Night Flower
Written: 10/1/2022
Chapter 9
So this'll be the last part of the deserted island exam, and eventually the start of the second part, the zodiac exam. I have no clue what prompted the idea of zodiac animals, but it is a nice addition. Regarding that, I will probably do that next chapter, rather than this chapter. I would like to give a sense of calmness for both the reader and characters. Besides, we still must talk about the plan, and how everything played out.
As for Munfurawa, his next actions will depend on the arc, as I personally don't have him doing anything significant outside of the zodiac exam. I really like how it panned out, and therefore would just be a matter of a new group to include, as I don't know where every character was in. Not much will change, assuming everything goes well. I will try to show that Munfurawa is not just a clone of Ayanokouji, but rather his own person seeking his own goals.
Chapter 9: Deserted Island Exam Finale
Third Person POV:
As the Deserted Island Exam had finally ended, it was time to see the results. Most of Class D was feeling rather tense, considering the hectic last day they had.
It was clear that while they were expecting a boost in around 75-100, it wasn't what they needed.
The point of this exam was to show the school, that the so-called, class for defects, was a serious and formidable opponent. Not just a scapegoat to compare yourself to.
For Munfurawa, it was somewhat symbolic. He had once been at the bottom of his community. Hated, ostracized, and beyond lonely. No one got to know him, and he had to function and survive being at this point.
Society was always hierarchical. Even political views where they believe in equality for everyone, there's always a hierarchy, where others are worth more than others. That was a fact in life.
As for why many struggles never truly get out? Well, it's usually the victors who write the books. Usually the powerful who dictate how life goes. Usually the gifted, who continue the legacy.
There was no sense of equality in this world. If you wanted to succeed, you needed a bit of luck and timing, alongside your hard-working prowess.
While even Munfurawa agreed that even if you struggled academically, if you put in the work, you can get rewarded. But also realize, that life is nothing but a bunch of disappointment.
And right now, that was what Class D was feeling.
Despite their inferiority, they gave it their all. In the end, they were backstabbed by two higher and stronger classes.
It hurt, but that's how life goes.
And Munfurawa had already gone on a tangent about how people function. How they can push others aside to get away from controversy. Do their best to disassociate with a controversial individual.
It was how life went. The hypocrisy is there, and the inequality would persist.
You think you have it bad? Just go somewhere else and be glad you aren't being discriminated against.
Munfurawa had a right to say that, based on his experience of discrimination and ostracization.
As they boarded the ship, they noticed Rokusuke Kouenji sitting on a chair, seemingly enjoying himself. It was somewhat of a chaotic scene, as the students began to berate him for seemingly retiring out of nowhere.
It seemed that Kouenji retired for his own narcissism ideals. However, Munfurawa didn't care. He merely looked over to Ayanokouji who nodded.
As the class began to stop arguing, Munfurawa had held Horikita's hand, to help her in a nearby bed to rest. Her face was red, and she looked pale and tired. It was clear her illness was taking its toll.
"Horikita!" Kushida exclaimed in worry, while Hirata had a grim expression on him.
The class looked on in silence, as they put her into the bed.
"She was insistent on not retiring, as she felt she could power through the last day. Seems like she managed to." Munfurawa stated after some time had passed, trying to cut through the tense and quiet atmosphere.
Munfurawa sighed, "Well, let's go see our results. I already told Chabashira-san, about Horikita. Since she had come back after the official exam date was over, it will not count as a penalty for us."
It was clear to the others that he was still recoiling from the burden of leading the class throughout this.
"Hey, Munfurawa." Sudo started, flinching when Munfurawa looked at Sudo straight in the eyes.
"Everyone here thinks you did an amazing job as a leader." He started, with Munfurawa looked somewhat shocked at what he heard, even if he kept it in somewhat.
"Oh, thanks…" He mumbled, before he tried leaving, only for the others in his class to bombard him with thanks. Even if they hadn't gotten what they had hoped for, it was thanks to Munfurawa who made it possible. Even with his own stoic face, even he could falter a bit at some sincerity. He was just uncertain and nervous with how everything works, and how social life thrives.
It was kind of significant, as now Munfurawa was being noticed by the entirety of the class. But the question would remain, would this be a start for him in the institute, or would he fall to irrelevancy, again?
He really did not want the attention, or the notoriety. It was somewhat unnerving, and he looked to Ayanokouji in the eye, pleading for help.
Ayanokouji nodded, "Alright everyone, we should probably go check on the announcement, to see the results."
Everyone nodded at Ayanokouji's suggestion, and they eventually made their way over to the beach, where the other classes were accumulating.
There was already a makeshift podium for the homeroom teacher to announce, a loudspeaker in his hands. There was already quality drinks that made a whole bunch of students wanting after a week of surviving on an island.
Eventually, they made their way back, and noticed Class C was within the crowd.
"What are you doing here?!" Sudo bellowed to Ryūen, who smirked.
"It's good to see you again, you monkey." Ryūen snarked, as he looked around, noticing a missing person. "Hey, where's ice girl?" He asked.
Munfurawa spoke, "She is taking a nap, as she had developed an illness throughout her time on the island."
Ryūen whistled, "Damn even then, she plays tough, that's how I like them…" He then peered towards Sakura, and smirked, "She got a very nice figure too, how'd I like to squeeze both of their bottoms."
Sudo immediately got flared up at that comment, but before he could retaliate, Munfurawa eyed him, and Sudo relented.
"Getting excited from touching cold skin? Didn't know you were a necromantic…" Munfurawa decided to clap back, yet again at Ryūen who sighed.
"You had to make that weird…" He mumbled, as Sudo laughed at Ryūen getting his words turned against him.
"Not my fault you manage to say it that way." Was all Munfurawa stated, as Mahima got up.
"You know, I should thank ice girl." Ryūen started, "She was ultimately the one who gave me your leader. Just so you know, expect very little points for you, as I had informed every other class of your leader."
Sudo paled at that, while Munfurawa kept his cool.
"You seem unusually calm, may I ask why?" Ryūen asked to Munfurawa.
"Well Ryūen," Munfurawa started, walking towards the delinquent, "I have quite the dirt on you and Ibuki…"
Ryūen was confused, "And what do you mean by that?"
Munfurawa decided to lift his digital camera, and his phone, pulling out a picture of Ibuki laying fire to Class D's possession. Sudo had went to check on Sakura, so this gave him to perfect time to scare Ryūen.
"You see this? This is one of your classmates, openly destroying properties of Class D. And this?" He flicked the camera, showing a small video of Ibuki beating Horikita.
"This is that same classmate, injuring and resorting to physical violence against another."
Ryūen looked somewhat panicked, and Munfurawa wasn't done.
"And this." Another flick occurred, as he had secretly taken a photo of a beaten up Ibuki when they first discovered her. "Is another example of violence. Not to mention the keycard you stole."
Ryūen was clearly shocked, "You saw all of that?!"
Munfurawa merely nodded, "Indeed, so here's the deal. If you score the highest out of all of us, I will distribute these to the officials, and have your class, maybe pay us for compensations for breaking those rules."
Ryūen scoffed, clearly not believing the bait, "Are you really going to use the context of rules? Nobody follows the rules!"
Munfurawa nodded, "If there's no evidence of one breaking it, that is. Face it, I've had my fair share of delinquent acts. But even I know that breaking a rule in front of people who can tell those who are enforcing, is what makes us obey those rules. You committed those rule breakers thinking you had no one to witness."
Munfurawa let loose a low chuckle, "But how you were wrong."
Ryūen paled a bit, before turning to rage once he saw Munfurawa chuckle as he walked away.
Ryūen screamed towards Munfurawa, "Don't walk away from me you coward! You call yourself fair when you are breaching the rules of this battle!" He screamed trying to embarrass Munfurawa somehow. It was a pathetic attempt.
He just turned around to face Ryūen, "Say what you want, maybe I am a clown, but I'll let you know, that delinquents never play by the rules, and even with rules, will only play with them, and twist it to benefit themselves. So Ryūen, I didn't follow the rules, I just twisted them for my own benefits."
With that, Munfurawa had caught up to his group, deciding to relax and wait until the results were given. Ryūen had returned to his class group, which was right next to his.
Munfurawa could clearly feel the angered stare Ryūen was giving him. What was he going to do?
Munfurawa felt very content. Getting the delinquent, whom many feared, as a sort of pawn, it was funny. Not to mention Ishizaki and the other two, who was still under his mercy.
They eventually stopped, once Mashima had begun speaking.
"With the results of the deserted island exam finished, we will discuss further the observations of you all!" he started.
"Some chose to stick within one spot, for security, taking a defensive role, while others migrated, to better positions. Some chose to be defensive, and cautious, while others were offensive, trying to gain extra bonus points. It was quite the show seeing every class perform differently. Some used strategies to win, while others chose to relax. Some chose to take it seriously, while others fought head on."
"With that being said!" He exclaimed, voice more serious and louder, that many students had recoiled from the sound.
"I will display the results in one minute, I would like for everyone in their class to predict the amount of points they have gotten."
Class D seemed to huddle up, with Munfurawa and Ayanokouji noticeably staying out.
Munfurawa had heard some numbers fly around. The lowest he heard was 72, while the highest was 130. Those would be fine numbers, but Munfurawa felt that they could get much, much higher.
So much so, it'll surprise them. Munfurawa looked at Ayanokouji.
"How much do you think we got?" He asked.
Ayanokouji looked at Munfurawa, "Considering I feel you did something when Ibuki had stolen the keycard, I don't think we lost that much, so around 230ish."
Munfurawa nodded, "I was thinking around 250ish, but that is respectable."
They watched as every class thought, either to get surprised or let down.
Eventually, Mashima got on the loudspeaker, and began to list the results.
"The Results are as followed! In last place…"
Everyone seemed tense, Class D was at least hoping they wouldn't get that placement. But most thought, after the incident on the last day, it was inevitable.
"Class C! With 0 points!" Mashima stated after a little pause.
The uproar from Class C conflicted with the shock of Class A and D.
Class A, knowing they had guessed the wrong leader for one of them, if Class C had gotten it wrong, then Class A will lose marks.
Ryūen for his part, looked stumped, and Sudo gave him a laugh at as a result. Ryūen then turned to Munfurawa with a piercing glare.
"In third place!" Mashira then announced, "We actually have a tie!"
Class A also felt stumped, though at least they got points. Still it was a shame they hadn't gotten the amount they were hoping for. They looked to Class D in shock, did they just get outsmarted by Class D?
"The tie for second play comes from Class A and B, with 150 points each." Mashima continued, "And in first place, with 255 points, is Class D!"
Katsuragi/Sakayangi's Class (Class A): 1154 (+150) *changed to reflect extra bonus points*
Ichinose's Class (Class B): 813 (+150) *changed to reflect extra bonus points*
Ryūen's Class (Class C): 492 (0)
Horikita's Class (Class D): 342 (+255) *Note: Horikita retired in the light novel, whereas in this fanfic she held out until the end, hence the extra 30 point increase*
Class D was wild in celebration. They had just scored, and were the only class to score over 200 in this exam. It showed the entire school that they indeed were no longer to be seen as a joke. They were serious, and were on their way to rise up the ranks.
It was just like Horikita had stated, they were on the path to make it up.
Munfurawa took a sigh in relief, noticing everyone in Class D was hugged up around Hirata.
"We got 255 points?!" He heard one girl say, as they continued to celebrate their result. All that hard work had clearly worked out.
Suddenly, Sudo patted Munfurawa on his back, "Good job, leader."
Munfurawa shrugged, "No problem, but it was Horikita who contributed to our win."
Sudo looked confused but shrugged as well, "It doesn't matter, we got a huge boost in points!"
Munfurawa watched as the class continued, but he watched.
"This is amazing!"
"I can buy stuff now!"
"Better food!"
"New tampons!"
It was almost a celebration, and Munfurawa had decided to return back to the ship.
He spotted Ayanokouji not too far behind.
"Hey." Ayanokouji started, which surprised Munfurawa.
"Hello." He replied.
"It seemed it worked…" Ayanokouji started, and Munfurawa knew what he was getting at.
"Yeah, it did. It could've gone better actually, if Class B had also written me as the leader, they would've only gotten 100 points." Munfurawa mentioned.
"You told them not to?" Ayanokouji asked.
Munfurawa nodded, "Yep, I agreed as part of the deal not to name a leader for our respective classes."
Ayanokouji nodded in understanding, "That makes sense. I myself am impressed; your actions helped increase the amount we earned."
Munfurawa shook his head, "Nah you helped, but as always we'll give the praise to ice girl." He pointed to the sleeping girl.
Ayanokouji nodded, "That indeed."
It was scary how similar the two actually were and thought, and Ayanokouji did want to ask Munfurawa about it, but knowing he did seem too emotional for it, he decided against it.
"Ayanokouji-kun? Munfurawa-kun?" The sound of Horikita got the two's attention.
"Hey." They both greeted and Horikita nodded.
"Did they give out the results? I tried staying near to hear it through here, but I guess I blanked out." Horikita explained.
"No, it's fine get your rest, we were given the results." Munfurawa stated.
Horikita then began to hear the celebrations from their class, the voices recognizable.
"Why are they cheering out there?" She asked.
Munfurawa then revealed, "Because we won, we got first place."
Horikita was absolutely confused, "H-How…"
Ayanokouji then spoke, "We got first with 255 points, Class A and B both tied for second play with 150 points, and Class C got none."
Horikita clearly was confused, "But they saw our leader, I don't understand…"
Munfurawa sighed, "It's quite the story, but I think Ayanokouji and I did a good job."
Horikita clearly got passionate about knowing the answer, that even her sickness couldn't keep her down.
"Tell me now." Horikita bluntly demanded, the coldness on her face reminiscent of the earlier times she was alone.
Instead, Munfurawa opened the door, and called out to Class D.
"Hey Class D! Ice girl is awake and wants to celebrate the results with you! Come see her!" Horikita's eyes widened in shock as she realized that a bunch of her classmates were bombarding her, regarding her health and victory.
"Munfurawa!" He turned to see Karuizawa and Hirata, looking at him.
"Sorry for straining you throughout the whole underwear incident, Horikita told me prior it was an act from Class C." Karuizawa apologized, and Munfurawa sighed.
"It's fine, it all worked out in the end, right?" Munfurawa asked, and the two nodded.
"I'll let you two get back to ice girl, she really helped getting those results."
The two nodded as they joined in the fray, with Ayanokouji and Munfurawa walking out, discussing some matters.
"Horikita, are you okay?" Was all Munfurawa could here before he left to get some fresh air. There was no doubt, that now they would be able to relax.
At least for a day. There was no doubt that after the stunt they played with the Deserted Island Exam, they would have to be prepared in the even they have another assessment that will test them.
Munfurawa pondered, they would at least give them some time to relax. They weren't that cruel. Maybe they were, probably.
"I heard from Ayanokouji that you discovered the identities of the leaders from Class A and that you got sick for catching up to Ibuki, who had set fire to our stuff and stole my underwear…" That was Karuizawa.
Horikita looked back, but the two boys were already gone.
"So, that went well." Munfurawa started, once the two were alone. After everyone had gotten back on the cruise ship, allowing them at least a day to relax.
"Indeed." Ayanokouji commented, "Even I was impressed with the amount."
Munfurawa then brought up, "Ice girl really looked bad when we found her. I managed to patch her up and give her some towels to sweat off. The rest helped with keeping her until the exam ended."
Ayanokouji nodded, "Well your caring there benefitted us."
Munfurawa sighed, "This is strange…"
"What is?"
"Being out there." Munfurawa started, "I've always been, sort of locked away in this barrier. I finally managed to escape, into a bigger one."
Ayanokouji looked at Munfurawa in interest, with what we worded. "What do you mean by locked away?"
Munfurawa flinched, turning a bit cold and sinister all of a sudden, "Doesn't matter. I'm free now, and that's all that matters."
The two remained silent after that, before Munfurawa continued, "Sorry, but I didn't expect being the leader would cause that much…"
"But you weren't actually the leader, huh?" Ayanokouji asked Munfurawa nodded.
"You caught me…" Was all he said, before he looked on.
Ayanokouji did seem interested, "Was the leader actually Horikita?" He asked and Munfurawa nodded.
"She was, as always. I'm assuming ice girl will want an explanation from us, so when she gets better, I'll let you know everything, and you should do the same." Munfurawa stated, before he sighed.
"You tired?" Ayanokouji asked, to which Munfurawa nodded.
"Yeah, even I need some time to relax." Munfurawa expressed, and the emotionless boy couldn't disagree.
So, they decided to head over to the pool where most of Class D had gone to after notifying and thanking Horikita. While they also thanked Munfurawa for being the leader, they assumed Horikita was the one who made the decisions that lead to Class D's amazing performance.
Almost everyone was in the pool, Sudo was, while Sakura only put her feet in, the two talking and clearly closer than before.
"Do you think those two." Ayanokouji pointed towards Sakura and Sudo, "Will delve into a relationship?"
Munfurawa looked on in confusion, "They're already close enough, what do you mean?"
Ayanokouji then sighed, "First not knowing what the time of the month is, now this? How dense at relationship advice are you?"
"Relationship advice?" Munfurawa asked, before he got it, "Oh! Sorry, I'm not an expert on that stuff. Heck, I struggled with connections entirely, I'm like the last person who gets about that."
Suddenly a girl approached them, "Oh yeah! You were the one who didn't know what that time of the month meant!" Munfurawa looked at noticed it was Chiaki Matsushita.
"Uh yeah, I don't know nor really care…" Munfurawa mumbled, wanting to enjoy his time in peace. It was a week of nonstop work he had done, and while he had experienced it before, the brain used a lot of energy. It was a muscle after all.
Ayanokouji looked on as Matsushita begun telling Munfurawa about how a woman's body worked, specifically the cycles they have, against his wishes.
Munfurawa went from a look of apathetic, to one of comedic horror and shock.
Eventually, he couldn't take any more.
"AAAAAHHHHHHH!" Munfurawa held his hands to his ears and began running off, once Matsushita had begun to process of periods, specifically when blood is excreted to cleanse the body parts.
It seemed Munfurawa wasn't so smart at something after all.
Matsushita burst into laughter seeing Munfurawa comedically run off to cleanse his ears from what he had heard. She was sure they were bleeding to cleanse his now dirty ears. Hehe…
"What did you do to him?" Hirata asked, and Matsushita chuckled.
"Just answering a question." She answered before jumping back in the pool.
Ayanokouji looked on before he snuck on his own, finally getting some alone time.
Meanwhile Munfurawa had ran all the way back to the room Horikita was in. If anyone wasn't laughing at the situation, they would have been impressed by how fast Munfurawa had ran off, even more so that he had done so without running off the cruise ship itself.
He closed the door, panting, not from the run, but rather from the trauma he had from learning about the menstrual cycle.
"That is the worst thing I've ever heard, why do girls go through that…" Munfurawa mumbled, not realizing Horikita was awake and listening.
"What was the worst thing you've heard?" She asked, and Munfurawa turned around, calming down.
"Sorry, I had to get away, they told me what, that time of the month meant, and now I'm traumatized…" Munfurawa answered, which only made Horikita laugh.
"How funny that Munfurawa doesn't know."
"Hey! I'm not a girl!" Munfurawa exclaimed, before he sighed. "Anyways… how are you feeling?"
Horikita nodded, "I'm feeling better, my sickness I think had subsided."
"What about your legs?" He then asked, and she sighed.
"Also fine."
Munfurawa didn't believe her after she sighed. Looking at her legs, he raised them up, noticing some bumps from where she likely tumbled.
"Your legs are swelling a bit, I'm going to get some anti-inflammatory stuff so that it won't hurt to walk." Munfurawa started.
"I'm fi-" She was going to say until she tried to run towards him. Her legs really did hurt and she fell forward, only to be met into Munfurawa's arms.
"Geez, didn't I tell you to thaw up a bit, ice girl?" Munfurawa teased.
Horikita grumbled, before she was put back in her bed.
"It seems only one leg is inflamed, but you have bruises on both. I think your left leg is bruised because of a likely low swipe-kick Ibuki had done to you…" Munfurawa confirmed as he came back.
"How did you know?" She asked.
Munfurawa sighed, "I've seen those kick marks before, not to mention you probably fell uncomfortably, which is how your head was bruised a bit. I've seen it all."
Horikita merely remained quiet as Munfurawa rubbed some anti-inflammatory cream on her leg, and a bit on her forehead, to prevent any pain associated with inflammation.
He then began to rewrap her bandages, cleaning her wounds before wrapping them up.
"Don't you think this is over excessive?" Horikita asked, and Munfurawa shook his head.
"Nah, after that we can relax a bit. It is a shame, everyone is swimming in the pool, yet you are here recovering, unfortunate."
Horikita sighed, "It's fine, I'm alone and get to rest, and catch up on some small studies, it's not all bad."
Munfurawa looked at the book Horikita had put down near her bed.
"How do you feel now?" He asked now that he had put all the wrappings on her.
"Like I said before, I feel better, but my leg is still unable to move without it hurting." Horikita stated.
"I noticed that…" Was all Munfurawa had stated.
"Well, I guess I'll leave you on your own, for now." Munfurawa stated at last, before he began to walk out.
"Wait!" Horikita had unexpectedly called out to Munfurawa. Said boy was clearly surprised that Horikita out of all people were calling him back.
"Yes? Is there anything you need?" He asked.
Horikita sighed, "Yes, two things actually."
"What is it?"
Horikita looked at Munfurawa, "First, can you stay here for a bit? It's not like you'll go back after your lesson."
Munfurawa sighed, grunting, "Fine, but don't put this against me…"
Horikita gave a small smile, "Thank you…" Was all she said as they remained in a quiet but comfortable atmosphere.
It was rather comfortable, and Horikita did seem somewhat distracted. This confused Munfurawa as he got closer to her.
"Are you okay?" He asked, and Horikita snapped back to reality.
"Y-Yeah I'm fine, I-I just blanked out." Was all she said, "Can you back up a bit."
Munfurawa nodded, before he did so. "What was the other thing you needed?"
Horikita then remembered, "Oh right, I'll need you to bring Ayanokouji-kun, you two need to explain what happened."
Munfurawa sighed, knowing well what she meant. Both Ayanokouji and he knew she would ask them for this. Munfurawa nodded and began to get Ayanokouji.
Munfurawa eventually got whom Horikita called for. Knowing it was time to reveal what they had done, the two made their way.
Eventually, it was the three of them in the room.
"Now." Horikita started, leaving no room for introduction. It was as if the serious and cold Horikita came back for a bit here. "I want both of you to explain what happened. Were you and Ayanokouji working together?"
Ayanokouji answered, "Not necessarily, it seems that Munfurawa and I had different tactics and strategies. It just so happened that we thought the same motives, but acted differently to the same situations."
Munfurawa added onto the point, "For example, when Ibuki had joined our group and was acting like she was being forced to join, Ayanokouji and I both realized how suspicious she was being. We concluded there was a high possibility that she was a spy, and that her wounds were planned. Ayanokouji was playing defensively, letting her bite herself. While I played aggressive, giving her a limited time to take the offer, else we wouldn't accept any longer."
"What…" Horikita mumbled, but looking back, it was why the two of them barely reacted when Ryūen motioned and hinted he had slapped Ibuki. They assumed it was planned.
"I see." Horikita then got it. "So, my biggest question, how did we get all those points, if Class C had guessed our leader? They clearly wrote your name, Munfurawa."
"They did." Munfurawa started, "But they got it wrong, so they both lost 50 points as a result."
Horikita was confused, "How…"
Ayanokouji sighed, "You were the leader all this time." He then pulled out a keycard which said, Munfurawa on it.
Munfurawa nodded, as he then took out another keycard, this time saying Suzune Horikita.
This was news to Horikita. "I was the leader…?"
Munfurawa nodded, "Indeed you were."
"But how? Isn't there a rule against having more than one leader?" Horikita asked.
Ayanokouji answered this one, "There is a rule for the number of rulers a class can have. However, there was no rule for the number of keycards one could have.
Munfurawa nodded, "That's exactly what I was thinking. As a result, I went to Chabashira, to get the keycard, saying you were the chosen leader. I then purchased a decoy keycard for 30,000 private points, with my name on it. The one I gave you was the decoy. I had kept the actual one."
Horikita sighed, as Ayanokouji then looked on.
"I had planned on Ibuki confronting you regarding to steal the keycard, but I hadn't expected you to get that injured."
Ayanokouji then added, "If you were seriously injured and needed to retire, our leader retiring would've been a good enough excuse to exchange the leader role, thus I would've given myself the role."
Munfurawa nodded, "Thankfully, I had managed to patch you up until the next day, and thus that plan was not needed. In addition, it saved up 30 points."
Horikita sighed, "Why did you do that?" She asked.
Munfurawa answered, "Because I wanted to make the other classes lose points. While most focused on the idea of gaining points, once we had secured that front, I had begun planning to make the other classes loose points."
Ayanokouji looked a bit interested, "I was focusing on finding the leader of other classes, while Munfurawa was trying to trick the classes into choosing him, as our leader. Obviously that combo had cost both Class A and C 50 penalty points, as we successfully guessed the leaders of both classes, and we gained an extra 100 likewise."
Munfurawa then decided to tell them something, "If you are about to ask why Class A lost the 50 points as well, it was because Class A and C were in an alliance. I had suspected it when I noticed them head off in a similar direction. This especially was evident when Class C had sent spies to only Class B and D, not A."
That was news to Horikita, she did remember Munfurawa specifically asking how many of his classmates Ryūen had kicked out, and the delinquent had stated two.
"Because of that, I concluded that Class A and C were working together. That's why I proposed an intel alliance with Class B. Ichinose was nice, and willing to commit. That's why we left the guess for Class B blank, because they did the same for us."
Ayanokouji nodded, "We also warned them about the student they had brought in from Class C, and I had given them assistance on the leader for Class A."
Horikita sighed, "So you collaborated with Class B because of Class A and C's allegiance…"
"Indeed." Munfurawa nodded.
Horikita was still somewhat confused, "Alright, start from the beginning."
Munfurawa nodded, "I had merely told the group we should cover as much space as we could. Ayanokouji had done some scouting on the island, as it was circling around."
"Horikita was sick before the exam started, so she was probably in her room." Ayanokouji mentioned, causing Munfurawa to sigh.
"Anyways, I had spotted a cave, and when it was time to explore I went to it, but before I could count it, I spotted two Class A students. This was with Sudo and Sakura, and we noticed Katsuragi and Totsuka in the cave, the former was holding the keycard." Ayanokouji stated. "Now you may be quick to assume Katsuragi was the leader, but when I noticed, he was standing out for some time, and they had already swiped it, plus Katsuragi is a very cautious individual, and this wouldn't be holding the keycard that recklessly."
Horikita finished it, "So he was holding it in hopes that scouters would think he was the leader."
"Exactly. The actual leader of Class A was Yahiko Totsuka."
"I could go over the conflict and factions Class A is split into, but we had what we wanted with Class A." Munfurawa stated, before he continued. "Anyways, I had been suspicious of Class A and C and the potential of their alliance, which was why I brought up an alliance with Class B. Through that, it made it easier to communicate, which made us realize that they indeed were working together."
Horikita nodded, "Seems explanatory itself."
"Now, Ayanokouji and I, had actually looked over Ibuki's bag, to see if she had anything suspicious. In her bag, we found a broken radio, and a digital camera." Munfurawa started, and Horikita's eyes widened.
"Ayanokouji had filled it with water to render the camera unusable, which honestly made my plan easier. The only way for them to prove the leader, was the steal the keycard." Munfurawa stated. "And I gave it you, when Ibuki was looking, so she could approach you. She used the fire to isolate you, and therefore steal it."
"You were there?" Horikita asked Munfurawa and he nodded.
"Yes I was, and I got quite the blackmail material. I showed it to Ryūen, and his face melted into a satisfying degree of panic. He called me a clown, when I got the last laugh…" Munfurawa commented, before he continued.
"But when I saw them, I noticed Katsuragi was with Ryūen and Ibuki, meaning they were working together, as I had suspected. Meaning that strategy had worked better, reducing their points by 50 each." Munfurawa stated.
"And this was because of the decoy?" She asked, and Munfurawa nodded.
"Chabashira-san was unsure about it, but I told her it was a loophole in the rules, the school's fault for not being specific. She relented and gave it to me with my name. Why else did I take you everywhere I went?" Munfurawa then asked, "Sure, maybe someone could've gotten it, but it was Ibuki who had ultimately costed them."
Horikita looked down, before she was given the real keycard, with her name on it. "This entire time, I was the leader, and you even brought me along everywhere you went…"
Munfurawa nodded, "Yep, and Ayanokouji helped well, with destroying the camera, which ensured that this was Ibuki's only way of properly figuring it out."
"Because only the person could swipe the location with the appropriate keycard…" Horikita mumbled.
"Exactly, that decoy didn't work. I was glad I swiped around the area, so that they couldn't test it, because it wouldn't have worked." Munfurawa commented.
Horikita sighed, "So Ayanokouji found all the class leaders, while Munfurawa tricked Class A and C into the wrong leaders…"
Ayanokouji nodded, "That's what happened, we wanted the keycard to be stolen so that you could get it stolen from her. Munfurawa had never told me about this plan, but when he remained calm and collected, that's when I realized what his plan was. Truth is I had a similar plan, to make you retire so I could become the leader, as a sickness was a viable reason to change leaders, but we didn't need to."
Horikita sighed, "So Ayanokouji helped us gain points, while Munfurawa helped us widen the margin."
Ayanokouji and Munfurawa both nodded, and Horikita sighed.
"Besides, there was no point really in following the rules." Munfurawa stated, which confused Horikita.
"What do you mean?" Horikita asked.
"Why do you think Ibuki wasn't punished for using violence against you? Or for obstructing our stuff, or even harming the environment?" Munfurawa asked, "Because no one was there, at least she thought when she was violently beating you."
"In fact." Munfurawa took out his digital camera, "I have at least three instances of Class C breaking the rules. I merely blackmailed Ryūen to give a decent amount of class points to us in the event he did gain points. I was prepared even if they won."
Horikita took a deep breathe, it was clearly a lot to take in, but she understood.
"Only Munfurawa and I knew you were truly the leader, and even then, it wasn't until the last day when even I eventually realized what Munfurawa had done." Ayanokouji mentioned.
"And finally, as for Class A and C's alliance, it was rather simple." Munfurawa stated, "Class C purchased all of Class A's stuff, which explains why Class A had more than I had anticipated."
Ayanokouji then butted in, "As for how I guess Class C's leader, there were a bunch of proofs. When Munfurawa had kicked Ryūen, I had a good look and spotted a radio transceiver next to him. Something Ibuki also had, which Munfurawa had noticed when we had first taken Ibuki in."
Munfurawa nodded in confirmation, "Even then, Ryūen's distrust and his inability to not seek glory led to his downfall, as it was relatively simple to guess after that, I presume."
Ayanokouji nodded, and the three remained quiet until Horikita sighed frustratingly.
"So, you two used me, for your plans." Horikita started.
"I'm afraid so, it wasn't ideal and I hadn't planned on you getting that injured, but yes." Munfurawa bluntly stated, letting her know very well.
"You used me, like your pawn…" Horikita mumbled.
"It seems so." Ayanokouji offhandedly mentioned, before he began to walk out.
"Ayanokouji-kun." Horikita coldly called out, "You told me when we joined school, you disliked trouble and notoriety, and you wanted a normal life. So why are you helping us now? What motive had gotten you to act like this?" She asked, clearly wanting Ayanokouji to answer.
"Hmm, perhaps I genuinely wanted to help?" Ayanokouji rhetorically asked.
Horikita sighed, "Well whatever. As long as you both assist me and help me get to Class A, then it's fine."
Ayanokouji nodded, "Indeed, for I would do this under the condition you do not pry into my past or life. We are sharers of the same goal, nothing more, nothing else."
Horikita raised her hand, and Ayanokouji shook it. Eventually Ayanokouji left, leaving Munfurawa with Horikita.
"I'll need the same from you, Munfurawa." Horikita started.
"And what purpose will I serve?" Munfurawa asked.
"Even though you were late to class, I have a strange suspicion. You seem to be the type to help under the shadows. Even now, as a leader, you showcased how talented you are. You are also kind and generous, even when others hurt you." Horikita said the last part in silence.
Munfurawa sighed, "I will do the same as Ayanokouji, if you take all the praise. I believe Ayanokouji and I just want to enjoy this experience. We do think alike after all."
Horikita nodded, a smile on her face. "However." She started.
"However, what?" He asked, before Horikita got up, leaning on the bed provided.
"I would consider you, my first friend, Munfurawa-kun." Horikita said at last.
This definitely shocked Munfurawa, "Huh…"
"You always give off the vibe that you never had a friend. I never did as well, so perhaps we could be each other's first." Horikita started.
Munfurawa pondered, "I guess, it's a new feeling perhaps, but don't make me regret this. The last time a girl tried to befriend me she betrayed me." He stated with seriousness, and Horikita sighed.
"I can't promise I'll be perfect, but I'll do the best I can." Horikita reassured, and Munfurawa nodded.
"That's good enough for now…" Munfurawa commented, as he was confused and conflicted.
"Munfurawa-kun?" She then asked, "Thank you, for caring for me, and hearing my struggles about my inferiority…"
Munfurawa sighed, "It's fine, as long as you get back on your feet and resume what you are doing, then it's fine."
Horikita could only smile as she looked at Munfurawa. "You really are interesting." Was all Horikita stated.
"Thank you, ice girl." He then stared at Horikita. While normally that nickname would infuriate her, she began to see it in a different light. Considering he was now her friend, it did hold a different meaning, one she failed to realize until it was jeopardized to disappear. Horikita continued to hide the feeling in her chest, as he took a deep breathe.
"Are you okay?" Munfurawa asked, and she nodded.
"I'm heading to sleep, I should be functional tomorrow, thank you for everything, Munfurawa-kun." She stated.
"No problem." Munfurawa started, before he noticed Horikita leap towards him. While his first instinct was the dodge, he remembered Horikita would fall if he wasn't here. So he remained and held Horikita up.
"What were you thinking?!" Munfurawa exclaimed.
Horikita just held onto him, "I just wanted a hug… Don't tell anyone about this, or I'll stab you with a compass…"
Munfurawa merely nodded, before putting Horikita back on the bed, and turning off the lights for her. "Goodnight, ice girl."
"Goodnight, Munfurawa." He heard Horikita say as he left.
Eventually, he spotted Ayanokouji at the top.
"Hey." Munfurawa greeted him, and appeared to his left.
He looked out at the rising moonlight. Ayanokouji looked at his unusual eyes, which only added onto the cunning, cold and mystery of this boy. While he hated others peaking into his own life, Munfurawa was interesting, and he wanted to know.
Was that how humans feel? Ayanokouji thought, before Munfurawa started talking again.
"So, it seems Horikita has brought us together on a similar goal."
Ayanokouji nodded, "It seems so."
"So, what is your deal? I know you hide your talents from the others, why?" Munfurawa asked, and Ayanokouji was somewhat surprised. This boy was very perceptive of him.
"I could say the same for you." Was all Ayanokouji responded with.
"Don't like sticking out, just want to enjoy a piece of normality. It's the same for you?" Munfurawa asked, getting a nod from Ayanokouji.
"And why is that?" He asked, but quickly backtracked, "Actually, nevermind, you said you don't want people prying into your past, I wouldn't want the same."
Just like him, this boy also wanted to keep his past a secret. Just like him, he was hiding something. Munfurawa was definitely someone worth watching out for. Ayanokouji thought, as he looked at him.
"Did our teacher threaten to blackmail you, too?" Ayanokouji asked, and Munfurawa shook his head.
"But I'm pretty sure she's looking at me, I even have Sakayanagi staring me down, I don't like this."
"Indeed, everyone at this school wants to decipher us." Ayanokouji explained.
"Seems we thought the same, again." Was all Munfurawa stated, "We might as well start trusting each other, seeing as we'll be working a lot more."
Ayanokouji nodded, "Same with you. We'll have to trust each other more."
"Alright, I'm going to head out, take a nice stroll with the coastal wind. Talk to you tomorrow. Good night, Ayanokouji." Munfurawa waved.
"Good night, Munfurawa." Was all Ayanokouji stated, before he looked at the retreating figure of Munfurawa.
"Trust…" Was all Ayanokouji mumbled, as if he was questioning something.
As the wind began to pick up, blowing Ayanokouji's hair, his emotionless face became even more apparent.
"No, I do not trust him, nor do I not trust anyone else. I do not think of these people as classmates or even friends. They are tools, useful for a time before I must throw them away. Trust is such a futile thing, and in this world, where the premise is becoming the best, the goal is winning, no matter the methods.
Whether they are cruel, if they are efficient in achieving what I desire, then everything is worth it. Everything will be found with time. Hirata, Kushida, Sudo, Sakura, Horikita, and especially Munfurawa, are useful. For now, they are nothing but pawns. And I shall use them dry, for as long as I can benefit from them. Once they are used up, it's off to the trash. I never saw them as friends, classmates, or people to know, And it will stick that way.
Munfurawa, you are truly the most interesting and strongest tool of them all, however. Against my own ideals, I will see what you are capable of. Just because we think the same doesn't mean you know where I'm from. However, I will need to exercise caution around him. He's the only one who can potentially perceive what I'm planning, and considering our plans coincided well in the island, I must exceed caution.
But then again, even with the sharpest of knives and the best of weapons, designed to kill the best, even the holder must exceed caution, with the most effective tools."
As Munfurawa continued to walk around, he began to ponder. Eventually reaching the back of the boat, he was all alone, the wind blowing over his hair.
It was then, Munfurawa looked out with a questioned expression, as if he was trying to answer something from within.
"Trust, huh? Such a fragile, futile connection…" Munfurawa mumbled, before he looked out, his face turning stoic.
His mismatched eyes shining, with his right eye, light blue, and his left eye, dark brown radiating a sense of danger around him. He could care less, as the wind blow across his long, wavy hair.
"Could I trust Ayanokouji?" He asked himself one more time.
"No, I cannot. He thinks too similar to me. The topic of trust is a sad excuse to get to know someone. It takes weeks or months to build trust, but it can take mere seconds to destroy it. Like a giant glass plate, good luck repairing the broken pieces. While that is one piece of work to put it back together, the other is reliving with the fact that it occurred. The cracks that the glass will live with, that's how trust works. It is such a fragile and hopeless thing. There's nothing wrong with the idea of friends, and relationships, but putting your whole trust and sharing your thoughts to them is a one-way trip to falling off your pillar.
That's just how society is. In society, people are the best tools. Whether it is in industry work, or through developing new methods of improving the world, people's brains are the tools that come up with it. School is no different, you will meet tools who can help you ascend into life, and there'll be those that it's best not to touch, else it'll electrocute you.
People are also backstabbers by nature. When you find yourself in trouble, everyone won't hesitate before throwing you under for their own personal gain. Selfishness, it's a reality, that everyone claims to hate, but secretly has lots of. Even in nature, packs will run and leave behind an unfortunate prey who is eaten by a predator. There's no use in putting your trust in someone who will inevitably let you be eaten by society's judgement.
Rather, it is best to see people as tools, for they will treat you like one, if you don't know your very own self-worth. So, Hirata, Azuma, Kushida, Sudo, Sakura, Ichinose, Ibuki, Ryūen, and even Ayanokouji, you are all tools. Ice girl, I will still call a tool, but perhaps she will last the longest, and be my preferred tool. Ayanokouji is one to watch out for, however. We both think alike, have similar cadence, and have the same perceptions as each other. I mustn't let myself fall to the likes of society, ever again, by being a tool for people to scapegoat for their issues.
Never again."
Okay! That is the last chapter of the Deserted Island Exam Arc! We will have the zodiac exam arc next, in chapter 10. This is an interesting arc, as I find it hard to grasp. Still, I will do what I can to make it unique. Can't promise I will do well with the entire plot, but I'll try.
For those confused, the marks given were the same, but since Suzune Horikita did not retire, her class did not lose 30 points. Therefore that's why they got 255 instead of the light novel's 225.
Anyways, there's some more depth into Munfurawa, especially in how he thinks. I tried to make him a bit different from Ayanokouji, but having similar thoughts. Munfurawa's thoughts come more from experience, which allowed him to see the ugly side of things, which is why he "hates" society. He's a society hater, but this is from his past experiences. In truth, he just wants to understand his own character, to figure out who he is. I won't say it's an identity crisis, but rather someone who is scared to open up, but wants to discover his own character.
Once again, sorry for the slow updates, everything was bound to slow to a crawl once school started.
Anyways, I'll see you later for chapter 10.