It was clear at this point: Ayanokouji had started acting on behalf of the class.
Whether he was asking Hirata and Hikigaya about their ambitions for reaching Class A, scouting the base on his initiative, or even risking everything to search through Ibuki's backpack—these actions showed that he was no longer content to stay idle.
With this realization, Hikigaya adjusted his plans as well.
He had initially tried to push things along, but he wasn't foolish enough to believe Ayanokouji would confront Sakayanagi immediately. Given Ayanokouji's cautious nature, even if he was certain Sakayanagi was targeting him, he wouldn't make a rash move. Besides, Class A was too far ahead for Class D to challenge them anytime soon.
If Ayanokouji aimed to lead Class D to the top, he would likely target Class C first, then Class B, and finally, Class A.
But could Ryuuen or Ichinose pose a threat to Ayanokouji?
Hikigaya didn't think highly of either. In his mind, both needed more time to grow before they could truly challenge Ayanokouji. Sakayanagi, however, was a different story. She could take on the greatest masterpiece.
This exam was the perfect opportunity to weaken Class A. If they could bring Class A down, Ayanokouji would have a reason to confront them, and Sakayanagi's wish to face him could finally come true.
Hikigaya chuckled to himself, realizing that in a roundabout way, he was being considerate.
This wasn't about using Sakayanagi as a tool—it was about helping her fulfill her dream. Everyone wins, right?
When they returned to Class D's camp, Hirata was distributing meal packs. He smiled warmly as he greeted the two.
"Welcome back, you two. Did you run into each other on the way?"
"Yeah, just happened to," Hikigaya replied casually.
Hirata pointed toward the woods. "Oh, by the way, Hikigaya-kun, the hammock you brought back has been set up. I figured you might want to sleep outside, so I saved one for you."
"Thanks, that helps a lot," Hikigaya said, nodding. He was tired of being crammed in with a bunch of sweaty guys. The fresh air outside was more appealing.
None of the girls in Class D had shown interest in the hammocks—likely afraid of bugs or the dangers of sleeping outside—but Ibuki had claimed one. Hikigaya suspected it was more about avoiding awkwardness with others than anything else. Not that it mattered to him.
Let Ayanokouji handle it.
After the 8 p.m. roll call, Hikigaya settled into his hammock, enjoying the gentle sway and feeling the weightlessness beneath him.
His thoughts wandered.
Shiina should've returned to the ship by now. Lucky.
Who would be Class C's leader this time?
If Hikigaya were in charge, he wouldn't make himself the captain. He'd choose someone like Ibuki or Kaneda but hold onto the key card himself to ensure nothing goes wrong.
But there was a downside to this strategy. While keeping hidden, they couldn't capture strongholds or earn the extra rewards. Even if they did manage to take one or two, they couldn't hold them for long without being discovered by other classes.
The potential payoff wasn't worth the risk.
Hikigaya figured Ryuen wouldn't go for this approach. A dictator like him would likely insist on leading himself and would aim to score even a few points. His inability to trust anyone else was his fatal flaw.
As Hikigaya's mind wandered, sleep gradually overtook him. Exhausted from the day's events, he drifted off into a deep slumber.
The next morning, he was abruptly woken.
"Hikigaya-kun, wake up."
"...Huh?"
Hikigaya rubbed his eyes, irritated by the interruption, only to find Hirata standing over him. That was unexpected. Hirata usually didn't bother others without a good reason.
Had he overslept?
He glanced at his watch—it was only half-past six.
"Sorry for waking you so early," Hirata said, his tone serious.
"But something happened with the girls. Could you come to the tent? I need to wake Sudou-kun as well."
Hikigaya's hammock had been the last available, and Sudou had taken the one beside him, still snoring away. Hikigaya looked over toward the camp and saw a group of Class D girls gathered outside the boys' tent, looking upset. The boys were rubbing their eyes, clearly unaware of what was going on.
What now?
Even though Hikigaya found it annoying, he had no reason to refuse. Reluctantly, he got up and followed Hirata.
Soon, all the boys were gathered, though some had grumbled at first. Once they noticed the girls glaring at them, they realized something was seriously wrong.
Hirata, ever the peacemaker, addressed the girls.
"What's going on so early in the morning?"
Shinohara, who was often hostile toward the boys, stepped forward. Her face was filled with disdain, though she softened slightly when she looked at Hirata.
"Something serious happened this morning," Shinohara said, her voice laced with contempt. "Karuizawa-san's underwear is missing. You know what that means, don't you?"
"...Underwear?" Hirata, usually composed, looked uneasy. To be honest, if he weren't handsome and wasn't Karuizawa's boyfriend, he would've been the prime suspect based on that reaction alone.
Hikigaya felt detached. No matter who had done it, it had nothing to do with him. Still, the situation reminded him of something...
His eyes drifted toward Ayanokouji. Their gazes met, Ayanokouji's face as expressionless as ever. It was a silent replay of yesterday's encounter.
"Karuizawa-san is crying in the tent," Shinohara continued, "and Kushida-san is trying to comfort her..."
Only now did the boys seem to understand what was going on.
They were being accused of stealing underwear.