Chapter 111: Ryuen: We're allies, how could I lie to you?

Early the next morning, aside from a few people heading out to occupy various bases on the island, most students chose to go sightseeing in groups.

Yes, sightseeing.

According to Koenji, this island is not truly an uninhabited island. The signs of artificial maintenance are too obvious.

Not only are there food production areas, but there are even seasonal vegetable and fruit farms.

However, even so, going alone still carries certain dangers. The chances of getting lost alone are different from getting lost in pairs.

But many students didn't stray too far from the river, as the 10-meter wide river already made it interesting. 

At this moment, a group of girls were playing in the water.

"Kan... Kanda-kun!"

Kanda Shuichi, who was sitting on a rock by the river, enjoying the lively scene of the high school girls splashing in the water, suddenly heard someone calling his name.

Hmm?

He turned his head, and the sound of a camera shutter mixed with the river's flow. Kanda Shuichi and the river beside him were now captured in the digital camera's memory.

The one who did this was Sakura Airi, the girl who had once tricked Kanda Shuichi.

At that moment, Sakura was blushing and looking at the digital camera in her hands, seemingly excited that she had captured a moment of Kanda Shuichi.

The digital camera in her hand was rented from the school.

At the time, some students suggested they should record the moments of this exam, so they directly rented a digital camera.

But now it seemed that everyone had gone off to play, so Sakura Airi had temporarily taken the camera.

After looking at the photos on the camera, Sakura shyly ran over to Kanda Shuichi.

"Kanda-kun... you're not mad, right?"

In Japan, it seems that privacy is taken very seriously, so taking pictures without permission is considered very rude.

Earlier, Sakura had noticed that Kanda Shuichi seemed to blend naturally with the surroundings, so she had instinctively called his name and pressed the shutter.

But now, she had to come over and ask for Kanda Shuichi's consent. If he didn't agree or got angry, that precious photo might have to be erased.

"No, this camera was rented to record the moments of this exam. Besides, the photos won't be spread around, so it's fine."

Unlike the Japanese, Kanda Shuichi didn't feel much about being secretly photographed. His face wasn't anything to hide from the audience, so if she wanted to take a photo, he didn't mind.

After getting Kanda Shuichi's approval, Sakura Airi happily nodded.

"By the way, hasn't Hasebe been with you?" 

"Yeah, she didn't sleep well last night and is catching up on sleep now." 

Kanda Shuichi nodded. This kind of thing was common; some people just aren't used to unfamiliar environments. 

"Alright, good luck with the photos, Sakura, but don't take too many of me." 

"Ugh~~" 

Kanda Shuichi's teasing made Sakura's face turn even redder. After making a strange sound, she left the area. 

After watching Sakura leave, Kanda Shuichi turned his attention back to the girls playing in the river. 

But... 

Kushida, even though it's summer, I think your period is around the end of the month, isn't it? Aren't you worried? 

Forget it. You can't advise a stubborn fool. Just don't come crying to me when it hurts. I can't help you out here in the wilderness anyway. 

However, Kanda Shuichi could understand her. With her friends inviting her to play in the river, it was hard to refuse. 

Having a lot of friends really brings all sorts of trouble. 

I'm glad I have so few friends. 

"It's such a beautiful scene." 

Koenji had somehow appeared near Kanda Shuichi, mirroring his actions as they both watched the energetic girls in the distance. 

"Thanks." 

Saying that, Kanda Shuichi tossed over a bottle of mineral water that had been chilling in the river. 

Koenji reached out and expertly caught it, then twisted off the cap and drank it in one go. 

"The idiots from Class A have noticed me." 

"Really? Have you noticed them?" 

"Unfortunately, no." 

Their odd exchange made both of them chuckle in understanding. 

"This beautiful river makes me want to jump in for a swim too." 

After that, Koenji threw the empty bottle into a nearby trash pile, then quickly stripped off his clothes. In the blink of an eye, he was wearing only a pair of swimming trunks, his well-built muscles gleaming in the sunlight. 

But... 

How the hell did he change so quickly? 

Is he some anime character? 

Koenji clearly ignored Kanda Shuichi's inner thoughts and, with a loud laugh, jumped into the river. 

The deepest part of the river was about 80cm to 1.1m, more than enough for swimming. 

Not long after, Miyake returned, his face showing a dumbfounded expression. 

 "The people from Class C actually rented a jet ski. They're just completely indulging themselves." 

"That's normal. Their base is by the sea, and didn't some people from our class also want to rent one?" 

Riding jet skis on the river... 

I guess, Class C and D really are a bunch of idiots. 

And so, the third day quickly arrived. 

Class C, having run out of supplies, had all returned to the boat except for the two spies sent by Ryuen and Ryuen himself. 

After everyone left, Ryuen immediately met with Katsuragi from Class A. 

"So, did your spy plan yield any results?" 

Katsuragi had never let his guard down around Ryuen. Even with this collaboration, he was constantly wary of him. 

For example, right now, he hadn't invited Ryuen to their base, nor had he taken the other Class A leaders with him. Instead, after receiving Ryuen's contact, he had come to Ryuen's territory alone. 

"Of course. I've figured out who the leader of Class D is." 

With that, Ryuen took out a digital camera from his bag, opened a picture, and handed it to Katsuragi. 

The photo was of Koenji at Class D's river base, taken the evening of the second day. 

Just as I thought! 

Seeing this photo, Katsuragi confirmed his suspicions—Koenji Rokusuke was indeed the leader of Class D.

At this thought, Katsuragi couldn't help but feel excited.

"Hmph, Class D? What's the point of occupying so many points? In the end, it's just like drawing water with a basket—nothing will come of it. I'll make sure your efforts go to waste!"

"How's Class B doing?"

After handing the camera back, Katsuragi asked about Class B's situation.

"Unfortunately, there's still no news. We have some clues, but there's no way to leave photo evidence," Ryuen said, looking disappointed as he took the camera.

"In that case, I won't write down Class B's name."

"Do as you wish."

After putting the camera back in his bag, Ryuen suddenly asked, "Do you really think Koenji is the leader of Class D?"

"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Katsuragi furrowed his brows. He had personally seen Koenji occupy Class D's point, and Ryuen had also caught the moment Koenji took over the point. If this wasn't confirmation, then what else would be?

"I won't hide it from you. Actually, one of my people also witnessed Koenji occupying a neutral point near my side."

Ryuen lied without hesitation, as if it was no big deal.

"Did he come over here too?" Katsuragi was surprised, then quickly returned to normal. "Looks like that guy isn't just targeting our Class A, but he wants to take over all the points on this island."

"So, that guy also went to your side?" Ryuen asked, intrigued.

"Yes, I personally saw Koenji occupying a point near our Class A location."

At this point, Katsuragi didn't hide anything. There was no point. Besides, he hadn't told Ryuen earlier because he thought Ryuen might betray him. Now that their answers matched, and Ryuen had proven his trustworthiness, sharing a bit of intel seemed fine.

Hearing Katsuragi's words, Ryuen narrowed his eyes.

"I can't help but feel that the information about Class D's leader came too easily."

Ryuen's words made Katsuragi start to think. Could Class D have a backup plan?

Katsuragi also felt something was off, but neither of them could come to a conclusion just yet.

"You noticed too, huh?" Ryuen smiled when he saw Katsuragi's furrowed brow. "Looks like I made the right choice by having Ibuki continue lurking in Class D."

At this, Katsuragi's eyes brightened. Ryuen actually had a backup plan and was also being cautious. This guy was truly terrifying—he could never let him find out who the leader of Class A was. Otherwise, Ryuen would definitely betray him.

"I'll head back for now. Let me know if there's any new information."

"Of course, we're allies after all."

Ryuen smiled as if it was the most natural thing, then watched Katsuragi leave.

However, once Katsuragi had turned his back, Ryuen's smile turned cruel. "How naive, Katsuragi. Between you and Kanda Shuichi, I prefer you as my partner."

Though Ryuen's words made Katsuragi suspicious, he wouldn't back down. If he guessed wrong, his class would only lose 50 points.

But if he guessed right, Class D would lose all their temporary points. According to Ryuen, Class D had at least 200 points this time.

Katsuragi may be cautious, but he wouldn't pass up such an opportunity.

What if Class D was just pretending to be tricky?

It would be foolish to give up over a small doubt.

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