August 1st, we finally arrived at the day of the vacation.

Ishizaki: "It’s finally here!"

Albert: "Huh〜!"

Ryūen: "Shut up, you idiots."

Ishizaki: "Sorry, Ryūen-san."

Albert: "Sorry, boss."

A little distance away, Ishizaki and Albert were getting excited and were silenced by Ryūen.

Shiina: "Ayanokōji-kun, have you ever been on a ship?"

Kiyotaka: "It’s my first time."

Shiina: "I see. It’s my first time too, so we need to be careful about seasickness."

Kiyotaka: "Yeah. I’d like to think I don’t get motion sickness, but..."

Shiina: "This is a large ship, so it should be fine."

Kiyotaka: "I see."

Shiina: "More importantly, something might happen."

Kiyotaka: "...Sounds interesting."

Shiina: "It would be nice if we could experience a mystery in real life."

Kiyotaka: "I’m interested, but peace is best."

Shiina: "Still, something feels like it will happen."

Kiyotaka: "Yeah, it’s hard to believe this school would take us on a vacation without anything behind it."

Shiina: "But until something happens, let’s enjoy it."

Kiyotaka: "Yeah. Though it’ll probably just be reading."

Shiina: "If there were fewer people, the pool would be nice, but it’s crowded right now."

Kiyotaka: "True."

Avoiding the crowds, Shiina and I spent our time reading as usual.

After a while, once the crowd died down, we were having breakfast when a strange announcement echoed through the ship.

Announcement: "If you have time, please gather on the deck. The island will soon come into view. For a short time, you will be able to witness a very meaningful sight."

Shiina and I tilted our heads at the unusual phrasing.

Kiyotaka: "That’s a strange way to put it."

Shiina: "It reminds me of the first day of school..."

Kiyotaka: "Well, I’ve left the troublesome stuff to Ryūen. Let’s finish eating quickly so we make it in time."

Shiina: "Yes... Though we might not make it, so... would you eat some of mine?"

'Wait... is this... an indirect kiss? A divine event has arrived?'

Kiyotaka: "You don’t mind?"

Shiina: "M-Mind what?"

Kiyotaka: "Never mind. Then I’ll take it."

Shiina: "Of course. Here, ahh—"

'If she feeds me, it’ll take longer... No, forget logic. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.'

I made up my mind and opened my mouth.

Kiyotaka: "...It’s good."

Shiina: "I’m glad you like it."

Kiyotaka: "Can I have more?"

Shiina: "Y-Yes."

We ended up cutting it close on time, and I had to rush eating, but it was worth it.

* * *

After disembarking and finishing roll call, Mashima, the homeroom teacher of Class A, began speaking.

Mashima: "We will now begin the first special exam of this year."

The first-years erupted in noise, but the class leaders remained calm.

Kiyotaka: "So something really was coming..."

Shiina: "This looks troublesome."

Kiyotaka: "Leave it to Ryūen."

Ryūen: "Don’t dump it on me."

Kiyotaka: "You’re the one handling class battles. I’ll advise."

Ryūen: "Then talk."

Kiyotaka: "You act, I refine."

Ryūen: "Then come here."

Kiyotaka: "Shiina, wait here."

Shiina: "Understood."

We moved somewhere secluded.

Ryūen: "This is fine."

Kiyotaka: "Let’s hear it."

Ryūen: "Everyone except two will retire. Know why?"

Kiyotaka: "A zero-point strategy."

Ryūen: "Exactly. We trade supplies to Katsuragi and extort private points."

Kiyotaka: "Spies?"

Ryūen: "Yeah. We identify leaders."

Kiyotaka: "Why Katsuragi?"

Ryūen: "Class A is split. He wants results."

Kiyotaka: "Ranking?"

Ryūen: "Horikita, Katsuragi, Ichinose, Sakayanagi. Top is us."

Kiyotaka: "Then fine. But give me half."

Ryūen: "You’re joking."

Kiyotaka: "I’ll increase profits."

Ryūen: "Explain."

Kiyotaka: "Raise it to 25,000 per person."

Ryūen: "You selling key info?"

Kiyotaka: "No. I’ll fake leader status, then transfer it."

Ryūen: "...I see."

Kiyotaka: "Also, I’ll earn bonus points."

Ryūen: "...Still short."

Kiyotaka: "I’ll lend you the best spy."

Ryūen: "You’d sell a friend?"

Kiyotaka: "Ibuki."

Ryūen: "Deal."

We finished planning.

* * *

Ryūen: "Leader is Ayanokōji."

Ibuki: "Seriously!?"

Shiina: "You said you weren’t interested."

Kiyotaka: "I won’t act much."

Ibuki: "What are you making me do?"

Ryūen: "You’ll see."

Ryūen: "Everyone, go have fun! Retire in two days."

Ibuki: "What!?"

Kaneda: "Using the rule."

Ibuki: "We’re not trying to win!?"

Ryūen: "Then work."

Ibuki: "Ayanokōji!"

Kiyotaka: "You’re the best for it."

Ibuki: "...Fine."

We moved to the beach.

There was little resistance thanks to the dual leadership system.

I then moved to secure spots.

Using Ryūen’s map, I captured three locations and returned.

Shiina: "Welcome back. Want something?"

Kiyotaka: "Water."

She handed me an opened bottle.

Kiyotaka: "Tastes great."

Shiina: "Where did you go?"

Kiyotaka: "Far edge."

Shiina: "Please rest."

Kiyotaka: "I will. Where’s Ryūen?"

Shiina: "With Ibuki and Kaneda."

Kiyotaka: "He won’t harm my friends."

Shiina: "That’s true."

At night, we enjoyed a campfire.

Ishizaki: "Enjoying it?"

Kiyotaka: "First time."

Albert: "Me too."

Kiyotaka: "Not many experience this."

Ishizaki: "As long as it’s fun!"

Kiyotaka: "Yeah."

'Back then, I couldn’t imagine this life.'