“Sensei, hand me the key card.”

  While everyone was focused on setting up camp, Uesugi Gen silently made his way to Hoshinomiya-sensei’s side, reaching out to take the key card from her.

  Hoshinomiya had no doubts about Uesugi’s sneaky approach. She knew his personality all too well—he was the type to act first and settle things ter.

  “So, Gen-chan, who are you choosing as our css leader?”

  Uesugi let out a cold smirk.

  “Kanzaki.”

  “That guy’s naturally stoic, a total poker face—his expression barely changes unless something major happens. More importantly... there's something only he can do for me.”

  Looking at the smug grin on Uesugi’s face, as if he had just pulled off a devious scheme—

  …Isn’t this just revenge for what happened earlier?

  Hoshinomiya silently thought to herself.

  But regardless, in the end, she handed over the key card engraved with Kanzaki Ryūji’s name.

  Time passed.

  Since roles had been assigned in advance, everyone in Css B carried out their duties efficiently, and their camp was set up in no time.

  “Looks like everything is pretty much done.”

  Uesugi turned to Kanzaki Ryūji, who was resting under a tree.

  “Have you found out where Css D’s camp is?”

  “Unfortunately, no. Or rather, they still haven’t decided on a location.”

  Kanzaki spread his hands in exasperation.

  “They’re still debating whether they should spend points on a toilet.”

  “It’s honestly impressive that Horikita-san can tolerate being in the same css as these people.”

  Uesugi had completely given up on Css D, standing up decisively.

  “Let’s go. Since they can’t make up their minds, I’ll decide for them.”

  “I still can’t accept that you’re pnning to use points that belong to all the boys without their consent. If you want a temporary toilet, you should at least get the approval of more than half.”

  “I… I’m advocating for something that girls naturally need. This has nothing to do with the boys!”

  “Something girls naturally need, and it has nothing to do with the boys? I don’t understand. Isn’t this btant discrimination?”

  “Discrimination? …Ah—my head hurts…”

  At that moment, Css D was embroiled in a heated argument over whether to spend 20 points on a toilet, with the boys and girls locked in a standoff.

  “Since that’s the case, let me solve this problem for you.”

  A voice interrupted the argument, forcing both sides to pause.

  Everyone in Css D turned to locate the source of the voice, only to see Uesugi leading a group of students toward them.

  “You guys were really easy to find. I could hear Css D’s shouting from a mile away.”

  “Uesugi, what are you doing here? The exam just started—there’s no need to attack us this early, is there?”

  Horikita Suzune stepped forward and questioned him, her tone far from friendly. After all, they were rivals.

  “Attack you? Horikita-san, why would you think that? I’m here to help.”

  Uesugi spoke with a seemingly benevolent tone.

  “Help us? As if I’d believe that.”

  Horikita scoffed. Trusting Uesugi would be absurd.

  “No, really, I’m helping. You’re arguing so much because you have too many points. The simplest solution? Cut your points in half—then you’ll have nothing to argue about.”

  With an exasperated look, Uesugi spread his hands as Kanzaki pulled a document from his pocket and unfolded it.

  The moment Css D’s students saw the paper, their expressions changed.

  “You remember the deal, don’t you?”

  “300 points is too much for you. It’s enough to make you argue over how to spend them. So let’s split them evenly—give 150 points’ worth of supplies to Css B.”

  Css D’s students stared grimly at the contract.

  150 points—half of their resources. That was just enough to st them a week. Any further deductions, and they’d be forced to surrender outright.

  “No way! I refuse! Why should we hand over 150 points’ worth of supplies just because of those three failing idiots?”

  Despite feeling intimidated by Uesugi, Yukimura still mustered the courage to challenge him for the sake of their css’s points.

  “Yeah! The ones who signed the contract were Horikita and Hirata! Why should we be the ones to pay?”

  With someone leading the charge, Css D’s students quickly chimed in.

  “Don’t get the wrong idea. I never expected you bunch—who only know how to fight amongst yourselves—to willingly hand over supplies.”

  Uesugi stood at the front of his cssmates, looking at the students of Css D with sheer contempt.

  Then, his gaze shifted to the silent Horikita Suzune.

  “Horikita-san, you’ll give me the points, won’t you?”

  “Yeah, that’s right. I’ll hand over all 150 points’ worth of supplies.”

  Horikita’s voice was calm, but there was no hesitation in her words.

  “Hahaha!”

  Uesugi ughed without restraint.

  “I knew it. That’s exactly why I chose to sign the contract with you. No—honestly, even without the contract, as long as I asked, you’d still give me the 150 points’ worth of supplies.”

  For once, Horikita didn’t refute his words.

  Indeed, since she had agreed to Uesugi’s terms, as long as it didn’t viote her principles, she would follow through—no matter what.

  Otherwise, she wouldn’t be Horikita Suzune.

  Uesugi then turned to the Css D students, who remained frozen in pce.

  “Oh, by the way, anyone in your css can apply for supplies. So what’s your pn for the next week? Are you going to keep Horikita under surveilnce 24/7 just to stop her from requesting supplies for me?”

  Thinking about it made Uesugi ugh at their stupidity.

  “How utterly foolish. This is a special exam, and instead of uniting against external threats, you’re attacking the only person in your css capable of leading you. No wonder you all ended up in the defective css.”

  “But hey, that works perfectly for me. I signed the contract with Horikita and Hirata. If they fail to deliver the supplies on time, their punishment will be expulsion. The only person capable of leading your css will be expelled by her own cssmates. That outcome couldn’t be more perfect for me.”

  “As for the rest of you—stay in Css D until you graduate.”

  With that, Uesugi turned on his heel and left with Css B.

  “In two hours, I expect to receive 150 points’ worth of supplies. The list is here. If I don’t see the supplies by then, they’ll be expelled.”

  That was his final ultimatum to Css D.

  This guy…

  Watching Uesugi’s departing figure, Horikita Suzune bit her lip, her emotions in turmoil.

  ---

  A good story, much like a well-fought battle, is all about precision, strategy, and passion. Every choice matters—the right move, the right word, the perfect bance between staying true to the original and making it shine in English.

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