The Threat of Ayanokoji Kiyotaka

The cruise ship slowly pulled into the shore, and a wave of commotion broke out among the students. They gathered in twos and threes by the railings, craning their necks to look out, trying to figure out why the school had brought them to this deserted island.

Aside from the rolling forests and the silent beach, there was almost no sign of any modern facilities to be seen.

Many students couldn't help but exchange puzzled glances, a flicker of unease beginning to rise in their hearts.

Just then, the ship's broadcast system crackled to life again, its tone clear and beyond question.

"Attention students, please proceed immediately to the open area on the shore and wait for your homeroom teachers to explain the specific rules of this special exam."

Immediately following this, the broadcast added: "All personal belongings, including mobile phones, must be left in your rooms. Bringing them out is strictly prohibited!"

The announcement repeated over and over, the sound waves echoing across the silent deck.

Although the students were whispering among themselves, everyone eventually returned to their rooms one after another to drop off their belongings.

No one dared to easily defy the school's instructions—this was one of the most crucial things they had learned over the past semester.

"Do you think the school is preparing some kind of surprise for us?"

Ike squeezed to the front of the line in excitement, his eyes gleaming as he looked toward the distant beach, as if he had already imagined a grand welcome like a luxury party.

"It's possible, Ike." Sudo drew out his words intentionally, carrying a hint of mockery.

"But, looking at it, don't you think your expectations might be a little too high?"

Ike ignored Sudo's teasing and pumped his fist in excitement.

"Ha, I knew the school wouldn't be that stingy! An entire island—maybe they brought us here to give us a super luxurious vacation experience!"

Ike's enthusiasm infected a few students nearby, and people around them began to discuss in low voices, speculating about what kind of resort might be on the island.

However, listening to their excitement, Onizuka just sneered, his eyes revealing a touch of amusement.

Perhaps they are the only ones who can still laugh...

Onizuka mocked inwardly, his gaze sweeping coldly over Ike.

How long could such excitement really last? A few days from now, would they still be able to laugh?

Onizuka headed toward the restroom, intending to take care of some personal business first.

By the time he returned to the assembly point, the scene before him made him raise an eyebrow in resignation.

Because the number of teachers on the ship was limited and the pre-disembarkation checks were strict, the students were divided into lines by class to pass through one by one.

With the sun directly overhead, the scorching rays beat down mercilessly on the deck, filling the air with a stifling heat.

Class D was naturally assigned to the last group, and the lines ahead were already packed tight, winding into a long, seemingly endless queue.

He looked around and noticed that regardless of the class, most students were standing on the deck in the heat, waiting to disembark.

Although some held umbrellas or wore hats, their impatient expressions could not be hidden.

Onizuka scanned the area, his gaze finally landing on Sakura, who was standing in the front row of the line.

She was standing on her tiptoes, waving at him, signaling for him to hurry over.

Onizuka couldn't help but chuckle. He walked up to her, took a tissue from his pocket, and gently wiped the fine beads of sweat from her forehead.

"This is really tough, isn't it?" he said in a low voice, with a hint of teasing. "There's no need to stand out here in the sun with everyone else."

Sakura looked up at him, somewhat surprised, her expression filled with a trace of confusion.

"We have to wait for the teacher to call our names before we can get off the ship..." she replied softly, sounding hesitant.

Onizuka shrugged indifferently and pointed to a shady corner not far away.

"Don't worry, if they call our names, we'll be able to hear it from over there. Come on, it won't be good if you get heatstroke."

Sakura was swayed by his words and nodded. The two walked into the shade of the deck, finally escaping the direct sunlight.

In the cool shade, Sakura's expression relaxed significantly, and she couldn't help but let out a soft sigh of relief.

Onizuka was enjoying the brief moment of leisure when he suddenly heard a low, calm voice from beside him.

"Onizuka-kun, do you have a moment to talk?"

Onizuka turned his head to see Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. The other boy stood there, his expression as cold as ever, but his eyes held a hint of profound meaning that could not be ignored.

Onizuka raised an eyebrow slightly and then looked at Sakura, who was sitting next to him and nearly falling asleep.

Why did both of them like to disturb a perfectly good time? Sakayanagi was like this, and now Ayanokoji was the same.

He lowered his head and whispered to Sakura, "Wait here, don't wander off. I'll be right back."

He then stood up and followed Ayanokoji toward the interior of the cruise ship, until they reached a quiet corner of the cabin.

The cabin was almost empty, and in the silence, only the faint hum of the ship's engines could be heard.

Onizuka leaned against the cabin wall with his hands in his pockets, his gaze fixed on Ayanokoji with an unimpressed expression.

"So, Ayanokoji-kun," he said softly, a habitual smile playing on his lips.

"What important business do you have that you absolutely must talk to me about at a time like this?"

Ayanokoji Kiyotaka narrowed his eyes slightly, studying the Onizuka before him through the dim light of the cabin.

"Onizuka-kun, although I know you always have your own plans, the situation this time is special." He paused, his tone remaining calm, carrying an air of indisputable weight.

"I hope you can focus your actions on Class D; it would be a good thing for everyone."

His voice was low and unhurried, carrying a subtle, guiding tone.

Onizuka raised an eyebrow in surprise, seemingly amused by these words.

"How rare, Ayanokoji. Haven't you always advocated for a policy of avoiding trouble? Since when have you become so 'devoted to the class'?"

Hearing Onizuka's teasing, Ayanokoji remained expressionless, his gaze calm and ripple-free.

"Well, I have my own reasons," Ayanokoji said calmly.

"In any case, I know you may have had contact with other classes before, but for this exam, I hope you at least won't cause any trouble, and perhaps even consider the overall interests of Class D."

Onizuka couldn't fathom the deeper meaning behind Ayanokoji's words for a moment; it seemed as though Ayanokoji was intentionally hiding something, yet had no intention of making it any clearer.

"Ayanokoji, as a member of Class D, I naturally prioritize the interests of Class D above all else. You really didn't need to emphasize this to me again."

His words were brief, making no effort to hide his desire to end this conversation.

As soon as he finished speaking, Onizuka prepared to turn and leave.

Although there was still plenty of time, he felt there was no need for this conversation to continue.

However, the moment he lifted his foot, Ayanokoji quietly stepped to the side, positioning himself directly in front of him like an invisible wall blocking Onizuka's path.