After securing everyone's agreement, Hanashima Hikaru began executing his plan.
The first step was to select personnel.
"I remember there are three remaining locations, so when we set off, we can form three small teams. Each team doesn't need too many people—two or three should suffice."
Standing before everyone, Hanashima Hikaru explained his arrangements in detail, outlining each step of his thought process.
"After we depart, we'll head in the direction I remember until we find the artificially altered location," the young man said, holding up the island's map from the handbook and pointing to it. "Since we can't confirm whether these places are all strongholds, we'll only know once we see them with our own eyes."
"The core of our current plan is to identify the leaders of other classes, so this reconnaissance isn't about occupying strongholds but gathering as much intelligence as possible."
"For example, what's the environment around the stronghold like? Is it easy to spy on? Has the stronghold already been occupied? If so, by which class?"
Hanashima Hikaru slowly posed this series of questions, which were key to the intelligence-gathering mission. It was crucial to ensure everyone understood the focus of their strategy.
"If we find an unoccupied stronghold, we can execute the plan I just mentioned. Everyone can hide nearby. According to the handbook's rules, other classes can't use a stronghold without permission, so they'll naturally come to verify its status first."
"At that moment, we can observe these class members closely, paying attention to their attitudes and listening to their conversations. We might uncover important information or intelligence."
"So, we're supposed to be ninjas now, huh? Hahaha."
Shibata Satsu laughed after understanding the core of the plan.
"Whether ninja or assassin, the ultimate goal is to successfully gather intelligence—that's what matters most."
Hanashima Hikaru's expression was serious, and he added without hesitation: "According to what the teacher just said, there are multiple strongholds on this island. We're all heading from the beach into the forest, so without knowing the movements of other classes, this plan can continue indefinitely."
"There's still plenty of time before the evening roll call. We can confirm intelligence by searching for strongholds," the young man paused, then continued. "As for those not involved in gathering this intelligence, the rest of you must focus on managing our base to ensure we can smoothly get through these seven days."
"Daily resource gathering, preparing meals, cleaning, and so on—only by better dividing tasks and cooperating can we achieve better results. Do you all understand?"
"Understood!"
"We'll work hard together."
Since everyone agreed to execute the plan, they had to show determination now. No one wanted to lose, as it concerned both collective honor and individual points. They had to give it their all.
"Alright, let's decide on the three teams. Tentatively, three people per team, so we'll need nine people in total."
After some discussion, the nine-person roster was finalized, mostly consisting of the more active students in the class.
Team One: Hanashima Hikaru, Ichise Honami, and Ando Sayo.
Team Two: Shibata Satsu, Beppu Ryota, and Himeno Yuki.
Team Three: Kanzaki Ryuji, Amakura Asako, and Hamaguchi Tetsuya.
Hanashima Hikaru borrowed a pen from Hoshinomiya Chie and sketched the movement routes of the points he remembered on the map for everyone. These points were all in the first half of the island, meaning there was a high probability of encountering students from other classes.
"Alright, let's set off. Remember our goal: be cautious and gather intelligence carefully."
"Understood."
The three teams began heading deeper into the forest following Hanashima Hikaru's instructions. After seeing them off, the remaining students continued setting up the surroundings as instructed. Some entered the forest to gather resources and food, steadily advancing the camp's construction.
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Meanwhile, in a certain part of the forest, within the campsite chosen by Class D, two people were facing off.
On one side was Class D's current leader, Ibuki Mio, and on the other was Long Yuanxiang, who had been silent for a long time. The long-haired man wore a cold smile, seemingly mocking the girl opposite him.
"So, you can't say it, huh? Do you really have a plan to help Class D gain an advantage?"
"I've already repeated the arrangements: stabilize stronghold occupation and conserve base points. In the end, we'll definitely earn more class evaluation points." Though provoked, Ibuki, as a seasoned class leader, had honed her ability to control her emotions and not be swayed by others.
"Hahaha, that's laughable. It seems you still don't understand the purpose of this exam organized by the school!"
Long Yuanxiang sneered contemptuously: "Having me as the class leader would clearly yield the best results. You're only ensuring everyone continues to suffer."
"What are you trying to say?" Ibuki forcibly suppressed her anger and asked his intent.
"I've come up with a great plan, but it requires the cooperation of the entire class," Long Yuanxiang grinned. "And if we execute it this way, our class will become the ultimate victor!"
"Hmph, anyone can make big claims."
"This is no boast but a surprising move with multiple safeguards. It just requires someone to suffer."
Long Yuanxiang turned to the class advisor, Sakagami Kazuma, standing beside him and said, "Teacher, if I call over a student from another class now, it shouldn't be against the rules, right?"
"It's not. You can call whoever you want." After hearing Long Yuanxiang's words, Sakagami Kazuma suddenly felt a glimmer of expectation.
"Good."
Long Yuanxiang paused, then turned toward the nearby trees and called out, "You can come over now."
As his voice fell, rustling sounds emerged from the trees, and a figure stepped out—a blond boy with a ponytail. He too wore a smile, as if he'd been waiting there for a while.
"Who is this?"
"Looks like a student from Class B... I think his name is Hashima."
As the boy appeared in the campsite, Ibuki Mio's expression first froze, then she sternly asked Long Yuanxiang, "Are you planning to betray our class?"
"Of course not. This person is here to cooperate with us—he's an ally."
Long Yuanxiang slowly shook his head and said to Ibuki Mio: "To win this exam, the focus should be on guessing the leaders of other classes."
"And this Hashima is here to provide us with the name of his class's leader."
"What!"
At these words, all Class D students were stunned, their faces filled with disbelief.
This was undoubtedly betrayal!
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