Night Flower
Written: 12/16/2022
Chapter 10, here it is. As of Season 1 of the anime, we are approaching the Zodiac Exam session of the plot. In terms of the overall plan, Munfurawa will probably just be with some miscellaneous students which the light novel nor anime have given out. In actuality, we'll see the return of a kind of OC, in Sana Azuma.
It was almost last minute to make Munfurawa like that. Once again, the difference is that Munfurawa does have emotion, but he is skeptical of it. With his past and his thoughts, he feels the basis of trust and connections are futile due to how survival and society works. It's kind of similar, I guess to Hachiman Hikigaya, but obviously with more differences.
Now, as for Horikita, she honestly feels like Yukino Yukinoshita, interesting. Now this doesn't guarantee if they will get into a relationship, I'm just experimenting with the whole interactions between characters. But if you do want this to develop, then that's fine.
Chapter 10: Zodiac Exam Part 1
Third Person POV:
"Society exists only as a mental concept; in the real world there are only individuals."
With the Deserted Island Exam over, the first-years thankfully had the weekend to relax. After the end on last Friday, the cruise became a true vacation, for what Munfurawa could assume would be until Monday.
It did make sense, as the weekends are relaxing days. Overall, Munfurawa spent his time accordingly. He couldn't really perform martial arts or anything, which he thought was unfortunate.
Over the course of the time he got from the end of the exam to late Sunday, Munfurawa had only really talked to Ayanokouji and Horikita. That was really it. He did nod to the others, but it was clear he appreciated his privacy. Once again, most of the class thought he was unapproachable, despite his powerful display of leadership last week.
He was even confronted by some in Class A and B, who were surprised with the results of the exam.
Munfurawa shrugged, "I just acted on ice girl's accords, that's all. She was the mastermind behind our actions." Was all he would say before he would leave, many of them commenting how Class D might actually pose a threat.
Kanzaki had approached Munfurawa, wanting answers, which he openly gave.
"Did you figure out Class B's leader?" Kanzaki asked, and Munfurawa shook his head.
"No, we didn't, that was part of the alliance, right?" He asked, to which Kanzaki nodded.
"Makes sense, you trusted us with not backstabbing you?" Kanzaki then asked.
Munfurawa looked on, sipping some water he had gotten, "It wasn't a matter of trust that brought us together. Kanzaki raised an eyebrow at that.
"Then what was…?"
"It was a matter of fear. We only agreed because of the threat of Class A and C." Munfurawa answered, and Kanzaki realized what he was getting on.
As he began to explore around the cruise, he noticed a multitude of people from Class D almost spread out evenly. Sudo no doubt, was in the basketball court. Ironic how they were supposed to mutually teach each other stuff.
Munfurawa moved on, seeing many of the girls playing in the pool again. It seemed that pools were a girl's best friend, not a diamond.
The only people he didn't see were Ayanokouji and Horikita, but he digressed. Eventually, Munfurawa decided to hang around Hiyori Shiina and Masumi Kamuro, the former seemed into literature, while he caught up with the latter. While Munfurawa did appreciate many books, he did read them, they did vary on the form and genre.
Eventually heading to the cafeteria, Munfurawa could see the incredibly bored expression of Ayanokouji. Deciding to sit next to the bored boy, he nodded back in acknowledgment. He had entered the cafeteria with his hair tied up into a manbun, though it seemed messier than anything.
"Different hairstyle?" Ayanokouji asked. He must be incredibly bored that he was the one to start a conversation.
"Yeah, just so it doesn't get in the way when I eat is all." Munfurawa then began to eat.
"Where's ice girl?" Munfurawa asked.
"She's walking on her own but choosing to be hermit crab." Ayanokouji answered, and Munfurawa sighed.
"Is she hibernating like the penguin she is…" He said, before he left presumably to get Horikita out of her shackles.
One episode of comedically dragging Horikita to the cafeteria later, they were given strange looks.
"What's the deal with you two?" Ayanokouji then asked, and Munfurawa looked at him confused.
"Huh?" He asked, and Ayanokouji almost facepalmed.
"Together, kind of like Sudo and Sakura." He then reaffirmed, and Munfurawa then got it.
"Nah, she just called me her friend last Friday is all. I mean Shiina and I are friends." Munfurawa shrugged it off like it was nothing in the world, but to Ayanokouji, it was interesting. As for Hiyori Shiina, Munfurawa and her had gotten along relatively well due to their similar personalities. They quickly developed a bond, and made it a habit of continuously visiting each other to read books of mutual interest.
As they were eating, they then got an announcement.
"This is an announcement to all students. Please check the received mail on your phone. Follow the instructions, as what is next counts to an assessment." Munfurawa could presume it was Mashima, judging by the voice.
As Munfurawa looked at his phone, he noticed he was told to meet in Room 212, at 21:00. That was strange.
"What does yours say, Ayanokouji?" Munfurawa asked.
The emotionless boy looked on, "Room 204 at 18:00, what about you?"
Munfurawa sighed, "Room 206 at 21:00, why so late…"
"This is strange…" The sound of Horikita radiated through his ears, as he turned and saw her looking at her phone, as if she was analyzing what this could mean.
"Indeed, it seems that this may be another special exam…" Munfurawa commented.
Ayanokouji nodded, "Yes, and this is probably going to be different than the Deserted Island Test."
Horikita finished, "We were physically drained, so this may be more academic based…"
Munfurawa nodded, this may pose a bit of trouble for Class D, once again, as this may interrupt their progress.
As Munfurawa pondered at what he was doing, he noticed even some students from another class entering the rooms that were available.
"So, it seems we may be evenly split among the other classes." Munfurawa mumbled, which Ayanokouji took notice of as well.
Munfurawa sighed, "Well, looks like the both of you have it now, take care."
Horikita and Ayanokouji nodded, and waved goodbye to Munfurawa, who had to wait an extra three hours. Why so late…
Eventually, Munfurawa was standing out of Room 206. He wasn't sure where Ayanokouji or Horikita had gone to, but he assumed either to plan something, or they were still in their room.
He knocked, and opened the doorknob. Immediately getting a seat, he realized he was early.
He was so used to showing up early into his class that he forgot about this. Oh well.
He put on some music and began to listen, until he felt someone poke him.
He looked up and noticed someone he hadn't really talked to in a bit: Sana Azuma.
"Munfurawa! It's so good to see you again!" Azuma exclaimed, and Munfurawa sighed.
"When did I give you my name?" He asked.
"Silly, you were leading the group last exam! And you helped get up to 255 points. You know how much that is?!" Azuma was bubbly again, clearly excited to be with someone she knew.
Munfurawa sighed, "It was mostly Horikita."
Azuma pouted, "Don't bring yourself down for her! Stupid…"
As the room eventually filled up, Munfurawa noticed that the group did consist of 3-4 students from each class.
"Interesting…" Munfurawa stated before he looked at everyone. He was somewhat glad that the homeroom teacher here made everyone come with a namecard.
It appeared that Munfurawa was the Goat Group, consisting of the following:
Class A: Miki Yamamura, Masayoshi Hashimoto, Hayato Kito.
Class B: Chihiro Shiranami, Yuki Himeno, Miki Yamamura, Kozue Minamikata.
Class C: Albert Yamada, Takeko Nishino, Kyogo Komiya.
Class D: Nene Mori, Vikku Munfurawa, Mei-Yu Wang, Sana Azuma.
*I don't want to do this kana rearrangement thing so just imagine the bolded one has a connection to a pig, please and thanks.*
"So it is from all the classes, it seems…" Munfurawa mumbled, seeing Nene Mori looking away in shame once Munfurawa turned her way.
He knew exactly why: she was one of the girls who had talked behind his back.
Sighing, Munfurawa did not want this to become an issue, "Mori, I don't care what you said, let's just move on and do well on this, alright?"
Mori looked shocked that Munfurawa had knew what he was referring to, and how he knew, "O-okay, and I'm s-sorry for what I said. Hasebe s-says it as well…"
"It's fine, let's just get this exam done with." Was all Munfurawa stated, as Mashima entered the door, once seeing everyone in.
Munfurawa looked, in particular at Albert Yamada, the tall and broad man just staring everyone down. It was clear even those from his own class feared him, and Munfurawa felt somewhat bad for him, considering he emphasized with that feeling. He also noticed that the majority in his class were girls, no comment.
Regardless, he had a job to do.
"Alright, now that everyone is here, I will begin explaining the rules of this exam." Mashima started.
So there was another exam, or assessment…
"All first year students have been divided into groups based on zodiac signs, or relatively similarities to them. This is shown through all four classes, spread evenly."
So there were 12 groups, then. Munfurawa thought as he listened intently. With each class being split into 3-4 groups, exactly what he was thinking.
"The purpose of this assessment is to test one's thinking ability. Here are three required attributes to function in society-"
Munfurawa cringed when he mentioned functioning in society…
"Action, thinking, and teamwork. Whereas the island testing one's ability to work in teams, this will be more emphasized on your thinking, and creativity. Regardless of the biases held towards a class, you will be focused on working together. Your small group here, will be combined with a larger group."
The list was handed out, which Munfurawa had seen in his hand, and observed beforehand. "I will be passing by the paper listed with rules that should be clear for everyone. If you have questions, you can ask me."
As Mashima handed out the paper and booklet containing the group and the rules, everyone seemed to be taking it in.
"This is the snake group, so regardless of one's class standing, you will not hold them based on biases." Was all Mashima said at last, making it clear.
They then began reading the rules:
A "VIP" student will be chosen. Using critical thinking, one of four outcomes can be achieved in this exam.
Each group will receive a mail indicating the start of the exam. Will start on 8:00 on the first day, mostly taking place from around 13:00-21:00. An hour each day will be required to meet and discuss together. Discussion is left to the group.
After the exam, between 21:30-22:00, the VIP student must be identified. One answer can be submitted per group, sent through a certain email address, provided by mobile phones. The VIP students are not the ones to send the answer.
The identity of the VIP student of the group you are a part must only be sent. Other answers will be marked as invalid.
The results will be mailed to students at 23:00 on the final day.
Munfurawa sighed, seemed reasonable enough. However, they didn't exactly know who the VIP student was.
Possible End Results:
1. Clearing the exam as one.
- If the answers of the VIP student and the other group members are correct, they will all receive 500,000 private points.
2. Answering incorrectly, and the group loses, but the VIP still gets points.
- If there are incorrect answers or unanswered questions by those other than the VIP student, only the VIP student will receive 500,000 private points.
3. Traitor uncovers the VIP's identity.
- If someone other than the VIP answers the question correctly before the allocated time, the class of the traitor will be awarded 50 class points, while the traitor will receive 500,000 private points. The class whose VIP has been identified will lose 50 class points, and the test will be terminated for that group.
4. Traitor disregards the VIP's judgement:
- If someone other than the VIP answers the question incorrectly before the allocated time, the class of the traitor will lose 50 class points, while the class the VIP belongs to will receive 50 class points, and the VIP gaining 500,000 private points. The test will be terminated for that group.
"What if the traitor is from the same class as the VIP?" Azuma asked curiously.
"The answer would be considered invalid, and the exam will continue." Mashima answered.
"Thank you, sensei."
Munfurawa was thinking. Depending on who the VIP was, this would impact which outcome would be the best.
If the VIP was either Class A or B, then the first two outcomes would be the best.
If the VIP was in Class C, then outcome three would be the best.
Whereas if the VIP was in Class D, then outcome four would be the best.
Munfurawa sighed, he couldn't really see any loophole he could take. He'd need to wait until they know the VIP.
Munfurawa watched as Mashima left, stating he needed to discuss this with other groups. They nodded, and Munfurawa stared at the three girls in his group.
Sana Azuma, Nene Mori, and Mei-Yu Wang. All of them girls, he noticed but he digressed. He wasn't going to let this impact his results.
"So, we should talk about the identity of the VIP." Mei-Yu Wang started, and they all nodded.
"I honestly think depending on who is the VIP, it'll determine which outcome is the best for us." Munfurawa stated.
"Exactly…" Azuma nodded.
Munfurawa then had a unique idea come to him, but he needed to ask Mashima, "Is it perhaps possible to achieve an end result outside of this?"
The three girls looked at him weirdly. "What do you mean?" They all asked.
Munfurawa looked at the possible outcomes, "There are only a couple given end results here. There are numerous other results that can happen, that are not even considered."
"Like what?" Azuma asked, and Munfurawa then proceeded with his plan.
"You will see…" Munfurawa stated bluntly.
"Munfurawa!" Azuma pouted, "You should be more honest with us!"
Munfurawa nodded, "I am, it's just what I'm thinking, I don't know if it's possible, is all."
"Well, it seems to be it. Well, I'll see you all tomorrow, then." Was all Wang and Mori said before they left. This left Azuma and Munfurawa alone.
"What really are you thinking?" Azuma asked, clearly into Munfurawa's thought.
"I really need more information before I become more confident, that's all. It's just a manner of VIP and the likes."
Azuma sighed, "Alright, but you better tell us when you figure it out, though, and don't forget I need to beat you in a sparring match!"
Munfurawa nodded, "You were close the last time."
Azuma smirked, "Well I have a good partner, that's all."
Munfurawa took a deep breathe before he left. He really wasn't in the mood to do anything, but he pushed his laziness aside, and begun to process what he would do.
Ayanokouji was already out, and he spotted Munfurawa approaching him.
"So who was in your group?" Munfurawa asked, and Ayanokouji looked on.
"Those in my class? Kei Karuizawa, Hideo Sotomura, and Teruhio Yukimura." He stated.
Munfurawa acknowledged that, and named his.
"All girls?" He asked, and Munfurawa nodded. "Indeed, not a big deal, really."
"What about those outside of your class, Munfurawa?" Ayanokouji asked.
Munfurawa pondered, "Albert Yamada, and Chihiro Shiranami, what about you?"
"Ichinose and Ibuki, that's really all I know of."
"Hmm…" Was all Munfurawa commented, "Do you already know your VIP?"
Ayanokouji shook his head, "Nope."
Munfurawa sighed, "Same…"
The two were silent around each other, before Munfurawa looked at Ayanokouji.
"Already have a plan, there?" He asked, and Ayanokouji sighed.
"Not that I know of yet, but I have one in the developments, you too?" Ayanokouji asked.
"Mhm, call it another loophole, but it does seem legit." Munfurawa commented.
The two of the boys walked across the rooms, before they spotted Horikita looking very pissed.
"Thaw out, ice girl, you don't want to freeze the doorknob, won't you?" Munfurawa called out.
Horikita sarcastically laughed before she turned to them, "I have Katsuragic, Kanzaki, and Ryūen in my group, not to mention Hirata and Kushida…"
Munfurawa whistled.
"Sounds rough, have fun. "Ayanokouji commented.
"Why does this world pit me with the people I don't want to be around…" Horikita mumbled, and Munfurawa only watch as Horikita began to mumble off.
The three of them made it to the café to discuss a multitude of problems, mostly Horikita's poor placement with some of the representatives of every class. It was relatively conspicuous, almost like someone was pulling the strings underneath everything.
Horikita mumbled she was heading off to the washroom, before Ayanokouji and Munfurawa was left alone, yet again.
The waiter came and the two ordered, including one for Horikita. Munfurawa wanted to get the hottest coffee to thaw the ice girl, but Ayanokouji warned she could stab him.
"She is a sadist, she was seriously going to stab with me a compass…" Munfurawa commented.
"Yes, and I will actually, if you continue." Horikita's voice echoed through the two boys' as they tuned to see her having calmed down somewhat.
"They did mention that one student was missing for the exam due to poor physical condition, I think it was Sakayanagi."
They three nodded, "Well I think we should meet up tomorrow morning, to see if anyone of us gets the VIP role."
They all nodded in sync, before they left. Munfurawa had not thought a lot after, other than the possible strategies he could perform.
As he laid down, all he could think of, was benefitting for himself. The amount they could gain especially in private points was really vital as well.
He looked at his phone and saw he had gained an additional 550,000 private points, perhaps the most in his class.
He could be nearing a million at this rate. As for now, after a small workout to keep his body going, he went to his bed.
The next morning went by normally. Horikita was the last to show up yet again, as Ayanokouji and Munfurawa were discussing some mundane topics to the average being.
It wasn't too much, considering the two were usually quiet around one another. While Munfurawa was more talkative, he usually wasn't the only to start conversations.
Once Horikita had joined, the group became a bit rowdier, especially Horikita's complaints to working with people she really didn't want to.
As the clock neared 8:00, the three were looking at their phones.
There wasn't much to discuss other than what they were planning. It all depended on who the VIP was, since they played a part in the exam.
Once the time hit 8:00, three notification sounds ringed around their table simultaneously. No delay, it was instantaneous.
As they began to look, Horikita sighed.
"I'm not the VIP." She stated, showing the mail confirming she was not the VIP.
Ayanokouji then raised his phone, "Same here." He mentioned, as the two looked at Munfurawa's expression.
It was relatively difficult to read, as he kept his expressions stoic. Eventually, he sighed, taking a deep breathe out.
"You okay, Munfurawa?" Ayanokouji asked, and he nodded.
"I'm the VIP of my group…" He stated, showing them the message that confirmed his placement.
"Seems you might be able to perform your strategy after all." Ayanokouji remarked.
Munfurawa sighed, "I don't know, really… I can't cause a distrust in my class. I did promise them I would tell them…"
The two rose their eyebrows at that, before they sighed.
"You aren't going to use them?" Horikita asked.
Munfurawa shrugged, "I don't know yet, they won't be as good as you are, ice girl."
Horikita pouted in retaliation, which Munfurawa found cute.
Munfurawa shrugged it off and looked at the group chat the girls had made, they had all confirmed they weren't VIP's, meaning it was Munfurawa left.
"My desire is Outcome, 1, but in the event that cooperation is not possible, then I'll probably aim for Outcome 4, however, I probably will not be lying." Munfurawa explained.
"That's a surprise, and how will you bring that under your control?" She asked.
Munfurawa let loose a small huff, "I'll bring it under my control, just like how Ayanokouji and I played with you like our own puppet?"
Horikita rose and stomped towards him, trying to grab his shirt, emphasis on trying, as Munfurawa stepped away.
Ayanokouji looked at her retreating figure, "You probably should apologize for that."
Munfurawa shrugged, "Perhaps after."
Munfurawa then noticed something behind Horikita. She was too busy angry at Munfurawa that she failed to notice the two figures behind her.
Before the figure could touch her, Munfurawa grabbed Horikita's sides before yanking her behind him.
She yelped and was about to question what Munfurawa was doing before she heard a sneer and a disgusting voice.
"Well, it seems your fast enough to not just block punches, fufufu…" Ryūen retorted, a smirk on his face.
Munfurawa sighed, no point in getting into an altercation in the middle of a café, "Good morning to you as well, Ryūen."
Ryūen chuckled, "Well thank you for the greeting, but I must talk to ice girl behind you, please."
Munfurawa looked on, "You sound like a child saying please, but whatever."
Ryūen made a noise of annoyance when Munfurawa had called him a kid, before Horikita recovered.
"What do you want, Ryūen, and why did you bring your dog?" Horikita asked with a cold stare, Ibuki clearly taking offences to that, but not responding.
"She really is a dog, following master's orders, huh?" Munfurawa added, trying to taunt Ibuki who was busy daydreaming about being Munfurawa's dog instead.
"Well, you two are unusually rude today, I just want to ask a question." Ryūen asked, clearly aimed towards Horikita and Munfurawa.
"What sort of tricks did you pull off at that island?" Ryūen asked, clearly pissed off about the results.
Horikita turned away, "I don't see any reason to tell you now. That exam is over and done with, we are now focusing on the Zodiac exam."
Ryūen frowned, turning to Ibuki, "According to her, that punk was the leader." He stated, pointing to Munfurawa.
"Well, sorry for you, but he was never the leader in the first place." Horikita merely stated, "But a class like you should've figured it out when the results were shown."
Ryūen was losing it, turning to Munfurawa, "You! How did you know Ibuki's plan?"
Munfurawa sighed, "It's common knowledge to be skeptical of someone from the outside joining you for an exam like that. I just informed ice girl, and she took all the precautions, necessary, which included the leader's identity."
Ryūen sighed, "You were the leader, Munfurawa, I'm sure of it. You somehow changed it."
Horikita chuckled, "You really are an idiot, are you?" As she elegantly sipped her cup.
Ryūen sneered, clearly getting riled up, "Well I hope you also enjoy gaining attention from Katsuragi as well. Your class has everyone's attention now. Seems we actually have to take ice girl's speech back at the pool seriously."
Horikita finished sipping her cup, "I mean what I say, if that's my goal, then I will reach it."
Ryūen then asked, "How didn't you retire then? Someone had to be working after Ibuki had beaten you."
Horikita sighed, "We brought medical kits in addition, so I could heal myself better. I was sick, but able to hold on until the exam was over."
Ryūen then concluded, "So it was you, you were the leader…"
Horikita merely continued, "I won't be telling you anything of Class D's strategy, what you guess is what you assume, besides I would be careful with your next moves, right Munfurawa?"
Munfurawa then took out his phone and camera, winking to Ryūen, "I agree, ice girl. Watch your next move, Ryūen and Ibuki, for you may regret this."
Ryūen was at a stump. He and Ibuki had been blackmailed by this individual into not pursuing more actions again them.
"Just for extra information, remember the three stooges who tried to frame Sudo for assaulting them?" Munfurawa then asked, and this raised the looks of Ayanokouji and Horikita.
"What are you talking about, it was obviously Sudo who started that." Ryūen confirmed with his own theory.
"Keep believing yourself, but I have another video to show you…"
Munfurawa then showed Ryūen the video of the three stooges planning their assault on Sudo, with their dialogue and everything noticed.
It was then cut off when they turned around.
"Wait, how did you…"
"Doesn't matter." Munfurawa grinned, full of malice. "The way I see it, I have actual proof of them orchestrating that event as well. You are giving me a lot of material to blackmail you with…"
Ryūen was finally quieted.
"Good job, you dog." Munfurawa then said at last, and that got Ryūen's enraged.
Munfurawa swiftly dodged a punch from the angered delinquent, Ibuki had stopped him from continuing.
Ryūen sighed, "I see…" He said at last, before he tried one more thing.
He took out his phone and pointed it to Horikita. Munfurawa quickly reacted, thanking the fact they were in arm's distance.
A glimmer of light flashed behind Munfurawa's hand, the camera noise flicking as Horikita and Ayanokouji looking at Ryūen in confusion and anger.
"Did you try to take a photo of me?!" Horikita asked angrily, looking at Ryūen with an even colder glare.
Ryūen chuckled, "Nah, I just wanted to test your guardian's reflexes, right here." He smirked, though he was hoping for the added benefit of a picture of Horikita.
"Seems that his reflexes are among the fastest I've ever seen, it does make me wonder, how did you get that?" Ryūen asked curiously.
Munfurawa stared expressionless at Ryūen, "Just martial arts, nothing more nothing less."
"Ah, but you see, you might claim that, but I've seen how you fight. That's not the fighting style of a professional martial artist. That's the style more of a street brawler." Ryūen commented.
At the mention of street brawler, memories began to hit Munfurawa. Specifically his time on the streets when he would pick fights with fellow delinquents. He had been left there for around a year, under the suspicion his parents would take him out for martial arts for the while.
Even when he returned he still continued, and what it took for him to stop, it was a long process, only for him to return back to the tradition.
"And how would you know that?" Munfurawa clapped back. But even he knew the time after that comment was a bit too long, and Ryūen did smirk somewhat as he realized.
"Let's just say I know my fellow delinquents…" Ryūen concluded, and Munfurawa acted.
"Don't compare me to you. You know nothing of my past and will never. You and I are not the same." Munfurawa retaliated.
Ryūen chuckled, clearly enjoying the switch in tease, "Perhaps, but you haven't denied my assumptions."
Munfurawa recoiled, as Ryūen continued.
"It's a shame I need to go, but it's clear you are hiding some sinister and dark secrets. I can't wait to crack that hard mask you put on…" Ryūen concluded as he walked away.
Munfurawa took a deep breathe of relief, before he turned back, "Sorry about that…"
Horikita just looked at Munfurawa. His reaction to what Ryūen had said did seem to impact him, and worse did breach close to his life. As much as Horikita did want to know about Munfurawa's past, she knew that taunting him like this wasn't the way.
Then, she remembered how he saved her again, "Thanks for blocking his camera, I don't know what he would have planned…"
Munfurawa sighed, "It's fine, just be glad he can't."
Horikita nodded, before turning to Ayanokouji.
The boy had remained quiet throughout the entire ordeal, letting Munfurawa and Horikita settle it.
"Such an interest set of exchanges from them…"
Ayanokouji did notice the reactions Munfurawa had when Ryūen was enacting his offense, with the whole street brawler and delinquent style.
Was Munfurawa a delinquent as well? A street brawler? It would explain some things. For example, his ability to fight, and react quickly. His outlook on the world, and why he would remain silent throughout many interactions. Not to mention, being able to make plans as efficiently.
However, even Ayanokouji knew that wasn't enough. Munfurawa clearly had to deal with much more.
And that was what also Horikita was thinking.
There was no doubt in her mind, that Munfurawa was an interesting person, or for Horikita, her first friend.
It was incredibly strange for her, considering someone a friend, something she had struggled with since middle school, but she digressed.
She knew that Munfurawa was sensitive in dealing with his past. Even if they didn't know, Horikita could tell it was filled with a lot of hatred and tragedy.
Munfurawa looked back at the two, observing what they were pondering. He was thankful that he could sort of see what they were thinking.
"I told you, to stop prying into my past." Munfurawa said at last, making the two focus their attention on him.
Munfurawa merely sighed, "We should probably head towards our room. The mail did say to go there soon…"
Horikita nodded, "Yeah it did, I still hate the fact that I will be around that asshole…" She mumbled, and Ayanokouji sighed.
"You look very tired, Ayanokouji, are you okay?"
The emotionless boy nodded, "Sat for too long, a good walk will fix this sleeping foot."
"Ouch…" Munfurawa commented, before he walked off. Ayanokouji left first, before Horikita.
"Good luck…" Horikita mumbled, clearly a bit nervous and feeling weird with saying that.
Munfurawa nodded, "Same to you, ice girl, we'll talk after."
With that, she entered her room, and so did Munfurawa.
It was here did he realize, until he noticed the angry stares of the girls in his class, he forgot to message them about getting the VIP role.
"Crap…" Was all Munfurawa thought before he heard yelling, from all the girls from his group.
"Well, it's good to see you again, Munfurawa." The voice of Albert Yamada echoed throughout the room, and quieted everyone.
Munfurawa nodded, "Hey."
Eventually the girls moved past that and began to pay attention to the rest of the group.
This gave us time to analyze everyone and their overall circumstances. Once the announcement had come up, notifying everyone of the commence of the exam discussion, the room went silent.
It was clear that someone would have to be the one to initiate the discussion.
Thankfully, it was Sana Azuma who had decided to introduce herself and be the one to initiate and lead the class to cooperation.
It seemed that once this occurred, everyone began to introduce themselves, even Yamada, which somewhat shocked Munfurawa.
Eventually, everyone went into the act, and then began the process of the special exam. As the VIP, Munfurawa had decided to remain quiet about it.
"So what are we all agreeing with the exam?" Chihiro Shiranami started and Azuma pondered.
It was clear she was going to be the so called, leader of this, or the unifier. Many within the group seemed to be wanting to unify and get the exam over with.
This meant that for now, Outcome 1 or 2 were the most likely to occur with this group.
However, Munfurawa was somewhat selfish, and he did want some glory. If he was able to go for the 4th outcome, then he would go for it.
Still, Munfurawa played the card, "I agree, either of the first two outcomes would be beneficial for us all. Clearing the exam, then discussing on the final day, and revealing the VIP then. That way we all benefit."
As Munfurawa listened to his group communicate with each other, he noticed that Class A were being unusually aggressive. It was here did Munfurawa immediately had an idea.
As a result, Munfurawa's group quickly fell into split lines, with Class A alone, and the rest on the other side. Munfurawa also noticed how Kyogo Komiya had decided to side with Class A.
In particular, Komiya had argued with the rest of his class, bolstering the potential for extra credit.
Munfurawa sighed, this was going to be a long day. At least in the event that they remain uncooperative, Munfurawa could perhaps go with his plan after all.
While Munfurawa was selfish, and did aim for perhaps the potential of 1,000,000 private points, he found himself being intrigued more with hurting others, for his own benefit.
Therefore, it Class A and parts of Class C were going to be uncooperative, then Munfurawa would make them pay.
Getting out of his room, Munfurawa took a slight sigh as Sana Azuma once again bombarded him with numerous questions, as the poor guy was clearly getting overwhelmed.
Thankfully, his hero came in the form of Ayanokouji, who just put himself between Azuma and Munfurawa.
"How'd it go?" Ayanokouji asked, and Munfurawa sighed.
"All of Class A and parts of Class C refused to cooperate. As a result, I may have to utilize Outcome 4." Munfurawa revealed.
This surprised Ayanokouji, "I thought you would've gone for outcome 1. I would've done it because 1,000,000 private points is more valuable than 50 class points."
Munfurawa nodded, "Are you?" He asked.
Ayanokouji nodded in response, "If it allows me to, then obviously."
Munfurawa sighed, before he thought on.
It was here did Munfurawa ponder, "It was, but there are three things that have be thinking."
He lifted his index finger. "First, the process of getting 1,000,000 private points only applied if everyone agreed to cooperate. Because a significant section of our group doesn't want to cooperate, it would be better to lower the class points of others, since the 500,000 private points is the same for the rest of the outcomes."
Then his middle finger, "Second, while you could argue that getting the extra private points is for our own benefit. You could also argue that, to benefit yourself, you need to bring others down. Sometimes bringing others down can also be benefitting for me, and even more satisfying. I don't care if I'm seen as a bad person, everyone does that."
Finally his ring finger, "Finally, the rules never stated that you could have multiple traitors. If the VIP gets the right answer, and multiple different traitors answer wrong, then the class points could increase."
Ayanokouji looked on in surprise. Munfurawa really was similar, yet different to him. While his priority was the get as much private points, once he realized it wasn't possible, he played for an equally cunning and vicious strategy.
He had outright admitted, he was going to make as much of them get the wrong answers, not to gain extra class points, but to make those suffer. After all, they only had themselves to blame, for not cooperating.
This individual, Ayanokouji thought, was very cold, vicious, and strong in benefitting for himself. But where Ayanokouji would try to get as much private points as he could, Munfurawa was making others suffer to increase the range of conditions.
Munfurawa wanted to bring those down, to benefit himself.
That was such a cold and cunning maneuver, and Ayanokouji for once, felt a deep sense of respect for him.
"Anyways, I want to discuss some things with Azuma, I'll talk to you and ice girl later." Munfurawa notified, as he waved a bye to Ayanokouji.
The stoic boy nodded, before he looked around, and found himself intrigued by the tool known as Kei Karuiizawa. She had been acting somewhat strange for the time, and considering she was the VIP, he needed to get her back on her toes.
This especially occurred when he and Yukimura had found Karuizawa injured from some delinquents from Class C.
Ayanokouji had stayed behind for a bit, deciding that he wanted to check up on her. She intrigued him. She had decided to sit next to Machida from Class A, which got some of the girls from Class C to glare at her.
That was not a good sign, Ayanokouji sighed, as he and Yukimura had spotted the class C girls, except Ibuki had cornered Karuizawa near a vending machine.
"Can you leave me alone!" Karuizawa pleaded, her voice erratic as she clearly was terrified. Ayanokouji could hear the sense of dread in her voice.
This was further exacerbated when one of the girls already slapped Karuizawa. "Don't blame innocence and dumb! You ugly bitch! You tried to bring down and push Rika, huh? You better start talking for we'll do worse!"
Even when she was slapped, Karuizawa denied the accusations. It was almost believable to Ayanokouji, but even he knew to remain hesitant before taking a side. Still, using violence is a tad too far.
"I didn't push her! At least intentionally, maybe I bumped into her, but that's it!" Karuizawa confessed, and even with that scenario, it did not help her case.
Karuizawa found herself pinned to the wall by the three girls, the pinned girl trying her best to squeeze away, but to no avail.
"S-Stop!" She pleaded, but her mouth was covered by one of the girl.
"I'm starting to hate your damn voice, now be honest with us and confess, or we will come back." She spoke with such fiery passion.
Karuizawa gasped for breath, before she spoke, "She bumped into me! I can't let myself charge into the wall to give your damn airheaded friend a grand entrance!"
It seemed that Yukimura had decided to act, having enough. Opening the door with a slam, his face showcased anger.
"What do you think you are all doing?" Yukimura asked. Ayanokouji following behind, to back him up.
The three girls immediately recoiled in shock, realizing they were caught.
A brief discussion of how a teacher was passing by, and how the commotion would be heard later, and they had managed to diffuse the tension. But Ayanokouji knew they would be back.
No fear, he would prepare.
Flashback (9th Grade Munfurawa)
Munfurawa gasped in shock. While he had expected people to pick fights with him, he had never expected it to go this far.
Ever since that cursed incident in grade 8, Munfurawa was never a normal individual again.
Hiding in a small alleyway, hearing some anger and violence hit the streets. He had three people after him.
Now, normally he was able to withstand up to 12 people who wanted to attack him.
He was used to it. The most he had were around 30, from his junior high school. In a sense, he had only fought around 3 of the 30 that time, before running away from the angry crowd.
Going to school every day was such a daunting task for Munfurawa.
He could never leave his own house without being sought after. He was ostracized by them, just because they thought he killed her.
"I didn't kill her…" He kept mumbling to himself.
Memories of three of his classmates pinning him to the wall, angrily blaming him for her death, before trying to punch him.
Another of five adults trying to run him over the road.
Another of another seven kids running up and yelling at him. Yes, they even had children yelling at him, calling him scum and the likes.
Munfurawa shivered, as he tried to calm his breathing. There was no doubt in his mind that he could handle what this community had thrown at him.
Even when the police found him not responsible for the death of Noriko, many within the community had already assumed their own conclusions. Regardless of authority's investigations, Munfurawa would still be attacked.
Whenever he would walk to buy some food, they would refuse to provide, even if he purchased for extra.
Whenever he walked across the streets, he would be looked at and scorned upon.
Whenever he just lived, he would be attacked.
He remembered when one kid kicked his shin. It had hurt, and so he had pushed the kid away from him. Then, the kid's parent, her dad had punched Munfurawa.
Even with the low blow, Munfurawa had managed to get the parent off him, before running off.
Another scenario involved a "kind" person literally leading to multiple individuals wanting to beat him up.
Munfurawa sighed, as he continued to calm himself down.
So, what was different here? If he could handle up to thirty angry classmates chasing him, surely three would be an easy foot for him.
Unfortunately, one of the kids had literally made a makeshift metal katana, clearly intent on wanting to kill Munfurawa.
The blade currently had some blood plastered on it. Despite walking in the open with evidence of hurting someone with a weapon, nobody cared, as they knew who they were pursuing.
There was seriously no one there for him.
He clutched his chest, as a linear, slightly curved wound that was across his chest. It was bleeding, and was too large for him to clutch it.
He was hissing in pain, and it was a lot.
He had been on the other end of fights before. Where he was on the ground, almost choked to death by someone who pinned him down.
He had been stomped in the stomach by an angry group before.
He had gone through it all. It was a miracle his scars weren't that severe or noticeable.
Most were on his arms due to using them as a protective barrier. Most of the blows he had taken went there, then his shoulder, and legs, and finally his torso, when he was unlucky or unprepared.
"I found you…" One of the boys teased, as Munfurawa's eyes widened. He turned around, and immediately felt a gashing pain in his abdomen.
Looking down, he noticed the katana had embedded itself just under his ribcage. He coughed out a chunk of blood, looking at and seeing the grinning boy.
"I did it! I'm actually going to kill the reaper! I will have finally avenged that girl!"
Munfurawa couldn't believe they had gone this far. His adrenaline began to kick in, and with that his tolerance to pain increased.
He took the katana out of his abdomen, glaring at the boy, who now seemed shocked before running off. The other two with him also ran off, leaving Munfurawa alone with two gaping wounds.
He collapsed in the middle of the street, but even then, because he was known, nobody dared to call for help. He needed medical attention, yet nobody cared.
All because of a girl.
He closed his fist in pure anger, as he was trying his best to endure the pain.
He wasn't sure what happened after that…
All he knew was that he woke up in the hospital, miraculously survived his brazen attack. Apparently he was unconscious on the street for around thirty minutes. The only reason he was brought over, was complaints that he was blocking traffic.
Yes, not because he was dying, but because of traffic.
Munfurawa couldn't have been any angrier than he was.
When he finally recovered, it was back to normal for him. The katana had struck the extraneous section of his abdomen, and the slash to his chest weren't life changing, so he would recover just fine.
Munfurawa sighed, as he made it home after his stay in the hospital. He never even had his father to talk to. All he did was work these days. Even he was getting complaints due to his son, and when Munfurawa would graduate from junior high, he would be kicked off the job.
Munfurawa sighed, as he left the house, in the middle of the night.
It was the only time he could do anything, without being sought after by some angry residents.
Of course, that's when most of the delinquents and petty criminals were out.
But at this point, Munfurawa had no choice.
The world was dangerous for him, on both sides.
At least with night he got the stealth and could end it just like that.
In the day, he had tried his luck, but then another teenage boy had made a makeshift bow and arrow and had struck Munfurawa in his left shoulder.
Once again, he spent another week in the hospital, recovering.
He looked at himself in the mirror, and lost count of the scars he had. While most would fade out of the vision, some, like his chest, abdomen, and shoulder from the katana and arrow respectively were going to stick with him.
At least with nighttime, no one could see him.
His name Munfurawa fit well into this moniker, as his prowess as a fellow delinquent and street brawler came back to him.
He watched as others began thieving from owners, who had tried to fight back, only to fail.
There was no point if Munfurawa was caught in his act, he was already hated, and the police already saw him as innocent.
They had done what they could do, he had finished, but life remained for Munfurawa.
The police could go back and earn their hard-earned cash, while Munfurawa was given a specific curfew by society when to prowl.
It was a hectic life, as he had experienced the nighttime life of the main area of his village, where most of the theft went on. The black market really thrived during this time, and Munfurawa would infiltrate it, before he would benefit from it.
It was probably from his time here, did he learn to be, what others called, selfish. But Munfurawa could care less. He was already branded as a murderer, so not much could hit with that same severity.
As he began to conflict with thieves and owners alike, he had kept his identity hidden, wearing masks, wrapping, and hoodies to give himself an outside world being.
While everyone may freak out, it was exactly how Munfurawa felt: out of this world, unaccepted, and hated.
He had no one, and that was what led him to this lifestyle.
Munfurawa really excelled in the moon with flowers.
A.N / So I decided to put a flashback to some aspects of Munfurawa's life, let me know how you feel about it. I'm not the best at these kinds of stuff, so let me know how to improve. I also didn't want to spend most the time on Karuizawa's incident with the other class C students, as we already knows what happened. I might write the video collection part, which will extend this arc to three chapters, however, which I do now that I think about it.
In addition, with the Zodiac Exam arc, I am debating for Option 1 or Option 4, or I might make it so that there were more than one traitor, even if that's impossible. It's a matter of balancing cleverness, yet at a secret level. Here is kind of tricky, but perhaps Azuma will be helpful here.
Anyways, next one might actually be the last part, if I chose to write more of Karuizawa and Ayanokouji.