At Daggers Drawn

Round-headed Totsuka Yahiko, with his grass-green hair, elegantly cut off a piece of steak and said, "This isn't a place for trash like you."

Totsuka Yahiko gave a mocking smile. "Trash should eat trash food. Why don't you go eat hamburgers?"

Sudo exploded like a bomb. He got up, grabbed Totsuka Yahiko by the collar, and roared, "Are you looking down on hamburgers, or are you looking down on us?"

The bald Katsuragi Kohei beside him set down his steak knife. "Yahiko, as a student from Class A, you should know how to conduct yourself. Don't provoke people over pointless things. Even though we're on break, the class could still lose points because of our behavior."

Totsuka Yahiko nodded in agreement.

Then the bald student continued, "You students from Class D should learn some manners too. Stop causing trouble for everyone around you."

The students nearby whispered among themselves.

"Is that redhead Sudo? The one who caused the assault?"

"Hey, is that dead-eyed guy with black hair Zhuge? I heard he beats up his classmates pretty badly!"

"They look terrifying. Who knows how many people they've killed?"

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever you do, don't make eye contact with Zhuge. I heard he's a perverted creep who's groped loads of girls' boobs!"

"Exactly! Girls, keep your heads down and don't look at him. I heard you'll get pregnant if you make eye contact with him!"

Before Sudo could react, Zhuge Linghao had already had enough. He shouted, "Who the hell started those rumors? Fine, spread rumors if you want, but why make up perverted rumors about me? Point out whoever said it. I'll beat the crap out of him!"

[Seriously, I've only ever touched Kushida Kikyo's boobs!]

Watching Zhuge Linghao fume, Ayanokoji silently made a note: First item for correcting Zhuge Linghao: he doesn't think clearly and is easily manipulated by rumors!

Ayanokoji sighed. What a headache. He's a little like Sudo, but even harder to predict. He really won't be easy to correct.

Katsuragi's calm voice rang out. "Do you really want to make the same mistake again?"

Seeing this, Ike patted Sudo on the shoulder. "How about we go to another restaurant?"

But Zhuge Linghao was as stubborn as a bull. The four of them couldn't drag him away.

Zhuge Linghao shook off their hands, his expression righteous. "Just because they call us trash, does that make us trash? Stand up for yourselves! Why can't we eat here? Why can't we become important people someday?"

His words swayed the others, and they returned to their original table.

[That's right! This place is open to all students for free. It doesn't matter if you're from Class A or Class D—we're all allowed to eat here!]

Just then, the sweating waiter hurried over and asked, "Gentlemen, are you ready to order?"

Zhuge Linghao picked up the menu and spoke in flawless, fluent British English. "Well, orange juice, two soft-boiled eggs, one piece of toast with marmalade, and lemon tea for me."

Zhuge Linghao closed the menu and continued, "I will have some salad, roast beef, and mashed potatoes."

He wasn't done. Zhuge Linghao decided to show off all the way. "I'd like some egg drop soup, spaghetti with meat sauce, and shrimp pilaf."

Everyone around them was stunned by Zhuge Linghao's fluent English and looked at him strangely.

The waiter was clearly a professional. After writing down the order, he turned to the other four.

Sudo and the others seemed unable to process what had just happened. They stared blankly at Zhuge Linghao.

Ike ventured, "Um, could Zhuge order something for me too?"

Yamauchi and Sudo hurried to chime in. "Me too! Me too!"

Zhuge Linghao nodded, then served as their interpreter, translating all the dishes they wanted for the waiter.

As Ayanokoji watched Zhuge Linghao bustling about, his usually expressionless face finally changed a little.

If you looked closely, you could see the corners of Ayanokoji's mouth lift ever so slightly.

The group put their earlier unpleasantness behind them and dug in!

"Delicious! This is the best meal I've ever had!"

"Thanks, Zhuge! We wouldn't have been able to enjoy such a great meal without you!"

"Nice work, Zhuge. You're a great buddy to have fought alongside!"

In an upscale spa room, two beautiful women, one older and one younger, were enjoying massages.

Hoshinomiya-sensei let out a moan. "This feels so good!"

Hoshinomiya-sensei looked at Ichinose and asked, "Which people in each class do you think we should pay special attention to?"

Ichinose answered confidently, "Sakayanagi and Katsuragi from Class A, and Ryuuen from Class C."

Hoshinomiya-sensei continued, "What about Class D?"

Ichinose let out a satisfied hum and answered, "Probably Horikita and Hirata."

Hoshinomiya-sensei hinted, "There should be a few others, shouldn't there?"

Ichinose ran a hand through her hair. "How about adding Koenji? I hear he's at the top of his class in both academics and physical ability!"

Hoshinomiya-sensei nodded. "Koenji is definitely someone to watch, but there should be two more..."

Ichinose caught on. "You mean Zhuge Linghao and Ayanokoji, right?"

Hoshinomiya-sensei said happily, "That's right. I think those two will be tough opponents too."

Ichinose thought for a moment. "I don't think your instincts are quite right, sensei. From what I know, those two mostly help Horikita out."

Hoshinomiya sighed and said nothing more.

The ship had plenty of single cabins. In one of them, Zhuge Linghao lay happily on his bed, full after his meal.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Zhuge Linghao got up and opened the door—and found Hirata Yosuke standing there.

To be honest, Zhuge Linghao rarely got the chance to speak with him alone. Hirata was incredibly popular, always surrounded by people, so it was hard to get a word with him in private.

Now that Hirata Yosuke had come to see Zhuge Linghao himself, Zhuge was flattered.

[Is the class leader, such a nice guy, here to check on a troublesome student?]

Hirata said gently, "Zhuge, sorry to bother you. I'm going to meet up with Karuizawa Kei and the others in a bit. Would you like to come along?"

Zhuge Linghao asked, "Hirata, you're dating Karuizawa Kei, right?"

Hirata hesitated for a few seconds. "Y-yes!"

Zhuge Linghao immediately made a disgusted face. "You're already dating! What would I even do there? Be a third wheel?"

Hirata hurried to explain, "It's not like that. Karuizawa won't be the only one there. Some other girls are coming too!"

Zhuge Linghao felt even more annoyed. Are you the star of the show or something? Am I supposed to be your supporting act?

Zhuge Linghao shook his head. "I'm not going."

Hirata tried to persuade him. "I think it'd be a good chance for everyone to get along!"

When Zhuge Linghao remained unmoved, Hirata revealed his real purpose. "Zhuge, I heard Horikita was the one who resolved that assault incident for your group. Could you put in a word for me with Horikita? I've tried speaking with her on my own, but she hardly ever pays attention to me."

Hirata spoke with conviction. "For the class to stay united and make progress, I think Horikita's strength is essential!"

Seeing that Hirata meant no harm, Zhuge Linghao agreed to help him.

Then Hirata's phone rang, and he hurriedly said goodbye before going to meet Karuizawa Kei and the other girls.

Zhuge Linghao watched Hirata's retreating back and murmured, "A-Tian, it's almost time to see what you can do. Can you handle this version of yourself?"