Forming an Alliance

Not long after, Onizuka and Ryuen arrived at the Class B campsite, where the atmosphere was completely different from that of Class C.

The members of Class B were methodically organizing their supplies; several people had clear divisions of labor, with some checking food and water reserves while others adjusted equipment and protective gear.

Furthermore, the atmosphere in Class B appeared incredibly united.

Every student executed their tasks without hesitation, free from idle chatter or procrastination, and their tacit cooperation had reached an almost ideal state.

Even those resting were not lying on the ground at random; instead, they sat neatly in designated areas, maintaining appropriate distances from one another to ensure the overall order of the camp.

In this rigorous and efficient environment, Onizuka could feel a strong sense of discipline—the power of collective action.

Everything in the camp was in perfect order, and one could even see students taking turns on duty to ensure everything was safe and secure.

When Onizuka appeared in their line of sight, the students of Class B did not show excessive hostility.

Although they were puzzled by Onizuka's arrival, they still maintained basic courtesy.

A few people nodded slightly in greeting without much of a reaction; after all, Onizuka's reputation among the first-years was reasonably good.

However, when Ryuen entered their view as well, the atmosphere changed instantly.

The students guarding the Class B camp tightened their nerves, and a tense air permeated the surroundings.

The few who had been chatting casually just moments ago straightened their backs, their sharp gazes locking onto Ryuen.

"Ryuen... why are you here?" a Class B student asked coldly, eyes filled with wariness, clearly not believing that Ryuen's presence could lead to anything good.

The students nearby also gathered around, their tones carrying obvious hostility, "You're from Class C, so why have you come all the way to our side?"

Ryuen gave a cold laugh, as if he had anticipated this scene all along, and met their gazes without fear.

"I'm just here to see you all, is that not allowed?" he replied indifferently, his tone showing no sign of backing down.

Onizuka, standing to the side, shook his head helplessly.

He had originally thought that since Ryuen had targeted Class D so heavily during the first semester, he wouldn't have the time to go looking for trouble with other classes.

He hadn't expected his energy to be so boundless, reaching the point where he was loathed by everyone...

He stepped away from Ryuen, intending to detour and find Ichinose, but soon discovered that he, too, had been surrounded by the students of Class B.

"Don't even think about coming in." One of the Class B students glanced coldly at Onizuka and blocked him without ceremony.

Onizuka raised an eyebrow slightly, spread his hands, and wore a helpless expression.

He looked at the Class B students before him, his tone tinged with a hint of banter, "If I say I'm not close with him, would you believe me?"

Clearly, they did not.

As several students gathered one after another, they formed a small defensive line, surrounding Onizuka tightly.

Great, this was even worse than before.

The students of Class B gathered into a small circle in unison, their eyes sharp, as if they had entered a state of combat readiness, prepared to deal with any sudden situation at any time.

Although their gazes were filled with hostility, they did not act rashly, waiting for something instead.

It seemed they were observing Ryuen's attitude or waiting for him to provide further explanation.

Subsequently, a pink-haired girl emerged from the Class B camp, her school tracksuit making her look even more sharp and capable.

Beside her followed a cold-faced boy, his purple-black short hair slightly obscuring his sharp eyes, making him appear silent and dangerous.

It was none other than Ichinose and Kanzaki Ryuji.

If I had a 'three' in my name, would I be able to fit in with them too... Onizuka thought silently to himself.

Seeing Ichinose and Kanzaki Ryuji walk over, the Class B students who had been surrounding them immediately dispersed, clearing a path.

"Ah, wait a minute??? Onizuka-kun???"

Ichinose scanned the area, and when she saw Ryuen and Onizuka standing to the side, her expression flickered with surprise, but she quickly regained her composure.

She walked slowly toward the two, her tone carrying a hint of confusion, yet she maintained her usual politeness and kindness.

"What's going on? Why are you here?"

Kanzaki Ryuji beside her appeared slightly more cold; his gaze was sharp, and he stood straight, looking somewhat guarded.

Although he did not speak, judging by his tense shoulders and solemn expression, it was clear he was highly vigilant regarding the arrival of Ryuen and Onizuka.

"You're Onizuka, right? But how did you end up hanging out with this guy?" Kanzaki finally spoke, his tone carrying a trace of wariness as his eyes remained locked on Ryuen.

Before Onizuka could answer, Ichinose turned her head slightly to look at Kanzaki, then back at Onizuka.

"Kanzaki, there's no need to be so tense. If Onizuka brought him here, he must have his reasons." She paused, then added.

"I trust him."

Upon hearing this, although Kanzaki still had some doubts, he knew that Ichinose's judgment was always reliable.

Seeing her attitude so firm, Kanzaki had no choice but to restrain his vigilance and nodded slightly in agreement.

Seeing this, Onizuka smiled faintly, feeling a sense of relief in his heart. He then turned to Ichinose and said:

"Well~ anyway, some things have happened. Do you remember what we discussed before? Let's find a quieter place."

Ichinose nodded gently.

"Of course, follow me."

She led Onizuka and Ryuen toward the side of the campsite, pushing through a few low bushes to reach an open area surrounded by several large boulders.

The large stones were scattered in a well-arranged manner, perfectly forming a small resting area.

She gestured for Onizuka and Ryuen to sit down, while she stood quietly to the side.

Although the place was simple, its quiet and natural atmosphere made it feel secluded, as if it had been specially prepared for discussing important matters.

Ichinose turned her head, her gaze landing softly on Onizuka, her tone gentle and calm: "So, Onizuka-kun, is there something you need to discuss with us?"

Meanwhile, Ryuen, who was completely ignored, clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction, which earned him nothing but a hostile glare from Kanzaki.

"Ichinose-san, I wonder what your thoughts are regarding the leader?"

Ichinose was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting Onizuka to bring up this topic so directly. Her eyes flickered for a moment before returning to a calm state.

"We actually have no intention of risking a fifty-point deduction to choose a leader from another class." She paused, seemingly weighing her words.

"In fact, we don't have a single clue right now."

Hearing Ichinose's candid answer, Kanzaki couldn't help but open his mouth slightly, as if wanting to stop her from being so blunt, but in the end, he remained silent.

Onizuka smiled slightly, appearing unsurprised by Ichinose's response.

He took a contract out of his pocket and handed it to her casually.

"Why don't you consider this?" Onizuka's tone was relaxed and unhurried.

"Our three classes can call a truce for this exam and join forces to attack Class A. For you, this should be the most advantageous situation, right?"

Ichinose took the contract and read it carefully, her expression shifting slightly.

After a moment of silence, she handed the contract to Kanzaki beside her. Kanzaki also quickly scanned through it, his expression grave as he seemed to weigh the pros and cons.

Onizuka stood up, his gaze indifferent as he watched the two of them: "Well?"

The two exchanged a look, clearly having reached a consensus; Kanzaki nodded slightly, and Ichinose said in a gentle tone: "Pleasure working with you."

"Pleasure working with you!"