed alongside those letters. It truly was a hard-won battle but the Red Team, composed of the DA coalition, appears to have won. We could say thanks to the class of our senpai for this victory...

Teacher:Next up, we will announce the overall points for each class

Dividing up the 12 classes into three categories on the display, the overall points for each class were displayed all at once. For us, the breakdown for the 2nd and 3rd years means nothing. What is important is what position Class D is in.

1st Place: 1st year Class B

2nd Place: 1st year Class C

3rd Place: 1st year Class A

4th Place: 1st year Class D

Sudo:Ugyaah! As I thought! We've lost!

Horikita: It was unfortunately predictable...

Even if the Red Team had won... the first year D and A-Class were at the bottom of the ranking of our year. Having two absentees in the form of Koenji and Sakayanagi ended up being a major factor in it I guess...

Even if we won with the red team, our class was still the last one in the raking by year so we still ended up witha minus 100 class points.Due to the White Team having lost, Class C will also have 100 points subtracted. As Class B is 1st place in terms of overall points, they'd gain 50points and lose 50 points due to the White Team's loss and so it ended as a step back for all the classes.

A-Class = -50

B-Class = -50

C-Class = -100

D-Class = -100

Everyone seemed exhausted after this day and even more by seeing that their effort didn't pay off because we still ended up losing... but for some students like Sudo, they will be able to gain some supplement points in the future exams...

Teacher:Lastly, we will be announcing the MVP...

If I remember well... I look at my left to see Sudo who was expecting this moment. He made a bet with Horikita to have the right to call her by her first name if he ended with the MVP...

Teacher:The MVP for the 1st year is Class B ...Shibata Sou.

Sudo:Guaaaah! So that's how it is after all!

Yato: ...

Well, to be honest, I thought that I had my chance to win... in the individual event I finish first in all except one and Shibata ended up in the 2dn position twice. But I guess that he participated in more optional events and that his class got the first place in your year help him.

Well, it's not like I care any...way...

I then start looking at someone...

Yato: Sighs...

I then regain my attention to Sudo.He continued to stare at the electronic notice board in frustration even after the closing ceremony had ended.

Horikita:Sudo-kun, you didn't place first in our school year. You do remember the promise, right?

Sudo:yeah, it's regrettable though. But a promise is a promise. I'll call you Horikita from now on

Horikita:That's some impressive dedication

Horikita laughed in a slightly teasing manner. I immediately start looking at her a bit shocked...

Horikita:I forgot to tell you this but I just remembered that you one-sidedly pushed those conditions onto me and I haven't made any requests in turn yet

Sudo:What's that mean?

Horikita:If you take 1st place, then you'll call me by my first name. You proposed such selfish terms to me so isn't it natural that I make a request in turn now that you've failed to achieve that?

Sudo:Well, that's, right...

Where she is going with that?

Horikita:That's why I will punish you for not being able to achieve your objective. Never again will you use violence without a justifiable reason. I forbid it. Can you promise me that?

Sudo:it's a punishment, right? I'll keep that promise

I see... it's the perfect way to keep a certain control on Sudo I guess...

Horikita:Of course, don't forget that you're not the one who gets to decide what a justifiable reason is. That's either up to me or a third party...

She looked at me for a moment but quickly start looking away.Sudou obediently abided by that as well. From this incident, he has realized his own foolishness and has decided to act more maturely.

Horikita slowly turned her back and started to walk off.

Horikita:That's right...during this sports festival, much like you, I was unable to live up to everyone's expectations...

Sudo:Ahh? It can't be helped, right? Since you got injured and all

Horikita:Even so, I cannot forgive myself. That's why I also need to be punished

Horikita said so as she turned around and then, she said this.

Horikita:That's why if you wish to do so, I don't mind allowing you to call me by my first name

Sudo:Hah? O-Oi?

Horikita:That is my punishment...Although we're in last place, thanks to that I was able to gain hope for the fights to come. I am truly grateful

I see... it was the new start of Horikita Suzune and Sudo Ken...

Sudo:o-oh???

Sudo shyly rubbed the bottom of his nose and looked in the other direction, blaming the setting sun for his reddened cheeks.

Sudo: Uoooooooooooohhhhh, alriiiiiiiiiiight!

Sudo shouted loudly as though to blow away all fatigue and raised both his hands to the sky.

Sudo:This sports festival is awesome! It's awesome, Suzune!

Horikita:Good for you, Sudo

As I was about to leave I notice someone walking toward us... I knew this person so I thought she was coming to talk to me... even if I was wondering why she was coming to see me here... but...

???: Sorry about butting in while you're celebrating but do you have some time to spare?

This was a student of the A-Class... it was Kamuro. But she wasn't talking to me... no she was talking to...

Kamuro:After this, after you've finished changing that is, would you accompany me for a bit?

I couldn't help but be surprised...

Kiyo:why me?

I was looking directly at Karumo but she didn't look at me back...

Kamuro: Because I have something to tell you. 5 o'clock. Come to the front gate

Ike:O-Oi, Ayanokoji. What's up with that, what's up with that? What's up with that kind of situation!?

In fact, I know the meaning of this... it was not Kamuro who wanted to see Kiyo... no it was Sakayanagi probably. But why? Because of this race? It doesn't make any sense to me... after all, she made contact with me only at the end of the summer break when she was knowing for a while my action against her class and even with the incident with the C-Class at the start of the year. But why does she immediately make contact with Kiyo? And only for his running ability?

Kiyo:What do you mean by having something to tel...

Even if she knows that Horikita is not the one who planned what happen on the island... how she will suspect Kiyo with only this race? She wasn't there on the island and I don't think that she could have gained any info on Kiyo of what he did on the island? So why does she what to meet him?

Ike:What's up with that? Has the springtime of youth come for you as well?

Kiyo... Ayanakoji Kiyotaka... what is the fucking deal with him? At first, I thought that what he succeed on the island was impressive... but that pissed me off that he manipulate me to achieve this win... but I didn't say anything because of him we win this exam.

After that, I find his modus operandi funny and a bit similar to mine so I ended up following him for the case of Kei during the exam on the cruise ship... The same thing for the sports festival, we have a similar idea... let Ryuuen break Horikita Suzune so she can grow up. He already had his plan so I just did as he told me and let him handle this case...

But now... I'm not sure what to think of him...

While I was thinking about all this I feel a hand on my shoulder...

Ike: Haha don't make that face Fukazawa... don't be jealous because Ayanakoji ended up stealing the spotlight! After you already have a girlfriend and...

I just start to look at him... probably not with my usual gaze... no more I had a mode serious look...

Yato: Hoi...What bullshit are you saying, Ike!

Ike: O-Oh... E-Ehhh

He immediately removes his hand from my shoulder and starts to walk away...

Ike: N-Nothing sorry...

Everyone was already inside the school to change themself into their school uniform... It seems while I was thinking about this Kamuro leave and Kiyo too...

Yato: Sighs... I'm tired...

.

.

.

Time skip that night

Yato Pov

It was now 10:30 p.m and I was currently outside sitting on a bench that had a view of the city of Tokyo from far away. There was no one around because of the time and it was not a place where students usually come... there wasn't anything close... only a vending machine. I was currently just looking at the sky while drinking a drink that I bought from the machine earlier.

But why I was there? Well, I was currently waiting for someone... it was not me who planned this meeting but I was expecting it...

I decided to open my phone while waiting and notice that notification of 7 missing calls and some messages I still haven't answered... the last message I could see was saying...

Sorry... I didn't know... it's my mistake... again

I decided not to answer this person yet... I was waiting for a confirmation...While I was thinking about all this I noticed the person who I was waiting for was finally arriving...

The person was walking toward me but I didn't say anything and I was just waiting that this person was close enough so I just left it up to my head and continue watching the sky...

I then sense that this person was now in front of me but I was still looking at the sky... I was waiting that the person to talk first...

Yato: ...

???: Hehehe

I just heard a laugh...

???: You seem calm... you don't wonder why I asked you to come here Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Hmm to be honest yes...

It was a lie... I was still not looking at the person was just looking at the sky... I could sense that it start to irritate the person in front of me.

Yato: So... what can I do for you?

???: Have you talked to Horikita-san before coming here?

Yato: Horikita?

I then lower my head for the first time but instead of looking at the person, I decided to look at my phone...

Yato: No but it seems that she tried to call me a few times already...

And finally... still sitting on the bench... I raise my gaze up to look directly in the eye of the person in front of me...

Yato: What the problem... Kushida...

Indeed... the girl who called me this late was Kushida. She wanted to meet me in hurry. She was still the ''nice'' Kushida... she was acting like always even if we were just the both of us here.

Kushida: You know Fukazawa-kun... you really are a sly man hehe...

Still, with her usual cheerfulness and her smile, she said that...and she continued to talk with this attitude...

Kushida: But I know that it's you Fukazawa-kun...

I didn't react to what she said... I just keep my poker face...

She then takes out her phone from her pockets and...

RING...RING...RING...

It was a call from my phone... I take it out of my pocket and saw that it was Kushida who was calling me... I decided to just play dumb here...

Yato: Can I know why you calling me?

Kushida: Oh just to make sure of a few things... Fukazawa-kun...

She wanted to see if our discussion wasn't heard by anyone else and that I wasn't recording the conversation... but now I knew that she wasn't recording too... in fact, she was acting like the nice girl in the case that I was recording this conversation.

Then... as soon as she knew that she wasn't recorded... her joyfully smile transformed into a sinister one...she was looking at me as she was superior to me now...

Kushida: Great job Fukazawa-kun... you succeed to save Horikita-san earlier...

Yato: Huh?... Save Horikita? What are you talking about?

She didn't answer me... no she just kick the bench close and her kick landed next to me...

I remain calm as ever, she was trying to scare but... I was still looking at her in the eye... if I lower my gaze right now I could probably see under her skirt... and knowing her she will probably twist the story for her own good against me.

Kushida: Oh? Stop playing the wise guy Fukazawa-kun... I know that it's you who send the message to Ryuuen-kun earlier...

She then removes her foot and takes a few steps back...Her eyes right now were the real Kushida... the same one as I saw the night on the cruise ship.

Kushida: You send a record to Ryuuen to save Horikita-san... he thinks that it's not you but for me... I'm sure that it's you...

And you're totally wrong... You should have listened Ryuuen, he is right. It's Kiyo who is behind all this...

Yato: Sighs... I don't in with language I need to tell you for you understand but I don't know what you talking about...

Well, it was a lie but I was really not the person behind this...

Yato: But... that would have meant that you planned something with Ryuuen against Horikita?

I then start to smirk and look at her directly in the eyes...

Yato: What a naughty girl you are...

Kushida: Tsk! Your attitude is hateful...

Of course, my provocation made her react... but...

Kushida: Hehehe...

Again, she starts laughing and looking at me...

Kushida: But you know Fukazawa-kun... that not the reason why I called you here...

She then takes a break in her sentence before continuing with a smirk on her face...

Kushida: Today it's the end of your little game Fukazawa-kun... I learned something really helpful.

She then start walking towards me again and when she was close...

Kushida: In fact... you know nothing!

Yato: Huh?

Kushida: You make believe that you know about me and Horikita but... I had the confirmation by Horikita herself that you didn't haha!

Flashback after the school festival

Kushida Pov:

Ryuuen:Yo. So you didn't run away, after all, Suzune

I meet Ryuuen with Horikita as he planned

Horikita:I'll be damned if I run away here. Of course, I'd come

Ryuuen:Your heart's in the right place. You've become a finer woman than you were before

This compliment made by Ryuuen must annoy her... a compliment made by the one who made her suffered all day.

Horikita:But before I talk with you...let's put an end to this farce already, shall we? Kushida-san

Kushida:Ehh? Farce? What do you mean by that?

I just keep my usual expression and my acting even if we were just the three of us... she was looking directly at me in the eyes...

Horikita: I don't really mind you playing the good guy here but that's not what you're after right? This sports festival. You leaked the information. That's why ClassC was able to pull it off so brilliantly. The fact that I'm here like this now with Ryuuen-kun is also for that sake...am I wrong?

Kushida:...come on, where did you hear something like that from? Hirata-kun? Ayanokoji-kun?...

Then the face of someone pop to mind...

Kushida: No... this is Fukazawa-kun... right?

Even if had my usual expression, Ryuuen and this bitch probably notice that just talking about this annoying nonchalant guy started to piss me off. I could even see Ryuuen start smirking seeing that...

Horikita:No. These are my own thoughts. I couldn't shake off that sense of unease. Isn't it about time we confront each other?

Kushida:Confront each other? What do you mean?

Horikita:At the very beginning, I saw you on that bus trying to convince Koenji-kun to give up his seat. To be honest with you, I didn't recognize you back then. But I immediately remembered you afterward...

This bitch started to look at me in the eyes...

Horikita:Kushida Kikyo-san. I remembered that you had attended my middle school...

I was trying to keep my usual expression.. but it was too much... this bitch try to bring it up all our past...

Kushida:Of course, you'd remember immediately. I was quite a 'problem child!

Horikita:I don't believe that phrase is quite accurate. You were not a problem child, just like how you are in Class D right now, you were a student everybody trusted in. But...

Kushida:Can you cut it out? Stop reminiscing about the past!

Horikita:That's right. No point in talking about the past now

Kushida: Oh but that didn't stop you from talking about it before...

Fukazawa was not in our middle school and I don't remember that I ever saw him before meeting him in this school... and since he is quite close to Horikita she probably talk about my relationship with him... even maybe Ayanakoji but he is way easier to control than Fukazawa...But When I said those words I could notice the expression of Horikita change... she seems to not understand what I'm talking about... wait! don' tell me?

Kushida: I'm sure that you already talked about this to someone... right Horikita-san?

Horikita: Of course not, I keep our past for myself. No one knows about it, Kushida-san...

I see... this bastard... Fukazawa just played with me. He knows nothing about our past... he probably just know that there is something between the two of us... but that's all! I let him make fun of me and make me believe all that... but now...

Kushida: Hehehe I see...

Horikita didn't seem to understand why I was laughing but a moment after I saw her expression change... as if she realized that she make a mistake...

Ryuuen was just listening to our conversation with a smile as though he were enjoying it.

Horikita: Wait!

I immediately interrupt her...

Kushida: I think you start to understand what I will do right Horikita-san...

Horikita: Yes...you want me out of this school and...

Kushida: Even if you tell me that you will not talk about it... I don't care I want to be safe... and that's why... I will expel you and... Fukazawa-kun!

I immediately saw in her face that she understand her mistake... perfect now with the plan of Ryuuen we will humiliate this bitch and I will take care of Fukazawa later...

.

.

.

Back to the present time

Yato Pov:

Kushida: In fact... you know nothing!

Yato: Huh?

Kushida: You make believe that you know about me and Horikita but... I had the confirmation by Horikita herself that you didn't haha! That's was a nice try Fukazawa-kun... but if you know nothing... you are less a menace for me haha!

I then take a surprising expression...

Kushida: Wow Fukuzawa-kun can be shocked too? You didn't mess with the good person Fukazawa-kun... so you going to be a good boy and do what I told you from now.

Yato: I still know about you and Ryuuen...and what if I ask Horikita what it's the deal between the two of you?

Kushida: Oh you seem to forget something...

She then walked toward me and grab my forearm...

Kushida: Go talk about Ryuuen and me or go ask Hoirkita and you are a dead man Fukazawa! I know about your scares... and don't forget who I am! Even if your girlfriend has some influence that's still nothing compared to me... everyone will be on my side Fuakzawa-kun!

Yato: ...

Like if she was enjoying this she just smile and start looking at my forearm...

Kushida: You know... I'm curious to know what your girlfriend and everyone will think about your scares. it's not a usual injury... it seems some knife scares... you didn't self-harm your forearm? I am curious to see what will be the opinion of everyone about this news...

Of course, it was not a self-harm injury...but it was indeed a knife one. But I didn't let show any emotion or anything for she can read in me... she was trying to see if she was right about my scares.

Seeing that she didn't get anything she just release my forearm and take a few steps back... I just remain sitting on the bench...

Kushida: Hehe I prefer when you stay silent like that Fukazawa-kun...

Yato: Haha... so you got me huh?

Kushida: Exactly, so from now Fukazawa-kun you will keep your mouth shut for good, and since you are a smart man you probably guessed what I plan to do, right?

Yato: Probably expel me and Horikita?

Kushida: You got it right! So stay calm until it is your turn...

She then starts walking away but I immediately stop her by calling her...

Yato: Kushida?

She then stop walking and she turned around to face me... I just remained sit and was looking at the sky...

Yato: Can I know something... If I hadn't insinuated that I knew about you and Horikita and I just knew about your relationship with Ryuuen...

I take a little break in my sentence... I then lower my head to look directly at Kushida

Yato: Would you still have considered me as an enemy to expel?

She didn't answer immediately... she was just looking at me for a while until she start smiling...

Kushida: Of course... you were close to Horikita-san after all and still a problem for me!

Still looking at her for a moment...

Yato: Sighs...

I just start to shake my head in disagreement... She was looking at me a bit puzzled but still had her confidence... I get up from the bench but I didn't walk towards her...

Yato: You know... I tried to be nice seriously...

She was surprised by my words... she probably didn't expect that but she still remained calm... probably because she still has control of the situation since she find out what I did on the cruise ship.

Kushida: Stop fooling around Fukazawa-kun... I know what you tried and it failed. Just do as I said for now...

With those words she was really about to leave... she even start walking away but I decided to say something...

Yato: Sighs... what a ''problem child'' you are...

She immediately stops walking... she slowly starts turning around to face me...

Kushida: What did you just say?

She seems a bit more anxious than before...

Yato: Just that you are a ''problem child''... you got a problem with those words?

I was just playing the fool here but she seems to understand but She didn't know how to react...

Yato: I guess you will probably don't like those words too... middle school... Horikita Suzune...

This time she immediately says something

Kushida: H-How? W-Wait that didn't make any sense... Horikita didn't talk about it with I'm sure of it with her reaction... she can't have tricked me.

Yato: Oh and you were totally right. Horikita didn't talk about it with me... you want the name of the person who inform me about this?

I just have a smirk on my face while she was the one who seemed surprised and angrier. She then start walking towards me to face me... she was close to me now.

Kushida: Who? Oh and don't mess with me!

Yato: Of course haha! I would not dare...

I didn't say anything immediately I was just looking at her in silence until...

Kushida: Hurry up or...

Yato: Kushida Kikyo...

Kushida: What?

She seems puzzled...

Kushida: Tell me how you learn about this! Who it was if it was not Horikita-san!

Yato: What you deaf now? I just told you that it was you...

Kushida: I told you to not mess with me!

Yato: Oh but I just tell you the truth... after all it was you who called yourself a problem child during middle school...

Her eyes just widened when I said this... she probably still has a few doubts... but she probably remembered that she called herself in that way during her conversation with Horikita...

Yato: Hahahaha... you and Ryuuen and Horikita were so easy to trap!

Kushida: But... Wait! Ryuuen and Horikita too? Why didn't told me that earlier?

Yato: Why? I told you earlier... I tried to be nice. But it seems that you still want the war...

She didn't answer immediately... she was probably thinking about all this... there was too much information at once for her.

Kushida: Okay... you know that I was a problem child... and? You still don't know all the story?

Yato: You totally right Kushida... but the same goes for you about my scars. I hide them but are you sure that your info is really worth it? Imagine tomorrow I go to school without them? What are you going to do... I know about your past and your relationship with Ryuuen. Even if you have more influence you are not in an upper situation right now.

She knows that the info about my scars has some value... but that is not the point here. I wanted to make her understand that she was not in a position where she can do whatever she want with me.

Yato: Look Kushdia... I'm tired of all this bullshit. Lucky for you I'm in a great mood for the moment. But recently there were a lot of things that start to piss me off... so I'm asking you this right now... Do you still want to expel me and continue to view me as a threat? Or do we shake hands and forget about all this...

She was about to tell me something but I immediately stop her...

Yato: Wait!... I give you some advice... think carefully about your answer Kushida Kikyo...

As soon as I finished speaking... she start to smile...

Kushida: I don't care about your advice... I will be happy the moment that you and Horikita will be out from this school!

I see... so that the path that you choose...

Yato: I see... don't regret it

Yato: I'm a guy who is usually calm... watch out for what you will try, Kushida. It will greatly influence your fate.

Kushida: Continue to talk big and act like that Fukazawa... one day you will see. I'm tired of being played by you!

Yato: Oh? But you seem to love that because you continue to come at me!

Kushida: Because you are a nuisance who must disappear...

Yato: I'm hurt...Oh and don't forget Kushdia...

I then snap my fingers...

Yato: It was easy like that to obtain what I wanted... if you change your mind about starting a war... do it before it was too late!

Kushida: Hehe yeah like it will happen...

She then stops with her dark eye and just regains her usually joyfully expression...

Kushida: Goodnight Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Oh you leave without me huh... and me who thought we could walk back to the dorm together...

I said that in my fooling tone but she didn't react because she just leave me alone here...

Yato: Sighs... what an annoying girl in need of attention...

Anyway all happen as I expected... this deal was not a bad thing after all...

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Flashback After the festival

Yato Pov:

The sports festival was over for a moment already. Probably all the students were already back in their room after this long day of sports. Kiyo just leave for his meeting with Kamuro... well I'm 99% sure that it was with Sakayanagi. I just keep a 1% in case...Horikita leave too but it seems that she had something to do before coming back to her room.

And for me... well I was currently on my phone. I was passing time. I was sitting in a classroom waiting for something... well more someone. I received a notification from the school that was saying that I finished in the top three best students of my year so I will win a reward of 10 000 points at the start of the next month. Even if I didn't get the MVP of all year I ended up in the top three of my school year.

As I was looking at something on my phone the door of the classroom suddenly open. I didn't bother to look who it was because I already knew that it was the person I was waiting for... The person closed the door behind him and start walking toward me...until

???: Hoi you are sitting at my place

I then take a fooling expression...

Yato: Ohh sorry I didn't know that it was your place... Kakeru-shi!

Indeed the person I was waiting for was Ryuuen Kakeru...

He just smirks and sits on a desk a row away from me

Yato: So... you got what I asked for?

Ryuuen: Maybe... but before...

He then starts to look at me with a serious look...

Ryuuen: You will be shocked to hear that someone managed to save Suzune earlier... Happy to hear that?

I then take a surprised expression

Yato: Wait seriously?

He continued to look at me with a serious expression for a moment until...

Ryuuen: Kukukuahaha! You are something else...

He then stop laughing a regain a more serious expression but still with a smirk on his face...

Ryuuen: Anyway it's not too bad because I got the confirmation about one of my questions...

He probably talking about the fact that there is someone else behind Horikta... But I got a confirmation too... Kiyo save Horikita before she was obligated to do a kowtow. How do I know all this? Well, that is because during the lunch break I follow Ryuuen and knew what he wanted from Horikita. And it at this moment that I made contact with Ryuuen for a certain deal.

Ryuuen then takes out his phone and seems to do something on it before trow it to me...

Ryuuen: Here that's what you wanted...

I then look at the screen and saw that it was a video... I press to start and start listening to this. There was something I wanted to see at all coast. The discussion between Horikita and Kushida.

Ryuuen: I even didn't need to bring up the subject that they all did by themself...

Indeed... I wanted to hear some information about Kushida and Horikita. So I asked Kakeru to record audio of them... and if there were not talking about their past, I wanted him to try to make Kushida speak but while I was listening to the video I saw that Kakeru didn't even need to do anything that Kushdia start talking about her past... About how she was a problem child in her middle school. And why she hate Horikita was because she was in the same school as her. But there was something that caught my interest in what Horikita said...

I don't believe that phrase is quite accurate. You were not a problem child, just like how you are in Class D right now, you were a student everybody trusted in. But...

Wait their version of the story is not the same? Horikita couldn't finish her story but the way that she spoke it seems that Kushida was similar to the way she was today... so why?

After that, the video ended before the end of their conversation...

Yato: Huh... you cut parts of the video...something that you didn't want me to see?

Ryuuen: Don't be greedy you got what you wanted...

Yato: Yeah that's true...

I asked him for a record of Kushdia and Horikita... and anyway I know basically what happen after.

Ryuuen: Now...

He then gets up from the desk and starts walking toward me...

Ryuuen: What was the deal?

Yato: Sighs... yeah yeah don't worry...

I then take out a paper... it was the contract that I made with Sakagami-sensei and Ishizaki and the other boys of the Sudo incident. I then lend it to Kakeru... During the lunch break, I made a contract with Ryuuen.

- The first condition was the Ryuuen Kakeru getting a record of Kushdia Kikyo about the information that Fukazawa Yato wanted.

- If the first condition was respected, Fukazawa Yato would tell the detail on a certain deal to Ryuuen Kakeru

- The last condition was that Ryuuen Kakeru would be obligated to remain silent about the two deals.

Kakeru was just reading the detail of the contract that I passed with his teacher and classmates. I don't really care if he knows about it because he will remain silent about it... and he will leave me alone with that. When he finished reading it he just smirked and start looking at me...

Ryuuen: You seriously take 300k from Sakagami-sensei?!

Yato: Hoi that his fault to be involved in that hahahaha!

I was expecting a ''Kuku'' from him but he just remained silent for a while until he just says...

Ryuuen: It might have been possible...

Yato: Huh?

What is he talking about? But without adding anything else he just give me the contract back and start walking away...

Ryuuen: This time I worked with you but be careful...

He then stop walking and turned around before leaving the classroom.

Ryuuen: The mysterious man behind Suzune is my target... if you are in my way I crush you too!

With those words, he just left the classroom... I just remain sitting on the chair thinking about a few things...

Now I got some info on Kushida... Horikita try to call me and text me since earlier. She had letting know to Kushida that I didn't really know about those two. So now Kushida will think that I don't have anything against her anymore... Anyway, she will want to meet probably tonight to talk about all this. I will try a last time to settle this with her... but I seriously don't think it will be this easy to make her shut for good.

But all this would be easier if Kushdia was my only problem... Now there are a lot of things that start to bother me or start to be a problem...

First Ryuuen, he just said that Kiyo will be his next target so I will probably end up involved in all this. I will need to think carefully to want to do with the Ryuuen situation...

There is Sakayanagi who is not a problem technically... but the fact that she wanted to meet Kiyo only for a race bothers me a lot... There is something fishy with that. This is something that I will need to keep an eye on or try to get more info... Hashimoto will be no use for me here I think... and for Kamuro... well I'm not sure at the moment, she is hard to talk to currently.

And the last and most problematic thing that I need to take into account... is Kiyo. Knowing more about him will be extremely hard or even impossible. Having a talk with him will probably not help too... I will just keep being on my guard for the moment...after seeing what he can do make me wonder and think about a lot of things that I never thought of before...

Yato: Sighs...

Things are starting to get interesting I guess...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter and Volume 5, I really hope you liked it! Again... It ended up being a long chapter haha! Every time I wonder if I would have enough content for a chapter and I ended up writing more than 11000 words haha!

Anyway, I will try to make it short, I hope that you liked this volume. I really try my best for Keeping the moment important for each character and in addition to the action of Yato. To be honest, year 1 is the hardest to write because the school system doesn't really help. The system of Nagumo will really help my story. Because now the exam is mostly 1 class vs 1 class and it always ended up with Kiyo making a move so adding big action to Yato without stealing the show to Kiyo it's quite hard. But I hope that you still like it because I don't want to just remove every action of Kiyo to add something maybe not even better than the original. And when we will be in Y2... it will be easier to make several fights at the same time. I have more ideas for year 2 than 1 haha!

Anyway, I will write a side story chapter for volume 5. It should come out tomorrow if I'm motivated or it will be this weekend. This is will not take too much time to write. Anyway next week we start Vol 6 and I hope you will like what I plan for this volume!

Thanks to those who read my story! Vote and all your comments are really appreciated!

Oh by the way for the fan of Nintendo... they announced Xenoblade 3!!! I'm soo hype haha! So the thing that is sure is when the game will come out in September... there will probably have fewer chapters hahahaha! If you never played Xenoblade go try it, one of my favorite video game franchises!

Volume 5 SS

Asahina Nazuna: This Kouhai

Asahina: You know... you're not very smart...

Yato: Huh?

He seemed a bit surprised to hear that... Well, I wasn't trying to be mean but I must admit that his face when he is surprised is quite funny to watch...

Asahina: Haha your face right now...

Asahina: I talk about your 200-meter sprint earlier...

He then regains a more calm expression...

Yato: Yeah and what's the problem senpai?

Calm... that what I saw of him right now... I just start to look at him directly in the eye...

Asahina: Well Miyabi already had an eye on you since the incident at the start of the year... and with this race, you didn't help your case. He might be even more on your back... he really wanted you to join the student council you know?

Yato: It's just a race... I don't think that will change anything...

Indeed it was just a race... but there is still something that I did not understand... I start walking a bit closer to him while looking at him. He didn't react to the fact that a girl older than him get closer to him... I start to look at him for a while saying anything until

Asahina: You know why Miyabi wants you to join his council? He said that you remember him in his first year...

Yato: ...

Asahina: But personally I don't see any similarity in both of you...I don't think you are alike...

That's the thing with this Kouhai... Miyabi said that he wanted him to join the council but I'm a classmate of Miyabi for more than one year now. I am close to him since we were the B-Class but... I don't think they are similar. Miyabi was the leader of our class but he even quickly gain a lot of influence in all our school year. There is no one at his level in our school year... that is why he becomes obsessed with Horikita-senpai...

But Fukazawa Yato... Yes, he runs fast but... What Miyabi saw in him that I didn't? He seems calm and really disinterested in his class and this school. So if I'm right... he will...

Yato:Nothing alike huh...

I initially thought that he was to agree with me but I suddenly saw a smirk on his face...

Yato: Of course, we are not alike... I'm far better than him after all!

I had been surprised by what I just heard... My eye probably widens of surprise. I didn't say anything until...

Asahina: Hahaha wow haha...

At least he has a sense of humor... that what I was thinking until I saw that he has a serious expression... not like his nonchalant expression.

Asahina: Wait... you are not serious right now?

He just smirked and start looking at me for a moment... He didn't say any words until he turn around and start walking away...

Yato: Who knows?

With those words, he just leaves towards the school building...I remain there for a moment while thinking about all this

I start to finally understand what Miyabi was saying... the attitude of Fukazawa earlier. Does... he would be someone who can match against Miyabi?

Still a bit shocked about all this I started walking back to my tent but like if it was fate himself who send me a message I bump into someone else but this time I didn't fall... I immediately recognized who it was...

Nagumo: Where have you been Nazuna? It's been a while already since you left...

Asahina: Hmm...

I immediately look behind me to see if Fuakzawa Yato could still be seen in the distance but he was already left. Miyabi seems to wonder why I was looking behind...

Nagumo: A problem Nazuna?

Asahina: A problem?

I didn't know how to feel about this yet...

Asahina: You know Miyabi... I just had a discussion with Fukazawa Yato...

As soon as I said the name Fukazawa Yato, I could see a smirk on the face of Miyabi...

Nagumo: Ohh I see... haha what a shame that I came here too late...

Indeed... he would probably love to had a talk with him after seeing his race... but if Miyabi would have been there, I'm not sure that I could notice what I just had seen

Asahina: But you know Miyabi... I think I start to understand what you mean about this Kouhai...

I was expecting that agree with me but he was just looking at me without saying anything with his usual smile... until

Nagumo: Let's go back to our tent Nazuna... my priority today is Horikita-senpai. Because today it's the mark of the new start for this school. The fun will finally be able to start.

With those words, he just start to walk back towards our tent. I start following him with one thing in my mind... Fukazawa Yato. What will happen with my classmate Miyabi Nagumo and this new kouhai, Fukazawa Yato?

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Ryuuen Kakeru: Opportunity and deal

Ryuuen: Well, I won't force you to make a decision right away. A teacher's eye is also on us. That's why I'll hear your answer once the sports festival ends. Will you end this with a million points and a kowtow or will you revive this matter and have the school deliberate on it? Which one will you choose?

I then start walking away but stop before leaving the infirmary and adding something...

Ryuuen: Don't think this problem will be over just because the sports festival ends, ok? I'll dig this matter back up thoroughly no matter what and fight against you. After school, you bring Suzune to me...

The last part of my sentence was to Kikyo. I and Kinoshita just exit the infirmary...

Ryuuen: You can do whatever you want...

Kinoshita: O-Ok Ryuuen-kun...

After this order, she starts walking in another direction. I just continued to walk to go back to our tent...

Now it was settled... no one could do anything against it. Suzune was into my trap and there was no way someone could save her at this point. But to be honest... I was maybe a bit disappointed by someone. This Fukazawa dude... after the exam on the cruise, if he really the one who send me this message, I thought that he could be someone who could entertain me... but if he really sees nothing of my plan and didn't realize it yet he is probably not worthy of my time.

I then remember something suddenly...

Ryuuen: But those bandages...does he?

I then continue to walk away until...

Ryuuen: Hm?

As I was walking away I notice someone who was leaning against a wall with his hand in his pocket. He was looking outside by the window in front of him. Does it was just a coincidence that he was there? No... of course not. There is no coincidence with this nonchalant guy.

I just continued to walk by passing in front of him... I thought that he would call me but he didn't. So I just stop talking a turned around to look at him. He was still looking outside.

Ryuuen: What foolishness are you going to say this time Fukazawa...

He just start to smirk and start to look at me for the first time.

Yato: Oh Ryuuen?! I didn't you were there...

This guy... he probably as good as me in provocation this bastard. I just start to smirk as well because this guy's attitude amuses me...

Ryuuen: Well if you don't want anything I will leave... after all I can't wait that the sports festival to resume to see your loser face...

Yato: Hahaha I see I see...

He then starts to look where I come from before starting looking at me...

Yato: So you succeed? You managed to get what you wanted from Horikita?

Kuku this bastard... I just start walking toward the wall in front of him and I lean against it.

Ryuuen: I don't know what you talking about... don't tell me the paranoia of Suzune affects you too?

As I said earlier... it's too late to save her. Even if you are aware of my plan right now... you can't do anything against it. The only way would have been to know my plan before the sports festival but it's too late now Fukazawa. But you're not that dumb... what do you thinking right now...

Yato: What was the deal...

I then take a more serious expression...

Yato: That's the message I received before the festival and that's the question you asked me earlier...

Ryuuen: ...

So he basically confirms that it was him huh... but why? I was pretty sure already that it was him but still... He was just looking at me with his smirk...

Yato: Hey Ryuuen let's make a deal!

Ryuuen: Oh? A deal?

I then start to smirk again...

Ryuuen: Interesting...

Yato: I know what you planned for Horikita... I heard you when you were in the infirmary.

Ryuuen: I will not change the offer I made to Suzune... If you seriously think...

Yato: Wait wait wait! You can do anything you want with ''Suzune''... that is not what I want. I want you to record the meeting that you will have with Horikita and Kushda later...and I want some information about these two... in exchange... I will maybe have an idea of which deal you talk about from a moment now...

He seriously doesn't care about Suzune? Does he want something for him? When I heard that I just couldn't help but start to laugh...

Ryuuen: Kukuku... what a bastard you are...

Yato: I could say the same of you Kakeru-shi

He then lends me a paper with a contract on it...when I finish reading the condition I start thinking about it. This deal was great for me... with that, I would finally be able to know what he gained and how he managed to stop Ishizaki and the others to make their complaint against the D-Class at the start of the year. And with this deal, I just got the confirmation... he can't do anything to save Suzune right now. If he would have a way to save her he would not make this deal... he would threaten me to have want he want from me without making a deal with me.

I just accept this contract thinking that it was my win today... but I didn't know yet that in fact, someone had a way to save Suzune... X.

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Kamuro Masumi: A strange feeling

I was currently in the library with Sakayangi. I was playing on my phone while waiting for someone. This person was Fukazawa Yato, Sakayanagi messaged him today to have a meeting with Fukazawa after school.

I then start looking at her and noticed something. She seems more happy than usual... I didn't know why she wanted to see him today. But like if she knew that I was looking at her...

Sakayanagi: A problem Masumi-san?

Kamuro: A problem? Why would there be one?

She just start smiling at my answer...

Sakayanagi: I don't know... there is something about you today. You not like usual...

I'm not as usual? I decided to follow Sakayangi at the start of the year because she know about my secret and I think she is probably a more competent leader than Katsuragi-kun. But when she starts acting like that...

Sakayanagi: Does it at something to have with this meeting?

This meeting? Why should I be concerned with this meeting?

Kamuro: I'm as always Sakayangi-san... I do as you saying to help you I don't see the problem here.

Like she was disappointed with my answer she just start looking at her phone to check what time it was.

Sakayangi: Oh... it seems that Fukazawa-kun is late... or he just decided to ignore me?

Kamuro: With him, those two scenarios are totally possible.

Like if what I said piqued her curiosity... she start looking at me with her usual face.

Sakayanagi: Oh? That's true you are close to him huh?

Close? No, I don't think we are close...

Sakayanagi: Well waiting for him you could talk about him to me... what do you think Masumi-san?

I then get up from my seat and take my bag from the floor...

Kamuro: I don't think I could tell you something that you don't already know about him...

She then starts looking at me with her smile...

Sakayanagi: Oh I see...

Kamuro: I will look for him if he is in his class instead... anyway you don't have anything else to make me do?

Sakayanagi: No indeed... I already sent Hashimoto-kun to do what I wanted for today...

Kamuro: Then...

I start walking towards the exit of the library... Knowing Fukazawa the possibility that he just decided to ignore Sakayangi is pretty high. But for a moment already... I don't know what to think about Fukazawa. Talking to him seems harder than it was before... just when I was thinking about him... I saw him walking with his hands in his pockets and with his usual nonchalant attitude. For a second I feel reassured that he was coming to the meeting with Sakayanagi... it would have been more complicated to go search him to his room. But still this feeling...

Kamuro: You finally there... I thought that you had forgotten or that you had changed your mind about coming today...

???: ???

It was now time for the last individual event before the lunch break for the students. Everything went perfectly so far for this sports festival. The organization's set up was a success. I decided to stay to watch the first-year student do their 200-meter sprint. Since this morning the first-year students had a lot more absences than the other school years... I continued to watch every group do their 200-meter sprint until it was time for the last group. I immediately noticed something... in this group, there was this student, Shibata So from the B-Class, a potential candidate for the MVP for this school festival.

And the other boy was Fuakzawa Yato from the D-Class. Another potential candidate for the MVP... but instead of the other candidate. Fukazawa Yato didn't seem motivated or put real effort into his previous race. It was maybe just an impression because of his attitude.

But this time... just before the signal of start was given. I saw Fukazawa Yato taking a running stance for the first time since the beginning of the sports festival.

Seeing this I just started to smile.

BIP

At the second that the signal was given, I saw those two boys start running at an amazing speed. But Fukazawa Yato started to take the lead against his opponent Shibata So.

Shibata So was a student with some great physical ability, probably one of the best of his school year. But with this race... everyone noticed that Fukazawa Yato had a real advantage. It seems that his performance shocked a lot of his classmates and other students. But personally, I wasn't surprised by seeing this... in fact I was happy to see this...

???: You are indeed his son after all

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(A.N)

That's it for the SS, I hope you liked them. I originally planned to write more but I changed my mind about a few that I decided to keep for later. Like Kanzaki was supposed to have one but I decided to wait a bit, I will make a one with him in a future volume. And the Ryuuen one was not a side story originally, it was supposed to be in the last chapter but I had included this part in the previous chapter it would have been a way too long chapter haha!

Tell me if you like that I do SS, I'm curious to have your opinions about this. Personally, I like writing them, writing a scene from another pov or something that would have an importance in the future is great. This time I make it short but if I saw that you lick that I will see for the next time!

Anyway, the first chapter of volume 6 will come out this week! Thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 6: New President

Chapter 1

Yato Pov:

The sports festival endedin mid-October, around the time of year when it started getting chilly. After the festival, the school held a general election to decide who would be the next President of the student council. I already knew who it would be... and students of upper years probably already know the answers too. But still,Immediately after the election concluded, the school ushered in the handover ceremony of the student council. It was a large-scale event that gathered students from the entire school to the gymnasium.

I was surprised by one thing... to see how much this event of the election of the President seemed uninteresting to the students of the first year. Well, I was not the best person to make that comment but it was because I already knew who will be elected. After seeing how this school worked from the start of the year... people should understand how much power the President has in this school. So this election was decisive for our future and that of the school itself.

Teacher:Now, here are some final remarks from president Horikita of the student council.

Following the moderator's speech, Horikita Manabu slowly approached the microphone on the stage. Seeing him walking towards the microphone, I decided to look at the girl who was a little further ahead of me... Horikita Suzune. I suddenly remember the face of the same girl at the start of the year when President Horikita made the speech of welcome for our first years. Back then she seemed intimidated by this man, it was a part of her personality that nobody knew about it...

But now... She was looking directly at her brother with a firm look.

Horikita-senpai:I am proud and grateful to have been able to lead the student council for almost two years. Thank you very much.

Wow... his speech is what is called going straight to the point.After his brief statement, Horikita Manabu quietly retreated and returned to his original position.

Yato: ...

To be honest... I still don't have a real opinion on the man called Horikita Manabu. I saw him on some occasion but I just talked with him one time. And it was during this talk that I start to have doubts about this man. He affirms that I don't have what is needed for the council but he asked Kiyo to become the vice-president...and the other point is his relationship with Kiyo. How does it find out the true ability of Kiyo?

Yato: Sighs...

Again... we are back to the case of Kiyo ...

Teacher:Student president Horikita has worked so hard for you all. Now, please welcome the new student council president, a second-year student of Class A, Miyabi Nagumo.

It was now Nagumo who walking toward the microphone.Among the student council members warmly watching over him on the stage, the figure of Ichinose could be seen. I was not the only one that Nagumo asked for joining the student council.

Nagumo:I am Miyabi Nagumo of the second year's Class A. President Horikita, I really appreciate your strict and kind guidance so far. I am honored and would like to pay tribute to you. I am thankful for being able to accompany the legendary president who has played one of the greatest leadership roles in the history of this school.

I was quite surprised by his speech addressed to Horikita Manabu. They were not in the same school year but it seems that there was a certain relationship between those two. With that, he bowed deeply in the direction of Horikita's brother and then refaced the students.

Nagumo:Let me introduce myself again. My name is Miyabi Nagumo. I will be the next student president of Advanced Nurturing High School. Please take care of me.

That's was odd... the attitude of Nagumo. Usually, he acts as if he is a king and proud of himself but right now he seems like a polite and gentle student. It was just some acting... because suddenly Nagumosmiled thin and small so as to change the calm atmosphere.

Nagumo:I'll get straight to the point. First of all, I promise to change the terms and appointment method of the student council as well as the practice of the general election. This will mean changing the date of the general election of the student council from December to October. This aims to set up a new generation of students as quickly as possible for the sake of the transition to this new era. I will change the tenure of the president and officers from terms to indefinite so they can serve until graduation. At the same time, I will abolish the current restrictions on the number of student council seats. In other words, as long as it is an excellent and necessary person, they can become a member of the student council at any time regardless of the number of slots that are open. In the event that someone is judged unfit for office, I will establish a system of a majority vote at the meetings for expelling them from their positions. As a starting point, let me make a declaration to the students, teachers, and leaders of the former student council who are assembled here. The school system of the future... I will destroy all that has been preserved by the previous student councils for the sake of the appearance of the school.

I couldn't help but smile at his speech...He spoke so forcefully that it seemed to negate all the merits of the former student president who stood behind him.

Nagumo:I originally wanted to implement this new system immediately, but unfortunately, I cannot do that. This is because the new student president will be bound by various kinds of constraints upon first taking office.

Nagumo glanced at Horikita, the former student council president, and then turned back to the students.

Nagumo:I promise that there will be a great revolution in the near future. Students with strength will climb up to the top and those without strength will fall to the bottom. I will turn this school into a real meritocracy, so please show me what you all can do.

The gymnasium was immediately silenced by his declaration, but a moment later all the 2nd year students startedscreaming with joy and became rowdy. Maybe there was a battle between the second year and the third year that we didn't know about... but with all this scene I did start to understand one of my doubts...

The reason why Horikita Manabu thinks that I don't have what it takes for the student council is maybe linked to the relationship between him and Nagumo Miyabi. After listening to the speech of Nagumo it seems that Horikita-senpai and Nagumo didn't have the same view of the path that the school should take... but to be honest I didn't think that the President have this much power. This is beyond what I initially thought... but if I'm right about their relationship, it would mean that Horikita-senpai thinks that I'm someone like Nagumo... or it is because Nagumo himself scout me first?

But... that still does not explain the case of Kiyo and Horikita Manabu... Anyway, I was now remembering the speech of Nagumo...

Yato: Ameritocracy huh?

Nagumo: So I hope you are ready for the future of this school. If you think you have what it needs for the student council, just come apply for a seat...

He then takes a pause in his sentences and starts looking at the crowd in front of him... it seems like he was searching for something... until...

Nagumo: Or if you weren't interested before and now you changed your mind about joining the student council... Come! It's never too late!

I guess that those words were for me... he was looking in the direction of my class when he said those words.

On these words of our new President of the student's council, us, students of the first years was the first ones to leave the gymnasium.

The election of Nagumo Miyabi... I didn't know it yet but this event was one of the first steps of a lot of change in this school and for me.

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Time skip

Kiyo Pov

One such event ended, and after school on a certain day, it was now the middle of the second semester. My surroundings began to change little by little. Class D passed the uninhabited islands and sports festivals at a slow pace, but we began to have unity as a class. Everyone's small circle of friends gradually expanded, and the people who thought they couldn't get along were getting better at handling one another.

Everyone's attitude towards classes has also significantly improved. In the past, Class D had a problem with students arriving late, sleeping in class, talking during lessons, and perpetrating all kinds of unrest. Even Yato who supposedly had a record of coming late in the first month was now in class on time every day.

But my concern was more about Sudo...After the sports festival, although the number of days since then is still relatively small, it's clear that his general attitude towards school has improved. Occasionally he can be seen a bit drowsy in class, but that is probably due to the impact of his intense practice in the basketball club. Even if he is behind on sleep, he always takes the time to write notes. This was because it's necessary for him to get his studies in order for the sake ofHorikita and the future of the class. Perhaps her surveillance during class has had a part in things as well.

The violent attitude that he had with his friends Ike and Yamauchi had become more gentle. He didn't want his beloved Horikita's opinion of him to worsen by letting her witness him shamefully rampaging about. I'm guessing it was mostly this that motivated him to change. In short, Sudo is growing steadily and he has begun to gain a better reputation amongst his classmates.

At the same time, there were changes not only in Sudo's reputation but also with my own. Whether that's a good or bad thing, however, is hard to say.

???:Are you alone?

As I was sorting out the situation, I was called out from the seat beside me.

Kiyo:Is it bad to be alone?

My next-door neighbor, Horikita, seemed to chuckle. I stared at her blankly. Yato was surprisingly still in class... he was at his place next to Horikita and was reading his book. He was probably listening to us at the same time.

Horikita:Your dearest friends, Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun. They've been inviting you along much less often.

Dearest huh? Why she is talking like Yato suddenly?

Kiyo:Is that so?

The fact that she always tends to go to extremes reveals the bad parts of her personality.

Hoirkita:Ara, my mistake. At lunch, you seem to be alone these days. After school as well as you can see.

We watched as Ike and Yamauchi left the classroom with The Professor. Are they heading to Keyaki Mall together?I had thought I appeared to be as calm as the Buddha, but Horikita seemed to see through everything... I even notice Yato start smiling.

Right. This would be part of the changes with my own reputation. After the sports festival, It's been uncommon for me to be invited out by the two people who I had gotten closest to. No, it is more like they have completely ignored me.

Horikita:No way. They thought you were all birds of a feather, a bunch of useless students, so you stuck together. But you were actually hiding a lot of physical strength from them.

Kiyo:What is high physical strength? It's only that my feet are a bit faster, at best.

When I said that I notice that the smile of Yato disappear... I didn't talk to him since the festival ended.

Horikita:But your footwork is fast, especially for a student. It's very fast. Besides, they've also probably started noticing other odd occurrences. They probably noticed that your measurement for grip strength was higher than average. You should know right? People have a basic tendency to hate others for being excellent, and your situation is that you've been hiding your excellence.

I know such a thing goes without saying. However, I also have to admit that I don't have a clear understanding of what counts as average. That I had believed that I was "just running a bit fast" was the truth.

Horikita:Enjoy your solitary life.

Horikita gave a sarcastic look before getting up from her seat. I was expecting a comment from Yato like he always does to fool around... but this time he didn't say anything and just continued reading his book. Does he was not listening to us finally? Horikita stay there a moment looking at Yato but she finally left the classroom without saying anything else.

As I saw her off, Karuizawa, who was still in the classroom, threw an indescribable glance in my direction. But as soon as our eyes met, she looked away naturally as if she never had any intention of looking my way in the first place. There was obviously some kind of meaning behind this look, but she suddenly get up from her seat and start walking in my direction... well more in the direction of the guy who was still reading his book on my right.

Karuizawa: Nee Yato-kun let's go home together!

He didn't answer immediately and seemed to still reading his book until he just put a signet and close his book. He lifts up his gaze to look at his ''girlfriend''...

Yato: Well I planned to read a little...

She interrupts him and suddenly grabs Yato by his arm to force him to get up...

Karuizawa: Let's go Yato-kun! I need to talk about something with you!

Yato: ...

He just stayed silent and start looking at Karuizawa until...

Yato: Sighs... Okay... Okay...

He then put his book in his bag to put his back on his shoulder. They both left the class after that... as I was wondering what to do now someone appeared beside me...

???:Hey, hey, Ayanokoji-kun.

I then turn my head and see that it was a girl... it was Sato.

Yato Pov:

I just get out of the classroom with Kei. We weren't supposed to go home together today but she finally insisted with a strong gaze. There was probably a meaning behind this...

As we were walking towards the exit I asked what was the matter about all this...

Yato: So... why you wanted that I accompany you that much Kei?

I wasn't looking at her but she wasn't answering me... so I just turn my head to look but I saw that she was looking around to see if there was someone before speaking. There were just a few students around...

Yato: That's maybe more important than I initially thought... does it about Manabe and the others girls? Or a new problem? Or even Ryuuen himself?

Kei: Can we go talk in your room?

I just keep starring at her for a few seconds while thinking about all this...

Yato: I don't mind...

After this, we just take the start to go on the first floor to go change our shoes to go back to the dormitory. During the walk to my room, she didn't say a single word... To be honest I started to wonder what she wanted to talk about. It was maybe not the best time to deal with one of her problems for me... but I guess if she really needs my help I will help her in priority.

Arrived in front of my room, I just open the door and let Kei go in first. I just enter after her and remove my shoes and drop my bag on the floor close to the door. Kei immediately walks into my room and sits at the table while putting his bag on the floor next to her. I noticed that she immediately take out her phone and she seemed a bit nervous...

Yato: So Kei...

I start walking to my kitchen to go prepare some coffee...

Yato: What's the matter... you not like usual? Something happen?

She then closes her phone and she signed. She then starts looking at me...

Kei: She probably confessed at this time...

I didn't answer her... I just look at her for a few seconds until...

Yato: Huh?

Kei: I know I was surprised too...

Yato: Kei?

She just looking at me waiting for asking my question...

Yato: What the hell are you talking about?

Kei: About Sato... she was about to confess her love to Ayanakoji!

Yato: ...

I seriously don't know how to react to this news... and me who thought that there was something serious...

Yato: Sighs...

So Sato is in ''love'' with Kiyo huh? That's...quite odd? But I can see that Sato had moved forward from her past as I told her to do during the summer break... the story with my brother is behind her. But why Kiyo? Well, he gained a lot of attention after his race against Horikita Manabu... but did she fall in love because he run fast? Wait! I didn't say something like that before?...

Yato: Are you sure about that? And How did you know that Sato was going to confess to Kiyo?

Kei: She told me this herself! In fact, a lot of girls already know about this...

Huh? Sato told that to other girls? Why do that? Anyway, that's not what really intrigues me right now...

Yato: Okay but why are you telling me all that? All this does not concern us...

Kei: Well it could... after what happened on the cruise ship. Now I need to work with Ayanakoji and I might end up getting caught. The girl's information network is very wide. If rumors were to spread, it will be very nerve-racking for me. I'll be at an increased risk of getting involved in trouble. Even for you... what will happen if they find out about my relationship with Ayanakoji while we are supposedly a couple...

Yato: ...

Kei: So I want to hear your thought about all this! Do you think that Ayanakoji will accept Sato's feelings? After all, you are probably the best person to understand what he will do, right Yato!

Yato: ...

Kei: Imagine if...

Yato: Okay stop Kei!

She is not like usually... I didn't think that would affect her that much.

Yato: Look... I don't think you need to worry about all this. To be honest I don't see him accept Sato's feelings... if she really confessed to him...

It's hard to believe that she will confess to him... they probably never talk before. But I suddenly remember the story with Manabe... so there was still a chance that Sato would confess to Kiyo.

Yato: Don't forget that we talk about Kiyo here... he doesn't like to stand out.

Kei: ... Yes you're right...

Yato: You should talk with him about this instead of me... like that you will have a real answer instead of stressing for nothing.

Her phone then receives a notification... she takes her phone to read the message.

Kei: I need to go Yato-kun...

She then gets up and takes her bag...

Kei: I will call him later to know more about all this. I will text you his answer...

Yato: Ehh yeah sure...

To be honest I don't really care about this but I just accepted... she was about to leave but I stop her with my voice.

Yato: Oh and Kei... don't worry okay? I know the reason why you stress about that... And I think you thinking too much about this. He said that he's going to protect you right? And same goes for me after we become a ''couple''... just be as usual and everything will be fine for you, okay?

Just didn't answer me immediately... instead, she just stared at me for a few seconds until she start smiling...

Kei: Thank you Yato-kun! You really kind when you want to!

Yato: Ehhhh what it supsoed to mean?

Kei: Haha bye-bye!

She just left my room after that...

I start thinking about all this situation but quickly stopped... there was nothing more to think about.

Later that night I received a message from Kei telling me that Sato didn't even confess to Kiyo...

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Time skip

Yato Pov:

BIP BIP BIP BIP

Yato: Sighs...

BIP BIP BIP...

I just touch the screen of my phone to stop the alarm...

I was still sleepy but I was slowly starting to wake up. After a few months in this school, it had become a habit to get up early...even if I still dislike getting up earlier. But getting up late and arriving late in class was not an option... even Koenji, the guy who is the most selfish, was there on time every day.

Yato: Sighs...

I just start to get up to sit on my bed for a few minutes while looking at some things on my phone. After I get up from my bed, the first thing I do every morning is to put on a shirt. I didn't put my bandages on my forearm yet... after putting a shirt on I start making a coffee while looking for something to eat.

Usually, while I drink my coffee and eat something I just read one of my books or look at my phone... but I didn't have too many people who I usually text with them so most of the time I just read a book. It was my routine for every morning and to be honest... I don't really know how to feel about it.

It's been a while since I haven't had this lifestyle. Before coming to this school I didn't have a proper routine... every day was different. I was more... free? I still had things to do but there was not a definite schedule. Most of the time I was meeting with Keisuke and we were passing our time with Dazai and the others doing some work or we were just passing time at an arcade or ended up making us a bad reputation among the delinquent of Tokyo I guess...

Said like that It sounds like I didn't have any problem but that's totally wrong. My lifestyle before coming to this school was totally not normal... even more for a teenager. But after living all that happen to me... you start to understand many more things than casual people I could say... the biggest thing would probably be a better understanding of good and evil.

But right now... I could say that my life is quite peaceful. I still have problems like Kushida but I don't really consider the class matter like a problem... no more like entertainment. And even the Kushida problem is quite nothing compared to the problem that could happen before coming to this school... I don't know if I should be bored or I should enjoy my new routine?

I then look at the time...

Yato: I'm thinking way too much this morning...

I just drink the rest of my coffee and head off to the shower to start preparing myself to go to school.

15 minutes later

I just finished dressing up in the school uniform and was currently putting on my shoes. I take my school bag and exit my room. I lock my door and take a look at my left to see if Kiyo was about to go to school too but it doesn't seem so... so I just start walking towards the elevator to go down to the first floor.

While I exited the elevator on the first floor I noticed that there was nearly no one... I start to wonder why but I quickly got the answer. Today was the mid-term exam... so probably the majority of the student went to school earlier to study a bit before the exam or some students were sleeping as much as they could because there studied late last night...

I just keep walking until I was out of the dorm of the first year... I continued walking towards the school until I noticed someone in front of me that I recognized.

I planned to just ignore this person and continue my way to the school in silence but I just think about something... So I start increasing my walking speed to catch up with this person in front of me.

I was now walking next to her and when she finally noticed me...

???: UWAAA!!!...

It seems that I had surprised her... her reaction was quite funny...

Yato: Yo little girl senpai!

She stop walking so I did the same and she seemed really annoyed...

Tachibana: Tachibana! TA-CHI-BA-NA!

I just have my fooling expression and answer her...

Yato: Ta...chiiii... Argh sorry I can't

Tachibana: You are areally a troublesome Kouhai!

She then starts walking towards the school... I start walking next to her at her pace...

Yato: So your job with the student council is over now?

She was a bit surprised by my question...

Tachibana: Hmm yes, Nagumo-kun become the new President and all the third year who was in the student council are no longer part of it. We slowly start preparing for our graduation...

Yato: Oh I see...

We then continue to walk in silence until I decide to ask her something.

Yato: Hey can I ask you for some advice little... Tachibana-senpai?

Still walking she start looking at me a bit intrigued

Tachibana: Uwa? You finally understand that you need to show respect to your senpai huh? Go ahead ask your question... if I can help a Kouhai.

I didn't look at her... I was just looking in front of me and finally spoke what I had in mind.

Yato: Have you some advice to give me for the student council?

Tachibana: Huh? What do you mean by that Fukazawa-kun?

She didn't understand my words...

Yato: Well I accepted the offer of Nagumo-senpai yesterday... So I will become the next vice-president as he told me!

She immediately stops walking... I wait a bit before turning myself to look at her. When I did I noticed how shocked she was to hear that. She was just looking at me with a warry gaze...

Tachibana: W-What? W-What did you just say?

Yato: Hm? Well, that I'm the next vice-president! Nagumo-senpai told me that I have the potential to follow his steps and become the president of the student council after him!

I just have a naive smile on my face when I said that... Her eyes were wide open, she was really shocked and nervous like I expected.

She wasn't answering me... she seems to be thinking about all this.

Yato: A problem senpai?

Tachibana: I didn't hear that yesterday... Does Manabu-kun?...

She wasn't really speaking to me... she was more talking to herself...

Horikita Manabu huh?

Yato: Senpai I'm clueless? Does it have a problem with this news? Does Horikita-senpai have a problem with it?

She then look at me for a second... she didn't say anything she was probably thinking about what she should answer...

And finally, she was about to say something but...

???: Stop Tachibana...

Yato: Sighs... too late...

We both turn our heads to see the person who just spoke to Tachinaba...

Tachibana: H-Horikita-kun!

It was Horikita Manabu, the previous President of the student council and the big brother of Horikita Suzune my classmate.

He then starts walking towards us with his usual serious expression. There was nearly no one around us so this was a chance for me.

Horikita-senpai: Tachibana don't fall for his trap... Fukazawa never joined the student council.

Yato: Tsk...

What he said was true... I never meet Nagumo yesterday and of course, I never accept to join the student council. Like if I will become the vice-president... becoming a little dog under the order of his master...

I then start looking at Tachibana and saw that she was angry...She walks closer to me and starts looking at me with some angry eyes...

Tachibana: You seriously try to trick me?!

Yato: Hahahaha sorry it was just a joke little girl senpai!

Tachibana: Ahhh?! And me who thought you become a good Kouhai...seriously stop calling me like that!! I'm older than you!

She then continue to tell me how much I should respect my senpai and all but my attention was on the man behind her. She noticed it and stop talking to probably let Horikita handle the conversation...

Horikita-senpai: I may have underestimated you Fukazawa...

Tachibana seems surprised by what Horikita just said...

Yato: Ohh now that you talk about it...You may be right...

He just keeps looking at me with his usual expression... provocation wasn't working on him.

Horikita-senpai: For the question, you asked earlier to Tachibana... I think you already know a part of the answer.

He was talking about the question I asked earlier... ''Does Horikita-senpai have a problem with it?''... I decided to talk with Tachibana to try if I could get the real answer on why I wasn't someone for the student council. But with his answer right now it seems that my doubts were right... it is all bout his relationship with Nagumo. But there are still some parts unclear to me...

I then start looking around... there were not many people but with someone as known as Horikita Manabu... our discussion will attract too much attention.

Yato: Arg... Finally, I should come to talk with you sooner as you offer me during this summer break...

The first time I met him, he told me that I wasn't a good candidate for the student council but still offer to come to his office to take a tea...

I then turn around and was about to leave but I tell him a last thing...

Yato: I don't think a meritocracy is necessarily a bad thing... but for you, it doesn't seem the case right?

I just turn a bit my head to look directly in the eye of Horikita Manabu...

Yato: Let me go straight to the point... I personally don't care about the situation of the student council... To be honest my priority right now is your sister...

Said like that it maybe sounds a bit weird but anyway... Sudo wasn't there anyway...

Horikita-senpai: Suzune huh?

There was his relationship with his sister too that was unclear... Hoirkita Manabu seems like a guy strict but even more with his sister.

Horikita-senpai: So I must understand that you have zero interest in the future of the student council then?

I turn around and start walking to the school... before being too far I just add something...

Yato: Yes... but you can't be sure that I haven't lied to you I guess...

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Time skip end of the day

Yato Pov:

Chabashira: I will now take your copies...

Then Chabashira-sensei take all the mid-term exams of our class and left the class after that.

Those mid-term were quite easy... like the first one at the start of the year. But with the penalty of the sports festival, it will be maybe a bit complicated... anyway, we would have the answer tomorrow if someone fails...

Then Sudo start walking towards me but it was to go talk to Horikita next to me...

Sudo: Thanks to you Suzune! With your help, I'm confident about my result...

Horikita: You worked well Sudo-kun but you should continue to be better!

It seems that Horikita was still helping the trio of idiots of the class...

Having no interest in staying here I just get up from my seat and leave the classroom. There wasn't any reaction in the class about those mid-term so I guess that everyone was confident about their scores... after all, if you fail here you're out. Getting expelled in this way must be pretty lame...

This time Hirata didn't ask me for help for his study group like at the start of the year... he probably thought that I would refuse this time. In fact those mid-term was less of a problem for us... the class was more unit and we got a few good results at the desert island and the VIP exam... so the situation was less desperate at the start of the year.

???: Fukazawa-kun!

When I was walking towards the dormitory, someone call my name...I knew who it was by her voice...

I stop walking and turn around to look at the person who just called my name... she was still walking towards me...

Yato: Can I help you with something Horikita?

Her expression was not like usual... she seems worried about something, it was obvious the reason why...

Horikita: I didn't have the time to have a real talk with you since the end of the sports festival...

Yato: Maybe but I already send you a message...

Horikita: I know! But I wanted to apologize to you directly...and wanted to know if everything was okay.

When Kushida knew that I lied to her about the fact that I knew about her and Horikita, she tried to threaten me... again... but it didn't work. But all this happen because Horikita didn't what to talk with me about her situation with Kushida and she ended up making understood to Kushdia that I was lying... of course, she didn't do it on purpose but still, she was probably feeling bad about this.

But she didn't know about my conversation with Kushdia later that night after the sports festival... in fact, I could have told to Horikita that I was in danger sooner before the festival and maybe she would help me even if she really didn't want to talk about Kushdia to me but I decided to not force her... I wanted to see if Kushida will try something against me and finally... she choose the war against me while I offer to forget all that happened between us. Now Kushida is determined to expel me and Horikita.

Yato: Hahaha Horikita stop that... you wouldn't underestimate me right now?

Horikita: It's just that because of me...

Yato: Horikita...

She stop talking and was looking at me...

Yato: I already said that there is no need to worry about... your mistake didn't change anything. I was prepared for this eventuality...

She then lowers her gaze and looked a the ground

Hoprikita: You planned that I will make a mistake then huh?

Yato: Maybe... but let me answer you with another question Horikita...

She then starts to look at me again with a look uncertain

Yato: From now... does the Horikita Suzune in front of me will made mistake as she could have done in the past?

Her eyes widen when I said that... after a few seconds, she take her usual expression...

Horikita: No! I understand my past mistake and I'm ready to become the leader of our class!

I just smile by seeing the new Horikita Suzune... There were still a few things that I wanted to talk about with her but I was not in the mood right now and there were too many people around.

Yato: That's great to hear! But You know Horikita, for our common problem we have...

I was talking about Kushida and Hoirkita immediately understood that...

Yato: There is no need to worry for me... I'm perfectly able to manage on my own.

I was about to leave and I say a last thing...

Yato: Since the start of the year I think you progressed on yourself and now you have a better vision of yourself, right?

She didn't answer me but she just make a little nod

Yato: Great! Don't forget what I said to you Horikita... I'm curious to see what you will be able to achieve!

With those words, I leave her and start walking to my room. Since the sports festival ended, aside from the mid-term, it was quite calm. Probably because of the election of the new President of the council... but knowing this school there will probably have something soon...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter, I hope you liked it! Sorry, I release it quite late but I was really busy this week. I needed to make the last check-up for Volume 6 before starting working it so that is why I just release it today.

The next chapter will come out next week but I don't when... Thanks to those who read my story!

Oh and by the way do some of you already read to trial for the Vol 6 of Y2? I read the Monologue of ??? (Don't want to spoil for the people who don't want to know haha) and I'm personally Hype for this Volume. I cannot wait for this Volume to come out!

Volume 6: Paper Shuffle

Chapter 2

Yato Pov:

It was the following day of the mid-term. We were supposed to receive the results of them today. In this school, it was not long before teachers correct all the exams of the students. Usually, we have the results the following day or the same day sometimes.

There was some tension in the class right now... but it was nothing compared to the start of the year.

Finally, Chabashira-sensei enters the classroom.

Chabashira:Please find your seats

As soon as she walked into the classroom, the atmosphere quickly grew heavier and became more dignified. There was some visible change in our class, Chabashira-sensei couldn't hide her surprise by seeing this scene.

Chabashira:Everyone looks rather serious. It's hard for me to believe that everyone here is part of the D-Class.

Ike:That's because today is when you announce the results of the mid-term exam, right?

Ike spoke with a slightly nervous look on his face. Chabashira-sensei responded with a sly smile.

Chabashira:That's exactly right. You're required to drop out immediately if you fail your midterm or final exams. I've told you this before, so it should still be fresh in your memories. It's natural to be nervous or anxious, but none of you even had the proper mentality until now. I'm glad to see all of you growing up.

I was quite surprised by the fact that Chabashira-sensei just made us a compliment right now...She was finally acting like a real teacher I guess...

Chabashira:However, you'll need to be prepared for the consequences if you've failed. So now I'm going to post the midterm exam results. Make sure you don't mix up your name and score.

From what I heard and saw yesterday I do not worry too much about the results... but what if...

Student: It seems that we can see the results of every one.

Chabashira: Of course. It's one of the rules of the school.

At the start of the year, this rule took me by surprise but in fact... I don't care at all that people see my results. Maybe some students will care about that... probably the one in the lowest ranking. They will maybe have a feeling of inferiority...but maybe after that, they will put more effort into the study for the future exam...

Chabashira:For all subjects, it's fine to consider the passing grade to be a score of 40 points or more. Those who do not meet this standard will be subjected to expulsion.

The passing grade was not the problem here... it was more about one of the penalties of the sports festival...

Chabashira:The scores announced from now on will also reflect your results at the sports festivals. In terms of results, those who achieved high scores and found success at the festival attained a score exceeding 100 points. In these cases, the score will be treated as a full score.

No... in those mid-term, the ten students who achieved the worst results will have a penalty of 10 points on their results final. By remembering the results of the start of the year... it could maybe be a problem. Sudo who got the worst results in the first mid-term was free from the penalty... he was maybe not good at studying but he was good at sports at least... but it was not the case for everyone... like his two friends Ike and Yamauchi. But I don't know who finished in the lowest ranking...

But... what if someone is getting expelled after those mid-term? The first time Sudo was supposed to be expelled but Kiyo... and Horikita... buy 1 point for the English test of Sudo to save him. What now? If a students get a failing grade do Kiyo or Horikita will try something to save this person? At the start of the year, it cost 100k private points to just buy 1 point... I know I have a lot of points but... I don't plan to buy it for anyone. Well...

I then take a quick look at the boy at my right...

No... that's probably what I would have said before. Horikita finally realized that she needs others to reach the A-Class and Sudo is one of them... with his good physical ability is an asset for the class. So if Sudo was about to get expelled I would probably help him this time... but if it is someone else who is about to get expelled... it would depend on who the person is because I will not use my points on everybody. Anyway, I may be overthinking and maybe this time everything is going to be fine...

Chabahsira-sensei then slowly put the results on the board...

Sudo:Oh!? Oh!? You're kidding!?

The ranking of the results began with the lowest score. In other words, everyone expected Sudo, who came in last during both the midterm and final exams of the first semester, to place in last once again this time around. However, the first name posted was Haruki Yamauchi along with his grades in various subjects. The next was Ike Kanji, followed by Inogashira, Sato, and then Sotomura. Sotomura usually always placed a little bit low, but for him to drop this much was undoubtedly due to the influence of the penalty from the sports festival...

Yamauchi:What a crisis! Am I seriously in last place!?

I don't know why but I couldn't help but feel happy to see him last...

Anyway, my concern here was on Sudo... I was seriously surprised by his results.Until today, he had been consistently positioned at the very bottom of the class. However, with this exam, he moved up a total of 12 spots. Even when considering the points he earned from the sports festival, his accomplishments were obvious. I could see people were surprised too by this. I don't know if we could call this good but his average score was 57... it was a real improvement by Sudo.

Sudo:I've smashed my personal record by so much in one go!!! Do you see it!? Furthermore, it almost averages out to 60 points!

His reaction was normal... the supposed worst student of the D-Class was now on top of a few students.

Horikita:That score isn't worth making a racket over. You've only been saved due to the sports festival. It's honestly a broken system if you ask me.

Sudo:Oooh dammit...

Yato: Oh come on Horikita... let him be happy...

I then start to look at Sudo

Yato: Even if the sports helped you that's doesn't change the fact that you made real improvement... I think that's some great job Sudo.

Sudo: Oh seriously? Thanks, Fukazawa

I saw in his face that my compliment was not worth as much as Horikita but he seemed glad that someone tell him that he did a great job. He then returned to his seat probably still a bit discouraged by the words of Hoirkita...

Kiyo:Sudo even scored an average of 57 points... The effects of the study group are outstanding.

I see so I was right... Hoirkita continued her study group for the worst students in studying to help them.

Horikita:The effect the study sessions have had is big indeed. If you are unprepared for a formal exam, it's all but certain that you'll fail it. However, this time the success is probably due to other factors. It was a major help that the midterm exam this time around was made up of relatively simple problems.

Even if the problem were easier... her study group was working. Even more for Sudo but it is because he probably has another motivation with this group.

Horikita:You're averaging 64 points. How very ordinary. Why don't you give up this farce and get serious?

I then look at the board and look at Kiyo's result... again it was average. But at this point, there was no doubt... this guy get those results to not stand out at all. But the real question here is what is his true ability?

I then look at Kiyo to see his face when he will answer Hoirkita...

Kiyo:That's the best I could do.

Yato: Hahahaha

Horikita and Kiyo then start looking at me

Hoirkita: Sighs... you may be carefree and nonchalant but I guess we can't say anything about your grades Fukazawa-kun...

She then looks at the boards to look at my score. It was the name at the top with an average score of 100...

Yato: I guess... So you should probably include Kiyo in your study revision to help him...

Kiyo: I improve at my own pace...

Horikita: Oh? I'm curious to see what will be your results in the next exam then

As we were talking about Kiyo grade Chabashira-sensei regained the attention of all students

Chabashira:As you can see, the number of people who've dropped out due to this exam is zero. Everyone overcame this exam without any issues.

Sudo:Obviously. I'm looking forward to next month's personal points, sensei!

With his elbows on his desk, Sudo got into the swing of things and spoke confidently. Chabashira-sensei responds to his attitude with tolerance, without changing her smile.

Chabashira:Well, there were no problems in particular during the sports festival, so it should be nice to expect some amount of private points in November. In the three years since I've arrived at this school, I have never seen a Class D that's managed to sustain zero dropouts for as long as you have. Well done.

So all the previous D-Class was that horrible? But what caught my attention was the attitude of Chabashiora-sensei today... in fact, they were somestudents who were very hesitant to accept this rare situation for what it was.

Student:Being praised by you makes me feel uncomfortable.

I then look at Horikita and notice no sign of carelessness. It was a great thing because there was something odd here...

Her tied ponytail swayed charmingly as she quietly began to move. Sensei walked a lap around the classroom, slowly passing between the rows of desks. When she arrived at Ike's seat, Chabashira-sensei stopped and said:

Chabashira:You've overcome one exam without incident, so I'll ask you again, what do you think of this school? I'd like to hear your evaluation.

Ike:Well... It's a good school. You can get a lot of spending money if everything goes well for you. The food and everything are delicious and the rooms are beautiful...There are games for sale, movies, and karaoke, and the girls are cute...

When he said his last remake the majority of the class started to look at him from a bad eye... well mostly girls...

Yato: Well he is honest at least...

Ike:Uhm... did I say something wrong?

No longer able to bear her silence, Ike looked up at Chabashirasensei and raised a question.

Chabashira:No. From a student's point of view, this school definitely provides a wonderful environment. Even from my point of view as a teacher, I also feel this school provides a lot of unimaginably good benefits to its students. It all really feels like it falls outside the realm of common sense.

Sensei began to move again, she then arrives at the last row and walks in front of Sudo... after she walk in front of Sakura until she arrive in front of me... but she didn't stop and just continued to walk...

But...

She then takes a few steps back and stops at my desk and starts looking at me...

Yato: Fuck...

Chabashira: Fukazawa... What do you think about your class?

My class? Well to be honest, I didn't expect that she will ask me this question... I then start looking at her but I notice something... her eyes... I don't like the look she has right now.

Yato: Well I don't really have an opinion on my class...

I expected that she will just continue her way by seeing that I didn't have the intention to give her a real answer but she just remained there and still continued to look at me

Chabashira: I think a lot of students would have loved to be placed in the A-Class... that's not your case Fukazawa?

All the class was now listening to us... but why she is asking me this? Does it relate to the discussion I had with her at the end of the VIP exam? Anyway, all this is annoying...

Yato: Not really... no matter in which class I am it doesn't really affect me...Maybe you should ask to the blondie-boy in front of me what he thinks about all this.

I tried to regain her attention towards Koenji but it seems that it doesn't work... she still was still looking at me. It seems that she didn't like my answer...

Chabashira: Indeed, you may be not the only one to have this thought...

She just keeps looking at me and I decide to just look at her straight in the eyes too... She finally starts walking away after that.

Yato: ...

There is something that bothers me with her... she then stops walking in front of Hirata's desk.

Chabashira:Hirata, have you gotten used to the school?

Hirata:Yes. I've made a lot of friends and I'm living a fulfilling campus life.

Chabashira:Don't you feel uneasy with the risk of having to drop out if you make a single mistake?

Hirata:Each time that risk comes back up, I'm going to get through it together with the entire class.

There was no surprise in his answer...

After she finished going around the classroom, Chabashira-sensei returned to the podium. I still don't understand her attitude today and what was the meaning of all this... there was something odd...

Chabashira: As I'm sure you all know, there will be an eight-subject quiz next week as part of the second semester's final exam. I think some of you have already started studying for the exam, but I'll remind everyone again.

Sudo:Eh!? I'm just now feeling relieved that the midterm exam is over! Another test!?

Ike:There's a week left until the quiz!? I haven't heard anything about this!

Despite Ike's shouting, the teachers of each subject had been constantly informing us about the upcoming quiz.

Yato: Sighs...

Chabashira:Saying that you haven't heard of it isn't going to work, I'd love to tell you otherwise, but I can't. Regardless, don't worry too much about it, Ike.

Chabashira-sensei smiled as if she was extending a thread of salvation to him.

Yato: Again... something odd

Ike:Really sensei? So I can take it easy then!? Booyah!

Chabashira:First of all, the quiz will have 100 questions for a total of 100 points, but the subject matter of the quizzes will be at the same level as what is expected of a third-year middle school student. That is to say, this quiz will serve as a means for us to confirm whether you remember your foundations or not. Moreover, like the mock exam from the first semester, these quizzes will not have any influence on your grades. Even if you score a 0 or a 100, it doesn't matter. It will be used solely to determine your current ability.

Yato: ...

Ike:Oh! Ooooh! Are you serious!? Yesss!

Chabashira:However- Of course, I'm going to tell you that this quiz is certainly not meaningless. Why? Because the results of this quiz will have a large influence over the upcoming final exam.

Of course, there was a meaning behind this... this school does nothing useless... the majority of the time, everything that teacher said has a meaning.

Sudo:What do you mean by influence? Tell us in a way that we can understand

Chabashira:It would be nice to explain it to you in a way that makes it easy for you to understand, Sudo. The school has stipulated that the results of this quiz will be used as a basis to pair you up with someone else in the class.

Hirata:Pair?

Hirata expressed his doubt over the word that seemed the most out of place.

Chabashira:That's right. The pairing created from the quiz will share the same fate and challenge the final exams together. The exam will be worth 100 points for each of the 8 subjects, and each subject will have 50 questions, for an overall total of 400 questions. This time around, there will also be two ways to fail the exam. The first way is similar to what all of you have already experienced. All subjects will have a minimum standard of 60 points. If the final grade your pair gets on any one subject is under 60 points, then both members of the pair will drop out of school. This 60 point standard is the combined total of each of the two partners. As an example, if Ike and Hirata are a pair, even if Ike gets a score of zero on one subject, as long as Hiratagets a 60, neither of the two will be required to drop out.

So even if I ended up with Yamauchi there is no problem for me to pass... but there was still another way to fail this exam.

A lot of students were shocked to hear that but Chabashira-sensei ignored them explained the other means of failing the final exam.

Chabashira:The new criteria that you'll have to overcome to avoid expulsion is a cumulative score requirement. Even if you get above 60 points in all eight subjects, if your cumulative score is below this second standard, both partners will be expelled.

I see...

Hirata: For this requirement, is it based on the collective total between both members of the pair?

Chabashira:That's right. The cumulative score will be determined by the total score of both members of the pair. The school hasn't figured out the exact number for the minimum standard that the cumulative score will need, but in previous years the score was around 700 points.

Oh so finally there is no problem at all... I will be able to get 800 points by myself so the person who ended up with me will probably be a lucky one.

But it was maybe not the case for everyone...

Hirata:You said the school hasn't decided on the exact borderline that the cumulative score is required to be above yet, but why is that?

It was not a bad question...

Chabashira: Don't be so hasty Hirata. I'll explain the borderline later. The final exam will be divided into two days, where you take four subjects each day. I'll let you know the order of the subjects later as well. In the event of an absence due to poor physical condition, the school will inquire about the legitimacy of the absence. If it is confirmed that the student had no other alternative, they will be given points based on rough estimates of their past exams. However, if the reason for the absence isn't satisfactory, the absentee tester will be given a score of zero for all tests they miss.

Yeah, this was some logical rules here... like if the school will let students escape from this exam that easy...

Chabashira:Still, you're starting to look a little bit like a true student of this school. In the past, you would have screamed when you heard the rules of this exam.

Ike:Well, I've grown accustomed to it. I've had to do all kinds of things so far.

Chabashira:That's a confident statement, Ike. However, there are probably quite a few of you who feel the same way. Therefore, I'm going to give you all a single piece of advice. It's best not to think that you've mastered everything about this school just because you've gotten past the first semester of the first year. In the future, all of you will have to overcome countless exams that are far harder than this one will be.

Student:P-please don't say such horrible things, sensei.

Her statement seems to have scared a lot of my classmates but I was more curious to see what type of exam she was talking about

Chabashira:Since it's a fact, it can't be helped. However, this special test... commonly known as 'Paper Shuffle', usually results in one or two groups of dropouts on an average year. Most of them tend to be students from Class D.This isn't a threat, I'm simply reciting facts.

There was something that caught my attention in what she said...

Chabashira:Pairs that fall below the borderline will be expelled without exception. If you think my speech is just a mere threat, you're free to ask the senior students. You should have already begun making loose connections with them by now.

Well, the only senpai I know are some big names in this school... and I don't really want to go talk to them. But there was the girl at the final 1200 meters from my group... the girl with platinum hair who I still don't know her name...

Chabashira:Finally, I'll specify the penalties for the formal examination. Although it shouldn't need to be said, cheating is prohibited during the examination. Cheaters will be immediately disqualified and expelled from school together with their partners. This is not limited to this examination, it also applies to all midterm and final examinations.

Yato: With their partner huh?...

Chabashira:After I receive the results of the quiz, I will inform you about the decision method for the pairings.

I then saw Kiyo and Horikita start writing the results of the mid-term but Kiyo immediately stopped...He probably knew that it was useless...

Sudo: After the quiz, is it? If you get matched with the person in last place, wouldn't you be in big trouble?

Yamauchi:Ugh! I'm humiliated by Ken! I'll study and absolutely change this!

Again... seeing him in last place is something really satisfying but I don't know why...

Sudo:Don't force yourself. You're just talking big. There's still so much more to come from my studies.

Well, it seems that Sudo is as motivated as ever. Anyway, there is no need to worry about the paring system with all what Chabashira-sensei... I then turn my head to the left to see the situation about Horikita...

Chabashira:There's one more thing. The school will ask you to consider this final exam from yet another perspective.

Hirata:There's one more thing we need to do?

As the class was slightly upset, Hirata responds as if to summarize the situation.

Chabashira:Yes. First of all, you will be asked to brainstorm and write your own final exam questions. The questions you write will be the questions on the final of one of the other three classes. This is to say, you will have to launch an 'attack' against one of the other classes, and the class that intercepts this attack will have to 'defend'. The school will compare the overall grades on the finals between the two classes, and the class that wins will receive a total of 50 Class Points from the losing class.

I see so even in this exam have the factor of class battle...this school is something else...

Hirata:Depending on the combination, is it possible for there to be a gap in the private points? Let's say Class A attacks Class B and Class D attacks ClassA. Assuming that Class A successfully manages to attack and defend, they will get a total of 100 Class Points. But if Class A attacks Class D and Class-D attacks Class A, it would only be a trade-off of 50 Class Points, right?

Chabashira:There are clear rules on this. In the case of a direct confrontation, the number of Class Points being wagered will change to 100, so don't worry. It's rare, but if the overall grades of each class end up being the same, it ends as a draw. In which case, there won't be any change in the overall number of points.

Well, the chance that there is a draw is quite low I guess...

Hirata:We have to come up with problems and write out questions for the students of other classes... I've never heard of such a thing. How will this be executed? If someone was to make their questions impossible to answer, I think the test will end up being very difficult but...

Ike:Oh, yeah! Such as stuff we haven't been taught, or nonsense trap questions! That's impossible!

It was not the first special exam we talked part... it should be obvious that the school already planned something already to be fair...

Chabashira:Of course, it will certainly end up that way if it was all left up to the students. For this reason, the questions you create will be strictly and fairly checked by our teachers. If there are problems that fall beyond the scope of the material, or can not be answered with what is provided in the question, we will require that you amend it. Through a system of constant revision of unacceptable questions, we will ensure that everyone creates fair questions. It won't be anything like the situation you're concerned about. Ike, does this make sense to you?

Ike:Um, somewhat...

Hirata: Making 400 questions... that seems like it's going to be a pretty tight schedule.

Yeah, he wasn't wrong here... with all the preparation that our class will need to do for the exam plus the fact that we need to write the question... it maybe starts to make a bit too much for some of my classmates...

Chabashira:In the event that the questions and answers are not completed in time, relief measures will be implemented for you. Our own pre-made questions will be used after the deadline. However, please note that the difficulty of the questions prepared by the school will be lower.

Yeah, this option just means our loss...

Chabashira:When it comes to creating your questions, you are free to consult students in other classes and school years, utilize the internet, consult your teacher, or decide amongst yourselves. There are no particular limitations. As long as it is a question the school allows, difficult or easy, we do not care about the content.

Yeah, what a shitty task... I will stay away from this for sure...

Hirata:The final exam that we have to challenge, of course, will be one that another class will create for us, right?

Chabashira:That's true. You're probably curious about how the class you're attacking is chosen, but the method for determining that is easy to understand. A student simply needs to nominate the desired class and I will report it to the school. If and when there's more than one nomination for the same class, the school will call upon a representative and you'll draw lots. In turn, if there is no overlap, your nomination is accepted and that's the class you'll be writing questions for. I'll hear your nomination the day before the quiz next week. You should think carefully about your decision until then.

It was the first time that an exam was a one-on-one situation... this time we only will have one opponent.

Chabashira:That's it for the preliminary explanation of the quiz and final exam. The rest is up to you to think about.

.

.

.

Time skip

Horikita:I'm going to start a meeting, Ayanokōji-kun. Can you get Hirata-kun over here for me?

Kiyo:I understand.

Kiyo immediately left towards Hirata and Horikita just remained there and look at me

Hoirkita: Can I ask you to come to Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Hm...

I just look at her and she has a determined look...

Yato: Why not...

She then left toward the desk of Sudo. I get up from my seat but instead of joining her, I start walking towards Kei.

She was talking with Sato, I hesitated to go join her but I just continued walking towards her. Kei was still sitting on her chair while Sato was standing in front of Kei's desk. The two of them notice me and Kei just lifts her gaze to look at me.

Kei: Oh Yato-kun!

Sato: Hi Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Hey...do I bother you?

Sato then quickly look at Kei a bit embarrassed and immediately look at me again

Sato: Oh no no not at all Fuakzawa-kun haha!

Kei: We were just having a girl talk.

Yato: I see... sorry to interrupt your conversation it's just that I wanted to see you Kei...

Sato: Ahh don't worry about it I was to head to my room anyway!

She then takes a look at Kei before leaving.

Sato: Bye Karuizawa-san and Fukazawa-kun!

She then just left the classroom... I remain standing until I lean on the desk next to the one of Kei. I take a quick look around to see if someone was listening to us...

Yato: A problem about the thing you were concerned about before yesterday?

She was still looking at the door of the classroom until she just start looking at me

Kei: Oh no... I guess

Yato: You guess?

I was not sure how to interpret her words...

Kei: Anyway... what do you think about this exam? It seems quite complicated with the aspect of pair...

She doesn't want to talk more about it huh? I'm not going to ask any more questions... I will just answer her questions...

Yato: Well this exam will be easy for the student who has an academic ability...

Kei: But what...

She was about to say something but I just continued to say what I was saying...

Yato: and for the students with the worst academic ability...

Kei: Huh?

I notice her expression change... she didn't understand what I was trying to say...

Kei: What do you mean by that Yato-kun?

Yato: Don't worry just come with me and follow the lead of the conversation...

I then start walking towards the group of Horikita... there was Horikita, Kiyo, Hirata and a few other students...

Yato: Yo sorry for keeping you waiting

I could see that Kei was a bit annoyed... maybe because of Horikita but she know that she needed to come.

Horikita: Don't worry I just thought it would be better if we discussed this right away.

I suddenly remember the start of the year... the same Horikita who didn't even want to give me her name was now the center of this group. She slowly begins to take the role of the leader of the D-Class. It was a great thing for me who didn't want to be considered as a leader and it's was probably a good thing for Kiyo too who absolutely want to stay in the shadow of her. But after the sports festival, he attracts the attention of a lot of people. And the most problematic one was Ryuuen who was searching for the one behind the event on the desert island. There was also Sakayanagi that there was something weird...

But anyway I was curious to see what Kiyo will do now... I start to have difficulty trusting this guy. Everything is weird about him... that's why I need to stay on my guard. But if he suddenly takes his distance of Horikita it would be too suspect I guess...

Horikita:If it's alright with you, I'd like to start right away.

Kei:What, here? I object. Since we're just going to be talking, let's go to Pallet. Yato-kun what do you think about my idea? You like their coffee don't you?

Yato: Eh well eh yeah I guess so...

She take me by surprise... but it was not too bad going to the Pallet I guess...

Kei: Yes! Let's go to the Pallet!

She then comes closer to me and grabs my arm... I know that she was to indicate her presence but it's maybe a bit too much. But... I was surprised because she quickly stop grabbing my arm. I subtly take a look at her and notice that she was looking at someone in front of her... Kiyo

Horikita:We don't know where the enemy's eyes will be, but... oh well.

Horikita was about to accept Kei's request but someone suddenly interrupt us...

???:Well, can I join you?

It was the kind and only Kushida Kikyo

Kushida:Will it cause you any trouble...?

When she said those words she take a quick look at me and Horikita. Hoirkita too takes a quick look at me but I just look at her to make her understand that I will say nothing so it was up to her...but it was someone else who answer Kushida...

Kei:I'm fine with it. Kushida-san knows everything about the class. And considering the type of test the final exam is, I'd like to hear everyone's opinions on the matter first.

Horikita:Sure, Kushida-san. I was going to call for you sooner or later anyway.

So she already planned to ask her huh? Does it was real or just a lie?

Horikita:Could you please head over there first? I'll settle my affairs here and then join you.

Hirata: Of course no problem Horikita-san

Kei: Let's go Yato-kun!

Horikita seems to not like the fact that I leave with them... she probably wanted to talk about something with me but with Kushida who was with me it would just be suspect if I stay with Hoirkita here...

So I just start walking towards the Pallet with Kei, Hirata, and Kushida.

Hirata: I'm glad to see our class more untied since the sports festival!

Hirata was kind to everyone so it was normal that he think in this way.

Kushida: I think the same Hirata-kun! I feel that everyone in the class starts to get closer to each other compared to at the start of the year...

I was always so impressed to see Kuhsida acting like that... when you know all that she did against the class in the past...this is getting almost funny seeing her like that.

Hirata: Exactly Kushida-san! Even we already have a new special exam I'm glad that the midterm went well for everyone.

Kushida just nodded to Hirata until she suddenly start to look at me.

Kushida: Oh but I must say that I was impressed to see your result Fukazawa-kun. Be able to obtain perfect scores in every subject!

Yato: Hm? Well, the tests were quite easy...

Hirata: Indeed this time there were easier than the first one at the start of the year...

Kushida: But still from what I can see... Fukazawa-kun seems pretty good at everything hehe!

Yato: ...

What she is trying to do here... I don't really sure to understand her goal. Before I could say anything Kei suddenly grab my arm

Kei: That's true! Even in sports you really good Yato-kun!

Yato: Well if you really think that I'm good at everything... it's obvious that you never tried the food that I made hahaha! After eating it you will understand that I'm far from being good at everything.

I decided to just answer her as a joke with my fooling tone.

We were now in front of the Pallet but I suddenly received a notification on my phone...

Yato: Go take a table I join you in a sec.

Kushida just looked at me but finally ended up following Hirata and Kei inside. I take out my phone and it seems that it was a message from Horikita.

[Horikita: I'm coming with Ayanakoji-kun, I would have a talk with you later when you will have some free time.

So I was right when I leave with the others...Horikita wanted to tell me something.

Yato: Sighs...

I said that I don't mind going with them but Kiyo and Horikita are not even there and I'm still tired...

I start walking into the cafe to go to the table that Hirata and the other were...

I'm just curious to see how Horikita would handle this but in fact, the paring system was obvious. With the number of students expelled in the previous year and the supposed quiz next week that will not affect your grade... 22=4...it should be pretty obvious to the others too... well I hope soo

.

.

.

Time skip

Kei:Ah, mou- What did you do? You are too late already so how about an apology?

I have my eyes closed while leaning on my chair but I suddenly heard Kei complaining. I just open my eyes to see that Kiyo and Horikita were finally there.

Horikita:We'll start right away. After all, Hirata-kun has club activities to get to.

Kei:Wow, ignore me. As expected of Horikita-san.

Horikita disregarded Karuizawa's request for an apology and sat down at her seat.

Kei:And you still didn't apologize at all.

I immediately tap my foot against Kei's foot to gain her attention and when she started looking at me I just shake my head lightly to make her understand to stop this...

I just sense the gaze of Kiyo on us while Horikita didn't lose any more time and continued ignoring the last remake of Kei

Horikita:Well, let's start with these upcoming quizzes.

Hirata:Should we be concerned about those? All of these tests are being held one after the other. It's a burden to have to study for all of them. Plus, thankfully the school said that the results of those quizzes won't be reflected in our grades at all.

Well, I was quite disappointed by Hirata, to be honest... but it was for this reason Hoirkita was the best choice for the leader of the D-Class. Hirata would be a great support to Horikita.

But he wasn't totally wrong on a point... this will make a lot of study for the student... it will be even more complicated for the ones who don't like or are not good at it.

Horikita:Well, I don't intend to force people to study for these quizzes. But I don't think the school is having us do these quizzes purely for the purpose of seeing the students' academic strength. We just finished and passed, the midterm exams after all.

Hirata:Isn't it because the midterms this semester had really simple questions?

For the moment, I will just say anything and let Horikita make the discussion... she needs to assert herself as the leader.

Horikita:So you're saying that the quizzes will then be really difficult? That would only be inefficient for the school.

Hirata:In other words, the quiz itself is meaningful, right? Does the school have a goal in mind outside of seeing our academic ability?

Kei:Wait what? What do you mean, Yōsuke-kun?

They start to understand slowly...

Horikita:If the purpose for the quizzes is not to confirm our scholastic ability, then there can only be one other reason for them. The results of the quizzes will decide the partner selection for the final exams. That's the only thing it could be.

Sudo had a serious expression as he listened to Hirata and Horikita's discussion.

Horikita: Do you understand, Sudo?

Sudo:Barely...

Yato: ... that's a no then...

Horikita:There must be a process for determining your partner for the finals hidden in these quizzes. In other words, as long as we figure out this process, we can gain an advantage in the final exam.

When I was listening to them I notice something outside of the Pallet...

Kei:Like matching up people with similar scores, something like that?

Sudo:Or matching people who answered the same for each question?

I then get up from my seat who seems to surprise everyone.

Yato: That's probably not this way that the pair are made but there is still a way to confirm it.

I was then about to leave...

Yato: Sorry but I need to go... everything is okay Horikita?

She then looks at me for a few seconds and she then looks at me with a confident look

Horikita: Yes do not worry. anyway, I think we probably arrived at the same conclusion... I'm not holding you back any longer.

I just nodded and was about to leave but I feel the gaze of Kei on me. I quickly look at her but she probably understand that she needed to stay... she was important for the class and this group to help Horikita. That's one of the reasons Kiyo chose her...

I just left the Pallet and start walking faster towards the thing I noticed...well more the person I noticed.

I made sure she didn't notice my presence to get closer to her. I was now behind her and I tap on her left shoulder to have her attention.

But when she turned her head to look behind her I just quickly go in front of her without that she noticed it and when she just start looking in front of her again...

Yato: Yo!

???: Kya!...

She then saw that it was me...

???: Sighs... it's you

Yato: Hoi Hoi don't react like that...I was just joking Kamuro

I just had a smile while she just seemed a bit annoyed but the other thing I noticed was that she didn't look at me directly yet...She still has her school bag but she has another bag from a store of the Keyaki mall in her hand. She probably came here directly as soon as school was over.

Kamuro: So you need something from me?

Yato: What? Do I need to have a reason to come to see you?

She just start to look away...

Kamuro: Don't say something like that...

She then for the first time looked at me

Kamuro: And you probably have something in your mind. There is always a meaning behind what you do.

Yato: Hm?

I was a bit surprised by what she said... I wasn't expecting her to say that

Yato: I don't think that's true... why you said that?

Kamuro: You are a lot like her...

Yato: Her huh?

She was talking about Sakayanagi...

Yato: And does it bother you?

Kamuro: Huh?

She was looking at me a bit perplexed

Yato: You follow her as a leader right? It shouldn't bother you...

Kamuro: You're right I follow her but it's annoying when she sends me to buy her thing...

The bag she had in her hand was probably for Sakayanagi then...

Kamuro: Anyway I need to go...

She starts walking but I just decide to follow her. I said that it wasn't the case that all my actions had a meaning but she was right this time... there was something I wanted to know...

Yato: So does everything is okay in your class? From what I could see during the sports festival it doesn't seem the case...

She just turn her head to look at me while still walking... she seems a bit intrigued by my question.

Kamuro: Having two leaders is complicated I guess...

She didn't tell me a lot of information... she know that it wasn't a good thing. I was about to say something else but she was the first one to speak

Kamuro: You are quite athletic...

Yato: Huh?

Kamuro: Well I and Hashimoto were quite surprised to see your sprint against the guy from the B-Class... Shibata So I think? You managed to win against him and you probably had one of the best times in all school year. The same thing for the 1200 meter race... your class was far behind the other but you managed to catch up the delay that your class had compared to the others. Even Sakayanagi didn't expect that I think... you were probably one of the candidates for the MVP. You must be in the athletic club at middle school?

I wasn't expecting her to bring up the subject of the sports festival herself but it will be easier

Yato: Athletic club? Nah not at all... I guess I'm just good at running...

Kamuro: Well I guess that you received offers to join the one in this school...

Yeah, some senpai asked me to join the athletic club after the festival... even some other sports club asked me. But like if I will accept their offers...

Yato: yeah they asked me... but you know I wasn't the only one who they asked!

She just looked at me wondering what I was talking about

Yato: Yeah you know the guy from my class that made the final sprint?

Her eyes widen a bit but she starts looking in front of her... probably for I can't see her face. But I decided to play the fool here...

Yato: Hahaha I know you probably don't remember him haha he doesn't have a presence at all after all! His name is Ayanakoji...

Kamuro: Oh I see...

We were now in front of the dormitory... she was about to enter but I stop and she notice it and did the same

Yato: Oh but wait!...

She then turns around to look at me

Yato: You didn't come to see Ayanakoji after the festival? Haha, you wanted to talk with him about something?

She just look at me for a few seconds without saying anything... I was just looking at her with a normal expression... I wasn't really serious or anything like I just had my nonchalant expression...

Kamuro: That's what I was saying earlier... you have always something behind your mind... like her.

Yato: Nah I was serious earlier... I'm not always like that. It just happen today I had something in mind...

Kamuro: She warns me that you will probably ask me something about it...You probably know that I am not the one who really what to meet this Ayanakoji from your class.

Well, I wasn't really surprised... I know that Kamuro works for her so it is just normal that I find it weird that Kamuro came to see Ayanakoji after the festival... Sakayanagi know that I'm not that dumb and that I will probably have doubt about this and will finally understand the whole situation

I was about to say something but...

???: Ah Masumi-san! I started to wonder why you were so late...hm?

There was two-person who was walking back from the school but The person who just said that notice me and just start smiling...

???: Ah I see... this is the reason for your delay...

The other person who was walking notice me too

???: Oh Fuakzawa?

Yato: Oh if it's not Hashimoto and Sakayanagi

The two of them start walking towards me but...

Sakayanagi: You can go without me Hashimoto-kun, I will have a little talk with Fukazawa-kun before heading to my room.

Hashimoto didn't seem happy with what Sakayanagi just said...

Hashimoto: Oh but I don't mind to...

Before he could finish Sakakayanagi just start to look at him with a smile

Sakayanagi: You can go Hashimoto-kun! Don't worry.

Hashimoto just have a smile on his face

Hashimoto: I see then haha! I see you later then Sakayanagi-san

He then starts to look at me

Hashimoto: See you next time Fukazawa!

Yato: Yeah sure!

Hashimoto just left for the dormitory alone while me, Kamuro, and Sakayanagi remain here...

Kamuro: I will go then...

Sakayanagi: Are you sure Masumi-san? You were having a discussion with Fukazawa-kun no?

Kamuro: Sighs...

Kamuro seems a bit annoyed but she finally stays here with us... Sakayanagi just had her usual expression

Sakayanagi: So what you were talking about? Don't mind me... or does it matter if I'm here?

In the last part of her sentence, she said in a teasing tone... she seems to have fun right now. From what I heard of Kamuro, Sakayanagi knows that I know about the fact that she was the one who meet Kiyo and I will try to learn more about it.

I just start to smile and have a fooling voice tone

Yato: Hahaha of course you can stay Sakayanagi! We were just talking about trivial things! We weren't talking about something related to the end of the sports festival hahaha!

Kamuro seems desperate for what I just said while Sakakayanagi just keeps looking at me with her expression.

Sakayanagi: Fufufu, trivial things huh? What do you think if we plan a new chess session? Like that we could talk about trivial things together?

Yato: Oh sound not bad.

Sakayanagi: Perfect! I'm a bit busy with the announcement of the new special exam but after the quiz the next week, I should be available.

Yato: Same I guess... send me a message when you have time then.

Sakayanagi: Now that's it's settled I will go back to my room...

She then looks at Kamuro

Sakayanagi: Do you come with me Masumi-san are you have something else to do with Fukazwa-kun

Kamuro: No I just encounter him while I was about to bring you what you asked me to buy...

Sakayanagi: I see... then see you next time Fukazawa-kun!

Kamuro just looks at me a last time before leaving with Sakayanagi... I tried to get some info but I knew that it wasn't that easy. But it seems that I will play chess against Sakayanagi again soon. It was not that bad... playing chess is quite fun and if I can obtain some info it will be a bonus...but with her, it will not be easy.

I just start walking to my room after that.

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Time Skip Later than night

Yato Pov

I just finished eating and was about to watch something on the TV but suddenly my phone start to ring.

I walk to my phone and saw that it was Horikita. I just pick up...

Yato: Horikita?

[Horikita: Fukazawa-kun do I'm bothering you?

Yato: Nah Nah I just finished eating... can I do something?

Still on the phone, I just walk to my bed and sit on it

[Horikita: Well I just wanted to talk about a few things with you...

Yato: Hmm sure...

[Horikita: Well first off I just wanted to inform you that we will ask some senpai to be sure about the paring system... Hirata and Kushdia will take care of that.

I wasn't too sure about Kushida but Hirata was involved so there was no need to worry

Yato: That's a good thing to confirm it... but it's probably just about the results of the quiz of next week. The best scores will be paring with the worst ones and so on.

That's why I told Kei that this exam will be harder for the people whose scores are more average... For example, if I ended up with Sudo, he can score zero and we still gonna pass because I will have the required score by myself. But for the one who has average scores, they need to be careful to not have a score below 60 in a subject and be careful about the combined score that the school will tell us. Last year it seems it was about 700...

[Horikita: Exactly... I think the same but I prefer to not deny any possibility...

Yato: And that's the right thing to do... and it's nothing to just go asking to some senpai about this anyway...

[Horikita: Indeed, we also chose our target for the exam... we decided that it will be the C-Class. What do you think?

Yato: Hm? What do I think?

[Horikita: Yes I would like to hear your thought... you leave earlier today.

Yato: I'm curious about something Hoikita... you're the one who came up with the idea of attacking the C-Class?

[Horikita: Indeed! I think it's our best choice...

She seems sure of her...

Yato: Okay if I tell you that's it's the worst choice... will you immediately change our target?

She didn't answer me... there was not a word coming from the phone...until

[Horikta: No! I really think that attacking the C-Class is the best option for us... if you have good arguments I can listen to you but we all agreed earlier about the C-Class...

Yato: I see...

[Horikita: I know what you trying and don't worry Fukazawa-kun...I changed since the sports festival. I am more motivated to become the A-Class and become the leader of our class!

I see... I just started to smile by hearing that...Indeed I was testing her motivation and her resolve but it was useless...

Yato: Hahaha! You're right sorry I was testing you Horikita... yeah the C-Class is indeed the best choice for us.

''Best'' was maybe not the best word here... Because if fact if we wanted to win the only class we can choose is the C-Class. The two other classes have too many good students to beat them in academic ability. But the problem with the C-Class is Ryuuen and Kushida... they do not need to be better here...but I wonder if Horikita realized it yet.

[Horikita: This is all that I wanted to tell you for now... if possible I would want if we can meet to have a talk soon.

Yato: A talk huh?

It's probably related to the message she sent me earlier

[Horikita: Yes... to talk about Kushida-san and the other factors of the exam. But right now we still don't have all the info for this exam so if we could meet after the quiz it will be great.

Yato: Yeah sure... Kushida is something we need to talk about.

[Horikita: Great so I will hang up... Oh, I would ask you a last thing Fukazawa-kun...

Her tone of voice changed...

Yato: Yeah what the matter?

She didn't answer immediately...

[Horikita: Did you know about the recording that Ayanakoji-kun sent to Ryuuen-kun?

I see so she knows about it huh? Or she tries to tick me to find out?... anyway that's doesn't matter if she knows that it's Kiyo because she is already aware of his real capacity of him.

Yato: Maybe...

[Horikita: I see... a lot happen but I would like to thank you Fukazawa-kun...

Yato: Don't worry... just be a great leader Horikita, I think you can do it. I don't usually lose my time when I don't believe in something...

She didn't answer me...Wait do I say something weird?

Yato: Eh hello?

She didn't answer immediately until

[Horikita: Thank you Fuakzawa-kun I will do my best for being the leader of our class from now on! I see you tomorrow.

After that, she just hang out...I just drop my phone on my bed and open the TV and start looking at a show while thinking about all this.

This exam will be extremely easy for me... aside from the class battle aspect of course. I don't need to worry about my partner because I will be able to pass by myself. I don't need to study or anything like that so I guess I will have a lot of free time...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter, I hope you liked it! I know there was a lot of stuff like rules but I needed to put it because I couldn't just skip them like the first exam on the island because there were a few things during the explanation and I need to build the story too.

Okay, there were a few things that I wanted to talk guys so please read this and give me your thoughts!

First I wanted to have your opinion on something that I have had in mind for a while. The idea to put others characters (OC) in the series. I don't plan to make them important or steal screen time for actual COTE characters but sometimes I will really need more characters. And the perfect example is right now for the partner for Yato for this exam. Yato has the best grades and in the students of the D-Class, already all the worst ones we know are already paired with someone with good academic ability. Technically we already know all the names of the 40 students of the D-Class but more than half has no chara-design or personally or anything like that. We just have a name so I can just tell that Yato is with ''Hakuo Minami'' (it's supposedly a name of one of the students of the D-Class) and just tell that he has bad results so that's why he ended up with Yato... but personally I think it's kinda boring.

Like I said I will not add OC to make enemies for Yato or steal screen time for characters from COTE. The only OC character who will have real importance for the story is the one who is related to Yato (like Dazai, Mori, etc...) but adding an OC character only for this kind of situation can be a great thing.

For volume 6 is not too much important to have a ''real partner'' with Yato but for a few moments in the future, I will really need more character. Like in Volume 5, I didn't make Yato participate in the cavalry battle because I didn't have enough character. Originally the plan was to make Yato VS Kanzaki in this event but in the end, I couldn't make it because there were just remaining some students like Ike, Yukimura who have bad physical ability and it wouldn't have made any sense. I thought about paying Koenji to participate but I thought it will be a bit too much and Yato himself wouldn't want to pay for this shit hahaha!

That's why I would want to test adding a first OC for this exam. In this case, this student will have a bad academic ability for I can pair him with Yato. Tell me what you think about this, I really want your opinion please even if you usually don't comment or anything it would just help me to have a real decision because it would impact some future thing too in the story. I don't want to spoil anything but I will need more students in a few Vol.

Oh and if you think that is a great idea please tell me some characters that you will want to see. But like a character who would fit in the universe of COTE haha I don't want to see any Jotaro or characters like that haha. Like characters from other anime who are teenagers or something like that. I already have a few characters that I think can fit in the story but I don't mind taking a few characters that you suggest to me. Please just put the name of the original character with the name of the series (in case I didn't know him or her) with a picture is great too!

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And last thing... I'm late and probably already know it but we finally get a season two of COTE! I'm really hype because it will finally adapt one of the best sagas of all time for me. The arc of the GOAT himself, Ryuuen Kakeru!!! Yeah, he is my fav character by far haha! Btw the art of Tomose is just amazing!

Volume 6: X

Chapter 3

Ryuuen Pov:

Today the new special exam had just been announced... but right now it was not really my priority. I was sitting at the podium in front of the classroom.

Ryuuen:Looking back on the exams so far, there are several unnatural things.

I asked all my class to stay here after school. Albert, Ishizaki, Komiya, and Houdo were beside me. I wanted to make things clear... and of course, no one said anything about my order.

Ryuuen:For it to come to this, it couldn't have been by chance.

I said those words as if I was speaking to myself... but in reality, there were for a specific person... the reason on why my plan failed during the sports festival.

Ryuuen:Based on what happened on the uninhabited island, and at the sports festival, there appears to be a person in Class D who thinks like me.

There was still Fukazawa who was a case aside... but there was still the question of whether these two were linked...

Ishizaki:Someone like Ryuuen-san? I don't think Class D has someone like that...

He seems to catch up with something when he said that... he is trash to keep a poker face. He probably thought about Fuakzawa...after all, he managed to stop the Sudo incident by manipulating Ishizaki to get 300k per month. Even if Ishizaki doesn't know that it's Fuakzawa who is behind all this, he still knows that there is someone who managed to stop my plan.

During the sports festival I ended up making a contract with Fukazawa to know how he managed and what he obtain but I didn't tell Ishizaki and the others that I know about this... so they still think that they can't tell me about this incident.

Anyway...I just smile and start looking at Ishizaki

Ryuuen:I used to think that too, but I feel like I need to face reality.

This was the reality... there was a person in the shadow of the D-Class and Suzune.

Ishizaki:Is this also related to the results of the uninhabited island exam and the sports festival?

Ryuuen:That's it. But rest assured, I have a general idea of how the other side is doing things. Listen to you. Moving forward, we'll be looking to launch an all-out attack on Class D. I must take out the person running Class D from the shadows. Class A and Class B will have to be put aside for now.

I notice a few being dissatisfied by my statement but I didn't care... now what was important was this bastard who hide in the shadow.

Ishizaki:Ryuuen-san... Does Class D really have someone working in the background? Someone other than Horikita or Hirata?

Kaneda: Hm? What about Fukazawa-shi? From what I saw during the festival and at the end of the uninhabited island... he is the perfect candidate right, Ryuuen-shi?

Kaneda... one of the only ones who can use his brain in this class...but before I could answer someone slap his hand on his desk...

Ibuki: Yes! It's obvious that it's Fukazawa behind all this!

Her tone of voice... she probably still unhappy about her fight against Fukazawa... and now that he running way faster than her probably piss her off more.

Everyone was looking to listen to my answer but I just slower shake my head...

Ryuuen: No... that's not Fukazawa...

Kaneda\Ibuki: Huh?

I just look at Ishizaki...

Ryuuen: To answer your question...Yes...there is someone who works in the background. And, the people in this class have the key to exposing their identity.

I then look again to all the class

Ibuki:What are you trying to say, Ryuuen?!

All this situation probably start to annoy her because she just stood up with her arms crossed at her chest and was looking directly at me...

Ryuuen:Kuku. Ibuki, can you not even listen quietly?

Ibuki:I don't have that much free time, and you don't get to keep intimidating your classmates.

I then still look at her with my smile

Ryuuen:You're a big talker for someone who hasn't asked for permission. Haven't you already made a fool of yourself?

Ibuki:That's...

She immediately understand that I was talking about her race against Horikita... I changed the lineup for her and she still ended up losing. I was expecting this to shut her up but...

Ibuki:Are you one to talk? At the end of the day, you failed to defeat Horikita at the sports festival. Did you manage to get the private points for the collection? Aren't you the same as me?

She still doesn't see and understand the whole thing yet...

Ryuuen:The same as you? Don't make jokes like that. The strategy I set up at the sports festival was perfect.

Ibuki:What's up with that outcome? You don't even explain anything to us and now you say there's another guy that thinks like you in that class? You want us to just accept that?

Anyway... I guess I could thank her to bring up the subject more easily...

Ryuuen:Don't you think that no matter how perfect a strategy, it will fail if somebody leaks it?

Ibuki:Leak?

Ryuuen:The mysterious success of Class D is due to the mysterious existence of 'X', who dares to draw and manipulate the Class C students at my command. In short, we have spies among us.

The reason why my plan failed it's that X managed to get a spy from my class... so there is a student who is not under my control but on the one of X instead...

Ibuki:Are you serious...?

Ryuuen:This is a fact. My cohesiveness... no, it seems that authority was not enough. It truly is a pity.

I just keep smiling... right now this situation must stress the majority of the student...even more for the spy...

Ryuuen:However, this noisy espionage will end here.

PAM

I just slam the podium with the plan of my and to silence to whole room...

Ryuuen:First of all, I will try to ask honestly. The student who betrayed me, raise your hand.

I then glared at the whole glace but as I suspected... this person didn't raise her hand. Perfect, I would be able to see how much control X has over her...

Ryuuen:Oh yeah... if you come forward easily, you won't have betrayed me at all.

I then look at the class with a more serious look

Ryuuen: I knew that the spy would choose to hide. Then, you don't have to raise your hand. No, rather, don't raise your hand. Even if you're now considering it, stay completely hidden.

Ibuki:What are you saying? Are you really tolerating traitors?

Ryuuen:You're annoying, Ibuki. Don't disturb my pleasure. I'll kill you if you do that again.

She immediately saw my expression and understand that I was dead serious... this annoying girl... just stay there and just your dam mouth...

Ryuuen:I've been trying not to make a big deal out of it. Others may think I'm lying, but it's true. To put it simply, I've been slacking off.

BAM! BAM!

I just struck the podium with my foot

Ryuuen:However... Maybe that's a bad thing. After all, there is a traitor.

I just did the same thing again... I could see a lot of my classmates start to get scared

Ryuuen:All this means is that I'll have to play some games. It's nothing. Not a big deal. It's just a silly game where we find a spy who's trying to remain hidden. For most of the students present, this should be meaningless, so there's nothing to be afraid of. It shouldn't take long, it'll take less than 30 minutes.First things first, everyone unlocks your phone and place it on your desk. I'll check it myself. Are there any idiots who don't have their phones with them? If you don't, speak up immediately. That person is the culprit.

Then everyone immediately just did as I told them...

Ryuuen:A very sensible decision, it's very helpful.

I then give a look to Ishizaki to gather all the phones to the podium.

Ishizaki: Ryuuen-san, everyone's phone has been collected. Our phones have also been included.

Ryuuen:Thank you for your hard work. Then, it's time we conduct a thorough investigation.

The first part of my game started...I said that I will start by looking at the message on their phone and the first person who didn't want me to look at her phone was Nishino. After gradually a few students tell me that they didn't want that their message was read by me. With that... I already removed a few students of the suspect... well I already know who it was... just by looking at her.

I then look at all the phone remaining just to act like I was really looking at to make the spy stress.

After that I'm done looking at the phone, Ibuki, like always, seems pissed off that I didn't find a clue about the spy. She even said that I was maybe wrong about the spy. She was the only one who had the guts to tell me that in my face but probably some other people were thinking the same as her. So I just take out my phone and play the record that X send me after the festival.

It was to show them the record and they all started to understand my point. I then explain to them that X debility waited at the end of the festival to send me this proof. He let Suzune be destroyed mentally by me...He didn't care if Suzune did the Kowtow or not. All this had one meaning...

Ryuuen:Kuku... that is to say, he does not intend to reveal himself.

All this confirms one thing... X probably didn't care about reaching the A-Class. There was still Fuakzawa that I don't know how much he know about all this... but this guy is not easy to deal with. He probably doesn't care bout the A-Class too...

Ryuuen:Well, we've gotten a bit derailed, so let's get back to the point. I'm not sure what method he used, but the fact remains that 'X is someone who thinks like me', and he has made someone in this class spy for him. Because otherwise, he couldn't have gotten his hands on the audio file. However, the premise is that X's true identity will remain hidden even if we find the spy. If the spy knew his identity, this game would be over the moment I find them. Because of this, in order to be able to conduct espionage, mail or other exchanges of communication would be necessary. Although it's not impossible for them to be using old-fashioned letters to communicate, that method would be very limited and inefficient.

Ibuki:But there was no evidence on anyone's cell phone. Are you sure you didn't skip over any details?

Ryuuen:Of course. I looked at the phones as a matter of principle. It was only fordone for the sake of appearances.

Ibuki:Huh? You said you'd know who the spy is if you just looked at the phones. Right?

Ryuuen:Think about it carefully. If you were the spy, would you risk leaving suspicious mail on your phone?

Ibuki:I... would not. Because of that, I had thought that checking the phones like this was a waste of time

Ryuuen:Right. If you think about it, checking the class's cellphones is an obvious result of this. It's not incredibly difficult to destroy the evidence. Even if the spy didn't think to destroy it, X would have certainly instructed them to do so. In other words, the spy attempted to look innocent by willingly letting me look at their phone. It follows that those who refused to show me their cell phones are clearly innocent, and the spy wouldn't have taken that chance.

All this was to see how much the spy is scared of X...

Ryuuen:I'm going to ask the spy again.

I then look at each of the people in the classroom...

Ryuuen:Are you afraid of the unknown X? Or of me? Ask yourself which one is truly terrible to make into an enemy. Are you making a mistake? Remember when the admissions ceremony was over? What happens to the people who resist me? Right, Ishizaki?

Ishizaki:Y-Yes...

At the start of the year, I immediately take the control of the class by the force...Right now everyone here should know what happens if you disobey me...

Ryuuen:the strongest force in the world is 'violence' when it's fully committed. I will not succumb to authority. Even if the school tries to expel me, I'd be certain to kill the traitor before it happens. Do you understand what I mean? If I end up expelled because of this betrayal, I will make sure to stomp the life out of this spy-like insect they are.I will welcome the confession of the traitor now, but this will be your last chance. If you are to confess now, I promise to not get caught up on this betrayal, and vow to prevent your classmates from accusing you in the future. As I had said in the beginning, if you believe in and obey me, I will lead this class to Class A. As long as you follow me, I will protect you.

I then stay on the podium for a moment put still... no answer... I see so that's how it is...

I then get up from the podium and start walking into the classroom

Ryuuen:Do you understand? What it mean to offend me?

I continue to walk until I walk to the person I have had in mind since the beginning of all this...

Ryuuen:What's wrong? Can you not look into my eyes?

???:Ah... A-A... I...

Her breathing was disorderly, and she had a face that was about to burst into tears.

Ryuuen: Kuku. It's you, Manabe, Class C's traitor.

I then get my face closer to her and she was visibly really scared

Ryuuen:Don't be so afraid, Manabe. You didn't take the initiative to report it to me, but I knew you were the spy from the beginning. Your complexion has been bad from the start. There was no way for you to hide it.

Manabe:Please. Sorry, I'm sorry, I...

Ryuuen:Don't worry, I'll forgive you. I'll handle this with magnanimity. So let's hear it. Tell me the true nature of X who had you betray me.

I then turned around to shoot a sharp glace to her friends Nanami Yabu and Saki Yamashita.

Mini time skip

I then told everyone to leave the class except Manabe and her friend. There was just Ishizaki, Ibuki, and Kaneda who stayed too.

Ryuuen:Question: Do you know the identity of the guy who gave you instructions?

Manabe and the others denied the question by shaking their heads from side to side.

Ryuuen:Well, next question: What are your reasons for betraying Class C? Explain it to me.

Manabe:That is...

Ryuuen:There's no use in concealing it now. If you choose to hide it anyways, then tomorrow is when your time as my classmates' end and you'll be treated like nothing more than maggots.

Manabe:D... Karuizawa of Class D, do you know?

I must admit that I'm surprised to hear this name...

Ryuuen: Yeah... Fukazawa girl...

Again...we are back with Fukazawa...

Manabe: Yeah this bitch! She is acting strong right now... but I believe she was a victim of bullying in the past.

This bitch huh? There seems to have more behind this...

Ryuuen:Oh? Then?

Manabe:Rika was treated terribly by Karuizawa, so we attempted to retaliate...

She then starts to tell all the events that happen on the cruise ship. How the four of them bully and take revenge on Karuizawa. But in the end, they ended up being caught by someone because a mysterious person send them a video of them bullying Karuziawa. But there is something wrong with her story...

Ibuki:Are you an idiot? They're being threatened by a guy who they don't even know the identity of. Don't you know that things might get even worse from here?

I just keep looking at Manabe for a moment and ignored completely Ibuki... everyone noticed that I didn't say a word and they just all start looking at me. Manabe seems again very anxious

Ryuuen: Manabe...

Manabe: Y-Yes Ryuuen-Kun?!

Ryuuen: There's something wrong with your story...How did you know that Karuizawa was on the last floor of the cruise ship?

Manabe: ?!?!

Her eyes immediately widen when I asked this question. I then walk to her desk and slam my plan of hand on her desk and look at her directly in the eye...

Ryuuen: Tell me Manabe... don't get me mad...

Manabe: I-It's... W-Well... I-I-I...

She couldn't answer... but does she was scared about something? When I was bout to say something one of her friends finally spoke

Yamashita: Tell him Shino! He betrays you after all!

I then start looking at Yamashita but she quickly looks away...

Ryuuen: Betray? What is the meaning of this? Last chance Manabe... talk!

She then take a few breaths and saw in a low tone...

Manabe: I-It's Fuakzawa who tell me she was there...

Ryuuen: What? Explain yourself!

She then told us all the story of how she started getting closer to Fukazawa and he offer his help to help her in her revenge against Karuziawa...

Ryuuen: Kukukuahaha!

Everyone was surprised by my reaction... Fukazawa Yato...What a fucking bastard...

I then look at Manabe with a smirk

Ryuuen: How cute it is...

I then noticed that she was about to cry... she really had a crush on him...

Ryuuen: Okay Manabe but did anyone else witness the scene where you had bullied Karuizawa?

She then wipe her eye and just nodded.

Manabe:At that time, we were seen by two students from Class D. Yukimura-kun and Ayanokōji-kun.A picture was sent to us afterward. A picture of when we were involved with Karuizawa.

So there is Fukazawa, Yukimura and this Ayanakoji...

Ryuuen:So that's how it is. I had expected there to be evidence since you were being threatened, but for the picture to have been taken back then... What happened to this photo?

Manabe:I deleted it. If somebody saw it... We would...

Ryuuen:So the situation has reached its conclusion.

Kaneda: So Yukimura-shi or Ayanakoji-shi is X then... But even if you said that Fukazawa-shi was not X... he is still the most logical suspect...

Before he could finish Manabe spoke again

Manabe: No! It's not Fukazawa-kun! No... it can be him...I don't know much about Yukimura, but I don't believe Ayanokōji is the one pulling the strings for Class D. I've had the chance to interact with him a few times, and he didn't strike me as that kind of guy.

Ishizaki:Yukimura does seem a little suspicious in that sense. He seems to be quite capable of academics.

Kaneda: Ayanakoji-shi is probably more suspect than Yukimura-shi. After all, he isalways together with Horikita-shi. Besides, Ayanokōji-shi had been hiding his running ability at the sports festival. I think the more suspicious of those two would have to be him.

Ibuki:I think the two of them are irrelevant. Ayanokōji just has a quick foot and Yukimura just has his grades, right? It must be Fukazawa!

Ishizaki: I think the same... Aside from Fukazawa, who else could it be?

Kaneda:There are some really capable guys in Class D. Someone like Hirata-shi.

Manabe:That guy? I speak to him pretty often and I don't think he's that kind of person.

I then slightly smiled at them until I slam my hand on the desk again.

Ryuuen:Shut up a little.

I just laugh a bit

Ryuuen:Did I ask for even a single word of your opinions? I will find the guy who is manipulating Class D from the shadows. You all are just my pawns for that goal. Small fry should act like small fry. Looking at the facts, only Ayanokōji or Yukimura could have taken the picture. However, coming to the conclusion that one of them has to be the mastermind is unreasonable. They may also be under the influence of someone.

Kaneda: But Fukazawa-shi could have taken the picture too? Why did you say that X wasn't Fuakzawa-shi?

Ryuuen: It's not him...I know.

Well, I was sure at 99% that it wasn't him. It doesn't make any sense if X was Fukazawa... I saw how Fukazawa acted and this is not how X is. Maybe if he did this ''two personalities'' thing on purpose...but I don't think it's the case. Even more, after he made a contract with me to have a record of the discussion between Kushida and Horikita. If he was the one with the audio file he could have obtained more without telling me about his contract with Ishizaki and the others.

Ryuuen: Hey all of you... just keep your distance from Fukazawa for the moment unless I said so. He doesn't have the attitude to be the X that I'm looking for... And if he was really X that would just not match up with what I heard of him...

Ibuki: Heard of?

Ryuuen: Kuku indeed...

Those bandages... there is no doubt about him...

Kaneda: I believe you Ryuuen-shi for Fuakzawa-shi... butregarding Ayanokōji-shi, shouldn't we be suspicious?

Ryuuen:That's right...

But this Ayanakoji has been too much exposed recently...

Ryuuen: Sighs... that starts to bother me... I don't have the choice I will have to use this...

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Time skip

Yato Pov:

Today was the day of the quiz that will determine the duo for the Paper shuffle exam. Two days ago Horikita and Hirata explain to the class the tactic for this quiz. People like Sudo, Ike, etc... will need to score 0, and people like me, Horikita, Hirata would need to score at least a score of 80 points. While all the average students will score around 60 points. But the only thing we need to be careful of is not that two bad students end up together or two strong students end up together.

Horikita asked Koenji if he would score at least 80 points and it seems it will be the case...

Koenji:I'll consider it carefully. Girl.

Yato: Sighs... this guy

Anyway... I will score 100 points so I will be one of the lower scores in the class. I let Horikita handle everything and it seems that Kiyo did the same.

Then suddenly Chabashira-sensei entered the classroom.

Chabashira:The quiz will start here in a moment, but I have something to report on before that happens. The class that you had nominated to attack for the final exams, Class C, was approved as it did not conflict with the choices from any other classes.

It was indeed a great news for us... because even if the C-Class was probably the most dangerous. It was our chance for us to win against them in therm of academic ability.

Horikita:Did Class A and Class B both nominate Class D? Regardless, it's great that we're able to attack the unstudious Class C without leaving luck and misfortune up to the heavens.

Chabashira:Then, the class that will be attacking Class D was also determined to be Class C. This was also because their nomination had no conflicts with other classes.

I was a bit surprised to hear this but it also confirms another thing... Katsuragi loses a lot of power in his class. If he would still be the one in change he would have targeted us for sure... but it seems that Sakayanagi chose to attack the B-Class.

We were currently in an alliance with the B-Class so they didn't attack us in this exam and they probably wanted to avoid Ryuuen... and the B-Class is probably the only class that can match up with the A-Class in terms of the academic ability of their students.

Chabashira:Even though we're about to take a quiz, Ike and Yamauchi look entirely fine. Before tests, you two usually have dark circles under your eyes. Do you have some form of secret strategy this time?

Ike:Hehehe. Please watch carefully, sensei.

Ike was full of confidence, but it was as expected. After all, he hadn't done any studying.

Chabashira:Don't regret your decision afterward. You should face this quiz seriously.

Yato: Sighs...

Why she do that?

Ike:I am serious. After all, it doesn't affect my grades, right?

Chabashira:Of course. There will be no reflection on your grades.

Ike:Then I can be at peace with not having to get a high score.

Chabashira:That's only if it goes how you're expecting it to

I don't know if I should remember her that we are her student?

Sudo:Should we aim for good scores on this quiz...?

Horikita:Don't let her fool you. There is no mistake in our plan.

Sudo:Also. I just have to believe in Suzune.

Well, at least they all believe in Horikita as the leader now...

Anyway, after that Chabashira-sensei explains all the usual rules like we can't cheat or we will have a penalty, etc...

And finally, she gave us the quiz and I check all the questions and noticed...

Yato: Okay... there are really easy...

I check the time reaming at it seems that will still have more than an hour left to do this test...

Yato: Sighs...

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Time skip the next day

Yato Pov:

The quiz was done yesterday and everything seems to have been done according to Horikita's plan. We were now the 4th period of the day and Chabashira-sensei entered the class...

Chabashira:Then, I will announce the pairings for this semester's final exams.

The results of yesterday's quiz were posted and it went as follows:

Horikita Suzune and Ken Sudō, Hirata Yōsuke and Yamauchi Haruki, Fukazawa Yato and Ishikawa Tooru, Kushida Kikyō and Ike Kanji, Yukimura Teruhiko and Inogashira Kokoro.

But I didn't look at my partner but I was more curious about another duo...

Yato: I see...

I then continue to look at the others paring until I saw...

Ayanakoji Kiyotaka and Sato Maya...

Yato: Againthose two? Recently Sato and Kiyo are strangely connected ...

Kiyo:The gods have a bad sense of humor...

I hear Kiyo say that in a low tone...I guess he was not too happy about that.

But I know someone who must be the happiest man right now... I then turn my head to my right to look at Sudo. He ended up in pair with Horikita.

Horikita:Kōenji-kun also hasn't betrayed our expectations of him.

I then look to see and he has paired with Okitani... another one with bad results. But I was not worried about Koenji... since the start of the year, he always gets good results so if he would get a bad score of purpose it would just play against him in the future...

Chabashira:Looking at the results, some of you seem to have understood the intent of the quiz. It then follows that this information was successfully shared with the rest of the class.

Chabashira-sensei looked at the pairing list and appeared to be very impressed.

Chabashira:Pair the students with the highest and lowest scores. If the results are the same, the partners will be randomly selected. I probably don't need to explain it to you all, but I'll tell you this anyway.

Kiyo:There doesn't seem to be any issues with the pairings.

Horikita:Yes. It's going so smoothly that I'm a bit scared. But the real thing starts now. How to make exam problems and overcome the exams on our own. Your pairing is Satō-san, which should be fine.

She then turns her head to face me

Horikita: I guess there would not have any problem for you Fukazawa-kun, right? You ended up with Ishikawa-kun... you will be able to help him to pass the exam without any difficulty.

Oh yeah, I still haven't looked at my partner... In fact, it doesn't really matter to me because I can pass the exam alone. But now that there may be a problem...

Yato: Oh yeah yeah! Don't worry... Me and Ishikawa huh...

She then look at me with a puzzled expression for a moment until she notice that I was looking around the classroom.

Horikita: Ara, a problem with your partner Fukazaw-kun?

She then looks at me with a smile on her face...

Yato: A problem?! Of course not hahahahaha!

I said that while rubbing the back of my head...

Horikita: Oh Good then! You know what? You should probably go see Ishiwaka-kun to talk a bit with him about your duo!

Shit this girl...

Yato: Ahhhhh but I don't know... I don't want to bother him...

I said that while looking around the class again...And I just hear Horikita chuckle...

Horikita: Fukazawa-kun... is by any chance you don't know who is Ishiwaka-kun?

Yato: Whaaaaat? Of course that I know who is Ishikawa hahaha!

Shit...She completely sees through me...What do I do now?... I try to look around the classroom to see if there was someone who was looking at me but there was no one. I thought that my partner will look at me but I was wrong... and to be honest... it was the first time I heard the name of Ishikawa Tooru...I don't have difficulty at all remembering names and faces but the truth is that I have never been interested to know all my classmates...

I then looks at Horikita and notice that she just gave a smug face at looking at me...I then hesitate for a moment and just get up from my seat.

Horikita: Oh? Did you decide to go see him?

I prefer to not ask for her help... this attitude of her right now... I will consider that as a defeat if I ask her...

I just start walking towards Kei to ask her about my partner but someone else call my name before I could arrive at Kei.

Akitio: Hey Yato, do have you two minutes?

Yato: Hm?

I then turn around to see Akito... he was coming from the seat of Hasabe.

Yato: Yeah sure what's up?

He didn't have the same expression as during the sports festival.

Akitio: You see I maybe have a problem... so I thought you could help me?

Yato: A problem?

He just nodded... Since the sports festival, I think I became a bit closer to Akitio and I don't find that it's a bad thing. He knows about my ''delinquent'' past and I even learn that he had a delinquent phase too. He seems like a nice guy so...

Yato: Yeah sure if I can help you Akitio I will try my best!

This type of situation is something that I never think would have happened when I arrived at this school.

Akitio: Thanks a lot Yato... well you see I ended up with Hasabe in this exam.

I was a bit surprised because I don't really know what was the problem with all this...They were already close so I guess that they trust each other.

Akitio: But we realized something...we are good and bad at the same subjects...

Ah yes, I didn't think about this possibility...

Yato: I see... and since you both have average results it can be a bit dangerous about the rule that one of you must achieve a result of 60 in each subject...

I then put my hands on my chin to think about all this... I could sense that Hasabe was watching us from her desk. I know that those two don't really like to be involved in the class matter... So what do I do? Do I help them with their study? To be honest I don't know if I'm really good at this type of stuff...

I then look at Horikita and notice that she was Hirata and she seemed to organize the exam for the class.

Yato: You trust me Akitio?

He seemed a bit surprised by my question but he almost immediate answered

Akitio: Yeah sure that's why I came asking for your help Yato!

Yato: Good, I think you should go talk about all this to Horikita... It's not that I don't want to help you but I don't know if I'm the best person for your problem...

He seems a bit unsure about my advice...

Yato: I know that both of you don't really like being involved in all this but I still think you should ask Horikita for this... but...

I was about to leave but I just hit his shoulder lightly with my fist and look at him directly in the eye

Yato: If that really doesn't work... I will try to help you!

I just notice a smile and he nodded to me before heading towards Horikita.

When I was about to walk towards Kei again I noticed that she was already gone...

Yato: Sighs... I still don't know what Ishikawa looks like...

We were during the break between two classes so I just decided to leave the class and go buy something to drink. I was walking in the hallway until I notice a small group of people near the classroom... they were four.

I just continued to walk bypassing them until I hear some footsteps behind me... I immediately turn around and it's then I saw a man who was around 5,8 feet tall with purple hair.

???: Hey Fukazawa! Great I wanted to talk with you since Chabashira-sensei announced the pair earlier!

Yato: Oh, I see so it's the person I was looking for...

Yato: Oh Ishikawa...

Ishikawa: Do you have some time or are you busy?

Great, it's really Ishikawa... I would look dumb if it wasn't him...

Yato: Nah not at all! So you are my partner in this exam huh?

Ishikawa: Yes it seems soo... haha I guess I ended up with the best person for this exam by seeing your previous results.

Indeed...like I said the person that ended up with me could not score any point at still pass...

Yato: Yeah so if you were worried about expulsion you don't need to.

He then rubbed the back of his head while saying...

Ishikawa: Well to be honest I was a bit worried when Chabashira-sensei announced this exam but now I feel a bit reassured...

Ishikawa: Oh! Hirata told me that he will hold a study session at night from 20h to 22h. Since I have my Tenis club I will go to this group. I promise to my friends to put effort and I don't want to be a burden for you...

Yato: If Horikita asked you to score 0 on the quiz yesterday it means that you don't have great results usually... What was your result during the previous mid-term?

Well, I already know that he was not the last of the class because it was Yamauchi... but he was probably in the ten last.

Ishikawa: Well... I ended up in the 33rd position in the class raking during the previous mid-term...

So I was right he ended up in the last ten...

He then put his hands together and bow to apologize

Ishikawa: Sorry Fukazawa it's just that studying is really not my thing!

I think I understand his feeling... it's the first time we talk to each other and during the exam, I will have to carry him because he is not good at studies. He probably feels bad about it...

Yato: Hey don't worry about that! Studying is not everything... but I think that going to the session of study of Hirata is a good thing.

He seems a bit better since I told him this...

Ishikawa: I see thanks Fukazawa... I know it's the first time we talk each other but I'm glad that I ended up in a pair with you...

Girl of D-Class: Tooru-kun!

Then his group of friends called him because they were about to return to the classroom.

Ishikawa: Oh I need to go before the next class start!

He was about to go with his friends but like if he remembers something he just stays there and looked at me

Ishikawa: Oh yes that's right! Earlier when I talked with Hirata he told me that he wasn't sure if you were going to help with the study group... he told me that Horikita will probably talk about this with you first. But if finally, you came in the night group... well it could maybe help me it could be great haha!

Yato: Yeah I still haven't talked with Horitikita about the organization for this exam... so I still don't know what I'm going to do but sure! I will help you since you are my partner I guess.

Ishikawa: Thanks I don't want to ask you too much... Anyway here's my phone number

He then takes out his phone and we exchanged our phone number

Ishikawa: See you later Fukazawa!

He then immediately left with his small group of friends... Well, I said small but I wasn't in a better situation to talk...

Ishikawa Tooru...

From what I could see of him soo far... it's that I'm glad that I ended up with him instead of someone like Yamauchi... I would not really mind if I need to help Ishikawa. For the reason that he doesn't have really good results is easy... he said it himself... he is don't good at studying.

Anyways now, I'm curious to see if Horikita will ask me to do something. I already said it but I don't really think that I'm a good teacher...

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Time skip

Yato Pov:

The last period of the day just ended. The majority of the student left the class and this time I was looking at Ishikawa. He went to his group of friends but quickly left the class too... he said that he was in the Tenis Club so I guess that he was going there.

I then get up from my seat and start walking towards the desk of Akitio... he was still there and I was curious to know how his conversation with Horikita went earlier.

Yato: Hey

I then walk in front of him... he was still sitting on his chair

Akitio: Oh hey Yato

Yato: And? Did you talk with Horikita?

He just nodded a few times...

Akitio: Yes but in the end, Hasabe didn't want to join the study group of Horikita and Hirata...

I see. it's true that's those two weren't really interested in being a part of the class...

Yato: And you?

Akitio: Well since I have to go to my club activities after school... I should have gone to the one of Hirata and there are mostly just girls in this group and...

Yato: I see but what now? Did you find a solution or not?

Akitio: Well in fact...

He was about to say something but suddenly two people came to us... it was a strange duo, to be honest...

Yukimura: We should go now Miyake... only Hasabe is missing...

It was Yukimura and Kiyo... I just start looking at Kiyo to try to understand the situation...

Yato: Are you going to help Akitio and Hasabe, Yukimura?

Yukimura: Indeed, If I can help these two it's already a good start...

At the start of the year, Yukimura was thinking that good grades were everything and he was a bit selfish but it seems that he start to change like a lot of people in the D-Class...

Kiyo: Hoirkita and Hirata asked me to go with them to see if this way of doing will work...

Yato: Oh I see, that's a great thing if you both can help Akitiop and Hasabe...

Akitio then get up from his seat and was ready to leave...

Akitio: Anyway I'm ready to go...

He then looks at me

Akitio: See you later Yato!

Yato: Sure

I could sense the gaze of Kiyo on me until they left the classroom... I remain there a moment while thinking about all this...

After I just take my bag and exit the classroom until someone came in hurry and grabbed my arm...

Kei: Hey Yato-kun!

It was Kei but I was wondering why she was doing that much but...

Mori: Bye Bye Karuizawa-san!

I see...she wasn't alone...

After her friends leave she let go of my arm and start walking next to me...

Kei: Sorry to had surprised you...

Yato: Nah it's okay... you was about to go home?

Kei: Yes... do you mind if I came with you?

Yato: Not at all I was about to ask the same...

We just start walking to the exit of the school while talking about some trivial things... we were walking towards the dorm...

Yato: So do you end up with a good partner?

I didn't check today the partner of Kei...

Kei: Yeah we could say things like that...

From what I saw of the results of her previous exams and the study group we had at the start of the year, the grade of Kei wasn't too bad like Ike and company... they were average I could say... that's why this exam will probably be a bit more complicated for Kei...

We were almost at the dorm but Kei suddenly start walking slower...

Kei: Nee Yato-kun?

She has a cute voice when she said that...

Yato: Sighs...

I just stop walking and start looking at Kei with a boring expression...

Yato: What do you want?

She suddenly seems surprised...

Kei: Huh??? How did you know that I wanted to ask you something?!

I just look at her and notice that she started to be a bit embarrassed that I immediately notice her intention...

Yato: Sighs... because it was obvious?

She just start to pout...

Kei: Ah mou! You are not funny Yato!

I just remain unfazed while still looking at her...

Kei: Sighs... I wanted to ask if you could help me with my study?

Yato: Not you too?

I just start walking again towards the dorm... she quickly tries to catch up with me and start walking next to me again

Kei: Please Yato-kun! You always have the best results in exams! Please help me!

Yato: Even if I have the best results it doesn't mean that I'm a good teacher...

She then quickly walk faster than me to go in front of me and start making a cute face while looking at me...

Kei: Please help your girlfriend!

I just look at her while my usual nonchalant expression for a moment...

Yato: You know that it won't work on me...

Kei: Really? So you refuse?

Yato: Well...

I then remain silent for a moment while thinking...

Yato: Well I accept to help you but it's not because of this face you were doing...

Kei: Hehehe!

She then goes again next to me while looking at me with a smile on her face...

Kei: So it worked then?

I just keep looking forwards and said...

Yato: Okay I cancel my help...

Kei: Ohh sorry Yato-kun I was joking... I was joking!

I couldn't help but smile and laugh at this situation...

Yato: Hahaha don't worry I will help you but I will maybe quite busy helping Horikita and Hirata... so you will have to adjust to my schedule...

Kei: Sure don't worry Yato-kun! Thank you!

Yato: You should wait to see if my help with your study really helps you in the end...

After that, we just continued to talk while going back to the dorm... I left Kei on my floor and immediately go to my room.

I drop my bag at the same usual spot...close to my door and remove my shoes and start walking towards my kitchen to take a water bottle.

I was about to open my fridge but suddenly my phone start grinning...

I take it out of my pocket and saw that it was a call from Horikita...she probably wanted to talk with me about the exam... after all, we didn't had the chance to talk about it today in class...

Yato: Hello Horikita?

[Horikita: Hello Fukazawa-kun, do I'm bothering you?

Yato: Not at all...

[Horikita: Great I wanted to know if you were free around 18:30 p.m?

18:30 p.m? It's a strange time but anyway...

Yato: yeah sure I will be free... why?

[Horikita: Perfect! I invite you to dinner!

Yato: ...Huh?

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter, I hope you liked it! Sorry, Shorter chapter, and I release it late again but there was a reason... the reason is called Elden Rings haha...

I just wanted to know something... does it bother you the part that is likely the same as the LN? Because I cut some moment in the Ryuuen part because I wasn't sure if that was bothering you guys to read some stuff with just a few changes. I keep the rest because it was important but I'm curious to know if you guys prefer that I keep the complete parts or I make a cut as I did.

The next chapter will come out next week like always. This volume will be shorter than the previous one so there may be 3 chapters left. Anyway thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 6: Dinner

Chapter 4

Yato Pov:

TOC TOC TOC

I was now on the 13th floor of the dormitory in front of the room of Horikita. She asked me if I could come to her room today for a dinner... it was now 18h33.

While I was waiting for her to open the door I look to my right and left to see if there was someone who will see me here. I was already in a relationship with Kei to the knowledge of the school... So going to another girl's room can be misinterpreted. Even more for people like Kushida who probably want my misfortune... but there was no one around so I guess I was lucky. And even if there was someone it could be early explained by the fact that Horikita wanted to talk with me about the exam... well I guess someone like Sudo will still be pissed off but anyway...

And then suddenly while I was thinking about this the door opened and I saw Horikita...

Horikita: You are late...

Yato: That's seriously the first thing you say to me?

She then opens the door fully and walks inside her room to let me in... I don't lose time and enter her room and close the door behind me.

Seeing that I closed the door she just go back to her kitchen... well if the arrangement of the room and the same as the ones of the boys... Anyway, I just remove my shoes and walk inside her room too.

The first thing I noticed was the smell... well the smell of the food she was preparing not...well anyway...

I don't know what food she is doing but I already know that it will be better than what I usually eat... I bought a cookbook during the summer break and I didn't even read a page... before working on my lack of cooking talent I should work on my laziness...

But aside from the food that Hoirkita was preparing I started to look around her room... Everything was according to Horikita's personality... Everything was at his place and tidy.

Horikita: It will be ready soon Fukazawa-kun... you can sit while I finish the dinner.

I then take a look at Horikita in her kitchen while she was preparing the food... but instead of going to sit down, I decide to go look at one of her shelves where all her books were.

Yato: Hmm she has quite a lot...

While I was looking at them there is one that caught my attention. I was about to take it from the shelf but...

TAP

A hand just lightly tap my hand before I could take the book...

Horikita: Can you not touch everything in my room?

Yato: Well I was just curious about your books...

She then stare at me for a moment until she starts walking toward the table

Horikita: Sighs... even in a girl's room you are still carefree and nonchalant... Anyway, the dinner is ready Fukazawa-kun...

I then join her at the table and look at the food on it...It was a traditional Japanese dish. It's been a while since I eat something like this...Mom usually made these types of dishes back then.

Yato: Wow I'm surprised...

I then sit in front of Horikita...

Yato: It seems great, you must be cooking for a while to be able to make this type of dish.

Horikita: I guess... I learn how to cook way before coming to this school. And since we live on our own it's important to know how to cook good dishes.

Yato: You must be right...

I then take the chopstick and was about to eat but I noticed that Horikita didn't start yet... but I just ignore her and start eating...

Yato: Holy shit... it's great to eat something that good

Then Horikita starts to eat too...but she wasn't saying anything. She asked me to come here, probably to talk about the exam but she didn't talk to me that much since I arrived.

I then take a fooling smile and say...

Yato: You know Horikita, I already have a girlfriend... you shouldn't consider this as a date.

Horikita: Of course, it's not. Like I would consider this as a date.

Yato: Ehh you answered way too seriously... that's not funny...

She then just keep her serious expression and put her chopstick on the table...

Horikita: First of all Fukazawa-kun... I wanted to apologize to you.

She then lowers her gaze...

Horikita: After the sports festival, I ended up making Kushida against you. Before the festival, you asked me about my relationship with Kushdia but I didn't want to talk about it with you... and because of that, you ended up involved in my problem even more. I'm deeply sorry for my mistake Fukazawa-kun... you helped me already a lot and I just end up failing.

She then lifted her head and her gaze to look directly at me... she has a strong and confident look.

Horikita: I hope that you will forgive my past mistake... but I swear from now... I will try my best for the class... and for you too Fukazawa-kun!

I then take another bite of the dish that Horikita just made...

Yato: Wow that's really good! You should give me the recipe...

Horikita: Huh?

She was surprised by what I just said...

Horikita: Please listen to me Fukazawa-kun! I want you to know...

Yato: Oh I know! You put miso in it, right?

I then look at her and she wasn't sure how to react to this...

Yato: Hahahaha! Sorry Sorry...

I then just put my chopstick on the table too and start looking at Hoirkita.

Yato: Horikita... you remember one of your first real discussions? When we learned about the school system?

She was still looking at me unsure of what I was trying to say...

Horikita: Hmm yes I think soo... It was when you went to the infirmary after that you injured yourself to calm Sudo-kun?

Yato: Exactly... that time you asked me if I was satisfied with my placement in the D-Class because you weren't. I then told you to think about why you were placed in the D-Class instead of assuming that the school was in wrong. But now that it's been 6 months since we arrived at this school... I think that the Horikita Suzune who is in front of me now wouldn't had think the same as your past self. Your apology and what you just told me is the proof of it... I'm seriously glad to see how much you changed.

She was still looking at me a bit shocked at what I just said...

Yato: One step at the time... but I think that your goal of reaching the A-Class can become conceivableif you continue like that Horikita.

She didn't answer me for a few seconds... but she was still looking directly at me in the eyes.

Horikita: Having your opinion it's really valuable Fuakzawa-kun... thank you. My goal is still the same and I will continue to improve on myself and do my best for the class for reaching the A-Class!

I just smile and nod to that... I retake my chopstick and take another bite of my food and after...

Yato: Oh and don't worry about the fact of Kushida... I was already on bad terms with her after the desert island as you can guess... there is nothing to apologize for. Well, I guess if you talked with me earlier maybe it will have been easier but anyway... if I ask you now to talk about you and Kushida... will you be ready to talk about it with me?

Horikita: Of course... this is another reason why I called you here today. In fact, I would have liked to talk to you about it the other day but it was not the best time for... that's why I already had this conversation with Ayanakoji-kun.

I see... but there is something odd about Kiyo here. He already knew that During the desert Island, Kushida would betray the class to help Ryuuen. Well at least now we know why she worked with Ryuuen... it was for her hate against Horikita and I ended up involved in all this from this moment. But how Kiyo knew for Kushida before? When I talk with him before the sports festival he just told me that he knew the same thing as I did...but that doesn't make sense...he saw her with Ryuuen before? Or did he saw the real Kushida? Anyway, I can't be sure of anything with Kiyo for the moment... even more, when the dude want literally said nothing about him...

Yato: Well I'm listening to you... tell me why Kushida seems to hate you...aside from the fact that you both went to the same middle school...

Her eyes widen when I said that... she didn't know that I knew about the fact that those two went to the same school... and she obviously didn't know about how I got this information.

She didn't say anything for a moment like she was thinking about all this until...

Horikita: I see... you expected me to make a mistake, right Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Maybe... who knows! But it doesn't matter from now on... right?

Horikita: Indeed...that's why I will tell you what I know about Kushida. First, as you said I went to the same middle school as her. This was a huge school with more than 1000 students so I didn't immediately recognize her at the start of the year...

Yato: You didn't recognize her?

Kushida Kikyo was someone with a personality that you easily remember...

Horikita: Well... in the past, I was like at the start of the year... I wasn't taking any interest in my classmate or the people in my school.

I see... in a normal school where classes have no ranking or anything like that. A person like Horikita Suzune didn't care about the other because only her results mattered.

Yato: Okay but you still heard about her...

Horikita: Indeed, she was the same Kushida as here... the popular girl who is kind to everyone and someone who wants to help everyone.

Well, this description is right when you didn't know the other side of her personality but anyway...

Horikita: But there is something that happened... there was a rumor that a student had caused a class breakdown, and that class did not return to its original condition

Yato: Oh let me take a wild guess... it was Kushdia

Horikita: Yes, as I said to Ayanakoji-kun, I don't know the details of what happened... there were a lot of rumors but no one really knew the truth.

Yato: Well I guess that the school didn't want to seem bad to the public...

I just continued to eat while Horikita continue her story

Horikita: The only thing that I know that happened is this incident even had some violence between students... The conclusion we had with Ayanakoji-kun is that Kushdia could have used lies to break the entire class... but it's still uncertain because I don't know the whole story behind this.

I then just put down my chopstick and start thinking about all this...

Yato: Well then to resume all this... Kushida caused an incident in her class that caused a class breakdown until you graduated and since you went to the same school Kushida wants you expelled because you know a part of her past...

Horikita: Sighs... exactly. I don't know the most important thing that is how she managed to do that... but the most logical thing would be lies for me...

Yato: hmmmm yeah lies can do damage I guess...

Horikita: There is violence too but I don't see Kushida being able to break her class only with this factor...

Yato: Sighs...

I then lower my gaze to look at my food...the problem with Kushida is annoying... finally, even Horikita didn't even know what happen but Kushida still want us expelled...

Horikita: So Fukazawa-kun has you another idea of what could have caused all this...

I was still looking at the food that Horikita made... I was seriously impressed by her cooking skills. Since the beginning of the year, I never ate something that good... tomorrow my dinner will be trash compared to this...

Horikita: Fuakzawa-kun?

I have a lot of points so I could still just buy a meal like this? But that doesn't fix the original problem...

Horikita: FUKAZAWA-KUN!

Yato: What?

I just left my gaze to look at Horikita...

Horikita: What do you mean by... what? Can you answer me and stop looking at the food? The problem of Kushiuda should be more important

Yato: Well to be honest I was more concerned about the food...

She just looks at me discouraged...

Horikita: Sighs... I truly don't understand you...after seeing your results at school and sport how can you be that stupidly carefree...

I then put my hand where is my heart...

Yato: Ouch how can you be so mea...n?

Wait...Maybe...

I then start to look at Hoirkita with a more serious expression... she seems surprised by my sudden change of attitude...

Horikita: What's the matter?

I just keep looking at her for a moment until

Yato: You know... since the beginning of the year you just had been played by Ryuuen... the desert island, the VIP exam and then the sports festival...How does it feel to be saved by me or Kiyo?

She then looks at me annoyed and a bit puzzled...

Horikita: I thought we already talked about his... why do you bring up my past mistakes again? What's the problem?

Yato: Why are you looking at me like that? I just said the truth!

Horikita: what are you trying to say?

She still didn't get what I'm trying to make her understand...

Yato: Imagine if tomorrow in class I start to say things like that about our classmates... it would be quite bad, right?

She was about to say something but she then froze for a second...she then put her hand on her chin and start to think about something...

Yato: Imagine someone who knows all kinds of facts about our classmates...

Horikita: I see now... the truth can be a weapon too...

Yato: Sorry about what I said... I was trying to make you understand on your own. Indeed if Kushida knows a lot of truth that can hurt other classmates it can bring certain chaos in the class... but it still depends on how much info that Kushida has...

She just nodded in agreement...

Horikita: Indeed... I didn't think about it the other day with Ayanakoji-kun...

If Kushida knows a lot of truth about classmates of us... like a person that doesn't like another one, someone who bad-mouth another one in their back, all kinds of facts that only Kushida could know because of her popularity... I can be sure at 100% of what I'm saying but I believe more in this theory than the fact that Kushida could have used the lies to bring the chaos in her past class.

Yato: Anyway it is useless to try to guess what happened because we would never have the answer by ourselves...

Horikita: You are right, the only one who knows is Kushida...

Yato: She is the only one to know but she still wants to expel us for this... sighs how annoying she is. So now... what you will do about Kushida?

She then looks at me and seems to think about something...

Horikita Ayanakoji-kun already asked me this question too...

Yato: I see...and?

I then take my chopstick again to finish my meal...

Horikita: First let me ask you a question first... What do you think we should do about Kushida, Fukazawa-kun?

I then finish eating before answering... I look at her and say...

Yato: Expell her...

She didn't react to my answer... like she already know what I would say...

Horikita: I see so you think the same as Ayanakoji-kun then...

Kiyo is ready to go that far? From what I know he is just close to Horikita so Ksuhdia shouldn't see him as a treat as much as me or Horikita...I think it's right to think there is more between Kiyo and Kushida that I didn't know yet...

Horikita then start looking at me with a strong and determined gaze

Horikita: I will tell you the same thing I told to Ayanakoji-kun... Kushida-san is very skilled. It's needless to say that she has the ability to get others to work together, but she's also quite adept at observing the abilities of others. If she were willing to work together with us, she would be a really strong addition to Class D. I really don't think that expelling her is the right move for the future of the class. I know that you became involved in this Fuakzawa-kun but at the start, Kushdia-san is after me because I was in her middle school so she is my responsibility.I can't just abandon her. I will talk with her and try to fix this matter between the three of us about this... Please Fukazawa-kun believe in me!

Yato: ...

She said this like if she was truly believing that she could manage to get Kushida on her side to help the class...

Yato: Sighs...

I start to spin the chopstick around my finger while thinking about this... I could sense the gaze of Horikita on me...

In fact, she wasn't totally wrong... Kushida could be a great asset to the class. She has great school grades and she is not bad at sports. Her kind personality can help too but still...

Yato: It's quite a gamble... if she still doesn't want to accept you, this situation can turn against you... and me at the same time.

She didn't say anything... she probably know that I was right because Kushida had already betrayed us a few times already and it could become worst in the future just to get rid of us...

Yato: But...

I take a break in my sentence while still spinning the chopstick around my finger until I just drop them on the table...

Yato: Its' not like I was about to do anything... I just said that expelling her was an option...

Horikita: I see thank you Fukazawa-kun...

We both finished our meal and there was still one thing that we didn't talk about...

Horikita: There is a last thing that I would like to talk about with you...

Yato: About the exam...

Horikita: Indeed, I already planned everything and talked with the people that I needed help with for this exam.

Kiyo mostly helped Horikita to come to this result... so that Horikita becomes independent. I can understand if he doesn't want to become the leader because even I don't want this role...He told me after the island exam that he just doesn't want to stand out but his actions don't make any sense... if he really has no interest in the A-Class why did he do all those moves behind the scenes since the desert island? Well, he may be started before that... like during the first mid-term when Kushida gave to the class the past mid-term from our senpai... he was hanging out a lot with Kushida during this time so maybe he was the one behind all this too... and that could explain a bit more why he was aware already of Kushida...

I was lost in my thought and Horikita notice it...

Horikita: A problem Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Nah Nah sorry about that... so what you had planned for this exam? I heard about a study group...

Ayanakoji Kiyotaka... he doesn't want that we search to learn more about him but I couldn't help but to feel unsure about him... anyway for now I don't need to think about him.

Horikita: Exactly I will do two study groups for our class. One will be after school for 16h to 18h and the last one will be during the evening of 20h to 22h. I will take care of the first one because I don't have any club to attend but the second one will be held by Hirata-kun. And we already assigned the student for each group...

Yato: I see that's great... I talked with my partner Ishikawa and he is in the Hirata group...

She then looks at me with a little smirk

Horikita: Oh you so you know who was Ishikawa-kun then...

Yato: Sighs... Of course, I knew who it was... I was joking back then...

She was still looking at me with a proud smile

Horikita: Yes of course... anyway what I wanted to ask you is if it's possible for you to go to the session of Hirata to help him. I will try to help as more I can but if I could have your help it could be great Fukazawa-kun.

Yato: Hmm yeah sure... my partner is in this group and if that could help you a bit I don't really mind I guess...

Horikita: Great I'm glad that you accept but that is not the only thing I would want your help

Yato: huh?

Horikita: If you could help me to write the question for the C-Class...

Yato: Sighs... I don't know... you and Hirata and enough for this no? I don't really...

I was about to say something but she interrupt me

Horikita: Back on the cruise ship you told me to ask you if I needed your help

Yato: Yeah but like I said I think that you and Hirata and plenty enough for...

Again she just interrupt me but...

Horikita: Fukazawa-kun... you ate my food...

I couldn't help but look surprised... I didn't understand what she was trying to say...

Yato: Okay...? And?

Horikita: I made this food and you ate...

Yato: Ehhhhhhh yeah I know... but still... what's the matter?

Horikita: So you...

I suddenly start to understand...

Yato: I see...

I interrupt her before she could finish what she was saying...

Yato: You poisoned the food...

Horikita: Huh?

Yato: And I need to accept to help you if I want the antidote...

Horikita: Sighs...

She just sighed and shake her head and she seemed exasperate...

Horikita: How can you be so stupid...

Yato: What?! But what the point to talk about your food then! It's you who say some nonsense first!

She seems to be annoyed and she just suddenly put her two hands on the table and looked directly at me...

Horikita: I said this because it's me who made this food and you ate for free! So your debt me now!

Yato: ...

Horikita: ...

We were just looking at each other for a moment... No of us was saying anything... I had a confused look when I was looking at her...

Yato: You kidding right?... This was really your plan? And you seriously think that would work? Sighs... no one will fall into this Horikita...

She didn't say anything but I notice that she hesitated to say something...

Yato: Sighs... look aside your food trap who obviously failed... I don't mind writing a few questions... like you said, after the desert island I told you if you needed help to just asked me but remember I won't' do everything too... you are still the leader of the class and you need to prove it Horikita.

She remained silent for a moment... she was looking the same way as earlier... a strong and confident look.

Horikita: I know...there is something more that I need to tell you Fukazwa-kun. A prove that I changed and that I'm ready to lead this class...I didn't talk about this to anyone, not even Ayanakoji-kun or Hirata-kun so I want you to keep that you yourself, okay Fukazawa-kun?

She suddenly picked my interest... she seems really serious right now

Yato: Sure don't worry about that...

Horikita: I knew that Kushida is a problem and there is a possibility that she will work with Ryuuen again... so that's why I already took a measure to counter them...

She takes a break in her sentence... I was just looking at her curious to hear the next words she is going to say...

Horikita: I already gave Chabashishira-sensei questions for the exam. Like that even If Kushida wants to betray us again and work with Ryuuen... her question will not be accepted because I already gave to the school some questions.

My eyes widen when she said that...I couldn't help but be surprised to hear that...

Yato: Wow... I must say that I'm impressed... but when did you give Chabashira-sensei these questions?

Horikita: Just before you came for dinner so around 17h30 I would say. I wrote a few easy questions but it was just for that Chabashira-sensei accept my question first... like that even if Kushida gave her questions to Chabashira-sensei they would not be accepted because I told Chabashira-sensei that I'm the only one who can give her the final questions for the exam. if Kushida ended up working with Ryuuen they will not be aware that I have already taken measures against them!

Yato: I see... this time you decided to not be outsmarted huh?

Horikita: Indeed, I still need to talk to Kushida so maybe all my preparation will turn out useless but I prefer to be prepared in case.

Yato: And that was the right thing to do Horikita... I'm surprised and glad that you thought about a strategy like this...

Horikita: I changed and this time I... No... We, the D-Class will not lose this exam.

Yato: I see... thanks for telling me about your strategy. From what I heard we don't need to worry and we seriously have our chance. Does there was anything else that you wanted to tell me?

Horikita: No that's all I wanted to say...

Yato: I see...

I then take my plate and was about to get up...

Yato: Do you want that I wash your plate too or...

But before I could finish what I was about to say she interrupt me...

Horikita: that's okay Fukazawa-kun, you can let me handle this.

I then start to look at her with a boring expression...

Yato: I tell you right away... if it's another strategy of you called the ''wash the dishes trap'' it will not work...

Horikita: of course, it's not... I invite you so I will handle the dishes...

Well you invited me to dinner but you tried to trap me... but anyway. I just get up.

Yato: Okay sure if you say so... I will leave then... it's already quite late.

I take out my phone and there was almost 8 p.m...

Horikita: Of course, I'm not holding back any longer...

She then get up too and we started to walk toward her door. I put on my shoes and was about to leave but before leaving I just turn around to look at her.

Yato: Thanks for the food, it's was great! I must say that I envy your cooking skills...

Horikita: Oh?

She seems happy to hear that...

Horikita: Something that Fukazawa-kun is not good at huh?

I just look at her bored and a bit annoyed...

Yato: Sighs... I should just say nothing and left... anyway See you tomorrow...

With those words, I just open the door and left her room, and start walking towards the elevator to go back to my room floor.

On the way to my room, I started to think about all this...

The fact that Horikita thinks that keeping Kushida is the right thing to do... her organization for the exam... and the most important. The fact that she already set a plan to counter Ryuuen and Kushida... I was really surprised that she did that but I guess it was fine...I didn't have to worry about anything.

I finally arrived at my room and I just ended up reading a book the rest of the night...

.

.

.

Time Skip Tomorrow after the school

Yato Pov:

The last class just ended and the majority of the students were already about to leave to their clubs or to the study session of Horikita.

Horikita: Let's go Ayanakoji-kun. You still plan to come, right?

Kiyo: Of course, I tell you yesterday that I will come to this session...

It seems that Horikita asked the help of Kiyo for her session...

They then get up from their seat but Horikita start looking at me

Horikita: You will go to the session of Hirata-kun, right Fukazawa-kun?

Yato: Yeah sure...

Horikita: Perfect, thanks for your help!

Then both Horikita and Kiyo start leaving the class with the rest of the students who were in the study group of Horikita... like Ike, Yamauchi and there was Sato you go with them... probably because she was in a pair with Kiyo...

While I was looking at them someone came to my desk...

???: I'm glad that you came to help us this evening Fukazawa-kun!

I then start to look at the person who was just in front of me...

Yato: No problem Hirata... Horikita asked me for some help. But Like I said to you at the start of the year... I'm maybe not the best person to teach so I will be more an observer I guess...

Still, with his usual smile and his good mood, he start to laugh a bit

Hirata: It's true you said that...but after seeing you in the first study group, I don't think it was that bad... In the end, you helped a lot of us for the first mid-term...

Yato: Hmm yeah maybe...

It was maybe I have to a high standard of what being a good teacher was... My mom was really something else when it come to teaching...

Hirata: I need to go to the soccer club so I see you later Fukazawa-kun!

Yato: Yeah see you later...

He then immediately left the class to his club... the majority of the students were already left there were just remaining a few of them... they were mostly all girls who will come to the night session. They probably all wanted to come to this session because it was Hirata who was taking care of it.

Kei was still there and I made eye contact with her and I just get up from my seat and left the classroom. I walk a bit away but not too far and I just leaned on the wall while waiting...

A moment later the door of the classroom opened and Kei started to walk towards me...

Kei: You wanted to talk to me Yato-kun?

I then look around before saying anything. When I confirmed that there was no one around I look at Kei.

Yato: Well first I just wanted to tell you that I will help Hirata with his study group... so I will not be able to help with your study there.

Kei: What? But I go to the group of Hirata too so you should be able to help me there?

Yato: Well there is Ishikawa who is my partner that I will probably help...

She interrupt me before I could finish...

Kei: What?! You choose to help him instead of me? You already told me that you would help me!

Yato: Sighs... can you not overreact and let me finish what I was saying first, Kei?

She then realized that she may be reacted too much and she just calm herself and start looking at me again.

Yato: Like I said I couldn't help you during the study session because I need to help other people too and there is something you need to do Kei...

Kei: Huh?

Yato: You know that now Hirata is single since you broke with him...

Kei: Yes and?

Yato: Look at the number of girls who are in our group... they probably have another goal in mind aside from their study.

She immediately understand what I was trying to say... it was a perfect opportunity for them to get closer to Hirata.

Yato: That's why you need to act like the leader of the girl of the class and try to keep them focused on their study the best you can Kei. It would be a bad thing if one of the girls who have average results ended up failing this exam for a stupid reason like this...

She didn't say anything for a moment and she was looking at the floor while probably thinking about all this...

Kei: I understand the problem but if my attention is on the girls of the class how I will focus on my own study? I don't have good grades and if you can't help me there I will have a lot of chance of failing! I need to prioritize my study Yato-kun or...

I start to look at her directly in the eyes and immediately interrupt her before she starts panicking for nothing

Yato: Look Kei, I will probably don't have the time to help you there but if you're okay with it... you can come to my room around the time for dinner and I can help you with your study personally... So, how does it's sound to you Kei?

Kei: Hmm well if I can have the help of Yato-kun instead I think it's great!

Yato: Good, maybe there will be a few days that I will be busy and I couldn't help you but don't worry...I will be sure that you will be able to pass this exam.

I said that while looking at her and she just start smiling

Kei: Thank you Yato-kun! I'm glad that I can rely on you!

Yato: Well I try to help the best I can... I guess...

Then a few girls open the door of the classroom and they were looking for Kei because they started to walk towards us...

Yato: Anyway, tomorrow after school come to my room around 16h30\17h and I will help you there...

Kei: Great... oh and did I eat before coming or you will make something to eat?

Yato: It's up to you... chose as you like I don't mind...

Then the group of girls finally arrived at us...

Mori: Sorry to bother you Karuizawa-san while you are with your boyfriend but we were about to go to the Keyaki Mall before the study session of tonight, do you come with us?

Kei: Sure I was about to join you anyway!

Kei then looks at me...

Kei: See you later Yato-kun!

Yato: Yeah

Mori: Bye Fukazawa-kun

With that, all the girls just left towards the Keyaki Mall... I settle the problem of Kei but until the study session tonight, I don't have anything to do...

Yato: Sighs...

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Time skip same day 20h

Yato Pov:

Yato: So the school is still open at this hour huh?

I was walking towards the library of the school. There was still a few staff member but I was surprised to see that the school was still open for the student at this hour...

I was finally at the library and notice that there were only the students in our group here... there were no students from another class.

While I was looking around someone walked behind me...

???: ~Fukazawa-kun~

The person just called my name with a joyful voice tone... I just turn around to look at the person...

Yato: Oh Kushida... you seem quite happy...

I said this in an innocent tone...

Kushida: Hehe don't play the dumb here Fukazawa-kun!

She then walk to be in front of me... she was looking at me with a big smile. Her eyes were the same as usual... the eyes of a kind young teenage girl...

She then got close to me and say in a low tone...

Kushida: You know why I'm happy right? You know about the bet after all!

I didn't answer anything I was just looking at her with an expression similar to Kiyo...

Of course, I knew what she was talking about. Earlier it seems that Hoirkita had a talk with Kushida about the future and the attitude of Kushida... but it seems that Kushdia didn't attend to change and we are still her target... like I was suspected. After all, after the sports festival, I asked Kushida if she wanted to forget anything and she chose the wrong choice... so I don't see why she would accept the offer of Horikita.

Anyway... after this talk it seems that Hoirkita challenged Kushida in a little bet... The one who would score the best results in a subject in the next exam will be the winner. If Horikita wins, Kuhsida won't have the right to try anything more against Hoirkita... And if it's Kushida who wins... Horikita and Kiyo would have them leave the school. I was surprised to hear that Kiyo join this bet too...

Before I could say anything someone who was walking towards the library called my name...

Ishikawa: Oh Fuakazawa? You came tonight finally!

He was walking towards us... Kushdia didn't want to be exposed so she just takes a few steps back and she was about to walk away but...

Kushida: We need to have a talk later...

Ishikawa was walking towards us but before he was too close I got closer to Kushida and said something in a voice tone too...

Yato: Hoi Kushida... to always invite to some appointments during the night... I will start to ask myself some questions... if you love me that much just tell me honestly!

I said that with a smirk on my face... I know that pissed her off but suddenly Ishikawa walked next to us...

Ishikawa: Oh Kushida-san is there too!

Kushida: He...He... Hello Ishikawa-kun...

I knew how much she was angry at me... she was looking at me with the same smile that she has in public but I was just looking at her with my smirk just to provoke her more...

Kushida: I-I need to go see Hirata-kun for our study session tonight... if you excuse me...

She then immediately turn around and start walking into the library...Ishikawa didn't notice her attitude because he didn't react at all. He then just turn his head to look at me.

Ishikawa: I'm glad that you came, Fukazawa. Having your help can only be a good thing!

Yato: Well I will try my best after all your my partner for this exam soo...

Ishikawa: Yeah that's why this time I will try to do more effort... even if have always great results, I would feel bad to not try my best since our fate is linked in this exam...

I see... it was nice to see that motivated... if I was in Yamauchi in this exam he probably just didn't put any effort because he was with me...That would have pissed me off and I wouldn't have helped him at all. But since Ishikawa seems motivated I can try to help a bit...

I then notice that everyone was already sitting and we were probably the only ones who were not ready to start...

Yato: Oh we should go... everyone is waiting...

He then looks inside the library and notices it too...

Ishikawa: Oh your right haha! Yeah, we should go...

He then starts walking towards the groups and I just follow him. He then sits at a table and I just walk behind Hirata... He was still standing and he was about to say something...

Hirata: Thank you for coming! This group is mostly for the people who had clubs after school. I will be there to help you all but there is Kushida-san, Mii-chan, and Fukazawa-kun who came to help with your study! So don't hesitate to ask for help! You can study on your own and just ask for help if you need to...or if you prefer, I will study one subject at a time so if you want to follow my lead just join me and I will gladly help you all!

Then as expected a group of girls start sitting all next to each other close to the place of Hirata... they planned to study one subject at a time... but it was mostly to be with Hirata. I released a monster since am became the new boyfriend of Kei...

Before he goes sit at his place he turns around to look at me...

Hirata: Thanks for coming Fuakzawa-kun! Your help is really appreciated... like I said I will teach one topic at a time... but it's not everyone who wants to study in that way. I asked Kushida to take care of Sudo-kun and a few other people. Mii-chan will help me but can I ask you to help a bit all around?

Yato: Sure I don't mind but the thing is that I was planning to help Ishikawa probably... but I can still answer the questions if someone has difficulty with something.

Hirata: I'm fine with this! If your excuse me... oh and if there is a problem just come tell me and I will help you!

I just nodded in agreement and start walking towards where Ishikawa was... he was at a table close to Sudo and a few other boys...they probably don't want to go with Hirata and his Fanclub.

I saw that Kushida had already beginnings her study session so I just go to the table of Ishikawa and sit in front of him...

Ishikawa: Oh thanks to help me! To be honest I'm not sure I would have been able to study with Hirata...

He said this while looking at the group of girls around him...

Ishikawa: I would probably end up with the group of Kushida but there are already a lot of people who need her help... I wouldn't be able to really improve my results I guess...

Yato: That's why I'm here... I'm probably not as good as Hirata or Kushida at teaching but I will probably be able to help you...

He then smiles

Ishikawa: Haha thanks! You seem like a nice guy!

Yato: Hmmm Well it's good to hear I guess...

Ishikawa: So don't worry I will make effort in these sessions! To be honest, since my friends couldn't come to the night session I wasn't sure if I would have the motivation... but since you are here I can't disappoint my partner for this exam!

He said that while rubbing the back of his head... I was starting to understand the person named Ishikawa Tooru after our few exchanges...

Ishikawa: So we start by studying what?

Yato: Hm? Nothing... today you will not study...

Ishikawa: Huh? What? I'm not sure to have heard correctly...

Yato: I said that today you will not study...

Ishikawa: ... ehh well...

Yato: Hahaha don't worry there is something that I want to do for today...

I then take out something from my bag... It was a few sheets with some problems with all the topics that will be held during the exam...I put them on the table and he takes them...

Yato: All that I want you to do today is to answer all these questions...

He was just looking at them until I notice his expression change...

Ishikawa: Eh Fukazawa... you know that I'm here because I'm not good at studying?... the difficulty of these question are really high...

Yato: I know I did this on purpose...

I just confused him more...

Yato: I want to verify something... you should start now because we not leaving until you finish them...

Ishikawa: HUH?!... And me who just said that you seemed like a nice guy...

Yato: Hahaha!

He then sighed and take out his pencil and start to answer the questions I made...

Yato: Oh and even if you don't know the answer... try something... it's important. I don't want any question that isn't answered.

Ishikawa: Eh okay?

He didn't understand why I was making him do that but it was not a problem...

I just take out a book from my bag because I still have 2 hours to kill...

I was reading and Ishikawa was doing the ''exam'' I made for him... While reading I was looking sometimes around to see if everything was okay but there was no need to worry. This group hasn't any problem students so Hirata and the others were able to manage all this.

Time skip 1h20 later

I was still reading my book but someone caught my attention in my peripheral vision... it was a man with some red hair who seemed to have some difficulty...

I just close my book and get up from my seat...

Ishikawa looks at me a moment to see where I was going but he quickly just continued his exercises...

I was walking towards Sudo until I arrived next to him... I just sit next to him and he seemed a bit surprised.

Sudo: Oh Fukazawa...

Yato: Yo...

He wasn't sure why I came here so he was just looking at me puzzled...

Yato: You need help with something?

My question surprised him... for a moment already I noticed that he seems to have difficulty with something. Kushdia was currently busy with other boys in the class so Sudo was struggling alone...

Yato: I know that I'm not Hoirkita and you probably would prefer her help but if I can help with something...

He didn't answer me immediately. He was probably thinking about something he just drop his pencil...

Sudo: Sighs... yeah there is this math problem that I'm really not sure about... sorry to bother you with that...

I just take his sheet and start looking at the problem... I was a bit shocked... I was doing these types of problems when I was around 9 years old...

Yato: Hmmm well you can't just invent a new formula to solve a math problem... you need to know the right formula to solve it... so let's start at the beginning...

I then take his pencil and start explaining the right formula to solve the problem that he had difficulty with... During all the time I was helping Sudo I could feel the gaze of Kushdia on me... but I just ignored her and just finish explaining the math problem to Sudo...

Sudo: Oh... I see...

He then takes the pencil and the sheet back and tries to solve the problem... I stay there just to look if he really understands what I just told him...after 5 minutes he finish the problem...

I just take a look at his answer and nodded...

Yato: You got it...

Sudo: Seriously? Yosh! Thanks, Fukazawa!

Yato: Don't worry about that... I'm glad to see that you are still motivated...

Sudo: Well yeah I will be lying if I would have not preferred to study with Suzune... but even she is not there...I changed since the end of the festival so I need to try my best.

Yato: I see that's a good thing...

I just get up from my seat...

Yato: Anyway if you have another question and Kushdia is busy just come to ask me...

Sudo: Good!

I just walked back to my seat and Ishikawa was still doing theexercises that I gave him... so I just reopen my book and continued to read for another 20 minutes until I heard a pencil drop on the table...

Ishikawa: Arggggggg... I'm done...

I just look at him with my book still in my hand and he seemed really exhausted...

Yato: Good! Did you answer all the questions?

Ishikawa: Yes... but like I told you I didn't know the answer so I just wrote something to try...

Yato: That's perfect... this is what I asked...

I just take out my phone to look at the time and it was already 9h52 p.m...

I just close my book and take the exams sheet that Ishikawa just answered and put them in my bag...

Ishikawa: You don't look at them?

Yato: Nah I'm tired...

Ishikawa: You did nothing...

Yato: hahaha but it's already late and looking correctly at your answer will take me a moment so it will be for the next time.

He then take out his phone to look at the time... Everyone was already starting to put their thing in their bag...

Yato: Great job today... you can go now if you want. I know you hate studying so for your good work you can leave 10 minutes early...

Ishikawa: Oh thanks but Hirata...

Yato: Don't worry about that...

He then starts smiling...

Ishikawa: haha thanks! I was at my limits to be honest haha!

He then get up from his seat and was ready to leave...

Ishikawa: Anyway see you tomorrow Fuakzawa!

He then just leave the library... I stay at my place and more people started to leave after Ishikawa until there was just remaining me, Mii-chan, Hirata, and Kushida...

Hirata: Thanks for your hard work the three of you!

Mii-chan: Oh I'm happy if that helped you Hirata-kun!

Yato: Well I mostly just read my book soo...

Everyone started looking at me and no one was sure what to say until...

Hirata: Hahaha I see... but I'm sure that Ishikawa-kun will have no problems with your help!

Yato: Maybe...

Hirata: Anyway we should go now... it's already quite late...

Mii-chan: Oh you are right Hirata-kun!

I then get up from my seat and start walking next to Hirata and suddenly put my and on his shoulder...I was just looking at him with a smile...

Yato: That's a great idea, Hirata! Let's go home together!

Hirata was surprised by this but the two girls had a different reaction. Mii-chan seems a bit disappointed and Kushida just had her smile but I knew that she wasn't happy with that...

Hirata: Well sure I don't...

But before he could finish...

Kushida: Wait Fukazawa-kun did you forget? We needed to talk about something after the session

Yato: Oh...yeah you may be right...

I just take a few steps back from Hirata...and I start looking at Mii-chan...

Yato: Sighs... Well, Mii-chan you will need to go home with Hirata then...

She suddenly starts to blush... Her face was red...

Hirata: Haha well if Kushida-san and Fukazawa-kun need to talk about something I will not bother you longer...

Mii-chan: Y-Yes... Goodnight Kushida-san and Fuakzawa-kun...

Then those two just left the library... I was just looking at them leaving. I and Kushdia didn't say a single word...

After a moment I just take my bag on the floor and start walking towards the exit of the library too...

Yato: Lets' go they should be already quite far... we can talk on our way to the dorm...

She then just start walking next to me... she remained silent for a while until...

Kushida: Why did you refuse my deal earlier? I could have expelled you and Horikita at the same time...

Yato: Your deal huh?

Kushida: Indeed... earlier you refused to take part in the deal between me and Horikita... Now even if Hoirikita ended up winning... I could still target you to leave this school!

Yato: Sighs... you annoying...

Earlier after school around 18h, I received a call from Kushida. She told me that she was with Hoirkita and they were making a bet... and Kushida wanted me to be involved in this deal but I refused. I don't mind if Horikita wants to try to keep Kushida instead of making her an enemy but still...

Kushida: No it's you three who are annoying to distributing the peaceful life that I want in this school!

Yato: Hoi your the one who had started...

We were still walking and we were currently outside the school... it was past 22h so it was already dark outside...

Kushida: You know that I will try to expel you until you are out of this school...

I suddenly stop walking... she did the same and she was looking directly at me...

There was something that I wanted to ask her but I don't think it was a good moment... and I wasn't even sure that she would answer me...

Yato: You know I don't even know the whole story about you and Hoirkita... but I have my theory...Horikita told me that your class in middle school had been destroyed right? If I'm correct...It's your work... you could have used the confidence that everyone had in you to destroy our class... by telling the truth about some secrets on everyone... do I'm right?

She was looking at me with her bad eyes...

Kushida: You're way too clever... I hate you. Horikita wasn't surprised earlier... you shared your theory with her right?

Yato: Yeah... after all both of us weren't sure of what really happened...

She then starts walking closer to me...

Kushida: It must be nice to be good at school... at sports... being intelligent... like you...

She was just in front of me... I was looking down because I was taller than her...

Kushida: You can't understand me Fukazawa-kun! After all, you are perfect!

Yato: ...

I just start to look t her with a more serious look... she was surprised a bit by this but she remained there...

Yato: Perfect? What the fuck are you saying...

Kuhsida: Before I was in middle school I was the one with the best results... I was the most pretty girl in my school... I wasn't bad at sports...but when I arrived in middle school, I realized that...

Yato: Hoi!

Kushdia: Huh?

She was surprised by my voice tone... It was cold...

Yato: Do I seems interested to know your life?

She was surprised by my cold attitude... I was looking at her with a cold gaze...

I just start to walk... she was still in front of me but she quickly move aside because I was about to bump into her...

Kushida: Hey I didn't...

Yato: Kushida let me tell you something...

I stopped walking... I wasn't looking at her...

Yato: No one is perfect and there is always someone better than you... I don't have time to deal with your childishness...

I could sense that I just pissed her off more...

Yato: I don't plan to be involved in the bet between you and Horikita...so do as you wish with Hoirkita. I just hope you would realize how stupid all this is before it's too late...

I just start to walk to the dorm alone letting Kushdia there alone...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter, I hope you liked it! The next chapter will come out next week! Thanks to those who read my story!

Volume 6: Best Friend

Chapter 5

Yato Pov:

It was now 20h... it was time for the second study session for the group of Hirata. Earlier today Kei came to my room and I helped her to study... well, in fact, I asked her to make the same exercise that I gave to Ishikawa yesterday.

I was currently sitting at the same place as yesterday in the library with Ishikawa. Hirata once again made a little speech before we start this session and again... all the girls choose to study with him.

Kushida didn't say a single word to me... in fact, she didn't even look at me once. After she understands that I would not be involved in her bet with Horikita she probably decided to leave me alone for a moment... she cannot miss her chance to expel Horikita and Kiyo... well even if it will probably fail. Hoirkita has already taken measures to counter Kushdia before even she accept this bet...

Ishikawa: So what do you think I should study today?...or don't tell me you have other exercises like yesterday that I need to do...

Yato: Nah don't worry... well first I will look at your answer but during this time I would like that you reread your note for the topic that you have more difficulty with...

Ishikawa: Well I guess I will look at my maths notes then...

He then takes out all his stuff from his bag...

I did the same and I take out the exercise of yesterday. I immediately started to look at his answer and revised his copy.

I gave him a lot of questions so it take me a while to look at him but after 40 minutes I finished looking at everything...

I just put down the pen and Ishikawa started looking at me...

Yato: Okay so I just finished looking at everything...

Ishikawa: And? What are my results?

Yato: Hmm well on 400 points... you got 195...so I guess that's bad...

Ishikawa: Arg... I knew it. But why did you make me do this instead of studying? I believe in you because you probably got the best results in the class but still...

He still didn't understand the meaning of this test I made for him...

Yato: I said that your results in this test were bad... but you completely succeed the reason why I made you this test...

I could see the misunderstanding on his face...

Yato: Look...these questions were actually quite hard... even more for someone like you who doesn't like to study and doesn't have good results usually...

Ishikawa: I knew it... there were a lot of things that I was sure that we didn't see in class yet...

Yato: Indeed... in fact, I wanted to see your ability to think about a problem. Even if you don't have the knowledge to answer correctly... with a bit of context and a bit of logic you can still find the right answer...

His eyes widen when I said this... he was finally understanding the reason for this test...

Yato: Of course, this case may not always apply... the best example is for the maths problem. Without the right formula, you can't do anything... but sometimes only with your ability to think you can answer questions correctly.

Ishikawa: OHHH!!!

Yato: And from what I saw I think your ability to think in a logical way is quite good...

That means the problem is more about his personality and the fact that he doesn't like studying...

Ishikawa: Yosha!!! That means my study will be easier!

Yato: Woh! That's not what I said...

Ishikawa: O-Oh...

Yato: It will be easier for me... you will still have to put the effort into your study...

Ishikawa: Oh okay... Yeah, I see...

I should maybe choose my words more wisely... he seems a bit discouraged...

Yato: Look... don't give up. I said that it would not be easier but it was maybe a lie... in fact, you will have still the same amount of study to do...but with the right way of studying it will be easier for you. Your way of thinking is quite good...

Ishikawa: I see so I'm not that stupid then haha!

Yato: Stupid?

Ishikawa: Well since middle school I don't have good grades so I already hear things like that in the past haha!...

Yato: ...

Even if he was said that in a good mood... I could sense that it was probably bothering him...

Yato: You know when I said it would be easier for me it's because I already teach to someone like you in the past...

I caught up his attention and he was looking at me intrigued...

Ishikawa: Seriously? Here in this school?

Yato: Nah Nah! It's was before coming here...It was my best friend

He was looking at me and he was listening to me really interested in what I was saying... I hesitated because I thought he just didn't want to study but it wasn't... he was just really interested...

Ishikawa: So he didn't have good results too?

I just started to laugh...

Yato: Hahaha good results?

I then start to look at Sudo who was currently trying his best to study...

Yato: Well Sudo next to him would have looked like a genius if you only look at the results of exams and anything else...

Ishikawa: What?

I was still looking at Sudo and answering him

Yato: Yeah haha... studying was really not his thing... but you know what...

I then start looking at Ishikawa...

Yato: I still think that he is one of the most intelligent people that I meet...

He was surprised by what I just said... he probably understand what I was trying to say and I could notice that he seems happy to hear that...

Yato: Good results at school don't make everything... you are not stupid for reason like that...

He was just looking at me for a moment without saying anything...

Ishikawa: Wow... I don't know what to say haha! You know... the fact that a person like you, who just got perfect results said this to me... it's really appreciated...

He then starts to smile while rubbing the back of his hair...

Ishikawa: Thanks Fukazawa haha! I couldn't have a better partner in this exam!

Yato: Don't worry about that... I just say what I think so...anyway I think we should focus on maths today... So finish reading your notes and I will make you some exercises after...

Ishikawa: Good!

To be honest I was surprised how much involved I was in his study...His way of thinking is really not bad. Some question I gave him yesterday was really complicated but he find the right answer or a part of it... Helping him will not be a problem... and the fact that his personality doesn't bother me, he seems like a nice guy. From what I know of Ishikawa is that he is part of the Tennis Club and he seems to have a few friends...he seems like a guy who doesn't really like to be involved in class matters. After all, I never speak to him or his friends before this exam... so they just try to do their things without being involved that much in the class...

It just makes me ask even more questions about Kiyo when I look at Ishikawa and his friends. if Kiyo would have wanted a peaceful high school life... why did he do all this? I seriously hesitate to confront him about that... but I prefer to be on my guard with him...

Anyway, I just helped Ishikawa and Sudo a few times during the rest of the study session and I ended up going back to the dorm after...

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Time skip Tomorrow

Yato Pov:

It was now 16h48... the school ended a while ago and Horikita and her group were currently doing her study session. After school, I just decided to immediately go back to my room...I had a few things to do and I especially wanted to relax a bit.

I was currently sitting at my table and was writing some questions for the C-Class for the exam. Horikita asked me to write the question for the English topic...

She told me that it was probably Kaneda who will write the question for our class... it was the dude with glasses who was always in my running group during the sports festival. He must be one close to Ryuuen who can use his brain...

I then hear the sound of a notification on my phone... so I just grab my phone that was in front of me on the table. I open it and see it was a message from Kei...

[Kei: I will be in your room at 17h for you can help me with my study!

[Yato: Okay sure I'm waiting

I just close my phone after that I answered her and put it back on the table.

I suddenly start to think about Kei... it's been now almost 4 months since I've created this fake relationship with Kei. To be 100% honest... at the start of the year, I thought that she was a person insupportable with her attitude. But since that I saw her real personality and that I talked with her more...she is a way more enjoyable person to hang out...

While I was writing some questions and thinking about a few things I heard someone knock at my door...

I immediately get up and start walking to the door. I open it and already started to walk back sitting at the table... because I already knew that it was Kei...

I heard the door close and she remove her shoes... she then finally enter my room and looks at be a bit annoyed...

Yato: Sighs... what did I do...

She just look at me to finally just sighed too...

Kei: Nevermind...

She walks to the table and puts down her bag next to hit and sit in front of me...

Kei: So what are we going to do today Yato-kun? Yesterday you just make me do this test way too complicated for me...

I then take a few sheets that were on the table...

Yato: I know... it was just to verify a few things. With your results of yesterday, I know now what I need to help you to improve yourself for the next exam...

She just smiles

Kei: Yeah! Finally, it's a better thing that you help me personally with my study...

She then takes out her phone from her bag and starts playing with it...

I just remain silent and look at her...

Kei: ...

Yato: ...

She then notice that I was looking at her

Kei: Ehh can I help you with something?

Yato: Well I thought it was me who needed to help you with your study... but if you prefer to play with your phone...

She then looks at me a bit puzzled at first and just starts laughing a bit...

Kei: I know Yato-kun...don't need to act like a real teacher who caught his student playing with her phone...

She then closes it and puts it down on the table...

Kei: It's just you were right... a lot of girls want to be closer to Hirata-kun and they ask me a lot of advice... and I really need to answer to not lose popularity or reputation...

Yato: Oh I see...you must chat with a lot of people I guess...

Kei: Sighs... Yes...

She then just lean her head on the table

Kei: Sometimes it can be really annoying...

I suddenly think about something... well more someone. Kushida... is way more popular than Kei. So she must have this type of conversation not only with the girls of your class but the whole school year. Even with boys probably... and since I know that her kind attitude his some acting...I must admit that I'm really impressed by this. Being able to always act like this 24h/24h is not something that everyone would be able to do...

Kei then raises her head up and starts looking at me...

Kei: You Yato-kun... do you chat with a lot of people?

I just have my usual nonchalant attitude and look at her too...

Yato: Hmm no... in fact I talk to nearly no one...

Kei: Oh... I see...

She seems like she wasn't sure what to answer...

Yato: Hahaha it's just that I prefer this like that...

I could see that she seems curious and she just put her elbow on the table to lean her head on her hands while looking at me...

Kei: You prefer this? Well yeah sometimes it bothers me to have to answer to everyone but talking with people can be great...

Yato: Well we should maybe start studying no?

I didn't really want to continue this subject...

Kei: Awn Yato-kun please I want to talk a bit more!

Yato: Hmm well I don't mind but it will be the last time because after you will be expelled because you will fail the exam...

Her eyes suddenly widen and she sat up straight

Kei: Well studying is not that bad finally!

She then takes out her pencil from her bag. I pass her a few sheets with some questions on them...

Yato: Here... it's a few notes that I take. I notice your major mistake and write them on these notes... so try to improve on these first. I have a few exercises for you too...

Kei: Hmm you made this yourself?

I just nodded

Kei: Wow... thank you Yato-kun!

Yato: The exam is still in a while so just do the most exercises you can do today and we will continue tomorrow...

She just nodded and start her study... I just take my pencil and start making some questions as Horikita asked me for the C-Class...

45 minutes later...

Kei: Arggg I need a break...

I then look at my phone to look how much time she has been studying...

Yato: It's already 45 minutes since you started... I guess you can take a break

Kei: Yeah!!!

She immediately put down her pencil and put away the notes that I gave her. She takes out her phone again from her bag and seems to chat with people again.

By seeing this I just keep writing some questions for Horikita... I have already completed a few questions for her and they should be accepted by the school.

Kei: Nee Yato-kun?

I just look up at Kei and she was looking at me...

Yato: Yeah? If you are hungry you're free to use my kitchen as you want...

Kei: Eh well yes I'm hungry but that's not what I wanted to ask you...

She was just looking at me without saying anything...I started to wonder what was the problem until she decided to talk...

Kei: Well you know this is something that bothers me for a while... Why did you accept to be my fake boyfriend? I know that we made a deal but still... I think that everyone here would love to have a boyfriend or girlfriend to have a love story here... you miss your chance right now no? After all... there are a lot of girls talking about you...

She was looking at me with an intense gaze... I could tell that this subject was interesting to her. But there were a few things in what she said that caught my attention... she probably notice that I was a bit puzzled by her question because she immediately say something else...

Kei: Well I don't say this because I don't want your help anymore... no, in fact, I still need it... but it was just something that bother me and to be honest, recently you becoming a lot more popular...so you are a hot topic among the girls...

Yato: Well... first I didn't know this... why did I become popular suddenly?

Her eyes widen and she suddenly slams her two hands on the table...

Kei: Huh? You are joking right now?! After seeing you at the sports festival... in fact since the end of the desert island, a lot of girls started to talk about you...

Yato: Like Manabe I guess...

Kei: At the start of the year you were alone and didn't really want to interact with the others... so you had been considered like Koenji... but it changed since then. So why accept my offer?

I just keep looking at her for a moment...

Yato: Sighs... you like to talk about love matter...right?

She just nodded...The past week it was Sato and Ayanakoji and now my turn...

Yato: Well...to answer your question... No, I don't think about having a girlfriend...

Kei: HUUUH?!

Why does she react like that?

Yato: It should be a great thing for you... no?

Kei: Yes... your help and protection are really great Yato-kun... but I still don't understand why you don't want... like I bet every guy in the class would love to have one...

Yato: Sighs... it's complicated. I just think that it's not a good idea for me to have a girlfriend at this school...

She then has a puzzled face...

Kei: What does it's supposed to mean?

Why so many questions...

Yato: What about you? You don't want to have a real boyfriend who would protect you and accept you as you really are?

I immediately decided to ask her the same question by thinking she would change of subject or she would let me alone with these questions... but...

Kei: Hmm no... In fact, I asked you this but... I probably think the same as you...

She then gets up and starts walking to the kitchen...

Kei: You sure that you don't mind if I eat something...

Yato: I don't have many things but you can eat whatever you want... during dinner time it was the only moment of the day that I could help you with your study...

Kei: I see... thank you then!

She then go into the kitchen and after a moment she immediately came back...

Kei: You must be joking right?

I had a perplexed expression...

Kei: You nearly have just some ramen orPeyoung Yakisoba...

She had a cup of each in one hand...I then get up and walk towards her...

Yato: I told you that I didn't have many things... but what's the matter with these?

I then immediately take thePeyoung Yakisoba cup from her hands...

Kei: Well... eating only this must not be that good for you... and I don't think they really good at taste?

Yato: Hoi what are you saying?! I was eating these all the time with Keisuke...

She then look at me intrigued...

Kei: Kei..suke?

Yato: Oh... sorry. It's my best friend...

Just like I told something that interested her she look at me more intrigued...

Kei: Ohh your best friend? Tell me more about him!

Yato: What? No...

She then starts to pout...

Kei: Please Yato-kun...

She then starts to poke my arm...

Kei: Please talk about him to me... you nearly talk about yourself...

She was looking at me with an insistent look...this girl...

Yato: Sighs... only if you eat these ramen without complaining...

Kei: Deal!

She then walk back to the table and we start preparing our meal... after a moment when everything was ready...

Kei: So tell me more about you and him!

She seems to enjoy herself huh...

Yato: Well... eh...

I didn't really know what to say, to be honest...she probably notice it because...

Kei: How and when did you meet him?

Yato: Well I was 7 years old... I was coming back from school...

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.

.

Flashback

Yato (7-year-old) pov:

Yato: Sighs...

The school just ended and like always... it's was super boring. The stuff that that sensei teaches us is way too easy and It seems that I'm the only one to understand...Mom even started to teach me more complicated stuff and even this start to be boring...

I then remember the words of what Dad told me last week

Yakichi: But let me tell you something Yato. If you don't want to put extra effort into this, don't do it. I and your Mom don't want you to force yourself to do something just because you're good at it. No need to achieve excellence... Whatever your choices, know that I will support you.

Yato: Sighs...

I still don't understand the meaning of what he was trying to say... well I don't think he was saying that I could just become lazy and do nothing...

Anyway, I can't figure out what he was trying to say for now...I was currently on my way home... Usually, I wait for Touma and we go back home together but today he was hanging out with some friend of his class...

Yato: Friends huh...

Maybe it can be quite sad to say it like this but... I don't have one friend at my school. But It not really bothering me... I think they consider me different because of my attitude and the fact that I learn way more quickly than the others person in my class...

While I was walking and thinking about all this I suddenly hear a scream...

???: AHH! Stop!

Yato: Hm?

I look to my left where the scream came from and notice five older boys... they seem to be about 10 years old so they probably senpai from a school close to mine. There was a girl who seems to be about my age on the ground and seems to be scared...

Girl: P-Please let me go!

The guy who seems to be the leader just started to walk closer to the girl who was about to cry...

Leader: Hoi shut up! We know that you are his sister!

I was watching all this from a certain distance... they didn't notice me but I was close enough to hear them clearly. We were in a little neighborhood so they were nearly no one around here to stop them.

They were just standing in front of her while she start to panic even more... I was just watching from behind with no intention of intervening. I was watching all this with one thought... what would be the reason to intervene? I didn't know this girl at all... I know that I was selfish but I think that is one of the reasons why I didn't have any friends. My brother who is a lot like my father would probably go to save her immediately...even if they would not gain anything from this... they would probably try their best.

But for me, I was watching this scene with my usually calm and nonchalant expression...I wasn't scared or anything like that... it may be weird but I was more curious and intrigued...

One of the guys suddenly kicks the wall next to the girl to scare her more...

Girl: Please stop! It's you guys who started all this!

Leader: Tsk because of us huh?

He seemed even more annoyed...

Girl: KEISUKE!

The girl suddenly screams the name of Keisuke... I don't know who it was but there was no one around so no one could hear it...

I was still watching all this and I suddenly think about something...

Yato: I never fight with someone before?

I then think about my father... he always told me and Touma that a good action is always rewarded or lead to something of great...

I was watching this but suddenly one of the guys notice me...

Guy: Hoi goes away if you don't want any problem...

Indeed... the most rational and logical for me would have been to continue my way while ignoring all this... but I was still there...

Guy: Tsk Hoi you deaf or what! Get out of here before we beat you little!

I just keep looking at him with the same expression... it seems that pisses him off. Then the leader turns around to look at me but...

Yato: Yeah sure! Good evening guys!

Leader: HAHAHA! You are a smart one... get out of here now...

They then all turn around...

Leader Pov:

The guy with red hair just start walking away... I then turn around again to look at the girl on the ground who was leaning against the wall being her...

Leader: Now back to your business... you know that your brother ended up beating my little brother!

She was just looking at me with really scared...

Leader: It's just normal that I avenge my little brother, right!

She tries to get up but I immediately push her back on the floor.

Leader: But you're unlucky because we are older than your stupid brother so today we will make him understand to not mess up with people older than him!

I was about to grab her by the neck but suddenly I notice my friend next to me starts falling...

Guy: Ouch! What the ...

PUNCH

We all immediately turn around and saw that it was the same guy from earlier...

Leader: Hoi teme...

Yato: Ahhh it's hit more than I thought...

He wasn't fazed at all...what the matter with this guy. We are probably older than him by 2 or 3 years and he didn't seem scared at all... doesn't he know her and his brother?

Leader: It seems that you want to get beat up too huh... then!

.

.

.

2 minutes earlier

Yato: Yeah sure! Good evening guys!

Leader: HAHAHA! You are a smart one... get out of here now...

I then start walking away and they all turn around to look at the girl again...

I was seriously about to walk away but... I don't know why...I stopped walking...

I was not watching the girls and those guys... no I was watching in front of me...

I was just hearing the cry of the girl...

I then turn around to look at them... the girl suddenly tries to get up to run away but the leader just pushes her back on the ground.

Yato: I never fight before huh...

I suddenly start to run towards the guy the closest to me... I was running but I make sure to not make any noise so not they noticed me. When I was right behind the dude I immediately kick him behind his left knee... He was taller than me so my first thought was the make him lose his balance.

Guy:Ouch! What the...

Immediately when his face was right at my height I punch him in the face the strongest I could...

PUNCH

The punch just makes the guy fall back and his head hit against the wall.

All the other guys were now watching at me and seemed angry... but my attention was on the girl... it was her look who caught my attention... I don't how to clearly describe it but she seems happy...

Leader: Hoi teme...

The other thing that I noticed was...

Yato: Ahhh it's hit more than I thought...

After that I punch this guy... my hand hurt a bit...it was the first time that I was hitting someone with all my strength. I don't know if it was a good hit or not but the dude seemed to be in pain on the ground so I guess it wasn't that bad for my goal here...

Leader: It seems that you want to get beat up too huh... then!

I thought that the first one to come at me would be one of his goons like in the movies or animes I saw but...

Leader: Come here!

The leader was the first one they come at me... he was ready to punch me but I had been surprised by the speed of his blow and couldn't block it completely so he ended up punching me in the face too...

I immediately take a few steps back after this hit...

Yato: hmm?...

I notice that there was some blood that was dripping from my nose.

Yato:It's hurt... but... it's endurable...but still this feeling...no I should more say that I still miss this feeling... I'm still not scared or worried...

Leader: I am surprised that you are still up after my punch...

I just start smiling...

Yato: Okay so I need to I need to block these punches or it could be bad... not the best would be to avoid them... and to do so I need to...

Leader: The fuck what's wrong with you...

He was probably talking about my expression... I don't know why but I was smiling...but I was 100% ready and focused right now...

He then immediately start running at me... but I immediately notice that he was about to do the same move as earlier...a blow from his right fist.

I calm myself and remain at the same place... I was just watching coming at me and when I notice that he was about to lunch his blow I immediately start putting myself in the position to deflect his blow with my left hand.

I saw that he was surprised by the fact that I easily deflect his punch but it was the second time that I saw him doing this blow so I knew the timing I needed to deflect it...

When I deflect his punch I notice that he start to lose a little his balance and I take advantage of this and hit him and the knee like the guy of earlier. He then completely lose his balance and start falling towards me and I immediately punch him in the face too.

PUNCH

He then fall by behind but I didn't lose any second and went immediately to kick a few times on the face...

I was still watching the other guys who were behind but they seemed surprised by my fighting skills... well in fact even I was surprised by how easily I succeeded...

I then make sure that after those kicks that the leader had passed out...

Guy: Takumi!

Takumi... I see it must be his name...does this guy was weak or do I end up doing a good job? I was still not totally sure about all and even more on why I ended up fighting those guys...

But right now...

I then start looking a the three remaining guys...they do not seem scared of me... no they were angrier.

Yato: I beat these two on 1 on 1... but three at the same time could be more difficult

Guy: Hoi little shit! We are two and older than you! You going to pay for what you did to Takumi and Aki!

I was about to take a fighting stance but all of us suddenly start hearing some foot septs... it was coming from behind the three guys...

???: Gou!

When the girl saw the guy coming she started to cry even more...

Girl: KEISUKE!

The three men turn around to look at the man... I was about to go after them to attack them but...

???: Hoi teme you touched my little sister...

Guy 1: I-It's him!

Guy 2: The guy who beat the little brother of Takumi

Guy 3: Let's make him pay for...

PUNCH

The guy was suddenly on the ground... I was shocked...this guy Keisuke just knocking him out so easily...

???: Your turn...

Without any hesitation, the guy named Keisuke quickly start running towards the two other remaining guys. One of them tries to punch him but Keisuke just dodged his blow and dashed to the guy behind him... taken by surprise he didn't have time to prepare a defensive stance so Keisuke just kicked him in the stomach.

Without any second of break, he just turns around and kicks the remaining guy and the knee and punches him in the face...

Yato: This guy just takes out these three guys so easily...

I was seriously shocked by seeing this... but I was most impressed than anything else...

Keisuke: Gou! Are you okay?

Without even looking at me one time he just went to his sister who was still on the ground...

Gou: Keisuke...you were supposed to meet me here way earlier...

Keisuke: Sorry... I had been delayed...

She then gets up and immediately hugs him... The Takumi guy earlier talked about his brother so it must be him...

I was just watching this until I turn around and grab my bag that was on the floor... I started to walk away but...

Keisuke: Hey!

I turn around and look at him...

Keisuke: Your kick in the knee was not and at all haha!

Yato: Well after seeing you taking these three so easily I'm not too sure anymore...

I said this with my usual nonchalance and he just look at me for a moment until...

Keisuke: HAHAHA! I see... anyway thanks for having helped my sister!

He then start walking a bit towards me... we were about one meter from each other...

Kesuke: I'm Baji Keisuke! Nice to meet you!

Yato: Hmmm Fukazawa Yato! Nice to meet you too!

It was the first time that I was meeting this guy named Baji Keisuke... I still don't know why I decided to go help this girl... maybe it was fate or something like that...

But I didn't know it yet but this guy will become my best friend and like a brother to me... and the most important... this encounter was one of the two most important people that will change my life.

.

.

.

Back to the present

Kei: Wait! Wait! Wait!

She was looking at me a bit perplexed...

Kei: So the first time that you meet your best friend named Baji... you had a fight with some others senpai of you?

Yato: Well...yes but! They were bullying a girl as I said...

I told to Kei the story of how I encountered Keisuke in the past... of course I didn't tell her that originally I didn't plan to help her...

I said to her that I didn't hesitate a second before deciding to help Gou...it was a lie but it was a part of the story that she wasn't obligated to know...

But remembering this story... was quite great I guess...

Kei: Hehe...

Yato: Hm?

I then look at Kei and she was laughing while looking at me...

Yato: Why are you laughing?

Kei: Hehe well your expression... I don't know this is the first time I see you like this... you seem happy...

Yato: Happy huh...

I then look at my phone and notice that it was already 6h45...

Yato: Woah... it's already quite late... I need to prepare for the study session for tonight...

Kei then look at her phone too

Kei: Oh you're right! I didn't see the time pass...

She then gets up and takes her bag from the floor

Kei: I need to go before the study session too...

She was about to walk away but she stopped...

Kei: It was nice to talk with you Yato-kun! Thank you a lot for your help... it is very appreciated! See you later!

She then starts walking towards my room door and I hear her leaving...

To be honest I was a bit surprised about myself... I didn't expect that I will tell this story to someone when I enter this school... but I ended up talking about this with Kei...I was thinking about her earlier and I notice something... she is probably one of the only people here that I can call her a friend...but...

Yato: Sighs...

I watch at the table...

Yato: She didn't clean her mess before leaving...

I just get up and start cleaning everything before the study session of tonight...

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Time skip

Kiyo Pov:

Days flew by until the time came when we were currently doing our fifth study session.We held the second, third, and fourth meetings at Pallet, but today we decided to meet up at a cafe inside of Keyaki mall. This was because as of today, club activities had stopped in order to allow students to focus on the final exams, so we expected the Pallet to be packed with people. But in the end, they were a lot more people than expected.

The session started as always and Yukimura gave Hasabe and Miyake their exercise for today... but to my surprise... he made some for me too. I came here with them because Horikita asked me to take care of this group so I couldn't really refuse to do the exercise, to be honest.

So I ended up doing the exercises that Yukimura gave me... we were doing exercises and after 40 minutes of silence...

Hasabe:By the way, isn't there a Yoshimoto-kun in Class C? Miyatchi, do you know?

Miyake:Do you mean Yoshimoto Kōsetsu? He's in the archery club.

Hasabe: Ooh yeah, that Yoshimoto-kun. I heard that he started going out with a second-year, you know?

Tired of studying, Hasebe began to gossip.

Miyake: I hadn't heard anything about that, but I was just thinking that he's been in a hurry to leave early for some strange reason. So that's what it was.

In high school, the hurdle for dating someone even one year older is pretty high. When you're an adult in your thirties, a year or two age difference doesn't seem like it would matter very much. Although this is something I can't imagine as a teenager, this is surely how it works.

Miyake:Yoshimoto-kun has been super motivated and says that they're going to get married in the future. The man is a simple idiot.

Hasebe and Miyake slowly diverged from studying.

Yukimura:You're free to talk about who's going out with whom and what the future will be like all you want, but at the very least get your work done while you do.

Hasabe:I know. We're just chatting while taking a breather.

Hasebe had gotten used to this kind of thing, so she gave no indication of being shaken by Yukimura's words.

Yukimura:Is that right?

Hasabe:Wow, I'm getting sarcastic vibes from you. I'm going to refill my cup.

Miyake:You're adding more sugar? I'm surprised you can even drink it that sweet.

Hasabe:From my point of view, I can't understand people who drink it black. Ah!

Hasebe tried to stand up with her empty plastic cup, but she stumbled over the backpack at her feet and the cup in her hand fell to the ground.

My eyes unconsciously followed it as it rolled.

The cup stopped at the feet of a student who was walking past.

Hasabe: Ah, sor...

Hasebe started to apologize, but the cup was then crushed underfoot, so she swallowed the words before they came out.

???:You all seem to be having a good time. How about we join in?

Hasabe:What are you guys...

Hasebe immediately strengthened her guard and looked at the group in front of her sharply.

It was a reasonable reaction too because the man who crushed the cup was none other than Class C's Ryuuen. Standing behind him were Ishizaki, Komiya, and Kondō, the often seen Class C trio.

Ryuuen showed a sly smile as if he was thinking about something amusing.

There was also a lone girl who wasn't usually a part of Ryuuen's group standing next to Ishizaki. She wore an expression that was unsuitable for the situation, one that was devoid of all tension.

Hasabe: Hey! Why did you step on my cup? It wasn't an accident, was it?

Ryuuen: It rolled to my feet and I thought you'd tossed it. I stepped on it to save you the effort.

He laughed and returned the crushed cup to Hasebe with a kick. A little bit of its contents sprinkled across the ground from a hole in the side of it. Miyake, watching in silence, stood up slowly.

Miyake: Hoi Ryuuen. I've wanted to say it for a while now, but that's enough of your punkish attitude.

Ishizaki:Huh? Who the hell do you think you're talking to?

As if to say that Ryuuen didn't need to bother with him, Ishizaki went forward and grabbed Miyake by the lapel of his shirt.

Miyake:I wasn't talking to you. A henchman should mind his own business, Ishizaki.

Miyake was unmoved and knocked away Ishizaki's hand.

Ishizaki: Bastard!

Ishizaki shouted, who managed to attract attention from our surroundings even in such a noisy environment.The person who reacted sensitively to this was none other than Ryuuen.

Ryuuen: Shut it. Do you really want to make a scene in a place like this, Ishizaki?

Ishizaki:S-sorry. Because Miyake was so cocky, I just...

Ryuuen:I don't hate emotionally impulsive idiots, but now you need to behave yourself

Ishizaki:Yes...

Ryuuen was right. There aren't only first years around, but also senior students, shop assistants, and several surveillance cameras. It's a public place without any blind spots. If an incident happened here, Class C would clearly be at fault. It's almost certain that they would be subject to punishment based on the testimony and recordings that we would have as evidence.

Ryuuen:I have no business with you. I'm interested in the two people over there.

Ryuuen said so as he shifted his line of sight from Miyake over to Yukimura and me.

Ryuuen:Have you received my gift?

Yukimura:What the hell are you talking about...

Naturally, Yukimura couldn't understand what he was talking about. He looked to me as the other person Ryuuen referred to. The so-called 'gift' is undoubtedly the time he sent a message with the words 'Who are you?'

Ryuuen:Who knows...

I acted as if I didn't know. Ryuuen had resorted to really tough measures. I had no reason to dig my own grave by answering his questions. Even if I tried to appear more suspicious to him, he wouldn't be able to reach any conclusions. This is because no matter what happens, it's still only a gray area. But there was one thing I was curious to know... his thought about Fukazawa in all this. Does he completely remove him from his suspect?

Ryuuen:How's that? Did you catch onto anything, Hiyori?

Ryuuen took his eyes off us for a moment and asked the girl from his class for her thoughts.

Hiyori:How is it? Well, there's no telling at this stage.

A lot of the students working under Ryuuen were afraid of him, but the girl named Hiyori remained totally calm in this situation. Her somewhat out-of-focus eyes alternated between the two of us. What was Ryuuen scheming by bringing this student here?

Hiyori:Both of their faces leave a weak impression, so I'll probably forget them immediately.

Ryuuen: Kukuku, don't say that. They're probably going to be our friends for a long time.

Hiyori:Yukimura-san... Ayanokōji-san... Kōenji-san, who was the otherperson?

Ishizaki:It's Hirata. Hirata.

Hiyori:That's right, it was Hirata-san. Why are faces and names so hard to remember?

So that's all? None of them mentioned Yato...He did on purpose?

Ryuuen:As expected, the only one you'll remember is Kōenji.

Hiyori:He's very unique, so he's easy to remember...

It seems that Ryuuen has also marked Hirata and Kōenji. In the case of Kōenji, his actions were truly incomprehensible, but it's understandable that he would be suspected because of his capability. But my concern was about Yato... he was not easy to read... even less since he know about my ability. He seems more on his guard with me since the end of the festival... but it's reciprocal.

Hiyori: There is this other one who is easy to remember...the one with red hair. Fukazawa Yato...

I see so she is aware of him... but what caught my attention was the reaction of Ryuuen.

Ishizaki: Ohh Shinna-san you shouldn't talk about him...

Hiyori: Hm why thought? There seems to be something with him...

Ishizaki: Well Huh...

Ishizaki didn't want to answer started to look at Ryuuen... who just had the same expression while watching Yukimura and me...

Ryuuen: Well... it's true but he is more a special case...

He still had his serious expression and gaze while looking at all of us... but suddenly...

???: Huuh? Who is a special case?

Hearing those words Ryuuen just starts to smirk...all the Ryuuen squads aside Ryuuen himself turn around to see who just said that.

Our group of study seems surprised too... but I notice that the most surprised was Miyake

Ishizaki: Y-You! What are you doing here?

???: Huh? What YOU doing here?

Miyake suddenly gets up from his seat...

Miyake: Yato!

Indeed the man who just arrived was Fukazawa Yato... he was just looking at the group of Ryuuen with a smirk on his face too.

Ryuuen then finally turn around to look directly at Yato

Ryuuen: Oh? Look who came up to the party...

Yato: Party huh?...

He then starts walking closer to them... Ishizaki and the others seem to be ready to fight but Yato just walks towards Ryuuen...

Ryuuen wasn't moving... he just had his two hands and his pocket and was looking at Yato coming towards him.

I could notice that Miyake was ready to intervene in case something happen but...

Yato just pass Ryuuen without talking to him and continued to walk over us... he was now in front of Yukimura...

Yato: Yo Yukimura... here are some documents that Horikita asked me to give you...

He then handed out an envelope to Yukimura who had just taken it...

Yukimura: Thanks...?

Hasabe: Fuu-kun are you...

Yato: I just came here do give this to Yukimura haha! I won't' bother your study session longer...

Yato then just look around to look at me and then Miyake... he knew what to do... Ryuuen was watching us right now I was glad that he didn't do anything that could go against me. But in reality, he wouldn't do anything because I know what happen on the island. With someone like Yato, I want to have the best relationship with him and not have him as an enemy

Yato then turns around but didn't start walking yet... he just takes a look at all the Ryuuen group until his eyes land on Hiyori...

Yato: Hm?

He just keeps looking at her for a moment until he switches his gaze to Ryuuen...

Yato: So what about you guys? You were not disturbing them... right?

Ryuuen: What are you talking about... we just come to hang out as I said earlier.

Yato: Ohhh I see I see... my mistake then I didn't want to be rude...

No one didn't know how to react to this... Yato and Ryuuen were just looking at each other with both a smirk on their face...but again the one who really caught my attention was Hiyori. She was just looking at them with the same expression that she had since she arrived here.

Ryuuen: But since you are there maybe you should hang out with us...

Yato: Nahh I think we should let them study for the exam who coming soon...

Yato then just starts walking away...he passes Ryuuen and his gang but...

Ryuuen: What a shame... maybe Karuizawa from your class would like to hang out with us...

Yato immediately stopped... he turns around but still with his smile on his face...

Yato: Wait Wait haha! Do I'm crazy or you just threaten me?

Suddenly the expression of Ryuuen becomes more serious...

Ryuuen: Too dumb to understand something that easy?

Yato just looked at Ryuuen for a few seconds without saying anything... he just still had his smile on his face.

The tension was extreme... no one from us dared say something... and the same goes for the Ryuuen group...until

CLAP CLAP CLAP

Yato: Hahahaha I see I see...

Yato just start to applauds a moment and start walking towards Ryuuen... he was not just in front of him... they were really close. I notice that Miyake and Ishizaki were ready to intervene in case...

Still, with his smile and the same attitude he has since he arrived here... then Yato was about to say something...

Yato: In that case let me answer you're threatened by another threatens Kakeru-kun

And suddenly his smile and his good mood disappear... he just and some cold eyes and was looking directly at Ryuuen...

Yato: Approach Kei... and I swear that I will beat you and your little gang of goons. I don't care where we are or the time it is... I will beat you up if one of you goes close to Kei...

Ryuuen just start to smirk at what Yato said... but he was the only one to react like that. Yukimura, Miyake, Hasabe, Ishizaki, and the two others guys from C-Class were quite shocked to see this...

And the most problematic thing here is that the station of all the Cafe was on them now...

Ryuuen: Oh? Beat us huh? Kukuku so I will finally see the monster that I hear the rumor about huh?

Kiyotaka: Monster?

Yato just tart to smile and keep looking at Ryuuen...

Yato: Bad idea if it was your plan, to just bring these three guys with you... you should come with the guy with sunglasses if you want that your chance not to be zero...

These two were just looking at each other... These two were intelligent to not start a fight that bring them in trouble... but to be honest, by seeing how things go I wasn't sure anymore...

But before one of these two could say something else...

???: Okay I think you should stop it right there the two of you...

The attention was now on the person who just said this... it was a girl withwaist-length chocolate-brown hair that is adorned by a hairpin in the shape of a sunflower on the right side.

But even if everyone was now looking at her... Ryuuen and Yato just kept looking at each other...

???: Sighs... Hey Fukazawa-kun, you should stop this...

Kiyotaka: This girl know Yato?

Then Yato starts looking at her with a smirk again...

Yato: Huh Asahina-senpai? What's the matter? We were just hanging around...

She just looks at him with a suspicious expression until she just takes him by the arm and starts dragging him towards the exit...

Asahina: Sighs... just leave on this okay? He would not like it if you cause some trouble...

Kiyotaka: ...

Yato just start looking at her until he sighed...

Yato: You sure about this? I bet he would probably find it interesting...

Asahina then let go of the arm of Yato and he just take a quick look at us before looking at the girl again...

Yato: Sighs... anyway sorry for the inconvenience senpai...

He then walks out of the Cafe... everyone starts resuming what they were doing before this incident...

Asahina senpai just takes a glace at Ryuuen and his gang before going back to her place...

Ryuuen: Kuku it was quite interesting finally...

He then turns around to look at us again...

Ryuuen: AnywayWe're just saying hello for today. But I'll tell you right now, I'll be seeing you again in the near future.

Miyake: What? After all this, you just say this? And what it's supposed to mean?

Ignoring Miyake's question, Ryuuen left the cafe with his entourage. The cafe, which was briefly enveloped in silence, immediately regained its vitality and returned to its previous state as everyone returned to their studying. However, The student named Hiyori remained at the scene, still watching us all this time.

Hiyori: So it was Fukazawa Yato...

There are a lot of things that happened here... this girl Hiyori, Ryuuen who search for the who behind Horikita, Yato who showed up, Ryuuen who called Yato a monster, this senpai who know Yato...

Anyway... for now I think I should focus on the study of Hasabe and Miyake... and this girl Hiyori who is still there even if Ryuuen left...

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(A.N)

That's it for this chapter I hope you liked it!

Now I have a bad news... I will be on vacation the next week and I just come back around the 30 March. I tried to finish this volume but didn't have time finally... the last chapter is just 1/3 done. So there will be no chapter next week so the next chapter will just come out, sorry about that! Well in fact it will be the first time since I started this fanfic in September since I don't release at least one chapter per week haha, so it will be a break I guess. I would have preferred to finish volume 6 before but yeah...

But during my vacation even if I will not have time to write but I will reread all the volume of COTE. I didn't read volume 2y 6 yet so I will do a reread before reading it. And at the same time, it will help me to plan more things for my fanfic... because to be honest I already know what I will do for vol 7 to 8 and vol Y2 1 to Y2 4...but for the vol 9 to 11 I'm really not sure yet... I have a few ideas but am not sure if they will work... that's why I want to reread everything now to have time to think about some ideas.

Anyway thanks to those who read this fanfic and enjoy COTE with me! Oh, and It could be great if you could give me some thought about my story... like things you like or things I could improve or do. Or even things you want to see more! Anyway, the final chapter of volume 6 will be out in approximately two weeks!

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Oh and by the way... Don't know if people wanted Yato X Kei... but...here... a picture of another reality for those who wanted this ship...

A super montage that takes me...1 minute...

Volume 6: Decision

Chapter 6

Yato Pov:

I was currently in the library. It was 21h40 and the study session was about to end. The study of Ishikawa was doing really well... I was still helping him but I don't think there was no need to worry about his results anymore...well only if he continues to study until the exam.

The exam was coming soon and the study session was about to stop too. There was just remaining a few session until the exam. From what I could observe aside from Ishikawa... is that the group of Hirata is doing a good job with their study. With Kei who keeps the girls focused on their studies instead of Hirata. I am still not sure if Hirata realizes the power he has with the girls of the class...

While I was looking around the library I heard a pencil drop on the table...

Ishikawa: Arggg...I'm finally done...

I then look in front of me to look at Ishikawa who seems exhausted...

I then just take his sheet to see what he did since the start of this study session...

After a moment I just nodded...

Yato: That's some great job...from what I saw you should be okay for the exam who coming.

Ishikawa: Yosha!

Well in fact...even if he would have just zero we would still pass the exam with my results alone.

Yato: It was one of the last study sessions...so it would be one of the last times I could help you before the exam...but even if there is no study session I think you should still work on your study...

Ishikawa: Sighs... I know... I realized that I can't be a dead weight for you and the class...

It was a great mindset that he have...I don't tell him to be at the top of the class...but to have some average results could be great and remove the stress to be in danger at every exam...

People were starting to get up from their places to start going to their rooms... I started to put things in my bag and Ishikawa did the same...

Ishikawa: Oh and yeah...

I raise my gaze to look at Ishikawa...

Ishikawa: Are you okay? You know there were a lot of rumors recently that said that you had a fight with Ryuuen and people of the C-Class...

I see, he talk about the last time when I went to give Yukimura some documents that Horikita gave me... there were a lot of people in the Cafe so it was sure that this event would spread around the school...

Yato: Hahaha don't worry about that... it was nothing...

In fact, it was true that this was nothing... there is no fight that happens or anything like that. But for how long it will remain like this? Ryuuen is closer to finding that Kiyo is the one behind Horikita...and he already knows about Kei is related to all this.

Ishikawa: I see...just be careful to not have any problem. I'm not maybe the best person for this but... if you need my help don't hesitate!

Yato: I see...well then I keep that in mind, thanks!

He then gets up from his seat and was about to leave...

Yato: don't forget Ishikawa... continue your study and doing a bit more can only be good for you...

Ishikawa: I know I know... haha! Anyway, see you later Fukazawa!

He then left with the majority of the student but I felt the gaze of someone on me but I just ignored it and get up off my place and just go back to my room...

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Time skip tomorrow

Yato Pov:

I was currently on my way to school... I was still sleepy but it was now a routine for me to get up so I wasn't coming late to class anymore. I still don't know why Mori sends me to this school but at least I guess I fix my habit of coming late...

As I was walking towards the school while thinking to few things... I heard someone call my name behind me...

???: Oh Yato wait!

I immediately recognized this voice... I stop walking and just wait for the person to catch me up...and when he was just next to me...

Yato: Yo Akito...

Akito: Hey! I guess it's quite unusual to see you go to school this early?

Yato: Yeah but I was tired to run to school every morning to not be late...

Akitio: Hahaha I see...

We then start walking towards the school... we were talking about a few things until...

Akitio: Oh and we didn't have the chance to speak since the last time but... I'm sorry for not having helped you with Ryuuen in the Cafe.

I see... it's true that I didn't talk to Akito or any other person who was there...

Yato: There is nothing you can do about it Akito... Ryuuen was just playing some mind game...he never intend to start a real fight there...

Akito: You're probably right... but we never know with Ryuuen...

It seems that this story was bothering him... Akito had a delinquent phase so he knew about the fact that I and Keisuke was some sort of delinquent too...so he must know about Ryuuen too...

Yato: You said that because you already knew Ryuuen outside this school?

He just nodded...

Akito: Indeed...that's why I think we need to be on our guards with guys like him...

I was thinking about something for a moment...and I decided to ask him the question I wanted to ask...

Yato: Guys like him huh? But...you know about me. You should be on your guards too...no? You heard all the rumors...

He knew about the rumors about me...that I was the guy with Baji Keisuke. the guy with red hair and with a lot of bandages on him.

He then seems to think a moment...he even stops walking. I did the same and start looking at him.

Akito: You know... I don't consider myself a good or a bad person. I had my delinquent phase too so I can't judge anyone for their past...and know the rumors that I heard about you...but I build my opinion of the person you are right now...the Fukazawa Yato who is in front of me... and I consider you as a good and a reliable person.

I was really surprised by his opinion of me... because to be honest... the opinion of myself was almost the opposite of his... does he would have said the same thing If he knew that at the start of the year I planned the aggression for Sakura to obtain private points?

Akito: And when I see Ryuuen today... he didn't change at all... he is still the person that I knew from middle school...

Yato: I see...but let me know. During the incident with Ryuuen at the Cafe... if something would have happened... would you have helped me?

Without any hesitation...

Akito: Of course... I wouldn't let Ryuuen do as he wishes...

Yato: Hahahaha! I see I see...

He was a bit surprised by my reaction...

Yato: You know... you said that you don't consider yourself as a good or bad person...but for me, I think you are a good person...

He then looks at me for a moment but before he could say something...

???: Oh!!!! Fuu-kun! Miyachi!

There was s girl walking fast in your direction... I was already looking in her direction but Akito just turned around to look at her.

Yato: Yo Hasabe!

Akito: Hey Hakura

Hakura? It was the first name of Hasabe but usually, Akito has called her by her last name...

She then had a little talk with Akito and she then turns to look at me with a look of excitation...

Hakura: Fuu-kun!!! You were soo cool the other day!

Yato: Huh?

Hakura: You know with your badass eyes when you were looking at Ryuuen when he started to talk about Karuizawa-san!

Yato: Oh eh...well...yeah I guess so...

Hasabe then starts to talk about how much I was looking cool in this situation... it seems that this story was amusing her. I was quite surprised by the attention that people were giving to this event because inf fact...nothing happened...

Akito: You should stop talking about this Hakura...

Akito probably noticed that I didn't want to talk much about this...

Hasabe: Ohhh don't take it like this Miyachi... you were cool too when you get up from your seat ready to help Fuu-kun!

After seeing this opportunity I decided to join the conversation...

Yato: Hasabe is right... you were ready to come to help me even if it would have been a 4 vs 2 situation...that's cool!

Hasabe: You see Miyatchi...even the badass himself says this...

Yato: Woah...that's maybe too much Hasabe...

She then start looking at me a bit annoyed...

Hasabe: You know I already call you Fuu-kun... you could at least call me by my first name now. no?

Yato: Oh sure... I don't mind at all... then it would be Hakura now...

Hakura: Whoa...it seemed easier for you than the others haha!

Yato: The others?

I wasn't sure to understand what she was talking about but Akito didn't react...he probably understand what she was talking about.

Akito: Well we create a group of friends recently...and we decided to call each other by your first name...

that's why he called her by her first name earlier... I didn't ask any questions earlier because I wasn't sure if that was concerning me but now I understand the situation... but I was still curious about this group of friends...

Hakura: Exactly! With our study group, we created to Ayanakoji group!

Yato: Huh? The Ayanakoji group?

I was quite surprised to hear this...

Hakura: Yeah Haha! We named it like this because we all meet because ofKiyopon... when I think about it you seem quite close to Kiyopon right Fuu-kun? You should come to hang out with us sometimes! I and Miyatchi already know you and I bet that you could easily fit in this group too...well the only thing is that we don't want that in this group there a lot of people...so I know you already have a girlfriend but sometimes if you want to hang out don't hesitate!

I see... so they created a group of friends between the few of them. So there a Hakura, Akito, Kiyo and Yukimura to my knowledge... the other day when I went to give Yukimura some documents there was Sakura there... it was strange for her to be in this Cafe alone but I guess she want to get closer to Kiyo...so maybe she will join this group too? Or is she already joined?

Akito: I know you can be busy Yato...but if you have some time you can join us to hang out... it could be great!

While I was thinking about all this Akito give his thought too... Anyway, I can't make them wait any longer...

Yato: Thanks for the offer! Like you said I can be busy sometimes but if I have some time it could be great to hang out altogether! I think it's a great idea to have created this group for both of you! So if I have time I could join you guys!

Hakura: Yeahh! Fuu-kun accepted haha!

Then Akito start watching this phone and said...

Akito: Anway we should start going to class or we would be late...

Yato: Yeah you are right...

After this, we start going to school together while talking about some causal things...but I was thinking about something else... what Kiyo was thinking... I was wondering what he would do for the Ryuuen situation and it seems that he decided to take some distance with Horikita for the moment... and this group could be the best opportunity for him... does he just make this group for this purpose of he really wants to enjoy his time with them as friends? To be honest... it would maybe bother me if he just use Hakura and Akito...

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Time skip after school

Kiyo Pov:

Today's classes felt surprisingly long. Maybe it's because I've gradually begun to look forward to the study sessions with my friends after school. I headed to the cinema with Yukimura and the others.

Sakura:It feels exciting going out with everybody... Ki-Kiyotaka-kun

Speaking reservedly, Airi also expressed her excitement next to me. In spite of the thought that she's as innocent as a child, I also felt the same.What can I say? I'm childish too

Kiyo:Yeah true. It's not an unpleasant feeling.

Sakura:Ehehehe... Kiyotaka-kun

Kiyo:What's the matter?

Sakura:Huh? What do you mean?

Kiyo: You called my name right?

Sakura:D-Did I call for you!? I-I'm sorry, it's not like that at all!

I didn't think I misheard, but Airi denied having called out for me.

We arrived at Keyaki Mall and headed straight towards the cinema.Haruka had ordered the tickets in advance, so she handed them out to everyone one by one.

Sakura:I've been looking forward to-

???:Ayanokōji-kun!

A voice called out to us from in the distance. Maya Satō, why is she here...

Sato: Are you by any chance going to the movies right now? Ah! That super popular one!

She spoke excitedly after seeing the movie ticket in my hand.

Sato: Actually, I came to see that movie, too. Karuizawa-san and the others came too!

Kiyo:Looks like it...

Several girls approached in a crowd from behind Satō. But there was one guy in the middle of this...Fukazawa Yato.

Kiyo:Were you invited by Karuizawa?

Sato:Nope. When I was talking about how I wanted to go to the movies during our study session, Karuizawa-san said she wanted to go too, so we decided to go together. Since it's a rare opportunity, let's go watch it together!

Having said that, Satō grabbed my arm with both hands.

Sakura: Fuaa!?

Behind me, Airi makes a sound somewhat similar to a scream.

Kiyo:He-Hey, stop it.

Sato: Eh? How come~? What does it matter?

Satō spoke casually, but her face was a little red. It seems like she's trying hard to overdo it.

Kei:What a coincidence, Yukimura-kun and Ayanokōji-kun. Hasebe-san andSakura-san as well

Karuizawa spoke, giving off a bit of a condescending attitude.It wasn't a coincidence at all. I had told her just the night before that I would be going to the movies. However, I didn't expect Karuizawa to come herself.

But what caught my attention was Yato...he wasn't looking at one of your group...no he was looking at his girlfriend next to him. He seems not like usual...

Keisei:What an unpleasant coincidence. I'm going inside.

With of look of resentment, Keisei handed over his ticket and went inside the cinema.

Kiyo:In which case, I'll go as well...

Separating myself from Satō by force, I followed after Keisei and the others. Before leaving I could notice Akito and Hakura waving at Yato...

Yato Pov:

As I notice Hakura and Akito leaving...I was still looking at Kei. I wasn't expecting this situation at all.

She probably feel that I was looking at her because she start looking at me too. But she has probably been surprised by my expression...

Sato: Sorry for this...but do we go see this movie too?

Sato who was with Ayanakoji before he left too came back towards us.

Kei: Yes, of course, let's not waste any time!

We then all start walking inside the cinema to buy our tickets. I can't really talk with Kei about what I have in mind but I start to realize the meaning of this hang out at the cinema today...

Flashback to dinner time today

Yato Pov:

The bell just rang to tell us that it was now time for the dinner break. I was about to get up from my seat to go eat on the rooftop as always but I notice that Kei was walking toward me.

Yato: Hmm she was supposed to eat with her friend today?

She then came in front of my desk...

Kei: Heyy Yato-kun! Can we talk a bit outside the classroom?

I see so there is something that she must want to talk about with me... it must be important... I was about to answer her but...

???: Wait a minute Karuizawa-san...

I have been a bit surprised by this intervention... it was the girl next to me... Horikita.

Horikita: I would like to talk with Fukazawa-kun... does it bother you to wait a moment before?

Before I could say anything it was Kei who answer for me...

Kei: Huh? Are you serious? I just asked if I could talk with Yato-kun...and most important...I'm his girlfriend Horikita-san!

Yato: Sighs...

Both of them could notice that I was annoyed by this... but Hoirkita immediate answer Kei

Horikita: Of course I understand...but In fact, it concerns you too as well Karuizawa-san...

She suddenly caught my interest... I started to look at her...

Yato: What's the matter Horikita?

Seeing this...Kei didn't say anything else...if I would have said nothing she maybe would have continued to argue with Horikita.

Horikita: Tonight 20h... I would love it if both of you come to the Karaoke with me...

I then notice the expression of Kei change suddenly... I wasn't sure why but I didn't say anything and decided to answer Horikita...

Yato: Hm? I didn't know you were a fan of singing Hoirkita?

I just say this with my fooling tone because I wanted her to just immediately go straight to the point...

Horikita: Sighs... of course not. I want to have a last meeting before the exam who coming soon. The study group ends soon and I want to make a last verification with everyone...

Yato: Hmmm...

In fact, Horikita already told me everything she planned for this exam...but she wanted me to come just to be sure probably. But 20h... It will screw up my plan but anyway...

Yato: Sure why not...

Horikita: Perfect, then I see you both tonight! In fact, I would have preferred to do this in someone's room but Karuizawa-san insisted to do this meeting in a Karaoke...

I see that's why was already aware of this then...She then get up and left the classroom. I then start looking at Kei again...

Yato: So...what was the problem?

Kei: Well I wanted to ask you... Do you don't think that Ayanakoji seems closer to the people in his study group now?

I see...I don't know if she is aware of their... Ayanakoji group... but she noticed that they probably spend more time together recently...

Yato: Hmm maybe... I didn't pay too much attention to it, to be honest.

I decided to act like I didn't pay attention... Kei knows that I have a good sense of observation so telling her a straight no would be just suspicious. After all recently Kiyo and his group started to leave the class together during the dinner time

Yato: But why are you asking me this? What's the problem if he hangs out with them?

But my concern was more about why she asking me all this...She was looking at me but just sighed

Kei: Well I was just curious...

I feel that it wasn't totally true but anyway...

Kei: Anyway, after school, I and a few friends planned to go to the cinema...I think it could be a great opportunity for our couple if you come with us...

Not one but two boring requests in not even 5 minutes?...

Yato: Sighs... sure sure...

Kei: Great soo see you after school!

Back to the present time

Yato Pov:

I was now sitting on the seat and was waiting for the movie to start. Kei was next to me but I was the last seat in the row so there was no one on my left.

I was currently remembering the words that Kei said earlier when we encounter the group of Kiyo...

What a coincidence, Yukimura-kun and Ayanokōji-kun. Hasebe-san and Sakura-san as well

Yato: Sighs...

It wasn't a coincidence at all... and the fact that she talks about the news friends of Kiyo is just another proof...

She then starts looking at me...she notice my attitude earlier but couldn't ask me what was going on...

I was thinking about all this until...

Yato: Wait... don't tell me she...

As I was thinking about something she whisper to me...

Kei: What's the matter since we arrived here Yato-kun?

I just look t her for a moment until I just lean my elbow on my seat and start looking at the screen... the movie was about to start but I decided to answer Kei in a low voice tone...

Yato: Nothing... I just hope you will enjoy the movie...

And after that, the light closed and the movie started...

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Time skip the same day at 20h

Yato Pov:

It's Thursday night at 8:00 with the exam was the Monday of the next week. The group session worked well and I did a lot of questions to help Horikita and Hirata...but before the exam. Horikita gathered all the most important people in the class for a meetingin a karaoke room. It's a great place to make arrangements without worrying about anything leaking outside.

As I was looking at the tablet to order something to drink Kei suddenly tell something...

Kei:Hey, can I sing?

I then feel the gaze of a lot of people in the room on me... Kei was maybe waiting for my approval but I was more focused on what to drink...

Hirata: Eh well Karuizawa-san...That's not what we're here for today

Kei:Even though there's karaoke right here?

Hirata: Since you said that you didn't want to go to the dorms, we came here. Isn't that right?

I was still looking at the tablet...

Kei: Sighs... Nee Yato-kun can I sing? Please!Isn't it kind of stupid to go to karaoke and not sing?

I suddenly drop the tablet on the table that surprised everyone here...

Yato: Argggg!!! How can they not have Ice Tea in this Karaoke!!!!!!!!!

Everyone was looking at me discouraged... I could notice Horikita just sighing and Kiyo with his same usual expression...

I then lean off the sofa and just start to be annoyed...

Yato: That's the last time I came here...

Kei: But Yato-kun can I sing?

Yato: Huh? Of course, why you can't?

She seemed happy but suddenly Horikita get up and look at everyone there...

Horikita: Okay I will start this right now so we can finish the sooner possible.

Horikita just ignored our remakes and began the meeting... It was a good thing because I wanted to get out as soon as possible.

Horikita:first up is the results from the study sessions, and to be honest, I think that they're excellent. In the beginning, the behavior of the boys was a mess, and I worried about how it would turn out. Fortunately, they've studied hard and should be able to cope with the final exam to some extent.

Sudo:just so you know, I studied so hard that my mouth is now an English dictionary!

Ture... I could see that during the study session he was doing his best... I even ended up helping him a few time

Horkita:Sudō-kun has grown significantly compared to where he started from. His concentration has dramatically improved in particular. However, don't forget that your basic academic abilities are still inferior to a first-year middle school student's

Sudo: I've studied so hard and I'm still only at the first-year middle school level...

Horikita:The fact that you were at an elementary school level up until now is kind of amazing

Kusida:Ho-Horikita-san, that's going a little too far...

Horikita:He didn't even know that pi existed until recently

Suddenly Sudo started to look at me...

Sudo: Hoi Fukazawa! You told me that you wouldn't say this to Suzune!

I was doing my best to not laugh right now...

Yato: Whoa Whoa!... I just make my report of the session to Hoirkita...

During the first night when I helped Sudo, I discovered that I didn't know Pi...

Sudo: Tsk! And me who thought you were on my side...

Yato: Hahaha don't take it like that Sudo... At least now you know that PI it's 3.87...

I could feel the gaze of everyone on me but I wanted to verify something...

Sudo: Yeah... you right...

Horikita: Sighs...

Yato: Hahaha!

Now everyone was still puzzled or disappointed...Hirata and Kushida just smiled at this...

Kei: Eh... PI is 3,14 Sudo-kun...even I know this

Sudo then seems even more embarrassed and annoyed...

Sudo: Urusai Karuizawa! Even your boyfriend had it wrong!

Yato: HAHAHA!

I decided to joke around with Sudo but Horikita seems annoyed and exhausted...

Horikita: Sighs stop this Fukazawa-kun... As I said, his basic academic skills are behind. But, he generally understands the content that he needs to for this semester. It's not like he's facing the exam expecting to fail. Have the problems with Hasebe-san and Miyake-kun been resolved on your end, Yukimura-kun?

She decided to change the subject and asked a question to Yukumira...and that was the first time that he was coming with us for the class meeting. He was someone with good grades...probably one of the best in the class...but he was big flaws considering his physical ability. At the start of the year, he was like Horikita...he didn't accept the fact that he had been placed in the D-Class...but like Horikita he must have realized a few things and started to move forward.

Yukimura:Of course. Ayanokōji was watching closely, so he can verify this, isn't that right?

Kiyo: I don't think there was a better way to approach it. I have no concerns about them failing the finals.

Kushida:Great! I'd absolutely hate to lose someone from Class D, so let's all overcome this together!

A usual Ksuhida comment... but someone makes an unexpected remark...

Kei:I don't want fewer classmates, but this is a test that someone drops out of every year, right? There is no guarantee that Sudō-kun or I won't fail, right?

Yato: ...

I then start to look at Kei...she just ignore me and still looking at Kushida.

Kushida:I can't really guarantee you it, but-

Kei:Then don't say something like that so rashly in the first place.

Yato: ...

The relaxed atmosphere of the room gradually began to tense up... I was still looking at Kei but she was still ignoring me.

Kei:Kushida-san, I've always felt like you've been giving me lip service for a while now.

Kushida:Is that so... I just want everyone to pass the exam safely...

Kei: It must be nice to be smart. You don't even know what will happen to me.

I could sense the gaze of Horikita and Hirata on me...but I decided to ignore them. There was something going on with Kei. She was planning something...well no...Kiyo was probably planning something. I hesitate if I should intervene but the fact that Kiyo didn't tell me anything says a lot. Since the end of the sports festival, I hardly had a real conversation with him...

Seeing that I didn't plan to intervene right now... Hirata decided to speak up...

Hirata: Karuizawa-san, you are in a group study group and I learned that even Fukazawa-kun was helping you with your study...there is no need to worry, right Fukazawa-kun?

I see so he decided to include me in all this huh? In fact, it was normal because I was her boyfriend of Kei now. If he would still have been her fake boyfriend of Kei he would try something to calm things but...now it was my job.

But... Kei who seems to be angry at Kushida is odd. Kiyo asked her for help with something...

What do I do now...?

Everyone was looking at me...

Yato: Yes I help Kei...but we never know what could happen the day of the exam...

Hirata seems surprised by my answer... probably because this answer would not calm the situation. But finally, I decided to not go against what Kiyo is trying to do...

Kei: Exactly we don't know! In fact,I've wanted to say this for a while now. Kushida-san, aren't you behaving a little bit goody-goody?

Kushida:Eh?... D-Do you really think so...

Horikita:Can you calm down, Karuizawa-san? We are in the middle of having a discussion about the finals right now. Don't waste our time with unrelated matters.

Kei:Horikita-san, shut up a little. Hey, Kushida-san. Are you perhaps mocking my intelligence in your mind or something?

By this answer Hoirkita just start looking at me... her gaze was saying...stop her. But I ignore her and just keep listing to what Kei had to say...

Kushida:I wouldn't do something like that.

Kei:In that case, don't make promises like that. Since it's hard for me every time I take an exam, can you take responsibility if I fail?

This was too irrational. Faced with such inexplicable anger, it wasn't just Kushida, but the entire study group was confused...but during all this... for just a little moment... the gaze of Kiyo and mine meet each other...

I then start looking at Kei and she then reached out and picked up the grape juice that she had barely touched, and proceeded to pour it out onto Kushida with all her might. The juice and all of its staining properties, soaked into the chest of her blazer.

Hirata: Karuizawa-san!

In the face of this unbelievable situation, Hirata let out a usually loud voice, and this time I immediately get up and grab the hand of Kei that was holding the cup.

Yato: That's enough Kei

She then starts looking directly at me...

Kei: Huh? Are you saying that it's my...

Before she could finish what she was saying I interrupt her...

Yato: I said stop Kei...having your opinion is okay and I didn't say anything about it...but you went too far...

Kushida: It's okay Fukazwa-kun...I'm fine. I don't mind at all, okay? Please don't blame Karuizawa-san.

I hear Kushida say those words from behind me...I couldn't see her face right now but it must annoy her soo much to say this to me right now.

Yukimura:That's not happening. No matter how you think of it, it's all Karuizawa's fault.

Keisei spoke his mind and judged the situation objectively. It's entirely natural for everyone present to be hostile towards what had happened. No matter how anyone came to see it, they would think Kei was in the wrong for her self-righteous remarks. Nevertheless, her actions weren't unnatural. Kei has always been this kind of girl in public...

Kei:Oh, riiight. I'm the only bad guy. Yeah, after all, Kushida-san is the star of the class.

All the people present, except Kiyo, had already made their judgments.Kei turned towards Kiyo...

Kei:Hey, Ayanokōji-kun, who are you siding with?

Kiyo:Who I agree with... Nobody here has said anything incorrect. You're in the wrong.

Kei:Well, that's it. I knew it would be. Everyone is my enemy.

She was about to grab her bag from the floor but I immediately stopped her...

Yato: Sighs... Kei just apologize to Kushida. She will probably forgive you for what you did.

She just start to look at me for a moment and annoyed she start looking at Kushida...

Kei:...Sorry

Kushida:No, it's not a problem at all. I think I should've also been a little more considerate of your feelings.

In this situation, an angry response wouldn't be abnormal, however, Kushidawas entirely calm, and forgave Karuizawa.

Kei: I feel like I had lost my cool a little. Sorry

She then goes back to sit at her place... I could see Hirata who was smiling at me and I just nodded to him.

Hirata:Kushida-san, do you have a spare blazer that you can wear to school tomorrow? All good?

Kushida:Ah, no. My other one had gotten damaged, so this one is the last one I have left...

The school originally paid for each student to have two blazers. But sometimes unexpected things might happen like a student might outgrow a part of their uniform. At that time, if necessary, there is a shop in KeyakiMall that specializes in student uniforms. However, it can take some time to tailor the uniforms to fit the students, and it isn't cheap on points as well...

Sudo:Isn't there a laundromat? I can bring it with some clothes I've soiled during basketball practice. If I hand it over to them today, you should be able to get it back by early tomorrow morning.

Kushida:I've never heard about it since I've never had a reason to use it. If this is the case, then it seems like there's a solution somehow.

Kushida accepted Sudō's great advice and grasped how to solve the problem...by hearing all this I was starting to understand the goal of Kiyo... but there were still a few things unclear...the things that we're sure that the blazer of Kushdia must have been his target.

Kei:Although it doesn't work as an apology, please allow me to pay the cleaning fee.

As for apologizing again, Kei offers this to Kushida

Kushida:It's alright, I don't mind it.

Kei: Should I say that I won't be able to feel at ease... can't I

Kushida: Is it really okay?

Kei:Yup! I'm the one at fault here, so please let me do it.

Thus, the situation found a point of compromise due to Karuizawa offering to pay the cleaning fee...but I was still thinking about all this situation. I could maybe ask Kiyo about all this but if I didn't ask for my help or just talk about this with me before... I'm not sure that he would answer me honestly. The same thing goes for Kei...and even if she works with him I'm not even sure if she knows really the plan that he had in mind...but does all this was about the exam that was coming soon and the deal between Kushida and Horikita and Kiyo? Anyway, the meeting continued after this but my thought was more don't the incident of earlier...

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Time skip after the meeting

Yato Pov:

The meeting ended for a moment already and everyone go each their own way... I was walking to the door but I noticed a huge crowd of people in the lobby.

I decided to just enter while ignoring all this but I could even notice a few people that I know and heard what was going on...

Ichinose:I'll explain the details to the school. I'll state how many points I have and how I got them. You'll be satisfied with that, won't you?

Ryuuen:Report it to the school? Before that, can't you explain it here?

I don't know what exactly going on but it seems that the attention was on Ryuuen and Ichinose right now.

Ichinose:So now you're willing to believe me just by saying it here, Ryūen-kun?

Ryuuen:I won't believe it. It'd be as easy as breathing for you to lie about it.

Well, I was in a hurry so I didn't lose any time here and started walking into the crowds to walk to the elevator to go back to my room as soon as possible.

Ichinose:Therefore, if the school mediates this, there's no room for injustice.

Ryuuen:Kuku, I see. You have a point as well.

Then a student from the B-Class that I was walking next to him decided to yell something...

B-Class student:Are you convinced!?

Yato:Fuck...

I wanted to avoid the attention but as soon as this student yelled this Ichinose and Ryuuen started looking in the direction of the student...but at the same time, the both of them noticed me. I immediately notice the smirk on the face of Ryuuen...

Ryuuen: Hmmmm I wonder... but what about you Fukazawa?

Then all people start looking in my direction...what an annoying guy... but I guess I'm not better than him... we quite similar I guess.

But anyway... I need to go back to my room as soon as possible

Yato: I don't even know what's going on...and to be honest I don't really care...

Ryuuen: Oh are you really sure about this?

He then starts walking towards me...Ichinose seeing this immediately start walking towards me to stop Ryuuen from coming closer.

Ichinose: Stop this Ryuuen-kun! Fukazawa-kun has nothing to do with this!

Ryuuen then stops at a close distance from me and just starts laughing while looking at Ichinose...

Ryuuen: Kuku doesn't need to be scared...

He then looks at me and throws me a letter at my feet...

Ryuuen: You sure that you don't care about this?

It seems to be the reason for all this agitation tonight... I take the letter and read it...

First-year student Ichinose Honami of Class B might be collecting points illegally. - Ryūen Kakeru.

Yato: Whoa... yous seem to have discovered something interesting...

Ichinose but mostly the student around of the B-Class didn't like my remark...

Yato: But...

I then start looking at Ichinose who was next to me...

Yato: That seems odd... does it's true Ichinose?

While looking at me...with her usual expression she answers me with confidence.

Ichinose: Of course not! I would never do something like this Fukazawa-kun.

I then start to smile...

Yato: Haha then the case is close...

I then crumple the letter that was in my hand and throw it in the corbeil next to me... I then start walking toward the elevator without saying anything else. I then press to the bottom to call it...

Ryuuen: Ohh? You believe her just like that?

The elevator door opened and I went in it but before the door closed again I look at Ichinose.

Yato: Of course... she had no reason to lie...

I could see that she was happy that I trust her... then the door just closed and the elevator start to go to the fourth floor...

Yato: So you plan two things on the same night huh?

I was remembering the letter... it was signed by Ryuuen Kakeru. But as if it was really him...the person who did this knew Ryuuen very well. He know that he would play the game. But I can't be sure at 100% that it was Kiyo... there was still some person like Sakayanagi in this school...or even people that I didn't know yet...

And the meaning of the letter herself is odd... Saying that Ichinose, probably one of the most popular and kindest girls of our school year, would collect points illegally. It just doesn't match with the character of Ichinose... and collecting points illegally is quite stupid to do. Chabashira-sensei at the start of the year told us that every time a student did this before he got caught...I made sure that the contract that I made with people in this school are totally safe for me. I didn't threaten anyone for my points I just made a contract that both sides win something. The school had nothing to say about them...of course if they start looking at the contact itself like it can be bad but I already planning something in that case. So I have no need to worry...

Anyway, I was now on floor 4 and I exited the elevator and start to walk toward my room. I immediately open the door... the door wasn't locked.

I enter my room and notice a pair of shoes...I remove mine and start walking into my room to see a person sitting on the floor at my table. She was playing with her phone...

Yato: Sorry to have been late... Matsushita...

The person who was in my room was Matsushita.

Matsushita: Don't worry... I was surprised that you asked me to come here tonight. But since you told me that you needed my help with something I immediately accepted.

Indeed I asked here to come here to my room tonight. I was supposed to meet here sooner but because of the unexpected meeting that Hoirkita I came here late. That's why I left my door unlocked today.

I then walk towards the table too but before I take my bag that was on my desk. I then sit in front of Matsushita.

Matsushita: So you asked me to come here because you have a plan to win this exam Fukazawa-kun?

I didn't answer her immediately I was currently taking some sheets out of my bag. I then put them on the table and start looking at Matsushita.

Yato: hmm... no. I didn't plan anything to win this exam.

Matsushita: Huh?

She seems surprised by my answer but I could notice that she was disappointed too. In fact, during the exam on the cruise ship, she asked me to take the lead of the class to claim the A-Class but I refused... but I told her that if I needed her help with something to help the class I would call her but since then I didn't do anything for the class. So when I called her tonight she probably thought that it was because I planned something.

Matsushita: Well why did you ask me to come here then?

Yato: I would want to verify two things with you Matsushita...

She was listing to me with some interest...

I then put the sheets in front of her and gave her a pencil too...

Yato: I would want to verify your real academic level... I know that you don't give your all and you want to stay discreet but I would want to see what you are really capable of...

I noticed when the first study group at the start of the year that she was suspicious. She seemed to not give her all and fail some questions on purpose.

She then looks t me for a few seconds before answering me.

Matsushita: Hmm okay, I don't have any problems with that. If showing you my real capacity could maybe make you take action for the class is nothing for me. But don't forget that I don't want people to know what I'm really capable of...

Yato: Of course... you don't have to worry about this. It's not in my interest anyway...

Matsushita: And what was the other thing?

Yato: Oh yes... it's this...

I then point to the pile of sheets in front of her.

Yato: I would want you to make these exercises for me.

Matshita: Hmm?

She then starts looking at those sheets for a moment.

Matsushita: They are questions for the exams?

Yato: Yes... they are the last questions that Horikita asked me to do... I would want you to verify if they are too hard or too easy. And at the same time, it could help me to see your real capacity.

She then looks at the time...

Matsushita: I don't mind but staying too late in a boy's room can't be bad

Yato: I know but I can't let you leave with those questions...you don't have to answer everything.

She seemed to hesitate for a moment until she just nodded and take the pencil from the table and start answering the question I made.

30 minutes later.

I was watching Matsushita while playing on my phone until I decided that it was enough...

Yato: Okay it should be enough for now...

Matsushita: If you say so...

She then put down the pencil and give me the sheets back. I started to look at her answer...

Yato: So how were my questions?

Matsushita: Well even for me there as some who was quite hard...the subject was easy but the question herself was hard. I don't know what are the criteria of the school but do you think they would be accepted?

I was still looking at her answer for a moment and I put the sheets back on the table...

Yato: Hmm, I don't know. Anyway, it will be Horikita who would need to verify that...

Matsushita: Horikita-san huh...

She was probably still disappointed that I plan to do nothing in this exam again...

Yato: Thank you a lot for your time Matsushita... oh and the last thing. If you would go all out in the previous exams... where who you had been in the ranking of the class?

Even if I saw her answer the questions that I just made her do, I wanted to know her opinion of herself.

Matsushita: In the top ranking for sure.

She answers me without any hesitation.

Yato: I see...thanks for everything Matsushita. I call you if I decided to do something for the class in the future...

The last part of my sentence seems to please her...

Matsushita: Perfect... then I will leave. Goodnight Fukazawa-kun.

After this, she just left my room. I was still looking at her answer and decided to tidy up all satisfied with this little meeting.

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Time skip tomorrow morning (Friday)

I was currently inside the lobby of the school. I just changed my shoes and start walking in the corridor until someone called my name behind me...

???: Y-Yo... F-Fukazawa... Ywans...

I was surprised by this tone of voice. The person who just called me seems sleepy and exhausted.

I then turn around to look that the person behind me...and I have been surprised to see who it was...

Yato: Oh...yo Ishikawa...

He then just raised his head to greet me...

Yato: Eh... why do you look like that?

He then just start to laugh a bit...

Ishikawa: Well... I try to follow your advice. To focus more on my study...and I ended up studying late last night.

Yato: Hahahaha I see I see... glad to see that you are motivated but you should not overdo it too...

Ishikawa: I know... it's just that I don't want to be a dead weight and I really want to stay in this school. I made some great friends and I don't want to disappoint them...

Yato: I see... it's a normal feeling I guess.

Ishikawa: Anyway... today it's the day that we Horikita-san need to give the questions to the school, right?

Yato: Indeed, today was the deadline.

Ishikawa: I hope everything is going to be fine... after all our adverse are the C-Class...

Yato: You're right...

I was about to say something else but I noticed someone behind Ishikawa...

Yato: Anway I think we should go to the classroom now... go ahead before me I will join you later.

Ishikawa: Sure see you later Fukazawa!

He then starts walking away toward the classroom. I was watching him go away and I finally turn around to look at the person I noticed earlier behind Ishikawa...

???: Good morning Fukazawa-kun!

TAP

TAP

TAP

The girl started to walk towards me at a slow pace... it was normal because she was walking with a cane.

Yato: Yo Sakayanagi...you alone this morning?

Usually, she was always with someone from her class...like Kamuro or Hashimoto.

Sakayangi: Of course, I'm not always accompanied...but does it bother you perhaps to have some time alone with me?

She said this with her usual attitude... but I just keep my nonchalant expression and immediate answer her

Yato: Well it's not like I care...

Like if my answer amused her she just smiled...

Sakayanagi: I see... but it's a great thing that I have been able to meet you here this morning. There was something that I wanted to talk about with you...

I didn't say anything and was just looking at her. I wanted that she goes straight to the point of what she wanted to talk about... I didn't want to attract the attention longer here.

Sakayangi: You know it's mean to ignore people when they send you messages...

Yato: Oh you talk about the message you send me huh?

The week Sakayanagi send me a message. She asked me when we could meet to play chess again...

Sakayanagi: Indeed, it's been a while since we have played chess... and more importantly, I think you had some questions for me since the end of the sports festival?

She was right, recently I tried to gain information while talking with Kamuro about the end of the sports festival... about why Kamuro went to search for Kiyo. I know that it's not Kamuro but more Sakayanagi herself that wanted to meet him...

Yato: I know... but it's just that I have been busy recently. With the exam that coming soon, I needed to make preparation like with study...

She then started looking at me and again... she has her smug and proud attitude while looking at me...

Sakayangi: Fufufu I understand now... I forget that you are still in D-Class. I didn't think you would need help and prepares yourself for the exam who coming...I thought you could easily make time for me but it seems that I was maybe expecting too much from you Fukazawa-kun.

She was still looking at me with this smile and her attitude who was saying that she was superior... I was just looking with my same nonchalant expression... seeing this she just continued...

Sakayangi: But don't worry... if you need my help...I would be happy to help you with your study Fukazawa-kun!

I was still looking at her with my nonchalant expression until...

Yato: Hmm sure why not!

Maybe she was surprised by my answer but she was still looking at me with her smile.

Yato: But you know... I don't like receiving help without doing anything in return...

She was still looking at me but I could notice that she wasn't sure what I was trying to say right now...

Yato: So... if you help me with my study... how about I teach you how to run properly? I'm sure it could be useful, no? After all, you help me with my weakest and I help you with yours?

We just continued to start at each other for a moment... we both had smiles on our faces but no on us was saying anything...

Sakayanagi: You mean Fukazawa-kun... I didn't imagine you being like this...

Yato: Hoi Hoi don't play the victim now... you are the one who started it...

She continued to look at me until...

Sakayanagi: Fufufu indeed...

TAP

TAP

TAP

TAP

She then start walking away but she stopped and look at me for the last time before leaving...

Sakayangi: I hope that after this exam you will have some time for me Fukazawa-kun.

Yato: Of course... I saw that making you wait is not a good thing...

Satisfied she just start walking again... I was about to go to my class too but I decided to wait a bit. Because if I would start walking too I would have caught up with Sakayanagi who was walking to her class too... it would have been weird I guess...

After a moment I started to go to my class too. I open the door and immediately go to my desk. A moment after Horikita came in and sit next to me...

Horikita: Hello Fukazawa-kun, I would want to know if you come with me after school and gives Chabashira-sensei the question for the exam?

Yato: Hmmm.

I just start to look at her for a moment...

Yato: Nahh... I pass this one. Anyway, you will be okay without me...

She know what I was talking about so she just nodded and start to bring out her stuff from her bag for the first class of the day. There should not have any problem. Horikita has already taken measures against Ryuuen and Kushdia... that's why she doesn't really care if I came with her or not...

After that, the first class of the day started...

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Time skip Monday (Exam day)

I was already at my desk... not everyone was already in class. I was just reading my book until I noticed Ishikawa enter in the classroom with his group of friends. He notice me and started to walk towards me...

Ishikawa: Yo Fukazawa!

Yato: Hey... so you ready for today?

Ishikawa: Yeah! I had some club activity in the tennis club this weekend but I still studied a bit to not fall behind everyone!

Yato: I see, so there should need to worry then. Good luck with this exam!

Ishikawa: Yes! Thank you too...well I'm not sure if you really need hope or anything like that but still Ahah!

He then put his fist in front of me...I wasn't really sure at first but he was clearly waiting for me that I I bump my fist too...

Ishikawa: Ehh could you not ignore me please hahaha!

Yato: Oh eh yeah sorry!

I then answer his fist by bumping mine against his...

Ishikawa: Yosha! That's better haha! Anyway, good luck Fukazawa and thanks for your help!

After his interaction with Ishikawa, the students continued to come inside the classroom until everyone was now there...

When the preliminary bell rang, everyone packed up their study materials. We were obligated to store anything unnecessary for the exams in the lockers at the back of the classroom. The only thing we were allowed to leave at our desks was a writing utensil. Additional supplies could be obtained if, for example, a pencil gets too short or breaks, a mechanical pencil runs out of lead, or an eraser gets used up. The only thing we would need to do is report it to Chabashira-sensei.

Chabashira:You'll take your first end-of-term exam after this: Modern Japanese. It's forbidden to turn your paper over until I give the signal to start. Pay attention to this.

Chabashira-sensei didn't have the student at the front of each row pass the exams backward but instead placed the exam sheets on each desk one at a time.

Chabashira:The exam lasts for fifty minutes. Try to avoid calling in sick or the need to use the restroom as much as possible. If you aren't able to wait it out whatsoever, please let me know by raising your hand. You aren't allowed to leave the classroom for any other reason after the start of the exam.

She told us about the rules for the conduct of the exam as she finished handing out the exam papers to everyone. None of the students were whispering to each other anymore. Everyone's attention had been set on their exam sheets. Shortly after, the next bell rang, announcing the beginning of the exam.

Chabashira:Well then, you can start.

As soon as she spoke, everyone turned the exam over at the same time. Expected me... I was looking around for a moment and slowly turn my sheet around after everyone else... I take a quick look at the question but I was not really interested... I was still thinking about something else... and then suddenly...

Kushida:Why...

I was looking at Kushida and noticed that she seems surprised and a bit panicked...

Chabashira:What's wrong Kushida?

Kushida:N-no, I'm sorry. It's nothing.

Our classmates expressed their concern for Kushida, whose voice leaked out for a moment.

I didn't have interested in this so I just start answering the question to finish this as soon as possible...

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Time skip

Yato Pov:

Horikita:Fuu...

Horikita sighed and slowly looked up at the ceiling of the classroom

Kiyo:You look like you've done everything you can.

Horikita:I've never considered studying to be a pain, but I studied more than ever before for this exam.

Kiyo:What score would you give yourself on the math exam?

Horikita:100 points... at least that's what I want to say. Since there was one particularly unclear question, at the very least I can say that I scored 98points. There were some questions with a reasonably high degree of difficulty mixed in

Yato: I see... so there is no need to worry about your deal?

She then starts looking at me...

Horikita: Of course not... I was prepared

Yato: Great then...

I just get up from my seat and take my bag...

Yato: I'm tired so see you later both of you!

Horikita and Kiyo just nodded at me and I immediately left the classroom and start going toward the dorm.

While walking to the dorm I was still thinking about something... I continued my way until I was now in my room. I was looking at my phone while still thinking about a few things... After a moment I went to take a shower and change myself... when I came out of my shower I heard a notification sound on my phone.

I take my phone to look at what it was and saw that it was a message that I was waiting for...

I open the message and verified that everything that I asked for was in there...

Yato: Sighs... I guess everything went fine...

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Flashback 30 minutes earlier

Ryuuen Pov

Ryuuen:You're late, Kikyō. Were you having trouble slipping away from your classmates?

Kushida:What do you mean by that, Ryūen-kun?

Kushida appeared on a remote rooftop. She drew closer to me without trying to conceal her true nature.

Ryuuen:Ah?

Kushida:The questions and answers you gave me turned out to be completely different from the ones on the exam.

Ryuuen:Oh, yeah. I switched out the questions right before the deadline. What about it?

I just laughed a bit scornfully before taking a drink of mineral water from my plastic bottle.

Kushida:Like I told you. I will force Horikita to drop out no matter what I have to do. Solely for this reason, I betrayed my classmates and secretly submitted Class-D's exam questions. The condition was that I'd get the questions and answers for Class C's math questions in return. If you had kept your promise, Horikita would've voluntarily withdrawn herself from school by now. And yet, you betrayed me.

Ryuuen:What? Are you mad about something like that?

Kushida:Something like that? You come out ahead against Class D, and you're just going to end it with that?

Ryuuen:You're fundamentally misunderstanding the situation, Kikyō. The questions you made weren't used on the exam.

Kushida:Huh? What are you talking about? I turned in the exam questions as soon as possible just as you instructed. I also confirmed everything with Chabashira-sensei. There were no mistakes.

Ryuuen just start to smile...

Ryuuen: Oh so you still didn't know huh? There is a lot that happened but let's start with Suzune...she took the steps ahead of time to prevent your exam questions from being formally adopted. She is one who the people who saw through this...and thanks to that, we not only failed to come out ahead but also narrowly avoided expulsion. The whole class was depending on this strategy.

Kushida:Wait for a second... Ahead of time? She is one of the people? Such... No way...

Ryuuen: Indeed... Suzune was not the only one who took steps ahead to stop you and me...

Kushida: Huh?

Ryuuen: In fact... Suzune herself got fooled.

Kushida: What nonsense are you saying Ryuuen-kun!

I didn't answer her... I then start remembering a certain event that happened the last Friday...

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Flashback Last Friday

Yato Pov:

I was currently close to the teacher's room... I was in the corridor waiting for someone. I send him a message earlier today saying

Meet me at the teacher's room for 17h... Horikita got you...

The deadline for the questions for the exam was 18h. As I was waiting I take out my phone and open the group chat. I saw that the person saw my message but didn't answer me... I hesitated to send a message again but finally, I saw the man I was waiting for...

He was walking toward me but he seems annoyed and pissed off...

He was now in front of me and stopped walking but didn't say anything...

Yato: Yo glad that you came here Ryuuen...

Ryuuen: Tsk shut up... I don't have time for you...

Yato: Hmm?

He was about to leave but I stopped him by calling his name...

Yato: Hoi Ryuuen you sure that you don't want to listen to me

He stopped and just look at me...

Yato: I have a deal for you... you saw my message right? Horikita got you so why...

But before I could finish my sentence he just interrupt me...

Ryuuen: Too bad... X already told me about it. You could not use me as well...you can't have anything from me now so get out of here...

He then start walking towards the teacher's room... but I was thinking about what he just said...

Yato: So Kiyo take action huh? Anyway...

I just start walking in the same direction as Ryuuen... he probably notice it but didn't say anything and arrived at the teacher's room he just open the door and asked for Sakagami -sensei.

Seeing that I was walking towards him and that I stopped at the same place as him he just start looking at me...

Ryuuen: What are you doing...you decided to take action too late Fukazawa...

Yato: Too late huh?

I then look inside the teacher's room and asked for Chabashira-sensei... when she saw me she seemed a bit annoyed and still has the same cold glare she has every time she look at me.

I then take out an envelope from my bag... the same one as Ryuuen as in his hands. Seeing this I could see his expression change...

Ryuuen: Wait...

As he said this Sakagami-sensei is now in front of us...

Sakagami: Ryuuen-kun, why you came back again? Does there have a problem?

He didn't answer him or even look at him... he was looking at me. I was just looking at him too with a smile on my face...

At the same moment, Chabashira-sensei came too...

Chabashira: Can I help you with something Fukazawa-kun?

Still looking at Ryuuen I answer Chabashira...

Yato: Yes... I came to give you the questions for the exam...

Ryuuen was still looking at me until...

Ryuuen: You bluffing...

I just ignore him and asked this Chabashira-sensei...

Yato: There should not be any problem with my questions right Sensei? Horikita and Kushdia already gave you their questions?

Chabashira: Yes... they gave me their questions but none of their questions could be accepted since yours were already under evaluation...

Yato: I see so then...

I was about to give them to Chabashira-sensei but suddenly...

Ryuuen: Sakagami-sensei could you come back in a moment...

He finally understands why I called him here... to be honest, I have been surprised that Kiyo did something but in fact, it was obvious... in was involved in the deal of Kushida and Horikita...he wasn't going to stay in the back and do nothing while he can be expulsed.

Yato: OHH sorry sensei...could you please come back in a moment too... I forgot something...

She was looking at me with a cold glare until she just turn around and walk to her desk...

Yato: So you finally changed your mind and you ready to listen to me...

Ryuuen: hurry...

Yato: Hahaha calm down... look those questions I'm about to give to Chabashira-sensei will probably expel a lot of students from your class...

I then take out a sheet from the envelope and give it to Ryuuen...

Yato: I worked on these questions since the exam have been announced... their difficulty are ridiculous... and they will at 100% accepted by the school. Since the exam had been announced I sent a lot of questions to the school to understand the criteria of validation of the school. If I submit those questions for the exam right now... your class is over. You can even call Kaneda to confirm it if you want to...

He then takes the sheet from my hand and starts reading those questions... even if Ryuuen doesn't have a good grade he will understand that these questions are hard. Since the beginning, I noticed that no one in C-Class studying for this exam... and with my questions, they will probably have a lot of expulsion from is class. My mom was a teacher at university... I know very well how to make a question harder with a subject quite easy...

The day that Horikita invited me to dinner and she told me that she had already given Chabashira-sensei some questions to counter Kushida I had been surprised... because I had given my questions one hour before her. I didn't think that Horikita would have the same idea as me...

After a moment... Ryuuen just gives me back the sheet...

Yato: So you now you must wonder what to do if you want to avoid the end of your class...It's quite easy... I will not give those questions and let the one made by Horikita for the exam next week. In this way, your class still has a chance to avoid expulsion but you will still lose this exam.

In that way, Ryuuen and his class have the time this weekend to study the best they can to avoid expulsion. I worked with Horikita and Hirata to make the questions that Horikita gave to Chabashira-sensei earlier...if the C-Class studies all weekend they should be okay.

But I make sure that the questions that I have with me are in the envelope...even a good student will struggle with them. That's why I called Matsushita recently...I wanted to be sure that a good student will have difficulty with them. Like this, all the average students of the C-Class will be expulsed if Ryuuen doesn't accept my deal...

Ryuuen: How kind of you... now that you told me how I can save my class from expulsion you should maybe tell me the most important part...

He then take a serious gaze...he wasn't smiling anymore...

Ryuuen: What do you want...

I didn't answer immediately... I was thinking about something...I was about to make a choice that I didn't understand at the moment...

I then told Ryuuen what I wanted from him. He was looking at me with the same serious gaze as earlier...but he didn't say anything... he was probably thinking about something.

Ryuuen: What an annoying deal...

Yato: But you know what a wise man already said?

Ryuuen then start to look at me intrigued...

Yato: You declined to make a deal at first... so the conditions of the deal I was planning do not apply now. That's the second round of the negotiation so the condition of the deal will change right?

He immediately recognized those words... he said the same thing at Hoirkita during the sports festival.

Ryuuen: Hoi teme...

He then takes a few steps to get closer to me...

Yato: So try kneeling and begging right here... maybe I will choose to save your class!

I just said this with a smirk but he wasn't smiling...

Ryuuen: How about my fist on your face instead...

I then immediately say something...

Yato: Relax... Relax...it was half a joke what I said...

He then take a few steps back and was still looking at me with a serious expression...

Yato: In addition to the request that I ask you... I want you to tell me what X asked you to do. We will stop playing dumb... there is someone in the shadow of the D-Class. I don't know who it was but I want to know what this person asked you...

He then look at me for a moment until he just start smiling again...

Ryuuen: Stop playing dumb huh? You have some guts to say this... Anyway...

He was probably talking about the fact that I said that I don't know who was X... but he just take out his phone and show me a message that he received today...

[Provide Class C's finalized questions and answers for the end-of-term exam.]

[Otherwise, make significant changes to the questions and answers you provide Kushida Kikyō.]

I see... everything was starting to be clear behind the action of Kiyo recently...

Yato: Okay... so we have a deal I guess now...

Ryuuen: You really a bastrad huh? You fooled Suzune and X just to make this deal with me...

Yato: To fool your enemy, fool your ally...

Ryuuen: Kuku I see... but...

He then take a few steps closer and was looking at me with a little smile...

Ryuuen: You start to piss me off to stay behind and at the last second to take advantage of the situation... my target was this X... but now it's clear... you're the next one.

Yato: Be sure that your first enemy is dead before making another one...

We were both looking at each other with a serious gaze...

Then suddenly the door of the teacher's office opened...

Chabashira: Fukazawa it's almost time for the submission of their questions...

I and Ryuuen start looking at her and notice that Sakagami-sensei was there too.

Ryuuen just went to Sakagami-sensei...

Ryuuen: Here I decided to make some changes to the questions Sensei...

Sakagami-sensei just takes the question without saying anything. Ryuuen immediate start walking away and I was now alone with Chabashira-sensei...

Yato: Finally sensei... you can submit the questions that Horikita gave you earlier for the exam...

Chabashira: Huh?

She seemed surprised by this choice...

Chabashira: You made all these actions just for this outcome?

I didn't answer her and was just looking at her...she was looking at me too but again... with a clod gaze. I don't know why but this woman really seems to don't like me...

Anyway... I just turn around and was ready to leave...

Yato: Indeed... let's say that I decided to believe in Horikita...

Chabashira: Huh?

She didn't understand the meaning of my words but I just start walking away in the same direction as Ryuuen.

I was in the corridor and I notice Ryuuen who was a little further away. He was probably waiting for me... as I was walking towards him he suddenly rushed to give me a punch.

But I just take a step back to avoid it easily...

Ryuuen: Kuku I see... so the rumors were real huh?

Yato: Sighs... and it's me the bastard huh?

Like if he was satisfied he just put his hands in his pockets...

Ryuuen: Have you a contract for our deal? After all, you can still go back and give these ridiculous hard questions to your teacher when I left...

Yato: Yeah yeah don't worry...

I then take out the contract I made earlier before coming here and give one to Ryuuen. We both sign it and he immediately left without saying anything else...

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Back to the rooftop

Ryuuen Pov:

I just explain the plan that X had planned to trap Kikyo and protect Suzune. On how X put a sheet with all the original questions that I planned to give to the school. I didn't talk about the fact that Fukazawa see through the plan too and that I made a deal with him to save my class.

Seriously the questions that he made... even Kaneda couldn't make questions like that...If Fukazawa would have submitted these questions it was the end of my class for sure.

Ryuuen:So he managed to protect Suzune while sealing off Kikyo's options at the same time?

But there was still something odd... not in X's actions...but In Fukazawa's actions and the deal that he made with me...why he didn't choose to?

Kikyo: Tsk... I'm tired of this Ryuuen-kun... X is obviously Fukazawa. He was there the night at the Kareoke and he is the boyfriend of Karuizawa. He is forcibly the one who planned all this...

I was just looking at her with a boring expression...

Ryuuen: I already told you Kikyo... Fukazawa is not X. X is the one who planned the win of your class on the island, stopped me to break Horikita during the sports festival, and finally... X is the one who planned the event at the Kareoke and the one who send the letter about the privates of Ichinose.

I made sure to verify that Fuakzawa was not the one who sent the letter. When I was talking with Ichinose, by chance Fukazawa was there and I could confirm that he was not the one who send it... who just left X.

Still not convinced she continued...

Kikyo: How can you be so sure?

There was a lot of proof that was showing me that Fukazawa was not X...but I couldn't tell all the reasons why Fukazawa was not X to Kikyo...but first...

Ryuuen: First of all... why do you seem to hate and want to explus Fukazawa that much?

Again... I could notice the real expression of Kikyo...the real Kushida Kikyo...

Kikyo: Tsk...why? Because he is so annoying...always in my way and he decided to side with Horikita. He fooled me more than one time...he is just a nuisance for me and my peaceful school life. I will make sure to expel him from this school... I want to see him stress and realize his mistake...I hate him! He should just disappear!

How stupid you are...

Ryuuen: I see... Anyway, to answer your questions Kikyo... X is not Fukazawa... and you will probably understand soon why...

She then start looking time intrigued and puzzled but I ignored her...

Ryuuen: But...

There was one thing that with the action of X and the deal that I made with Fukazawa I finally understand and notice... Fukazawa and X don't work together. They both took initiative on their side.

Ryuuen: But even if X and Fuakzawa are not the same people they both have a point in common and with this point in common will destroy one of them for sure...

I then take out my phone press a few times on my screen and then finally open the picture apps and click on one of the pictures...

I then start looking at Kushida again...

Ryuuen: Kikyo let me tell you one thing... There is still one thing that I can't understand...

She then continue to look at me intrigued but I could see that she was annoyed by all this...

Ryuuen: Consider yourself lucky to still be in this school...

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Back to the present time ( a moment after the reunion between Ryuuen and Kushida)

Yato Pov:

After a moment I went to take a shower and change myself... when I came out of my shower I heard a notification sound on my phone.

I take my phone to look at what it was and saw that it was a message that I was waiting for...

I open the message and verified that everything that I asked for was in there...

Yato: Sighs... I guess everything went fine...

I was looking at the message and could see some audio recordings, some screenshots of conversations between two people, and even a video...

I was looking at them for a moment while thinking about all this until I received a message from the same person who send me this...

[???: It's not like I didn't warn you...

He then sends me a picture of a certain person...

Yato: Sighs...

I then decided to send two messages...

For the first one, I just sent all the audio recorders, screenshots, and videos that I just received. The person will immediately understand the meaning of these...

And after I clicked to the contact of Horikita and decided to call her instead of texting her... After a moment she finally answer my call...

[Horikita: Fukazawa-kun?

[Yato: Hey Horikita has you some time right now?

[Horikita: Hmm sure but can't I know why?

[Yato: Great I'm waiting in my room...

I immediately hung up and drop my phone on my bed...

I then notice that I received a message but it wasn't from Horikita so I just ignore it...

After a moment I finally hear someone in front of my door. I just walk to my door and open it.

Yato: Yo thanks for coming...

She was looking at me with a serious look...

Horikita: Could you explain why you want me to come before hanging up.

Yato: I think it's important...

I just leave her there and start walking inside my room...

Horikita: Oh hey wait...

She then follows me and closes the door behind her... I heard that she removed her shoes and just followed me...

Yato: You can sit if you want...

I could notice that she was looking around. In fact, it was the first time that Horikita was coming inside my room. I was expecting a comment on how my room is empty or just has books in it but after a moment she just sits on the floor and starts looking at me.

Horikita: Does there a problem Fukazawa-kun... you seem... more serious than usual.

Indeed... I didn't have my fooling mood... I was thinking about a lot of things since last Friday...

Yato: Maybe... but let's go straight to the point Horikita...

I just remained standing and decided to lean against the wall in front of Hoirkita. I was looking at her...

Yato: You remember the conversation we had recently when you invited me to dinner?

I could see that she was surprised by the topic of the conversation... she just nodded...

Hoirkita: Yes I remember...why?

Yato: So then you remember that you asked me my opinion on what we should do about the Kushdia case...right?

Horikita: Indeed, you told me that we should expel her... the same thing as Ayanakoji-kun said.

Yato: Exaclyt... but I also said that I didn't have any plan or didn't really plan to expel her...

Horikita: Yes...?

She was really confused right now... I just called her to come here and the reason was still unclear to her.

Yato: Well in fact I lied...

I then notice her eyes widen...

Yato: In fact... since the begging of this exam I was planning to expel Kushdia from this school...

Horikita: Wait what are yous saying Fukazawa-kun?

She was more agitated than usual...but I just ignore her and continued...

Yato: But you know what... I changed my mind recently about expelling her... more precisely I changed my mind last Thursday when you made this reunion in the Kareoke...but you know why I changed my mind Hoirkita?

I then start looking at her with a serious look...

She didn't answer me and was looking at me with attention...

Yato: Because the leader of the D-Class thought that it was not the right thing to do...

Her eyes widen again... she was surprised by what I just said...there was a silence in my room for a moment...none of us was talking. We were just staring at each other for a moment until Horikita get up...

Horikita: You really had a plan to expel her?

Yato: Maybe...who knows?

It was a lie... I was really about to expel Kushida from this school...

Horikita: I see... thank you Fukazawa-kun to have changed your mind. Because I really think that it's was not the right thing to do.

Yato: If you say soo... I really hope you are right because I decided to believe in you. But just to make things clear... technically you won your bet with Kushida. From now on... I will not get involved with her anymore... I didn't take part in your deal but I make sure that she stops targeting me too... so it's up to you now to change her for the good of your class Horikita. You are the leader of the D-Class after all. But be careful with Ksuhdia...

She then looked at me for a moment... she was probably curious about how I succeeded that Kushdia stop targeting me... but she probably knew that I will not answer her so she just decided to ignore all this...

Hoirkita: I see... and don't worry. Kushida-san will be a great asset to the class.

Yato: I can't wait to see that then...

I didn't have anything else to say so I was just looking at her and probably understand the situation...

Horikita: I will take my leave then... See you tomorrow Fukazawa-kun...

She then just left my room... When I hear the door close I went to my bed and opened my phone...

I then open the message that I received earlier...

[Kushida: What?!?! How?!

[Kushida: Tsk... this video...

[Kushida: Ryuuen helped you huh...

[Kushida: I see... I understand the situation... but know that I hate you Fukazawa!

The reason why she was that angry? It's because of the deal I made with Ryuuen... I asked him to give me proof against Ksuhida. Like that, I will have real proof against her so she can't do anything against me or I will reveal these proofs to the class and even her current reputation could do nothing about this...I originally planned to give him some other questions that I wrote for him to submit for the exam to be sure that Kushida doesn't have the answer to the maths exam...but Ryuuen already had some new questions because of Kiyo's actions... so in the end, he didn't need my questions and change the questions for your class to stop Kushdia.

And now... she will never work with Ryuuen again. Now that he betrayed her by making a deal with me...Kushdia will never go towards Ryuuen to ask him for some help.

I just asked Ryuuen to give me some proof for myself. No proof that could help Horikita... Hoirkita thinks that keeping Kushida is the right thing to do and I decided to follow her... but I will let her do as she wishes for Ksuhida. This deal is for just that from now on... Kushida can't do anything against me anymore. I just put her checkmate without expelling her...

But it was not my first plan... no... like I said to Horikita I was playing to expel Kushida by using one of the rules of the exam had. But thinking about it longer is useless I guess...

But in the end... I decided to believe in Horikita. That's something that I would never have done before...

Yato: Sighs...

I guess that I start to change a bit...

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(A.N)

That's it for the final chapter of Volume 6. I hope you liked it! I'm finally back from my vacation that's why this chapter was released late. This chapter was again...waaaay longer than what I expected. I need to shorten some parts so I really hope it ended up good to read for you.

During my vacation, I read a few volumes... less than what I expected but still. I had time to prepare a few things. Volume 7 is something that I planned. This volume is special for me because for me it's at this moment that COTE became a peak fiction. It's my favorite volume and I will try my best but writing it will be difficult. I'm confident with what I came up with and hope you will like it.

Volume 6 SS should come out maybe tomorrow or it will be Tuesday. and the first chapter of Volume 7 should be around Friday or before. Anyway thanks a lot to those who continue to read my story and hope you enjoy it!

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YEAR 2 VOLUME 6 SPOILERS! DON'T READ BELOW IF YOU DIDN'T READ IT OR DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED!

Okay so I didn't do this for the previous ones who came out but I really wanted to give you my thought on this volume. I just finished reading it and...

I don't know...

For me, this volume has a lot of problems. At first, when I read the trial I was really hype but for me, this was really not what I expected.

First I will talk about the negative points to finish with the good ones...

Negative points

- First, is the sports festival itself. I was hype because the rules were great and I thought we could see a lot of battle between school years but finally, we barely had anything. But anyway... this negative point is the worst (better?) one... well the other ones bother me a lot more.

- The supposed guests for the sports festival... well finally... no one important? Kinda useless to have added guests for me but anyway...

- Then... this scene was just terrible for me...Kiyo and Sakayanagi in Kiyo room. Omg... first I thought I couldn't be more disappointed in this volume with this scene but there's still the other next negative point. Anyway for this scene... Kinu (Author) make a Kei cruise ship 2.0? I really dislike this part... I know Kiyo wanted a threat-to-threat situation but what he did could go against him with his relationship with Kei... anyway...and I didn't like the attitude of Kiyo honestly. I think we already saw better from him.

- And for me... the point that bothers me the most... Kiyo who wants to change class? First of I don't like the idea of Kiyo changing class... but it's personal if you love this it could be great that's fine. But if you think about the problem it could happen I don't think it's a great idea. For me, Kinu has a huge problem with COTE and that's his cast of characters... it's not that they not great but he has too many characters already and ignores some of them. He finally developed the majority of the D-Class and now he will just make Kiyo leave this class? Like when he will join Ichinose class...because yes, Kiyo will not join Ryuuen or Arisu, it's will be way too much unbalanced... Kinu will have to add even more characters and develop even more of them because now the majority of the POV will be around the class of Ichinose. He will make even more scenes with Chihiro? I'm sure that a lot of people don't even know who she is haha. That's why For me, that doesn't make any sense...like even in the current class of Kiyo, Kinu is unable to put some screentime to some character that he introduces for a while now... someone remembers Matsushita? He introduces her correctly in volume 11.5 and she still hasn't done shit yet. So he will make Kyio leave the D-Class and leave the character that still hasn't had development or screen time? And characters like Ike and Shinohara who got screen time because they were in Kiyo's class...because if they would not have been in the D-Class, Kinu would not lose his time with them...so if Kiyo is not in the same class as them... I don't see the point to see them again and maybe to have developed that much these types of side characters? Like I would not want to lose some pages to read stuff about them if they were not even in Kiyo's class and related to him anymore. Like Ike became a correct character with time and he got good development... but if they were not in the same class as Kiyo I do not see the point that Kinu have to take page for them anymore. I talked about Ike but there are a lot of characters like that. Anyway, if you like the idea of Kiyo changing class that's your opinion but personally I don't like the idea AND I think it could just make even more problems for the character's screetime\development. And to be honest... it's not good news for my story too for what I had planned... Haha anyway, I will not tell you more about this because nothing it's sure. And Kiyo could do a Kushida like volume 7.5 like he told that he was about to expel her but finally he didn't take action before Y2 Volume 5. And finally didn't even expel Kushdia...

Anyway... that's was really bothered me in this volume. it's the first time that there are a lot of things that I don't like in a volume. Anyway time for some positive things haha!

Positive points

- First... glad that Kiyo and Kei's relationship advanced...that they take a step further... well basically that they fucked... haha! Just hope that Kinu will really stop with this trash harem that he is trying to do... there are other male characters in the story if you want to make other love stories... Like Ryuuen X Hiyori please? haha

- Ryuuen...as always haha. Like I know Ryuuen is my favorite character of COTE and my second favorite character of all time but still. For me, this man carries the year two on his back by himself haha! Every time he here the scene is great. The orange juice scene was amazing haha!

- Katsuragi... for me it's one of the best moves of Kinu. To make transfer Katsuragi in Ryuuen class. It's exactly what ryuuen needed having a perfect right arm.

- Nagumo... I know a lot of people don't like him but to be honest... I like him. The only time I had been disappointed with him was in Volume Y2 4 when he got ''one-shot'' by Kiyo. Like I was just remembering Ryuuen getting punched by Kiyo non-stop but still laughing and telling some badass line. But aside this time... I think that Nagumo has great potential to be a great antagonist as Ryuuen was. His power is ridiculous and his scene at the sports festival shows how great he is. He completely dominated his school year and he's just bored. His scene with Ichinose and Kiyo at the start of the volume was great too. I like this childish attitude when he was ignoring Kiyo and just talking to Ichinose... it doesn't too shit for Kiyo but I thought it was still funny. Cant' wait to see more of Nagumo and personally, I'm more hyped for him than Yagami.

- And finally... door-man-kun. Finally, we saw... well heard... again the guy who call Kiyo in volume...9? I'm not sure but the guy who just said his name on the phone. Can't wait to see more about this because this scene really hyped me. After the scene of Kiyoa and Sakayanagi I really needed this haha!

Anyway... that is my thought of this volume. the other scene was great or just okay. Like I liked how Horikita managed to get Kushdia back and showed that keeping her was a good thing. Because yes... I was on the side of Horikita in the previous volume. But the others scene is not really memorable or anything like that.

That was the first time that when I finish a new volume I'm really not sure if I liked it or not...Basically, my reaction was like Nagumo on this illustration...

By the way, this illustration is just amazing! Best of the volume for me.

Anyway... I'm still very hype for the next volume. COTE is still my second favorite series. Can't wait to see the cultural festival. Maybe Kiyopapa, I really hope to see him after the disappointment of the guest of this volume. Maybe Manabu could be great too.

But THE thing that I can't wait to see in the next volume... the party birthday of Ryuuen and Kiyo. It would be some greatness! And we will finally learn that Kiyo and Ryuuen are twins brothers... and I'm 100% serious about this...

Anyway, that was my thought for this volume... I tried to make it short and tell everything I wanted. I would love to have your thought on the people who read it too... even if you do not agree with me I love to hear other opinions!

Volume 6 SS

Sakayanagi Arisu: A disturbing dream

I have seen it in my dreams. The stage is the sports festival. How many times has it been already?

The majority of the boring and endless time has completely disappeared from my dreams. But only that single act – the one that consisted of the relay race, the final athletic event, slowly but continuously reappears in my dreams.

I keep having the same dream because I want to see that scene again. Or I believe I need to watch it. Apart from this, there is no other reason. This is probably because the deep layers of my mind are influencing me.

He was evenly matched with the Student Council President Horikita-san...no, from my point of view, it was an easy battle. For a split second, I saw his silhouette, the boring every day totally changed, like a flower recklessly blossoming.

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka-kun from the D-Class.. His silhouette was deeply branded in my brain, impossible to get rid of.

But suddenly...

Another silhouette came into my mind...coming disturbing the perfect scene that I was remembering. A silhouette of a guy with some semi-long red hair running in the final relay too. I couldn't see clearly his face... but I know who it was. The guy who appeared and disturbed my dream was...

I suddenly open my eyes...

Calmly, I slightly exhaled a tepid breath. The sunset was gradually sinking down

It wasn't the best awake that I had... not I was still having this unpleasant feeling about my dream.

Sakayangi:I desire to obtain him but there still...

Like a maiden in love, I frequently think about Ayanokouji-kun. But every time...I end up thinking about Fukazawa Yato who came to disturb my dream and my thoughts about Ayanakoji-kun.

Sakayanagi: Sighs...

Kamuro:You can really sleep in a place like this!

The one using a surprising voice beside me to start a conversation is Masumi-san from Class A. She looked dissatisfied at me with her arms crossed

Sakayanagi:How about you also take a nap? It is unexpectedly snug.

Kamuro: Hmm you sure about that? You didn't seem really in your best sleep right now.

I see, so she noticed it then. I then take out my phone from my pocket to see if I received a message from a certain person but...still nothing.

Sakayanagi: Masumi-san, have you perhaps heard about Fuakzawa-kun recently?

She then starts to look at me annoyed...

Kamuro: Huh? No, why I would have news about him?

Sakayanagi: I see...

Every time the name Fukazawa Yato came up her attitude changed...

Kamuro: You angry because he decided to ignore you?

She was talking about the fact that Fukazawa-kun didn't answer me yet. I asked him if we could play chess but he saw my message but didn't answer it.

Recently I caught him trying to get information about my little meeting with Ayanakoji-kun. The fact that he searching to learn more about this and my unpleased dream... I need to be careful.

Sakayanagi: Indeed, I thought he could become a great partner for chess...

If he continues to ignore me I will have to go to meet him personally.

Kamuro: Anyway,Why are you looking for me? I want to go back earlier.

I decided to stop thinking about all this. I planned a meeting here in the library to meet Kasturagi-kun and probably his little dog Yahiko-kun. Anyway, today would be the end of the leadership of Katsuragi-kun.

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Kanzaki Ryuji: Unexpected meeting

We were mi-December. The results of the last exam just had been revealed. I was about to leave the class when suddenly someone called me.

Ichinose: Hey Kanzaki-kun, can I ask you a question?

Kanzaki:As expected, class A is really strong, we couldn't beat them.

Ichinose:We lost, of course, but only by two points. That proves that overcoming them is not impossible

Knowing that we lost only by two points was bothering me a bit. But with Ichinsoe as the leader of our class, no one gets discouraged by this news.

Kanzaki: About the others class it's interesting to note that class D coordination is more effective than the tyrannical regime of class C. It is very likely that class D will start to climb.

I immediately start thinking about someone. Did he take action?

Ichinose:I suspected that they had the potential to climb in class C, but it exceeded my expectations.

Kanzaki: Being promotedfrom the first year is really impressive. The point gap has narrowed considerably.

Of course, we couldn't let our guards down with Ryuuen. He was the type of person to do dirty tricks when people don't suspect it.

Kanzaki:What do you plan to do regarding our alliance with Horikita from now? If they beat Class C, we'll be next on the list. In other words, we will be forced to fight.

It was something that I needed to know.

Ichinose:In theory yes... But I want to continue our policy of mutual aid.

Kanzaki:So you want to maintain this status quo until we come to the end of class A?

Ichinose:Indeed, the best would be to face Horikita-san and the others at the end. The fights against Sakayanagi-san and Ryuuen-kun will make us tired.

Kanzaki: Hmmm?Class D is not so different from ours after all. It will be easier to strategize against them, is that what you're insinuating?

Ichinose: Exactly.

I see, so far the strategy that Ichinose chooses for the class worked pretty well. I don't mind continuing like this. But there was still one thing that was bothering me with the D-Class...

Ichinose:I wanted to know if you were free there.

Kanzaki: Sorry but I have a meeting.

Ichinose: Huh, you? That's surprising?

Kanzaki:I will do everything to get us to class A.

Ichinose:Don't make you sick huh

Kanzaki: Don't worry...

I said this while laughing and starting to walk outside the class. As always Ichinose was caring for her classmates. I notice Shibata who seemed to want to talk with Ichinose... probably about the fact that we lose only by two points against the A-Class.

As I was walking towards the place for the meeting I notice someone walking towards me. He got his two hands in his pockets and was walking with a nonchalant attitude. He didn't seem to have noticed me because he was looking outside through the window while walking.

Then suddenly when we were about at a distance of five-meter he start looking in front of him and notice me.

Yato: Oh Kanzaki

The man was Fukazawa Yato from the D-Class. I had a few interactions with him since the start of the year. Every time I sense something coming from him. He was not someone you can call ordinary.

Kanzaki: Fukazawa it's been a moment.

Since the sports festival, I didn't saw him. I hear a few things about him...like his incident with Ryuuen in a Cafe during the revision for the paper shuffle exam.

Yato: I saw the results of the exam for your class... I guess losing by two points must be kinda frustrating.

Kanzaki: Not necessarily. I think you can also see this as we are really close to the A-Class in terms of power.

I said this with a confident tone of voice.

He then start looking at me a bit intrigued. He didn't say anything for a moment until I notice a little smile on his face.

Yato: Huh? But in the end...you still lost!

Kanzaki: !!

What he just said surprised me... I didn't expect this answer...He was still looking at me with a smile but his gaze was more serious...

Yato: Just imagine that you would have scored two more points in these exams... it would have been a tie between the A-Class and your class and you would have not lost any Class points.

He then continued to walk toward me...

Yato: Or imagine that you would have scored 3 more points... your class would have won 100 class points and would have more important, make lose points to the A-Class that is currently at the top.

He was now in front of me... he was probably waiting for my answer.

I already thought about this scenario...but hearing this from someone outside my class was probably a bit more frustrating for me. Every time that I talked with Fukazwa he already told me something that I agreed with him.

He probably notices my expression but suddenly he put his hand on my shoulder and...

Yato: Hahahahaha! Sorry Sorry!

He then remove his hand and take a few steps back and was again his normal attitude.

Yato: I was just wanted to verify something but, to be honest... I agreed with your first reasoning. It is just proof that your class had what it needed to compete in terms of academic ability with the A-Class. Because in fact... even if you became the A-Class tomorrow it doesn't change anything. What really matters is the one who is the A-Class the day of the graduation. You can be the D-Class during our whole stay in this school but if you became the A-Class at the last moment... you're the winner.

Kanazaki: You're right... that's why we were still satisfied with the results we achieved.

He just smile and nodded... he then again start walking and was about to leave...

Yato: I need to go so see you later Kanzaki... And don't forget, think about winning the war not only a battle...

He then starts walking away while waving...

I have seriously been surprised by this conversation...I wasn't expecting this at all but...again what Fuakzawa just told me was the truth and I totally agreed with him.

I then turn around to look at him walking away...

I didn't know it yet but Fukazawa Yato would become a person who would help me a lot in the future...and someone I could call a good friend.

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Chabashira Sae: This student

Today was the first day that the school accept the question for the exam. Even if the school accepts the answer every year every class wait for the deadline before submitting their questions.

I was currently at my office in the teacher's room. Every other teacher of the first years was here aside from Chie. I was currently working on some paper and future class when suddenly...

Staff: Chabashira-san a student is calling for you...

Chabashira: Hum?

I then look towards the door but see no one. So I just get up from my seat and start walking towards the door.

I was wondering who it can be until I step out outside the teacher's room and saw this student waiting in the corridor looking outside through the window.

Chabashira: Fukazawa?

I couldn't help to be surprised to see him here...

He then turn around to look at me... but still the first thing I noticed was his attitude... the attitude that I hate soo much.

Yato: Oh Sensei! Great I wanted to talk with you...

He then start walking a bit closer to me... I remain in the same place and just crossed my arm.

Chabashira: Can I do for you today Fukazawa? It's quite a surprise to see you here...

Indeed... it was the first time that he take the initiative to come and talk to me. I know and saw that Fuakzawa had some great capacities and could be an amazing leader for this class...but I don't need him since I have Ayanakoji...but the real reason is that I think having him as leader would be unpleased for me...

He then start to look at me a bit intrigued... maybe because of my attitude. But he quickly ignore this and just had his nonchalant attitude again...

Yato: I know that I barely came here to ask for help from my sensei but today it's for an important matter...

He then starts looking inside his back and take out an envelope. Seeing this my eyes widen a bit...

Chabashira: Wait... they are...

Still, with his smile, he just look at me and handed me the envelope.

Yato: It's indeed what you think it is... questions for the exams.

I then slowly take the envelope from his hand... I wasn't sure what to think about all this...

Yato: Oh and the most important thing sensei... we both agree that these questions are the first ones that our class submits?

Chabashira: Hm yes?

I wasn't sure to understand the meaning of this question... it was the first time that I was seeing Fukazawa that much involved...

Yato: Great so take these questions but if another student came to submit other questions...just accept them as if I never gave you these questions today, sensei. Don't even mention my name or the questions I submitted...

My eyes widen when I hear this request...

Chabashira: What?

Yato: Let's say that's I'm scared that there could be some leak about our questions. That's why I want you to stay silent about my action today... you can do that sensei or not?

I was just looking at him... A second earlier he had his nonchalant expression and now he look at me with a serious gaze... Tsk this attitude... but still, if my goal is for the A-Class there should have no problem accepting his request even if it bothers me.

Chabashira: Hmm fine. That's a reasonable request that I can accept as a teacher.

Yato: I see...then I will...

???: Ohhh!! Sae-chan!

Fukazawa was about to leave but suddenly someone called me...we both turn our heads to look at that person who was coming toward us. Of course, she needed to come at this moment...

???: Oh and there is Fukazawa-kun there too? What a nice surprise!

Yato: Oh eh yeah it's me...Hoshinomiya-sensei.

I could notice the expression of Fukazwa changed a bit... he seemed unsure how to deal with Chie... at least I was understanding him on this point.

She then walks behind Fukazawa and put both of her hands on his shoulder...

Chie: Do I was interrupting something? Hehe!

Fukazawa didn't smees surprised by the fact that Chie was that close to him...

Yato: Yes... I was about to tell my feeling of love to Chabashira-sensei but now that I have been interrupted...

He then remove the hands of Chie who was on his should by walking away...

Yato: I don't have anything else to do here... sorry for the disturbance sensei.

Before leaving I could notice the gaze of Fukazawa. Probably just to confirm his request earlier. Chie was just looking at Fuakzawa walking away with a smile on her face... But I knew the reason why she was smiling.

I immediately try walking away but...

Chie: It must be so annoying for you to talk with Fukazawa-kun right, Sae-chan? After all, he has the same attitude as him!

I didn't answer... because she was right. The attitude of Fukazawa is the same one as my biggest fear and the person that I hate the most...

I slowly start walking away while Chie was looking at me with a smile on her face...

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Fukazawa Yukichi: Everything for his son

It was around 5 p.m. I was currently in the living room while reading a book. Today I finish early and let my guys continue the case without me. Even if the crime rate has dropped for a few years now... I still have a lot of jobs to do. Hina who is usually calm seemed a bit more anxious than usual...

Hina: Yukichi, Yato is still not back from school yet...

Still reading my book I answer her...

Yukichi: What's the matter? Touma is not back yet too...

She just starts shaking her head in disappointment... I decided to close my book and put it on the table next to me...

Hina: If you will be at home more often you would understand what I'm saying... Yato doesn't usually take that much time to come back from school. He doesn't hang out with friends of his age.

Yukichi: Could you not involve my job in all this Hina... we already talk about it no?

It was something that was bothering her a lot. Even if the crime rate dropped these last year because of another criminal organization... I still have a lot of jobs to do. This japan right now is not as good as it seems. Of course, they were a lot of things that I couldn't tell her... that's why she seemed worried.

Hina: I'm sorry Yukichi... it's just that I'm worried for you and our kids.

She was more stressed since we find out the ease that Yato has for... everything? Hina was still teaching him stuff that a kid about his age shouldn't be able to learn.

Even if I wasn't always around because of my job... I knew all that I need to know about Touma and Yato. Touma is a lot like me... helping the best he can, serious in what he does. It's a version of myself younger.

And for Yato... it's was more complicated. This ease in everything was something that I really need to monitor. I need to take care of him and watch over him... that's the choice I made when we adopted him. Blood and ADN were not something that mattered to me... he was my son. And I will do everything for my kids. The thing was that Yato needed more attention I would say...

Yukichi: I know you worried... you care for us. But don't worry everything will be fine. Yato is happy here and we will make the best we can for it continues like this. Anyway, I'm probably more concerned about Touma... I don't imagine Yato getting involved in a problem with his attitude.

Just when I was about to say something else we both hear the front door open...

Yato: Tadaima!

Hina immediately starts walking towards the entrance... I was following her...

Hina: Where you were Yato... ?!!!!!!

She suddenly seems surprised when she was in front of Yato... I was following her from behind so I didn't see what she just saw...

Hina: Oh what happen Yato...

She starts running to her son... I start walking a bit faster to see what was happening and it was there I saw Yato with blood under his nose...like if he got punched in the face... but the other thing that I noticed was there was a boy and a girl behind Yato... there was about the same age as him.

Yato: Eh? What the problem Kaa-san?

Like if it was nothing he casually answer this to Hina...

Hina: I'm talking about your nose my love... wait a moment...

She then starts walking towards the bathroom...probably to go search for something to remove this blood.

I then walk a bit closer... I could notice the boy next to Yato a bit unsure of what he was doing here...

Yukichi: You introduce me to your friends, Yato?

Like if he just realized they were there...

Yato: Oh haha yes your right... This is Baji Keisuke and Baji Gou... I meet them earlier after I beat some senpai.

Yukichi: Beat...some...senpai?

I was surprised and a bit shocked to hear this...

Yukichi: You know what I think about this Yato? I already told you and Touma that I didn't want free violence. I'm a chief inspector Yato... I can't let pass these types of acts even at your age. I didn't think you would...

Keisuke: I'm sorry sir it's my fault!

The man with black hair then walk next to Yato...even Yato seemed a bit shocked

Keisuke: In fact, your son saved my sister earlier from getting bullied. He acted as a hero back there. I can't thank him enough for what he did so please don't blame him!

Yukichi: A hero?

Then Hina finally came back...

Hina: Don't move Yato I will remove and treat your nose...

Yato: I swear it's nothing Kaa-san... I seriously feel nothing...

I notice that Hina didn't like this when he said those words...

Yato: In fact, she needs more help than me...

He then points to the girl who was behind the boy named Keisuke. She seemed indeed a bit faint...I immediately understand the situation...

Yukichi: Hina takes this girl to the kitchen and gives her some water and food. Make her comfortable...

Hina notice my serious tone and expression so she just nodded... and she probably saw that the girl was not in good shape. Earlier she was probably too worried about her son to notice these two.

So Hina approached the girl named Gou and take her by the hands and started to walk towards the kitchen... I was now alone with Yato and Keisuke.

Keisuke: Thank you a lot for your help... my sister and my mom are the most precious thing to me.

Yukichi: don't worry about this... it's just natural...

He just nodded happily to hear this... he then put his hand on the should of Yato...

Keisuke: But I swear hahaha! Yato you were just amazing back there...

Yato: You think so... to be honest, your fight skills were more impressive

I then just watch those two talking casually... I didn't say anything but I was glad to finally see this. Yato was laughing and talking with a boy of his age. Of course, I know that Yato is not like the ''normal'' kids of his age. I tried my best to help and motivate him but at school and outside this house is a bit more complicated...so seeing this scene right now makes me quite happy...until...

Keisuke: I swear you were something else... it's like you had this in your blood fighting haha!

He then starts to look at me... I had been surprised by what he just said but Yato and Keisuke didn't seem to have noticed it...

Keisuke: Eh Fukazawa...dad? Do you mind if I go see my sister if she is okay now?

Yukichi: of course... do as home Keisuke. I'm hoping that you will become a good friend to Yato.

Keisuke: Of course, he helped me and my sister and seems like a good guy.

He then just waves a Yato and start walking towards the Kitchen too... I was now alone with Yato...

Yukichi: Don't move I will remove the dry blood from your face...

I then take out a tissue from my pocket and was at the same height as Yato to remove the dry blood.

Yukichi: So... how was your first fight Yato?

Yato: Hmm I don't know...

Yukichi: You don't seem really concerned about what happened...

The advantage with Yato is that he is a kid who says what passing through his mind... he is a bit carefree...

Yukichi: You weren't scared? You get punched after all...

Yato: No... I didn't feel anything like this dad...I just decided to act you told me I think...

My eyes widen as he said this... I then stop wiping under his nose... All the blood was removed.

Yato: You told me that a good act is always a reward or something good always happens after...I guess I tried to see if you were right...

Yukichi: I see... and? The result?

He just starts to smile and look towards the Kitchen...

Yato: Well for a first try it ended pretty well I think...

He then starts walking into the Kitchen too... I remain there for a moment while thinking about a lot of things. About Yato and the ''problems'' we accepted at the same we adopted him...

I then remember his smile...

I will do everything for his happiness.

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(A.N)

That's it for the SS of Volume 6. Hope you liked this. The first chapter of Volume 7 will come out Friday! Thanks to those who read my story! And don't hesitate to tell me what you think about these SS. This is the second time that I wrote SS and want it was nice to read!

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