Itozawa's Method

Itozawa watched Kanzaki's tsundere act, feeling a slight headache and a sense of things falling apart. When had Kanzaki become like this? He could only offer a few words of persuasion before quickly distancing himself.

He had no idea that Kanzaki's obsession with him stemmed from his special ability...

Meanwhile, on the other side, as everyone was discussing animatedly and eagerly wanting to head back to the swimming pool, Ichinose stepped forward.

Her voice was calm yet firm: "Everyone, please wait a moment. Rushing in blindly like this won't achieve anything. I suggest we first find a teacher from the logistics department to understand the situation."

Her voice and demeanor gradually calmed the agitated students. She continued, "We need more information, not impulse. The teacher from the logistics department might provide us with some clues."

Under Ichinose's persuasion, the students began to nod, agreeing with her approach. Her approachability and leadership played a crucial role at this moment, making the entire class's actions more orderly.

Itozawa looked at Ichinose, feeling admiration for her leadership skills. He realized that Ichinose was not only a central figure in the class but also their stabilizing force when facing difficulties. He decided to follow Ichinose's plan and head to the logistics department together to find answers.

Led by Ichinose, the class students left the classroom in an orderly fashion, heading towards the logistics department.

Under Ichinose's guidance, Class B students arrived at the logistics department, looking for the teacher who lent Shibata the water pump. The logistics office was decorated simply yet practically, with various tools and supplies neatly arranged on shelves.

They met the young teacher with short purple hair, who was busy organizing some documents. Itozawa was certain he had never seen this character in the original work. The teacher appeared full of energy and warmly welcomed the group of students.

They exchanged glances, and finally decided to let Ichinose, who had the highest approachability, inquire about the situation.

Ichinose stepped forward and politely asked, "Excuse me, are you a teacher from our logistics department? What would be the best way to address you?"

The teacher looked up, a friendly smile on her face, "Yes, my name is Takahashi Rin. You can call me Takahashi-sensei or Rin-sensei."

Ichinose noticed a flicker of anticipation in Takahashi Rin's eyes. She immediately adapted, "Rin-sensei, our class borrowed a water pump from you, but we encountered some danger at the swimming pool and accidentally left it there. What should we do?"

Itozawa secretly praised Ichinose's questioning technique from the side. She skillfully concealed her suspicion of the logistics teacher while indirectly inquiring about the swimming pool.

Upon hearing Ichinose call her Rin-sensei, Takahashi Rin's smile widened.

She replied casually, "It's okay. Because I was the one who retrieved the water pump. I even have to thank that student. Otherwise, every time I went to ask Yasuda to borrow some water, he'd give me a sour face and refuse."

As she spoke, Takahashi Rin sidestepped Ichinose and walked directly to Shibata, enthusiastically shaking his hand and expressing her gratitude. Shibata was a bit stunned by this sudden action. He smiled awkwardly, unsure how to respond.

The other students were also surprised. They hadn't expected to hear such an answer. This outcome was completely beyond their expectations, leaving them momentarily at a loss for how to react.

Itozawa's brow furrowed slightly. He realized this situation might be more complicated than they had imagined.

Ichinose quickly seized on a clue in Takahashi Rin's words and pressed further, "Rin-sensei, is the Yasuda-sensei you mentioned the teacher in charge of the swimming pool?"

Takahashi Rin turned around, nodded, and said with a smile, "That's right. Yasuda-sensei is a treasure. His water not only has beautifying effects but can also be used for..." She suddenly realized she had almost let something slip and quickly stopped, but the smile in her eyes grew even stronger.

"But every time I try to borrow water from him, he refuses to give it. He's so stingy. Fortunately, that student helped me a lot and lent me plenty."

As Takahashi Rin spoke, she suddenly grabbed Ichinose's hand and said enthusiastically, "I find you quite likable. Want to take a bath with me? The water in my bathhouse is from Yasuda-sensei's water!"

Ichinose hesitated for a moment, but seeing Takahashi Rin's enthusiastic gaze, she offered a gentle smile and agreed to her proposal, "Okay, Rin-sensei, I'd be honored to take a bath with you."

Kanzaki, witnessing all this, couldn't help but secretly communicate with Itozawa, "My previous judgment was wrong. It seems Yasuda-sensei's ability isn't 'Water: Endless' but 'Water: Moistening.'

No wonder he was so protective of his water that he wanted to flood Shibata directly. He probably thought Shibata was sent by Takahashi-sensei to steal his water."

Itozawa looked at Kanzaki, who had suddenly reappeared beside him, feeling somewhat speechless. However, listening to Kanzaki's analysis, he gained a deeper understanding of the entire incident.

He responded to Kanzaki in a low voice, "Then it seems there are two ways to solve this exam. One is to persuade Yasuda-sensei not to store water for now. The other is to cooperate with Takahashi-sensei, drain the pool, and make his ability's conversion speed unable to keep up in a short period, thus 'draining' the pool."

Kanzaki nodded, "Exactly. But both methods require us to understand the relationship between Yasuda-sensei and Takahashi-sensei more deeply, and how their abilities specifically work."

With that thought, Itozawa stepped forward, gently tugged Ichinose's sleeve, and led her aside. He whispered to her, explaining his judgment and the methods he had thought of.

Ichinose nodded and whispered back, "Then what should I do?"

Itozawa quickly explained his idea, "While you're bathing with Takahashi-sensei, just try to persuade her to cooperate with us to 'steal' Yasuda-sensei's water. Meanwhile, we'll try to find out more about Yasuda-sensei."

Ichinose seemed surprised, "Eh, aren't we going to try persuading Yasuda-sensei?"

"If Yasuda-sensei were willing, this wouldn't be an exam question. We're just going to have Kanzaki try to temporarily control Yasuda-sensei."

Listening to Itozawa's explanation, Ichinose agreed and nodded, "Okay, I'll do my best."

Itozawa felt relieved by Ichinose's trust and support. He knew that Ichinose's approachability and persuasiveness were very powerful, and she was likely the key to completing this task. He said to Ichinose, "Thank you, Ichinose. We'll find Yasuda-sensei as soon as possible and understand his thoughts."

Throughout the entire process, Teacher Takahashi Rin stood to the side, her gaze shifting between Itozawa and Ichinose, a strange smile on her face.

He wasn't sure if Teacher Takahashi Rin had already guessed their plan, but her smile made him feel that she might not oppose their actions.

Itozawa and Ichinose returned to the students. They began to assign tasks, preparing to split up and act.

Ichinose was preparing to take a bath with Teacher Takahashi Rin, while Itozawa and the other students were preparing to head to the swimming pool to find Yasuda-sensei and attempt to communicate with him.