Chapter 3.3

[The chapter is shorter than usual, but it ends with what could be considered the prologue of volume 3]

Yuuichi: Sakura, you should go, maybe you can make friends - I said calmly.

Part of her development depends on how she adapts to situations when I'm not around... if for some reason she becomes dependent on me...

Sakura: Umm, o-okay. - At the same time, she timidly raised her hand.

Hirata: Thank you, Sakura-san. Now we have 12. Let's split into 4 teams with 3 people each. It's 1:30 now, so I want everyone back here by 3:00 sharp, regardless of the outcome. Then, each person joined a team of their choice.

For now, all I can do is help Yousuke and his group in organizing everything.

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At the agreed-upon time, the situation around us started moving, with no results in sight, Hirata's team returned to the base. The trio seemed surprisingly excited. Hirata and the others were talking about something with great enthusiasm.

Ike: It's a river! A river!! What a beautiful feeling! Looks like there's equipment! Looks like we might have exclusive possession of a mechanism! It's just a ten-minute walk from here, so let's all go together at once.

Ike's team had left earlier for a search mission, so they might have already discovered that site. And possibly, they were guarding it so that other classes wouldn't take it.

It seems that when we found this place, it was decided that it would be the location of our base camp. Of course, I thought it was due to the terrain and environment, but it seems this is just the first step.

Hirata: Still, there are 2 teams that haven't returned yet. It might be a problem if no one stays here to wait for them.

The clock showed it was almost 3 o'clock, maybe we wouldn't be able to keep the original schedule, plus, there are countless possibilities of where they could be in this vast forest.

Ayanokoji: Sorry, Kouenji hasn't returned either, it's my fault, in the midst of our exploration, I lost my way.

Horikita: How did you lose it? Didn't you lead properly?

Yuuichi: Relax, Suzune-chan, even if Ayanokoji had tried to stop him, he wouldn't have been able to.

Horikita: Don't defend him, he could have tried - she said while pouting.

— What?

Suddenly, Horikita turned around and looked back. She stared at Sakura with penetrating eyes.

Sakura: Eh?!

Horikita: Just now, did she look at me?

Sakura: S-She... She wasn't looking at me, right?

Sakura seemed confused and incredulous, trying to escape that gaze, she distanced herself from us. But I quickly stood in between and addressed Sakura.

Yuuichi: Don't let it intimidate you, it's scary at first but she's a good person - I immediately felt a tingling on my arm, where there are more than 40 scars inflicted by the "Tsundere Demon."

Finally, we arrived at the place Ike and the others had found. Inside the cave, I saw a mechanism embedded in the wall. However, on the riverbank, there was a large artificial rock. This is where the mechanism was originally embedded. Meanwhile, Hirata's team began setting up the tent and all the other necessities for a spot near the river.

Kushida: Yes, the sunlight casts its shadows on the beautiful water. Softening the path beneath the ground. This might be an ideal place to build our base camp. This is fantastic, Ike!

Ike: Heh heh! I know, right?

The river waters flowed calmly, 10 meters wide, creating a splendid view. The river was surrounded by dense forest and a sandy path. It seems this place had already been established and opened before. I don't think this is a recently discovered site. This was built by our school for a specific purpose.

Yamauchi: What kind of verification do we need to prove that this river is ours now?

Looking at the end of the river, we found ourselves at a flat point that seemed to be the only exception in a place where the difference in altitudes is really extreme. Maybe there's no other place as good as this around here.

However, we found this place too easily. We don't even know if there's a possibility that we can use the river. Or possibly, we thought too simply that we have a special right to claim this site.

We were concerned about nothing as we walked along the riverbank parallel to the forest. However, somehow, we ended up maintaining the northern channel.

Horikita: It's like understanding the surroundings around the school. It seems we're the only ones who can make use of the river.

On the way, as we walked along the river we thought we could use, there was an old wooden sign. So, this place was specifically designed for a reason and unauthorized use is prohibited.

That's what's written on the wooden sign.

Ike: Regarding the decision to build our base camp in this place, is there any problem with occupying this place?

Hirata: We already decided that! Is there any other alternative?

Ike: There is! Of course, having this place is to our benefit, there are ways to secure the river, and we can earn some points for doing so, if we can really hold it for 8 hours and the operation is approved and executed by our leader. However, if other teams find out who our leader is, we'll be in trouble. Someone with keen eyes might grasp the gravity of our situation...

Hirata: You mean... that this place... is not good for hiding, we're exposed. We're surrounded.

It's true that risk has cast its shadow, but Ike's observation is accurate. Even if we make the base camp on this terrain, we won't be able to keep it, there are no options. If by chance students from other classes try to take over the river, we won't be able to get out.

Both the girls and boys seemed to approve of Ike. I think Hirata, too, from the beginning, had the intention of doing the same, but by adhering to a neutral position, he has gathered many viewpoints.

Certainly, being able to gain exclusive possession rights is, in a way, a double-edged sword. However, for Class A to monopolize the cave, it must fully protect the teams by placing them in the same base camp location. It's obvious that Class B and Class C will do the same.

In other words, we can't afford to lose ground, even at the slightest risk.

Hirata: Yes. So, after this issue, the new point is, who will be the leader?

More than taking possession and occupying places, the key major factor is deciding who will be named the leader.

While everyone was thinking about avoiding this kind of role with such great responsibilities, Kushida told everyone to gather and form a circle. Quietly, she began:

Kushida: I had a lot of thoughts and considered various things, but, whether one likes it or not, Hirata-kun, Katagiri-kun, or Karuizawa-san stand out as individuals. But isn't a leader someone you can trust and also one

who has a deep sense of responsibility? I think Horikita-san fits both those conditions. What about that?

Horikita seemed like she didn't expect this kind of recommendation from Kushida, but her expression didn't change.

Yuuichi: I agree with your opinion, Kushida-san. I also think Horikita-san could be a good leader, but...

I'm going to be the leader of Class D.

Yukimura: What the hell are you saying, you're probably the most recognized in the whole class!!

Yuuichi: I'm not asking, I'm stating, and if you're wondering, I have a plan - I looked at everyone's faces - Yes, if you listen to me, after the exam, we will be Class C, I promise.

Horikita: (sigh) You better keep your word.

Yuuichi: Well, let me talk to Chabashira-sensei alone - I said as I walked away from the group - Oh, I forgot - I said, stopping - Karuizawa, come with me.

Kei: Uh, okay, guys, goodbye - she said as she caught up with me.

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Yuuichi: Sensei - I said when I was in front of her - I've come to nominate the class leader.

Sae: Mhmm, understood. And who is it?

Yuuichi: The class leader is Kei Karuizawa.

Kei: Huh?... EHHHHH!!

Sae: (nodding) interesting choice, but I won't ask questions. I'll be right back - she said as she went to get the card.

Kei: Why did you choose me!!!! You idiot!!!!

Yuuichi: (sigh) I already said before, I have a plan.

Sae: Here you go - she said, handing me the card.

Yuuichi: Well, you can go back now, Karuizawa. I just needed to tell you that.

Kei: Fine... - she said, leaving thoughtfully.

Sae: What else do you need?

Yuuichi: I want to buy a card with my name on it.