"We shouldn't directly occupy this outpost. Taking it without thoroughly investigating the surroundings would only increase our risk of exposure."
"I'll have to act as the leader with the keycard. This way, even if other classes show up, they'll instinctively assume I'm in charge."
"For this special exam, we'll be cooperating with Class D. It's a gamble, but if we succeed, it'll bring enormous benefits to Class A."
Saiki could clearly hear Katsuragi's thoughts.
'Seriously? That's his plan? But anyone with a brain would know the leader wouldn't just wander around so openly.'
Saiki thought to himself,
'And Class A is teaming up with Class D? Interesting…'
As he pondered, he also picked up on Ayanokōji's thoughts nearby.
"Katsuragi wouldn't make such an obvious mistake. He's definitely not the leader. Since occupying the outpost requires the leader's presence, Totsuka next to him must be the real leader."
Ayanokōji had also figured out the truth, though he wasn't yet aware of the alliance between Class A and Class D.
"We're so lucky to find this cave right away! Even with just two tents, it'll be enough."
Totsuka smiled at Katsuragi, but the latter's expression remained stern.
"Luck? You haven't noticed anything yet? I knew about this cave before we landed. Finding it was inevitable. And watch your words—we don't know who might be listening. As the leader, I'm responsible for oversight. Don't make any careless mistakes!"
'The more he says that, the more suspicious it sounds.'
Saiki thought, rolling his eyes.
"How did you know about the cave in advance?"
"The announcement on the cruise ship was a hint…"
Katsuragi briefly explained, "If everything goes smoothly, Sakayanagi will have to shut up."
"If we succeed, my standing in the class should surpass Sakayanagi's."
'Sakayanagi? Isn't that the chairman's surname? But Katsuragi's probably not talking about the school's higher-ups. It sounds like he's referring to someone in Class A who's his rival. Ryūen mentioned someone in Class A he's desperate to defeat—could it be Sakayanagi?'
Saiki couldn't help but think,
'But it's none of my business…'
Soon, Katsuragi and the others left, while Ayanokōji led Saiki to the cave entrance, where a sign indicated Class A had claimed it.
"Class A's already taken it, huh. Saiki, do you think Katsuragi's the leader?"
Ayanokōji asked.
Just as Saiki was about to feign ignorance, he heard Ayanokōji's thoughts.
"Saiki's probably seen through Katsuragi's act, but he'll likely pretend he hasn't."
'Damn, he saw right through me.'
After a moment's pause, Saiki replied,
"I don't think Katsuragi's the leader. It's too obvious. Someone from Class A wouldn't make such a rookie mistake."
'Yeah, I agree.'
"So Saiki didn't hide his thoughts this time? No, this way, he can better conceal his true abilities. Playing dumb would've been riskier. His answer was clever."
'...'
"Totsuka's gone. Let's head back."
"Right."
That was the only point Saiki and Ayanokōji could agree on.
...
Back at their group's location, they reported what they'd seen to Hirata and learned that Totsuka had already returned, claiming he'd gone swimming and then left.
Meanwhile, Ike returned, saying they'd found an unoccupied outpost by a river.
It was a decent spot, so Class C decided to set up camp there.
'With this, water and food won't be an issue for now.'
Saiki thought, then turned his attention to the others,
'The only problem left is who'll be the leader.'
Class C still hadn't decided on a leader.
"We need to choose a leader soon."
Kushida gathered everyone in a circle,
"I��ve been thinking, but Hirata or Karuizawa are too noticeable. But the leader needs to be responsible, right? I think Horikita fits both criteria. What do you think?"
Kushida smiled meaningfully, glancing at Horikita, who looked puzzled, not expecting to be nominated.
"I've secretly teamed up with Ryūen. I'll push for Horikita as leader. If Class C fails, she'll take the blame!"
'Oh, I see now.'
Saiki heard Kushida's thoughts but figured he could slack off since the exam was a group activity—as long as nothing went wrong...
"I think there's a better candidate."
Ayanokōji suddenly spoke up.
"Who?"
Everyone turned to him.
"Saiki. He's not noticeable and has a sense of responsibility—he got the exam questions from the upperclassmen and tutored some classmates."
This unexpected turn caught Saiki off guard, and he immediately looked at Ayanokōji.
"Maybe this will make Saiki show his true abilities a bit."
'You jerk!'
Saiki felt like turning Ayanokōji into a yo-yo,
'If I'm the leader, I'll have to handle all the outpost stuff myself! And if we fail, I'll be the scapegoat!'
"Saiki?"
Everyone looked puzzled.
'Come on, someone object!'
Saiki thought, hoping for a way out.
"I... support Saiki... He's very responsible..."
Sakura, usually unnoticed, spoke up, nodding firmly at Saiki.
'Why are you acting like this now, Sakura? But her word alone won't convince everyone...'
"I agree."
Horikita nodded, approving.
She remembered Saiki had some skills and was the least noticeable. For the exam's sake, he was the best choice.
"If it's Saiki, we're fine with it!"
Ike and others turned to Saiki, thumbs up, grinning widely.
'Don't look at me like that!'
Saiki desperately hoped someone would object, but he heard their thoughts.
"Saiki? Oh, right, he's in our class!"
"I almost forgot we had a Saiki. Other classes won't guess it's him!"
"I thought his name was Saito..."
Saiki's heart sank, but no one objected. He turned to Kushida, hoping she'd change their minds.
If Kushida opposed him, many boys would follow, giving him an out...
"Damn, this is unexpected... Saiki, huh? If most agree, objecting isn't wise."
Kushida smiled,
"Okay! I think Saiki's a good choice!"
'You don't really think so!'
"Alright then, it's up to you, Saiki."
Hirata patted Saiki's shoulder, looking confident.
'I can't refuse now...'
Saiki felt despair.
...
Saiki's appointment as Class C's leader was reported, and the others began setting up camp.
The school provided two tents, but each only slept eight, so the boys had to camp out. They also needed to gather firewood.
Though the leader, Saiki didn't want to stand out, leaving Hirata in charge.
"Saiki, can you gather some branches for the fire?"
Hirata asked while setting up tents.
"Yeah."
Saiki nodded. Staying idle might draw criticism, so he left the camp for the forest.
Once alone, he used his powers, and branches flew to him instantly.
What would take others hours was effortless for him.
'Done quickly. I've got half an hour free. What should I do...'
As he thought, he noticed an insect crawling in the grass.
'...'
In an instant, Saiki teleported thousands of miles away.
...
"What?! How's that possible?!"
On the island's shore, a staff member monitoring students shouted in confusion.
"What happened?"
Others gathered around.
"A student's location just jumped to the Hassala Desert!"
"Don't joke. Impossible!"
"I'm serious! But now he's back... Weird. Must've been a glitch."
"Must be. Can't believe the school's expensive tracking system failed..."
...
"Close call..."
In the Hassala Desert, Saiki checked his smartwatch,
"It was too sudden to alter the tracker... Hopefully, no one panicked..."
He sighed, then levitated sand to block the sun.
"I'll wait here before heading back."