The Second Encounter with Ryuuen

"Thank you, Takahashi-kun. That makes nine of us, enough for three groups. It's one thirty now. Whether we find anything or not, I'd like everyone to come back here by three o'clock for a report," Hirata said to the group.

"I never imagined, my two boys, that we'd be grouped together. But no matter—the perfect me will lead you through this forest exploration," Takagahara said, looking at Takahashi and Ayanokouji.

This Rokusuke Takagahara actually joining the exploration mission was unexpected.

"Hahaha, this sun is so refreshing! My body feels like it's brimming with endless energy!" With that, Takagahara dashed into the forest.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the lush greenery grew denser. Compared to the glaring sunlight on the beach, it was cooler here, but the humid, hot air clung to them like a shadow. Every breath felt like inhaling a wad of scorching cotton, stuffy and oppressive.

"Hahaha, so beautiful! Truly beautiful! Strolling leisurely through the forest, standing amidst nature—I am simply too magnificent!" Takagahara shouted from atop a large tree, then leaped to another.

"Looks like we need to pick up the pace, Ayanokouji, or we'll get left behind," Takahashi said, glancing at Ayanokouji.

"Okay."

"We've split up," Takahashi muttered, looking around. Takagahara's figure had vanished from sight, and Ayanokouji was nowhere to be found either.

Well, being alone makes things easier, Takahashi thought, then headed toward the beach.

"Relax, eat and drink as much as you want. I'm generous with people I think can be won over for cooperation," Ryuuen said, tossing a cold drink to Takahashi. "Now tell me how you knew my plan. I don't think I left any holes."

Takahashi caught the drink with one hand and set it aside. "What's there to say? You hit Ibuki in front of Class D and Kaneda in front of Class B—that's a huge hole right there. Besides, look at this barbecue, drinks, umbrellas, lounge chairs, and water toys. You clearly weren't planning to win this exam by saving points."

"Takahashi, name your terms."

"Terms? Think about it. I have to play the fool to avoid exposing Ibuki, and I need to help her steal intel on our class's representative card holder. Every single task is tough. Especially since doing this means betraying Class D—it weighs heavily on my conscience."

"Enough, cut the crap. What do you want?"

"Double the pay!"

"After the exam, Class C will give you two hundred thousand points, and then ten thousand points every month until the end of next semester. Deal?"

"Ryuuen, you know I'm not a greedy man, and your sincerity puts me at ease," Takahashi said with a smile, then turned to the Class C homeroom teacher. "Sakagami-sensei, Chie, I'll trouble you to witness this agreement."

"Really, Kamiya? I thought you called me over for a romantic confession by the sea, not to work," Hoshinomiya-sensei pouted, poking Takahashi's cheek with her slender finger.

"Hehe," Takahashi chuckled, grabbing Hoshinomiya-sensei's hand. "Sensei, it's not too late. How about taking me for a tour of your camp?"

"Ah, Takahashi, you're here!" Ichinose exclaimed excitedly when she saw Takahashi and Hoshinomiya arrive at the camp.

Looking at the harmonious, united atmosphere of Class B's camp, Takahashi couldn't help but think how comfortable it must be in such an environment.

"Fanbo, do you only have eyes for Takahashi? You don't even greet your teacher?" Hoshinomiya-sensei pretended to be angry.

Back at the camp, Ayanokouji and Sudo's group had already returned, and others were trickling in as well.

"Everyone, guess what we found!"

As soon as they arrived, Sudo and his two companions were standing on a large rock, striking poses they thought were cool, urging everyone to guess.

"It's a river! A river! A river! And the water's crystal clear! Perfect for setting up camp—it's less than ten minutes from here."

"That's a great find. If we secure a water source, our lives will change dramatically. Once everyone's here, let's head out," Hirata agreed with the trio.

"Ayanokouji, I'm relieved to see you back," Takahashi said, looking at him.

"Yeah... sorry I couldn't keep up with you. Where's Takagahara?"

"Him? I stopped for a second, and he vanished. He's not back yet?" Takahashi checked his watch—it was a few minutes past three. "That's a bit troublesome, but I don't think he'd get lost. Did you tell Hirata?"

"No... not yet. I just got back myself."

"Then I'll let Hirata know." With that, Takahashi walked over to Hirata, who was surrounded by girls.

"Hirata-kun."

"Ah? Takahashi-kun, what's wrong? Did you find something?"

"Uh... no, sorry. Ayanokouji, Takagahara, and I got separated during the exploration. Ayanokouji's back, but I didn't see Takagahara."

"Takagahara-kun? He came back a while ago and went swimming in the sea."

Knowing Takagahara was safe, Takahashi returned to Ayanokouji, intending to ask if he'd found anything.

"All three of you got separated. Didn't you plan anything before setting out?" Before he could speak, Horikita's voice cut in.

"Uh... (ー_ー)!! Someone as free-spirited as Takagahara is impossible to control. You understand, right?"

Horikita then pressed Takahashi and Ayanokouji for details about the exploration and whether they'd found anything. After learning that Takagahara had treated the forest like his own home, leaping between trees, she sighed and sat down. "I see. Aside from his personality, his abilities are still impressive."

"Yeah, just like you," Ayanokouji said abruptly from beside her. Takahashi silently edged away.

"What did you say?"

"Uh... yeah... nothing, nothing."

Suddenly, Horikita fixed her gaze on Sakura, who was watching from a distance but hesitant to approach.

"Were you just staring at me?"

"Ah? I... I wasn't, I... I... I... I'm sorry," Sakura stammered in explanation.

"Alright, don't scare her," Takahashi said, standing up and walking over to Sakura.

He took her hand and led her to the shade of a tree to rest, chatting about how he, Takagahara, and Ayanokouji had gotten separated in the forest.