After occupying the small hut, Yahiko eagerly brought out a fishing rod and an iron bucket.
His face beamed with excitement as he said, "Katsuragi-san, with these, we can start fishing. We've already contributed so much to the class; even those under Sakayanagi won't be able to say a word now."
Katsuragi, however, remained calm and composed.
"Yahiko, I've told you before, don't focus too much on internal conflicts. Keep your attention on the other classes."
Katsuragi knew that despite the factional divisions within their class when it came to exams, the priority should be handling external threats.
Hikigaya, observing from the shadows, thought Katsuragi's perspective wasn't entirely flawed. Most of Sakayanagi's followers, like Kamuro, had no intention of obeying Katsuragi but weren't likely to betray their class either. Those like Hashimoto, who could betray without hesitation, were few and far between.
Ideally, the two leaders would alternate in commanding during the exam, with the one who scored the most points earning the other's submission.
But Sakayanagi was not easily swayed; she was determined to "stabilize internal affairs before addressing external threats."
Yahiko scratched his head in confusion.
"But considering the point difference, shouldn't we only be concerned about Class B? Especially Class D—they wasted all their points in the first month. They're nothing but a bunch of losers."
"Underestimating others will only lead to mistakes. Let's end this discussion here," Katsuragi warned sternly.
"Understood."
Yahiko nodded obediently, clearly showing his respect for Katsuragi's authority.
"Oh, Katsuragi-san, I remember there's a tower nearby. Should we go and occupy it while no one's around?" Yahiko suggested eagerly.
Katsuragi immediately shook his head. "No, it's too conspicuous. Even though we're closest to it, it's not worth the risk."
This response was exactly what Hikigaya had anticipated, but what Katsuragi said next was unexpected.
"However, we can use that tower as bait. Once we return to camp, we'll send two people to hide nearby. We might catch a glimpse of the leaders from the other classes."
"As expected of Katsuragi-san!" Yahiko exclaimed, clearly impressed.
It seemed Katsuragi wasn't just about defense—he also knew how to set traps.
After the two figures had finally left, Hikigaya remained hidden in the underbrush a little longer, ensuring the area was clear before emerging cautiously from his hiding spot. He was met with the sight of Koenji descending from the tree with an effortless grace that defied belief.
"So, targeting Class A, huh?" Koenji mused, his eyes narrowing with a mix of curiosity and amusement as he regarded Hikigaya.
"No wonder you were so proactive. A personal vendetta, perhaps? Even I, the perfect man, was taken aback by this development."
"…It's nothing more than a minor annoyance," Hikigaya replied with a slight sigh.
Koenji chuckled, clearly unconvinced. He could see through Hikigaya's nonchalant façade, but Hikigaya wasn't about to explain himself further. It wasn't worth the effort.
"Anyway, it's done now," Hikigaya continued, shifting the subject.
"If you want, you can return to the class with me. After that, you're free to do whatever you like."
This was precisely why Hikigaya had hired Koenji in the first place. Even though he had identified Class A's leader, there was no guarantee the others would believe him. But with Koenji's testimony, the information would carry much more weight.
"Unfortunately, I am a free spirit, bound by no one and nothing," Koenji declared with a hint of theatrical flair, indicating that he considered their business concluded now that the task was done.
Hikigaya nodded, not surprised by the response.
"Understood. Then enjoy your rest on the ship. I'll transfer the points to you once the test is over."
"Why not join me in withdrawing from the competition, Hikigaya?" Koenji suggested with a playful grin.
"No, I still have things to take care of," Hikigaya replied firmly.
"Very well then, I shall take my leave." With that, Koenji scaled the ladder in a blink, disappearing as swiftly as he had appeared.
Hikigaya watched him go and then cautiously climbed the ladder himself, his thoughts turning to what he needed to do next: inform Hirata about Class A's leader. Convincing Hirata shouldn't be too difficult, but if necessary, he could bring Kushida in to help persuade him.
As he reached the cliffside, Hikigaya noticed a thin trail of smoke rising from the forest in the distance. That must be Class D's base camp. He had instructed Kushida to set up a fire first thing, and it seemed she had followed through.
But there was no rush to return. The scenery on the way back was beautiful, and the forest was filled with wild fruits. Since this was a man-made island, these fruits were likely edible. He might as well pick a few and try them.
With that decision made, Hikigaya leisurely made his way toward the smoke, enjoying the walk. By the time he arrived, it was nearly three in the afternoon.
Class D had set up camp near a river, surrounded by forest and gravel paths, with a large, flat area cleared for their use. A terminal was embedded in a nearby boulder, clearly, a space intentionally designed by the school for this purpose.
The class had pitched four tents in total, likely purchasing two additional ones with their points. They had even set up a portable toilet with running water, presumably for the girls.
It seemed Hirata or Kushida had managed to persuade the boys to spend the points wisely, which was a relief. However, as Hikigaya entered the camp, he noticed several classmates eyeing him with curiosity.
Was he… not welcome? Or were they just annoyed that he had spent so much time away?
Before he could ponder further, Kushida suddenly appeared at his side, grabbing his arm with a bright smile.
"Hikigaya-kun, you're finally back! Come with me!"
"Huh?" Hikigaya was too stunned to resist as Kushida practically dragged him into one of the tents.
Inside, Hirata and Horikita were waiting. Hirata greeted him with a smile, while Horikita's expression was more complex, almost unreadable.
What was going on?
"Thank you for your hard work, Hikigaya-kun," Hirata said, his tone overly cheerful, almost to the point of discomfort for Hikigaya.
"…What's this about?"
"Kouenji already told us everything," Hirata revealed, much to Hikigaya's surprise.
"He said you ambushed a base and managed to identify another class's leader. You've done something amazing this time."
Kushida beamed at him.
"Yes, thanks to you, our class's morale will surely be boosted!"
It was true; finding another class's leader on the first day would give them a fifty-point advantage, which would lift anyone's spirits. But that wasn't the point!
"Wait a minute," Hikigaya said, baffled. "Koenji came back here?"
Hikigaya was in shock. Kouenji had claimed he was returning to the ship! Why had he gone out of his way to do something so unnecessary?