Chapter 29

"So what was the result?"

"At first, Class C naturally had the advantage, but thanks to Sakura's photos of the scene, Class D was able to avoid the worst situation of being suspended for a long period of time. So, when Class C suggested a possible solution, Horikita completely claimed Sudo's innocence and it almost turned into a dog fight, but the President stopped it and apparently they will deliberate again the next day... It's really, really troublesome. It would be faster if both parties ended the fight and expelled everyone involved.''

On the night of the deliberation, I was grilling monja at an okonomiyaki restaurant in a shopping mall while answering questions from Arisu, who was sitting next to me.

"You said something that I wouldn't expect from a D-class student."

"In a sense, Hikigaya is colder than Sakayanagi, so it's a natural reaction."

Hashimoto, who was on the other side of the room, burst out laughing, and Kamuro said this while holding her head in front of the Buddha.

On the way to the shopping mall, I made the fatal mistake of leaving my student ID in the classroom, so when I returned to school, I happened to meet Chabashira-sensei and casually asked her about the results of the deliberation, but the results were mostly as expected.

Horikita's claim of complete innocence was completely unexpected.

If I were Horikita, I would have accepted the compromise. To be honest, I don't know what will happen to Sudo.

"Thank you for speaking with me. However, it would be difficult to claim complete innocence."

"It's not difficult or impossible. They had witnesses and evidence, and they were able to delay the result."

Kamuro says so. Well, that's not wrong. It's impossible to fight and win if the cards you have aren't strong enough.

but...

"Although it may be impossible to be completely found not guilty, there is still no way to get the other side to withdraw the charges.''

Well, the risk is too big, so I would never do it.

"No, I understand the logic, but isn't that impossible?"

"That's not true, is it? For example, there are no surveillance cameras at the crime scene, but it might work if we set up a fake surveillance camera."

Fake surveillance cameras...ah.

"I see. In other words, Arisu set up a fake surveillance camera and called the C class students and said, "The school has known the truth of the incident from the beginning, and is investigating the students' abilities, including deliberations.'' Are you trying to make me believe that and then cancel the lawsuit?"

"As expected of Hachiman-kun, you understand very well."

In that case, if the C-class guys were trying to frame Sudo, they would likely drop the case, and conversely, if Sudo simply called out the C-class guys and beat them up, they would fight back vigorously because they were innocent, so the situation would be clear.

And this school is different from normal schools. Teachers do not explain the S system to us, so if you say that they will survey students in this way, they will believe you.

If Arisu were a D-class person and I was one of the three C-class people, I think I would cancel the lawsuit.

As for fake surveillance cameras, it's not impossible to prepare them at an electronics store or a store that sells junk parts, so it's an interesting idea.

"No, no. You can't tell from just that information, right? Hikigaya isn't normal either."

"It's a mistake to think that he's normal when you're dating Sakayanagi on an equal footing."

Hashimoto and Kamuro are saying some rude things.

"No, no. I'm completely a normal person (that's why)."

"Of course, you are'' They both said with a straight face.

I don't understand why two people denied me.

"That's rude. Masumi-san isn't much different, right?"

"Well, you're getting all excited now that you're a maid."

In addition, she seems to be shoplifting as well. Kamuro-san is probably not normal either.

"It's annoying...don't talk about the maid."

Is that so? I'll keep quiet about the shoplifting story, but I'll mess with the maid story to the extent that it won't be suppressed until graduation.

"Oh my, am I the only one who is honest with this face?"

Hashimoto says so, but you're probably not normal either. He's a different type than Arisu and seems creepy to me.

"...Well, that's fine. By the way, Hachiman-kun, are you going to tell me the information I just told you?"

Arisu says so. Certainly, if we talk about what happened now, D-class will have a chance of winning.

but...

"I don't plan on talking about it. If I talk about Arisu's opinion and pretend that there was no problem, Ryuen will probably notice me."

If I were to become hostile to Ryūen, it would only be when Ryūen tried to interfere with someone important to me. I have no intention of confronting him at any other time.

In the first place, it would be foolish to make any move for Sudo. He should be suspended.

"I see. Well, if Hachiman-kun decides, I won't say anything."

"I mean, Sakayanagi. I've been wondering for a while now, when did you guys start calling each other by your names?"

Hashimoto asks me such a question, but I have no intention of answering it. The morning incident had a lot of impact on me.

"I'm sorry, but I can't tell you about that."

Arisu flatly refuses. I was relieved that apparently, as she had promised, she would keep quiet.

Hashimoto may have decided that it was impossible for him to ask Arisu, but he waved his hands lightly to show that he didn't care.

"Thank you...Now that I know that Hachiman-kun is not involved in any violent incidents, I would like to talk about summer vacation."

Is it summer vacation? Is it about play schedules, or special exams that are likely to be held during summer vacation?

"During the summer vacation, there will probably be a special large-scale exam where class points will change significantly and classes will collide with each other. Therefore, I want to damage the Katsuragi faction even if I ignore the results of the special exam."

Arisu says so. It is well known that Class A is currently divided into two groups, the aggressive Sakayanagi faction and the conservative Katsuragi faction, but it would be a bad idea for two people with different ideas to stand at the top and pull each other's legs.

And somehow I unconsciously ended up glancing down at Arisu's legs.

"..." Sakayanagi Arisu.

"..." Hikigaya Hachiman.

"W-what's wrong, Hachiman-kun?" Looks like even Arisu panicked at my curious gaze.

"It's nothing, I'm sure Katsuragi won't do that" I tried to comfort her.

"..." Sakayanagi Arisu.

Kamuro-san looked at her pitifully.

Therefore, I understand Arisu's desire to bash the Katsuragi faction.

However, I was surprised that she clearly said that it was okay to ignore the test results.

The problem is...

I coughed to get out of this awkward atmosphere.

"Are you asking me to cooperate by talking about it when I'm there?"

"Um..... That's right. Depending on the exam, I might not be able to appear, so depending on the situation, I would like to borrow Hachiman-kun's help."

Arisu's body is weak, so she probably won't be able to appear in a test that involves physical strength.

"Of course, Hachiman-kun is in a different class, so I won't force him to do anything. Please think of it as a request with a reward."

Oh, there's a reward.

Does that mean I don't have to push myself if there's a risk that the D-class guys will find out? If that's the case, it's not a shame to cooperate depending on the situation.

"I understand what you are saying, but please tell me more details."

Thoroughly checking requests is the most basic of basics, and it's something you shouldn't take for granted once you start working like social animals.

"The request can be anything as long as it obstructs the Katsuragi faction. The reward will be determined based on the reports of Masumi-san and Hashimoto-kun and the state of the Katsuragi faction."

"In short, it's a commission system. But Sakayanagi, isn't that quite ambiguous?"

I can't really judge whether Hashimoto is saying that unless he gives me a concrete plan.

"Well, for example, if we deal a big blow to the Katsuragi faction students' private points, how about Masumi-san becoming Hachiman-kun's maid during the summer vacation?"

"Wait, Sakayanagi?!"

"By the way, is it possible to request Kamuro to use her special magic again?"

"That's true. In addition to magic, let's add some Moe rock-paper-scissors, a commemorative photo, and a lap pillow."

"Alright, leave it to me. I'll completely destroy the Katsuragi faction's private points. Oh, you should also be a maid, okay?"

"Good. Now, that's all for private points. I'll think about other cases as well."

"Wait a minute. Don't decide on your own!"

Kamuro-san approaches Sakayanagi with a long face, thinking that she is being unreasonable, but Sakayanagi looks cool.

"Isn't that good? I'll do it too. Besides, Masumi-san has already worn a maid costume before, and since she kissed Hachiman-kun on the cheek, she won't be embarrassed."

"Hmm..."

"Huh? Did Kamuro kiss Hikigaya on the cheek? Seriously? When? Where? Why?"

"Shut up Hashimoto. Don't pry any further!"

"Hey, hey. I understand."

It looks like Kamuro and I are going to die in agony.

Kamuro turns bright red and looks down. There's a huge gap between her and the usual Kamuro, which makes me feel a little embarrassed.

Thinking of this, Kamuro let out a sigh.

"Ah... Okay, I'll do it."

Forehead?

I wasn't going to force you to do it if you didn't want to, but are you seriously willing to do it?

"Seriously? I'm telling you, I won't force you if you don't want to, okay?"

"I can't go against Sakayanagi anyway...and if it's Hashimoto, I would never do it, but if it's Hikigaya, I don't hate it that much."

Hey, Kamuro-san. It's embarrassing to say things like that, so please excuse me.

Arisu and Hashimoto are grinning.

"It's decided. I'll think about other rewards, so let's resume eating."

Arisu said so, so we resumed eating.

___________

The Next day...

Dear...

After school, while I was spending time with Hiyori in the library, the device in my pocket started beeping. I wondered who he was and when I pulled out the device, it said "Ryuen Kakeru''

(I just have a bad feeling)

However, it would be troublesome if I ignored it, so I simply told Hiyori, left the library, and connected the phone.

"Hello?"

"What the hell were you doing taking this long?"

"I was in the library. So? Why did you call me?"

"To put it bluntly, did you come up with the idea for the fake surveillance camera? "

"...What?"

Is it a fake surveillance camera? That's the idea Arisu mentioned yesterday, right?

"I thought it was you, but from your reaction it seems different."

As soon as Ryuen said that, he hung up. Judging from the content of the conversation, someone from D-class must have carried out the same plan as Arisu.

I'm not particularly concerned about that. Just because some people don't have brains doesn't mean it's not possible.

If there was a problem, it would be that Ryuen might have turned his attention to D-class.

Honestly speaking, I'm sure I won't be in any trouble but if we get involved with such a malicious person. In some cases, he may even resort to violence.

(After one crisis, another one...I need to contact them and come up with a countermeasure during the summer vacation.)

I sigh and start operating the terminal again.

Everything is done to make the school life as peaceful as possible.

______________

"We've arrived, everyone wake up."

Hearing Chabashira Sensei's voice, all the students who were sleeping on the bus woke up and started lazily getting off the bus.

But the next moment, everyone's eyes widened.

"Wow, it's huge!"

Ike gets excited and shouts, but I'm also surprised. What's in front of you is a luxury cruise ship.

The first semester is over, and we'll be at the port for two weeks from now on our usual vacation.

I left school at 5am and am currently at a port in Tokyo Bay.

Most of my classmates are happy, but I'm not so happy. There's probably going to be a test called Vacation anyway.

I also have to fulfill Arisu's request to destroy the Katsuragi faction, so I don't know if I'll be able to enjoy it.

As I was thinking that, everyone headed towards the ship and I followed suit.

For now, entering the ship first will stand out, so let's go somewhere in the middle.

It was at that time.

"Hachiman-kun"

When I heard that voice, I looked to the side and saw Arisu coming towards me from a distance, using a cane, so I quickly walked towards Arisu so as not to put any stress on her.

As a result, I am located quite close to A class. At that time, half of the A class members looked at me with curiosity, and the other half looked at me with hostility.

It's probably the Sakayanagi faction who looks at us with curiosity, and the Katsuragi faction who looks at us with hostility.

"I won't be participating in the trip, but I came to see Hachiman-kun and his classmates off.''

Yes, unfortunately, Arisu is not allowed to participate because she is physically weak, so she is simply sent off.

At the same time, I was convinced that "Since Arisu is not allowed to participate, there will be a test that requires some physical effort.''

If it's just a vacation, you should be allowed to participate.

"There will probably be a lot of trouble, so you don't have to force yourself to fulfill my request, okay?"

"Don't worry, I'll make a decision based on my own physical and mental strength. Also, could you clean my room while I'm gone?"

I don't like not cleaning for two weeks.

"Okay. I'll clean up. And..."

Then, Arisu blushed a little with embarrassment. I was startled by Arisu's gestures, which she doesn't usually show, and then Arisu looked up at me and wrapped her arms around my neck...

Thuuu

She kisses me on the cheek, very close to my lips. A moment...

"Ooooooooooo? ! "

"Kyaaaaaaaaa! "

"That bastard! "

Screams filled with various emotions such as surprise, excitement, and jealousy echoed through the port.

Forehead? What are you doing all of a sudden?!

When I was surprised by Arisu's actions, she moved away from me and turned away...

"I heard from Hashimoto-kun. If you do this when you're away for a long time, Hachiman-kun will be happy... Please do your best"

She keep heading towards the bus. I see, is this Hashimoto's plan?...

After taking a breath, I looked at Hashimoto and he gave me a thumbs up with a grin on his face.

It was the next moment.

Butiri

Something snapped in my head and I sprinted towards Hashimoto. At the same time, Hashimoto also sprinted as fast as he could and boarded the luxury cruise ship, so I followed suit.

As a result, Hashimoto was the first one on the luxury cruise ship and I was the second one, which definitely stood out, but right now my priority is to kill Hashimoto, so I won't worry about it.

"Tch...about the time of D-class."

"Don't feel good about yourself just because Sakayanagi likes you."

"I don't understand why Sakayanagi likes such a scumbag. He's also against Katsuragi-san."

When Hachiman follows Hashimoto into a luxury cruise ship, the A-class Katsuragi faction makes fun of Hachiman.

Many of the students in Class A are steeped in the Chosen People ideology and tend to make fun of other classes, especially Class D.

Masumi, on the other hand, looked at them coldly.

(You're so careless. Hikigaya is probably going to try his best to crush you...or is it a natural reaction since you don't know Hikigaya's ability?)

Masumi's evaluation of Hachiman was that he was "a sharp person who doesn't show any motivation.''

Masumi is confident that Hachiman will go to attack the Katsuragi faction at Arisu's request.

He had shown enthusiasm when Arisu asked him to do it before.

The condition is that Masumi herself becomes a maid.

At that moment, many things came to Masumi's mind. Her embarrassing memories come back to her, such as becoming her maid and casting a spell on Hachiman, being held by Hachiman, and kissing Hachiman's cheek when she fell down.

(Uh... that pervert. He usually has zero motivation, so don't get motivated by seeing me as a maid.)

With heat gathering in her cheeks, Masumi insults Hachiman and boards the luxury cruise ship.

A few hours after the ship left the port... I was about to push Hashimoto into the sea, but Kamuro stopped me, and I was leisurely watching the sea from a bench on the ship's deck.

"Ah, Hachiman-kun. I can see a flock of seagulls."

"Ah. It really felt like I was sailing."

While enjoying the softness of Hiyori's head on my shoulder.

I left my luggage in my room and was walking around the ship when I met Hiyori and she told me that she wanted to spend time with me, so we're spending time together like this.

Hiyori rests her head on my shoulder and is fully indulged. As usual, I don't feel bored at all.

"By the way, Hiyori, don't you change your clothes?"

I keep my uniform on because it's a hassle, but I didn't think Hiyori would stay in her uniform.

"It's not that hot. Besides, I don't mind wearing casual clothes, but wearing a swimsuit is embarrassing."

Hiyori said as she looked at the pool, which is often found on the decks of luxury cruise ships, and saw many boys and girls playing together.

"And if I can stay with Hachiman-kun..."

While saying this, Hiyori gets nervous. Seriously, this kid is just too cute.

When I stroked her head because of how cute she is, she narrows her eyes as if it's tickling her.

My stomach starts to growl as I start to love you more and more. I'm a little hungry.

"Hiyori, I'm hungry. Would you like to go get some food?"

"Okay. Shall we go?"

I saw Hiyori nod, so I stood up, and Hiyori too and hugged me in her arms, so we started walking.

So cute.

"Anyway, everyone is happy about this trip, but I'm not so happy about it."

"Is it because there is a very high possibility that there will be a special exam?"

"That's one thing, but I'm sad that I won't be able to sleep with Hachiman-kun for two weeks."

There...well, that's for sure. The trip is for two weeks, but since we're basically acting as a class, it's no exaggeration to say that the chances of me sleeping with Hiyori are zero.

To be honest, it's not unusual for me to feel lonely, probably because it's been almost two months since Hiyori and I started sleeping in my room.

Additionally, Arisu, who comes to stay with me three days a week, is not participating in this trip.

"Be patient. I'll take care of you once the trip is over."

"It is a promise"

While exchanging words like that, we entered the restaurant, received guidance from the staff, and headed to our seats.

There were a lot of students at the high class restaurant, and they all started looking at me and Hiyori. I have acquaintances among them.

There's Hashimoto, who was almost pushed into the sea by me, and Kamuro, who turns away when I make eye contact with her.

I feel some hostility from some people, but I ignore them.

I have no intention of doing anything if there is no real harm, and it is too early to bash the Katsuragi faction.

Ichinose was with a lot of her classmates and Ryuen was with several servants, but it seems like he's not there.

Well, aside from the former, I don't want anything to do with the latter, so that's fine.

While thinking about this, I looked at the menu, and it was clear from the names that it was a high-class menu.

If you eat it on campus, you'll probably get tens of thousands of points.

That's what I was thinking at the time.

"Hey!"

When I heard that voice, I turned around and saw a boy sitting in the same seat as Katsuragi talking to me.

There was a hint of mockery in his eyes, so I could immediately guess what he wanted to say.

Normally I should have replied, but since it might be useful for Arisu's request, I decided to reply.

"What?"

"Get out of the store right now. This is a A-class store, and it's not a place for trash like you to come in. Scraps should be trash and eat junk food."

It's a predictable insult. Well, I've heard from Arisu, Hashimoto, and Kamuro that there are many students with Chosen People ideology in Class A, so I'm not surprised.

(However, it seems that Katsuragi, the leader, has no intention of stopping. From that, I think he has more of a chosen people ideology than Sakayanagi, so he will do it.)

I thought it was too early to criticize the Katsuragi faction, but I think I'll use this guy to criticize the Katsuragi faction as a whole.

That's what I decided...

"Um, sorry."

Before that, Hiyori talks to a nearby store clerk.

"Are you ready to order?"

"No. I'm not sure about that yet, but are there any entry restrictions at this store? I was told by other customers that my companion was not allowed to enter."

Hiyori's natural bomb came out. Everyone around me, especially the guy who was ridiculing me, froze because of the bombshell that was bigger than I expected.

"No. We don't have any particular restrictions on admission."

"Thank you. I'm sorry for having to stop you."

When Hiyori said that, the clerk bowed and left. At the same time, Hiyori looks at the man who ridiculed me and opens her mouth.

"It seems like...there seems to be no entry restriction?"

"What?!"

The man turns red like a monkey at Hiyori's comment. At the same time, laughter erupts from some seats.

Hashimoto is trembling.

However, Hiyori's natural bomb is truly terrifying. There are things that can easily surprise even Arisu and Kamuro.

In a sense, the final boss of the first year is not Arisu, but Hiyori, right?

In any case, Hiyori has embarrassed him so I'll stop trying now.

"Hah, don't you know about the unspoken agreement? After all, C-class people are trash just like D-class."

...I retract my previous statement. I'll set it up here.

Even so, it's a pretty lame insult. Is it ok? I don't mean cursing...

"Ha, you're making fun of me by saying tacit consent even though this is my first time entering the store today. You bald bastard, it's actually just Katsuragi's waist purse."

This is what I'm saying. I'm going to show you what real provocation is now.

Use the private points of Katsuragi and his faction as payment.