Classroom of the Elite: The New Elite

Chapter 7

I thought obtaining food might prove troublesome, but the class didn't have any issues finding a variety of different fruits to eat. Thanks to Ike's knowledge of the outdoors, we were able to discern whether or not these fruits were edible. Now, I'd say the essentials have all been taken care of, but the class has decided to take extra precautions anyways. We'll be spending points on meal sets and bottled water under the assumption that we'll still have 120 points leftover in the end. Of course, this was the minimum target set and could increase if we make a few sacrifices here and there, but overall, this sounds like a solid strategy.

"Hirata, could I talk to you about something?"

Ayanokouji had grabbed Hirata's attention and proceeded to introduce an unfamiliar face. Apparently, Ibuki, who was covered in bruises, was kicked out of class C, so Ayanokouji and Yamauchi brought her here.

"I see. You made the right choice."

While Hirata seemed to welcome Ibuki, some others weren't so eager to have her around.

"But, Hirata-kun, isn't it possible that she's a spy?"

I had the same thought as some of my classmates. Assuming class C's camp is a fair distance away from ours, it seems pretty convenient that Ibuki was found relatively close to our camp. Hirata acknowledged this concern and went to talk to Ibuki.

"I'd like to talk to you, Ibuki-san."

"It's fine. I'll get out of your way. After all, you don't want someone from another class listening in on your strategy talks. I've gotta find some place to sleep for the night anyways."

Her dismissive attitude is pretty alarming. Sure, she doesn't seem like the friendliest person, but she pretty much just turned this into a guilt trip.

"Wait. We can't just let you spend the night by yourself. Why don't you stay here?"

Against Ibuki's wishes, the rest of the class opened up to her, even offering food and shelter. I'm still not convinced, though.

"Ibuki-san, how did you get these bruises?"

Maybe I can get some information if I ask for specifics.

"I got into a fight with a boy in my class, and he beat me up."

"I see."

"Morimoto-kun, you could offer a more heart-felt response, you know?"

Well, excuse me, Kushida, but it's not exactly easy to feel sympathy towards someone whose lying. The injuries are undoubtedly real, but looking at Ibuki's physique, I doubt she'd get beaten up this badly, even when going up against a guy.

"Right. That's horrible."

"That didn't sound very sincere..."

"Sorry."

Once things settled down, and we started eating, I noticed a certain someone was absent.

"Umm, where's Kouenji-kun?"

The rest of the class started looking around, but he was nowhere to be seen.

"Kouenji said he was feeling ill, so he retired. As per the rules, your class was deducted thirty points."

Chabashira-sensei's news didn't exactly go well with the rest of the class.

"That idiot!"

"Can't he think about the rest of us for once?!"

While the rest of the class were letting their anger known, I decided to take the opportunity to talk with Hirata.

"Listen, Hirata-kun. Could you meet up with me later? Oh, and bring Ayanokouji-kun and Horikita-san with you. I'll explain the details then."