Chapter 213 Eh? These People are still Class D?! So Unfamiliar!
Kushida Kikyo kept saying that coming out with Shimizu Akira this time was to gather intelligence on the other classes. But in reality, it was just an excuse.
Ever since learning from Shimizu about the safety of the water source, she felt there was no need to exert herself walking long distances to spy on other classes—walking that much would be exhausting.
That said, when she mentioned where the other classes might have gone, Shimizu had simply asked, "Which direction did the other classes head when they left?" After getting her answer, he casually speculated: "Class A likely went to the base near the cave; I'm not quite sure about Class B."
When asked how he knew Class A's whereabouts, he claimed that Katsuragi Kohei was also on the deck earlier, observing the island just as intently, and the direction Class A left happened to be the fastest path to the cave base.
In this way, Kushida's excuse of "gathering intel" actually seemed to have been accomplished. Sometimes, Kushida really wanted to crack open Shimizu's head to see its construction—how could someone be so strong and so smart at the same time?
Fortunately, Shimizu was on her side. Moreover, the harvest from coming out with him went far beyond intelligence.
Kushida looked down at her hands, each carrying a wild rabbit and a wild pheasant. Looking at Shimizu, he had used a shoelace to string seven or eight wild birds together, carrying them with one hand like an old hunter returning with a full haul. Despite being just a student, he gave her the illusion of someone who had spent years roaming the mountains.
In the three hours they had been out, Shimizu had tracked down the prey's burrows by following animal tracks, broken twigs, and nibbled leaves. His hunting method was shockingly simple—using only a palm-sized stone, he never missed. His accuracy was 100%.
Once, Kushida even saw him pick up two stones at once and throw them in quick succession. Just as she was wondering why he bothered with the extra effort, she went over to find two rabbits accurately struck in the head—a literal "two birds with one stone" (or rather, two rabbits with two stones).
In that short time, Shimizu alone had hunted nearly 20 pounds of prey.
However, Shimizu had no intention of contributing to the class for free. This was nearly 20 pounds of meat, which would be enough for more than one meal even for 40 people. He wanted to use this to trade for useful items with Class D.
Such a trade would be feasible with any other class as well—after all, it was unlikely any class would pass up the chance to eat meat.
Just as he was pondering which class to trade with, Kushida seemed to think of something and spoke up: "Shimizu-kun, hide the prey in your hands first. These two in my hands will be counted as your harvest for today. Today was just a fluke because you were in good form; keep the rest to handle yourself for now."
It wasn't that she was afraid of Shimizu stealing her thunder; she simply felt that harvesting so much on the first day was too conspicuous. Not only would this food improve Class D's meal, but it would also save Special Exam Points.
However, if the class became dependent on him and he failed to catch as much tomorrow, they would inevitably pile their complaints on his head.
Since he was "her person," she couldn't let him suffer.
"I'll take these two wild birds back first," Kushida added seriously.
"When we get back, I'll suggest to everyone that we get you a private tent and use Special Exam Points to exchange for a bow, arrows, and some useful tools for you. After that, you just need to bring back two or three regularly. You won't have to work so hard, and it'll be a fair and reasonable trade."
Shimizu was stunned for a moment and couldn't help but smile.
"? What are you laughing at?" Kushida looked at his smile. Although it didn't feel like he was mocking her, she still looked back with her "beaming" smile.
'Can't this guy tell when someone is being nice? Am I not doing this for his own good?!'
She had already decided: if Shimizu didn't give a proper reason, she would ignore him for at least a full day during this exam—the kind of anger where she wouldn't speak to him for 24 hours.
"No," Shimizu suppressed his smile, "I just feel that you really understand me. Actually, I was just about to bring that up to you."
He had already thought about what he wanted. For example, a private tent—he really couldn't stand being squeezed into a group tent with the other boys; acting alone was much more free. Who knew which boys he'd be assigned to sleep with? Snoring, grinding teeth... heaven only knows what kind of noise they'd make at night. He hadn't expected Kushida to propose it before he even spoke.
"As expected, Kushida is still very good to me!" Shimizu raised the prey in his hand.
"I'll listen to you and hide these. But if you want to use them, let me know and I'll go get them."
"...You've got the wrong idea." Kushida immediately waved her hand, though her tone carried a hint of deliberate emphasis. "I'm not just being good to you; I'm the same way with everyone in class."
But in her heart, she couldn't help but grumble: 'This guy is getting more and more entitled.'
Who was being "special" to him? It was just a necessary foundation to win him over. She was the publicly recognized "Angel-san"; how could she be special only to him?
Shimizu didn't expose her. He simply carried the string of wild animals to a tall tree. He climbed with extreme speed, reaching a height of five or six meters in the blink of an eye, and hung the prey securely on a high branch. Jumping down, he made an inconspicuous mark on the trunk. Hidden by the surrounding large trees, it was unlikely anyone would find it. He'd return to Class D's camp and then loop back to retrieve them later.
He suddenly looked back at Kushida: "Then, as proof of being 'good to everyone,' the selfish me hopes to get a bottle of insect repellent. Is that okay?!"
"Yes, yes, I got it." Kushida nodded.
'This guy really knows how to push his luck, asking for insect repellent now.'
But on second thought, if Shimizu could consistently bring in prey, this request was nothing. Class D's biggest lack right now was someone who could consistently output value. Someone like him who could gather intel and supplies was a treasure.
However, once she got the repellent, she planned to secretly keep at least a third for herself—after all, she was the one negotiating this deal for him; she deserved some commission.
.
.
.
As they approached the Class D base, several figures could be seen wandering near the camp. Kushida's eyes lit up, and she called out loudly, "We're back!"
In the camp, Hirata Yosuke was directing everyone to reinforce the newly purchased tents. Seeing Kushida return with prey, he immediately went to meet them: "Kushida-san, you're back? This is..."
"Hehe, isn't Shimizu-kun amazing?" Kushida held up the wild birds with a brilliant smile.
"We got lucky and ran into a few strays. We can have a feast tonight!"
Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to them, and gasps of amazement broke out.
"Ah? Shimizu-kun, you know how to hunt?"
"A rabbit? There are small animals on this island?"
"Wait, how do you hunt without tools?"
"Shimizu-kun followed his father hunting in the deep mountains since he was a child, so he can hunt using just stones!" Kushida interjected with a smile.
Standing nearby, Shimizu's mouth twitched imperceptibly. Kushida was quite the storyteller—he had clearly told her he learned these things from books. Still, he supposed she said it to provide a plausible backstory for his skills.
"Ah! So you come from a hunting background?"
"No wonder! That explains his incredible physical stamina!" The realization dawned on everyone.
Seeing that most of the class, including Hirata Yosuke, had gathered around, Kushida took the opportunity to propose the private tent and the exchange of tools for Shimizu.
"I have no objection at all! That's exactly what should be done!" Ike Kanji spoke up almost immediately.
"I have camping experience; I know some prey only comes out at night. Hunting is hard work for Shimizu-kun; he needs a separate space to rest and recover his energy."
"I agree! That's not even enough!" Sudo Ken followed up. "A tent isn't enough; we should provide essentials like a water bottle as well!"
"I have no objection; it's a fair decision." Ayanokouji Kiyotaka remained calm and gave a slight nod.
"Mhm... I think this is completely feasible." Sakura Airi spoke softly.
"Shimizu-kun definitely deserves such treatment."
Afterward, whether it was Horikita's side, the girls led by Karuizawa Kei, or the boys led by Ike, the vast majority of the class nodded in agreement.
Kushida was genuinely astonished. She hadn't even had time to use her persuasion tactics, and more than half the class had proactively agreed.
Sudo and Sakura weren't surprising—after the June incident, they had already become Shimizu's loyal fans. Horikita went without saying; that woman always revolved around Shimizu. But what was up with Karuizawa Kei? Was it just because Shimizu was a member of the Boxing Club that she, as the manager, had to satisfy his every need?
A subtle sense of annoyance flared in Kushida's heart, but her face remained a flawless smile, as if she had expected this result all along.
'Someone object already! Otherwise, wasn't all my setup for nothing?' Kushida muttered inwardly.
Finally, someone shouted out.
"I object!" Yamauchi Haruki raised his voice, a look of indignation on his face.
"Everyone is contributing to the class. Why should only Shimizu get to spend extra Special Exam Points? This is too unfair! Other people in the class are responsible for gathering firewood, keeping watch, and pitching tents!"
Shimizu raised an eyebrow, his face expressionless. To him, it didn't matter if he cooperated with Class D—as he had thought before, he could just as easily go to Class B's Ichinose Honami. With her ability, she surely knew the importance of eating meat on a deserted island.
"Shut up! Yamauchi, are you looking for a beating?!" Before Shimizu could reply, Sudo Ken's face darkened. He stomped over to Yamauchi, his fists cracking.
"Even someone like me understands—anyone can gather firewood or pitch a tent, but not everyone can hunt for food! Right now, only Shimizu can do it!" He glared at Yamauchi, his voice sharp with anger.
"Can you seriously not tell which one is more important?"
"Exactly! In a deserted island survival game, Shimizu-kun is undoubtedly a savior! I won't allow you to question his value!" Sotomura Hideo also stood up immediately.
Yamauchi Haruki was speechless, completely blindsided by this reaction. He thought there would be others in class as dissatisfied as he was, just waiting for a leader to object. How could it be that no one agreed with him! He hadn't expected even Sotomura to oppose him—when did that guy get close to Shimizu?
"Sotomura! What did Shimizu Akira give you for you to speak up for him?!"
"Shimizu is a die-hard 2D fan just like me, and he can write code. We are friends." Sotomura met Yamauchi's gaze squarely, his tone righteous as he adjusted his glasses.
"Conversely, do you even understand how important a hunter is on a deserted island? Who knows what large creatures are hiding out there! Why should Shimizu risk his life to hunt but receive the same treatment as someone like you who only picks up sticks? Besides, if a large animal attacks or someone gets bitten by a venomous snake, Shimizu as a 'hunter' will know how to react—I think you are truly being foolish beyond belief."
In Sotomura's eyes, Yamauchi was simply brainless.
Putting aside the fact that he and Shimizu were friends, the importance of a "hunter" concerned everyone's safety.
Hunting carried risks, and having someone familiar with wilderness survival was a layer of protection. One never knew when the school would intervene; in times like these, relying on one of your own was more dependable.
Yamauchi couldn't grasp this simple logic at all.
Shimizu narrowed his eyes slightly.
'Well then'. It was because of that "Henshin Card" incident a while back—they had both vented about it together and somehow became friends. That said, there were no "large animals" or "venomous snakes" on this island. He had surveyed the terrain carefully and found no such tracks or droppings. But since the other boy was defending him, he wouldn't expose the truth.
Still, he really hadn't expected that Yamauchi would be the only one to object. Almost everyone else supported him!
'Wait? Are these the same students from the first month who just wanted to slack off? Why are they so protective of me?!'
He suddenly felt that these people had become quite unfamiliar. So unfamiliar that he hardly recognized his own classmates!
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