On How Old Friends Enjoy Teasing Each Other Upon Meeting

"There's fruit all over the forest, we should be able to catch fish in the sea, and if there's a waterfall, drinking water won't be an issue either."

Before them, Ichinose Honami was leading the way toward the center of the Class B campsite, introducing the situation on their side as they walked.

It had to be said that Ichinose lived up to her reputation; she maintained that angelic demeanor toward everyone. Especially in a school like this, to be able to keep acting this way after learning the rules of the institution—calling her an angel was no exaggeration.

Class B's base was located near a river, and everything from personnel arrangements to coordination was handled in an orderly fashion. If Class D currently felt passable, then Class B could be considered the "max" version of Class D.

The gap in perception is already too wide... Chiba Yu sighed inwardly.

After finishing her introduction of the class, Ichinose couldn't help but look at the two of them with a smile. "It's really strange, you know. I didn't expect that besides Horikita and her group, you and Chiba would come to investigate as well."

Shifting her tone, Ichinose's gaze moved from Chiba Yu to Karuizawa, smiling as she looked at them both. "But what I didn't expect was that Karuizawa would be the one accompanying you. No, rather, given Chiba's situation, the fact that he would come to scout at all is quite eye-catching."

"I think you might have some misunderstanding about me," Chiba Yu retorted casually.

"I just wanted to contribute something to the class, and it just so happened that this one was coming out, so I figured I'd tag along to look out for her."

"Hehe~ I'll just take your word for it then."

"Ichinose, the fire is pretty much ready. We can start soon."

Walking toward them was an old acquaintance, though Chiba Yu didn't consider them friends.

"Long time no see. How rare—I never expected you to be the type to go out and about. It seems my understanding of you might only be skin-deep." As soon as Kanzaki Ryuji saw Chiba Yu, his mouth was as sharp as if it had been dipped in poison; it felt like he couldn't hold a conversation without taking a jab at him.

Just as he finished, Kanzaki noticed Karuizawa Kei standing beside Chiba Yu. "I didn't think you'd already learned how to get a girlfriend. If those guys from middle school saw this, they'd probably be shocked."

"Why does everyone think she's my girlfriend? I've explained it so many times already. Besides, with my personality, would any girl actually like me?" Chiba Yu rubbed his forehead in frustration.

"I'm just joking," Kanzaki added.

Karuizawa, having been teased by Ichinose earlier, had become immune to such remarks. Moreover, she knew that Kanzaki and Chiba had known each other for a long time. Though she didn't know the exact nature of their relationship, she categorized it as banter between friends.

"I heard your class took in a student from Class C, right?"

"Yeah. Word is he was dissatisfied with Ryuen's tyranny, so he was kicked out after an argument."

"That would be Kaneda. Although he looks a bit reserved, he's actually a pretty good person."

Looking in the direction Ichinose pointed, Chiba Yu and Karuizawa saw a boy with blonde hair and glasses. He looked entirely unremarkable, the type of person who would easily vanish into a crowd. To think someone like that would dare to stand up to Ryuen in public—truly, you can't judge a book by its cover.

"We just came back from the Class C side, and that Ryuen is every bit as disgusting as the rumors say," Karuizawa added from the side. It seemed her grudge against Ryuen was unexpectedly deep.

"I heard Class C started burning through their points right from the start. Can they really survive this exam if they keep going like that?"

Ichinose asked, puzzled. In her view, this exam seemed even more difficult than imagined; at the rate Ryuen was going, what would they do in the final days?

"Who knows? Maybe they have a strategy we don't know about," Chiba Yu shook his head. Even though he already had a few theories, it was best to keep quiet for now.

"Honami-chan, lunch is ready!"

"Coming!" Ichinose called back over her shoulder.

"As you can see, we're about to eat. If you'd like, you're welcome to stay and join us."

Karuizawa was surprised to hear this. After all, food was a vital resource at a time like this, yet Ichinose was inviting people who didn't belong to Class B. Karuizawa couldn't help but hold her in higher regard.

"I'll pass. Even if you don't mind, we'd feel a bit awkward ourselves, wouldn't we? Especially during such a sensitive period."

Even though he knew it was a polite gesture, Chiba Yu declined tactfully. It was better for everyone that way.

"I see. Then we won't keep you."

"Let's have a meal together sometime after we get back to school."

Chiba Yu nodded and didn't linger. Since they had already started seeing them off, staying any longer would be impolite.

"Remember to treat someone to a meal when we get back. You seemed pretty invested in that, didn't you? Well, I suppose it is Ichinose, after all," Karuizawa said with a smirk, her tone laced with a hint of something she hadn't even realized herself.

"It's getting late, we should head back." Chiba Yu didn't answer her, choosing to change the subject instead.

Looking at the sun, which had reached its zenith, and the 12:00 mark on his watch, Chiba Yu felt that if they didn't hurry back, not only would his stomach start protesting, but the energy he needed for the next few days would likely be exhausted right here.

"...You're right. It's about time to go back for lunch."

Karuizawa pursed her lips. Since Chiba Yu hadn't taken the bait, she naturally wouldn't push it further; after all, she had just been joking.

"Let's go. If we head back now, we can just make it in time for lunch."

"Hey, hey! Don't walk so fast, wait for me—ah!"

Seeing Chiba Yu walk off without a second glance, Karuizawa, who had been resting on a rock, stood up immediately. Perhaps because she rose too hastily, she didn't notice a small, inconspicuous hole in the path ahead.

Her foot caught, and her entire body pitched forward.

When Chiba Yu turned around, he saw her sprawled on the ground, hands pressed against the dirt, her body trembling uncontrollably.

"It hurts..."

Chiba Yu turned back and walked toward her, moving faster than before.

"Can you get up?"

Chiba Yu grabbed her arm and pulled her up slowly with a bit of force.

Her right knee was covered in mud, and the left leg of her sweatpants was slightly torn, with a faint trace of blood seeping through.

"Sss—" Karuizawa hissed in pain, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes.

Helpless, Chiba Yu had to help her sit down so she could recover for a moment. As for abandoning Karuizawa to go eat first?

Chiba Yu: Don't make me laugh, okay?