Chapter 113: The Homeroom Teachers of the Four Classes, Class C Wins!
Sakura-san, female. In middle school, she worked as a magazine model and is skilled in photography. After entering high school, she frequently takes selfies.
Before the cruise trip, she specifically asked Hachiman whether she could bring her camera.
And now—
That camera was immediately put to good use. It had to be said, Sakura had certain advantages in some aspects.
Her sixth sense and intuition were very strong.
This also proved that many people had their own strengths and weaknesses and could assist others.
So—
Perhaps it was worth further exploring the classmates in their class, looking for people who could be helpful.
And then, together, aim for promotion to Class A.
For now—
"This island is quite big."
"And even though we recorded a video, it still feels like we don't have a clear sense of direction."
"But wait a moment, Sakura, can I ask you to step back a little... No, a bit more… Yes, right there."
"There's a white tower in this position. Look… It seems to be quite tall. If we can reach the island and climb this tower, we might be able to get a better view from a higher vantage point."
"And speaking of camping, there seem to be plenty of suitable spots on the island for setting up tents and staying overnight."
After asking Sakura for help, the group waited for her to use the camera to capture scenes of the ship circling around the island. Then, they returned to Horikita's cabin.
In other words, they temporarily used Horikita's room.
Well—
Horikita was already used to it, and both Hachiman and Kushida didn't find it unusual.
The only one who seemed a little uncomfortable was Sakura.
Her camera was now being passed around.
Fortunately, they weren't looking at her selfies but rather the recorded footage of the island taken from the ship's deck.
The group examined the images, revealing more details about the island's overall appearance than what they could see with the naked eye.
Previously, Kushida had gathered some information: first-year students traditionally traveled by ship and then lived collectively on an island.
Though the test questions varied, there were similarities.
That was why Hachiman borrowed so many camping-related books and had Horikita read them as well.
Now—
The announcement instructed them to go to the deck to observe the island, and the ship intentionally circled around it, indicating that the school wanted them to gather information about the island.
From this, they could now estimate the island's approximate size, as well as identify various terrains and locations suitable for camping.
There were water sources, caves, and even a white tower resembling a lighthouse.
"The details haven't been revealed yet," Hachiman said. "For now, let's just focus on memorizing the island's appearance from the photos, especially spots that seem suitable for camping."
"Horikita, can I ask you to handle this?" Hachiman added.
"This… I'll do my best," Horikita's eyes lit up with determination.
Meanwhile, Kushida looked at Hachiman curiously.
Was he really only asking Horikita, who wasn't in the best condition? Why wasn't he asking her, a perfectly healthy person?
She had no idea this was Hachiman's way of being considerate.
Kushida had been under a lot of stress lately—she hadn't had an outlet to relieve it, and on top of that, Ike Kanji had just confessed to her, likely increasing her internal pressure even more.
If she was also burdened with memorizing details, she might soon reach a breaking point.
So Hachiman was subtly managing the timing of this "explosion."
It was his way of being gentle.
At the same time, it was also a form of kindness that he only pretended to ask Horikita to do it—he wouldn't actually force a sick person to memorize everything.
In reality, he was the one doing the work.
He had a natural talent for humanities subjects.
For example, in Japanese literature, if he put in the effort, he might not lose to Horikita.
It was his area of expertise.
His memory was also strong.
Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to recall so many embarrassing moments from the past.
So his request to Horikita was actually just to make her feel like she was being useful.
Otherwise, she might keep brooding over the upcoming exam and the fact that her physical condition was a burden.
Hachiman had worked so hard to pull her out of her brother's shadow—he wasn't about to let her fall back into it.
Sometimes, a little positive encouragement was necessary.
It was difficult for one person to reach Class A alone, but if you gathered enough people, it might become easier. Maintaining relationships and getting people to help was an art in itself.
Originally, Hachiman had also invited Hirata to watch the footage and take notes, but he had gone off to help Yukimura.
Yukimura—full name Yukimura Teruhiko—was the academic genius of Hachiman's class.
He was terrible at physical activities, but his academic ability was excellent.
If you ranked the class based on actual academic performance, Koenji Rokusuke would be first, Horikita second, and Yukimura third.
He was someone worth paying attention to.
But Hirata had gone to help him.
Even though this was a special exam, Hirata still prioritized his classmates above all else.
That was also Hirata's weakness.
He would always help others, but there was also a risk that he might drop the ball at crucial moments.
As for why Hachiman didn't ask Karuizawa for help—
First, the fact that Karuizawa was his informant was only known to Horikita. Kushida wasn't aware of it yet.
And secondly…
Although Karuizawa was obedient and followed orders—
But what cannot be done simply cannot be done.
You can't just order someone to get into the University of Tokyo and expect them to actually do it.
People have limits.
As Hachiman was thinking about this, the ship's announcement echoed through the cabin.
"Attention all students. We will be landing on the island in thirty minutes. Please change into your sportswear, check your toiletry bag and personal belongings, and bring your mobile phones to the deck for assembly. All other personal items should be left in your rooms."
The announcement spread throughout the cruise ship.
That meant they had only thirty minutes left to take notes.
A bit rushed.
Hachiman focused his attention.
Even though Kushida hadn't been specifically asked to, she was also seriously watching the video recorded by Sakura again.
She had entered a state of deep concentration.
However—
Hachiman felt that she wasn't actually focusing on memorizing the locations suitable for camping or important areas on the island.
Instead, she seemed to be looking for secluded places where she could go and kick railings.
After all, they were about to start communal life on the island, which would undoubtedly increase her stress again, so she would need an outlet for it.
And she did have some talent for finding places where no one would go.
"..." Hachiman.
No, now was not the time to be thinking about Kushida.
So, Hachiman resumed his note-taking.
…
Thirty minutes passed in the blink of an eye while they were focused.
The students, carrying only simple personal items as instructed, gathered on the deck.
For some students, the only emotion they felt was excitement.
Because in their eyes, they were about to set foot on an island.
And once they landed, they looked forward to an enjoyable training camp, beaches, and an excursion.
However, for a small portion of the students, their hearts were heavy.
If they had initially been doubtful, by now, they were almost certain—
The special exam for this month was about to begin.
After all, if this were just a vacation, there would be no reason to specifically require them to wear sportswear—
Not the short-sleeved, tight-fitting type, but long-sleeved and long-pants versions that provided maximum protection for their skin and bodies.
When Hachiman, now dressed in sportswear, arrived on the deck, many students were already there.
However, they weren't just casually scattered around in small groups.
Instead, they were neatly arranged in rows, as if in a training camp.
As the homeroom teacher of Class C, Chabashira Sae stood at the front of the formation, calmly watching the students without saying a word.
But those who arrived later naturally joined the lineup on their own.
This was a form of the herd mentality.
"It's so hot… Can we hurry up?"
The scorching midday sun shone down on the boys and girls standing on the deck. Many students in Class C, sweating under the relentless heat, couldn't help but complain.
After all, schools were the same everywhere in the world.
They said thirty minutes, but delays of forty to fifty minutes, or even an hour, were common.
That was just how things were.
So even those who arrived just in time still had to stand under the blazing sun for at least ten more minutes.
Sweat dripped down their backs.
"It's midsummer! And they still made us wear this kind of sportswear—it's way too hot!"
"Can't we go back to the air-conditioned rooms?"
"I don't want to go to the island!"
Standing in the lineup, Hachiman observed his classmates.
They were now students of Class C. To their left was Class B's lineup, and to their right was Ryuen's class.
But their class was the only one making noise.
For example, Class A was nearly silent, highly disciplined.
And Ryuen's class wasn't saying much either. It seemed eerily quiet.
So, in contrast, Class C's rowdiness made them stand out in an awkward way.
And that was exactly why Class C was lacking.
Hachiman felt they should be grateful that this wasn't a behavioral discipline exam.
However, Class C's students were completely unaware of this.
Or rather, they didn't have the awareness to realize it.
Or to put it another way, they still hadn't fully grasped that the special exam had already begun.
"Before we land, there are a few important matters to explain."
Chabashira Sae's gaze swept across the crowd, and her slightly rolled-up sleeves revealed her fair, smooth wrists. "First, everyone will hand over their mobile phones to me for safekeeping."
While speaking, Chabashira extended her hand to pick up a black, necklace-like electronic wristband. "Also, you must wear this watch. During your time on the island, anyone caught removing it without permission will face penalties."
"It seems the camping life on the island is about to begin," Hachiman heard Horikita, standing in the same row to his left, sighing softly.
Her body had not fully recovered yet, and she was still forcing herself to hold up.
If they were going to live collectively on the island, she probably wouldn't be of much help.
It was unfortunate.
She felt ashamed of her weakness.
"Is the watch just for tracking?"
Horikita asked in a low voice.
If it was really for survival on the island, providing a tracking device to ensure the students' locations could be found at any time was important. Based on the video Sakura had filmed, the island, though not very large, still posed a risk of getting lost.
Hachiman understood.
She was worried about the function of the wristband.
Because most wristbands on the market already have some functionality, such as some phones being able to measure pulse or blood pressure. This meant that if someone's health was in trouble, it could be detected.
She might want to continue with the exam, but she was also afraid she wouldn't pass the first test with the wristband.
"Let's see how it goes," Hachiman said. "If you can't pass the first test with the wristband, just forfeit."
"..." Horikita looked at Hachiman. "I just spent a lot of effort memorizing some of the locations, so if I forfeit, I'll need to give you those locations first."
Horikita then asked, "Do you have paper and a pen? I can draw the map of the island as I understand it."
It seemed quite reliable.
Horikita had clearly made some progress.
But—
"Anyway, just wear the wristband for now," Hachiman said. "And it might not end here."
Yes.
Hachiman had also been considering Horikita's concerns.
She had to wear the wristband for safety tracking, but due to her illness, Horikita might not pass the wristband's detection test.
But Hachiman had been watching Chabashira's expression closely.
And Chabashira's expression hadn't changed much.
So, he could rest a bit easier.
Because Hachiman had already shared information with Chabashira about Horikita's condition, if Horikita failed the wristband's test, Chabashira wouldn't be this calm.
Therefore, the calmness now suggested that the wristband was probably just for tracking.
And—
If it only had tracking functionality, that could provide one clue.
That is… there might not be any danger on the island.
"..." Behind them, in the boys' group.
"Isn't Hikigaya-kun on good terms with Horikita?"
Everyone was looking ahead.
To others, it seemed like Hikigaya and Horikita had been whispering to each other, and Horikita's cheeks were slightly flushed. Was she blushing because he was teasing her?
Damn couple.
Chabashira Sae stood at the front of the line, with Class C students passing in front of her one by one.
They tossed their phones into a bag beside her and then took the wristbands from Chabashira, putting them on their wrists.
The other three classes were doing the same thing.
Naturally, each of the four classes had their own homeroom teacher.
Class A's homeroom teacher was Tomonari Mashima, a young man dressed in a black suit.
Class B's homeroom teacher was Hoshinomiya Chie, a beautiful older sister with long brown hair and a well-maintained figure.
Class C's homeroom teacher was Chabashira Sae, a stunning woman with black ponytail hair and an incredibly fit figure.
Class D's homeroom teacher was Sakagami Kazuma, a thin and well-dressed glasses-wearing man with some acne scars on his face.
Hmm...
After handing over their phones in exchange for the wristbands, Hachiman observed the four homeroom teachers and came to a conclusion.
Chabashira was a great homeroom teacher.
After all, she was the most attractive.
Then it was Horikita's turn.
"Your phone," Chabashira reminded her, as Horikita seemed to hesitate when she reached the point to hand in her phone.
Thud.
Horikita placed her phone into the bag and took a wristband from Chabashira.
It seemed that Horikita had made up her mind as she put on the wristband. However, the wristband didn't show any prompts.
"Next," Chabashira said.
It seemed that the wristband only had tracking functionality. It couldn't monitor health.
Horikita breathed a sigh of relief. At least, she would still be able to participate in this exam.