Within Class D's campsite, everyone, including Ibuki Mio, was left speechless by Long Yuanxiang's words. In the context of this highly competitive class framework, facing such a crucial special exam, how could someone willingly betray their own class leader?
Moreover, this was a former member of Class A, part of the top tier selected by the school before the semester began.
Such an unreasonable situation left everyone incredulous.
The blond boy, Hashima Masayoshi from Class B, scanned the expressions of those in the campsite. As a trusted subordinate of Sakayanagi, he had made this decision with her approval.
The reason for choosing Class D as a partner stemmed from events on the cruise ship.
When they first boarded, Sakayanagi had already suspected the school might hold a special exam. Though unable to participate due to health issues, she could remotely devise plans to undermine the influence of the Katsuragi faction in the class.
For months, Class A had dominated, leaving Sakayanagi frustrated. However, since they had agreed to a rotating class leader system, Katsuragi Kohei had been the one setting strategies until the first special exam.
Katsuragi, a cautious and steady bald man, favored defensive strategies over offensive ones. As a result, since the start of the semester, no proactive attacks had been launched, and they hadn't caught up to Class A in evaluation points.
This special exam was an ideal opportunity. Sakayanagi tasked Hashima with making Katsuragi stumble badly, preferably damaging his credibility.
After this exam, it would be Sakayanagi Arisu's turn. She planned to use this time to consolidate the class and then focus entirely on overtaking Class A, reclaiming their rightful rank.
On the day the school's announcement was broadcast, Hashima Masayoshi met someone on the deck: Long Yuanxiang, who had never given up vying for control of the class.
Perhaps because Long Yuanxiang was involved in two suspension incidents, Hashima remembered his name. Unexpectedly, Long Yuanxiang approached him.
"You're part of Sakayanagi's faction, right?"
"Yes. What do you want?"
"I hear Sakayanagi and Katsuragi are fiercely competing. How about we make a deal?"
Seeing Hashima pause, Long Yuanxiang knew this was his chance. He needed to boost his authority within the class.
"What kind of deal?"
"Haven't you realized what's coming? There might be an important exam."
After hearing the announcement and seeing the ship circling the island, Long Yuanxiang guessed the school was preparing a special exam. Though he had no leverage, he used this hunch as a basis for cooperation, presenting his plan.
Hearing Long Yuanxiang's speculation, Hashima Masayoshi immediately recognized his potential. Since he needed a partner, this seemed like a good opportunity.
Thus, they laid the groundwork for cooperation and agreed on an initial plan.
Once the detailed exam rules were revealed, Hashima Masayoshi knew exactly what to do. That's why, while others searched for supplies, he headed alone to Class D's campsite.
"Long Yuan, is what you said true? Is this guy really here to reveal Class B's leader's name?" Ibuki Mio's face showed clear distrust after hearing the explanation.
"Of course. I told you, he's our partner now. He's here to fulfill our agreement."
Long Yuanxiang smiled, scanning the others in the campsite. "I've always said I'm the best fit to be class leader. This exam will prove it!"
"Hashima is just part of the plan. Once he tells us Class B's leader, we'll also obtain the names of Class A and C's leaders."
"With all class leaders' names, victory in this exam will be ours!"
"Is that even possible?"
"According to the rules, a class leader's name is their most guarded secret. How could it be so easily revealed? Are you joking?"
The students were skeptical. Long Yuanxiang had always seemed like a violent gang leader, and his sudden strategic planning caught them off guard.
"Before I explain further, let Hashima reveal Class B's leader. I'm sure you're all curious why he'd betray his class."
Long Yuanxiang ignored their doubts, signaling Hashima to speak.
"It's simple. I've partnered with Long Yuanxiang. We're helping each other. Can you accept that?"
Hashima explained, following their earlier discussion: "I've confirmed the leader's keycard, so there's no mistake. But since I'm cooperating with Long Yuanxiang, I'll only share the name with him."
The blond boy glanced at Ibuki Mio, knowing she was Class D's current leader. However, helping Long Yuanxiang boost his authority was part of the deal, so he had no choice.
"You!"
Hearing the implied condition, Ibuki Mio's face flushed. "Long Yuanxiang isn't our class leader. If you have a cooperation plan, discuss it with me."
"Why are you so worked up? If only I know, it's fine, right? I've already said I'll help Class D win this exam."
Seeing her agitated, Long Yuanxiang felt his plan was working. He surveyed the others, knowing they were weighing the pros and cons. Time to add fuel to the fire.
He glanced at Hashima Masayoshi, then told the class: "Since Hashima will share the name with me, let's go somewhere private. I'll return with the answer."
The two left the campsite and found a secluded spot to talk.
"I can share my plan. It will definitely help you achieve your goal."
"I'm all ears."
Hashima Masayoshi smiled faintly. On the ship, they'd only established a basic partnership. He was curious about Long Yuanxiang's specifics.
After Long Yuanxiang explained, the blond boy nodded. "It's a good strategy. Let's proceed as you suggested."
With that, the Class B student quickly left.
Hashima knew Long Yuanxiang's actions were to boost his authority. He had to deliver results, and there was no risk of him backing out. If the plan succeeded, the Katsuragi faction would be severely weakened.
After Hashima left, Long Yuanxiang returned to the campsite. Facing the scrutinizing gazes, he seemed even more confident: "I now know Class B's leader. Next, I'll explain my plan. Don't you all want to win this exam?"
Though annoyed, Ibuki Mio scanned the campsite and saw that after Hashima's appearance, the others seemed more receptive to Long Yuanxiang. She reluctantly held back, deciding to hear him out.
"My plan is to feign class forfeiture and use a last-ditch counterattack to win!"
"After reading the rules, you all know that living on this island means constant restrictions and point deductions. The usual approach is to endure and minimize point usage."
"But remember, the rules state that if exam points hit zero, no further deductions occur. At that stage, you can act freely on the island."
"So, Long Yuanxiang plans to hide on the island?" Shiina Hinata, the class strategist, quickly grasped his idea.
"Exactly. To obtain other classes' leader names, conventional methods won't work. Most will forfeit and return to the ship, making it seem like we've abandoned the exam," Long Yuanxiang glanced at the grim-faced Ibuki Mio and continued, "Those remaining will be our hidden forces. To perfect the plan, we'll also send spies to the other two classes."
"Spies?"
"Their goal is to infiltrate other campsites and find opportunities to check the leader's keycard," Long Yuanxiang turned to Sakagami Kazuma and asked, "Even if most return to the ship, those staying on the island can still participate in the exam, right?"
"Yes, the rules don't restrict that," Sakagami Kazuma nodded. "If your goal is the final leader guessing phase, the leader must be among those staying on the island."
"Of course. That's the key to victory."
Long Yuanxiang looked at Shiina Hinata, who had been chosen as the class leader after arriving on the island. The class had opted for her over Ibuki Mio to minimize risk.
"The core of this plan is the island's hidden forces. Since someone must suffer, I'll take that role!" Long Yuanxiang's tone rose. This was his long-planned strategy to boost his authority. A little hardship meant nothing to him.
"This is my resolve. Whether sleeping on the island or finding food, I'll handle it alone."
"What do you think? Do you understand my plan now?"
At this, everyone in Class D froze. If executed, most would return to the ship's comfort, while Long Yuanxiang would survive alone on the island—no easy feat.
"I see. If carried out, it would indeed be unexpected. You've clearly thought this through, Long Yuan."
Sakagami Kazuma, understanding the plan, praised Long Yuanxiang's idea. Class D was currently last. Without drastic measures, catching up was impossible.
As everyone fell silent, Long Yuanxiang presented the plan's execution details, including an irresistible incentive—his true goal for this exam. It would grant him authority and the most crucial benefit.