The Rain Keeps Falling

On the fifth day, early in the morning, the students of Class D had just returned to their base after roll call and hadn't even had a chance to sit down.

The previously clear sky suddenly darkened, as if a massive gray curtain had been drawn across it.

Horikita was resting by the river when Yamauchi, one of The Three Idiots, approached for some unknown reason.

"Just the two of you, how sweet. You look like you're getting along quite well."

Suddenly, Yamauchi scooped up a handful of mud and smeared it onto Horikita's head. Kushida and Horikita were both stunned, completely unable to fathom why Yamauchi had suddenly lost his mind.

Without a word, Horikita walked up to Yamauchi and executed a swift shoulder throw, slamming him hard onto the ground.

"Yamauchi, that's not an appropriate way to joke around."

Kushida said.

"You should go wash up; it'll be too late once the rain starts," Ayanokoji said. Horikita nodded and headed toward the makeshift bathroom, but the line was long as everyone was rushing to wash up before the rain.

With no other choice, Horikita found a secluded spot along the river, shivering slightly as she changed her clothes and washed her hair.

However, she didn't notice someone sneaking up behind her, skillfully swiping the Leader Card from her pocket.

By the time Horikita realized it, the person had already vanished.

Immediately after, heavy raindrops began to pelt down, drumming against the tents with a loud, rhythmic clatter. The students let out cries of surprise; those who had been playing in the open field scrambled in a panic toward their respective tents.

Some students who were further away were drenched to the bone, their hair plastered to their faces in a miserable state. Rainwater began to seep in from the edges of the tents, and the ground gradually turned into a muddy mess. The students in charge of the barbecue scrambled to save the ingredients, but much of the charcoal was already extinguished by the rain.

"Everyone, hurry and collect the drying clothes!"

Hirata began to take charge, intent on keeping everything from getting soaked.

"Girls, go collect the clothes. Boys, find plastic sheets to cover the firewood. Move quickly!"

Hearing Hirata's orders, the students scattered to their tasks.

"Rainy weather and chaotic order—this is the perfect setting for some mischief."

"Little Ibuki, will you take the bait?"

Nagami muttered to himself.

"Horikita, where did you just go? You don't look so good."

At that moment, Horikita's face was deathly pale under the dual pressure of mental and physical exhaustion.

Facing Ayanokoji, she could only speak in a soft voice.

"Ayanokoji, there's something... it was my negligence."

"What? Was your underwear stolen too?"

"No, it's just that when I was changing by the river earlier, the Leader Card suddenly went missing."

"I am certain I put it in my pocket and checked it once. But it was stolen, and I suspect Ibuki did it."

"Only you and I know about this."

"Yes, let's not tell anyone else for now, or it will cause chaos in the class."

"You go ahead first; I want to be alone for a while."

Horikita stared at the ground, her brows furrowed in deep thought.

After a long while, she suddenly heard a sound in the bushes and quickly gave chase. However, her sickly body was already gasping for air after only a few steps.

Compounded by the harsh weather, her breathing became increasingly labored, and her body teetered on the edge of collapse.

Fortunately, Ibuki wasn't running at full speed; instead, she was standing motionless up ahead.

"You're the culprit who's been causing all the trouble in Class D, aren't you?"

Ibuki didn't speak, merely staring at Horikita.

"No response? I'll take that as an admission. Did you steal the Leader Card too?"

"Talk is cheap!"

If you like this book, please remember to add it to your bookshelf so you don't lose it next time.

Ibuki lunged forward with a spinning back kick, striking Horikita.

Horikita retreated a few steps and assumed a martial arts stance.

"I didn't expect this contest to end in violence."

Ibuki swayed left and right, using a Euro-step to blur her focus, then landed a straight punch to the chest. A sweep kick caused Horikita to lose her balance, and finally, a Flying Moon Kick struck her in the head.

Everything happened in under two seconds.

Horikita was unable to retaliate at all and collapsed onto the ground in a sorry state.

"Since you worked so hard, I'll let you take a look. I'm a busy person, after all."

Ibuki flashed the Leader Card and immediately fled the scene.

Horikita slowly adjusted her breathing, trying to force herself to stand and pursue Ibuki, but her body refused to obey.

The light rain combined with her cold made her consciousness begin to blur.

At this moment, Ayanokoji appeared unexpectedly.

"You've worked hard. Let's end this exam here."

"Don't... worry about me. The Leader Card is in Ibuki's hands."

Horikita didn't show surprise at Ayanokoji's sudden appearance, forcing herself to speak.

Horikita's breathing was very weak. Ayanokoji shook his head, refusing the suggestion, and picked her up, walking toward the teachers' designated area.

He prepared to help Horikita withdraw for medical treatment; continuing to push herself like this could be life-threatening.

At this time, no one noticed that at the scene of the two women's fight, there was another schemer watching from the sidelines.

"Everything is going according to plan."

In the bushes, a disheveled student with long hair used a raincoat cut from a tent to shield himself from the rain, waiting for something unknown.

There were exclusive markings on the path for Class C, which only the moles from Class B and Class D knew the meaning of.

"Rain really is a great opportunity to fish in troubled waters."

At this moment, the Class B mole Kaneda successfully obtained the Leader Card as hoped. Ryuen, sporting panda-like dark circles under his eyes, smiled with satisfaction; it was worth the days he spent drinking dew to quench his thirst and sleeping on the grass while being bitten by insects.

The Class D mole Ibuki subsequently obtained the Leader Card as well. Looking at the two cards, Ryuen felt as if victory were right before his eyes. His features were twisted into a knot by the excitement he had to suppress.

"Well done. Withdraw now. This victory belongs to Class C."

At this moment, Ryuen picked up his radio to contact Katsuragi from Class A, agreeing on a time and place to begin the trade.

"Understood. I'm heading over now."

Katsuragi said.

Class A occupation +74 points, default points +300 points, Sakayanagi withdrawal -30 points, Class B and Class D nominations +100 points, totaling 474 points. It was truly an overwhelming victory.

Katsuragi arrived at the agreed location, where Ryuen had long been waiting.

"Did you bring the items?"

Katsuragi asked eagerly. Ryuen handed over the two Leader Cards, and the two completed the trade.

The students of Class A were jubilant upon hearing the news.

"Now our Class A is truly invincible," one student said excitedly.

Katsuragi stepped forward with a confident smile on his face.

"That's right, but we cannot be careless. The other classes won't just give up. However, today is indeed worth celebrating. Let's celebrate a little."

Thus, the students of Class A began preparing a small party and popped champagne. They spent points to have gourmet food delivered while playing upbeat music.

Everyone sat together, sharing interesting stories, and laughter echoed in the air. Some students told jokes, making everyone roar with laughter.

Before long, the rain stopped, and the sunlight spilled through the clouds, as if cheering for Class A's victory as well.

Everyone's face was filled with happy smiles, enjoying the joy of the moment and feeling full of confidence for the future.