Summer vacation had finally arrived, but the sight before Onizuka was somewhat unexpected.
Moored at the pier was a huge Luxury Cruise Ship, like a castle floating on the water, gleaming with luxury.
Its white hull shone brilliantly in the sunlight.
Rows of gleaming windows and spacious terraces lined its many decks, giving it an air of luxury. There was even a swimming pool and a deck bar on the roof.
Gazing up at this "floating resort," he couldn't help murmuring, "Isn't this a bit over the top?"
Onizuka stood casually beside the line, but his eyes quickly swept over the students waiting to board.
As expected, there were plenty of familiar faces.
Nearly all the representatives of the first-year classes had gathered there. Katsuragi of Class A stood at the front, wearing his usual stern expression as he spoke quietly with his classmates.
Ichinose of Class B wore a cheerful smile and joked with the students beside her from time to time. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
Ryuen of Class C stood off to one side, wearing a defiant expression. His gaze was sharp and cold, as if he were sizing up everyone around him.
By chance, his eyes met Onizuka's.
The moment their gazes crossed, Ryuen curled his lips into a slight smile and drew a finger across his throat in a thoroughly provocative gesture.
Onizuka merely glanced at him, completely unmoved, the same nonchalant smile still on his face.
He had long since grown used to pointless threats like this. Since childhood, there had been very few opponents who could truly make him pay a price.
Ryuen was nothing special.
It really is lively, though...
Onizuka smiled to himself as his gaze drifted across the crowd. He didn't see Sakayanagi.
Just as he'd expected, all the "important figures" from each class were present. Only Sakayanagi of Class A was absent on leave.
Onizuka recalled how Sakayanagi had pretended to be calm that day when she said she "knew nothing about the exam." He couldn't help sneering inwardly.
He didn't believe for a moment that Sakayanagi knew nothing about this Special Exam.
Even if the School Chairman hadn't told her outright, she could certainly have learned enough through channels unknown to ordinary people. She had simply chosen not to say anything.
Onizuka believed the school would never allow a student to take leave just by claiming seasickness. The only reason Sakayanagi could use as a "get-out-of-jail-free card" was obvious-her leg.
The various facilities and sheer extravagance aboard the Luxury Cruise Ship made it difficult to guess what the school had in mind.
However, since Sakayanagi had taken leave and successfully avoided the event for "health reasons," she certainly hadn't done so without reason.
In other words, this exam was bound not to end in such comfortable surroundings as the cruise ship.
This "over-the-top" appearance seemed to hint that a harsher trial was waiting for them somewhere.
At any rate, one part of the special summer vacation exam-or perhaps its only part-would definitely not take place aboard a luxury cruise ship like this.
"Physical fitness assessment..." Onizuka smiled slightly, a guess taking shape in his mind.
If that was really the case, this Special Exam would likely test the limits of their physical endurance-not simply their intelligence or their ability to engage in psychological warfare.
Whatever happened, the Luxury Cruise Ship was real. While they could still enjoy themselves with every justification, even a moment's hesitation would be disrespectful to it.
Hadn't Kanji Ike beside him already started shouting and waving his arms around?
Onizuka had never gone without, and even he felt a little excited at the sight of the cruise ship. How much more excited must his Class D classmates be, after a whole semester of "living on scraps"?
"Whooo-"
A low whistle sounded, and amid a rumble, the cruise ship slowly pulled away from the harbor.
Its huge propellers began to turn, churning the seawater into foam and sending ripples spreading across the surface.
The ship trembled slightly as it slowly headed out to sea.
Onizuka stood on the deck terrace and stretched, feeling relaxed.
Beside him, Sakura stood somewhat stiffly, her hands lightly gripping the railing as she gazed cautiously into the distance.
"Hey, the weather's great!" Onizuka remarked. He looked around, then winked at Sakura.
"Now this is what a real vacation should be like."
Sakura smiled shyly and nodded lightly. His words seemed to put her at ease a little.
Hirata chimed in, "It's a rare vacation. It's nice that everyone can let their guard down and enjoy themselves for a while."
Horikita said nothing, but didn't show any sign of disagreement. Ayanokoji gazed calmly at the distant horizon, apparently unconcerned by the conversation around him.
At some point, the others had all started to like gathering near Onizuka.
They leaned against the railing or stood around casually, gazing together at the clear seascape ahead. A breeze ruffled their hair, and the air carried a faint saltiness.
Each of them sank into their own thoughts, temporarily forgetting the troubles of school.
Before long, Karuizawa and the others called Hirata over.
Onizuka saw him leave with a helpless smile, playing the role of a considerate boyfriend. After all, among this group, it was only natural for him to spend time with his girlfriend.
Onizuka watched Hirata's retreating figure, then looked around at the classmates nearby and smiled.
This calm might only be a brief lull before the storm, but for now, he chose to enjoy it.
Before they could fully take in the blue sea, the ship's loudspeaker suddenly crackled to life. A steady, clear voice announced:
"Attention, students! We will soon arrive at a private resort island. Please gather on deck if possible. You won't want to miss the island's scenery. We're sure you're about to see a sight you'll remember for the rest of your lives."
The cruise ship then began circling the entire island, giving the students ample time to admire it-or, perhaps, reconnoiter it.
The students on deck stirred at once. Their whispers rose and fell as they crowded toward the railing, curiosity and excitement filling them as they tried to get a good look at the mysterious island.
Excitement glittered in Sakura's eyes as she stood beside Onizuka. She couldn't help murmuring in admiration, "Wow, is this where we're going? It's so beautiful..."
Kushida nodded beside her, smiling wistfully as she exclaimed, "Vacationing somewhere like this feels like a dream!"
Onizuka stood by the railing, squinting against the bright sunlight as he gazed at the approaching island.
White beaches encircled it, giving way to a stretch of lush green forest. Layer upon layer of branches and leaves seemed to weave a natural green blanket over the island.
The coastline looked soft and graceful in the sunlight, unfurling before them like a painting. One glance was enough to make anyone long to visit.
Still... it lacked one of the most important things. He couldn't see a single house fit for people to live in on this seemingly untouched island.
"Hah, stranded-on-a-deserted-island survival, huh? They're really pulling a stunt like this."
Sakura seemed to hear Onizuka talking to himself and looked over curiously, but Onizuka soon turned her face back by pinching her cheek.
"Little kids aren't supposed to hear things like that~"
Sakura froze for a moment, her cheeks turning faintly red. Then she puffed them out and glared at the island like an angry pufferfish.
Seeing her adorable reaction, Onizuka couldn't help laughing. He took the opportunity to reach out and poke her cheek again.
Sakura gently swatted his finger away and let out a dissatisfied snort, protesting under her breath, "I'm not a little kid..."