55 Chapter 2: Preparation
[Kurushima Pov]
[October 14th, Morning]
"Sakayanagi and Kanzaki, huh?"
"Whenever I see them, smiling, laughing, enjoying themselves, I can't stand it at all costs. It disgusts me, and makes me feel so much hatred. It always reminds me, that I was unable to achieve anything regarding them, yet..."
"I know why, after all, but... it doesn't change much at all. They're lucky, because these two were people I couldn't confront until now. For me, persevering my family's legacy, having them known throughout Japan, is of upmost importance."
"Nobody will forget about any of them, I'll make sure of that..."
"Once I will return to Kyoto, skip high school, graduate from university soon to get accreditation there, pass the legal age, I'll make high contributions to Japan's economics, change the working System they'd have wanted, and... some of the political aspects, too."
"I won't enter politics, even though I could. I'll... probably... bribe or threaten a few politicians and make the reforms that'll help Japan, overall."
"And once everything is achieved, my revenge, their legacy, the political system they always wanted to change, I'll finally end the cycle of hatred, with me..."
"I won't have anything like bonds, soon, anyway. Nobody will get worked up, if I die. Aoki, I noticed it plenty of times, but you're reaching your limits... slowly..."
"You're 77 years old, suffering from the limitations of age. You've been with us for 49 years... and you're like a Father, for me..."
"Please enjoy your life, without having a Monster like me present in it... That's my wish..."
"And don't worry... I'm going to change the legal age from 20 to 18, so you can enjoy your life as much as possible..."
"Once that happens... I'll be all alone..."
"Hahaha... that's quite deserving, for someone like me, isn't it?"
"But why..."
"Why did I enter a relationship? Why did I have to fall in love? Why do I feel so happy? I didn't think straight at all that 'day', did I?"
"Yeah... I didn't... I suppose..."
"But I listened... to what I deep down really wanted..."
"Thank you, Hiyori. The time I spent with you so far, was one of the best ones of my life. But for you, I'm just going to be your first love and boyfriend..."
"That's all what I'm going to be, won't I?"
"You'll get over... me... "
"I don't want to regret anything if I see you with someone else... so I'll make sure to avoid our paths in the future. But... studying in Tokyo... it's perhaps the best choice, after all..."
"Every one of them, is, after all, in Tokyo..."
"But among these four, only two of them have children."
"Kanzaki and Sakayanagi..."
"The cycle of hatred won't stop, unless I die..."
"Besides... I don't fear death, nor do I have any reasons to live further, aside from my revenge, their legacy, and their goals..."
"By having me die, the name Kurushima will be eternally in the mind of everyone, for someone so young to die, who will do in the future plenty of achievements..."
"With that, they'll remember your names, willfully or not..."
"But... not before... Aoki... dies..."
"I won't let him mourn for me in sadness..."
"But why do I feel my heart clenching?"
"Do I want to live...perhaps?"
"No... my death, will contribute everyone..."
"Especially, the orphans..."
"Half of the wealth will go for their living improvements, in some kind of trusting foundations, I'll find. If there aren't some, I'll create one..."
"No one, should suffer, like me, anymore."
"But..."
"I'm really scum. Am I not?"
"I'm entering a relationship, with the result of leading it to a break-up. I don't want too, but once I cross that line, I shouldn't have her be with a Monster like me, any further... "
"It's for her sake..."
"Haah..."
"Love makes everything so conflicted, so suddenly..."
"Hiyori..."
"I'm glad that I was able to meet you..."
"You'll be my first, and last love..."
"Because the bloodline Kurushima will die with me, once and for all."
"And finally..."
"My pain will stop, once and for all..."
[Twenty Minutes Later]
Leaving the room, recompensing myself in that time, I saw someone else opening it at the same time.
"Good morning, Ayanokoji-kun," I said.
"You too, Kurushima. And thanks, for keeping quiet."
"Don't worry, it's nothing."
"So? Would you like to converse a bit?" I asked.
"About what?"
"The exam, perhaps?"
"Okay. Do you have any thoughts regarding it, already?"
"I do, naturally. We can't attack Sakayanagi nor Ichinose, since they're both superior in regard to academics in comparison to us. Even if I were to score perfectly in all the subjects, it wouldn't change much."
"The only class we can take head on head is that of Ryūen's class, so we'll have to attack them. They'll arrive at the same conclusion, too."
"Is that really fine with you, however, Kurushima? Your girlfriend is in that class, after all. She could get expelled, if she's unlucky with whom she partners up."
"Don't worry, the two of us were already in unity, regarding the special exams. A relationship with someone in a different class can only work, if two people have the same stance in some matters."
"I see..."
"Ayanokoji-kun, is everything alright?"
"Yeah... I'm just wondering, how does it feel to be in love?"
"Love, huh? Until I met her, I was never in love, but around her, I feel comfortable. It's beautiful. Very beautiful, actually..."
"I'm not someone who can say much about it, since it's my first time, but you know if your heart beats faster, or you feel comfortable in general towards that person, it might be love what you feel..."
He looked deep in thought. "I see... Thank you, for answering my question."
"No problem, Ayanokoji-kun."
He looked at me. "You've still something in mind regarding the Paper Shuffle, don't you, Kurushima?"
I nodded. "You see, currently, we're still in Class A, are we not? The class rankings are being applied at the 1st of each month, so... if Ichinose's class per example were to write down Class A, would it be us, then?"
"It shouldn't be, since from next month, we're in Class B. The Paper Shuffle is in the next month, after all, too. When they mean Class A, they'd mean Ryūen's class then, would they not?"
"I'm not quite sure, Kurushima. We'll have to ask Sensei about this..."
I nodded.
Without speaking much further, we arrived at the classroom.
"Everyone, let's talk after class," I said, getting the agreement of many others.
In the meantime, I'd soon take my first few preparations for making the security camera malfunction or do something else, regarding the camera in front of his office...
Once the class ended, and Sensei wanted to walk away, I expressed a question, I'd like to know.
"Sensei, I have a question regarding the Paper Shuffle."
She nodded, stopping her movements of opening the door. "Please go ahead. If it's something I'm allowed to answer, I'll do so."
"Currently, we're still in Class A, Sensei. But from the next month onwards we aren't, anymore."
"Yes?" she looked at me, expecting to elaborate further.
"If one of the classes were to write down attacking Class A, would they attack us, then, or would they attack the current Class C?"
Slightly amused, she answered. "It'd be Class C they'd be attacking. Usually, such a thing doesn't happen, where all classes are in change of their initial class positions, but this year seems to be rather special."
"You folks achieved Class A, likewise with that of Class C, while the original B and A are now down in the rankings. It's quite surprising, but..."
She looked at me, and presumably Ayanokoji, before returning her gaze to the class again. "From now on, everything will get harder, since you're both academically and athletically inferior to every other class."
Some looked down, when she said that. "But if all of you work hard, you surely can improve yourselves, and maintain the Class Position. Keep that always in mind."
Not even seconds later, Sensei walked out of the class, and many cheered up. I saw them happy, excited, relieved, to have achieved this milestone.
But once I drop out, I wonder, what their faces will look like, then?
Despair?
Sadness?
Anger?
Confusion?
Relief?
In particular her...
What'll she think, then?
I wonder...
"Sudo, could you please close the door?" I asked, politely.
He nodded, standing up, closing the door.
Meanwhile, I walked towards the podium, out of no apparent reason.
I would have preferred myself to sit down, but well, I can't help it.
"I'm sure many of you had your thoughts regarding the Paper Shuffle already, in particular which class we'd be attacking, so I'd like to express my opinion, with which we're most likely able to obtain our Class Position back..."
"Both Ichinose-san's and Sakayanagi-san's classes are superior to us in regard to academics, so we'd be losing, if we're in a direct confrontation with them. Thus, I suggest, we'll be attacking Ryūen's class, who're closest to us in academics. Any objections, perhaps?"
Nobody said anything, so I continued.
"As yesterday mentioned, we've categorized ourselves for the mini Test in four different kinds of groups, regarding our academic capability."
"Group 1, the high level; Group 2, the mid-high level; Group 3, the mid-low level; and Group 4, the low-level."
"Group 4 will leave their test sheets blank, so they'll get paired with Group 1, those who answer everything. Meanwhile, Group 2 and 3 will be paired together, Group 3, writing one answer right, Group 2, writing 2 and more answers right."
"I'd like to categorize ourselves firstly in which of these groups we are in. I hope nobody minds it, but I've done a small list, in which group everyone is, based on their academic capabilities."
I put the sheet of paper in front of the blackboards.
"Although, we might get slight problems..."
"Ichinose's class might tend to avoid a confrontation with Sakayanagi's class head to head, so we'll likely be their number 1 pick, perhaps. Likewise with Sakayanagi, they could attack us or Ryūen's class."
"These two, they certainly have the advantage over us. Hopefully, these two go against each other, but we should be prepared, nonetheless, for that situation."
"So please keep that in mind and let's learn a lot for the Paper Shuffle. My learn group is always open for everyone, so if anyone has problems, ask right away!"
With that, I ended my small speech.
Many of my classmates nodded in understanding and approached the paper in front of the backboard I put there, memorizing their groups.
Unlike in the Sports Festival, I don't think Kushida will take the risk of taking a picture here.
She has no intention of revealing herself as a traitor, after all.
Why do all these efforts regarding the class, and then throw it away?
She's not that stupid.
"Well, the important thing is that we keep this in mind for the mini test, tomorrow. Please memorize your group, so we can successfully solve the Paper Shuffle, without anyone having to be expelled."
[A/N: Kinu somehow messed the timeline during this volume. The Sports Festival is said to end mid-October in the Novel, a week after, the Paper Shuffle is announced, while a week further, the test which determine the pairings are written.]
[And to top if off, it's all before October 20th... I'm changing it slightly, so it does make more sense. Test is done at October 15th, is being handed back at October 16th, Learn Groups are being determined around that time, which leads to the Ayanokoji Group being formed. All that before October 20th, since also Kurushima has his birthday on that day.]
[I might change the dates in the future, like the Sports Festival being at the 3rd or 4th October, and so on, perhaps. As of now, it'll be like that.]
I heard many people agreeing with me, since at least everyone should know a couple of things from middle school, at least.
The mini test shouldn't be that hard.
"Let's discuss everything else after the mini test."
My classmates nodded, having all memorized their groups and their respective tasks, if they want to successfully absolve the Paper Shuffle, without getting expelled, at all.
I left the classroom with a deep sigh, looking into the internet of a certain store, calling the number.
Currently, I was outside, leaning against the fence, while dialing the number.
"Excuse me, do you perhaps offer part-time jobs?"
"Part-time jobs? We do. But are you sure?"
"Yes, I am. But it's just for one or two days, if it's possible. It's quite the bad time, currently, as we have Exams, but I'd like to earn a bit of Points."
The call continued, and we spoke of additional details further, such as the date of my work for the two days, and so on.
Once the call ended, I looked at the ocean, with a slight bored look.
"The electronic store, huh? It's perfect to test a few things regarding the camera in front of Chairman Sakayanagi's office, while also being able to use 'that'. Since they're not offered anywhere else, I'll have to go there, and use it, there."
"Haah... The school could have at least offered them in the construction market, but... I doubt there's a student who would be using engineering tools like that."
"Chairman Sakayanagi..."
"Soon, the necessarily preparations for our meeting are set..."
"I'll make sure that the camera is unable to record anything, like myself entering your room..."
"The 18th December..."
"It'll be your last and worst day..."
--
[Ryūen Pov]
...
Kurushima was right, after all...
"Ryūen."
"Kurushima."
"How is she?"
"Good. It's not something you'd particularly care about, right? After all, it's quite uncommon to see an accident happen in a three-legged race. It's almost as if it's done—intentionally."
"I might have provided her with your competitions, but I wouldn't even think of giving hers, Kurushima. As someone who represents me in case of emergency, Hiyori is a very valuable asset in my class."
"I know. I wasn't hinting anything towards that. I'm just saying something else."
"Ahahaha, a traitor? In my class? Who would be foolish enough to do something like that."
"Who knows?"
It seems like he didn't lie, after all, in the Sports Festival.
Could he be... X?
No... that's impossible.
While he's clearly capable of that, someone created a fire in their camp after he was forcefully retired, to give Ibuki the opportunity to flee with the keycard, then after, making Suzune retire from the Exam, in the end.
Besides... would someone so kind-hearted use such methods like that, to make Suzune retire from the Exam...
Not at all.
The likelihood of him being Y is likelier, even.
And that's very unlikely, already.
Hahaha, there's someone interesting in his class, that thinks like me.
Y is still a mystery, but it should be with a high probability Kanzaki...
But it seems too good to be true, actually.
While sitting on the teacher's table, I looked at my class.
Now that we're from the next month onwards in Class A, they should have no reason to rebel against me now, do they?
If someone does, they're bluntly stupid.
But... it wasn't me who won this exam, in the end.
It was only possible through Y, in short, probably Kanzaki...
What reasons does he have to betray his class, however?
Private Points?
Or does he expect me to transfer him to my class?
I'm not quite sure, honestly.
But I'll find it out...
Without any seconds passing further, seeing my class completely quiet, I spoke.
I nodded at Albert, signaling him to block the door, likewise with Ishizaki in the other end.
As for Kaneda, I instructed him to do something else important, to identify the Traitor immediately.
"Looking back on the exams so far, there are several unnatural things."
In case someone would think of standing up or trying on rebelling, Ishizaki and several else of my henchmen were ready to use violence against that person.
"For it to come to this, it couldn't have been by chance."
"Based on what happened on the uninhabited island, and at the sports festival, there appears to be a person in Class A who thinks like me."
"Someone like Ryūen-kun? I don't think Class A has someone like that..."
I smiled and looked at Ishizaki.
"I used to think that too, but I feel like I need to face reality."
"Is this also related to the results of the uninhabited island exam and the sports festival? But we won all three Exams in the end, didn't we?"
"We did, in some sense..."
Although our success in the Deserted Island Exam was only possible through Y, after all.
If not for Y's interference, we'd have lost, which would have led to my dictatorship being questioned, in the end.
Among the class of the pacifists, the one who isn't one, stands out, the most.
But perhaps... that's Y's Strategy, wanting to make me believe it's Kanzaki...
Y could be someone entirely else, too, in their Class.
A class that consists out of relatively smart people, unlike Kurushima's and ours. The identity of Y is very difficult to figure out.
Kanzaki could perhaps rely on reverse psychology, then?
X, too... perhaps?
Would he...?
No, he wouldn't make himself stand out.
Ayanokoji...
It seems almost so obvious, actually.
But could he be truly X?
He raced the Student Council President, after all, in the joint relay.
It wasn't planned, since Kurushima had to retire from his rib fracture...
If X, the Mastermind of the Island Exam, with such capabilities would do this, relying on mere luck, could they be still considered as the Mastermind, the Intelligent Person I think they are?
X wouldn't do that...
Ayanokoji could be one of his pawns, then?
I'll confirm it soon, either way.
Should I ask Kurushima?
Let Hiyori ask him?
With her, he should let his guard down, and it will be easier for him to slip up...
No—that wouldn't be fun, at all.
But Kurushima...
He could figure X's identity out, with the same information as me, couldn't he?
No, I'm not sure.
Although Kurushima might not have confronted them, it could be that Suzune or X have revealed themselves to him...
There's just one remaining mystery...
Y...
It's as if he knew X would interfere...
Was I perhaps wrong...?
Yes...
If X had no intention of the Deserted Island Exam at all, the camera wouldn't have been destroyed, in the end...
Ibuki didn't even know the camera was destroyed, until the thing after Kurushima happened, since she had no time to check it at all...
I had her move the camera somewhere else, temporarily, likewise with Kaneda, while wanting those two to observe their prior spots...
He couldn't be it...
But when was the camera destroyed?
Ibuki didn't move out of the camp aside from Day 5, which was the Day she caused the underwear ruckus, and at that time, I ordered her to move the camera somewhere else, once she reported me, firstly...
I assumed X interfered because Kurushima had to retire in the Exam, in the end, but X had the intention to interfere, from the very beginning.
Truly a cunning opponent...
Was Suzune's retirement planned in advance, since the very beginning?
And they also fooled Kurushima, huh?
The Deserted Island Exam...
Just thinking about it, makes my body thrill in excitement...
It's as if a beautiful girl was blowing me right now one, currently.
Just thinking back of this Exam itself, gives me already a huge boner, from all this nourishing excitement I feel.
It feels so great.
Crushing them, it'll be fun.
The loli...
Should I crush her before Y?
I was already targeting Ichinose's class after X, so it won't matter. Right now, the position they're in, is perfect to crush them completely.
Eliminating one class completely from the competitions will be very beneficial...
Their Spirits, they're slightly higher, because of this Exam.
And besides, once I crushed X, and Hiyori is able to make Kurushima join our class, the battle will just be among Sakayanagi and our Class...
Without X and Kurushima, Class A is nothing...
But Y stopped, ever since the Zodiac Exam...
Not even one single message, since two months...
Crazy Bastard...
Could it truly be like what I suspected...?
Bringing your own class down, which is similarly as good as Sakayanagi's class both in academic and physical ability, and then using it, to join another Class, whom Y manipulated in the end, ours?
The question is, do they really expect me to do this?
No, I wouldn't...
But perhaps—they have some serious blackmail material against my class, with which Y hopes to achieve it...
One thing that immediately comes in my mind is expulsion material...
No one knows how much Class Points it costs, but from rumors, three people who were seen bullying, in the same class, with the video being released, on Day 3, had their 428 Class Points reduced to 0 Class Points...
It's more than 140 Class Points per person, and it could be even more.
Perhaps 150, or even higher than that...
If Y truly has something like that in his disposal, I can understand the confidence.
Releasing something like that, it'll ruin our chances entirely of graduating from Class A, so having Y transfer to our class, is the better option.
Since September, we've received 87,400 points, next month, we'll receive 92,400, and before the Special Exams started, from 1st May 58,700 Points, and from June 1 to August 1, 60,100 points, through the Midterm Exams.
I had a very decent amount of Points, alongside our deal with Katsuragi, and from the Zodiac Exam, too, so I could easily transfer someone, if I had the intention.
Although, playing into Y's hands was something I didn't like...
What a amusing bastard...
I wonder if it's truly Kanzaki, or someone in Ichinose's class, who wants me to believe Y is Kanzaki...
I continued with my answer, breaking after a long moment the silence off.
"Our deal with Katsuragi's class, our 121 Class Points from the Island Exam, the 150 Class Points from the Zodiac Exam, and the 50 from the Sports Festival. We did win, in fact. But... we also did not..."
"Listen you. Moving forward, we'll be looking to launch an all-out attack on Class A. I must take out the person who interfered with our perfect victory in the Deserted Island Exam. The one, who helped Class A from the shadows. Class B (Sakayanagi) and Class D (Ichinose) will have to be put aside for now."
Even if someone was against it, it would be impossible to speak up because the class has signed a contract with me.
"Ryūen-san... Does Class A really have someone working in the background? Someone other than Kurushima, Horikita or Hirata?"
"Yes. And, the people in this class have the key to exposing their identity."
My eyes moved away from Ishizaki and once again went to Class C, which will be at November 1st Class A.
"What are you trying to say, Ryūen?"
In this heavy atmosphere, Ibuki stood in the classroom with her arms crossed at her chest and threw these words at me.
"Kuku. Ibuki, can you not even listen quietly?"
"I don't have that much free time, and you don't get to keep intimidating your classmates."
"You're a big talker for someone who hasn't asked for permission. Haven't you already made a fool of yourself?"
"That's..."
In the face of his remark, Ibuki had no choice but to eat her words. In particular, her failure at the sports festival was embarrassing. I had changed the students lined up to race against Horikita after Ibuki had requested to compete with her directly.
The result was a very narrow defeat. It was a pity, she had almost caught up with Horikita.
She lowered her arms and glared at me.
"Are you one to talk? At the end of the day, you failed to defeat Horikita at the sports festival. Did you manage to get the private points for the collection? Aren't you the same as me?"
She wasn't referring to our victory in the Sports Festival, but on the fact I was unable of getting from Horikita the 1 Million Private Points, due to X's interference.
"The same as you? Don't make jokes like that. The strategy I set up at the sports festival was perfect."
"That's why, we won, didn't we, Ibuki?" I looked at her, asking that.
"Tch..."
We're the only class, who even got Class Points, among the whole school. The strategy definitely was a success..."
"But..."
"Don't you think that no matter how perfect a strategy, it will fail if somebody leaks it?"
"... Leak?"
"The mysterious success of Class A in the Deserted Island Exam is due to the mysterious existence of 'X', who dares to draw and manipulate the Class C students at my command. In short, we have spies among us."
"Are you serious...?"
"This is a fact. My cohesiveness... no, it seems that authority was not enough. It truly is a pity."
Everyone present began praying that this would be over soon. "However, this noisy espionage will end here."
I slammed the podium with my palm and silenced the chaos of the room. The scene sank into silence.
"First of all, I will try to ask honestly. The student who betrayed me, raise your hand."
I did not hesitate to issue a direct declaration.
Of course, no one raised their hands.
Some of the students glanced around at each other, which was responded to with feigned ignorance. There are also those who stayed still and held their breath to avoid attracting attention.
"Oh yeah... if you come forward easily, you won't have betrayed me at all."
The presence of a spy may shake Class C, but there was nothing but joy in my heart.
"I knew that the spy would choose to hide. Then, you don't have to raise your hand. No, rather, don't raise your hand. Even if you're now considering it, stay completely hidden."
"What are you saying? Are you really tolerating traitors?"
"You're annoying, Ibuki. Don't disturb my pleasure. I'll kill you if you do that again."
I glanced at the silver haired girl in the first row.
"Hiyori, do you think Kurushima is like that? As his girlfriend, you should be able to answer this question. Or could you perhaps... be the traitor?"
I said, bumping my fist on her table.
Saying that, I maintained my angry composure, seemingly suspecting Hiyori, but in fact, I observed the other people in my class who might show slight relief of me suspecting her.
Likewise with Kaneda, whom I have told about it before.
Let's see, if the fish takes the bait.
I knew that Kurushima wasn't X, after all.
Besides...
Would X deliberately injure his 'own' girlfriend?
That look...
The look he gave Sakayanagi... it was certainly real.
He didn't do it, that's for sure.
She looked at me, slightly glancing at Kaneda, until seeming to have realized what I was doing.
"I'm not the Traitor, Ryūen-kun. And Kaoru, he isn't like that."
Kaneda approached me, murmuring that a group of girls was slightly reassured, when I began to suspect Hiyori.
How interesting. I didn't think such a simple bait would be working, but you four are really idiots, after all.
They must be enormously nervous, right now, are they not?
These four...
Their bodies trembled in fear, especially Manabe, my dear class traitor.
But I won't confront her now. It wouldn't be fun, otherwise.
Besides...
Now that we're in Class A, let's see to how much extent my classmates are willingly to let me go.
Checking their phones should be easier, now, then ever before...
Likewise with their Private Points, or anything else I'd request from them.
Although I had much of them, I could easily earn more, even among the faction who used to rebel against my dictatorship.
They've become obedient, right now, because of our new position...
Kurushima...
I want to crush you, but if the chance were to offer itself, I might recruit you, too.
If Y has something to say, he'll notify me, but until then, I'll get myself 20 Million Points ready...
Ensuring the 800 Million Plan, or bringing someone very competent who ensures our class position, which option is better?
The latter one, naturally.
Currently, I'm not confident of beating Sakayanagi, and you, seem to be highly evaluated in her opinion, out of some reason.
Despite being in the class of the defectives, you were able to achieve the impossible, bringing them into Class A, easily.
X might have helped you in the Deserted Island Exam, when you couldn't partake anymore, but Ibuki simply got lucky, after all.
If you weren't made to forcefully retire, our deal almost would have ended...
Kuku, I didn't expect you to have such immense deductive capabilities.
You're really great, Kurushima...
Both in the Deserted Island Exam, and in the Zodiac Exam...
But something like Poker, getting a reaction out of me, was that really all?
I played along, but I didn't expect you to have known the pattern, too, and deduced it, based on three simple VIPs.
Just from the saying the 'dog' doesn't need its owner's allowance, and the fact that Kanzaki and I were seen together, you deduced he provided me their VIP's, and also confirmed the pattern through me, without knowing the other 9, huh?
It was quite the stunt, truthfully.
You're far better than expected...
My heart is racing, just from the fact of facing you, X, Y, or Sakayanagi...
But what about Class D, Ichinose's class, then?
Y is there, so I should also bring forward my investigations regarding them, too.
Kanzaki, huh?
You or someone else from your class seems to be the likeliest of being Y...
However, unlike Kushida whom I can use, I have no one in your class, yet.
Going against your class in the Paper Shuffle will be my loss, which I don't mind, but I'd like to extort more of their Private Points, first...
Once I'm finished with X, I'll get towards Y, too...
I'd like to keep myself the best opponent as the last, after all...
Later that day, I showed them proof of a traitor, and confirmed to how much extent my classmates are willing to let me go off.
--
A/N: And this concludes the chapter.
How did you like this Chapter?
And how did you find Ryūen's deductions based on Y?
He doesn't realize getting played along the hands at all... Lol.
I mean, it also makes sense, when he deduces it like that, since Kurushima, does in fact, have blackmail material against his class, but doesn't use it, in the end.
Lucky for him, since Hiyori is in his class.
Also, if you're interested, here the Points Ryūen's class has overall earned. Both in comparison to this fanfic, and from the Original to, just as a small comparison.
First in this fic first, then the original.
--
[Fanfic:]
[Class Points—Private Points:]
[May: 587—58,700]
[June, July, August: 601—60,100]
[September, October: 874—87,400]
[November: 924—92,400]
[Ryūen's class earned from May 1st until October 1st 16,552,000 Private Points, excluding the Zodiac Exam Private Points and the deal with Katsuragi.]
[Counting the November in, it's 20,248,000 Private Points. Alongside the 5 Million Private Points from the Zodiac Exam, and the 780,000 Private Points from September and October, 6,560,000 Private Points.]
[Novel:]
[Class Points—Private Points:]
[May: 490—49,000]
[June, July, August: 492—49,200]
[September, October: 642—64,200]
[November: 542—54,200]
[December: 442—44,200]
[Ryūen's class earned from May 1 until December 1, 16,936,000 Private Points, excluding the Points from the Zodiac Exam or his Deal with Katsuragi for 780,000 Points per month.]
[5,500,000 Million Points from the Zodiac Exam, as he submitted one additional Group, that of Horikita's class, but earned only 150 Class Points, as he had a deal with Kanzaki, which made him submit one VIP False, to negate the VIP Koenji submitted.]
[The deal with Katsuragi remains the same, 780,000 Private Points per month, since Sakayanagi was not present.]
[Although in this fanfic Kurushima confronted Ryūen, the rankings itself were close, and Kanzaki had not much say, as he wanted Ryūen to be the target, make Kurushima and other's not deduce what happened between them, their deal, and also try to give Ichinose a reality check, so the thing with Ryūen submitting one class from Kanzaki's class false, didn't happen.]
--
Also, for the people who might be curious when the rooftop fight is supposed to happen, in Volume 7 it's mentioned it's at the last day of the Semester, before the Winter Holidays start, which is the 22nd December, as the closing ceremony is at that Day happening.
After the Paper Shuffle, many interesting things will happen...
Kurushima does his first preparations steps, but why does he need a part-time job in the electronic store?
What could he need there?
It'll be explained, but later, in one of the following chapters, when the confrontation with Chairman Sakayanagi is...
At one time, I mentioned it'd be in the 11th December, but I changed it.
I didn't even notice I mentioned it, since I hate to have no clear timeline, and at that time, I wasn't aware when the rooftop fight was supposed to happen.
I hope you're hyped for the future.
It won't take much longer.
I hope you liked this Chapter.
I think it was very interesting, both from Kurushima's Pov, and that of Ryūen's Pov.
PS: Just watched Episode 10 from Season 3. Lol, Lerche cooked now again. Why can't they be consistent?
Especially with Tsukigoat??!
Anyhow, that's all. Have a great day.
