1841 Permission to visit the Girls' Area

Once the clamor died down, Sawano and the rest of the camp managers asked us if someone was injured during the activity. As expected, there were some who got injured by brushes, thistles, or just by being careless. They were taken away to be treated somewhere and returned a few minutes later.

I guess, theyre careful about that or the students might get some kind of infection if they didnt treat them right away.

I wonder, should I purposely get myself injured later? Well, there could be an angle there to be used for slipping away. But considering they didnt even spend that much time being taken away, its probably a quick patch-up.

Anyway, nothing much happened afterward. Kobayashis group was the one who got the privilege. Hes surprisingly a good leader, or is he? From what I heard, hes still like a pushover who always follows his classmates urgings. But because hed taken the lead, they efficiently managed their time to bring back a lot of firewood.

On the other hand, its a group from Class 2 who saved us from their fate of being given twice the quota for the next Task. Apparently, they fought against each other. Theres a domineering idiot in that group who thought he would have the other three work for his share while he lazily stayed inside the woods to pass the time.

Sawano reprimanded the guy and the rare sighting of a teacher from our school had been called. Its not Shio or Eguchi-sensei but the Mathematics Teacher whos in charge of Class 2.

Ah. Now that I think about it. Shouldnt they be here to supervise us? I thought I could at least see Shio after our trip into the woods but until now, its all the college male students and us. Maybe theyre on standby somewhere? I guess Ill find that out later.

In the end, the guy from Class 2 remained unrepentant. He even claimed that the three isolated him instead of the accusations lodged upon him.

If Fukuda could only form a small clique of followers around him, that guy seemed to be a reckless idiot who didnt care too much about hierarchy.

I havent encountered him personally but I surely saw him inside their classroom back then. Just that, hes someone who probably knew how to pick his fights since he didnt even throw me a hint of hostility. But against his three groupmates, he was confident that they wouldnt be able to defy him.

That guy was smart, I guess? No. In this case, hes an idiot. He had no idea that his behavior had been marked. If he continues with his antics then he might get disciplined at some point.

Or at least, thats part of my assumption. I tend to look at things too deeply even if they look simple enough. But well see.

Anyway, if I was in the position of those three, Id completely disregard his presence. What can he do anyway? His behavior is problematic and the camp managers were already aware of it. Unfortunately, the three were afraid of him. Hence, their troubling situation. Its up to them to find the courage to stand up for themselves as part of their development in this camp.

A while later, Sawano and the rest announced our free time. We were told to return to our cabins first to change or clean ourselves after going into the woods.

At this point, it was already past 9 oclock and the sun was already up high in the sky. The cold atmosphere at this height of the hill somehow subsided to almost bearable.

With everyone possibly thinking the same thing, I found a lot of boys lining up to ask for permission to leave our area. With close to an hour of free time, everyone has their own plans.

Of course, most of them were possibly thinking of meeting up with the girls in their class to tour this place. While we might be limited on where we could go, its probably not prohibited as long as we dont intrude in the girls area.

However, everyones hopes were crushed when Sawano announced something.

Listen up! We do not own this place so even if we allowed you to leave to spend your free time, youre not allowed to wander freely. There are other guests on this hill. If you cause trouble, it wont be impossible for you to be kicked out. Furthermore, if youre thinking of checking out the girls, youre prohibited from coming into their area, and at this moment, theyre still in the middle of their activity. They have a separate schedule from you.

As soon as he finished with that announcement, a noticeable number of boys left the line and walked back to their cabins. Yeah. Theyre the ones who would probably like to check out the girls or those who think they could explore the place.

In any case, more than half remained in line, and naturally, that included me.

Yo, Onoda, youre going out? Suddenly popping out from somewhere, Sakuma lined up behind me.

Yeah. A one-word answer. I didnt have the energy to tell him my plans. Its already bad enough that he approached me like this. This guy is still thinking Im his best bud.

Ah. At least, Hino left my side. Hes one of those who got discouraged upon hearing Sawanos announcement.

Do you know where Setsuna-nee might be staying?

Ah... So, this is why he approached me. Alright. Ill give him that. Hes being more proactive.

However, Im not some clairvoyant who can see where theyre staying in this big place. I can follow the college students but I doubt theyre also going to the same destination.

How would I know? I havent seen them ever since we entered this hill. Looks like thats your reason for lining up.

O-of course. Its my chance, right?

Sure. Good luck.

Wait. What about you? Didnt you hear what he said?

I did. I dont care though. I have my ways.

Putting on a smirk at the end of that sentence, I left Sakuma wondering. Naturally, hes going to assume that I wasnt bluffing. Ive proven myself a lot of times already. Hes not going to doubt that despite the prohibition, I will still find my way into the girls area to see my girls.

Before long, the line continued to dwindle and finally, I reached the top of it.

Faced with Sawano and Sara's boyfriend, I greeted them with my usual, amiable smile.

Impressive, Onoda. Why are you here? Didnt you hear what I said? Repeating Sakumas words earlier, he looked at me as though he was looking at a funny guy trying to weasel my way out of awkwardness.

Oh. I heard you loud and clear, sir. Im going to take a walk.

Wait. You. Have I seen you somewhere before? Suddenly, Saras boyfriend interjected. From how he creased his forehead, hes surely finding me familiar. Looks like Sara and Shiina havent told him about me yet. Since he was acting like a clown back on that mountain, he probably dismissed my presence even if I was the one who carried his girlfriend on my back.

In any case, because of his sudden interjection, Sawanos curiosity was also piqued.

You know him, Arai?

Im not sure. He looks familiar.

I see. So, Onoda, how will you answer?

Hmm? You must have mistaken me for someone else. Today is my first time meeting you, seniors. I answered without any change in my expression.

The crease on their eyebrows became more pronounced and Saras boyfriend looked like he was digging through his memories. On the other hand, Sawanos reaction was possibly born from seeing Shiinas interest in me during that Second Task when she found out about my identity.

A minute later, with Saras boyfriend failing to connect my face to someone from his memory, Sawano dropped his interrogative stance and sighed, Alright. He possibly mistook you for somebody else. Go on. Return before the next task. Dont be late and remember, do not approach the girls area.

Understood. But sir, what if I asked for permission to check on my girl?

Youre still on with that?! Youre something else... If you can convince them then go ahead. Dont make trouble. While shaking her head and laughing, Sawano waved his hand as though dismissing the possibility of me succeeding in it.

Thank you! Ill remember that. I bowed my head slightly and walked past them.

Behind me, Sakuma and the other boys still in the line were left speechless.

A few seconds later, when it was his turn next, I heard the idiot exclaiming to Sawano. Sir, you permitted him to try? That guy will definitely succeed!

However, he was met by the guys laughter saying that it was impossible.

I dont like the feeling of being underestimated but in this case, I cant help but laugh at the situation. Have I not shown enough to gain their approval yet? Possibly.

In any case, its not my fault that theyre that gullible. They're making things easy for me, after all.