Volume 3, 1: The Boundary Line between Heaven and Hell Part 8

Volume 3, Chapter 1: The Boundary Line between Heaven and Hell Part 8

When the wristwatch turned 5 o’clock Kushida and her group returned. Hirata, too, was mobilised with Kushida’s group. As this was somehow the return of the leader, the students were starting to gather close around. It seems that they were searching for food supplies and they looked like they were carrying food. Looking from a distance, it seemed to me that they were carrying some kind of small red fruits, something like strawberries, or even small tomatoes and also there were things that had the shape of grapes and kiwis.

“Can we really…. eat all these?, they do look like some kind of fruits, but still..”

Since there is no self-confidence the students looked at each other waiting for someone to do or at least say something. But who has got the courage to eat a fruit that has never been seen by them before?

“Nevertheless, my throat is thirsty…. and my stomach is empty”

“Me too, my throat feels a bit dry”

Evening may come and still the students will have the same conversation without actually doing something. I feel like after all, I am all alone in this.

But, as the time for dinner came closer the problem of adequate food and water became distinct.

“Hey! Isn’t this bog bilberry?” Did you find a Chinese bell-flower, too?” “That’s cool!”

Catching up the uproar, Ike, who was sitting close to the bonfire, came closer. Grasping one of the fruits, he spoke.

“Kanji, do you understand what is this?”

“Ah, this is the fruit of a bog bilberry. I ate this when I went for camping at Otoyama. In appearance as well in taste it looks like a blueberry. This one is Akebia Canada (chocolate vine). It is tasty and sweet. Well, it certainly brings back memories”

Oddly, he was not trying to look elsewhere. Having found these berries that brought back memories from the past, he was smiling like a kid, but everyone else just stood there, watching at Ike and no one said a word of admiration or encouragement.

Shinohara may have decided to attack Ike with her question, however, she got an upfront reply.

“Huh?… Somehow, I feel that they have a much better taste than I remember”

As the cause of the disturbance is now obscure, the class is mostly gathered around this matter. Being able to get food, even in such small amounts is still a factor that can determine our win.

“At least you could do one thing. Thank you for the bonfire, Ayanokouji”

“It wasn’t me, thank Ike, instead”

The fire kept burning steadily, but the smoke was making strange shapes. It was almost like reminding the others who were responsible for this duty. But, as soon as I said Ike’s name, he came to us.

“If we get lost in the woods, just by looking at the smoke, we can locate the place of the camp and come back, right?”

“That is the reason we came back so quickly, it is thanks to you, Kanji!”

They can’t understand that this way it is inevitable that our camp may be found easily by the other classes, too?

It is not just Kushida, the other students too nodded in agreement to Ike’s words of admiration. The unexpected attention and the look of honor I thought it would turn him into a Tengu or something, but Ike was not looking at Kushida, he was facing Shinohara.

“Hey… Shinohara. I was thinking about it all day, my behavior, I mean. On an isolated island, when there is no toilet, it must be hard for the students. In order to protect the points that we need I exaggerated. So, I apologise”

“Huh? Why are you apologising, so suddenly?”

“It’s because of my memories. I remembered the first time I went camping. That time it was hard, thinking what to do about a toilet among other things, of course with bugs crawling around and getting dirty. That is why I hated going to the toilet. So, when I came back, I complained to my parents. I reminded myself, how difficult it was, not to mention that this is way more difficult for the girls…”

Ike explained his situation while keeping his cool composure. Being able to do this, he was truly an outstanding guy. He was able to stand out as an excellent individual, and excel himself to a great deal compared to me. Of course the fact that he had to share this story it took a lot of courage. However, this courage for apologising seems to be infectious. Before long Shinohara began explaining her situation.

“Me too… I apologise for earlier. For denying to drink the water from the river, saying that it is not good enough. I overstep the boundaries think I got too emotional. I believe we all have to try and do things so we can preserve our points and win.”

Even though both of them could not see each other straight in the eyes, it seemed like they reconciled.

Whatever happens unexpectedly, well it happens. It seems that D class may actually manage to save points. This premonition, this omen might have been felt by the other students, too. That’s why Hirata would not leave this chance pass him by. He raised his hands getting everyone’s attention.

“Everyone, no matter what, we all have one goal. It is our first time that we face such a special exam, but we understand why we might have these perplexed feelings, also, each person has a different system of values so it is natural to create misunderstandings. However, without panic, without disturbances, until the end, I want to put trust in each other and move forward.”

He said this with a clear tone in his voice. He composed himself to catch up and he continued talking with comprehension.

“After all, even if we are left with only one point, it is still good, alright? That’s because everyone has their own sense of reality. But, in order to make an estimation we have to derive the appropriate numbers. This will only happen at the end of the exam. We might be left with 120 points or less. This is the feeling for which D class should be fighting for”

“So, are you planning to use 180 points? That is a naive perception of our situation ”

If we end up using more than a half… Having made already the calculation, Yukimura, shoot a sharp look, not wanting to let this go.

Hirata could sense what was happening around him, so he left the manual on the ground and he began to explain how he reached that conclusion.

“Firstly, I want you to listen to me until I conclude what I have to say. We have to cover the points for our meals, it is our number 1 expenses and I thought that our sources are scarce. Our need for nutritious food and mineral water should become a set.”

Food and drinking water for class credit we have for 1 meal, 6 points each. If we do it as a set we have 1 meal for 10 points. If we have 2 meals per day, that’s 20 points. If we start from today until the day we finish the exam, the total amount is 12 meals. 120 points in total. If we omit the final day and try to tolerate our hunger, then we might finish with 110 points. Our temporary toilet cost us 20 points, the use of the 2 tents of the boys, adds another 20 points. All that in total is 150 points. We are left with 30 points and we have, almost a week to live here, that totals 180 points. Hirata’s plan had a basis of truth and left everyone else at a loss for words.

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“When I hear that there are only 120 points left, I get the feeling that we are going to spend them, quickly, too. However, it is only transient and I want to remind you that you are too conscious of the 300 points. For this reason we have to see the result of the midterm test or the end of the term test, in order to find out more easily. For the written exams before our summer vacation, we received a change to our points, but even if it wasn’t for A class’ superiority, we could not reach these 100 points. When I see the situation, I understand that 120 points is a small amount, available. However, adding one thing to another, when we reach the end of the examination, the ability of holding exclusive possessions, may give us bonus points. So, in reality after all, there are plenty of points left”

“Well, that was me thinking about the lower limit of our points, if, we can find the food and water for just one day we can save 20 points, then we may make it through. If we are not troubled with potable water for one week, then we can win more than 50 points and that might help us change the game”

With the sound of the streaming river close by, Hirata keeps talking and then the importance of the river hit us like a blow.

“So.. this is how it goes, if we can try and show self-control, just a little, we might be able to change our standing…”

Even while talking about similar matter, his tone and protocol gave a different impression. Hirata’s progression of words was almost perfect. After letting them know the lower limits, he finally told about the possibility of saving nearly 200 points. By doing so, he reasonably succeeded in setting high goals on his classmates. If we do our best, not only we can save a lot of points, but we’ll be at ease thinking that the points will increase steadily with some effort.

“That’s okay, isn’t it Hirata? We can earn at least 120 points. If we do it, we can earn points by only adding our performance, right? Let’s try it!” Ike, who was thought to be the most confronting, agreed in a burst and raised his voice. Sudou and Yamauchi also agreed as if there’s no other option. Yukimura still seemed a little reluctant, but gave up after seeing his fellow Ike siding with Hirata.

“Aah, that’s right, Hirata, I have something to check—“ Since Yamauchi forgot to report about Ibuki, I had no other choice but to call it out myself. However, class continued the discussion with a lot of energy without a chance of cutting in.

“It’s fate of popular person I guess… Should I do it later?”

I approached Ibuki, who was watching the situation from a distance, and gently called out:

“Sorry, could you wait a bit more, I’m trying to consult about your situation.”

“Don’t force yourself particularly. I don’t want to get in the way.” As if she has feelings of self-hatred, Ibuki grasped the grass tightly and pulled it out strongly.

“After all, I’ll soon be expelled from here, right?”

“I don’t know. Hirata is exceptionally softhearted.“ I couldn’t imagine him kicking her out when he finds out about Ibuki’s circumstances.

“I didn’t introduce myself before. I’m Ayanokouji.”

“Should I do it one more time as well?”

“No, that’s fine. You’re Ibuki from C class. I remember well.”

We faced each other after I’d finished introducing again, but Ibuki didn’t make an eye contact after all.

“For reference, those thinking that it’s okay to drink river water please raise your hands.” Overlooking at Ibuki and D class, Ike tried to change the topic of discussion. This time, it wasn’t in an enforcement but to ask for opinions. Of course, he took the initiative and raised his hand. Closely half of the boys raised their hands in agreement. Shinohara seemed to be a little puzzled, but Ike gently told her to loosen it up.

“I-I want to agree… But I’m a bit scared.”

“I think what Sudou said earlier about boiling isn’t bad. If you’re scared of drinking it directly, why don’t you try drinking it boiled first?”

A few students agreed with this. With a different timing, a once refused matter was accepted smoothly. Shinohara also raised her hand, albeit angrily.

“I don’t know if we can drink it, but… Let’s try.”

“I also agree. If the first person can drink it, then it’s okay for sure.” With other students easily agreeing, Kushida raised her hand following Shinohara. Was the influence of collective psychology on work? Everybody raising their hands except for Horikita and me was an unexpected development. Since the focus came to us, we who didn’t bother raising hands before lightly raised ours as well. However, it was difficult for everyone to suddenly drink the water. Therefore, we decided to purchase the water not only to secure it, but with the proposal of effectively using pet bottles.

“I have a request for you, Ike-kun. I want you to help me with your abilities from now. It looks like you’re the only one in the class with proper camping experience… Could you help me?”

“Well, well, if you’re saying it by all means I might cooperate.”

“Thank you!“

As if Ike’s curt response was a pleasant one, Hirata jumped with joy. Neither Shinohara, who seemed to complain the most, didn’t cut in. He started seeking for opinions on food immediately.

“It’s getting dark soon so we can only order for the time being. But please, let me think for a while from tomorrow. It seems there’s various food close to us so I will check that out tomorrow.”

“What do you mean close to us? Is it a different place from where Kushida and others found fruits?”

“Uh-huh, there’s this river. It’s a good place to catch and eat fish. It seemed there’s quite of freshwater fish by checking it only at a glimpse. I think we’ll be able to suppress point expenditure to some point. It would be absolutely delicious to catch a fish and eat it grilled on bonfire.”

“Even if it tastes good, how are you planning to catch a fish?”

“Well, I’ll dive like this? I haven’t done it before.” Ike made a swimming gesture, but it’s probably not easy to catch a fish by doing skin dive.

“Even if it seems unreasonable to catch it with bare hands, capturing a fish is perfectly realistic.”

Said Hirata, pointing at an entry mentioned in the manual. There was a character of fishing rod, and it looked like several kinds are being lent separately as well.

“1 point for fishing rods using baits, 2 points for those with lures.”

That is to say, it didn’t seem surprisingly hard to recover a cost.

Depending on the situation, it could become the most spectacular victory to secure an amount of food for 1 to 2 days with only one point. Even in a situation where we wouldn’t be able to catch any, it’s hardly a serious blow due to minimal expenditure.

Without hearing any objections, Ike said happily: “It’s a deal, then. Let’s get a fishing rod and lure them in. Of course, with the cheaper one.“

With this, we decided our goals to be supplying food from forest and ensuring fishes starting from tomorrow. If we succeed in catching fishes or obtaining vegetables, we would decide via discussion on purchasing a set of cooking utensils with additional 5 points.

Then we decided on paying 20 points for installing one shower room via discussion as well. Strong objections were expected, but with a high possibility of ruining our health with cold water, granted that the boys will only use it in the middle of the night and all the girls give a positive response of wanting to drink river water, we convinced the opposition faction into approval.

“By the way… That girl, Ibuki from C class, right? I saw her before.” A female student named Satou was suspiciously watching Ibuki who was quietly sitting at a distance. She seemed to notice her before so there was no need for me to break the ice.

“Err, it looks like there were troubles in class…” Yamauchi explained a little hurriedly why she might have been isolated from classmates.

“I see, that’s a proper judgement. We can’t leave her.”

“But Hirata-kun… She could be a spy? There are rules applying to leaders…”

“Ah, is that so? … There is that kind of possibility…”

Yamauchi was confused with him having noticed it now. He wanted him to notice that in the first place, if possible.

“I’ll check that from now. Is that okay, Yamauchi-kun and Ayanokouji-kun?”

Hirata called out Ibuki and two other acquaintances and headed towards the place where Ibuki was. Did Hirata exclude Sakura due to his ikemen-like thoughtfulness? Sakura also seemed to be relieved for not being noticed.

“Is it a good time, Ibuki-san? I want to ask you some details.”

“I’m probably a nuisance. You’ve taken good care of me.” As if she made a decision on her own, she got up quickly trying to leave.

“Wait a minute. I wanted to ask in case something happens… I want to help.”

He called her to halt, emphasizing the end of the sentence. Did Hirata also sensed it wasn’t a trivial thing looking at her swollen face?

“Things won’t change if I wait. I don’t want to waste any more time here.“

“This is a trial, of course there will be students that doubt you. However, I don’t want to oust you if you’re hurt and aren’t able to go back to your class. Therefore, I was thinking of bringing Yamauchi-kun here as well. I want you to tell me your conditions properly.“

“This isn’t something that will work out by talking. Besides, I’ve heard your discussions before. It will become a problem if your strategies so far will be leaked.“

Turning away, Ibuki started walking. Hirata cut in a bit forcibly.

“If you’re really a spy, you wouldn’t be talking about being expelled. Right?“

“It’s enough already. I’m only looking for a place where I can sleep.“

As expected, she won’t return to C class. With the sun sinking, the night will come soon.

“It’s crazy for a girl to sleep outdoor alone in this woods.“

“Even if it’s crazy, it’s the only thing to do. You don’t gain anything even if you help me.“

“This isn’t about gaining or losing. We can’t just leave a person in trouble. We all think so.“

Her refreshing face had suddenly sunk. She showed it to us without regrets. When said in this manner, that’s no way to go against a person who has been taken captive. Ibuki followed Hirata’s resolution, she spoke with a few words and hesitantly like she finally knew what had happened.

“I had a dispute with a boy of the class. That’s why I was slapped and kicked out by that ass. That’s it”

“That’s horrible. Raising a hand on a woman”

I also didn’t foresee this development. I thought, without a doubt, she was hit in a fight among girls.

“I don’t plan to give a detailed account for it. I don’t even think you will give refuge to me, a runaway. See ya”

“Wait. I understand that you’re really in trouble, and now I understood the situation. Give us a little time. Then you will talk to the other students about your circumstances and how you’ve been left behind. Ayanokouji-kun, can you stay and watch Ibuki-san? From now on, we will go telling everyone of your situation”

That being said, they returned to their groups and left me there. Did he left me here because he trusted me or because I took Yamauchi’s place as the reliable person? Just wondering.

“That fellow, he’s really too soft-hearted, isn’t he?”

“To a greater and less extent, most people are like this. There aren’t people who are like that too, in your class?”

“Not at all. Those kind of people are almost non-existent in C class.”

That being said, Ibuki sat once more on the ground, hugging her knees to her chest, without looking up. And as a result of the discussion and also thanks to Hirata’s persuasion and social influence, it’s been decided that Ibuki will be looked after in D class. Some students strongly expressed opposition to it but on the occasion of the roll call, C class will give up points.

It seemed that ultimately they accepted it and thought of it as an opportunity. Hirata didn’t seem to have the same mind but the other students thought otherwise. Precisely because there could be a gain, a profit from it, it’s better to recognize the opportunity and take it.

However, the occupancy rights issue of this place is very delicate. Everything has been precisely explained to Ibuki and they made her promise not to inadvertently approach the device. It’s a natural they will do so because, if someone let slip that the leader is Horikita, she will suffer great damage.

Then we decided to order and purchase from Miss Chabashira two sets of food, water and men’s tent needed for tonight. With the cooperation of Hirata and Ike, the tent was assembled smoothly. Just before the sun sets down, everything was prepared and the students started to eat as much as they liked.

“Oh, Ibuki-san, here eat this”

Kushida walked up to Ibuki who had been at a distance where she was left alone. Then she offered her one nutritious meal and a bottle of water.

“What is this? Why me?”

“Aren’t you hungry?”

“But certainly isn’t food provided and divided per class, is it? There shouldn’t be any spare left”

“Yes, but it’s okay. We decided to share everything with the group”

From a little far away, four people of Kushida’s group waved their hands in Ibuki’s direction with smiling faces. In other words, 4 people shared 3 portions of food and water, and the extra portion went to Ibuki.

“I’m not an idiot. Everyone, you’re too soft-hearted”

“Don’t hesitate to eat. Also, let’s talk later. I’ll be waiting in the tent”

Kushida told her so and went back to her group. It seems easy to help a kid from another class until we have to reduce our own portions of food. It then becomes difficult. But Kushida, who wishes for everyone’s happiness, would absolutely do an act of charity.

“Well, seen in this light, it’s all remarkable. Even the girls are”

Yamauchi, who was eating, pointed at each group.

“The empress team led by Karuizawa. Kushida’s team with her own close friends. Shinohara’s arrogant team. And then, Horikita and Sakura who are by themselves”

All the boys were eating huddled relatively together but the girls were taking distance from each team. Obviously there seemed to be a wall or a gap there, just like they were groups of other classes. If there were any exceptions, then Kushida team would be considered neutral or more precisely it was far from having a lot of influence as a whole?

“Sakura is so pitiful. I should just eat with her, right?”

“Just stop that. You will probably scare her”

“Damn, I want to get closer but the fact that she’s too shy is a problem”

Other than Sakura’s flaw, she probably feels that it’s hard to come in touch with a pushy type like Yamauchi. Despite the warnings, Yamauchi seemed worried and he was too impatient to go to her.

“What is it, Haruki!! You’re sly, watching a beautiful woman all by yourself. Let me join you!”

Ike, who was looking at Yamauchi glancing around with a repeated strange movement, misunderstood and approached him.

“Honestly, anytime I see them, Sakura’s breasts are not that bad. They’re not the size of a 1st year student. Her shirt is bulging out. They’re too erotic. That’s even more attractive than Kikyou-chan”

Ike was looking at Sakura’s breasts devouringly and with sheer concentration. Yamauchi then blocked Ike’s field of vision.

“Hey, what the fuck”

“Don’t look at Sakura as you please and with those pervert eyes. You have your eyes set on Kushida, right?”

“Yeah yeah, you’re absolutely right. But it’s okay. An idol is for everyone right? Haruki, you, ohhh, maybe you…towards Sakura….”

“Well, IT’S NOT LIKE THAT. Look, let’s eat quickly!”

Apparently as for Yamauchi, it seems that he wants to keep secret the fact that he switched his aim to Sakura. In this camp, there’s no time left anyway in the night to do something. It’s the flow of the nature that rouses this sort of love talks. I noticed that there was Hirata nearby handing out food.

“Huh? By the way, where’s Kouenji-kun?

I thought that everyone was gathering here, but Kouenji is missing.

“As for Kouenji, he complained about being in a poor physical condition and returned to the ship. Of course, since he became sick, 30 points have already been deducted to you all. It can’t be helped. This is the rule. Kouenji is now retired and he has the obligation of being on the ship for 1 week, receiving medical treatment and waiting for further orders”

“Eeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhhh????”

Screams of shock rose all at once.

“Don’t kid around. Kouenji, that sucker!! What is he thinking?”

The usually silent Yukimura yelled and began kicking the ground. I thought he was a free man in all respects, but surely he selfishly retired. He didn’t feel the need to rise to class A. To ease up, even if the class lost 30 points, I don’t care at all.

“Damn!! We’ve lost 130 points. Fuck it!”

Both boys and girl seemed raging mad at Kouenji’s actions but if the person himself is not here they can’t hit him. Kouenji’s booming laughter continued to reverberate in everyone’s head.