บท 33: Chapter 11: Zodiac Exam (3) – A unique and chaotic day
[Kurushima Pov]
「12th August, 12.56」
Arriving right in front of the dragon groups room, I held the doorknob and entered the room, seeing everyone aside from me there.
Instantly, all the attention was focused on me. Ryūen was having both of his feet on the table while looking at his phone, Katsuragi was intensely looking at every person present here for the identification of the VIP, Kanzaki was talking with his classmates, likewise with Hirata and Kushida who talked with each other. As for Horikita, she was reading a book.
But the moment I entered, all of them were looking at me.
"Ah, it seems like I'm just like yesterday, the last one to arrive. I'm sorry, I was reading quite an interesting book, so I kind of forgot the time," I said, walking to my seat, the moderator seat that was handed to me yesterday by the group.
I didn't mind it in all honesty, though. I was only a bit surprised that everyone agreed, even Ryūen himself and his class.
But I suppose that makes it easier to introduce my dear Poker Game, I wanted to introduce today to get everybody to know each other better.
And what could be better than a small Poker Game?
Oh my, let's get ready to lie again.
But I'm wondering, can I ever be able to trust someone, aside from Aoki?
I wonder whether that will ever be possible? Can I dissolve that issue of mine through the attendance of this school?
Perhaps—In fact by attending this school, I might truly ever be able to trust somebody else. This is also the very first time I have been attending a school.
So perhaps I can trust people like Hiyori and Sūdo, with whom I am lately spending much time.
I really hope so, but in the end, I don't think that's going to be the case.
That aside, I saw an unexpected person – No, it was the very own person I expected to speak up.
"Reading a book, heh? You seem to be just like her. Instead of enjoying this whole luxury presented on the cruise ship, you rather read. Kurushima, you keep on surprising me," said Ryūen, looking at me fiercely.
"Ahahaha, is that so? Well, what can I say, I'm just doing the things I like. Reading and playing chess happen to be the hobbies I particularly like."
"Well, I don't care either way. Just let's start with this meeting," exclaimed Ryūen, probably dissatisfied with my answer.
"Ahem, could I please get all of your attention? To learn each of us better, I thought of how we play a small game? So I thought of Poker and brought it with me for today's meeting. Are you interested in any chance?" I asked.
"I think it's a great idea, Kurushima-kun, for getting us known each other better," commented Hirata, with enthusiasm.
"Likewise, I agree with Hirata-kun," said Kushida, with a fake smile.
"I guess it doesn't damage if we get to know each other," exclaimed Horikita, slightly looking at me with a nod.
"Hmm, I also think it wouldn't be too bad if we were to play Poker," said Kanzaki, speaking up for him and his class members, after having it discussed with them.
"Kukuku, Poker, huh? How about we make that boring game a bit more interesting. The winner gets 140.000 private points," said Ryūen.
"Ryūen-kun, I don't think we should do that. Making the game competitive ruins the whole idea of a friendly game wherein we get to know each other better," I said.
"Tch, fine, whatever. I suppose nobody would here be either daring enough to bet, so my proposal was useless at the very beginning. But I guess instead of waiting for the required one hour, I can spare my time playing with you. Count those three idiots also in," said Ryūen.
His three classmates simply nodded along, making it now eleven people who confirmed to play. The only remaining people were those of Class A.
Katsuragi must be thinking whether he should continue with his strategy that no one does anything in the meeting or take the risk and play a small but harmless little poker game.
But even after a minute, no one from them did answer, in fact, thus concluding that they won't be participating.
"Katsuragi-kun, assuming the quietness of you three, can I assume that you won't be participating in the poker game?" I asked.
He, in return, simply did a small nod, confirming some of my theories that I had about Class A's strategies about the exam.
Another defensive approach, huh? Katsuragi-kun, you are really predictable.
The fear of losing this exam, thus losing the leadership position to Sakayanagi, qwells the entirety of your mind, making you such a boring opponent that won't even fight at all.
I really expected more from one of the two leaders of Class A, but I suppose I shouldn't have any expectations at the very beginning.
"Okay, then that makes it the eleven of us." I announced, taking out the deck of cards from my bag while shuffling them.
"Let's make it a friendly and enjoyable experience," I added.
"Katsuragi-kun, do you mind being the dealer?" I asked, yet as I expected, he did not reply.
He gazed at me for a small second but immediately turned his head away, indicating that neither he nor anyone else from his class would agree to my request.
It's just as I thought.
"Johnny, did your parents not teach you to reply when you are asked something? I'm disappointed in you, Johnny," said Ryūen.
I did not understand what he meant, but looking at Katsuragi's face, he understood what Ryūen was referring to.
Kanzaki and all other boys, even Hirata, understood it, yet I remain the only exception. Even most – no all of the girls understood it, making me really question what Ryūen meant with Katsuragi's nickname, "Johhny."
Katsuragi simply glared at him, while everybody else tried to hold back their laughter.
I simply tried to add along, but in actuality, I had no idea.
I tried to search inside of my mind for celebrities with the name Johhny, who would also be appearance-wise similar to Katsuragi-kun, yet I did not find anything.
I suppose it's a famous joke in our generation, considering that everyone here understood it.
"You are disgusting, Ryūen-kun," said Horikita, wherein Kushida simply tagged along.
"I agree with Horikita-san," exclaimed Kushida, who wholeheartedly agreed.
Just what was Ryūen referring to, that even Kushida, who bluntly said hates Horikita, from what I observed so far, would agree with her wholeheartedly, not in pretense of her disguise, but as someone who really agreed with her.
"Ryūen-kun, I think this goes too far. It is not an appropriate thing to compare Katsuragi-kun to that certain someone," commented Hirata, receiving the support of several other people inside our group.
Even Kanzaki, who remained silent until now, spoke up. "Yes, I agree with everybody else. What do you think, Kurushima-kun?" asked Kanzaki.
Oh, dear....
Should I just bullshit and comply with everyone else.
I could simply say, I agree. However, in actuality, I would have no idea what I am agreeing to.
I also don't believe that knowing this certain someone called "Johnny" would bring any trouble.
Although everybody reacted negatively, you can not deny the fact that they got amused and slightly hold back their laughter at the moment Ryūen-kun joked.
I guess I can be honest, right?
Yeah...
It shouldn't be anything of importance, right?
"To be frank, I have no idea whoever this person called "Johhny" is and why you are comparing Katsuragi-kun with that person," I exclaimed.
Immediately at the moment, I said that everyone watched at me in utter surprise, as if I had killed someone and outed that I was the murderer.
"You can't be serious, right?" asked Horikita, in a denying tone, as if she couldn't believe it.
"Kurushina-kun, are you serious?" This time, it was Hirata who asked.
"Yeah..." I exclaimed, causing him and everyone else to look at me dumbfounded.
Ryūen, contronary of what I thought didn't say anything, though I imagined him saying something at the very least.
He, from all the people, looked at me the most dumbfounded.
Suddenly, I heard Hirata, who sat nearby me coming all over my ear and precisely whispering what they all meant with the "Johnny" person.
I couldn't believe it and looked at him twice for affirmation, only to figure out that he was completely serious, contronary to what I initially thought.
Suddenly, I heard him speaking again. "Kurushima-kun, did you never do that before?" he whispered.
I whispered back. "What do you mean with that, Hirata?"
He looked at me dumbfounded. "Ah, with that, I mean, pleasing yourself.
"Ah...actually...No," I whispered back.
"I see..." he said.
The conversation ended, yet the uncomfortable feeling I had didn't end.
Although nobody really understood what Hirata whispered in my ear, I think they could get from his expression and my expression the gist of the basic stuff we whispered about.
In all honesty, it's not like I wasn't interested in doing that, but I was just so invested in my revenge that I overlooked one of the needs of my body.
But anyway, I would rather stop thinking about that and focus myself on this very own meeting we have.
"Ahem, is it alright for everyone if we start with the poker game?" I asked, making everyone completely aware that I want to shift this awkward mood elsewhere.
"Yeah," said Kanzaki.
Alongside him, everybody else agreed, aside from Ryūen, who still was a bit absent.
It surprised me honestly, but then, as expected, I heard him speaking up.
"So our Prince here was not familiar with the infamous Johnny, huh? Well, I suppose it's not surprising, considering his sheltered upbringing," Ryūen said, smirking.
"Ahem," I coughed several times. "Shita-kun, Koharu-san, does anyone of you two mind being the dealer?" I asked, but both of them simply shaked their heads, denying of becoming the dealer.
"Since Katsuragi-kun, nor Shita-kun or Koharu-san seem to be willingly acting as our dealer, I can take that role if nobody here minds. I'm a bit knowledgeable in regards to Poker, so if anybody here has questions about the rules, I'd be happy to answer them. We can also rotate each round the role of who becomes the dealer, if anybody wants that. But if nobody wants that, I'll be glad to take this role regardless," I said.
"Yes, let's do that. If anyone either wants the role or if we just should rotate, please tell us," said Hirata.
"Okay, then let's start. I suppose each one of you knows the poker rules, right? If not, I can quickly explain them before further elaborating how our poker game is designed a bit more uniquely," I offered, looking around the room.
Hirata, being considerate as always, spoke up.
"It might be a good idea to have a quick refresher for those who need it. Kurushima-kun, perhaps you can give us a brief overview of the rules?"
I nodded in agreement.
"Of course, Hirata-kun. I'll give a brief explanation for everyone's benefit. Poker is a card game that involves betting and strategic decision-making. The objective is to have the best combination of cards among all the players. The standard ranking of hands, from highest to lowest, is as follows: Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, and High Card."
I paused for a moment to allow the information to sink in. Then I continued, "In our game, we'll be playing Texas Hold'em, which is a popular variant of poker. Each player will be dealt two private cards, and then five community cards will be placed on the table. Players will use a combination of their private cards and the community cards to make the best possible hand."
"Since we're not playing for money, the betting aspect will be more relaxed. We can use chips or even play without any monetary value assigned to them," I added, making sure everyone understood the casual nature of our game.
"We'll assign a value to the chips to keep track of our progress," I explained, holding up a few chips as an example.
"Let's say each chip is worth 1000 private points. This way, we can still have a sense of betting and strategize accordingly."
"All of us eleven participants will get 60 chips, with the imaginary value of 60.000 private points attached to them."
"Naturally, once someone passes the round, they will have their chips decreased accordingly. For passing one round, 10 chips are decreased, meaning that you can only pass up to five times if you don't want to be out entirely of the poker game."
"We'll be playing until either one winner stands still, after playing several Texas Hold'em, or once the one hour time is over and the person with the most gathered chips will be the winner."
"Once you have 0 chips, you'll be disqualified in normal cases, that is, without buying the currency back."
"However, here comes the rather more unique system in play. The students who have zero chips left have the chance of getting their original 60 chips back. In order to make that as fair as possible, these people will be punished with one negative point. With a negative point, you can't win the poker game, aside from negating that negative point, by winning one of the Texas Hold'em games or paying the sixty chip fee back."
"After that, you can just like every other play win this game, if you happen to have the most chips when the one hour is over."
"There isn't a plus one point by winning one of the Texas Hold'em games, but instead simply the chips you get from winning. I think this is a good method for those who happen to be early disqualified and getting a chance to play again while making it fair that no one is at a disadvantage, right?" I asked.
"Also, to make another aspect fair, you can not go all-in if there isn't a player who can match that stake too. The maximum number of chips one can bet is the maximum of what the highest person besides you has."
"Also, don't worry, there's no pressure in the game or anything like that. We're here to enjoy the game and have some fun. I just tried to establish the basic rules and some additional rules."
Hirata nodded, appreciating the clarification of the rules and the additional rule. "That sounds fair and enjoyable. Thank you for explaining, Kurushima-kun. I think we're ready to get started."
Alongside him, everybody else too agreed, realizing that this is a fairly designed, that aids the purpose that everyone can participate, regardless of whether they have lost their initial 60 chips.
"Okay, then let the game begin," I exclaimed, taking the cards and the chips out of my bag.
First of all, I distributed each one of the eleven participants with equal amounts of chips, ensuring a fair starting point for everyone.
Since everyone already had the chips, it was now time to shuffle the cards and distribute them among the eleven participants, including me.
However, in my case, I wouldn't be shuffling the cards the normal way one is supposed to do that.
I had strictly structured the 52 cards for every possible outcome that I would encounter for the first round.
Besides, I would give Ryūen two enormously good cards that he will certainly go All-In at the moment, all five community cards are revealed.
Likewise with me, however, I for one might also get a good hold on cards.
Who knows?
Without further ado, I began shuffling the card deck for forty straight seconds, memorizing the location of each card that I had shuffled.
Now that I had done that, it was time to do that. With that, I mean a "perfect shuffle," in which I hold 26 cards in each hand while shuffling them without any card overlapping, so they'll stay in the same position as before.
It wasn't something I had ever done before, but I suppose I could recite in from the theory also in practical terms.
Although I had thought about it since yesterday, I had not tested it out yet.
Perhaps it was my arrogance or my pride that I had not felt the need to test it out, since the moment I can think of, I nearly mastered everything at my first try, no matter how hard it was.
Still, the only thing I am, or was lacking is my talent in music. But I have given up that long ago.
There is no need to ever do it again.
Disrupting my sudden thoughts, I shuffled the 26 cards in each of my hands perfectly and stopped precisely at this moment with the shuffling.
Holding the perfectly shuffled deck in my hands, I could sense the anticipation in the room. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the deck, curious to see how the game would unfold.
"Now that the cards are shuffled, it's time to distribute them," I announced, a slight smile playing on my lips. I started dealing the cards one by one, clockwise around the table, ensuring that each player received two private cards.
Once I finished giving everyone, including me two private cards, I began to slightly look like everybody else at my cards.
The two cards were Ace of Spades and the King of Hearts, with which I intend to get the Four of a Kind hand, the current highest possible ranking hand among us all, of what I distributed for this round.
Meanwhile Ryūen will have slightly lower cards,
King of Hearts and King of Spades, for a Full House.
This game will serve the purpose of a sudden alliance, between Class B and D, for eliminating both Class A and C.
For that, I must design this game so that I can lie to Ryūen about the fact that I figured out from this game that he knows the pattern of the VIP selection.
Kushida Kikyo, his three classmates, and the identities of the three Class C VIP'S. That makes it seven VIPs, in short enough to figure out the pattern of this exam.
I have valid sources that this morning, Kanzaki and Ryūen were seen together.
The reason why is because of Koenji, who selected the VIP in his group, making Kanzaki desperate and search up for Ryūen, giving him the three VIPs identities so that he can vote the six VIP's from Class A and B, while forming annually a protective contract that Ryūen doesn't submit their VIP's.
It's not that bad, making Ryūen's class the center of the attention by both myself and Sakayanagi. In actuality, this might be the most reasonable choice, considering that Ichinose is way too passive, and if it continues like that, they'll lose this exam.
It could've worked Kanzaki, but unfortunately, I'm your opponent.
I'll destroy both you and Sakayanagi. Beginning with you, Ryūji Kanzaki.
Back to the game again, I saw Ryūen, although he had not tried to reveal it, slightly looking smirking.
Although the only two options he has are either a Full House or a Two Pair.
Hirata was the first one to start since we were going clockwise.
"Ah, I suppose I'm the first one. I'll check," he said, betting no chips.
"Likewise, I'll also check," said Kushida, supporting Hirata.
"Check," said Horikita.
"Bet," exclaimed Ryūen, placing seven chips, making everyone inclined on betting in this round if they don't want to be disqualified for this round.
"A bet this soon? Ryūen-kun, do you even know how to play this game. In addition, the community cards aren't even revealed. That was a stupid decision," commented Horikita.
"Kukuku, infuriated, Suzune, that you just happen to have bad cards and just check? I'll say just this, I'm going to win this poker game in the end. And be in mind, I won't stay on standby looking how everyone of you plays passive," said Ryūen.
His two classmates followed his betting after having received a small glare of his if they didn't do.
"Threatening your classmates to follow the call doesn't sound friendly to me, Ryūen-kun. Have you sure gotten the gist of what this game resolves around? I think the word begins with – friendly competition," exclaimed Horikita to Ryūen.
"Now, now, Horikita-san, I think you are going too far. I'm sure Ryūen-kun didn't mean it like that," said Hirata, as the good-hearted person he is.
"See, Suzune, even your own classmates doubts you," commented Ryūen.
"I didn't imply th—"
But before Hirata could speak further, Ryūen talked. "Hirata, no need to talk. I'm sure Suzune has gotten your message."
"But—"
Before he could speak again further, Horikita talked. "Don't mind him, Hirata. I know what you meant. He just simply likes to twist the words around how he likes. That's the kind of person he is," said Horikita.
"Kuku, you know me so well, Suzune? Are you sure you don't like me in secret? The offer still stands," said Ryūen.
"The offer?" asked Kushida in a questioning tone.
"Nothing of any great importance," said Horikita.
"Kukuku, I think otherwise. But I will make you change your opinion," said Ryūen.
"Never," exclaimed Horikita.
To disrupt their conversation, suddenly Kanzaki, after his two classmates, made his call. "Call," he said, in a slight loud tone, disrupting the conversation.
Inside the pot, there were now 49 chips, with my call, 56.
"Call," I said in a hastened tone before Horikita and Ryūen were beginning to argue again.
"Call," said Hirata, alongside Kushida and Horikita.
The pot is now at 77 chips, and it would be time to reveal the three community cards, according to the rules of Texas Hold'em.
In the next round, another card is revealed, and after that round, another card will be revealed, too, making it five out of five.
Everyone was currently emancipating to know which three cards would be revealed.
I, as a matter of fact, already knew it, but then again, I deliberately designed them like that.
Slowly, I began to put the first card I drew from the deck to the side and take the next three, which I drew and reveal them in front of everyone.
It was Ace of Diamond, Eight of Hearts, and the Ace of Clubs.
Now that the three cards were revealed, it was time for Ryūen's classmate to either call the current bet or raise the bet higher.
"Call," he said, placing seven chips.
Alongside him, Ryūen's two other classmates tagged along.
"Ryūen, are you sure you aren't forcing your classmates?" said Kanzaki.
"Forcing my classmates? What should I possibly gain from that? Their chips? They are either way worthless since we aren't playing for points at all. I have nothing to gain at all from forcing them, K-A-N-Z-A-K-I," exclaimed Ryūen, putting the emphasis on Kanzaki's name.
"Is that so? Well, I suppose you are right. It would be stupid of you doing that if you don't have anything to gain. I'll pass," said Kanzaki, including his two other classmates, who also passed.
"Kurushina, pass or call?" asked Ryūen. "Are you also disgustingly passive like them."
"Ryūen-kun, this is a game of luck and strategy. There is nothing wrong with being passive, but if you want an answer, I'll call," I said, putting seven chips on the table.
I could see Ryūen tremendously smirking, feeling like I might cure his boredom during this round.
Now it was Hirata's turn. "I'll call," said he.
"Me too," said Kushida.
"Pass," said Horikita, who should have quite the bad cards, as far as I remember.
"Suzune, already giving up, huh? You must have quite the bad hand for you to already give up. How interesting," he said.
"Ryūen-kun, it is a game of luck after all. Not everybody gets the cards they need," I exclaimed.
"First time I'm seeing myself agreeing with you, Kurushima," said Ryūen.
"Is that so? Well, I suppose we are the polar opposites, after all. It makes it hard to agree with anything you do."
"Kukuku, that is true. And precisely because of that reason, I'm doing this."
"Raise," he announced in a sinister tone.
"While you all are busy playing passive, let me show you how real men are playing this game," he said, throwing twenty chips in the middle of the table.
"Only three cards got revealed, and you already have raised? It seems like you must have quite the handy cards, Ryūen-kun," said Kanzaki.
"Kanzaki, you can also speak, huh? It seems like the dog doesn't need its owners permission to speak. But who would have thought that the dog would act out of his own accord," said Ryūen, in an ambiguity tone, indicating to Kanzaki about their deal.
"Aha, unfortunately, to disappoint you, we in Class C have something you lack of knowing. And that miraculous word is called unity and friendship. Neither I nor anyone else in our class is a "dog," Ryūen-kun. Please refrain yourself from either calling me or any other of my classmates as dogs," said Kanzaki, in a slight angered tone.
Although, it wasn't particularly because of what Ryūen said, but what Ryūen was trying to imply towards Kanzaki, that he doesn't have any scruples on revealing Kanzaki's action, that could be considered as traitorous if anybody happens to find out about it.
"Ahem," I coughed out loudly. "The fundamental idea of this game was to get to know each other better, not to insult each other. Ryūen-kun, do you think you could try to act a bit friendlier?" I asked.
"Kurushina, why ask when you already know the answer. I'll do as I please," exclaimed Ryūen, in a sinister tone.
"It was worth a try, wasn't it? Ahem, I'll be revealing the next community card."
The moment the community card got revealed, ten of Spades has been revealed.
I could already see in Ryūen's expression, his mouth twitching out of annoyance that the only card missing is the Ace of Hearts, for his Full House.
Right now, he should only get a Pair, if the Ace of Hearts isn't revealed on the table in the next round.
But even so, he already announced winning this game so he wouldn't back down. That was how he was. He is a person who doesn't particularly care about the risks of his actions.
Ryūen's classmate, Oda Takumi, who started as the first in the previous round, would start once again.
He slightly looked over to Ryūen, receiving his nick, following Ryūen's previous raise of twenty chips.
The other two of his classmates tagged along, with twenty chips. Now it was my turn, doing the same thing.
"It seems like you aren't as boring as I thought, Kurushima. But be certain, I'll be the one winning this game, likewise with this exam," announced Ryūen.
"Thank you for notifying me in advance, but I'll be doing my best that it doesn't happen, Ryūen-kun."
"Is that so? Kukuku, you are truly funny. You are just preventing the inevitable to happen," he said.
"I'm not so sure about that, Ryūen-kun," I responded in return.
Hirata had called, Kushida passed, Ryūen called, making the pot in this round 130 chips. For Round one, it was 77 chips, the second round 102 chips, and the third one 130 chips.
The final card would be now revealed for the pot of 309 chips. The people in this game were Ryūen, his three classmates, Hirata, and myself.
I revealed the last community card, the last card, that was in surprise of everybody here present the Ace of Hearts.
"Kukuku, it seems like I'll be winning," said Ryūen, revealing as the first one his two cards.
Although in normal cases, he should be the last one to reveal them since he was in the last position.
But nobody here seemed to mind, so I ignored it. Ryūen's classmates revealed their cards next, not even a single good combination, making everyone looking at Ryūen.
The five community cards were Ace of Diamond, Eight of Hearts, Ace of Clubs, Ten of Spades, Ace of Hearts.
"Kukuku, it's not my problem that these three are just stupid and don't know how to play this game," said Ryūen.
"Anyways, Kurushima, reveal your cards. Let me see that pitiful hand of yours," he added.
"I'm sorry, Ryūen-kun, but I happen to have better cards than you."
Upon saying that, I revealed my two cards, the Ace of Spades and King of Hearts.
"Hahahahahahahaha, you got me, Kurushima. But that's it. A game. Not more, not less."
Ryūen spoke up.
Hirata revealed his cards pitifully in a pained smile looking at me. "Kurushina-kun, you really have a good Poker face. I wouldn't be able to hide my expression that well if I had cards like that," said Hirata.
The game itself continued for the time remaining.
I only won one time, out of eight games. Ryūen did not win any single game in the end. He did, in fact, lose at the end even to his own classmate, though he doesn't seem to be angered by that at all.
However, now that the game was over and I had gotten through the games one and eight, good Intel to lie of how I know that he is aware of the VIP selection pattern.
It was time to confront him when he was alone, which was now.
----
「12th August, 18.47」
"Good evening, Ryūen-kun," I said.
"I have something very important to talk to you about the well-being of both of our classes," I added.
He turned around, leaning against the iron fence with his back and drinking his cold drink.
"Oh? And what would that be, Kurushima?" he asked, his view however remaining at the pool where the girls were swimming at.
"I propose a strategic alliance, Ryūen-kun. A temporary collaboration during this exam," I responded.
"A temporary alliance, huh? What makes you think I would agree on that? I don't see any benefits from that," he said, moving two steps further until only a hair breadth was away from us.
Maintaining my confidence, I responded. "You have a good point, Ryūen-kun. But, I don't think you have any other choices besides accepting the proposal if you don't want Class D's VIPs in an instant to be submitted," I exclaimed.
Ryūen's eyes narrowed as he absorbed my words, his calculating demeanor undeterred.
The atmosphere seemed to grow tense with each passing second.
"You dare to threaten me, Kurushima?" Ryūen's voice dripped with a dangerous edge, his gaze now fixated on me, momentarily forgetting the allure of the girls in the pool.
"Threatening is such an ugly word. I prefer to think of it as an offer that follows the interest of both parties, Class B and D."
"Kukuku, bullshit. No matter how much you try to twist your words, it simply remains blackmail. But Kurushima, why don't you answer me this. If you already happen to know Class D's VIPs identities, why didn't you already submit them? I call it bullshit," Ryūen said, looking at me with a slight sadistic smile, walking past me.
"[XX], [XX], [XX], those three are your VIPs, right, Ryūen-kun?" I asked, leaning myself backward against the iron fence just where Ryūen himself was previously leaning himself on.
Ryūen froze in his tracks, his eyes widening in surprise. He stared at me intently, searching for any signs of deception in my expression. A flicker of amusement danced across his features.
"Are you sure about that, Kurushima?" he replied, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and intrigue.
"You claim to know the identities of Class D's VIPs, yet you haven't exposed them. What's your game here?"
"As I mentioned in the beginning already, I am here to offer you something. An offer that benefits the interest of both of our classes, Ryūen-kun."
"Before that, be in peace. The deaI won't violate against the contract you have done with Kanzaki-kun, Ryūen-kun," I expressed with a slight smile.
"How do you know that?" he asked in an infuriated tone.
"I have my sources, but let me tell you, if you want to do something like that next time, go to a location where you are entirely sure there isn't anybody present."
"But I'm really surprised. Who would have thought that Kanzaki-kun would give Class D Class C's VIP identities. Chihiro Shiranami, [XX], and [XX], with that, you should have the confirmation that I know six VIPs and the pattern behind it. Just like the same you do, Ryūen-kun."
Ryūen's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed my words. "I see, and what about today. Did you catch up to it?" he asked.
"Absolutely, it was quite clear that you were warning Kanzaki. If I hadn't known from one of my sources that you two met up, I would have alternatively theorized what you meant towards him with your message."
I answered.
"And the Poker Game?" he asked, slightly understanding the purpose of why I proposed the Poker Game.
"It was to make sure if you knew about the VIPs. Through your reactions in the game, I could tell whether you figured out the pattern or not. And I came to the final conclusion that you already figured it out, which is the reason why I approached you." I elaborated my reasoning
"Hahahahahahahaha, that's really interesting. Really interesting, Kurushima. I listen, state your proposal," exclaimed Ryūen, being in a good mood.
"Both Class D and B won't submit the VIPs of each other classes. Both of our classes will form a temporary friendly collaboration for this exam in order to advance up in the class ranking. Since you did a contract with Kanzaki, you won't be able to submit Class C if that happens to be in your contract clauses, which I suspect it is, in return for their three VIP identities, making it with your class six VIP in total, necessary for figuring out this pattern. Class B will vote for the remaining two VIPs in Class C, while Class D will submit the three VIPs of Class A. An equal partnership, giving both Class B and D 150 Class Points. If you and I happen to fight in this exam, nobody from our two classes will benefit greatly. If you submit someone out of my class out, I'll return that favor three-fold."
"So, what do you say, Ryūen-kun? Are you ready to destroy Class A and C, or will you back down?" I asked.
"Hahahahahahahaha, I didn't think that you would be that cunning, Kurushima."
"If it's for the sake of my class, being a bit cunning won't be a problem. Besides, this is a great opportunity to destroy Class A and C," I exclaimed, even though I didn't plan on saying the last part.
It seems like I unconsciously revealed it to Ryūen.
Nevertheless, I don't care if he happens to have that information.
I'll be soon gone from this school anyway. Expelling the two isn't a hard task, and getting the information from Chairman Sakayanagi will also not be that hard.
"Hahahaha, I'll accept, since we share mutual interests, on crushing Class A and C. But after this exam, our alliance ends. I'll attack you whenever I like," he said, walking away.
I'm sure Ryūen won't do anything since the two of us are ready to submit each other's VIPs if the other person does something.
Besides, I think he would be greatly amused by the idea when the worst class overtakes Class A. Especially considering how arrogant they were, he'll have fun making fun of them.
It'll be fun breaking the spirit of the dear hearted natural born genius, Sakayanagi Arisu, whom I loathe and hate so much.
Soon...
I will have achieved my goal.
It doesn't take long anymore until that happens.
However, until then...
I will enjoy my remaining time as a high schooler here...
[Chapter End]
****
A/N: It's been a while since I published my last chapter. I'm not as good as before, I think. I recognized how often I had trouble writing this chapter. Then again, I'm not that good at writing dialogs, so this might be the reason why. I tried to make the dialog according to the characters as accurate as possible, but sometimes I got pretty demotivated.
Well, if some thought I would drop this fic, I do not. It's just that the update schedule will now be adjusted entirely differently whenever I feel motivated to write.
This chapter wasn't my best work, but I hope you liked it.
If you have any ideas for the story, please comment them. It would be pretty interesting seeing what other people have for ideas.
Well, that's all.
Have a great day.
[Words: 6181]
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