53 Chapter 53 – Foreshadowing that has been laid long ago

"Alright, everyone~ Let's get going!" Ichinose's energetic voice even reached Class C. Yukio looked over and saw Class B seemingly ready, heading collectively towards the island's jungle behind the beach.

Seemingly spurred by Class B, Class D momentarily set aside their argument and rushed into the jungle, planning to discuss their material exchanges while on the move.

Seizing the opportunity for a private discussion, Yukio left the manual with his classmates and, accompanied by Ryuen, Ishizaki, and Albert, approached Class A.

Yukio knew from the information gathered by Class C that Class A was currently divided into two factions. One was led by the robust bald male, Katsuragi, and the other by a girl named Sakayanagi, who was absent due to health reasons.

Regarding their personalities, Class C had limited information. They knew Sakayanagi had some chronic illness, often leading to her absence, but she was top in academics, a rare genius. Katsuragi, on the other hand, was a stable character, having endured Class C's provocations without retaliation.

Katsuragi, noticing Yukio's approach, became alert, stopping his discussion with his classmates and preparing for confrontation, like a fighter wary of a wild beast.

"Yukio, I believe this is our first formal meeting. Is there something you need?" Katsuragi was aware of Yukio, especially after the mid-term exam incident when Yukio led Class C to demand monthly contributions from Class D.

Approaching Katsuragi, Yukio assessed the de facto leader of Class A in Sakayanagi's absence: "I was thinking of making a deal with your class. I'm just not sure if you have the guts to take it."

Katsuragi's expression became even more serious, his already stern face turning into a solid block of stone, not allowing any relaxation or carelessness.

Everyone knows that Class C is ruthless in their dealings, often setting traps that lead to their advantage. The monthly contributions that Class D is forced to make serve as a stark warning to the whole grade.

"Don't listen to him, Katsuragi. Just make him leave. Who would trust making a deal with someone like him? And this obvious provocation to challenge his courage – who would fall for that?"

"Yeah, there's no option for class cooperation in this special exam. Let's just stay away from them."

"Class C is just a bunch of troublemakers. If they cause any trouble during the special exam, which forbids fighting, we'll report them to Teacher Mashima!"

Several students from Class A were clearly advising Katsuragi not to engage in any transaction with Class C, causing Yukio and Ryuen to almost laugh.

Is this really Class A? Katsuragi doesn't seem to have enough authority. If someone from another class approached Yukio for a deal, would anyone from Class C dare to interrupt, given Yukio's authority?

Katsuragi, trying to remain calm, took a deep breath and then decisively stopped his classmates' suggestions, turning to Yukio: "Let's hear what this transaction is about. If there's any trap, I'm confident I can see through it. You can't outsmart us in Class A."

"But if it's a sincere proposition for mutual benefit, I might consider it."

"Forget about it," Yukio cut off Katsuragi's probing. "To hear our plan, you need to sign a fair contract recognized by the school. It stipulates that regardless of whether the deal happens or not, Class A cannot reveal our plan during this special exam."

"Breaking the contract means expulsion for your entire class. That's when I'll feel secure to deal with you. How about it? Of course, Class C will cover the contract fee."

The mention of expulsion for the whole class troubled the students of Class A: "You're going too far, Class C!"

Katsuragi raised his hand to silence his classmates: "It's a reasonable request. I'll sign it. Yukio, you're taking this very seriously, and that makes me even more curious about your strategy."

While Ishizaki went to buy the contract, Katsuragi quietly explained to his classmates: "Don't worry, as long as we don't leak any information, there's no issue."

"A simple contract like this can't have any hidden traps we can't see through. We can sign it safely. And since Class C is preparing so carefully, their plan must be significant. We might even benefit from it."

Yukio and Ryuen left Class A to discuss privately, standing aside with Albert, waiting calmly.

Ryuen couldn't help but express his admiration: "Did you plan this far ahead when you had our class provoke Class A?"

His praise wasn't without reason. He was genuinely impressed. Katsuragi's quick agreement wasn't just due to Class C's cautious approach this time. It was related to the previous provocations and challenges by Class C.

During those days of constant provocation from Class C towards Class A, the dissatisfaction among the students of Class A was suppressed by Katsuragi. However, it's important to note that while the discontent was suppressed, it didn't disappear.

Ultimately, Class A's tolerance of Class C's provocations would lead to one outcome: the overall student body in Class A would gradually become dissatisfied with Katsuragi's conservative approach, intensifying internal strife.

This give-and-take situation would inevitably put Katsuragi's faction in a weaker position, eventually being defeated by Sakayanagi's faction.

Faced with the anxiety and helplessness of his faction's weakening position, Katsuragi had to actively seek benefits for his students. With benefits, he could speak more assertively in his group, stand up to Sakayanagi, or even strike back.

Therefore, when Class C approached for a negotiation, Katsuragi was psychologically bound to agree. This was the trap Yukio had laid out early on.

Regardless of the content of the special exam, the class competition, or the school's arrangement, Yukio could always find a way to extract benefits, and Katsuragi had no choice but to agree.

Otherwise, with Katsuragi's "he is strong, let him be strong" conservative style, why would he agree so easily? It was all because of the intense internal conflicts in Class A, with Sakayanagi pressing him too hard.

If Katsuragi was dominant within Class A at the moment, no matter how persuasive Yukio might be, Katsuragi probably wouldn't agree to anything.

Yukio, watching Class A, smiled broadly, as if anticipating a big win: "Can't help it. When there's instability internally and such an opportunity arises, it would be a waste not to seize it."

"Ha, you're something else," Ryuen said with a laugh, but deep down, he was also astounded. Just how far ahead had Yukio planned?

***

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