Season 2 Episode 3
"S-Stop it...p-please..." A helpless Karuizawa begged with tears as, "Ha? You think we'll let you go if you cry enough?" Manabe asked in amusement. "You're such a little coward Karuizawa! Always hiding behind any man!" Saki insulted. "Yeah it really pisses me off! You're even worse than Kushida-san even though we don't trust her for being too nice and easygoing!" said Nanami as the 3 Class C girls continued their bullying actions.
Behind their hiding place, "Ayanokouji! C'mon man we gotta do something!" Yukimura exclaimed. "Not yet." He replied still holding down his shoulder as Sotomura continued recording when, "Enough already!" Yukimura surprised him by breaking off his grip and, "Hey you three! What are you doing?"
This surprised them as they stopped immediately and turned around facing Yukimura. "What are we doing? We're just talking right?" Manabe replied with her friends agreeing with her. "It's none of your business so just butt out." said Nanami as the 3 girls left but right after, "Mark my words, we're going make you apologize to Rika even if we have to use force." Manabe vowed to the crying Karuizawa.
As the 3 girls took their leave, Ayanokouji and Sotomura came out of the hiding place as, "You okay?" Yukimura asked but, "L-Leave me alone..." Karuizawa replied still crying. "We're just worried about you!" He replied but, "SHUT UP! I DIDN'T ASK FOR YOUR HELP!" She shouted rudely and walked away shocking him. "What the hell is her problem?" He asked. "Beats me." said Sotomura as he kept his phone. "Perhaps I'll try it." Ayanokouji thought because after what he witnessed tonight, he has a plan.
The next day...
"Sotomura sent me the footage he recorded so far. I must say, he ended the video in time when Yukimura was unable to wait furthermore. Marvelous..." Ayanokouji thought as he checked his phone. "And it turns out that the Venus Group's test has concluded as well. Which means someone made a VIP accusation." He then kept his phone. "Class C really is the favourite. Ryuuen is trying to figure the principle behind VIP selections. Which means I should add to the pieces under my control while I can." He then took out his phone again and did some texting. Once done, "Now let's see what happens."
That's when a knock on the door occurred and he went to answer it. Opening the door, "Right on time Hirata."
"I see that you have a plan to save Karuizawa?" Yousuke asked. "Yeah. But the plan might involve-"
"I know Ayanokouji." He assured positively. "If it's the only way, then I can't argue against it. Sometimes, action is required right?"
"Well done." Ayanokouji thought and nodded at him as, "Here's what you need to text to Karuizawa." He began as Yousuke started the texting on his phone.
At the same time...
"Gosh. I really need to relaxation..." Manabe told her peers as they relaxed by the pool in their swimsuits. Manabe wore a cyan bikini, Nanami wore a grey monokini and Saki wore a one-piece orange swimsuit with frilled outlines. As they enjoyed their tan, Manabe's phone buzzed over a new message as she took her phone to read it. At that moment, a sly grin appeared on her face as, "Shiho-chan, why the sly grin?"
"Nanami-chan, Saki-chan. We just got tipped." Manabe revealed as they went to read the message. "Masaka! Someone from Class D wants to help us in our revenge against Karuizawa?" Nanami exclaimed. "Not only that, the message reveals a plan for us!" Saki pointed out. "Who sent it to you?"
"It's anonymous but it doesn't matter. What matters most is that we can finally have our revenge!" Manabe told her peers as they smiled craftily agreeing with her. "Oh and get Rika to join us. It's part of the plan also."
"Right on!" Nanami got her phone out as she texted Rika while the rest continued their tan.
Later on...
Somewhere in the bottom of the ship, Karuizawa had just arrived. "What the...there's no signal here...why would Hirata-kun message me to meet him at a place like this..."
"You'll find out soon enough..." A voice told her as Karuizawa looked back and gasped at the sight of Manabe and her peers. "H-How did...you..." She panicked as, "Now shall we begin?" Manabe asked with a smile. "The "Karuizawa begs for mercy" photoshoot!"
"Camera's in position!" Saki aimed her phone directly at her as she adjusted for a closer view. "Don't miss any great shots Saki-chan!" Manabe told her as, "Leave me alone, I didn't do anything wrong!" Karuizawa exclaimed. "Oh? Then why is your voice shaking?" Saki asked as she aimed her phone some more. "Ooh! Her legs are also shaking!"
"I think I got this vibe now...you've been bullied haven't you?" Manabe asked as Karuizawa's mind snapped over her horrible past as she started to breathe and panic heavily as the girls laughed at her even chanting for her to beg for mercy except for Rika and Saki as Karuizawa panicked again and tried to run away but Manabe grabbed her hair and threw her back to the spot. After that, she walked up to her and slapped her face hard. "Alright you take a shot Rika."
"I-I'd rather not..."
"We're doing this for you!" Manabe told her firmly. "Yeah! You can't be pushed around all the time from insolent people like her! You need to toughen up so that you won't look weak to others!" Nanami added as Manabe brought Rika to the front. Having no choice, she made the move but it was too soft. "Not like that...LIKE THIS!" Manabe stepped forward and slapped Karuizawa's face hard. "Now do it! And remember, it's for the sake of toughening you up!"
Still scared and hesitant, Rika had no choice but to give her the results as she slapped Karuizawa. She then did it again. And again. And again. And again and after several slaps, she started to grin and slap her face harder as the girls laughed in amusement.
While they're having their fun, Ayanokouji is watching all this from a hidden area.
As demonstrated by the Milgram Experiment, circumstances can enhance the a person's natural cruelty.
"Yes...Yes...Yes Rika! Now that's what I like to see!" Manabe praised her as, "Shiho-chan. I don't think we should let Rika have all the fun." Nanami told her. "Mm you're right. Let's get serious then!" She replied as the 2 girls joined the slapping with Saki taking some shots.
Well done Manabe. All I did was anonymously set the scene with a plan for her to follow via message and yet...getting her to rock bottom will save me time
Ayanokouji then observed and it appears the girls are finished with Karuizawa as they laughed at her for a couple of seconds and left afterwards.
Now that they're gone, Karuizawa was left all alone as she cried to herself as Ayanokouji approached her calmly. When she noticed him, she slowly got herself to stand up as, "H-How did you-"
"Once a bullied child, always a bullied child, it seems." He spoke up shocking her. "You were watching all of that?" She asked as she went to get her phone but, "Don't bother calling Hirata." He stated surprising her. "I know he's not really your boyfriend. And I know that you've been horribly bullied. I know it all." She gasped at what he said as he continued on. "With all this, I can expose you any time I like." In response, Karuizawa delivered a slap but he blocked it without even flinching by grabbing her wrist. He then pinned her onto the wall with his hand still grabbing onto her wrist. "To save yourself from ever being bullied again, you chose to hide your past and become a parasite that attaches to others. But in the end..."
"Wh-What do you want? My body?" She asked feeling scared as, "Now that you ask, I just might." He then let go and forcing her down to her knees. "Spread your legs." Karuizawa was shocked to hear those words and even noticed his eyes revealing a large ounce of darkness. As they stared at each other, she shed tears and huddled to herself. "I...I can't...no...I don't accept this. You're not bullying me. You're just blackmailing me into doing ridiculous things."
"You're not resisting then?" He asked sensing the fear in her.
"Do you know what people do when confronted by a reality they can't do anything about?" She asked back. "They stop resisting like for instance when they're being abused. That thought fills their mind, sterile and automatic. They don't scream, cry or fight back. They just accept it." That's when Ayanokouji bent down and got close to her. "What's the thing that's really hurting you?" He asked and she was speechless. "Such fear, to the point of even surrendering your body, is abnormal. I think there's something bigger that your hiding." He then grabbed her uniform carefully and pulled it up and saw it. A deep scar on her body. "No wonder she doesn't wear a bikini to the pool back then..." He thought and asked. "Is this it? Is this your darkness? Karuizawa...there exist many kinds of despair. And what you've experienced qualifies without question. Those with darkness in their hearts are naturally drawn together. And the stronger of the two will always engulf the weaker one."
"Wh-What are you...talking about?" She asked.
"The world contains darkness greater than what you know." Ayanokouji answered as he stood up and looked away while continuing to talk. "There's one thing I can promise you. Karuizawa, I will protect you from now on." That was an unexpected promise she heard as he took out his phone and worked on something, "In a far more reliable way than Hirata, Machida, Morishige or Takomoto could offer..." He then showed her a recording of the bullying from the Class C girls. "The next time they come after you, threaten them. Tell them you'll release this footage." He then kept his phone and gave her an offer. "Align yourself with me. For there is something I need your help with."
"Wh-What are you talking about?" She asked now showing less fear as, "Class D can't ascend in it's current form. But with you on control of the girls, we can acquire the unity we've been lacking." He explained. "Yes. It's a role that Horikita can't perform." He also thought as, "What in the world are you..." Karuizawa asked silently as, "Rest assure, I'll act in your interest and you'll act mine. That's the relationship you were after isn't it?" He then offered her hand as he helped her up. "Alright then. But what do you want me to do?"
"To begin with Karuizawa, I'd like to win this test. After all...
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"You're the VIP for the Mars Group."
She gasped upon hearing this and, "Now let's get you patched up before the final discussion for I have a plan to make use of your position." He stated and so with that, they left.
It now cuts to them walking by the hallway when, "Karuizawa!" Yousuke was waiting for them as they looked at each other. "Are you alright?" He asked but she refused to answer him. Still, "I'm sorry."
"Wh-What? Why are apologizing Hirata-kun?" She asked looking surprised as, "I told Ayanokouji everything about your past. And I feel that I wasn't strong enough to help you when you need it most." He explained. She looked at him for a moment. "I wasn't strong enough also. I clung to you like a parasite that can't do anything on it's own..."
"Yeah...we also both need time to heal and to muster up the courage to overcome our defects." Yousuke stated as Ayanokouji nodded at him. "Should we tell our class the truth?"
"No. To keep our class united, Karuizawa's the key to this. Though both of you ended your fake relationship, it's best not to tell them. For now, just stay together and just remain friends." Ayanokouji advised him. "Come, let's tend to her and after that, leave us to discuss something."
"No problem. And thanks for helping us both Ayanokouji." Yousuke thanked him again as the 3 students made their way to Karuizawa's room.
(Special Test. Final Discussion)
Some time before that, Ayanokouji arrived to see Honami sleeping on the couch. "She beat me first huh?" He thought as he sat on the couch across her and waited. He then noticed her phone and it beeped. She then woke up and, "K-Kiyotaka...how long were you here?"
"A minute ago." He replied. "Oh...I apologize for hogging the couch. Now that you're here, would you like to talk a bit before the final discussion?" He nodded and she moved a little close to him. "There's something I've been dying to ask you."
"Ask me?" He asked.
"Yeah! You really want to reach for Class A right?" She asked.
"Uh...I suppose..." He replied.
"I bet you do! I have a dream to graduate as part of Class A." Honami stated. "But since we're in different classes, I guess only one of us can make our dream come true."
"I suppose...though there is one exceptional means..." Ayanokouji stated. "Saving up to 20 million private points right?" Honami guessed right. "Yes. It's one way to transfer yourself to another class in which it's Class A for our case. Although apparently, no one's ever done it before for it is such a tremendous amount. Relate to yen, it equals an expensive price to buy a mansion or something." Ayanokouji stated. "You're so funny Kiyotaka!" Honam chuckled. "Anyway, that time when I helped you regarding Sudou-kun's case, you did see my private points right?"
"Sorry. Didn't mean to pry." He replied looking away and she laughed a bit. "Relax, I'm not accusing you but I can't tell you anymore."
"Good. Won't have to worry about prying in." His reply made her laugh again. "Does Honami find me humourous even though-"
"CLICK!"
"Ha? Ayanokouji? You're here already?" Yukimura asked for he, Sotomura, Hamaguchi and Beppu have just arrived. "And all alone with Ichinose-dono?" Sotomura asked as he acted like a professor inspecting both students. "Have we intruded upon a secret tryst?"
"Uh...no! Not at all!" Honami replied as, "The girls weren't kidding when they told us about Ichinose hanging out with Ayanokouji." Hamaguchi whispered to Beppu. "Yeah! From the beginning of the cruise to now, there were several moments that they were hanging out together." Beppu whispered back.
Oh well, some time had passed and everyone is gathered as Honami began the final discussion. "It's time to get started. Now Hamaguchi-kun here has a proposal to make. Please hear him out."
Standing up from his seat, "We're aiming for a victory in which we all unite to guess the VIP's identity right?
"Where's this coming from?" Ibuki asked. "Indeed. This is the very motive for our discussions." said Sotomura.
"We're not going to reach a conclusion in the remaining time that way." Hamaguchi continued on. "So I think we're gonna have to buckle down and try a different method."
"A different method? What have you planned for that?" Yukimura asked as at the couch, Karuizawa, Machida, Morishige and Takomoto are listening intently. "Simple. We'll show each other our handphones!" Hamaguchi revealed his method and he already took out his phone. "It's impossible to falsify the email from the school telling us if we're the VIP or not. We can see at a glance who the VIP is."
"Ha! Ha! Ridiculous! By doing this, whoever outs the VIP first will get all the reward." An amused Machida exclaimed. "If there's even one traitor, it's over."
"I'm well aware of that. But playing it safe won't get us anywhere either." Hamaguchi stated. "So you're talking about wanting to make a gamble?" Ibuki asked. "Yes. The VIP themselves and those trying to protect them will be reticent to show their phones. That should let us narrow it down at least." Hamaguchi explained with the students looking concerned. "And you think we'll all going to take such a high risk plan?" Machida asked cynically. "And you seemed awfully upset about it Machida-kun." Honami spoke up surprising him. "If it ends in a deadlock with nobody getting class points, that's a net positive for Class A." Machida was instantly cornered by her words as she continued on. "Conversely, the rest of us have a reason to want to take this risk."
Honami is behind this. She's using Hamaguchi to get her plan out there. Perhaps she too knows the differences between the cases. Admirable.
Ayanokouji then looked at Hamaguchi as he continued on. "No one has to show their phone who doesn't want to. Since I came up with this idea, I'll show mine." He then placed his phone on the table revealing his message that he was not chosen to be the VIP. Beppu did the same thing as the message is the same as his classmate.
"Very well. I'll show you my phone." Ayanokouji announced as he took it out surprising his peers. "Are you sure Kiyotaka?" Honami asked when he showed her his message. "So you're not the VIP either..."
"Then I'll also show you mine as well." Ibuki took out her phone and displayed her message. "Are you nuts Ibuki-san?" Manabe asked. "If we let it end like this, the VIP is the only one that benefits." She explained to her classmates. "Or are you the VIP? Hamaguchi-kun did mention that those would be reticent to show their phones."
Manabe cringed when, "Here's mine. After all, I wanted the private points." Karuizawa had already made her move so, "Fine! I'll participate." Manabe has done it and "A wise man once said, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!" Sotomura too made the move and it's enough for Nanami and Saki to do the same. This made Class A tempted and anxious as Honami too made the move. "Putting Class A aside, only one person has to-" All of them then looked at Yukimura who's felt guilty so he revealed his phone to everyone. "Sorry Ayanokouji. I'm the VIP..." All were speechless at this but Ayanokouji has another thought.
An excellent performance. Our victory is now assured
With Yukimura revealed to be the VIP, Hamaguchi requested everyone to complete the test together as many agreed with the VIP even choosing faith for it. Class A just nodded at each other with a smirk as Machida worked on some calculations.
Abstaining from the discussions paid off. With the VIP revealed, we can make the first move and secure ourselves the class points. Still, we must keep our guard up, the classmates of the VIP and the VIP himself might hide a trick to deceive us regarding the identity.
But at the same time, Ayanokouji is observing them.
It's not going to happen. I know what you're planning but instead, the trap will be sprung for you. Yukimura isn't the VIP. Instead, I told him I was the VIP for I had Karuizawa text a duplicate message of her VIP message and send it to me thus marking myself as the VIP. With that, me and Yukimura traded phones. Honami's actions were unexpected but still, everything's all going according to my plan.
All of a sudden, the phone's ringtone rang surprising everyone as, "How odd. That's Kiyotaka's handphone wasn't it Yukimura-kun?" Honami asked surprising him and Ayanokouji. "I did call his number for I don't know your number. And because of that, Kiyotaka is actually the VIP!"
"What? Ayanokouji-dono is the VIP?" A shocked Sotomura asked. "For real? What is going on?" Ibuki asked. "Ha! Just as I calculated! With extra precaution!" Machida spoke to himself in satisfaction as, "Wait a minute Class D! What were you guys planning from the start?!" A furious Manabe asked. "Yeah! Were you guys laying a trap for us all through those lies?!" Saki asked as Sotomura tried to defend his class but Ayanokouji stopped him with a hand signal. This made him silent as he sat down with his hands and phone under the table when the announcement was made that the final discussion is over.
"Ha! What a bunch of filthy cheaters Class D are and let's hope nobody breaks your 'trust'." Machida insulted as he and his peers left first.
"Ha! I guess we'll see whether your 'faith' in us is worth." Manabe stated as she and her friends left next. Class B said nothing about it and Ibuki just stared at Ayanokouji and he noticed it giving her a thumbs up surprising her. "This is the worst possible case!" Yukimura exclaimed with guilt and regret as he left the meeting room.
(Special Test Final Discussion Ends)
Later on...
Karuizawa is waiting outside at the lobby as she did some texting on her phone when Ayanokouji came out. "Guess it didn't go as planned huh?"
"Yeah. However, the trading of our handphones including Yukimura's wasn't my real plan." Ayanokouji revealed shocking her. "Then...what was your 'real' plan?" She asked when, "He was aiming for Case 1."
"Ichinose-san?" Karuizawa asked as, "After a lie is exposed, people will perceive any subsequent answer as the truth." Honami stated. "Is that why you called me through my phone? Were you guys planning the same thing as Class D?" Ayanokouji asked. "Hee! Hee! You got me on this one! But I also take it that my trigger was your way to execute your real plan?" Honami asked. "Yes. By now, Class A and C are being tested." He replied. "Once you pulled the trigger, the guns were loaded and fired. In a more proper explanation, messages were sent to them."
"Yeah. I was doing that before he came out." said Karuizawa. "And I saw Sotomura-kun do something under the table during the discussion. I must say, everything really goes according to your plan!" Honami complimented him. "Yes. Both of them have loaded the ammo and had fired them according to my plan. You do remember what I said on the first discussion right?" Ayanokouji brought up and she just grinned. "Only to get more private points right?" That's when their phones beeped as all 3 went to check it when, "No way..." Karuizawa exclaimed with a shocked face.
It now cuts to her, Ayanokouji, Horikita, Sudou and Yousuke looking at the results in their phones.
Class A: Minus 150 CP
Class B: No Change
Class C: Plus 100 CP
Class D: Plus 50 CP
Mercury: Case 4
Venus: Case 3
Earth: Case 1
Mars: Case 1
Jupiter: Case 2
Saturn: Case 3
Uranus: Case 2
Neptune: Case 3
"What just happened?" Horikita asked.
"Class C won..." Karuizawa exclaimed.
"And Class A totally whiffed it! Never thought they could lose a lot class points..." said Sudou.
"How is this possible for them?" Yousuke asked.
"Ryuuen's prediction did break through the exam..." Ayanokouji thought.
"It's what we were after. But-" Horikita was then interrupted by, "I like that look on your face Suzune." Ryuuen then appeared with Albert as they faced the students. "As you can see through the final results of the special test, I knew exactly who the VIP was." Ryuuen began as they remained silent. And then, "You know well that our group went along with the first result. Though I never agreed to your proposal before, the majority voted in favour. Even so, we didn't have a traitor in our group!" Horikita stood up telling him this. "If you'd known who it was, you would have betrayed us!"
"Kushida Kikyou. Wasn't it?" Ryuuen whispered it to her with Ayanokouj listening to their conversation discreetly. "I realized on the second day that she's the VIP in our group so I made a deal with her to help my class out."
"How..." Horikita asked still angered by the results and Ryuuen as, "It was all too obvious and your transparency is so damn low." He really made her frustrated as, "That expression of yours is so sexy. You'll be my next target and soon enough, I'll tear you apart. Body, mind and soul. Well, gotta go and celebrate my class victory, looking forward to the second term with great anticipation, Suzune." He and Albert then took their leave with the students watching them.
Class D might be in a difficult position soon. Kushida's recent move is serious. By dealing with Ryuuen, she was able to secure him the class victory. Truly a traitor she is. A demon wearing the mask of an angel.
Ayanokouji can already predict that as Horikita sat down still frustrated when, "WHAT THE HELL!?" Sudou was first to see it. Yousuke then noticed it. "Ayanokouji, Karuizawa, both of you were in the Mars group right?"
"Yeah. What about it?" Ayanokouji asked when Horikita noticed it. "Masaka...how did your group get Case 1? You figured out the pattern also?"
"Well...I witnessed the pattern with my own eyes." He replied surprising them when he and Karuizawa received a message. "Ha? Ichinose-san wants us to gather with the other Mars Group members." Karuizawa read. "Might have to do with the test result." Ayanokouji thought as he nodded at her. "We gotta meet some people."
"Understood." Horikita let them go as the rest just continued drinking and discussing.
Meanwhile...
At the Cruise Ship Library, "This, is a great disappointment." A stern and serious Sakayanagi briefed her faction as Kamuro, Hashimoto, Kitou and Yamamura tensed a bit. " How can our class lose so much class points? What was Katsuragi-kun thinking or doing during the exam?"
"Uh...it's sort of complicated but all of Class A abstained from participating in the exam. That's his strategy." Hashimoto spoke up. "And look at the results. It only benefitted him and some others because they got a ton of private points. On the other hand, Class C had a massive gain overcoming their dreaded loss from the Deserted Island Special Test." Sakayanagi then calmed down as she moved a few chess pieces on the chessboard. "This will be the first and the last time we lose a lot of class points."
"Unless any of the classes beat us fairly and we lose a lot of class points which would never happen." said Kamuro. "On the other hand, Katsuragi's faction lost a massive amount of influence to the point that many have contacted us to join our cause." said Yamamura. "Agreed." said Kitou. "So true. None left him after the island exam despite the loss of influence but look at the bright side princess, control of this class has shifted greatly to you." Hashimoto added.
"Excellent reports." A satisfied Sakayanagi replied as, "Kitou-kun. Have you finished working on the list of students in the 8 groups?" He nodded and took out a folded paper and handed it to her. She unfolded the paper and checked the test results from her phone. After looking through them, "I've seen everything now." She thought with a confident smile.
At the same time...
The meeting room where the Mars Group have their discussions is where they'll meet up as Ayanokouji opened the door to see Yukimura, Sotomura, Honami, Hamaguchi, Beppu, Ibuki, Machida, Morishige and Takomoto. Manabe, Nanami and Saki are also there but they're looking away with guilt. Noticing them, "Good. All of Class D is gathered. Now we want answers. Which of you sent us this?" Machida showed everyone a message from his phone.
The VIP has been hanging out with you, Class A. Make your choice for your class was already doomed to lose Class Points and the special test from the start
"I don't think none of us have anything to do with this." Yukimura spoke first for his class. "The message is also anonymous." said Sotomura. "Don't play innocent! Ever since the final discussion in which you guys attempted to stab us behind our backs, what did you all do to force us into this!" Machida asked in anger when, "You're wasting your anger over something unimportant." Ibuki spoke up and stood up. "Besides, I have a more pressing matter to attend to regarding this." Ibuki then showed everyone her message.
The VIP has been harassed and bullied by your classmates during the exam.
"I see 2 videos below the message, was it part of it?" Hamaguchi asked as Ibuki set her sight on Manabe and her friends. "What did you do?"
"Eto..." Manabe was too scared to answer when, "I have a feeling it may escalate. Best to make it personal for Class C." Ayanokouji thought as he gave the students hand signals regarding Class C and the door. Knowing what it means, all quietly left the room when, "Matte. Karuizawa, I need you to stay." Ibuki ordered scaring her a bit but Ayanokouji nodded at her and she complied.
Outside, "What is going on with them?" Beppu asked. "Don't wanna know. But I feel like it might get ugly. I mean, Ibuki looks furious when she asked her classmates about the videos." said Morishige. "What were the videos anyway?" Takomoto asked. "Beats me." Beppu replied.
Back inside, "I ask again. What did you do?" Ibuki is starting to lose patience as, "Um...we...we sort of...uh...taught Karuizawa a lesson?" Manabe replied when suddenly, "Stand up." Ibuki ordered as she stood up and, "SMACK!"
Nanami and Saki gasped as Manabe fell onto the ground feeling the impact on her face as, "You took matters into your own hands without my approval?" Ibuki asked in anger as she slapped Nanami and Saki also. They fell to the ground as Ibuki grabbed Manabe and slapped her again. Karuizawa was shocked to see this as, "The room wasn't bugged all along..."
"As class representative, when you have problems regarding someone, always look for me to help you! Not take matters into your hands and do something that will get you guys caught! If that happens, our class points might get affected! Our standings will get affected and even Ryuuen does not take it lightly!" Ibuki stated as Manabe stood up but got slapped by Ibuki. Nanami and Saki were too frightened by her anger as she grabbed Manabe, pinned her onto the wall and slapped her. She then did it again. And again, and again, and again.
"STOP!"
All turned to see Karuizawa with her fists clenched and her eyes gazing at them. "This isn't their fault! If anyone's to be at fault, it's me!" These words shocked Manabe and her friends as a surprised Ibuki stared at her.
Outside...
"I still wonder how our class lost so many class points?" Morishige talked with Takomoto. And then, "Let me ask you all something. Have you ever noticed the differences between the 4 cases?" Ayanokouji spoke up drawing everyone's attention. "Uh...does it have to do with points?" Sotomura asked. "Yes. Case 1 and 2 only involves private points. Case 3 and 4 have private points and class points involved." Ayanokouji revealed surprising everyone except Honami as she glanced at Ayanokouji with a smile. "Like what Machida stated before, fairness for all. Katsuragi must have planned a defensive wall did he?"
"Wh-What?" Machida was shocked as, "By abstaining from the discussions, Class A was planning to go for Case 3 to betray their groups and take their class on a huge lead in class points and to protect their VIPs, they aim to mislead their groups to make them lose class points using Case 4. A defensive strategy to elevate your class points and shrink the other classes' class points." Ayanokouji cracked a nut on everything. "However, Ryuuen figured out the pattern right after the first discussion and used it to his class advantage thus winning the entire exam."
"Ryuuen? How did that tyrant managed to do that?!" Hamaguchi asked. "He made a deal with one of my classmates in his group to expose the VIPs thus playing the role of a traitor." Ayanokouji replied shocking everyone. Even Class A was too thunderstruck by this. "Who's the one that betrayed all the other groups? It's unforgiveable!" Takomoto asked feeling angered from what he heard. "If I tell you now, my life will be over. The traitor might even be eavesdropping our conversation." Ayanokouji revealed as, "For now we forget about this. I just hope that whatever's happening in the meeting room between Karuizawa and Class C, it should be smooth-sailing." Honami brought up as all set their sight on the door.
Back Inside...
"I can't believe Karuizawa told us of her horrific past and the reason for all the recent trouble. It's as worse as us getting the anonymous message revealing that the VIP is the one we've been harassing with the 2 videos exposing our actions." Nanami whispered to Saki. "I didn't expect her to suffer so much and yet she endured...did we make the wrong approach or did we go overboard all because of our anger regarding the incident with Rika?" Saki whispered back when, "I can see that you're telling me everything without denial. In that case, you better come clean with my classmates and fix the mess you created." Ibuki then left leaving the 4 girls in the room and the first thing Karuizawa did is offer her hand to Manabe helping her up. "Why...Why did you help us? After all that we did to you..."
"I'm sorry." Karuizawa began. "I'm sorry for everything. From bumping into Rika to denying this and causing you the trouble to...to...to get your revenge..." On the verge of tears she is as Manabe and her friends were shocked by her words. "We're sorry too!" Nanami and Saki apologized immediately. "We never knew your past was horrific and we felt bad for doing this." said Nanami. "We made you suffer so much from our actions! We were wrong in doing this!" Saki added as Manabe was speechless from all this...
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"Karuizawa..." All looked at her as she made the move. "I'll relay your apology to Rika. No need for you to personally meet her to apologize..."
"Thanks. You were right also. I could have admitted my mistake but all I did was toughen up out of fear and worry. I only cared about protecting myself...if I had admitted...none of this would have happened." Karuizawa stated and the girls can agree with her. "So...we're even right?"
"Yeah...sorry for the physical harassment from me and my friends." Manabe apologized last and offered her hand. The 2 girls then shook hands thus patching up everything. "So...I guess we're friends right?"
"Ha? Where did that come from?" A surprised Manabe asked but Nanami and Saki were elated as they gave Karuizawa a hug. "Oh whatever." Manabe then joined in. "I feel so much better now...arigato Ayanokouji-kun...for helping me..." Karuizawa thought with a peaceful smile.
Outside again...
Everyone is still waiting until the girls came out. "We made up." Manabe announced. "Good. There better not be anymore of this you got it? I will not report to Ryuuen also." Ibuki gave her classmates a warning and it's settled. "Okay you settled your problem. What about the one involving the entire group?" Machida asked as all looked at Class D. "How about this? The VIP has an additional 500,000 private points right?" Ayanokouji spoke up. "What if she splits it with you guys excluding Class D, will you all forget about the anonymous messages?"
Everyone was surprised by this as they looked at each other and discussed it. "Very well. We'll take it." Machida accepted as he got his phone ready. "Do you accept the deal to split the extra private points you have?" Ayanokouji asked Karuizawa. She nodded at him and got her phone ready. Even Yukimura and Sotomura did not protest against it. 10 transfers of 50,000 private points took place and Ibuki went first. After that, "Can I speak with you Ayanokouji? In private?"
"The corner over there will be private enough." He replied and they went over there to talk. "What was with the thumbs up from just now?" Ibuki asked. "You seemed to be more active in the last discussion. You also wanted to aim for Case 1 right?" He replied surprising her. "Well...uh...I guess?" She replied looking away. "This is why I gave you the good gesture. Remember, I trust you." He replied and she did remember those words. "And...what about those anonymous messages?"
"It's still unknown who sent them but that doesn't matter. What matters now is that our group has achieved Case 1 right?" Ayanokouji stated. Ibuki nodded in agreement and, "See you around." She then left as he rejoined the others as Karuizawa just finished the final transfer.
"You're not bad in striking this deal. Are you something else? Don't mind if I ask you that." Machida asked Ayanokouji when he saw him rejoin with them. "Nothing much. I just wanna live a normal life but I do give a few tips over certain issues." He replied. "Katsuragi's right. You are a sharp one. We'll keep in touch." Machida spoke with respect and he and his peers left first. "Karuizawa, you wanna hang out with us for tonight?" Manabe asked kindly. "Thanks but I need to get some rest. Another time?" She replied. "Sure. We can arrange." Manabe and her friends left as Ayanokouji watched them. "Manabe has done her part but it's not over yet. I have one more task for her to do for me when the time comes and once that's done, I'll set her free."
"So...wanna chill at the arcade?" Sotomura asked the remaining boys. "Count me in!" Beppu cheered. "Yeah! Game night is on!" Hamaguchi cheered also. "Fine then. A celebration for achieving the desired result." Yukimura spoke calmly as the 4 boys left.
Now it's only Ayanokouji and Honami as they looked at each other. "It seems they passed the tests right?" Honami spoke first. "Class A was tested on their trust and Class C was tested on their faith. Both classes passed and learnt something from their experiences." Ayanokouji stated. "You are something Kiyotaka. You have the heart to help me with this special exam despite doing it in the shadows. Even the others in our group and from other classes gained something from the experiences." Honami stated with a smile as Ayanokouji couldn't help it. Truly his heart and emotions are expanding some more as he ended up doing it. "So cute! His smile really is cute!" Honami thought when she saw it but he went back to his poker face 5 seconds later. Ah never mind as, "Say, when will you treat me for the ice cream? I beat you in that card game yesterday remember?"
"Right. We can do that now and after that, we'll go to my room and you can play with Felix for a bit." Ayanokouji replied.
"Sounds like fun! This is the best summer vacation I've ever had!" Honami cheered as they left for the nearest ice cream parlour. The cruise ship is nearing it's destination back to the high school as the night is tranquil.
I've always wanted to try this one out. What will it be like if the Mars group achieved Case 1? While many stories did stick to the canon in the LN based on the results, I, on the other hand wanted to experiment it on a different scenario like this. This is why there are many changes in this chapter including some redemptions and a deal.
Private Points List (All results from the exam will be mixed from my story and from the canon stuff in the LN. That also applies to the Class Points)
Class 1-A
1. Arisu Sakayanagi-358,979
2. Kohei Katsuragi-891,955
3. Yahiko Totsuka-351,815
4. Masumi Kamuro-342,395
5. Masayoshi Hashimoto-340,236
6. Hayato Kito-342,978
7. Takuro Morishige-917,620
8. Koji Machida-929,943
9. Shigeru Takomoto-919,815
10. Miki Yamamura-341,296
Class 1-B
1. Honami Ichinose-3,134,790
2. Ryuji Kanzaki-680,280
3. Chihiro Shiranami-177,485
4. Yume Kobashi-635,966
5. Mako Amikura-185,841
6. Sou Shibata-188,026
7. Tetsuya Hamaguchi-768,852
8. Ryouta Beppu-557,849
9. Sayo Andou-668,907
Class 1-C
1. Kakeru Ryuuen-622,299
2. Mio Ibuki-659,261
3. Albert Yamada-78,290
4. Daichi Ishizaki-70,142
5. Kyogo Komiya-104,492
6. Reo Kondou-111,063
7. Satoru Kaneda-120,595
8. Shiho Manabe-642,476
9. Nanami Yabu-657,089
10. Saki Yamashita-663,629
11. Rika Morofuji-90,237
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-555,221
6. Yosuke Hirata-518,115
7. Kei Karuizawa-510,734 (She divided the extra 500,000 private points to the students of Class A, B and C in the group she's in)
8. Kayano Onodera-31,285
9. Kikyou Kushida-552,913
10. Ryotarou Hondou-15,391
11. Hideo Sotomura-510,627
12. Chiaki Matsushita-16,654
13. Rokusuke Kouenji-510,152
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-565,012
22. Suzune Horikita-603,285
23. Wataru Ijuin-40,494
24. Airi Sakura-21,066
25. Ken Sudou-8,298
Class Points
A-974
B-853
C-592
D-445
This was a good special exam. The next one should be the Sports Festival. Looking forward to it in the specialized way!