Taking the Exam in a Group with Ibuki Mio? / Kiryuuin Fuuka Looks Forward to a Three-Person Walk.
Shiina Hiyori very thoughtful and knows what many girls in her class are thinking.
Asking classmates for help is certainly an option, but relying on a girl from another class for two weeks on Uninhabited Island is problematic. If the relationship is good, it's fine, but if the relationship is bad, it can become very troublesome and may even lead to stronger rebellious tendencies.
"What are Shiina's insights on team formation?"
Horikita Suzune sensed Hashiba Hikaru's gaze and immediately realized what was happening, so she turned the conversation to her.
"My words..."
The gray-haired girl hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"I think this exam will likely be an extreme individual battle. Teamwork is just a minor aspect; the real key to solving the problems is to select a few key class members to get the most points."
Why do you say that?
Upon hearing her words, the students from Class A were all taken aback.
Hashiba Hikaru simply observed Shiina Hiyori before her, admiring her Thinking Ability.
It's truly remarkable to grasp this point before the exam even begins.
Chapter 828 Teaming up with Ibuki Mio to take the exam?
When Shiina Hiyori shared her idea, Horikita Suzune was clearly surprised; she hadn't expected the other party to propose such a solution.
"Although the teacher didn't explain all the exam rules, we could guess some of them from the effects on the cards."
Shiina Hiyori smiled slightly, then showed her phone screen. "The rules mentioned something crucial: [the number of points that can be used]. This should be the core of the exam we need to take on the Uninhabited Island."
"You mean... let the better people collect more points, and let the less capable people go?"
Horikita Suzune didn't actually dislike this strategy, but she now wanted to pursue a more perfect plan.
"Of course not. The Uninhabited Island Exam is a very brutal Trial ground. Even with ample preparation, we cannot guarantee that everyone will adapt well, and unexpected events may even occur."
Although Shiina Hiyori is gentle by nature, she possesses a strong will deep down.
"Our discussion within Class C is to give the best students the opportunity to perform on stage, while the weaker students just need to do their best."
"We are confident that only the bottom five groups will be punished."
Class C certainly had the confidence to say that. Although their students' academic performance was average, their overall athletic ability was not weak, and they even had several athletes with A-level athletic ability.
"I wonder what Horikita thinks?"
After explaining her point, Shiina Hiyori brought the topic back to the present.
"I think if we're going to follow this approach, we need to be more careful about team composition."
Horikita Suzune thought for a moment, "According to the rules, we can form a group of up to six people. If we include our best people in the group, we can definitely get the most points, but that might not allow them to perform at their best."
"The Uninhabited Island Trial is like a long-distance race; if you have to stop halfway to take care of others, it will definitely have a significant impact,"
Shiina Hiyori was very certain of her idea, "Besides, the teacher said that this time the map might be even bigger than last year's Uninhabited Island, and everyone will be affected by the availability of survival supplies."
"In that case, I will stick to my original point of view: let the better people lead the weaker ones, so that we can make timely adjustments in case of any unexpected events."
Horikita Suzune's tone returned to calm as she spoke, enunciating each word clearly, "Furthermore, we can still exchange cards at this stage. What are your class's thoughts on this?"
"Haha, let me explain that!"
Ryuen Kakeru suddenly interrupted, laughing loudly, "Since we've already signed a cooperation agreement, and we'll be sharing 70% of the profits with you, then shouldn't you be the ones providing the resources to purchase the cards during the preparation phase?"
"Why?"
Horikita Suzune stared at him coldly.
"Although this wasn't written into the contract, as partners, shouldn't you help us pay this fee?"
Ryuen Kakeru stared at Hashiba Hikaru's face, as if he had already thought it through. "We don't ask for much, just five million Private Points. We'll use that money to acquire cards. Of course, we'll keep you informed of the final exchange."
"That's impossible."
Horikita Suzune knew without even thinking that Hashiba Hikaru would never agree to such a thing. Although there were tens of millions of points in Class A's class coffers, no outsider could take a single one.
"This is for the exam. Do you really think you can get 70% of the benefits without putting in any effort?"
Ryuen Kakeru raised an eyebrow. "What if a lot of people in your class's group drag the team down, and the final overall reward is lower? Our earnings will also be less, which would also be considered a breach of contract, right?"
"Hehe, Ryuen really knows how to joke."
Hashiba Hikaru finally couldn't hold back any longer and spoke up. He gestured to Horikita Suzune with his eyes to stop talking, and then tapped the table lightly with his fingers.
"Hashiba, what do you mean by that?"
What I mean is...
Hashiba Hikaru chuckled, a mocking glint in her eyes. "Isn't it a bit naive of you, Ryuen, to choose to ask us for money?"
"You!"
Ryuen's expression changed, and he immediately wanted to stand up, slam his fist on the table, and yell at people, but he was quickly stopped by Yamada Albert.
"Putting aside the fact that the exam hasn't officially started yet, if you really want to divide the money, that's something to do after the exam. Whether or not to trade cards is your class's business and has nothing to do with our class."
"Hehe, if that's the case, then that's acceptable."
Ryuen Kakeru seemed to have thought of something and calmed down again. He had just wanted to bluff the other party to see if Class A would fall for it.
"In that case, it seems our discussion today will not reach any consensus, Hashiba. That's truly a pity."
"There's still some time before the exam starts. Do you think the people who should really be worried are our Class A?"
The boy smiled slightly. Given the resources Class A currently possessed, as long as the direction was successfully set, both forming teams and purchasing cards could be easily accomplished.
With Hashiba Hikaru, a Student Council, endorsing the card, the success rate of card transactions can be greatly increased.
"..."
Ryuen Kakeru remained silent for a long time after hearing his words. After a while, he glanced at Ibuki Mio standing next to him, who also seemed to be thinking about something.
The next moment, Shiina Hiyori began to speak.
"Our two classes are currently partners, so I think we should have a proper discussion."
She stared at Hashiba Hikaru's face; at that moment, the girl wanted to fight for more rights for Class C.
"What are your opinions, Shiina? You can say them now."
"Our plan for Class C is... to have Ibuki and Classmate Hashiba take the exam together as a group."
"Um?"
The students in Class 2-A were all startled by her words, and even Hashiba Hikaru herself was a little surprised.
"Should Ibuki?"
He raised an eyebrow. Ibuki Mio's Physical Ability was B+ (78), which was indeed a pretty good attribute.
"That's right, that's what Class C is thinking right now."
Although Ibuki Mio dislikes Hashiba Hikaru's womanizing ways, it doesn't stop her from believing that she is very capable. She thinks that if she could get closer to her, she could definitely help Class A obtain more information.
"Since that's the case... if you want to team up, what price are you willing to pay?"
Hashiba Hikaru changed the subject and suddenly laughed.
"I wonder how much your Class C is willing to offer?"
"..."
Chapter 829 Kiryuuin Fuuka anticipates the Three-Person Walk.
Despite numerous setbacks, the negotiations with Class C were ultimately concluded successfully.
Because of the previously signed contract as a guarantee, Hashiba Hikaru finally agreed to Ibuki Mio's request and decided to let her join her three-person team. In this way, her team members were all decided.
As for the final group with a maximum of 6 people, there's no need to make a decision so quickly; there's still plenty of time to consider it.
Another important point was agreed upon during the negotiations: when trading cards, both Class A and Class C would prioritize members of the other's class to keep resources within a small scope.
Because this competition involved all students from three grades, the atmosphere on campus became quite strange.
Besides the card exchanges or transactions that are overtly conducted, various kinds of information are constantly being transmitted, like undercurrents hidden beneath the ice, further influencing everyone's judgment.
"Hashiba, when we get to the Uninhabited Island, will you still need my help?"
In the girls' dormitory floor for third-year students, Hashiba Hikaru sat on the sofa, with a voluptuous girl with long silver hair leaning against him, drawing circles on his chest with her slender fingers.
"Will your third-year class be led by Nagumo again this time?"
Hashiba Hikaru had her arm around Kiryuuin Fuuka's waist. Since this exam was a three-year mixed battle, it meant that many things could happen.
"Yes, even though he was kicked out of the Student Council, his influence remains very strong."
Kiryuuin Fuuka gazed at Hashiba Hikaru's profile, her eyes filled with tender affection.
"He's just a stray dog; there's no need to worry about what he might do for now."
Hashiba Hikaru pondered for a moment, "What I'm more curious about is something else."
"What's up?"
The silver-haired girl brought her face even closer, almost breathing directly into Hashiba Hikaru's face.
Is Tsukishiro still in contact with Nagumo?
"... Probably not, he hasn't been to the faculty office much lately."
Kiryuuin Fuuka recalled that she had many informants in Class A of the Third Year and had been helping Hashiba Hikaru keep an eye on the other party.
"That's good. Although it won't cause any major trouble, I still think it's best to keep an eye on it."
Hashiba Hikaru stroked his chin. The phone call from Koenji Morito last time had put him on guard. This Uninhabited Island Exam might be a desperate gamble for Ayanokoji Atsuomi. If the other party really intended to fight to the death, then he had to prepare in advance.
"Junior, sir~"
The girl's soft, charming voice rang in his ears, and a small hand reached out to his brow.
"What's wrong?"
"Don't think about plans when you're with me, let's do something fun instead?"
Kiryuuin Fuuka tried to smooth out the furrowed brows of Hashiba Hikaru, a mocking smile playing on her lips.
"Things tend to pile up, which can easily lead to overthinking. It's definitely my fault, I'm sorry."
Hashiba Hikaru looked down at the girl in her arms, her tone gentle.
"Hmph, then hurry up and come over!"
Why are you being so assertive today?
"I'm always tough, okay? Do you think I'm your delicate little girlfriend?"
Kiryuuin Fuuka pressed down on Hashiba Hikaru's legs, then slowly moved her head closer.
"Hmm."
"You must surrender today!"
"You can give it a try."
"..."
The wind stopped and the rain ceased. The girl, her face flushed, leaned limply against Hashiba Hikaru. Although her voice was hoarse, she still seemed to have some strength left.
"Wow, that's amazing, senior!"
Hashiba Hikaru held her slender waist; the boy's face was covered in sweat, and his voice sounded slightly tired.
"Hmph, this is my strength. I will never lose to anyone!"
"Indeed impressive, but unfortunately, she's still a bit behind me."
Hashiba Hikaru rested her arms on the pillow, then heard Kiryuuin Fuuka's unexpected next sentence.
"Did Ichinose -senpai tell you that?"