Three steps inside the woods at the other side of the stream, we found the three boys crowded in front of what could be a peach tree, judging from the fruits hanging on its branches.

Im not that familiar with one since I dont have that much experience finding it in the wild like this. And most peach trees in our country would commonly be seen in an orchard.

According to An-rin, the professors task was to bring him three pieces of three different kinds of fruit that could be found in the trees or plants here. It didnt matter whether they were ripe or not.

Thats not too difficult, right? Even without the knowledge of different trees growing here, the ones bearing fruits could easily be identified. The challenge would be how to pick them off.

As we were about to approach them, Fukuda started climbing the tree while Hino and Ogawa were watching and supporting him.

I dont know if theyre just too focused on the task or they cannot hear us approaching but they begin quite an interesting conversation.

There. Use that hole as a foothold and reach for that branch. Careful or it might snap!

Huh? Dont shout at me, idiot! I can hear you! Why dont you try and climb instead?

Thats Hino instructing Fukuda who looked like he was already having difficulty not even halfway through the tree.

And somehow, that made the cuck snap unreasonably at him. Thats pathetic. Was he really the guy who I thought was alright before? Hes really a pea-brained delinquent.

What the hell are you getting mad at, bro? Im out here helping you. Didnt you volunteer to do it yourself and not wait for Onoda to come? Alright. Come down and let me do it!

Hey. Stop shouting. The professor could hear us.

Surprisingly, Hino snapped back at Fukuda. However, Ogawa also stepped in, seemingly taking a neutral sentence.

Or so I thought...

What about it? Didnt you also agree with him, Ogawa? If I dont know anything, I might think youre just both enthusiastic about this task. But arent you two doing this out of your resentment to him? Do you think you can beat Onoda by doing this?

Look at that guy, hes becoming more reliable, huh? I had no idea hed even take my side if I wasnt around.

Ogawa snapped his mouth shut, looking ashamed and guilty. As for Fukuda, his expression darkened as if he was about to throw up from being pissed.

At this point, the four girls and I stopped in our steps to see how the situation would unfold. On my side, Hana appeared disinterested at least until Hino blasted them out like that. Chii was slightly concerned about where that conversation would lead. Maybe if I wasnt around shed run off and shut them down herself.

As for An-rin and Kushii. The former was watching in interest as if it was something she predicted would happen while Kushii was mirroring her, albeit a little concerned as well.

Soon, Fukuda scowled. His voice increasingly showed his annoyance.

Shut up, you idiot. Stop sucking up to him. That bastard wont remember you even if you speak up for him. Are you really a fool who thinks Onoda wont lay a hand on that girl you like? You saw it last night.

Ah. So, hes going to use that, huh?

Fair enough, given that Ive shown them what Im capable of, theres no guarantee what Fukuda says wont happen. If Hino considers it carefully, hes better off turning his back on me and going back to being Fukudas lackey.

However, it looks like Hinos determination isnt just a joke.

It made him a little apprehensive but he stood his ground and strongly responded with a surprising display of faith.

He might not be. But hes not that bad, you know? I can see that hes someone who wont ever trust other guys. But his words are more reasonable than everything I heard.

The guy clenched his fist and looked up at Fukuda. Seeing how his supposed follower was taking my side like that, he probably reached the limit of his patience as he jumped down and grabbed Hino by his collar. Dude, youre out of your mind. Snap out of it. Hes not your friend!

Really... This is pretty entertaining, to say the least.

Before Hino could reply to him, I resumed my steps and closed in on them.

They finally noticed me at this point and both Ogawa and Fukuda stared at me cautiously.

What? Have you seen a ghost or something? What kind of disagreement are you guys having for you to grab him like that?

Acting like I didnt hear their conversation, I eyed Fukuda who started trembling, maybe from fear or simply anger.

None of your business, Fukuda replied as he released Hino from his grasp.

I looked at Hino and saw him smiling awkwardly. Surely, he had an idea that I heard everything since I showed up right as things started to get heated.

Besides, the girls behind me mustve been showing it on their faces.

Heh. Is that so? Im certain I heard my name. Are you perhaps discussing me? Continuing with my act, I put a hand on my chin as I took a few more steps to stand before Fukuda.

The guy unconsciously took a step back but as always, his anger at me got the best of him as he stood proudly as though announcing he was not going to be intimidated by me.

At least hes not as cowardly as I thought he would, Id give some points for that.

Dude. Stop being so full of yourself. Why are we going to discuss you? Are you that important?

Ah. Right. Im not, huh? Well then, can you explain whats happening? Did Hino offend you or something? Isnt he your friend?

Like I said, its none of your business!

Look at this guy, youre raising your voice at me. Man, and here I thought youve already thought things through after what I said last night. I shook my head disappointedly.

Fukuda visibly trembled and turned around with clenched fists. Maybe if Chii and the others werent here, hed already swung that at me.

Ogawa, what about you? Is it really not my business? We belong to the same group here. Should I not be concerned if I saw someone being oppressed?

That... They have a disagreement. Although he looked like he forced himself, Ogawa, at least, replied.

Its fine, Onoda. Its not that serious. I pissed him off so he snapped at me. Hino, who took a step back, approached me. Most likely, he didnt want to make the situation worse than it already was. Hes trying to diffuse it.

I glanced back at him and narrowed my eyes. Hino nervously gulped down. Hes afraid I wouldnt believe him.

In any case, I didnt step up because of him. I did so because its pretty pointless to continue watching any longer. Moreover, given that the professor could be watching or listening in on us, having a conflict here would just be detrimental to me and my girls. Id rather finish the task than have Fukuda eat some dirt on the ground.

Hmm. Sure. If you say so. I shrugged and shook off his hand from my shoulder.

Hino sighed in relief, Thanks, man.

This guy. He really thought I was doing this for him. Well, let him think that. Hes quite convenient to have around. Hes more useful than Sakuma, I guess?

Forget it. Instead, tell me the progress of our task. Is this the first fruit you find? Step aside then. Ill climb that up. You should search for other fruits instead. And before you say something, Fukuda... Stop pretending you know how to climb. Youre just going to hurt yourself.

Before any of them could say or do anything, I walked past them, arriving before the peach tree.

Behind me, I could hear Hana and An-rin snickering as though they just watched something very amusing.

Is it that funny? Maybe. Well, let them have their fun.

That aside, our group is doomed to not work from the start. Ogawa and Fukuda will never be able to step out of my shadow, after all.