After enduring the relentless downpour all night, many in the Katsuragi faction had finally caved in, choosing to surrender.
Kure Ragna wasn't surprised. From his perspective, Katsuragi had serious leadership flaws.
Guilt or a misplaced sense of redemption clouded his judgment.
Even after being driven from their shelter and forced to sleep in the open, he had prioritized the Sakayanagi faction—who still had a cave—by giving them all the free supplies distributed by the school.
That was an unforgivable mistake for a leader.
Leaders can make mistakes—they're human, after all. But showing weakness to an equal competitor? That's unacceptable.
If a leader needs to take responsibility, it should always be on their shoulders alone, not dragging their subordinates down with them.
"You can make it hard for me, but don't make it hard for my people."
That's the kind of leadership that earns loyalty. But Katsuragi's approach? It was only a matter of time before his faction crumbled.
So, when Kure Ragna went for a second round of "persuading surrender," the remaining numbers in Katsuragi's group dwindled even further.
After escorting the newly converted Class A students to the Sakayanagi faction's cave, Kure Ragna returned to his own camp.
He found Horikita Suzune waiting and casually handed her the bracelet and key card.
"I'll check in with you again tonight," he said simply, ready to leave.
But before he could take a step, a firm grip latched onto his wrist.
"Huh? Something else?"
Horikita's sharp gaze met his, unwavering.
"You're familiar with this island, aren't you?"
She paused before continuing. "I need you to guide me to the strongholds of the other classes."
Kure Ragna exhaled, scratching his head.
"Strongholds, huh?"
After a brief moment of thought, he pointed in two directions. "About two and a half kilometers that way, there's a cave—Class A's current base."
"Go further that way, about four kilometers, and you'll find a clearing with a well. That's Class C's stronghold. There, I've told you everything you need. Now go find them yourself."
Horikita didn't budge. "What about Class D?"
Kure Ragna clicked his tongue. "No idea."
He shrugged. "I've been busy dealing with the Sakayanagi faction. My routes have been limited, so I haven't explored the western side of the island."
Then, with a dismissive wave, he added,
"Anyway, you're nearly an adult. Solve your own problems."
With that, he turned, ready to leave.
And then—
"What are you two doing?"
A sharp, accusatory voice cut through the air.
Kure Ragna turned to see Karuizawa Kei approaching, her expression a mix of suspicion and irritation.
Beside her, Kushida Kikyo smiled sweetly, but her eyes gleamed with curiosity.
"Horikita-san, why are you holding Ragna's hand?" Karuizawa crossed her arms.
"He's my boyfriend, you know."
"Yeah, what's going on here?" Kushida added, tilting her head.
Kure Ragna blinked. He quickly pulled his wrist from Horikita's grip and patted both girls on the shoulder.
"Perfect timing! Horikita wants a guide to find Class D's base. Since you're here, I'll leave this mission to you two. You'll have more fun talking among yourselves, so I'll be heading out—"
Before he could escape, two hands clamped down on his arms—one from each girl.
"Ragna-kun~" Kushida's voice was sickly sweet.
"You're not trying to run away, are you?"
"Yeah, what's so urgent?" Karuizawa narrowed her eyes.
Damn. Cornered.
Kure Ragna sighed. "Fine, I'll come along."
And just like that, he was dragged into the search party, flanked by three girls.
Behind them, a pair of red twin-tails peeked out from behind a tree. Sakura Airi watched as the group disappeared into the forest. She hesitated, then sighed.
"I should've spoken up sooner..."
Meanwhile, in the forest—
"By the way, where were you last night?"
Kushida suddenly asked, leaning in. "I didn't see you at camp this morning."
Kure Ragna tensed. "Huh?"
Before he could respond, Karuizawa shot him a suspicious glance. "Wait… You didn't come back all night?"
Her eyes narrowed. "You weren't fooling around with some girl from another class, were you?"
Kure Ragna nearly choked. "The hell?!"
"I mean, it is suspicious," Karuizawa continued, folding her arms.
"An entire night missing? On an island? Sounds like a setup for—"
"Oh, for the love of—" Kure Ragna groaned.
"First of all, there's not even a decent bed on this damn island. Second, sneaking off into the woods for that? What do you think this is, some cheap romance flick?"
Karuizawa's face flushed as she quickly shook the thought away.
Kushida, on the other hand, smiled knowingly.
The conversation continued as they walked, the back-and-forth banter keeping the journey lively.
After some time, Horikita, who had been leading the way, suddenly stopped.
In the distance, the sound of cheers and a motorboat engine echoed through the trees.
The group peered through a gap in the foliage.
There, in the clearing ahead—
A beach.
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