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COTE: I can survive like Ike Kanji?

Paxkun
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Synopsis
I reincarnated as Ike Kanji... Is this a fucking joke!? Ayanokouji, is it a woman?! What the hell is wrong with this stupid world?! Damn, I didn't do it on purpose... BAMM... Stupid luck
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Chapter 1 - Chapter 1

1.1

Narrator: MC

I woke up with a pounding headache that prompted a groan of pain from me. It felt as if a nail was being hammered into my head. Immediately, I thought of hangovers caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

 

I tried to open my eyes and get up, but I regretted it due to the sudden dizziness that hit me. I felt an overwhelming urge to vomit, but before my body could expel it, I forced it back down with sheer will, grimacing in disgust. I could feel my throat dry and scratchy from the attempt to throw up.

 

As my senses returned to normal, life dealt me another cruel blow of fate. It reeked of sweat, an unpleasant smell, like those people who hadn't bathed for days.

 

Yuck, it smelled like an Otaku, as the saying goes.

 

Wait a minute, why does it smell like sweat? Also, I feel as uncomfortable as if someone were pressing down on my arm. The sensation on my back wasn't what I was used to, definitely nothing like my bed.

 

Startled, I opened my eyes wide while forcibly pulling my arm out of whatever was on top of it. Yuck, now my arm feels numb.

 

Looking around, I could see that it was somewhat dark, as if I were waking up in the middle of the night or early morning. Fortunately, there was a lamp illuminating the area. But what scared and froze me wasn't that it was night. The problem was that several people were lying parallel to each other.

 

["What the hell?"] I blurted out suddenly, wondering if I was still dreaming, before realizing something.

 

First, my voice sounded very different. Second, the headache and the smell of sweat were still present. Third, shouldn't I wake up the moment I get a headache? Also, all of this was too realistic to be a dream.

 

My thoughts raced, analyzing the situation carefully based on logic.

 

Was I kidnapped, and were these people who smelled bad kidnapped with me? That seemed most logical. Also, we were all wearing the same clothes, conveniently resembling gym clothes. I don't want to think about how they changed us.

 

Dear kidnapper, I don't know what you want from me, but I assure you that my organs barely function well, so unless you want to sell them at a very low price, you'd better release me. By the way, I want my phone call.

 

I looked at the faces of the people I was with, in what seemed like a camping tent. When I specifically looked at the person near me, I froze in shock and disbelief.

 

That face was very familiar and recognizable. If it was him, there was no doubt. Yamauchi Haruki was on my right, with a dumb look on his face while drooling, covering the thin fabric we were lying on.

 

I made a disgusted face when I realized that my right arm was underneath this guy as if it were some kind of pillow. Unwilling to believe that Yamauchi was next to me and that it was just the result of an illusion, I quickly looked at the faces of other people.

 

Result. I recognized most faces. They were Class D students. More specifically, from the light novel called "Classroom of the Elite."

 

Damn...

 

Before I could panic, I looked around to find the Masterpiece of the White Room. But I couldn't find him anywhere. Strange, maybe he woke up early? Now that I think about it, where is Ike? I don't see him anywhere.

 

I froze.

 

No, no, no, no, no, no...

 

Please tell me that what I'm thinking right now isn't real. Careful not to wake anyone, I got up and quickly left the tent.

Thankfully, the first rays of dawn were beginning to emerge. Remembering a detail to know the exact time, I looked at the watch on my right wrist. I frowned at the time it showed.

 

4:58 A.M.

 

It was quite early, a time when I should be fast asleep. I ran a hand through my hair in exasperation, noticing that I had a fringe near my forehead. I could easily see it. The hair was brown.

 

I didn't want to believe it until I looked at my face with my own eyes.

 

I looked in the direction of the suitcases, trying to remember which one belonged to this body, but not knowing which body I was in, or knowing but refusing to believe it. As quietly as possible, I opened a suitcase at random and took out the flashlight. Then I turned it on, set it to a soft mode, and tiptoed to the river.

 

When I illuminated the river with the flashlight, I could see the reflection of the body I was currently inhabiting.

 

My teeth clenched with frustration and resignation.

 

Damn... It was Ike Kanji.

 

This complicates a lot of things.

 

ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬

1.2

After stowing the flashlight in the corresponding suitcase, I sat on the ground, my back against a tree, and my arms behind my head as I looked thoughtfully at the sky. I was near the camp, but a bit away so no one would bother me during these moments of confusion and resignation.

 

My thoughts were interrupted by some faint noises that I could barely detect. I looked in the direction of the sound and was stunned. It was a woman with long brown hair and beautiful, captivating amber eyes. The breasts on her chest were the perfect size, not to mention those toned legs barely perceptible under that clothing. Her hips were also quite curvaceous and very feminine. She was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen in my life.

 

With my mouth half-open, I watched her walk away into the forest.

 

[Imagen]

 

Strange, I wonder who she was. I'm sure I would remember someone like her from the "Classroom of the Elite" novel.

 

I quickly shook my head several times before people started thinking that at this early morning hour, "Ike Kanji" was starting with his perverted acts. I rolled my eyes at that thought while chuckling.

 

I didn't know which exam day it was; I recall that the third and fourth days weren't much mentioned in the novel, except for Ayanokōji's conversation with Sakura and his investigation of the tower near Class A's camp.

 

What I had to do at the moment was to act as Ike Kanji and wait until I knew which day of the island exam it was. If I'm lucky, someone will mention it in a conversation; if not, I'll have to ask Yamauchi. I don't think he'll think much beyond probably being an idiot for "losing track of the days" on this deserted island.

 

I've noticed that my mind is quite quick and sharp, although I had no idea why. Considering the body I have, one would think it would make me more stupid instead of smarter. Although I suppose it makes some sense because Ike wasn't a total idiot; he just acted like one, but sometimes he had moments when he shone.

 

I guess I have to be grateful to whoever brought me to this place and put me in this body that at least made me smarter than people, although I don't know to what extent, so I would have to experience the new mental perception I have.

 

The only thing missing would be to train this body and increase my physical endurance before the sports festival. Anyway, for now, I just have to act normal and wait until I gather more information.

 

There's just one small problem...

 

Well, it's quite a big one.

 

How the hell do I act like Ike Kanji? I'm sure he and I are very different in how we communicate and express ourselves. Even in how we act and think. Not to mention that I come from a Latin American country.

 

The way Spanish is spoken in America is very different from the Spanish they teach in Japan. Even if I have information on how to understand, speak, and write Japanese in my brain, I must be very careful not to say words that you can only know if you're familiar with Latin American expressions.

 

I scratched my head in frustration. This was going to be a big headache, I can already tell. Not to mention the bad luck I've always had in my life for some reason. Being on this deserted island with what were supposed to be fictional characters proves my point.

 

People can't change overnight; there has to be a process involved for one to completely change the habits deeply ingrained in them. So, acting as I usually do would be a big red flag for people who know me.

 

For now, I had to act quietly and discreetly; I just hope my luck doesn't play a significant role in how long I last in this body. Because with my luck, it won't take even two days before someone realizes that I've hijacked Ike's body or at least that I'm acting very differently from how Ike would act.

 

It still took some time for the students from Class D to start getting up to do their daily activities for the island exam. I just hope the activities assigned to Ike aren't too many. One thing I'm proud of is how lazy I am. It has made me creative in ways you wouldn't expect when trying to do daily tasks quickly and efficiently.

 

My eyes widened when I suddenly came up with a way to earn points. I remembered the conversation Kiyotaka had with some Class A students when he went to investigate the cabin and tower in Class A's area.

 

I looked toward Class D's camp and then checked the time on my watch.

 

5:25 A.M.

 

I guess it wouldn't hurt to explore the island a bit. I just hope I don't get lost with my dumb luck.

 

ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬

1.3

As I walked through the forest with the first traces of light, completely alone, I could only pray to God that I wouldn't encounter a damn tarantula or any bug as large as a tarantula. I wondered if there were rabbits on this island, as in some fanfics I've read. Probably an exaggeration of the fandom.

 

Since I didn't know where the Class A area was, I had to follow the river to lead me to the cliff, which would probably take me to the cave—the hub of Class A's activity. I walked at a moderate pace along the river trail, obviously following the direction of the river's water flow. I would be a fool if I went in the opposite direction.

 

Rivers usually have water currents that can end in a body of water, like a lake or the ocean. This island shouldn't have a lake, so the riverbank probably led me to the cliff, specifically to the waterfall leading to the ocean.

 

It took me some time to get there, but I reached the cliff. The view was quite beautiful, and the waves were soothing to my ears. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to appreciate this beautiful sight and relax to forget, even for a moment, this stressful situation.

 

My eyes scanned every corner of the cliff, searching for the cabin. It took me a few minutes, but I managed to find it. It was in a place that a normal student wouldn't notice at first glance, unless you knew what you were looking for or had a stroke of luck. I mean, some people are lucky; I wish I could have some of it.

 

My eyes turned to the great drop that could hurt me if I wasn't careful. I shuddered and unconsciously took a step back. I wasn't afraid of heights; I was afraid of falling and getting injured.

 

I looked for the ladder that I remembered the mastermind using to descend to the beach below the cliff. When I found the ladder, I touched and gripped it tightly before pulling it to see how safe it was to use. It wouldn't be good if it collapsed halfway down.

 

It didn't move an inch. It was strongly attached and robust, impossible to move for a person through conventional methods. You probably needed special tools to damage a structure like this.

 

With my safety confirmed, I descended with utmost caution.

 

When I was about to finish descending, my senses sharpened.

 

I immediately jumped from the last stretch and landed squatting. My body moved quickly to hide near a bush where you could perfectly blend with the environment if you were in the right position.

 

When I was about to think that there probably was no one and I was just hallucinating due to paranoia, I heard footsteps approaching where I was. I held my breath to make no sound, even if it was a soft one.

 

My entire body tensed, preparing for the worst. I heard the person who approached stop momentarily for a few seconds before I heard them climbing the stairs.

 

Once I stopped hearing the sounds of the person climbing the stairs, I let out a soft sigh of relief, but just in case, I stayed in the same uncomfortable position for three minutes to be sure.

 

I came out of hiding and checked the area around me. It seemed I saved myself from a possible encounter. I wondered who the person climbing the stairs could be. Now I was curious.

 

The first person that came to mind was Kiyotaka Ayanokōji, but I'm sure he would immediately notice me. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. Probably the latter.

 

The last thing I wanted at the moment was for him to think I was a potential traitor to the class. I'm sure he would see me as a threat if he thought I could interfere with his plans. Although I don't think he would consider me a threat to his plans, even if he found out at this moment. It's not like I'm going to be a threat anyway; I don't want to have the mastermind as an enemy.

 

Putting aside the unnecessary thoughts I was having, I continued with my objective.

 

It didn't take me long to reach the cabin. At the entrance of the cabin, there was a device that was clear evidence that it was claimed. I looked through the window and saw some fishing rods. Unfortunately, I couldn't take them with me. I was sure I remembered seeing fishing rods in our camp. Besides, taking these rods would bring more trouble than necessary, so I discarded them immediately.

 

I also checked to see if there was any right of possession... it seemed like it; you could read the characters of Class A. The remaining time was about 4 hours.

 

I searched the ground to see if I could find a path that would take me to the tower. Fortunately, I was able to find a path that was a bit away from the cabin, so I immediately headed towards the path and walked in the direction that was most likely to lead me to the tower.

 

After a few minutes of walking, I reached an elevated area, a hill. I also saw a device to claim a site. I guess that was the device that wasn't claimed, as this was an area where people could easily deduce who the leader of the class was. I approached just to confirm.

 

And yes... apparently, this site was unclaimed. This was probably the place where they confronted Kiyotaka, but looking around, I couldn't see anyone.

 

I sighed in disappointment. It wasn't much of a surprise; I could keep looking or make noise for them to find me, but it wasn't a good idea. I just wanted to confirm whether Class C had withdrawn at this moment or was still having fun.

 

I walked for a while until I reached what was probably the seashore. Looking around, I saw that it was empty, and there wasn't a soul inhabiting this place. I scratched my head, wondering if this was the place Class C had acquired. Looking around, I saw an unclaimed site device.

 

Despite how desolate it was, I could see traces of human activity. So, I guess this was the right place. Was it day three or day four when they withdrew? For the life of me, I couldn't remember. I just remembered that on the fourth day, it was abandoned.

 

In the distance, I could see students playing on the beach. Are people so early? Was it 6 in the morning? I checked my watch.

 

6:15 A.M.

 

I was surprised that I spent a good amount of time investigating the exam island even though I wasn't going to participate, because Kiyotaka was going to excel anyway.

 

Damn, I'm jealous of that student using motorboat-chan.

 

I guess that's why some people get up early, to be able to use Lancha-chan. How sad; I was hoping they had abandoned it like in a fanfiction I read, although I don't remember exactly which one.

 

Disappointed in not achieving anything with this search, I headed towards the tower. Fortunately, I remembered the path I had taken, so it didn't take me long to get there. When I was about to head towards the cabin, a voice stopped me.

 

"See, I told you I saw someone; it seems like they're buzzing like flies today," said a male voice I didn't recognize.

I turned to see two people approaching quickly in my direction. Both were male.

 

"What are you doing here? This place is being used by Class A," one of them asked me, while the other immediately went to check the status of the device. Seeing that he didn't find anything, he approached me and started checking almost my entire body to see if I had anything hidden. Not finding anything, he stepped back.

 

"Wait... that face looks familiar," the one who had just checked me commented.

 

"Now that you mention it, you're right... Wait, is this guy one of the three idiots from Class D? The pervert on the list of guys the girls want dead... What was his name?"

 

"That's true," his companion began laughing, mocking me while looking at me as if they had hit the jackpot. "Hey, you... Your name is Ike Kanji from Class D, right?"

 

["First of all, that is..."] I told them before freezing when I realized that the language I spoke was my native language and not the language of Japan. The two Class A students looked at me, bewildered and confused about what I said.

 

Quickly, I cleared my throat, trying to correct my mistake. "First of all, that's rude. Second, you know my name, but I don't know yours. Isn't it considered bad manners to start a conversation without introducing yourself first?" I gave them a mocking smile.

 

My voice is the same as the actor who plays Ike Kanji in the anime. But I could notice something different in how I spoke. I had an accent. A European accent that reminded me of a character from a Netflix series, but no matter how hard I tried to remember, I couldn't recall the name.

 

I didn't know how accents worked, but that wasn't a concern. What was concerning was that people were going to look at me strangely because of the accent that had suddenly appeared in Ike. As if not knowing how to act like Ike wasn't enough, now the way Ike speaks is different, too. If my bad luck has anything to do with this, of course.

 

The Class A students OBVIOUSLY gave me dirty looks, but they didn't say anything about it.

 

"Tch... that's none of your concern; we checked you because you looked suspicious. It's not considered an act of violence, understand?"

 

"Sure, buddy, whatever you say." I shrugged, not bothered at all.

 

"What are you doing here? Are you acting alone?"

 

"I just wanted to see the beach, nothing more, and I stumbled upon this place on my way back. And if I am acting alone, why are you asking these questions anyway? It's not like it's forbidden to take a look at nature, right?" I told them a half-truth along with a perfect excuse they couldn't refute.

 

"I see, so you're acting on your own. Then you won't mind if I ask you one more question, right?" The rude student who didn't tell me his name commented.

 

I just nodded in confirmation as I looked at them with curious and predatory eyes, waiting for him to speak again.

"We're ready to offer a generous reward if you tell us who the leader with the card is. A total sum of approximately 100,000... 200,000."

 

"Are you asking me to sell out my class for money?" I asked, feigning interest.

 

"You're free to interpret our word as you wish. I'll propose the same to others as well. I'm offering you a deal that is first-come, first-served, so you'd better hurry up and decide."

 

I mentally scoffed at them. I wonder how many people they told the same words they're telling me here. I guess these people are acting on their own or on behalf of Sakayanagi. Because Katsuragi wasn't the type of person who employs these tactics.

 

I touched my chin, pretending to think about the offer. "Hmm. I'm taking a lot of risk if I reveal the leader of our class. So, that monetary compensation is too low for a high risk. If you give me 400,000 points, I'll tell you who our leader is."

They looked at each other for a moment before the one who spoke nodded.

 

"Well, I suppose we can give you that, but you have to give us the real name of your class leader, or you won't get anything. Understand?"

 

"Hmm. How about, so that none of the parties involved deceive each other, we make a signed contract?"

 

"I'm fine with that." He gestured to his companion, who took out a pencil and paper from his pocket.

 

In a quick motion, I snatched both things before saying, "If it's not too much trouble, I'll take care of making the contract. By the way, what day of the exam are we on? I lost count."

 

One of them scoffed before answering, "Idiot, we're on day four. But not surprising since you're from Class D."

 

I ignored the casual insult he threw at me while finishing drafting the contract. "Looks like the rude ones from Class A are going to have to give me their names if they want to make this contract." I gave them a mocking and disdainful smile.

 

After they gave me their names, which were Kenta Yoshida and Shinji Matoba, I was able to finish the written contract before handing it to them to read.

 

"Ike Kanji from Class D will give you the name of the current leader of Class D, on day four of the island exam. Students Kenta Yoshida and Shinji Matoba from Class A agree to pay 400,000 points at the end of the island exam. This contract will be strictly confidential between the people who agreed to it. Anyone who violates the conditions of this contract will face expulsion from school."

 

In the contract was my signature, which I remember perfectly for some reason. Convenient if you ask me. After reading the contract several times, both students signed it.

 

"By the way. I'll keep the paper as insurance, but if you want, we can make one with the same words so that you have it."

 

"It's not..." before the person who checked me for something suspicious could speak (Yoshida), his companion interrupted him (Matoba).

 

"Yoshida, get some paper. We'll have one in case he tries to trick us."

 

Yoshida reluctantly gave me the contract, then took out another sheet of paper from his pocket and handed it to me along with the pen. It took me a few minutes to copy the exact words onto the other paper. Then I signed it and handed it over with the pen.

 

Once both of them signed it, Matoba put his contract in his pocket before saying, "Well, now tell us the name of your class leader; you can't lie."

 

"Horikita Suzune," I told them.

 

"Fine. You can go now." Matoba made a disdainful gesture after noting the leader's name.

 

"It was a pleasure doing business with you, and remember, guys, you can't tell anyone; that's one of our terms," I said mockingly as I turned my back and walked away while waving my right arm in a disdainful salute.

 

What idiots, they fell perfectly into my trap. Once I made sure I was far enough away from the Class A students and checked that no one was around me, I stored the contract in my shoe just in case. I'll put it in the suitcase later when I find out which one belongs to Ike.

 

Once the contract was safely stored, I began to head towards the Class D camp.

 

ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬

1.4

It took me some time to get back to the Class D camp. I wasn't sure if they had noticed my absence, but just in case, as an alibi, I thought of bringing more berries along with some fruits to eat. I stumbled upon them by sheer luck when I got lost on the way back, and I don't know what to think about the fact that it occurred to me on the spot. My mind is more advanced, observant, and analytical. So, I wasn't going to complain.

 

I had to take off my shirt because I couldn't carry all the food in my arms. So, I used my shirt as an improvised bag to carry it.

 

When I approached close enough, the students noticed me. The first thing they focused on was what I had in my arms. After seeing that I was carrying something in my shirt, they started to ignore me. It's as if people had doubts about where I had been so early, but seeing what I brought with me, they quickly lost interest.

 

I wondered when people would start to wonder if I betrayed the class. Although it wasn't technically true, from the perspective of a normal student, they would think I was betraying them since they don't know the advantage I have in my mind.

 

Hirata, seeing me carrying something that probably a student would have difficulty with unless you do certain exercises, approached to help me.

 

"Thanks for the help, Hirata," I said, and despite trying to contain my accent while trying to communicate and pretend to speak like Ike normally would, I failed spectacularly.

 

"Oh, no problem, Ike-kun. I should thank you for bringing us food so we can eat. You went quite early to get them today, and it was another group's turn to collect food today. Did something happen?" Hirata looked at me, concerned about the behavior that seemed abnormal for Ike.

 

I shook my head, dismissing his concern. "It's nothing serious. I just woke up early because it's uncomfortable to sleep in the tents due to the limited space. I think my lower back hurts a bit. Also, my throat hurts a bit, that's why this strange accent is coming out. I think I might be coming down with a fever," I said while glancing at Horikita, who was standing with her arms crossed, waiting for the device's time to end so she could reclaim it.

 

"A cold? Are you sure you'll be okay? Do you need to take a break? I'm sure none of our classmates would want you to get sick," Hirata commented, asking me some questions I was expecting.

 

I'm sure the students don't want me to get sick, not because they care about me, but because if I withdraw, they will lose 30 points. If I retire, surely, as Ike, they would blame me entirely. Oh, but if it were Hirata. That would be another story.

 

Not that I can blame the students for choosing Hirata over Ike. But I couldn't help but feel bitter and jealous about it.

"No, I'm fine, don't worry. We'd better store these before the girls get impatient," I commented.

 

There was no need to mention that if the girls got impatient and thought I was trying to do something to their Ikemen, then I would only receive more insults and probably be degraded from boys who must die to boys who must suffer in hell.

 

I shuddered at the thought.

 

"Okay. But if you feel unwell, don't hesitate to let me know," Hirata commented.

 

I just nodded in silence, not wanting to say another word. We quickly stored the food in a box we had. Once done, I grabbed my shirt and put it back on. I wiped the sweat from my forehead before stretching like a cat.

 

A satisfied groan came out of my mouth when I heard the satisfying crunch of bones popping. Without saying anything more, I moved away from Hirata as the girls were giving me a bad look.

 

Some time passed, and the students of Class D gathered around the device to protect the current leader's identity, Class D, which is Horikita. Once the device was claimed, it showed the countdown with the name of Class D.

 

Then, when there were 5 minutes left for our classroom teacher to take attendance for the day. I was waiting, sitting on a log with Yamauchi, who was talking about how boring the day was getting and how he wanted to see Sakura in a swimsuit.

 

I barely paid attention while looking for someone in particular who was not yet in our camp.

 

Where the hell was Ayanokōji Kiyotaka?

 

"I also want to see Ayanokōji-chan's beautiful legs and breasts in a swimsuit," Yamauchi sighed as he had a clouded look, probably fantasizing about the mentioned girl.

 

The alarms in my mind began to sound in my head when Yamauchi said something very incorrect and nonsensical. Did he just say Ayanokōji's breasts? Damn.

 

I gave Yamauchi a horrified look. "You mean Kushida, right? I'm sure Ayanokōji Kiyotaka doesn't have breasts," I said, praying to any god that I just misheard the name.

 

"Ayanokōji Kiyotaka? Do you mean? Ayanokōji Kiyone? And what do you mean he doesn't have a bust? Just look at her." Yamauchi blatantly pointed to the brown-haired woman I had seen earlier in the morning. "Are you sure you didn't hit your head and become more stupid? Are you okay, Kanji?" Yamauchi looked at me worriedly, noticing how pale I had become.

 

[Imagen]

 

No, no... No. No. No...

 

Shit.

 

"WHAT?"

 

I am in complete shock. If Yamauchi hadn't told me that this girl is Kiyotaka... sorry... Kiyone. Ugh, this is weird. I would have never noticed; they don't look alike at all. Well, there are some things like the hair and the eyes, but beyond that.

 

You know what's the worst part of all this? That Kiyotaka was probably the only friend I could have had who wouldn't have judged me, apathy is much better than disdainful looks or mockery, and much better than having friends like Yamauchi and Sudō.

 

"WHAAAAAAAAAT?" I finally snapped out of my state of shock, and to make things worse, my mouth let out a cry of disbelief and astonishment. Yamauchi stepped back, startled by the sudden scream.

 

Now all the students were looking at me with different looks. I quickly blushed in embarrassment. Stupid body betraying me like this. Come on, think of something believable that won't make you look like a complete idiot.

 

Improvising, I covered my nose while giving Yamauchi a feigned disgusted look. "Dude, at least if you're going to let out a stinky fart, do it where no one can smell it."

 

Everyone looked at Yamauchi with varying degrees of disgust. Some guys even chuckled at the events. Yamauchi turned red with embarrassment before giving me a furious look.

 

"Bastard, you know that's a lie. Come here." Yamauchi approached me and put me in a headlock, catching me somewhat off guard, but I remained calm.

 

"Sorry, Haruki. I promise to treat you to a meal to make up for this when the exam is over." Taking advantage of his lack of points, I made him a generous offer in a low voice.

 

Yamauchi squinted his eyes in my direction. "Make it two meals, and I'll forgive you for this, Kanji," he whispered.

 

"Fine. Two it is."

 

Before Hirata or Kushida could intervene to calm the situation, things settled down when Yamauchi let me go, nodding in satisfaction and proud of his negotiation skills. Then he walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

 

Wait, if the masterpiece is a woman in this universe? What does that mean?

 

I quickly looked and counted the female students.

 

1, 2, 3, 4... 18, 19, and 20.

 

Yes, there are 20 in total because Ibuki doesn't count as she is not from our class.

 

I counted again just in case, but I got the same result. Just to verify, I counted the men too. And I also got 20. This makes no sense. Why does everyone I know in the novel, except Ayanokōji, have the same gender?

 

This means there are divergences with the people Kiyone hangs out with. I had no clues to know which people she hung out with. I'd better start calling her Kiyone in my head because it would be confusing if I called her by her last name.

 

So, I wouldn't know which people she hangs out with; I didn't even know if Ike had spoken to her as he had done with him in the canon story, or if he had just made lewd comments. I couldn't risk getting close and talking to her as if we were friends. Not to mention that if Kiyone has some of the Class D girls as her "friends," then say goodbye to getting close to her.

 

Damn it. I guess I have to play in solo mode... Again.

 

But this time in Extreme mode. Since Ike surely ruined his reputation.

 

Fuck. I suppose it's my fate to play solo.

 

I sighed resignedly to my destiny. REALLY.

 

I HATE MY LUCK!