"OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of crimson and gold, Ike Kanji stood at the bow of the massive cruise ship, arms outstretched as he let out an exaggerated yell.
His voice carried over the open sea, mixing with the sound of waves gently lapping against the ship's hull.
For most Japanese people, the sight of the ocean wasn't anything special—it was, after all, an island nation. But for someone like Ike, the sheer grandeur of the moment was enough to send his excitement through the roof.
Normally, such a loud outburst would have earned him an immediate "Shut up, you're being annoying." But today was an exception.
Everyone was too busy being awestruck.
Even though they hadn't yet left Tokyo Bay, the sheer luxury of the cruise ship beneath their feet was enough to captivate them. This wasn't some ordinary school trip.
This was a taste of wealth—something most of them had only ever seen in movies or anime.
"This is amazing!"
"I can't believe we get to be here!"
The excited chatter of students filled the air, especially among the girls, including Yukinoshita Haruno, who was admiring the view with a rare look of genuine appreciation.
However, amid all the excitement, there were three people who remained completely indifferent to the situation.
The first was Arisu Sakayanagi. Given that her family's wealth likely had ties to this very ship, it was nothing out of the ordinary for her.
The second was Koenji Rokusuke. As the heir to the Koenji conglomerate, he had access to private yachts that were just as extravagant—if not more so.
And the third was Kure Ragna.
Despite his background as the heir to an assassination clan, the Kure family never held back when it came to luxury.
Their own private cruise ship was even larger than this one, complete with a hidden armory stocked with enough ammunition to wage a small war.
He found it amusing. If pirates ever tried to hijack their ship, it would be them begging for mercy instead.
---
Meanwhile, On the Bow Deck
The salty sea breeze ruffled Karuizawa Kei's hair as she stood beside Kushida Kikyo, gazing out at the horizon.
Kushida suddenly turned to her with curiosity. "By the way, where's Kure Ragna? Shouldn't he be with you?"
Kei hesitated for a moment before glancing toward the ship's interior. "I don't know. After we dropped off our luggage, he never came back out."
"Hmm." Kushida nodded, but inwardly, she clicked her tongue.
Where the hell did that guy disappear to?
Just then, the voices of Ike and Yamauchi drifted over from nearby.
"Hey, do you think Kure Ragna and Karuizawa broke up? They don't seem as close anymore."
"No way... but if they did, that'd mean less competition for Kushida-chan!"
Hearing this, Kei tensed slightly, biting her lower lip. But she said nothing.
---
Elsewhere on the Ship
Unlike the school's single-room dormitories, the cruise ship's accommodations were structured more like a shared college dorm, with bunk beds and communal living spaces. However, there were a few exclusive rooms reserved for special individuals.
One of them belonged to Sakayanagi Arisu.
As the daughter of the school's chairman, she had access to privileges that others did not. Her private cabin was nothing short of luxurious—a queen-sized bed, a mini Roman-style bath, and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the vast ocean.
And at this moment, sitting across from her, Kure Ragna lazily swirled a cup of tea in his hand, examining the room with mild amusement.
"Nice place," he mused. "So, what's the real reason you called me here?"
Arisu, seated elegantly on the couch, tilted her head. "Do I need a reason?"
"With you? Always."
She let out a soft huff, as if dissatisfied with his answer. "You're not very cute."
"Never claimed to be."
Arisu crossed her legs, the soft fabric of her white stockings shifting slightly as she stretched them under the table. Then, almost casually, she pressed her foot against Kure Ragna's knee.
She tried to reach further, but… her legs were too short.
"If you've got short legs, don't bother trying to act flirty."
Before she could react, Kure Ragna caught her foot in his hand, his fingers lightly tracing the sole.
"Ah!"
A sudden, uncharacteristic squeak escaped her lips as she reflexively pulled her foot back. Her cheeks turned pink, but she quickly forced herself to remain composed.
"...You're awful." She muttered, pretending to be unaffected.
"My bad, my bad." He chuckled, setting his tea down.
"I don't accept apologies."
"Tough crowd."
With a smirk, Kure Ragna stood up, walking over to where she sat. Without hesitation, he lifted her up and settled her onto his lap. Leaning in, he rested his face close to hers, feeling the warmth rising from her skin.
"So, what's your offer, Arisu?"
She turned her face slightly away.
"You've already figured it out, haven't you? This island trip… it isn't a school excursion. It's a special exam."
"Yeah, I figured as much."
The last time he heard about a "special exam," it was from Chabashira Sae, back at the start of the school year.
"Unfortunately," Arisu sighed dramatically, "due to my… delicate condition, I won't be able to participate."
She sounded disappointed, but Kure Ragna wasn't convinced.
"You don't seem too upset about it."
"Oh? Is that what you think?" She smiled sweetly, but didn't deny it.
"Then what's your condition?"
"Well... let's just say there's someone I need dealt with."
Kure Ragna leaned back slightly. "Katsuragi?"
Arisu nodded.
"I can handle it if you want."
But she immediately shook her head.
"No. If I rely on you for something this trivial, it'll make me look incompetent. I'll handle Katsuragi myself."
Her voice was firm—unwavering.
Kure Ragna studied her for a moment before smirking. "Alright, if that's what you want."
He could already tell.
Arisu Sakayanagi was up to something.
And it was bound to be entertaining.
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