Kapitel 230: -227- What did you do?
Time always seems to pass the fastest when people are deeply engaged in something.
Amidst the deadlock caused by Class A's strategy among all twelve groups, whether it's Class B, Class C, or Class D, discussions were taking place in every corner of the cruise ship.
Class A, too, was not idle.
Under Nanaya Hori's influence, Katsuragi Kouhei seemed to become even more cautious. He gathered the students in his class for lengthy discussions.
However, the more cautious one becomes, the less they are able to act decisively.
While caution isn't inherently bad, being overly cautious can be just as detrimental.
Katsuragi Kouhei's caution had almost become a kind of ailment, preventing him from making a firm decision to counterattack in unstable situations.
As a result, Katsuragi Kouhei failed to notice that there were alternative strategies available in this special exam.
In this situation, Katsuragi Kouhei decided to stick to his original plan. He specifically instructed Machida Koji and the other members of the Rabbit Group not to engage in dialogue with Nanaya Hori, to avoid exposing any vulnerabilities.
After all, Katsuragi Kouhei himself had inadvertently revealed the collaboration between the two classes while on the deck at the beginning of summer vacation, which Nanaya Hori had immediately seen through.
Facing Nanaya Hori's keen perception and intuition, even a single word could become a flaw.
Therefore, Katsuragi Kouhei repeatedly warned Machida Koji and the others not to fall into Nanaya Hori's traps.
Machida Koji and his group had no choice but to obey Katsuragi Kouhei's instructions and remain vigilant.
For this reason, Katsuragi Kouhei also made sure to keep a close eye on the members of Sakayanagi's faction within his class, to prevent them from scheming in secret.
Thus, the first day of the exam evolved into a siege.
Class A was on the defensive.
Classes B, C, and D were on the offensive.
Both sides were wracking their brains for strategies: one to defend, the other to attack.
Unfortunately, none of the groups had found a way to breach Class A's defense so far.
The Rabbit Group was no exception.
As night fell and the clock struck eight, the second round of discussions began.
"Alright, what should we do next?"
Inside the Rabbit Group's room, Ichinose Honami stared at Class A's trio in the corner with an alert gaze fixed on Nanaya Hori's direction, her expression still resolute.
Clearly, Ichinose Honami had not given up on capturing Class A's stronghold.
However, the rest of the Rabbit Group seemed rather scattered.
For instance, Ibuki Mio appeared to think this exam was a waste of effort from the start. Leaning against the wall, she hugged herself, eyes closed as if dozing off.
Meanwhile, Manabe Shiho, Yabu Nanami, and Yamashita Saki were engrossed in their own conversation, casting unfriendly glances towards Class D's direction. They might have even approached if not for Nanaya Hori's presence nearby, but they hesitated.
Nanaya Hori, on the other hand, sat playing with his phone.
As for Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, no one bothered to talk to him. He would never actively seek attention.
In the entire Rabbit Group, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka spoke the least and had the lowest presence, almost forgotten by everyone.
As a result, among those with the same fighting spirit as Ichinose Honami, only Yukimura Teruhiko remained.
"Why isn't anyone taking this seriously..."
Yukimura Teruhiko looked at his indifferent comrades with a regretful expression, particularly at Nanaya Hori, who was playing with his phone, showing signs of impatience.
The others could be excused, but Nanaya Hori had the capability, so why was he so indifferent?
Yukimura Teruhiko had tried to voice his opinions to Nanaya Hori several times, only to receive lukewarm responses.
"I have my own way of doing things. Don't meddle."
At this point, it was clear that Nanaya Hori was starting to get annoyed with Yukimura Teruhiko.
"Just because someone is capable doesn't mean they have to contribute to the class. A world boxing champion is skilled, but would you dare ask them to catch thieves on the street for public service?"
Nanaya Hori's words left Yukimura Teruhiko completely speechless.
Eventually, Yukimura Teruhiko seemed to give up entirely, deciding to consult with Hirata Yousuke later.
Of course, this had nothing to do with Nanaya Hori.
While the members of the Rabbit Group were each occupied with their own activities and plans, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka finally approached Nanaya Hori again.
"What did you do to Karuizawa Kei?"
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka inexplicably asked this question.
Of course, to others, it seemed rather inexplicable.
Nanaya Hori's words indicated that he understood why Ayanokouji Kiyotaka would ask such a question.
"That's quite an easy misunderstanding to make, but I haven't done anything," Hori responded irritably while lifting his gaze to the side.
There, he saw Karuizawa Kei hastily turning her head away after making eye contact with him.
This was the reason why Ayanokouji Kiyotaka had asked such a question.
Since the second round of discussions began, Karuizawa Kei had been behaving this way.
Despite the menacing stares from Manabe Shiho, Yabu Nanami, and Yamashita Saki, Karuizawa Kei acted as if she didn't notice anything, just sitting in her seat, playing with her phone, and appearing uninterested, much like Hori.
However, Hori had noticed Karuizawa Kei's gaze on multiple occasions.
She would occasionally glance subtly at Manabe Shiho's group, her eyes reflecting fear, and then turn her gaze towards Hori, filled with complex emotions and a hint of determination.
Given this, it was understandable why Ayanokouji Kiyotaka would ask such a question.
But Hori hadn't done anything to Karuizawa Kei.
Before this, Hori had no interest in Karuizawa Kei whatsoever. He had only started paying attention to her today. Even if he wanted to do something, he hadn't had the chance yet.
However, Hori had learned something from Hirata Yousuke.
"Karuizawa asked me for your phone number today. She seemed to want to talk to you about something. Although I thought I shouldn't give it to her without your permission, she looked very troubled. I'm sorry."
In the afternoon, after Hori had parted ways with Sakura Airi on the ship's bow deck and returned to his room, Hirata Yousuke had apologetically told him this.
There was no need for Hori to share this with Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.
"Anyway, I haven't done anything. Stop worrying unnecessarily."
Hori then retracted his gaze, telling Ayanokouji Kiyotaka this while continuing to play with his phone.
"Alright."
Then, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka asked again.
"Do you have any leads on the VIP?"
This was the main point, wasn't it?
Hori's tone remained unchanged, but his response was enough to stir anyone's emotions.
"I've pretty much got it figured out. I just need to check if the VIPs in the other groups are the ones I suspect, to confirm my selection method. Then it'll be a done deal."
"…Is that so?" Ayanokouji Kiyotaka was silent for a moment before saying, "The VIP in the Dragon Group is Kushida, the VIP in the Horse Group is Setsuya, and the VIP in the Rabbit Group is Karuizawa. These three are Class D's VIPs."
Hori's hand paused slightly.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein