Season 2 Episode 1
I'm back and ready! Here comes Season 2 everyone! Specialized with new and fun content! Ikuzo!
Advanced Nurturing High School...
It begins at the Student Council Meeting Room. "President. I have the results of the first-years' Deserted Special Island Test." Tachibana reported to Manabu. "The winner was-"
"Class D." Manabu answered surprising her. "Y-Yes! Class D achieved first place with surprising results." Tachibana reported on. "Indeed." He replied while directly looked at the front. "How will you clear your next challenge, Ayanokouji?" He thought with serious eyes.
It then cuts to Speranza as in his room, Ayanokouji is reading a book and he has a glass of soda on the table. Below him, his kitten is walking around a bit. As he read on, he still recalled his teacher's words regarding the man who spoke about him choosing expulsion at his own accord. No matter, he placed the book on the table, drank a bit of his soda and looked at the view of the sea through the window.
All human behaviour is goal-oriented indeed.
A while later...
From the cruise ship, the view is breathtaking as right now, it's setting course back to the high school and on the upper deck, Ayanokouji walked by to see some of his classmates in the midst of a pool party.
There, Kayano who's wearing a red frilled bikini jumped into the pool while cheering. In there, Satou who's wearing a green frilled bikini got a splash from Mii-chan who's wearing the same bikini from before. Shinohara joined in and she's wearing a white bikini with a frilled top and holding onto a beach ball as the girls played around.
Sitting on the ledge of the pool is Mori as she enjoyed seeing her classmates have fun and she's drinking some fruit juice. She also wore a stylish white bikini as Kokoro who's wearing the same bikini from before sat beside her with her drink as both girls had a toast and drank together.
Outside the pool, Ike and Yamauchi are sitting on the deck chairs and watching their female classmates have fun. Right now, their eyes darted at the sight of Chiaki in her navy blue and sky blue plaid bikini for she just arrived to join her classmates for the summer fun. "Now this feels like summer break!" Ike exclaimed. "Especially when our class got first place in that special exam!"
"You said it!" Yamauchi agreed as he set his sight on Sakura who's slightly far from them. She wore a checkered bikini with the colours yellow and green and she's relaxing on a deck chair while having a drink under the shade. As he continued gazing, he got splashed on the face as in the pool, Kouenji swam laps and laughed with pride as lots of waves were created from his swimming that splashed onto some girls and Sudou who just arrived. "Hey knock it off Kouenji!" But he was ignored instead.
Back to Ike, he's still enjoying the view when, "Ike-kun! Why are you sitting around and doing nothing? Come and join us!" Shinohara called out to him. "Yeah! Don't want the heat to burn your skin right?" Satou called out as Mii-chan splashed her. "What? Someone pinch me, am I dreaming? The girls want me to swim with them?!" Ike was too speechless at the request so he took off his shirt and, "CANNONBALL!"
"SPLASH!"
"NOW!" As Ike resurfaced, the girls ambushed him with splash attacks and they laughed and cheered. "Ha! You wanna play? Bring it on!" Ike splashed back as the fun continues. Yamauchi on the other hand just continued staring at Sakura. While this was ongoing, Kikyou just arrived wearing the same micro bikini she wore before as she looked around and saw Horikita reading her book while seated on a deck chair. She also wore a black string bikini as, "Horikita-san! What are you up to?" Kikyou asked as she approached her.
"Isn't it obvious?" Horikita asked without looking as Kikyou tried to see what book she's reading. "Is it a romance novel?" She asked as Horikita moved away a bit with her book. "No it's not and why are you wearing a very revealing swimsuit?"
"Because I like it and I'm already used to it." Kikyou replied.
"I see. You wore it before." Horikita assumed correctly as she watched her take a dive into the pool and with that, she continued reading.
And back to him as Ayanokouji continued observing, "What a lively day." He described when, "Ayanokouji." He looked to his right to see Yousuke approaching him. "Would you like to join me for lunch? I'm meeting up with Karuizawa and a few others-"
"No thank you." He replied leaving him surprised so, "Then how about just you and me. Is it okay for you?" Yousuke asked. "No. I'd rather not get on Karuizawa's bad side." Ayanokouji replied when Karuizawa arrived. "Ready to go Hirata-kun?"
"Well actually, do you mind having if Ayanokouji joins us?" Yousuke asked but already, he's taking his leave and he noticed it when an announcement was made.
All students. Your attention please. The special test will begin shortly. All students will receive an email from the school. Please check your phones and follow the instructions found there.
Already, Ayanokouji and Horikita both whipped out their phones and read their messages. For Ayanokouji, he was to leave when, "Ayanokouji! Are you sure you still don't want to have lunch with us?" Yousuke asked him but, "Forget that! By the way, I just found the awesomest teppanyaki place! Let's go there for lunch with the others we're meeting up!" Karuizawa suggested trying to divert his attention away from Ayanokouji when, "No thanks Hirata. Besides, I'm meeting someone else for lunch."
"Oh? Who is it?" Yousuke asked when, "I finally found you Kiyotaka!"
"Ah...perfect timing Honami." A relieved Ayanokouji exclaimed as the the strawberry haired beauty showed up as, "Ha? He's going out to lunch with her?" Karuizawa noticed. "Mou, I wonder if he really is interested in her?"
"I'm not so sure but I understand his agenda." Yousuke replied as back to them, "So where do you want to go for lunch?" Honami asked as they walked away. "Dunno. Maybe at the same restaurant where we ate before with Kanzaki and Amikura?" He suggested. "Sure!" She replied and they headed there now.
At the same restaurant from before...
Lunch hour has come as Ayanokouji and Honami just got their lunch served. Ayanokouji had steak frites with sauteed broccoli, sliced carrots and corn kernels while Honami had a flame-grilled salmon steak with coleslaw and lemon sauce for the salmon. Both students had glasses of soda for their beverages.
"Well, let's dig in. Ittadakimasu." said Ayanokouji.
"Ittadakimasu!" Honami spoke along cheerfully as the 2 students began eating their lunch. Already, some of the other students are starting to notice their closeness.
"I often see them eat together on this cruise. Are they dating or something?"
"I saw them yesterday night at the buffet! They even shared dessert!"
"That guy is lucky. Hanging out with the most beautiful girl in our grade."
"Man I envy him for that!"
Murmuring took place but Ayanokouji and Honami paid no attention as they ate and discussed. "You wish to know how my class achieved first in the island exam right?" Ayanokouji brought up as he ate a french fry. "Oh yes! You did mention that we'll talk about it during lunch today." Honami replied as she spread lemon sauce on her salmon. "Alright then. To start off, I stumbled across Class A's base camp." Ayanokouji began. "It was on the first day when I noticed a key card on Katsuragi's hand and he talked with Totsuka about it. He then mentioned that he'll look after him as the class representative."
"Looking after him...Katsuragi-kun intends to look after Totsuka-kun because he's the class leader!" Honami exclaimed. "Exactly. On the second day, you remember that Kaneda was in your base camp?" Ayanokouji asked. "Yes. But before the final day, he disappeared." Honami told him. "Because if you haven't figured it out, he was spy working for Ryuuen who's still on the island after the majority of his class bailed out." He revealed. "How is it possible?" She asked. "Me and 2 of my classmates met him during our recon and I caught a glimpse of a radio beside him. It could mean one thing. Communication." He explained. "I see...since Kaneda's spying in our camp, Ryuuen can contact him regarding the class leader identity!" Honami exclaimed as Ayanokouji continued on. "He also sent Ibuki to our base camp to do the same thing as Kaneda. Except that she walked into a trap."
"Trap? Did you do something to foil Class C's plan and achieve first place?" Honami asked.
"Yes. If you never knew, Horikita who accompanied and visited your base camp with me has been running with a fever. She held on until the 6th day which is when I set the trap for Ibuki." Ayanokouji then explained the full details. After that, "I never thought you used her illness to your advantage." Honami stated. "Because her illness became a legitimate reason for me to change the identity of the class leader." Ayanokouji stated. "As a result, Ryuuen and Katsuragi guessed wrong for my class."
"Is it possible they're working together? I remember on the last day, Katsuragi-kun wanted to express his gratitude to Ryuuen-kun." Honami asked.
"Most likely." He replied. "When scouting at Class A's base camp, I don't see anyone from C in their turf. Well, that's all. Any questions?"
"I do. What did you and Kanzaki-kun talked about on the 4th day?" Honami asked.
"Right. Since Kaneda is spying in your class, I told him about it before when we visited your base camp. And during that day, we exchanged info. He explained to me about the division in Class A and I gave him Class C's leader as a tip." Ayanokouji answered.
"No wonder he boldly wrote down that answer on the last day." Honami exclaimed. "If you ask me, he told me he can trust your class. Especially you."
"True. He can be a very useful tool who knows?" Ayanokouji thought to himself as he sipped his soda when, "YOU AGAIN DEFECT!?" From the entrance, an enraged Yahiko caught sight of them and stomped his way to them. A waiter went to calm him down but he punched his face as, "You got a lot of nerve to come here even though it's not for defects like you." He spoke directly at Ayanokouji. "And you got a lot of nerve to start a commotion with that pissed off face of yours. Truly a defect. Why are you even in Class A in the first place?" Ayanokouji asked calmly while shaking his head in disappointment as, "You dare question and look down on me?!" Yahiko has had it. "I'll make you beg for mercy for ruining my time here on this cruise and take Ichinose away from you forever!"
"Well then. Do it." Ayanokouji dared as Yahiko clenched his fist when, "Enough of this!" Honami stood up and faced Yahiko. "All we ever do is hang out as friends. And through your poor misinterpretations, you ended up building a rift between yourself and Kiyotaka!"
"What? No! I would never do such thing. But this defect shouldn't be with you in the first place!" Yahiko replied while pretending to be nice. "He was right. You really are a defect!" Honami exclaimed shocking him. "I knew it." Ayanokouji spoke up as, "TAKE THIS!" Yahiko threw a punch but he dodged it. He then threw another punch but he missed again. They moved around with one punching and one dodging until, "BAM!"
"SHIT! Morishige! I'm sorry! Ugh!" Yahiko then glared at Ayanokouji. "Bastard! How dare you caused it!"
"Ha. You really are weak in fighting and you refused to admit your mistakes. And if I were you, you better start running." Ayanokouj advised as some waiters are making their move. Still furious, Yahiko used the double finger at him and ran off as, "Here." He helped the student up as, "You have a nosebleed. Better patch up."
"Yeah thanks...I'll handle myself..." He left the restaurant as Ayanokouji rejoined Honami. "Will he ever leave us alone?" She asked. "I wish he will but I guess he's only doing this to intimidate me and woo you to his side." He assumed. "Tell you this. Totsuka-kun is not my type." She stated as they continued their lunch. "By the way Kiyotaka. You got the message do you?"
"Yes. 6pm I'm supposed to attend the meeting regarding the special exam." Ayanokouji told her. "You?"
"4pm. I wonder what kind of special exam the school has prepared for us?" Honami asked as she ate some of he coleslaw.
"Beats me." Ayanokouji replied as he ate a portion of his steak.
After enjoying their main courses, "I got dessert coming next." Ayanokouji Told Honami and then, "Here you go sir. Enjoy." A waiter served him a banana split. There's 3 ice cream scoops consisting of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla sandwiched by 2 ripe whole bananas. All scoops have chocolate sauce, whipped cream, crushed nuts and a maraschino cherry on top each. "You shared your dessert to me yesterday night, now it's my turn to return the flavour."
"Hee! Hee! Hee! Trying to crack a joke are you Kiyotaka?" Honami giggled as, "Is it not funny enough?" He asked. "It is funny. Is this your first time trying to come up with something humorous?" She asked another question. "Well...I'm trying hard at least..." He replied as he looked at the dessert. "I wonder how tasty ice cream is..."
"Ha? You've never tried ice cream before?" A surprised Honami asked and then, she took a spoon and, "Here. Let me do the honours to get you to experience the sweetness, the richness and the best in eating ice cream." Honami first scooped some vanilla and fed it to him. "Smooth...creamy..." He described as she scooped some chocolate and fed it to him. "Rich...is the chocolate...whoa..." He described and finally, she scooped some strawberry and fed it to him. "Sweet...purely sweet...just like you. Even your hair colour is the same as the flavour. Truly that's what makes you beautiful...and I bet your hair smells beautiful too..." Ayanokouji's words really heated her face until the colour is the same as her hair. "Uh...did I do something wrong?"
"No! No not at all!" She replied and looked away. "He called m-me beautiful...he even said m-my hair is beautiful..." She stuttered to herself a bit. And then, "Well, how was it?"
"I think I may eat ice cream more often." Ayanokouji replied as he took some chocolate with a piece of banana and ate them together. "My thoughts exactly. But not everyday." Honami replied as she took some strawberry with the whipped cream and ate it. "Oh right. You got something on your face." Ayanokouji pointed while he discreetly swiped some whipped cream. "Really?" A surprised Honami asked as, "Yeah. Let me wipe it off." And he swiped the cream on her right cheek. "B-B-Baka!" Honami exclaimed as he gave her a small smile over the small prank he played. "And so far, he's improving on himself socially. Glad to see that." Honami thought as she too gave him a smile as they continued sharing the banana split together.
Later on...
Ayanokouji found the room he's assigned for the meeting which is Room 504. He pressed the doorbell and he's allowed to enter. Upon his entrance, "Yukimura and the Professor?"
"Ah! So it was revealed that one of the 2 final seats was that of Ayanokouji-dono!" Sotomura stated as he adjusted his specs.
"This is quite strange isn't it?" Yukimura asked Ayanokouji. "Yes it is." He replied as he sat down. "One more person is due to arrive." Mashima-sensei told the students and he'll be the one to brief them on the special exam.
6:01pm...
"'Scuse me." Karuizawa was the last to arrive as she looked up. "What the heck? What are you guys doing here?"
"You're a minute late. Take a seat at once." Mashima-sensei ordered as she took a seat but was unhappy to sit beside Ayanokouji so she moved away from him. "She seems vaguely upset." He thought. "Most likely she doesn't want to be in the same group as us."
"Alright. Now that everyone's here and seated, I will now explain the Cruise Ship Special Test." Mashima-sensei began the briefing. "The test will be administered among 8 discrete groups, each named after a planet of the solar system. Each group will include a sampling of students from each class and you guys are in the Mars group." He then placed a sheet of paper as the students checked the details.
"14 in total." Ayanokouji thought.
"Class C is in there too! 4 of them just like us!" Karuizawa noticed.
"3 from Class A and B each!" Yukimura added.
"A-Aren't they our enemies..." Sotomura asked.
"So we'll be acting not as members of Class D but as part of the 'Mars' group." Ayanokouji thought. "And our test results will be assigned to the group as a whole. The testing period is 3 days long and there will be a day of rest in between. At 8am tomorrow, the school will send an email declaring one member of the group, "The VIP." Twice each day, a discussion will be held in the group in which we will attempt to discern the VIP's identity for an hour. One in the afternoon from 1pm to 2pm and the other at night from 8pm to 9pm. 30 minutes after the 6th discussion on the third day of the exam concludes, we will mail our answer to the school. Each person can only send one answer. However, the VIP themselves are not allowed to answer."
With the rules understood, Karuizawa is assigned to read out 4 cases regarding the exam. "Case 1. If everyone aside from the VIP and the VIP's classmates get the correct answer, all members in the group will be gifted 500,000 private points and the VIP will be gifted an additional 500,000 private points."
"No way! That's a ton of private points I'm telling you!" Sotomura exclaimed.
"And the VIP gets twice? In which it's a million?" Yukimura exclaimed also.
Ayanokouji said nothing and Karuizawa was greatly surprised at the massive rewards as she read the next case. "Case 2. If at least one person aside from the VIP and the VIP's classmates fails to answer or guess the wrong answer, only the VIP will be gifted 500,000 private points."
Case 2 represents a scenario in which the VIP keeps their identity hidden. In this case, only the VIP will receive the reward.
Ayanokouji sure thought of it accurately as Mashima-sensei added a pointer to the special test. "Attempting to expose the VIP before the test has concluded will lead to a Case 3 or 4 result. Read on."
Karuizawa nodded at the teacher and continued reading. "In these 2 situations, answers will be accepted at any time of the day during the testing period. Answers will also be accepted in the 30 minutes after the test period concludes but in either case, wrong answers will result in penalty." This made Sotomura and Yukimura worried as she read on. "Case 3. If someone other than the VIP emails the school before the testing period is over and gives the correct answer, then that student's class will receive 50 class points and the student will be gifted 500,000 private points. At this point, the group's test will conclude. But if the correct answer comes from someone in the VIP's own class, their answers will be declared invalid and the test will continue."
"It sounds like as if that one person will claim the reward only leaving out the others and giving the class a boost in class points. I think..." Yukimura thought as Karuizawa read the last case. "Case 4. If someone other than the VIP emails the school before the testing period is over and gives an incorrect answer, that student's class will lose 50 class points and the VIP will not only be gifted 500,000 private points but the class the VIP's in will receive 50 class points."
"And the moment the incorrect answer is received, the group's test will conclude." Ayanokouji thought as, "Additionally, if the incorrect answer comes from someone in the VIP's own class, their answers will be declared invalid and will not be accepted." Karuizawa finished reading all 4 cases as silence filled the room.
"Souka..." Ayanokouji thought.
"You can email in your answer..." Yukimura exclaimed to himself.
"I'm not sure if I followed all that..." Karuizawa stated with doubt.
"I too feel bewildered from all these..." Sotomura spoke up.
"I'll explain later after this meeting and don't bother the teacher about it." Yukimura told them.
"For this test, the school will preserve your anonymity. After the test concludes, only your group's result and class-wide point changes will be announced." Mashima-sensei explained to the students.
"What about the VIP's identity?" Karuizawa asked.
"It will not be announced. There will be no response status." Mashima-sensei answered and with that, the meeting is concluded.
It now cuts to the lift lobby as Ayanokouji along with a few students went out. "There are 4 clear test results."
"The whole group shares the VIP answer and wins." Honami briefed Kanzaki and 2 other male students in her class and they're in her room.
"In the final response, at least one person gets it wrong and the VIP wins." Katsuragi talked with Yahiko in some private area in the upper level.
"A traitor discovers the VIP and takes everything." Ryuuen spoke to himself and smiled sinisterly about it.
"And the final possibility, there's a traitor but they incorrectly guess the VIP's identity." Ayanokouji thought to himself as he walked to the upper deck and went to have view of the night.
Thinking...Analyzing the situation at hand, clarifying all subjects at issue, then going through a problem-solving crisis process speculating and assigning new values. Under these test conditions, speculating on how others will act, processing that and influencing them...
"Man it's so annoying." He spoke to himself and continued viewing the night scenery.
The next day...
Ayanokouji and Horikita are having a drink and waiting for the email to be sent. "It's almost time." said Horikita. "And it's here." said Ayanokouji and it did appear. Both read it and he showed her his message. "Same. It appears neither of us are selected as VIP." She told him. "This reduces our options." He replied. "What do you think of this special exam?" Horikita asked. "It depends on how the VIP approaches it. Although I've thought of several preliminary routes to victory." Ayanokouji answered. "Impressive indeed. I look forward to your results." She replied nodding her head with respect. "I'm also looking forward to seeing where you take your group. Do you require my aid?" He asked. "No need. And just so that I know, the person you're most on guard for is-"
"Ah I found you! Lovely weather today isn't it? Why don't we join you guys?" Both looked to see Ryuuen, Ibuki and Albert. "Tell me Suzune, are you the VIP?" Ryuuen asked. "You know I won't tell you that. Or...would you tell me if I asked?" Horikita asked as Ryuuen sat with them.
"If you wished it, by all means." Ryuuen replied. "But let me ask you something first. How did you achieve that result on the Deserted Island Special Exam? Ibuki's reports showed no sign of you taking action at all."
"You think I'm stupid enough to let her see through me?" Horikita stated. "She struggled against me even when I was sick and not using my full strength but I also purposely allowed her to defeat me with little effort enough for her to overconfidently report to you. In other words, she was stupid enough to fall into a trap."
This infuriated Ibuki as, "Then how about a rematch then? I'll show you that-" Ryuuen stopped her from speaking as he continued on. "The result of the previous test, it's not difficult to achieve when you know how it's done. But very few could come up with it and execute it under those conditions. Not the kind of plan that an earnest little girl like you could think up and set a trap Suzune."
"Sorry to burst your bubble but I have no friends. Ayanokouji-kun on the other hand is the best I've been able to manage. Though he's such a bumbler who carries a poker face, I'd hardly call him a collaborator..."
"Heh. You must be tired of pathetic hanger-ons. By the way, say cheese!" Ryuuen made his move with a flash from his handphone. "CLICK!"
"I didn't give you permission to take his picture!" Horikita protested slamming her hands on the table. "It's a little game. I'm going to find out who's pulling your strings. Everyone in your class including your hanger-on is in my crosshair." Ryuuen revealed. "You seem awfully obsessed with Class D." Horikita stated. "I know the limits of what Katsuragi and Ichinose can do. They're no threat to me." He replied when, "Do you have it?" Ayanokouji spoke up. "Have what?" Ryuuen asked staring at him for a moment when, "Oh...Oh! Why of course I do. Let me get my phone ready."
"Ryuuen! You wouldn't dare-" Too late for Ibuki because he showed Ayanokouji a photo. A photo of her wearing a white bikini with red and blue polka-dots and posing. She looked pretty flustered in it as Ayanokouji stared at it for a couple of seconds. "Damn. She looks really attractive."
"Ha! Ha! See Ibuki? I'm not the only one who sees you as an attractive chick." Ryuuen told her and she's extremely flustered. "SCREW YOU!" She then walked away as, "Remember Suzune, I'll find out who's pulling your strings." Ryuuen then left with Albert.
Watching them leave, Horikita sat down and sipped her drink a bit. "You're suddenly the woman of the hour Horikita."
"And who's fault is that Ayanokouji-kun?"
"The more they box her in, the more eager she becomes to fight. There's nothing to worry about here I see." Ayanokouji thought when, "What now? You're staring at me or what?" Horikita asked. "Nothing. Though I wonder, who's with you during the briefing yesterday?" He asked. "Well, Hirata-kun and Kushida-san are with me." She replied. "Kushida...I might sense a foul play in the exam." He thought as he also sipped his drink.
(Special Test. First Discussion)
In a meeting room, the members of the Mars group have gathered as Karuizawa looked around. "This has to be the worst team ever..." She mumbled to herself unhappily. On the other hand, Ayanokouji, Yukimura and Sotomura stared at her wondering about what she mumbled to herself.
Now let's check out the other members. From Class 1-A, there's Koji Machida who's the guy with short, light brown hair, Takuro Morishige who's the guy with chocolate brown hair and Shigeru Takomoto who's the guy with slick, black hair and blue eyes.
From Class 1-B, there's Honami and 2 of her male classmates which are Tetsuya Hamaguchi who wears glasses and has silvery gray hair and Ryouta Beppu who also wears glasses and has black hair.
And finally from Class 1-C, there's Ibuki along with 3 of her female classmates which are Shiho Manabe who's the girl with short dark blonde hair with a few hair clips on her bangs and she's frowning a bit, Nanami Yabu who's the girl with long, sea green hair with a hairband on it and Saki Yamashita who's the girl with purplish black hair tied into 2 medium-length pigtails.
Right now, Ayanokouji is staring blankly at Honami and she noticed him. "Oh my gosh...we're in the same group! This might be much more fun!" She thought and decided to take initiative. "Okay everyone. Why don't we start off with introductions? A good way to begin the discussion and the school told us to do that after all."
"Is that really something we need to bother with?" Machida asked with slight annoyance. "Let's leave it to anyone who wants to do it."
"Yeah I guess I can't force you, can I?" Honami replied to him. "But there's a possibility that the entire room is bugged." This made Machida a bit worried. "If that's the case, those who don't do the intros might be penalized." Honami added and as a result, "Fine. I guess I don't know some of you after all so I'll go first." He replied and she thanked him.
"Impressive. Honami has taken the initiative to lead the discussion." Ayanokouji thought as the intros began.
"Machida Koji. I don't have anything interesting in particular but whatever, I just do my best and contribute for my class."
"I'm Morishige Takuro and I play table tennis in my free time and joined the club in this school."
"I'm Takomoto Shigeru and my favourite hobby is rollerblading. That's all."
Class 1-B is next.
"Okay! I'm Ichinose Honami and as you all know, I'm a member of the Student Council and I like to hang out with my friends and bake treats." Hamaguchi and Beppu applauded for her and they went next.
"Hi. My name is Hamaguchi Tetsuya. I like to study and I also do sports once in a while."
"Hello there. My name is Beppu Ryouta. I also like to study and I play video games. Don't worry, I balance between those."
Class 1-C is next.
"Ibuki Mio. I don't do much but I do practice capoiera." This was enough for Ayanokouji to give her the thumbs up and she noticed it and blushed. Even so, she remembered those words he told her on the deserted island.
"I'm Manabe Shiho and I'm into fashion and stuff."
"My name is Yabu Nanami. Just like Manabe I'm also into fashion."
"I'm Yamashita Saki. My favourite hobby is badminton and I joined the club in this school."
And finally, Class 1-D.
"Karuizawa Kei." She then returned to her phone leaving everyone stunned but Manabe eyed on her for some reason.
"Yukimura Teruhiko. Just like Hamaguchi and Beppu, I'm into studying. That's all." This impressed them both as they gave him the thumbs up.
"The name's Sotomura Hideo. You can also call me Professor for it's my nickname. I also like to study and I have a knack for computer games and programming." It appears his intro amazed Beppu as, "What kind of programming do you do?" He asked. "Ah...it's confidential but with plenty of coding, encryptions and algorithms." Sotomura replied. "Sugoi!" Hamaguchi exclaimed as, "They seemed to be interesting friends to hang out with." Yukimura thought with a smile.
"Guess I'm the last and I hope I don't mess up like before on the first day..." Ayanokouji thought and made his move. "Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. I'm just a normal student and I do piano, calligraphy and tea ceremony."
"Piano? Ah! You were the one that played that symphony on that day!" Saki spoke up. "Yeah...I was there when I saw you. Consider it impressive." Takomoto also spoke up. "So Ayanokouji-dono has a few talents of his own." said Sotomura as he adjusted his glasses. "I also remember now. You helped me up after I got punched by Totsuka by accident yesterday." Morishige spoke up surprising the group especially his classmates. "I never got the chance to thank you so thanks for yesterday."
"No problem." Ayanokouji replied as, "You were decent in your introduction Kiyotaka." Honami told him. "Really? Ah...fine. Thanks Honami." He thanked her and she smiled at him.
So now that everyone has introduced themselves, "So, how should we go about this? If you don't like the idea of me playing the moderator, let me know okay?" Honami told the group. "The way she brings that up, anyone who objects will be volunteering to be the moderator themselves." Ayanokouji thought. "And in the process of leading the conversation, they may reveal too much. Most will avoid it." Already, Class A and C had no objection. Even Class D said nothing so, "Since none of you want to object, I'll moderate!" Honami declared. "First, I think we should talk out any aspects of the test that seems unclear. Does anyone have any questions?"
No response from any of the students so, "Okay. I'll start then! I feel like we should try to complete the test together. In other words, we should opt to aim for Case 1. What do you all think?" Honami asked the group.
"That's a no-brainer right?" Karuizawa replied while using her phone.
"I'm in favour naturally." Hamaguchi spoke up supporting his classmate.
"Me too." said Beppu as he and Hamaguchi fist bump.
"Same here. I'd like to acquire more private points and I prefer to cooperate when I can." Ayanokouji spoke up as Honami smiled in admiration from his support.
"So be it! I'm in on this! Baby!" Sotomura voiced his support. "Who are you trying to be now..." Karuizawa mumbled to herself regarding her classmate when, "We of Class A will sit this one out. In other words, we resolve to abstain from this discussion." Machida declared. This rendered everyone silent. "Abstain? On what purpose?" Sotomura asked. "Yeah...what is your agenda regarding the abstain..." Yukimura also asked.
"The simplest and most certain way to benefit from the test is to abstain from participation from beginning to the end." Machida answered.
"Instructions from Katsuragi? Could Machida, Morishige and Takomoto be members of his faction?" Ayanokouji thought as, "So by abstaining, you refuse to discuss and let the unknown VIP run away with the reward?" Hamaguchi asked glaring a bit at Machida. "What is the least desirable test result?" Machida asked back as Karuizawa who's still using her stopped for a moment. "Uh...Someone figuring out the VIP and betraying everyone which will result in Case 3?"
"Precisely. Wow, I'm impressed that you know the answer despite being in Class D." Machida complimented her as he got back to the topic. "The worst case scenario results from having a discussion will be that someone will suspect someone else of being the VIP and getting it wrong to the point that it becomes Case 4."
"I acknowledge the wisdom of abstaining from the discussion. But neglecting to identify the VIP, could heighten the point disparity between the classes, couldn't it?" Hamaguchi stated. "What if the VIP distribution is extremely uneven with VIPs being overrepresented within one class?" This made Ayanokouji see something regarding his statement.
Hamaguchi's concern is warranted. Without knowing the class distribution of VIPs among each group, the abstinence strategy is a difficult one to support. But Katsuragi will have recognized the mechanism behind it: "Fairness".
"Fairness for all classes." Machida explained to the group. "This is a rule to which the school scrupulously adheres and which was present in the previous test as well. I would expect an even distribution of VIPs among the classes. You won't get them all in one class."
"Well...I guess you're right..." said Hamaguchi when, "I think you guys made a great point." Honami spoke up surprising him. "But carrying that out won't be easy. You're betting on the fact that none of the first-year students will suspect or betray anyone."
"Complete trust exists between the members of Class A!" Machida stated firmly.
"It does sound easier than trying to find the VIP." Manabe told her classmates.
"Might we perhaps accept their offer? I see no reason to object." Sotomura asked. "I'm not sure about that..." Yukimura replied and Ayanokouji said nothing.
"I just feel that Machida-kun's strategy is one that his class is incentivized to suggest specifically." Honami stated.
"Am I missing a drawback to leaving the answer hidden?" Machida asked.
"You're forcing those from the lower classes to waste one of their few chances at turning things around." Honami stated leaving Machida unable to come up with a countermove as she continued on. "A united front plan guarantees there'll be no change in the final class rankings."
"Hey! That plan of yours involves a united front as well!" Takomoto exclaimed.
"Not quite actually." Beppu spoke up. "The Mars group in which all of us are in has 3 students from Classes A and B each and 4 students from Classes C and D. If we achieve the Case 1 result, Classes C and D will receive 500,000 extra private points each."
"Well that's true but wouldn't you be putting your own class at a disadvantage as well?" Morishige asked.
"The alternative is possibly letting Class A ditching us and taking the reward." Honami stated. "After all, what if the VIP might be in your class in this group?"
"I wholeheartedly agree with her!" said Hamaguchi. "Same!" Beppu supported along.
"A fine counter-argument. Class B must have discussed this in advance before the entire meeting. Even so, Case 1 and 2 does not involve Class Points. Something that Katusragi is being cautious of. Who knows?" Ayanokouji thought as Sotomura, Yukimura, Manabe, Nanami and Saki were in awe of the arguments between Class A and B.
"One way or another, Class A's philosophy remains unchanged." Machida declared firmly and with that, he, Morishige and Takomoto went to a nearby corner where there's a couch and sat there doing nothing at all. "Gosh...what will we do with them..." Honami asked as the whole group and they have no idea about this.
(Special Test. First Discussion Ends)
No one can actually argue with Machida or Honami. Each class has their own schemes
Ayanokouji just left the meeting to see that the other 7 groups also finished their first discussions as students can be seen heading out to enjoy more cruise.
"Karuizawa, can we talk to you for a minute?"
He looked to his left to see Manabe, Nanami and Saki confronting Karuizawa as, "Did you have a fight with Rika before summer vacation?" Manabe asked.
"What? Who's Rika?" Karuizawa asked.
"Morofuji Rika is in our class! She wears glasses and does her hair into a bun!" Manabe explained.
"I don't know her. I think you got the wrong girl." Karuizawa replied.
"Oh is that so? She told us that a girl with a ponytail bullied her!" Manabe stated. "According to her details, she was waiting in line at a cafe when someone shoved her aside to butt in!" Nanami added.
"Yeah? Well it wasn't me." Karuizawa replied as, "You don't remember? If it was you, we'd like to request an apology!" said Saki.
Ayanokouji can see that the confrontation is heating up especially when Manabe took her handphone out to take a picture but Karuizawa knocked it off. And then, the girls argued some more as Manabe picked up her undamaged handphone ready to take a picture of her when Karuizawa panicked in fear and tried to shield her face as the Class C girls got ready when, "Hey what's with all those noises?" Machida and his peers just showed and they noticed the scene. "What are you doing with her? If I were you, stop picking on her for no reason. You're even making her upset!"
"S-Stay out of this Machida-kun!" Manabe ordered. "Yeah! This has nothing to do with you and your classmates!" said Saki. "Do I need to call a teacher regarding your actions?" Machida asked as Morishige and Takomoto glared at the 3 girls. This infuriated Manabe a bit but, "Ugh...let's go." She told her friends as they left even passing by Ayanokouji as, "You think we need to ask Rika again?" Nanami asked. "A picture would be a lot faster but getting interference from others will delay us! This would have been settled easily if Karuizawa admitted it. But I feel like we have to take matters into our own hand!" Saki replied.
"Omoshiroi..." Ayanokouji thought as back to them, "Arigato Machida-kun."
"No problem." He replied as Karuizawa smiled brightly at him leaving him a bit flustered. "Damn she's hot! Class D definitely has some hot girls I'm telling you!" Takomoto whispered. "I know right? But this bullying we just witnessed pisses me off. I mean, I went through hell in my middle school back then where too much school bullying is all over the place! Though I'm not a victim but I have to survive with whatever I got to graduate and escape from this hellhole!" Morishige whispered back. "Damn you have my respect bro." Takomoto whispered and they fist bump each other.
That night...
(Special Test. Second Discussion)
Class A did sit this one out and the rest are in a deadlock. "I agree about the necessity of our discussion. We really need to learn the identity of the VIP." Yukimura spoke first. "But do you really think that talking is gonna bring that to bear? This test is way too hard." Karuizawa replied dryly while texting on her handphone.
"I'd say it depends on our approach." said Honami. "We could think of both this and the island tests as essentially a surprise for the students." She then suggested that everyone here can chat with each other about the cruise ship life and use their handphones if they wish to. Eavesdropping the conversation, "Feel free to enjoy yourselves but I refuse to trust you. The VIP could be in your class who knows?" Machida spoke to Honami. "Can you trust your own comrades Machida-kun?" She asked surprising him a bit. "Well of course!" He replied calmly as Ayanokouji looked around. Karuizawa is still using her handphone and Ibuki is looking at him but swiftly looked away. "Kiyotaka?"
"Ah yes Honami?"
"Do you believe that our group can achieve Case 1?" She asked and unexpectedly, she switched seats with Sotomura to chat with him.
"Depends on the level of cooperation." He replied. "So far, Class A is sitting this one out. They might be waiting to strike when the iron is hot. Hot enough to take Case 3 who knows?"
"So smart of you! You are something indeed for I also expect something like this to happen..." Honami exclaimed. "By the way, you wanna join me for breakfast tomorrow?"
"That can be arranged." He replied and already, Yukimura went to bond with Sotomura, Hamaguchi and Beppu as nothing related to the special test is discussed between the members of the Mars group throughout their time.
(Special Test. Second Discussion Ends)
Later on in a room, Karuizawa is in the midst of a hot shower. Huddling to herself, she felt stressed and anxious as she slowly slumped down onto the shower floor still huddled. "No...No..." She spoke to herself quietly as her mind recalled many horrible memories.
"I hate you stupid bitch!" And a scene shows her getting punches and kicks from many wicked girls
"Lick the stain off my shoe you good-for-nothing bitch!" Another scene reveals her licking mud off some girl's shoe with her tongue while other girls laughed and recorded the scene
"Pest Party!" Another scene unveils the same group of wicked girls entering the classroom and throwing dead rats, lizards and cockroaches at her as she screamed in horror while others laughed at her
There were too many in her mind as she slowly cried to herself in pain and trauma. What has gotten into her...
Class D could use a celebration. So the pool scene in the anime becomes a pool party in my story with new scenes and interactions. Yeah they won the Deserted Island Special Exam and it was unexpected but worth it.
Now we have the Cruise Ship Special Exam with VIPs and a ton of private points. Ever notice that in the anime, there are errors regarding student identity like Hamaguchi and Beppu from Class B and Nanami and Saki from Class C. It's like they're swapped out compared to the Light Novels and stuff. And I added intros for fun and for the group to know each other. Just remember some parts of it are canon and others are in my opinion.
Meanwhile, Kei is in a difficult situation regarding her past trauma. How will things go regarding her? And I never thought that this chapter would be so damn long! Oh well, this kind of work is still worth it!
Private Points List
Class 1-A
1. Arisu Sakayanagi-361,637
2. Kohei Katsuragi-391,955
3. Yahiko Totsuka-351,815
4. Masumi Kamuro-351,220
5. Masayoshi Hashimoto-346,554
6. Hayato Kito-368,587
7. Takuro Morishige-367,620
8. Koji Machida-379,943
9. Shigeru Takomoto-369,815
10. Miki Yamamura-353,325
Class 1-B
1. Honami Ichinose-2,584,790
2. Ryuji Kanzaki-180,280
3. Chihiro Shiranami-177,485
4. Yume Kobashi-135,966
5. Mako Amikura-185,841
6. Sou Shibata-188,026
7. Tetsuya Hamaguchi-218,852
8. Ryouta Beppu-207,849
9. Sayo Andou-168,907
Class 1-C
1. Kakeru Ryuuen-122,299
2. Mio Ibuki-109,261
3. Albert Yamada-80,146
4. Daichi Ishizaki-70,142
5. Kyogo Komiya-104,492
6. Reo Kondou-111,063
7. Satoru Kaneda-120,595
8. Shiho Manabe-92,476
9. Nanami Yabu-107,089
10. Saki Yamashita-113,629
Class 1-D
1. Soshi Miyamoto-14,637
2. Satsuki Shinohara-18,280
3. Kokoro Inogashira-23,651
4. Nene Mori-20,969
5. Teruhiko Yukimura-55,221
6. Yosuke Hirata-18,115
7. Kei Karuizawa-10,734
8. Kayano Onodera-31,285
9. Kikyou Kushida-52,913
10. Ryotarou Hondou-15,391
11. Hideo Sotomura-10,627
12. Chiaki Matsushita-16,654
13. Rokusuke Kouenji-10,152
14. Haruka Hasabe-56,603
15. Haruki Yamauchi-15,173
16. Akito Miyake-44,164
17. Wang Mei Yu-14,811
18. Kyousuke Okitani-15,429
19. Maya Satou-16,087
20. Kanji Ike-18,189
21. Kiyotaka Ayanokouji-65,012
22. Suzune Horikita-103,285
23. Wataru Ijuin-40,494
24. Airi Sakura-21,066
25. Ken Sudou-15,981
Class Points
A-1124
B-853
C-442
D-395
So now that this special exam has started, I got some interesting and sepcialized plans regarding it and the results which will be revealed in a few chapters. For now, I got the next one to work on. See ya!