Season 1 Episode 9
On the island...
Through amphibious transports, the students have arrived and are being briefed by their teachers. "Okay class, here are the supplies provided for you all." Chie-sensei showed the class as they examined them.
"Let's see...we have 2 tents for 8 students, 2 flashlights, one box of matches, backpacks of amenities for everyone and sunblock for the girls..." Kanzaki analyzed and checked some of them.
"So a whole week with only these?" Chihiro asked Chitose.
"Yup. It's after all, a survival test on a deserted island." She replied back.
On the other hand, "Class A and C are briefed on the exam already and left to get started." Ayanokouji then saw Class D discussing the exam details and he saw Horikita still feeling uneasy from just now back at the cruise ship.
"Food and drink are self-procured and you all have to survive outdoors until noon 7 days for now." Chie-sensei then took a manual. "This manual has a wide range of things for you to browse through. Be it food, drinking water, tools and grill for a barbeque and many more. To acquire them, you need to purchase them with S-points."
"S-points?" Himeno asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes. Special test points for you all use in the exam. You start with 300 S-points and you can earn more." Chie-sensei stated. "There are multiple spots on the island. Each time you claim ownership of a spot, you earn one bonus S-point. However, you can't spend bonus points during the test period. Instead, they'll be added to your class points after the test is over. Now each claim only lasts for 8 hours and only the class leader has the authority to claim ownership. A key card is needed to claim a spot and it'll be given to the class leader. Also, you can't change leaders without a legitimate reason." She then showed them a green key card with a bright smile. "In addition, on the last day when we take roll, for each class leader you correctly identified, your class will gain 50 bonus points. But for each one you guessed wrong, you'll lose 50 bonus points."
This made the class understand the details. "Now here's a tip regarding the class leaders, you can search for the other class leaders and make efforts to hide yours. Also, illnesses and serious injuries, polluting of the surrounding environment, absence at morning and evening roll calls and finally, violence against or stealing from other classes will result in penalties which will lead to some points being deducted." Chie-sensei then concluded the briefing and left the class to discuss about the special exam.
"So the theme of this special exam is "freedom" right?" Ayanokouji asked.
"It seems so." Honami agreed. "If we do this right, we could maintain our ranking with some gains." She then examined her wristwatch. "This wristwatch has hidden sensors and a GPS built into it so that they can send aid immediately in an emergency."
"So that explains why we'll get penalized if we remove them." said Ayanokouji as they watched their class check out the supplies. "Oh my gosh. This is a basic toilet? It looks too irrelevant if you ask me!" Mako complained as Ayanokouji analyzed it.
A basic toilet. You use a superabsorbent polymer sheet to solidify waste and each sheet can be re-used many times. But...it might be hard on the girls...
"Kanzaki, can I see the manual?" He passed it to him as he browsed through. "Hmmm...I got an idea on how much S-points we can spend."
"You do? That's so cool!" Yume exclaimed with a few girls grinning about it.
"But first, we need to move out right now to secure a campground." Ayanokouji told the class.
"Agreed. Everyone pack up the supplies and your own bags and let's move out!" Honami declared as everyone complied and prepared themselves. Ayanokouji then observed Class D again and they appeared to a bit conflicted over certain of the provided supplies with some girls arguing with a few boys and Horikita is still acting the same as just now at the cruise ship.
Meanwhile on the forest...
2 students are in the midst of a discussion. "Proceed as we discussed then." Ryuuen spoke up.
"Right." Katsuragi offered him a handshake but, "Don't get too cocky. Ever since the rumour started to spread that you failed to get into the student council, Sakayanagi's faction has gained dominance." Ryuuen revealed making him grit his teeth. "And furthermore, Ichinose also failed to get into the student council but some time later, the council suddenly accepted her in."
"Any reason?" Katsuragi asked. "Dunno and don't care. But keep in mind that we should use this opportunity for both of us." Ryuuen then took his leave.
At the same time...
Class A is trekking in the forest with Ayanokouji and Honami at the front while Kanzaki stays behind. "Sumida, Moriyama, how are you holding?"
"Manageable."
"We're good."
Ayanokouji looked behind to observe a bit. "Sumida Makoto and Moriyama Susumu. Those guys are intelligent like Hamaguchi and Beppu. Though Moriyama is slightly athletic, Sumida is kinda chubby but has experience in karate."
"Ne Kiyotaka. If we are to find a suitable campground, it has to meet our needs like water supply and shelter." Honami brought up.
"Agreed. We better move fast and secure a spot for us to rest." He replied as they trek on.
A while later, the whole class decided to take a break. "Finding a campground isn't a piece of cake!" said Norihito.
"I wish I can eat a strawberry cheesecake at the cruise ship." said Kozue. "Hopefully we can survive this..."
"We will. So how about we send a few search parties to scout ahead for a suitable campground for us while the rest can ease down." Honami suggested.
"Agreed. Any volunteers?" Ayanokouji asked and then, Sumida, Moriyama, Amane, Itsuki, Kadowaki, Andou, Kozue and Chitose raised their hands. Groups of three are formed with Ayanokouji, Sumida and Moriyama as Group 1, Fujimiya, Akazawa and Kadowaki as Group 2 and the 3 girls are Group 3.
Soon enough...
Ayanokouji can be seen walking ahead and looking around with Sumida and Moriyama behind him. He looked to his left and then to his right.
"Found anything?" Moriyama asked while checking a tree.
"Nothing so far. Let's move on." Ayanokouji told the boys as they treaded on.
10 minutes later, "Hey...is that a cave?" Sumida asked pointing forward.
"Yeah it is. It might be a spot." said Moriyama as the boys walked to it carefully. They stopped behind the trees for a second.
"Spots are important to claim but moving too hastily to secure them will reveal your identity as the class leader to others." Ayanokouji thought when, "Alright, I'll scout ahead to check out the spot." Moriyama volunteered as he prepared to take a step when Ayanokouji sensed something and pulled him back and grabbed Sumida as the group hid behind a tree lying low in silence.
A second later from the cave, Katsuragi emerged as he looked around a bit. Even so, a green keycard is on his right hand as Ayanokouji took notice of it
Yahiko came out. "Man we're so lucky Katsuragi-san. Securing this spot early is something."
"Lucky? No it's not luck. It's the fact that I had my eye on this spot since before we made landfall. It was inevitable that we found it." Katsuragi stated. "Also, be careful of your actions and words."
"R-Right! We may end up spilling the beans that relates to this exam."
"Exactly. And we don't know who, when or where others might be listening. Therefore, take care to avoid even the slightest mistake." Katsuragi added as he showed the card to Yahiko. "As the leader, I have the responsibility to not only manage you but to look after you."
"Understood Katsuragi-san."
"Now before we docked, the cruise ship sailed one lap around the island from a distance. It was actually a hint."
"A hint? Is it through the scenery that was announced?"
"Correct. From the deck of the ship, I saw paths that cut through the forest. After that, it's the matter of finding the shortest route. In other words, the school is tipping us on how we can navigate around the island, where the spots are located and these hints play a part for this special exam."
"Wow! You could see through the school's intentions! As expected of you!" Yahiko praised his leader for that. "Even Sakayanagi won't have much to say about this, will she?"
That's when he's stopped by him. "Quiet down. I sense something odd and I need to check it out over there. Keep watch while I do that."
"Uh okay." So with that, Katsuragi walked out to the forest. Inside, he looked around and even checked a few bushes near him. He searched up also looking around at the branches. "Um...did you find anything?"
"No. But let's go. We shouldn't stay here too long."
"Wakarimashita." Yahiko replied as they went back inside the cave.
With that, "That was close call. He could have walked to his left and right and search deeper but he ended up not seeing the glass half-full during his search." Ayanokouji thought and, "Sorry about that guys."
"It's alright. And to think you're sharp enough to see the danger." said Sumida.
"They went back inside the cave. What should we do?" Moriyama asked as Ayanokouji looked at the cave. "Sumida. Stay here and keep watch. Moriyama, come with me."
At the cave, they found a terminal as, "As expected, Class A has claimed this spot." Ayanokouji deduced.
"And for those 2...you think one of them is the leader?" Moriyama asked.
"A possibility..." He answered as he look straight in the cave. "Let's not linger here too long and meet up with the others."
"Wakata." Moriyama replied as they exit the cave, met up with Sumida and they hurried back together.
By the time they arrived, "Kiyotaka! You're just in time!"
"Time for what Honami?"
"We got word that Kadowaki-kun and his peers have found a spot! Let's go meet up with them right now!" She told him.
And soon enough...
"Here it is guys!" Kadowaki presented the campground to the class as Amane and Itsuki are standing around. The ground is fertile, there's a river beside it and a large tree that provides plenty of shade as everyone looked around.
"Sugoi! This is perfect for our campsite!" Mahiru exclaimed.
"Look Mahiru-chan! There's a waterfall over there!" Chihiro pointed out as everyone walked around the area and it's indeed, a perfect spot for Class A to set up camp. Even so, "I see a terminal over there!" Hamaguchi called out as all gathered to see it. It was located by the tree facing the bushes.
"Well, this is indeed a perfect spot. So all we have to do is claim it for the class and renew the spot every 8 hours." said Honami as already, everyone had agreed to use it. "Now, who wants to be the leader for this special exam?"
"You should Honami-chan!" Yume suggested.
"How about Ayanokouji? He's after all, our class leader." Itsuki suggested as everyone talked and discussed about it when, "None of the above."
"HA?! Why would say that?!" A stunned Shibata asked.
"If either me or Honami are picked as leaders, there is a high chance that the other classes can easily identify us and we'll lose this exam. By now, we can assume that they know about our leadership qualities and how we've lifted this class to the top ranking." Ayanokouji explained. "So if we are to elect a leader, it must be the one that doesn't draw a lot of attention. Like...someone who's in the background a lot."
"Yeah...he's right. Since our class leaders have made some major moves, the other classes can identify them even not needing to spy on." said Amane. "Even thought it's a 50/50."
"And therefore, I have decided on who should be the leader for this special exam." Honami announced as all silenced themselves as she looked at her classmates...
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"Chihiro-chan! You'll be our leader for this one!"
"M-Me?!" She asked shyly.
"Mochiron! I'm giving you a chance to contribute for this exam! After all, you are too innocent for the other classes to assume that you're not the leader for our class." Honami explained.
"Yeah girl! You get to be the leader for this one!" Yume exclaimed.
"Do your best!" Chitose and Mahiru encouraged her. And with that, she accepted.
With that, Andou ran back to the teachers to inform them about Chihiro taking the position as Class A's leader. Once done, Chihiro got the green card and scanned the terminal with a few others covering her presence and Mako is beside. "Ne Chihiro-chan. I got a good idea."
"What is it Mako-chan?"
"How about I keep the card for you? And when it's time to renew the spot, I'll pass it back to you! That way, if ever someone is spying on our class and they see me with the card, I can fool them to think I'm the class leader!"
"Hey that's a genuine idea! We're like going the extra mile to preserve the identity of the class leader!" So with that, Chihiro passed the card to Mako and she kept it in her right pocket of her track pants.
With the spot is claimed, Ayanokouji whipped out the manual and browsed through again. "Honami, can you gather everyone?"
"Gotcha!" She did the job as all gathered before him. "I've decided on what we can spend our S-points on." He began circling on the manual as all looked at it. "He circled a tent, ropes, a barbeque grill, a cooking pot, a portable toilet and kitchen tools!" Mahiru exclaimed.
"Souka...so these would be the needs for our campsite?" Mako asked.
"The tent, ropes and cooking pot each cost 10 points, the kitchen tools and portable toilet cost 20 points and the grill costs 40 points. So we should have spent 110 points." Ayanokouji explained.
"And we still have many left! Nice move!" Shibata exclaimed as, "Now that you spoke up Shibata, I need you to go and make the purchases." Ayanokouji ordered as he handed the manual to him. "Make sure you buy the circled ones. Got it?"
"No problem!" He replied as, "I'll come with you!" Andou requested and with that, they left as, "Okay everyone! Let's set up our campsite!" Kanzaki ordered as everyone got to work.
Hamaguchi, Beppu, Sumida and Moriyama went to set up the tents, Itsuki went to make a fireplace and most of the girls went to find fruit in the forest. "We're gonna need some firewood." Kanzaki stated.
"I hear you man. I'll go and get some while you take charge of the setup." Ayanokouji told him.
"Sure thing. And try to bring at least 2 people with you to help out." He replied as Ayanokouji looked and found his answers as Kozue and Kadowaki noticed his concern.
Soon enough...
In the forest, the 3 students picked up some wood as they searched some more. "I found some here!" Kozue called out.
"I also found these!" Kadowaki picked them up as Ayanokouji looked at the wood supply. "I think we've gathered enough. Let's head back to camp."
"Ha! Ha! Ha! As expected, your leadership qualities are something!" A voice called out as they looked around. And then, "Up there!" Kozue pointed up as Kouenji jumped down before them without breaking his fall. "I believe we have made eye contact at the cruise ship twice."
"Yes. You seemed to have a keen on me." Ayanokouji replied.
"Not only that. I know for sure you are making those big, major moves for your class. Ayanokouji-boy. In a month, you figured out the S-System which leaves me intrigued so far."
They were surprised as, "Before anything, I am Kouenji Rokusuke of Class 1-D. Sure I may at the bottom but I consider myself a perfect existence!" Kouenji introduced himself as he posed with pride and handsomeness.
"Why are you interested in me?" Ayanokouji asked.
"I want to see how far I can go to challenge someone who has hidden and untapped potential like you. A perfect existence like me enjoys a good challenge. But not now, one day. I repeat, one day..." He then laughed and jumped up to the same tree he was on and left jumping from tree to tree like an acrobatic monkey.
"You were right when people can assume you might be the leader for this exam." said Kozue. "Certain students seem to deduce you well."
"No matter, let's head back." He replied as they made their way back with the wood on their hands and in the bags.
On their way back, "Huh? Someone's over there." Kadowaki pointed at someone who appeared to be lying by the tree. It was Kaneda feeling injured on the face as he lay there tired. "What should we do?" Kozue asked.
"Beats me. But we can't leave him here..." said Kadowaki.
That's when Ayanokouji approached him. "Why are you sitting here alone with a bruise on your face?"
"I...I don't...want any trouble..." He replied looking away.
"C'mon. Just tell us. We won't laugh, mock or sneer at you." He urged him and Kaneda told him the story.
"I see...what is Class C planning..." Ayanokouji thought to himself internally and then, "Tell you what, come and stay with us."
"Yes. We can at least provide for you." Kadowaki supported him as Kaneda is in deep thought now.
Back at camp...
Everything is almost in place when they arrived, "The stuff we needed and purchased is all put in place..." Ayanokouji observed as he noticed Amane and Norihito catching fish and then, Chihiro, Yume and Mako returned with some fruits. He can see the tents pitched up with a third one in progress as Hamaguchi, Beppu, Sumida and Moriyama working together, 2 hammocks set up, the grill and cooking pot is in place, a blue cloth is hung up and finally, Itsuki completed fireplace while Chitose and Himeno watching him.
"Kiyotaka! You're back!" Honami noticed him as she went to see him while Kozue and Kadowaki went to find a place to put the firewood.
"Yes. I can see that our campsite is almost up and running." He replied as Kanzaki showed up when, "Wait a minute...who is he?" He asked.
"Kaneda Satoru from Class C." He answered as he explained to her about their encounter.
"Souka...well, you can stay with us until the exam blows." Honami told him and, "Wow...this is unexpected...thank you." He replied as he looked around at the campsite. On the other hand, Ayanokouji whispered something to Kanzaki and he nodded and they fist bump each other.
That night...
"Not bad on our the first day in this special exam." said Himeno as she ate a fruit.
"Mmmm...this fruit is sweet and ripe! Good thing Mahiru-chan was able to identify the types and set aside those that we can consume." said Honami. "And she knows how to grill the fish!" Everyone agreed and praised her for that as they ate together and all are seated around the fireplace which has a warm fire burning on. Kaneda on the other hand stayed by the huge tree when all of a sudden, "Hello there!"
"Hoshinomiya-sensei!" Yume exclaimed as the class went to see her. "I can see that you all managed to set up a proper campsite! Consider it outstanding!" Chie-sensei exclaimed with happiness and satsifaction.
"We all worked together to get the job done right." said Himeno.
"The same goes for me for the time now is 8pm and I need to do the roll cal." Chie-sensei worked on it and, "Perfect! Full attendance and no penalties on that!"
"How many points we lose should one person be absent?" Beppu asked.
"5 S-points per person." Chie-sensei answered and added. "As of now, someone from Class D dropped out. It happened right before this roll call."
"NANI?!" A majority was surprised by this as it cuts to the cruise ship and then, Kouenji swam to it and boarded the ship with ease. "Ah...the moon is beautiful tonight!"
The spot they claimed will be the same one as the one in the anime when they are Class B. And likewise, Kaneda's role is the same as in the anime and LN. Yeah you guys already knew it and I'll see to it also on how I can write it out.
And unlike in my specialized story, Kouenji dropped out as in the anime. But yes, he's gonna have a good time to take on Ayanokouji one day.
Day 1 has passed so how will the exam go for the freshmen? Find out in the next few chapters...