Season 2 Episode 2
Class D Boys' Lounge...
The same night they ended the 2nd discussion, Ayanokouji, Sotomura and Yukimura are seated together while Yousuke is talking to Kouenji who's in his speedos and doing rigorous body stretches. "Because I am occupied in the pursuit of a perfect body."
"Unavoidable I suppose. Don't overdo yourself." Yousuke advised him as behind, Ike, Sudou and Yamauchi looked around and left to check out the pool. Joining with the 3 boys from the Mars group, "Shall we pool what we know so far?" Yousuke asked them and revealed this. "Here's the truth. Someone from our class contacted me saying that they're a VIP."
"Really? Who was it?" Yukimura asked as Yousuke took out his handphone, did a bit of keying and, "Here."
The VIP is Kushida Kikyou
"I see..." Ayanokouji exclaimed. "If the VIPs are evenly distributed, there should be one more VIP from our Class. In summary, each class will have 2 students to be VIPs and thus we have 8 groups." said Yukimura. "Keeping up with this test nonsense for 2 days more is such a nuisance." Kouenji spoke to them by surprise as he took his handphone out and pressed something. "A simple quiz to call out a liar."
That's when everyone's phone buzzed and it revealed a shocking message.
"The Jupiter Group's Test has concluded?" Sotomura read. "So that means they're no longer to participate furthermore?!"
"What the...did you do this Kouenji?!" Yukimura asked as the boys looked at him. "More like, what did he do to end his group's test participation?!" Sotomura asked with exact accuracy. "Ha! Ha! Ha! Adieu! I'm off to work up a sweat! Good luck on your participation!" Kouenji then left the lounge. "Kouenji is certainly decisive at least. I wonder...has he figured out the pattern already?" Ayanokouji wondered in thought.
It now cuts to his room as Ayanokouji exchanged messages with Horikita via his phone regarding Kouenji. And then, "She wants to see me huh?"
And so...
"I swear the next time I see Kouenji-kun, I'll tear him apart limb by limb and crush his 'perfect' skull myself!" Horikita vented out to Ayanokouji but not with too much anger. "That's way overboard and it would be pointless." Ayanokouji replied and advised her. "You should ignore the outside distractions and focus on your own group."
"Thanks. I'm not going to lose this." Horikita thanked him while calming herself down. "That's good. Besides, I believe Kouenji has figured out the pattern." Ayanokouji revealed. "Is that why he took care of the exam himself?" Horikita asked. "Not why. How." Ayanokouji replied as he looked down for a view. There are 5 cute girls in their swimsuits enjoying a night swim.
It might be hard for Class D to win in all the groups. Maybe someone with lots of connections among the students could do it. But I have none
"I want information on Karuizawa." He requested.
"What? Where did that come from?" She asked.
"I can figure things out with Yukimura and the Professor, but I don't know where to start with Karuizawa." He explained.
"Are you thinking that she's the VIP?" She asked.
"For now, this might be the assumption. Something about how she's acting just doesn't seem natural." He replied.
"There's never any logic behind her actions. Thinking about it is a waste of time." She stated.
"Horikita. People first learn about others based on their appearance. "Impressive", "Attractive" or neither of those things. It's what we think of as first impression." Ayanokouji explained leaving her surprised while sternly looking at him. "Next, they infer personality based on behaviour. "Gregarious", "Belligerent", "Passive". But as with appearance, this is all merely superficial. I put up a similar false front."
"And you believe Karuizawa-san is the same way?" Horikita asked now not being stern. "Just as you are Horikita. Like the time when I first met your older brother." Ayanokouji replied as she recalled his moves and the sparring between him and Manabu. "Karuizawa-san's first impression is that of someone self-centred and uncooperative. Yes, she has a uniquely powerful sense of presence, relative to Class D." Ayanokouji continued on. "That's very true. She may hold the key to taking the initiative." Horikita stated. "But yet, she shows no sign of wanting to do that during this special test. Nor of her usual overbearing attitude." Ayanokouji explained. "I think I see what you're getting at." Horikita spoke with understanding. "But what do you plan to do? Bring Karuizawa-san into the fold?"
"I don't know just yet." He replied and also had this thought. "Class D will need unity to go forward. If Karuizawa is the key figure in that for the girls..."
"Yo Suzune." Both looked behind to see Ryuuen and Albert. "Out for a date? Here, of all places?" Ryuuen teased. "Why not let me join in?" He requested as they walked to Horikita and Ryuuen felt her hair for the first time. "So have you come up a way to sniff out the VIP yet?"
That's when she slapped his hand off as he let go of her hair from that. "I'd never tell you either way you jerk and I'm not out for a date."
"Aw, I was hoping to ask your opinion..." Ryuuen replied. "But it sounds like you haven't narrow down the suspects at all."
"What interesting phrasing." Horikita exclaimed. "I'm on track in finding the VIP. Would you believe me if I said that?" Ryuuen asked. "You got enemies on all sides." She replied. "I would doubt your ability to acquire reliable information."
"One's personal standing is unrelated to one's ability to acquire information." Ryuuen stated. "The boss is right." said Albert as both of them went to the bar that's just beside them. "I'm going to grab this test by the root." Ryuuen declared and made a prediction. "Class C may even seize itself a sweeping victory."
"Masaka..." Horikita finds it hard to believe but, "No...he actually might. The school tends to build its tests on some sort of consistency or underlying logic. Once you grasp that, you can guarantee an excellent result. He's just realized that already." Ayanokouji believed that Ryuuen's class may seize the victory as, "Once I know who in my class are VIPs, I can extrapolate that to the test at large." Ryuuen declared confidently.
"You really think that they'll relay the information to you?" Horikita asked. "Perhaps rather than revealing themselves to a tyrant like you, they'll seek to claim the 500,000 private points for themselves."
"I just need a situation that removes lies from the equation." Ryuuen replied as Horikita remained unfazed. "You see, I got the entire class to hand over their handphones to me." This shocked her as, "Now I just need to check their emails."
"Have you gone mad?" Horikita asked. "If this gets out, you'll be-"
"I know what you're gonna say but it won't be exposed and it won't even become an issue." Ryuuen spoke with assurance as he tapped onto the bar counter. Albert made his move as he went inside the bar and opened a bottle of carbonated water for his boss. Taking the bottle from him, "Well? Want a drink?" Ryuuen asked.
"No thanks." Horikita replied.
"Don't mind if I do." Ayanokouji replied surprising her as, "Ha! Your hanger-on appears to be at least sociable." Ryuuen described as Albert prepared another bottle. "Albert you can help yourself also."
"Thanks boss." Now 3 guys have bottled drinks as they had a toast and drank together. As Ryuuen stopped halfway, "I'm currently entering the endgame so Suzune, I have a proposal." He approached Horikita and whispered. "What if our classes and Class B pool information on all our VIPs? We'll identify the test's underlying logic and unite to crush Class A. What do you say?"
"That is one ridiculous proposal. You're wasting your breath on this one." Horikita refused as, "I thought it was a rather good offer myself since we're in the same group..." Ryuuen replied as he and Albert decided to take their leave. "Catch you later Suzune and also, the proposal is still open so feel free when you change your mind. After all, we still have 2 days left." Ryuuen called out as they went to the lower deck with Ayanokouji watching them.
Meanwhile...
I'm back to the way I was then. I don't need friends, social life. All I need is to protect myself and it's all that matters. And what I need for that is the willingness to do anything. I'm a parasite. I can't live on my own
The scene shows a nude Karuizawa looking at herself in the mirror after her hot shower as she swallowed hard a bit and vomited in the sink.
And back to them...
Ayanokouji is stargazing when, "How long are you just going to sit there? I'd prefer that we not be mistaken for a couple." Horikita told him while reading her book.
"You're the one who called me to-"
"I know. And the discussion is finished." Horikita finalized as, "Before I leave, I overheard Ryuuen say you're in the same group as him?" Ayanokouji asked. She said nothing for a moment. Then, "Ryuuen is indeed in my group. A few more prominent members are also there like Katsuragi-kun and Kanzaki-kun."
"Then I'll just take my leave. Goodnight Horikita."
"Yes. Goodnight Ayanokouji-kun." She continued as he walked down one level. There are a few couples hanging out as he decided to walk by the hallway on the side of the cruise ship. As he continued walking, "Huh?" He saw Kikyou alone all by herself. Knowing what's gonna happen next, he hid in the shadows as she wore her other mask and vented out her rage even kicking the railing until he heard something that intrigued him.
"I hate you Ichinose-san...I HATE YOU SO MUCH! You think you're better than me? Just because your ranked the most beautiful girl in our school and have the largest bust size? I hate your guts! I swear I'll destroy your life! I'll even use Ayanokouji-kun to do so if ever I have the chance! STUPID PINK-HAIRED BITCH! I WISH YOU'RE DEAD! I WISH I CAN KILL YOU MYSELF! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU!"
After that, he heard nothing. So with that, he emerged from the shadows as Kikyou who's now wearing her other mask noticed him now. "Oh? Ayanokouji-kun? Are you all by yourself?"
"Uh...yes?"
"So am I!"
"Eh...well I'm just passing by to head to my room. Goodnight."
"Alright then! Goodnight!" Ayanokouji walked past her as she watched. And then, "WAIT!" He stopped and Kikyou clung onto him with an embrace from behind. "Kushida?"
"Gome...it's just on this deck, there are so many couples...I just feel...lonely...single..." She then suddenly let go. "Sorry again for jumping on you! You know what, goodnight!" Kikyou ran off as, "What a surprise. But it seems I have much to do to protect Honami..." Ayanokouji spoke to himself as he walked on.
Several minutes later, Ayanokouji is inside and nearing his room when, "So I want you to protect me! Please!" He then saw Karuizawa conversing with Yousuke. "Yes I read your email. But it's not like you to want to solve your problem with violence."
"But your girlfriend's in trouble here!" She exclaimed. "You should want to help her, shouldn't you?! They just not letting up and I don't know what they'll try next."
"Let's think it over again." Yousuke suggested calmly. "We just need to find a way to patch things up with them. I know for sure, they'll listen."
"It's not possible. They just hate me for no reason! They won't care! They'll just ruin me!" Karuizawa protested.
"You picked a fight with Rika in Class C first right?" He asked not knowing that Ayanokouji is eavesdropping everything. "No...I...I just bumped into her." She replied. "You'll protect me won't you Hirata-kun?"
"I will. That's why I'm helping you because you're one of my precious classmates." Yousuke assured to her as she smiled with relief. "But if I am to help you, I cannot physically hurt anyone to do that." That part made her smile fade away. "Liar...LIAR! YOU SAID YOU'LL PROTECT ME!" That surprised Ayanokouji as, "You know, I think I've been consistent this whole time. We're really not dating officially." Yousuke stated firmly.
"Nani?" Ayanokouji was more suprised than ever as Yousuke continued on. "I don't mind pretending like we're dating but I can't take your side exclusively. I told you that at the start didn't I?"
"How can you say that...why are you saying that now..." Karuizawa asked in fear of herself. "Because I think it's time for you to make a new decision." Yousuke replied. "You mean...you don't care about they'll do to me?" She asked still feeling fearful. "That's not what I'm saying." Yousuke replied and stated his assurance again. "I will help you. I know you might not like it but I have a plan. I can tell Manabe-san and the others that you want to apologize. I know for sure they'll listen to me and will not do anything to you. Trust me on this one."
"No...please! I don't trust them at all!" She begged in fear. "Then I'm afraid there's no way I can help you then. I offered you a solution that guarantees a peaceful resolve with no violence at all and yet...
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"I'm sorry if you still refuse and insist on your way."
"FINE THEN! FORGET YOU! IF YOU WON'T DO WHAT I ASK YOU, I DON'T NEED YOU!" In anger, Karuizawa threw her empty canned latte on the floor. "We're finished now...WE'RE FINISHED!" She then ran off crying along the way as Yousuke watched sadly. "We're already finished ever since the start of this conversation..." He spoke to himself still feeling sad for her when he felt the empty canned latte roll to him and touch his shoe. He bent down to pick it up when he saw him. "What the? Ayanokouji you almost scared me! How long have you been here?"
"From the start, more or less." Ayanokouji replied as, "I guess you heard everything. Am I right?" Yousuke asked. "Precisely but I also have a question for you." Ayanokouji requested and Yousuke is all ears. "Doesn't your conscience or judgement in your case perhaps feel compromised by that kind of thing?"
"Well for starters, you've already figured it out." Yousuke answered. "You and Karuizawa dated for 4 months and yet you remained as distant as ever. Even so, both of you don't even use each other's first names." Ayanokouji stated.
"Says the guy who calls Ichinose-san by her first name and even allowing her to call you by your first name despite the fact that both of you aren't dating." Yousuke brought up teasing him a bit which stunned him as he looked away still maintaining his poker face. "But still, you're right." This made Ayanokouji recall something with flashbacks on the first few months.
3 weeks after we arrived at school, the rumour got out that they're dating. It was then that Karuizawa's popularity skyrocketed to the charts even earning 3rd place in that list...
"Like a parasite...a parasitic plant..." Ayanokouji also recalled her behaviour when Manabe and her peers confronted her and when Machida and his peers came out, witnessed the scuffle and stopped it. "Or protecting herself perhaps?"
"Exactly! Hearing you say all this now gives me the goosebumps!" An impressed Yousuke exclaimed. "Horikita did help me a bit too." Ayanokouji added. "But why doesn't he just lie his way around it..." He thought in wonder as, "Let's leave it at that for now." Yousuke told him as he looked at the empty canned latte first and then, faced Ayanokouji.
"It's true that I agreed to play her boyfriend to protect her. She even asked me to save her." He began.
"Save her from what?" Ayanokouji asked. "From everything I suppose." Yousuke answered. "I don't think the way she acts now is the real her. I think she's just forcing herself to act tough."
"Is there a reason for this act?" Ayanokouji asked.
"Well...she didn't want anyone in our class and from the other classes to know but so far she opened it up to me and since you figured it out now, I'll tell you." Yousuke then revealed it. "It might not seem that way to look at her but throughout her 9 years of schooling so far, Karuizawa's been the victim of horrific bullying."
"Bullying..." Ayanokouji then thought of it. "I wonder, what were you both talking about before I made my appearance?"
"She wanted me to protect her from Manabe and her peers through methods involving violence. But I refused her methods." Yousuke explained.
"Apparently, those girls only asked an apology from her but in order to protect herself, Karuizawa acted tough making things more difficult for her." Ayanokouji stated and sighed. "It's no use. Karuizawa's gonna suffer by their hands and violence is now the only solution to their problems."
"How can you say that? There's got to be a way to resolve this!" Yousuke opposed. "Then why Hirata? Why would you go through great lengths to achieve a kind of peace where the harsh reality is extinct in your thought?" Ayanokouji asked. This made Yousuke a bit frightened as, "Or what if Karuizawa's bullied past reminded you of something in your past as well?"
That's when Yousuke grabbed his collar by force. "Shut up...please shut up..."
"That's exactly the behaviour I wanted to see. The one when our class had that arson attack back at the previous special test..." Ayanokouji thought while remaining unfazed as, "Why...Why do you have to make me do this to you..." Yousuke asked coldly.
"Because...I want to help you and likewise, Karuizawa..." Ayanokouji revealed surprising him as he let go. "I already knew Karuizawa's past. Now I want to know your past as well. That way, I can help you both." Ayanokouji stated as Yousuke remained speechless as the dark behaviour he displayed slowly disappeared.
Soon enough...
It now cuts to Yousuke's room as he told Ayanokouji his past. "I see...you once had a close friend and both of you were tight in elementary. But in middle school, you guys ended up in separate classes. While you're doing well on one hand, he's being tormented horribly on the other hand. And you feared helping him worrying that you might become a victim also from his class. And one day, your close friend attempted suicide and ended up brain dead instead. You didn't even at least try to stop him due to your own fears and worries." Ayanokouji has heard everything as Yousuke ended up crying to himself over it. "Even today...the regret is too great! I have to do whatever it takes to promote peace in this class..."
Ayanokouji let him be as he cried some more. He then calmed down as, "Hirata. The world doesn't revolve around you. You can't promote your peace to anyone. One day, you'll have enemies who would want to destroy you. Tell me, will you still try to appease them even if they bitterly despise you for no reason at all?"
"Well...yes! Because it is possible to change their behaviour!" Yousuke replied.
"On one hand, you are right. But on the other hand, you are wrong." Ayanokouji stated. "The most vile enemy you'll ever face will stop at nothing to either ruin or destroy your life. Thus, it's beyond redemption and the only way to put an end to this is to get tough and aggressive on your enemy so that he won't enter your life."
Yousuke listened on as, "In the world history around the 1930s, the British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain adopted the policy of appeasement in which he pacifies am enemy country by giving them what they want. It both succeeded and failed after the enemy country turned their backs on him and took the first step which will lead to World War 2. Thus, his policy officially ended."
"Why does it have to do with me?" Yousuke asked. "Hirata. You need to grow. You need to mature to lead the class. You can't promote peace all the time and please everyone. One day, there will be conflicts and confrontations that will be too serious to handle and none of your methods will ever work to pacify them." Ayanokouji stated as Yousuke felt darkened again. "You can't just be a pleaser all the time for the class."
"B-But...I don't want it to happen...again..." He replied trembling a bit still remembering the conflict back on the island and his past. Ayanokouji then placed his hand on your shoulder. "I can't guarantee much but tell me something, has your old friend ever thought of you before his attempted suicide?" He asked surprising him. "Who knows? He regrets not getting help from you on one hand but on the other hand, he might be happy that you won't suffer with him if you really did try to stand up for him. He might be brain-dead now but deep now, he's happy for you." Ayanokouji stated as Yousuke started to tearing up. "He may also understand your feelings in the past. Yes, you never got the chance to help him due to your fear and now, he can feel that you're trying to atone for it. The feeling has reached him and I can only say that he has released his forgiveness to you. And don't get me wrong, I might assume it but this is the most accurate assumption regarding your situation and past."
Yousuke never felt so moved as he cried to himself. Ayanokouji went to the bathroom to get him some tissue. Once he dried his tears. "Ayanokouji...thank you...for giving me the peace. Now what will we do regarding Karuizawa?"
"Leave it to me." He assured to him. "Understood, this really might involve some conflict so it's better if I leave it to you. Can you save her?" Yousuke requested. "I'll see what I can do. It may take some time and you should also patch things up with her." Ayanokouji suggested. "Agreed." Yousuke replied with smile as Ayanokouji thought this to himself.
I was able to remove most of the defect in him. All he has to do is remove the rest by himself. Time will tell...for I've solved one problem and now, I need to solve another which escalate quickly...
The next day...
It's afternoon and Ayanokouji is at the meeting room waiting for the next group discussion to start and while waiting, he's looking at the ocean view through the window when he heard the door open. Looking behind, it was Karuizawa who was surprised to see him here first. Both students ignored each other as Karuizawa just sat down and used her phone while Ayanokouji continued viewing the oceanic scenery.
"Say...are you the VIP? Since I don't think it's Yukimura-kun or...the other one." Karuizawa asked breaking the silence "No I'm not." Ayanokouji replied truthfully. "Oh? Ah whatever." She replied as she continued using her phone. "That was fast..." He thought as he asked her this. "You believe me?"
"Well you're not right?" She replied when the door opened as, "Hey you two! You're early!" Honami greeted them and Hamaguchi and Beppu are behind her. "Let's have a great talk!" Ayanokouji waved at them as Honami went to talk to him. "So...how are you doing so far?"
"Alright. I slept after having breakfast with you and woke up for lunch and the next discussion which will begin soon." Ayanokouji replied. "You sure had a long sleep. It's no longer your breakfast was heavy." Honami exclaimed. "Obviously. I took 4 sunny-side eggs, 4 sausages, 4 strips of bacon and 4 buttered toast." Ayanokouji added. "What did you do after breakfast?"
"Nothing much. We hung out at Mako-chan's room and played board games until lunch." Honami replied as they gazed at the ocean scenery together. "Beautiful isn't it?" She asked. "Yeah. Crystal clear and tranquil...a perfect place to go for a swim when you're at the beach." Ayanokouji replied. "Yeah...the beach..." It was at that moment that Honami had another fantasy as she appeared to be mesmerized in it.
In her fantasy, she and Ayanokouji are at the beach. Just the 2 of them and they're in their swimwear. Ayanokouji wore his swim trunks and she wore a sexy pink bikini with a purple outline. Both are relaxing under the shade while the sun beats down on the sand. Then, she stood up, took him by the hands and they waded into the ocean and there, they- "Honami...Honami?"
"FLICK!"
"Ittai..." Honami felt something flicked onto her forehead as, "You look like you're being mesmerized over something. Is everything alright?" Ayanokouji asked her and she realized it. "Uh...nothing! Absolutely nothing! Everything's perfectly fine!" She then went to sit with her classmates still feeling embarrassed as he shrugged his shoulders and continued viewing the ocean.
It didn't take long but the other members started to arrive. Ibuki arrived shortly followed by Yukimura and Sotomura, Manabe, Nanami and Saki as the girls chat among themselves and finally, Machida, Morishige and Takomoto as the 3 Class A students sat at their same spot. Noticing them and wanting to avoid Manabe and her peers, Karuizawa immediately went to sit with the 3 boys as, "Mind if I stick around with you guys?"
"Sure and don't worry, no matter what happens, we'll help you." Machida replied as Morishige and Takomoto nodded in agreement. She smiled at them as they talked with one another with Ayanokouji observing them.
(Special Test. Third Discussion)
"Okay...we're still sort of deadlocked because Class A abstains from the discussion so...who want to play card games?" Honami took out a deck of cards as Sotomura raised his hand first followed by Hamaguchi and Beppu. Seconds later, Ayanokouji and Yukimura joined in. So the 6 students spent some time on poker games and stuff. Plus, Ibuki is asleep.
Honami's doing her best but we're still in a deadlock. Just as Class A wants
Ayanokouji then observed on as Karuizawa chat with the Class A boys with Manabe and her peers glaring at her. Already, half an hour has passed so, "May I propose something new?"
"Ah? You have something in mind Kiyotaka?" Honami asked as, "May I borrow your deck?" He asked. So she lent him her deck as he shuffled it for a few seconds. He then placed the deck on the table and spread out the cards with the back seen only. "Pick 6 cards and after you, I'll pick my 6 cards."
"Looks like a new card game." Beppu thought as Honami picked 6 random cards and likewise, Ayanokouji. Once done, He shuffled the remaining cards and gave the deck back to Honami. "Now we lay out our 6 cards."
"Interesting. Do we guess the cards?" She asked.
"Something like that. You know what's the most powerful card in the deck?" He asked.
"The Ace is the most powerful followed the King, Queen, Jack and the rest of the numbers in descending order." She answered.
"Indisputably correct." He replied and stated this. "We guess the cards by flipping one over. If one of our cards is higher than the other, we win a point. The game is over if either of us win 3 points and above depending on the results."
"And what happens if I win?" Honami asked with a raised eyebrow. "I'll treat you to ice cream." Ayanokouji answered shocking the 4 boys from their classes. "Deal." She replied. "Of course if I win, you will not only treat me to ice cream but to feed me the dessert." He replied back leaving the 4 boys flabbergasted. Even the Class C girls appeared to have eavesdropped their bargain as they had stunned faces.
So with that, the game begins with Ayanokouji flipping his first card and it has a 7 spade. Honami flipped her first card and got a 10 diamond thus winning the first round.
Next, Ayanokouji flipped his second card and got a Joker heart. Honami flipped her second card but got a 3 club and lost to him. He also won the next round by flipping a card with a 6 diamond and she ended up with a 5 club.
Then, He turned the tides as he flipped his fourth card showing a 9 heart. She flipped her's but got an 8 spade instead. Now both of them are tied as the next round begins and Ayanokouji flipped his card and those on the table gasped. "Omoshiroi. I got a king. So, what will you do now?" He asked Honami as she looked at her last 2 cards. She looked unsure on which card to pick as Hamaguchi and Beppu trembled in anxiety.
And then, "I mustn't hesitate! I've got to risk it all and take that chance! The opportunity to turn the tide!" Honami then grabbed a card and flipped it.
"Impossible! She got an ace!" Sotomura exclaimed as Honami gasped at the result and cheered. "I won!" Ayanokouji on the other hand said nothing for a moment. Then, he clapped his hands calmly. "I must admit. You never hesitate to risk it all and make the most of your last gamble to flip the card. Consider it impressive."
"Thanks. So...about the bet...when will you do it?" She asked.
"I'll find a date and time to do that." He replied. "Perhaps after this special test."
"Fair enough. I can wait." She replied.
(Special Test. Third Discussion Ends)
That night...
(Special Test. Fourth Discussion)
While Class A remains silent as they used their phones and with Karuizawa sticking with them, "So...another round of card games?" Honami asked leading again while shuffling her deck when, "Minna. If I may, I would like to try something new tonight." Sotomura took action as he went underneath the table and brought out a briefcase. "When did you have that?" Yukimura asked. "Why did I arrive first before the discussion?" Sotomura asked back as he grinned to excitement. He then placed the briefcase on the table and opened it before the group. "4 plastic cups?" Hamaguchi noticed. "20 die?" Beppu also noticed and, "Liar's Dice." Ayanokouji exclaimed. "Absolutely! Who wants to play?" Sotomura asked as Hamaguchi and Beppu excitedly raised their hands. "This probability game intrigues me..." Yukimura thought as he raised his hand. "Perfect! Take a cup and 5 die and let's shake them!" Sotomura told the 3 boys as they did as told and shaking began.
"What do you think Kiyotaka?" Honami asked. "This game is both a test of probability and a gamble to know whether the player lies about their dice or not." He answered as the 4 boys placed their cups upside down on the table with the die inside. Even so, Class A looked up to watch the game and likewise, Class C. Only Karuizawa is uninterested.
"Now. The rules are simple. We guess a probability starting from the lowest number to the highest. We can look at our own die but we are not allowed to look at other's die, it's cheating!" Sotomura explained. "Here's an example. One starts off with 2 ones, the other then declared 3 twos. You can also do 4 fives followed by 4 sixes or 5 twos followed by 6 ones."
"Ah! Ascending order the numbers must be but you can keep it same like in the example and the dice number can be randomized." said Beppu. "Exactly! Now let's started shall we?" Sotomura peeked at his die. "2 ones."
Yukimura went next. "3 ones."
Hamaguchi made the next move. "3 fives."
Beppu is the last. "4 twos."
One can cut the tension with a knife when it comes to a game involving probability as Sotomura checked his die. "4 sixes."
"5 sixes." said Yukimura.
"6 fives." said Hamaguchi.
"Make it 8 fives!" said Beppu confidently. "What? You liar!" Yukimura exclaimed and since he declared that, all unveiled their die. "There was exactly 8 fives among the 20 die!" Ibuki pointed out as, "Those who claimed the person lied is out right?" Honami asked as Yukimura sighed and raised both hands as a sign of defeat. 3 players left as the game continues on.
Some time later, "I won!" Hamaguchi cheered as Ayanokouji hinted out something in his own point of view.
Yukimura and the Professor may have been eliminated early for claiming the wrong result. In fact, the results have unveiled one thing in my mind though for now it's an assumption...
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The VIP is from our class
(Special Test. Fourth Discussion Ends)
"It was nice talking to you Karuizawa. Me and my bros rarely talked with the other girls in our class like this." Machida spoke with her. "We'll be in touch soon."
"Okay!" Karuizawa felt secure as she picked up a call. While talking, Manabe and her peers eyed on her. As for Ibuki, she already left as Karuizawa ended the call and left the meeting room. Manabe and her friends left also as Ayanokouji watched them and, "Hey...doesn't it seem like those 3 are acting strangely?" Yukimura asked for he noticed it also. "Hmmm...during the Liar's Dice, I can't help but notice their facial expressions. Seems grim if you ask me." said Sotomura as he kept his stuff. "Think they're going to pick a fight?" Yukimura asked Ayanokouji. "Better follow them just in case." Ayanokouji suggested. "Agreed. We've got enough to worry about with discovering the VIP!" Yukimura supported this as they left the meeting room. "Sotomura. Get your phone ready and put it in video mode. Wait for my signal."
"A spy mission huh? Accept it I shall Ayanokouji-dono!" Sotomura accepted as he got to work.
It now cuts to the hallway of the cruise as the 3 boys walked silently trailing Manabe and her friends. It's clearly unknown where Karuizawa is going but that does not matter to the 3 Class C girls as they continued trailing her not knowing that they're being followed. A while later, the 3 boys heard something as Yukimura checked around a bit. He and Sotomura then looked at Ayanokouji as he closed his eyes.
It now cuts to some hallway for the cruise ship's storage rooms as, "Your sense of direction is astounding Ayanokouji-dono!"
"Lower your voice while whispering and begin." Ayanokouji ordered discreetly as Sotomura began recording as through his phone it shows Karuizawa surrounded by the girls.
"Why did you drag me in here?" Karuizawa asked.
"Don't play stupid. You really pushed Rika did you?" Manabe asked.
"Huh? Why would I do that? I told you before it wasn't me!" Karuizawa replied. "I also got stuff to do so can you get out of my way!"
"Well then, how about we try this one. We're gonna call Rika right now and if she says it's not you, we'll let you go." Saki stated. "This makes no sense at all! I'm gonna report to the school about you all!" Karuizawa warned them as, "So you want to snitch on us? We haven't hurt you at all, have we? Maybe we should tell the school that you shoved Rika as an act of bullying! And don't try to run!" Saki then pinned her by the shoulder onto the door with one hand. "Wait! I, uh, sort of remembered something...I, uh...I did bump into someone once..." Karuizawa spoke up as Saki pinned her shoulder harder. "You're so blatant. You remembered all along." A displeased Manabe exclaimed. "But whatever, now are you going to apologize to Rika or not?"
"Uh...it's not like that...well it was her fault in the first place. She's really clumsy..." Karuizawa spoke the wrong words apparently as, "You're really pissing me off..." Manabe has had it. "You see, I was gonna let you go if you agree to apologize to Rika."
"You were never going to let me go...even if I apologize..." Karuizawa mumbled and it offended them. "Shiho-chan. I don't think I can hold back anymore." Saki told her. "I really think we have to teach her a lesson."
"Right! Let's pick on her a 'little' bit. After all, we tried to play nice by asking only for her to apologize but in the end, she squandered her last chance so it's our turn t have our fun and there's no turning back for her!" Manabe and her peers then began their fun as from their hiding place, Yukimura was about to make his move but Ayanokouji stopped him. "Not yet."
"What do you mean? We have to help her!" He exclaimed as Ayanokouji continue to observe the bullying scene with Sotomura still recording it. Right now, Nanami is taking pictures while Saki and Manabe did the bullying as Karuizawa can only cry to herself as the girls laughed at her in their own fun and amusement.
"Huh...I think I've seen everything now..." Ayanokouji concluded to himself...
About time Sotomura gets some screen time in this story. He's one of my favourite characters in the anime and I plan to pair him with Yukimura, Hamaguchi and Beppu as a group of intellects.
The discussions were extended for some class bonding since Class A continues to abstain. Like the card games and the Liar's Dice which I added for some interesting fun. I also added new scenes like Kikyou's strong hatred for Honami and Yousuke bringing up his past to Ayanokouji. That part is something because in the LN, he did talk about it to him. Hope I got the stuff accurate in this chapter. Correct me if I'm wrong or lacking something.
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
In a recent glitch, all stats in every writer' account had a serious error that took a long while to be rectified leaving worry and concern. I even delayed the chapter temporarily should it not be rectified. But after more than a week, the stats are fixed and I wrapped things up. That is all and I'll see you guys again in the next update.