Even halving those items, Hashimoto couldn't finish them in three days. It was truly something for Ayanokoji to make such a demand.
This wasn't compensation; this was clearly extortion!
However, since he had already made grand statements, being wishy-washy now would be a bit embarrassing, so Katsuragi could only agree.
Thus, both parties signed an exam point transfer agreement with Mashima-sensei. Originally, exam points could not be transferred, but this was a special circumstance causing losses, so Mashima-sensei additionally approved the agreement to take effect.
However, ten exam points were not Ayanokoji's real goal.
"Since the matter of compensation has been resolved, what about the matter of Hashimoto-kun being bullied? If Class A doesn't resolve the bullying issue, we can't let Hashimoto-kun come back. Even if it means feeding one more person, it's nothing. At the very least, we'll make sure he's well-fed."
Ayanokoji's words made Katsuragi's face turn several shades darker.
But he couldn't talk back. The order to forbid eating was issued by him, so he couldn't blame others for finding a way to get food.
Only a fool would starve.
"About this... Chabashira, what are your thoughts?"
Mashima-sensei, having taught for so many years, was indeed encountering such a situation for the first time, so he was unsure about Katsuragi's punishment.
Especially since it was exam season, if the punishment was too light and ineffective, similar situations might occur in the future, and it would indeed be a bit embarrassing if word got out.
But if the punishment was too severe and affected the exam, that would be somewhat inappropriate.
"In my opinion, given that this is a special exam period, it might be better to treat it leniently. Confining Katsuragi-kun for one day as a warning would be appropriate."
Chabashira-sensei's suggestion made Mashima-sensei nod.
He was clearly quite interested in this suggestion.
Since a class could have two people check in, even if one person was confined, it wouldn't affect the class's normal operation. Moreover, it would allow him to experience the torment of Hashimoto-kun not having food.
Such a punishment seemed reasonable to Mashima-sensei.
"Katsuragi, are you willing to accept a one-day confinement punishment? This matter can be big or small; to some extent, it can be considered a form of bullying and corporal punishment. You see..."
Although Mashima-sensei didn't explicitly say it, his words implied that he was advising Katsuragi to accept it. Even if Katsuragi was somewhat unwilling, he still had to take responsibility for his own actions.
"I am willing to accept a one-day confinement punishment. It's just one day without food; I don't believe it can really starve someone to death."
Katsuragi glanced at Hashimoto and then turned to leave.
On one hand, if the confinement started now, he could be released tomorrow morning. On the other hand, there were some things he needed to explain to Totsuka, especially since it was almost check-in time, and Totsuka absolutely couldn't make any mistakes at this moment.
"Alright, since Katsuragi's matter has been handled, you can all go back... Ayanokoji-kun, what are you doing?"
Mashima-sensei stood up in shock.
Beep.
A loud sound.
The cave stronghold displayed that it had been occupied.
And the one holding the key card and checking in was Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.
"My apologies, Mashima-sensei."
"You don't need to apologize to me. As a teacher, I won't interfere with your actions… I understand now. Was your target me from the very beginning?"
Mashima-sensei immediately realized the problem.
He himself had fought his way up through such competitions, eventually becoming the teacher leading Class A, so how could he not perceive Ayanokoji's purpose?
"Exactly. You saw me check in at a base. To prevent you from leaking crucial information to Class A, Class D requests that you recuse yourself from this special exam."
Ayanokoji's cold gaze met Mashima-sensei's.
"Ayanokoji-kun, what evidence do you have that I would leak crucial information? Things that haven't happened cannot be used as evidence."
Mashima-sensei subconsciously felt that this sentence was strangely familiar.
It seemed that someone had said something similar to him during his distant student days… Is she doing well now?
"No evidence is needed. As the homeroom teacher of Class A, you are the person most likely to reveal vital information. If Class A guesses any member with a special identity in Class D, we will automatically assume that Mashima-sensei is the one who leaked it. If you don't want to get involved, isn't the best way to recuse yourself?"
Ayanokoji showed a half-smile.
Mashima-sensei's expression changed dramatically.
As the highest person in charge of this special exam, if he were implicated in cheating, he would likely be immediately relieved of his duties and investigated.
But no matter how much he was investigated, he wouldn't be able to prove his innocence. If Class A really guessed, his suspicion would be the greatest, especially with Chabashira here to testify for Ayanokoji.
Of course, the safest method would be for Class A to give up guessing Class D's specific identities. This way, Mashima-sensei wouldn't be reported for cheating.
But in that case… it would undoubtedly be denying Class A's efforts, sacrificing their potential gains to keep him out of trouble.
What a joke.
Sacrificing the students' interests to avoid implication?
So, what looked like a multiple-choice question actually had only one answer.
That was to leave gracefully.
Even though he knew that Class A would be at a complete disadvantage from this moment on, he was powerless. The only thing he could do was to secure a final opportunity for Class A.
The chance to guess Class D's leader.
"I didn't expect Class D to have such a troublesome guy besides Miyako. Katsuragi is probably going to stumble… Hmph, I see. Chabashira, have you started making your move? Never mind, it has nothing to do with me anymore. I'd like to see what kind of waves you can stir up on the day Katsuragi is in solitary confinement."
Mashima-sensei immediately understood everything that had happened.
Chabashira suggested confining Katsuragi, and then Ayanokoji deliberately checked in in front of him, forcing him to leave the camp to avoid suspicion.
The answer was obvious.
Class D was going to make a move on Class A, and Class A's defender was Totsuka Yahiko.
The outcome was predictable, but Mashima really wanted to see how Class D could be so confident in defeating Class A in one day.
August 5th, the fifth day of the island special exam. Class A homeroom teacher Mashima Tomoya left Class A's camp due to personal reasons.
There were three days left until the end of the exam.
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