A few days after the double date at the pool, we first-year students were enjoying a cruise on a luxury liner.

A two-week trip. We were told we could enjoy an elegant lifestyle between a pension and a luxury ship.

Something about it feels suspicious, but it’s best to enjoy things while you can.

Matsushita and I were making our way around the various facilities onboard.

Watching plays in the theater, playing in the pool, trying out the high-end spa…

All of this was free, so the school really is generous in some ways.

However, happy times don’t last long.

An announcement echoed throughout the ship.

“The island will soon come into view. Please gather on the deck. You will be able to witness a very meaningful sight.”

“That’s a strange way of putting it.”

“Yeah. It reminds me of Chabashira-sensei before the May midterms.”

Matsushita immediately caught on and pulled me toward the deck.

Most of the other students were still enjoying the ship’s facilities, so not many were looking at the island.

After circling the island several times, the ship finally docked.

Then, Mashima-sensei, the year supervisor, announced the start of this year’s first ‘special exam.’

There’s a limit to how much class points can be gained through academic tests and daily behavior alone.

This is a special opportunity to gain a large number of class points—and to take points from other classes.

The rough rules were:

• Each class spends one week on an uninhabited island

• Each class is given 300 points, which can be used to purchase supplies

• Any points remaining by the final day are added to class points

• Roll call is held daily at 8:00 and 20:00, and each absent person results in a deduction of 5 points

That’s about it.

There’s also a system involving a leader and “occupation.”

If the leader occupies designated spots scattered across the island, they gain usage rights for that location, and also earn 1 point each time.

Occupation lasts for 8 hours.

To occupy a spot, the leader uses a card key on a terminal installed there.

Finally, at the end of the exam, each class gets one chance to guess another class’s leader.

A correct guess grants +50 points, while the guessed class loses 50 points—and also loses all points gained from spot occupation.

On the other hand, if the guess is wrong, the guessing class loses 50 points.

It’s not something you can use without confidence.

Class D students immediately started arguing about how to use the points.

Whether or not to install a portable toilet, for example.

Honestly, it’s trivial. Though installing one wouldn’t be a bad idea.

“Hirata. I need to talk.”

Just as Ike, Yukimura, and Shinohara began arguing about the portable toilet—and by extension, point usage—I spoke to Hirata.

“What is it?”

“Matsushita and I observed the island from the ship, so we have a rough idea where the spots are. I want to move quickly and occupy them before other classes do. Is it okay if I take on the role of leader?”

“That’s… yeah, if you’re saying it, Ayanokōji-kun, please do. I’ll handle things here.”

“Sorry. I’m leaving it to you.”

“You’re always helping us anyway.”

Hirata probably wanted to consult everyone before deciding the leader.

Otherwise, complaints would come later.

But he accepted my proposal, prioritizing what benefits the class.

As expected of someone who keeps the class together.

I instructed Matsushita to receive the card key from Chabashira-sensei.

“Also, here’s a map of the island. Just a rough sketch.”

“Thanks. Once the base is decided, wait around here. I’ll return after finishing the occupations.”

Taking the hand-drawn map from Matsushita, I quietly left the group.

Other classes should still be disorganized.

I moved through the suspected spot locations I saw from the ship.

As expected, no one had started occupying spots yet, and I secured twelve of them.

There was also a spot inside a cave, but I left it alone since it seemed useful.

While it could serve as a base, I doubt Class D could live together peacefully in a cramped cave for a week.

While hiding near the cave entrance, I waited.

Soon, two boys appeared and entered without hesitation.

The bald one had been observing the island from the ship.

He likely identified the cave as a spot and came straight here.

The reason they lagged behind me might be because they were moving as a pair.

After they entered, I approached and listened.

Their footsteps and conversation echoed clearly.

It didn’t take long before I heard something decisive.

“Katsuragi-san! Just like you said, it’s a spot! I’ll occupy it right away!”

“Wait, Yahiko! Occupying it carelessly is—too late.”

“Huh!? Was that bad!?”

Their voices echoed through the cave.

So the leader with the card key is Yahiko.

Katsuragi seems superior, but perhaps that’s exactly why they chose him as leader.

“…No, occupying it before others is correct. But in this situation, there was some risk.”

“Risk? No one would see us in here.”

“Yahiko, there’s only one entrance. If someone sees us exit, then checks the terminal, what would they think?”

“…Ah! They’d narrow the leader down to either me or you!”

Exactly.

Occupying the cave with a small group carries risk.

Someone like me could monitor the entrance.

I left this spot intentionally to bait out a leader.

Yahiko assumed no one would know, since there was nowhere to hide near the terminal.

He walked right into the trap.

The cave itself is ideal—shelter from weather, and two nearby spots.

But occupying it early creates risk.

It worked perfectly as bait.

Katsuragi even tried stepping outside with the card key, but it was already too late.

And just like that, I obtained Class A’s leader information.

* * *

“Sorry, I’m late.”

“Welcome back, Ayanokōji-kun.”

After finishing the search, I rejoined Matsushita.

We headed toward the base candidate while talking.

“Hope another class didn’t take it.”

“How did discussions go?”

“Everyone mostly agreed to you being leader. Acting early helped. Though some wanted a discussion first. Like Yukimura.”

“That’s fair. I’ll apologize later.”

“I don’t think you need to. They’ll thank you once points increase.”

Still, an apology will help ease things.

When we reached the river, Class D greeted us.

Kushida spoke first.

“Welcome back! Did you secure spots?”

“Yeah. Twelve locations.”

“That many!? That’s amazing!”

She called out to the class, and they agreed.

Though some likely still had reservations.

“Sorry for deciding the leader without consulting everyone. I didn’t want other classes to take the spots.”

“It’s fine!”

“You’re perfect for leader!”

Even Yukimura seemed satisfied.

“Sorry, Yukimura.”

“No, it was for the class. I’m impressed.”

He adjusted his glasses awkwardly.

We immediately occupied the river spot.

Now it belonged to Class D.

The water was clean—perfect for saving points.

“Nice spot, right? I found it!”

“Good job, Ike. Water won’t be an issue here.”

“Right!? Tell the girls that! They won’t drink it!”

I see. They’re hesitant about river water.

That’s understandable.

“You know a lot about this stuff.”

“Not really. Just camped a lot as a kid.”

He spoke naturally—experience, not guesswork.

I scooped some water and drank it.

“…It’s good. Really cold.”

“You actually drank it!?”

“You said it’s safe, right?”

From what I saw, it seemed fine too.

“…Such a waste no one else is drinking it.”

“…You’re right.”

Ike seemed to realize something and went to apologize to the girls, especially Shinohara.

With Hirata there, things should be fine.

We managed to reduce point usage.

But every class will be doing the same.

Saving alone won’t create a gap.

What matters is spot control and identifying leaders.

I’ve secured Class A’s leader.

Next is Class B or C—ideally both.

Class C is still unknown and potentially troublesome.

Class B, led by Ichinose, should be easier to approach.

She seems fair—unlikely to complain in a straightforward match.

If I get the chance, I’ll declare I’ll guess their leader once I know.